The Muslim Jesus
TV Documentary - shown on Sunday 19 August 2007 on ITV1, UK
Islam and Christianity have been portrayed as mortal enemies for 1400 years. Locked in combat until the end of time when finally on the day of judgement God will announce the winner. This so called 'clash of civilisations' has defined Christian and Muslim relations from the wars of the crusades to the current 'war on terror'.
But there is another story. It’s a story that revolves around one man. The man whom a billion Muslims and 1.2 billion Christians call the Messiah but who is seen by both in very different ways – Jesus.
The Muslim Jesus uses the Quran and other Islamic texts to explore the differing ways in which Christian and Muslim faiths both acknowledge Jesus. Scholars, teachers, parents, rappers, poets and historians come together for the one hour special narrated by Melvin Bragg. Full text - Click here
Watch the documentary:
Google Video
or on youtube as below:
Part 1/5
Part 2/5
Part 3/5
Part 4/5
Part 5/5
Showing posts with label Prophets. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prophets. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Fine social habits
Taken from Arab News
By ADIL SALAHI, Published: Jul 23, 2010
Many of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) companions belonged to the poorest and weakest strata in society. In Makkah, some of them were slaves or individuals attaching themselves to tribes to which they did not belong. As such, they had no privileges. In Madinah, his companions included people of all social ranks, but the Muslim community was in the process of establishing its foundation in the midst of a very hostile environment. Armies were raised to crush it, and economic siege was imposed on it. Yet the Muslim community was a close-knit community, with a bond of brotherhood in faith uniting all its members. The Prophet was keen to nurture this bond and help it to replace old tribal and family loyalties.
The Prophet was fully aware that ideas should be translated into practical action, and ties based on faith should have practical manifestations. Hence, it is not enough for people to speak of the new bond of Islamic brotherhood without the practical manifestations that cement this bond so as it would be felt as a reality. Therefore, the new Muslim society must be exemplary in its manners and social values and traditions. None other than the Prophet could establish these.
God states that the Prophet provided guidance in all matters. In matters of religion, his example must be followed. In the areas that pertain to ordinary human life, the Prophet’s practice is always good to follow.
The Prophet was exemplary in his politeness and social habits. At the time, people mostly sat on the ground. When he sat with his companions, or with others, in the mosque or anywhere else, he never put his legs forward. He turned with his full face towards anyone who spoke to him, so as to make the speaker feel that the Prophet was fully attentive to what he said. He was the first to greet anyone who met him on the road. If he passed by a group of boys playing in the street, he would greet them and may stop to speak to them.
We see in our world that despite all the refinements that human society has developed, when a leader or a ruler is with his people, his manner is that of the one who is always in command, always holding the initiative. If he is attending a function, he decides when he leaves, paying little attention to what might have been prepared or might have remained. If he is visiting others, he rises to signal the end of the visit. The Prophet never did this. He would not rise until he has taken leave of his host.
He took meticulous care of his cleanliness and hygiene, so as not to cause any offence. He never blew air over any food or drink. If it was too hot, he would wait a little until it has cooled down. If he needed to sneeze, he would cover his mouth. He always used perfume, and stated that the two things of the human world that he loved were perfume and women. This was in a society that had long abused women. By saying this, he stressed that women must be well treated by Muslims. He frequently used a toothbrush to keep his teeth clean and to ensure that his mouth smell was always pleasant. He recommended his companions to use a toothbrush after meals and on waking up. If he woke up during the night, the first thing he did was brush his teeth.
Urging his companions to maintain cleanliness, he told them to have a bath at least once a week, preferably on Fridays before going to the mosque for their prayers. He said: “Take a bath on Friday, even if you have to buy the water at a dinar for a cup.”
--------------------------------------------
The toothbrush mentioned in this article is probably Miswak.
Here is a link to 100 sunnats of our beloved Nabi (PBUH) - Click Here! (PDF)
By ADIL SALAHI, Published: Jul 23, 2010
Many of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) companions belonged to the poorest and weakest strata in society. In Makkah, some of them were slaves or individuals attaching themselves to tribes to which they did not belong. As such, they had no privileges. In Madinah, his companions included people of all social ranks, but the Muslim community was in the process of establishing its foundation in the midst of a very hostile environment. Armies were raised to crush it, and economic siege was imposed on it. Yet the Muslim community was a close-knit community, with a bond of brotherhood in faith uniting all its members. The Prophet was keen to nurture this bond and help it to replace old tribal and family loyalties.
The Prophet was fully aware that ideas should be translated into practical action, and ties based on faith should have practical manifestations. Hence, it is not enough for people to speak of the new bond of Islamic brotherhood without the practical manifestations that cement this bond so as it would be felt as a reality. Therefore, the new Muslim society must be exemplary in its manners and social values and traditions. None other than the Prophet could establish these.
God states that the Prophet provided guidance in all matters. In matters of religion, his example must be followed. In the areas that pertain to ordinary human life, the Prophet’s practice is always good to follow.
The Prophet was exemplary in his politeness and social habits. At the time, people mostly sat on the ground. When he sat with his companions, or with others, in the mosque or anywhere else, he never put his legs forward. He turned with his full face towards anyone who spoke to him, so as to make the speaker feel that the Prophet was fully attentive to what he said. He was the first to greet anyone who met him on the road. If he passed by a group of boys playing in the street, he would greet them and may stop to speak to them.
We see in our world that despite all the refinements that human society has developed, when a leader or a ruler is with his people, his manner is that of the one who is always in command, always holding the initiative. If he is attending a function, he decides when he leaves, paying little attention to what might have been prepared or might have remained. If he is visiting others, he rises to signal the end of the visit. The Prophet never did this. He would not rise until he has taken leave of his host.
He took meticulous care of his cleanliness and hygiene, so as not to cause any offence. He never blew air over any food or drink. If it was too hot, he would wait a little until it has cooled down. If he needed to sneeze, he would cover his mouth. He always used perfume, and stated that the two things of the human world that he loved were perfume and women. This was in a society that had long abused women. By saying this, he stressed that women must be well treated by Muslims. He frequently used a toothbrush to keep his teeth clean and to ensure that his mouth smell was always pleasant. He recommended his companions to use a toothbrush after meals and on waking up. If he woke up during the night, the first thing he did was brush his teeth.
Urging his companions to maintain cleanliness, he told them to have a bath at least once a week, preferably on Fridays before going to the mosque for their prayers. He said: “Take a bath on Friday, even if you have to buy the water at a dinar for a cup.”
--------------------------------------------
The toothbrush mentioned in this article is probably Miswak.
Here is a link to 100 sunnats of our beloved Nabi (PBUH) - Click Here! (PDF)
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Power of Dua at the time of Iftaar
Taken from yanabi.com, posted by ayaz_cool
Once Moosa ( alayhis 'salam) asked Allah Taala: O Allah! You have granted me the honor and privilege of talking to you directly, Have you given this privilege to any other person?
Allah Taala replied, O Moosa during the last period I am going to send an ummat, who will be the Ummat of Mohammed ( Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) with dry lips, parched tongues, emaciated body with eyes sunken deep into their sockets, with livers dry and stomachs suffering the pangs of hunger- will call out to me (in dua) they will be much much closer to me than you O Moosa! while you speak to me there are 70000 veils between you and me but at the time of iftaar there will not be a single veil between me and the fasting Ummati of Mohammed ( Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam)
O Moosa I have taken upon myself the responsibility that at the time of iftaar I will never refuse the dua of a fasting person!
KEEP YOURSELF OCCUPIED WITH DUA BEFORE BREAKING YOUR FAST... Never underestimate the power of Dua!
Once Moosa ( alayhis 'salam) asked Allah Taala: O Allah! You have granted me the honor and privilege of talking to you directly, Have you given this privilege to any other person?
Allah Taala replied, O Moosa during the last period I am going to send an ummat, who will be the Ummat of Mohammed ( Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam) with dry lips, parched tongues, emaciated body with eyes sunken deep into their sockets, with livers dry and stomachs suffering the pangs of hunger- will call out to me (in dua) they will be much much closer to me than you O Moosa! while you speak to me there are 70000 veils between you and me but at the time of iftaar there will not be a single veil between me and the fasting Ummati of Mohammed ( Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam)
O Moosa I have taken upon myself the responsibility that at the time of iftaar I will never refuse the dua of a fasting person!
KEEP YOURSELF OCCUPIED WITH DUA BEFORE BREAKING YOUR FAST... Never underestimate the power of Dua!
Friday, March 6, 2009
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday
It was calculated on Moonsighting that the 12th day of month of Rabi-al-Awwal, should fall in the UK on Monday, 9th of March (beginning from Maghrib, 8th of March). Please double check with your local mosque for moon sighting.
So what’s so special? – Well, it the date of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday. Some Muslims do not approve of celebrating the birthday, and regard doing so as a religious innovation. BUT There is nothing wrong for the Muslims to commemorated this day, if it is done to remind Muslims of the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the celebration is held within the framework of Islamic doctrines
Throughout the world stories are told about different aspects of the life of the Prophet, his birth, childhood, youth and adult life. The most important part is focusing upon the character of the Prophet (PBUH); on his teachings, sufferings, and how he forgave even his most bitter enemies.
As far as Islamic Shari`ah is concerned, a Muslim is encouraged to praise the Prophet (PBUH) without exaggeration and to refer to his good ethics and morals to encourage himself or herself and others to follow in his footsteps and guidance.
When praising the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), we should make sure that we do not exaggerate [in Arabic: ghuluww] in his praise. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Do not overpraise me as Christians overpraised Jesus son of Mary. Say [when refering to me], 'Servant of Allah and His Messenger.'"
Here are some previous posts on the blog (including some links from various media):
(1) Famous quotes from Non-Muslims about the Prophet (PBUH)
(2) Short presentation Video: The Most Influential Human Being To Have Ever Lived
(3) The Life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.S.)
http://wefound.org/home/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=39
Description of the Prophet (pbuh)
http://www.ummah.com/sunnah/viewsufeature1.php?sufid=5&suTopicID=6
The Miracles of the Prophet (pbuh)
http://ummah.com/sunnah/viewsufeature1.php?sufid=3&suTopicID=6
Could the Prophet remove the sins of Muslims?
http://www.ummah.com/sunnah/viewsufeature1.php?sufid=9&suTopicID=6
(4) 40 Traditional Practices of the Prophet
(5) Photos: Prophet Muhammad's Beard, Clothes, Swords, etc.
(6) Prophet Muhammad’s Last Sermon
(7) Videos: "The Message" & "Muhammad: The Last Prophet”
(8) Some Poems:
If The Prophet (pbuh) visited you?
The Simple Message of Islam
Other articles worth reading:
Muhammad's Sword - 23/09/06
This is a very good article written by Gush-Shalom a Jewish Peace group.
http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1159094813/
So what’s so special? – Well, it the date of the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) birthday. Some Muslims do not approve of celebrating the birthday, and regard doing so as a religious innovation. BUT There is nothing wrong for the Muslims to commemorated this day, if it is done to remind Muslims of the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the celebration is held within the framework of Islamic doctrines
Throughout the world stories are told about different aspects of the life of the Prophet, his birth, childhood, youth and adult life. The most important part is focusing upon the character of the Prophet (PBUH); on his teachings, sufferings, and how he forgave even his most bitter enemies.
As far as Islamic Shari`ah is concerned, a Muslim is encouraged to praise the Prophet (PBUH) without exaggeration and to refer to his good ethics and morals to encourage himself or herself and others to follow in his footsteps and guidance.
When praising the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), we should make sure that we do not exaggerate [in Arabic: ghuluww] in his praise. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, "Do not overpraise me as Christians overpraised Jesus son of Mary. Say [when refering to me], 'Servant of Allah and His Messenger.'"
Here are some previous posts on the blog (including some links from various media):
(1) Famous quotes from Non-Muslims about the Prophet (PBUH)
(2) Short presentation Video: The Most Influential Human Being To Have Ever Lived
(3) The Life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.S.)
http://wefound.org/home/index.php?option=com_wrapper&Itemid=39
Description of the Prophet (pbuh)
http://www.ummah.com/sunnah/viewsufeature1.php?sufid=5&suTopicID=6
The Miracles of the Prophet (pbuh)
http://ummah.com/sunnah/viewsufeature1.php?sufid=3&suTopicID=6
Could the Prophet remove the sins of Muslims?
http://www.ummah.com/sunnah/viewsufeature1.php?sufid=9&suTopicID=6
(4) 40 Traditional Practices of the Prophet
(5) Photos: Prophet Muhammad's Beard, Clothes, Swords, etc.
(6) Prophet Muhammad’s Last Sermon
(7) Videos: "The Message" & "Muhammad: The Last Prophet”
(8) Some Poems:
If The Prophet (pbuh) visited you?
The Simple Message of Islam
Other articles worth reading:
Muhammad's Sword - 23/09/06
This is a very good article written by Gush-Shalom a Jewish Peace group.
http://zope.gush-shalom.org/home/en/channels/avnery/1159094813/
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
The Islamic and Christian views of Jesus: a comparison
The Islamic and Christian views of Jesus: a comparison
Taken from soundvision.com
ISLAM
1. Do Muslims believe he was a Messenger of One God? YES
Belief in all of the Prophets and Messengers of God is a fundamental article of faith in Islam. Thus, believing in Prophets Adam, Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them) is a requirement for anyone who calls him or herself a Muslim. A person claiming to be a Muslim who, for instance, denies the Messengership of Jesus, is not considered a Muslim.
The Quran says in reference to the status of Jesus as a Messenger:
"The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger before whom many Messengers have passed away; and his mother adhered wholly to truthfulness, and they both ate food (as other mortals do). See how We make Our signs clear to them; and see where they are turning away!" (Quran 5:75).
2. Do Muslims believe he was born of a Virgin Mother? YES
Like Christians, Muslims believe Mary, Maria in Spanish, or Maryam as she is called in Arabic, was a chaste, virgin woman, who miraculously gave birth to Jesus.
"Relate in the Book the story of Mary, when she withdrew from her family, to a place in the East. She screened herself from them; then We sent to her Our spirit (angel Gabriel) and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. She said: I seek refuge from you in God Most Gracious (come not near) if you do fear God. He said: Nay, I am only a Messenger from your Lord, to announce to you the gift of a pure son. She said: How shall I have a son, when no man has ever touched me, and I am not unchaste? He said: So it will be, your Lord says: ‘That is easy for Me; and We wish to appoint him as a sign unto men and a Mercy from Us': It was a matter so decreed" (Quran 19:16-21).
3. Do Muslims believe Jesus had a miraculous birth? YES
The Quran says: "She (Mary) said: ‘O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.' He (God) said: ‘So (it will be) for God creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: ‘Be!'- and it is" (3:47).
It should also be noted about his birth that: "Verily, the likeness of Jesus in God's Sight is the likeness of Adam. He (God) created him from dust, then (He) said to him: ‘Be!'-and he was" (Quran 3:59).
4. Do Muslims believe Jesus spoke in the cradle? YES
"Then she (Mary) pointed to him. They said: ‘How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?' He (Jesus) said: ‘Verily! I am a slave of God, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet; " (19:29-30).
5. Do Muslims believe he performed miracles? YES
Muslims, like Christians believe Jesus performed miracles. But these were performed by the will and permission of God, Who has power and control over all things.
"Then will God say: ‘O Jesus the son of Mary! recount My favor to you and to your mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit (the angel Gabriel) so that you did speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold: you make out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and you breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by My leave, and you heal those born blind, and the lepers by My leave. And behold! you bring forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the children of Israel from (violence to you) when you did show them the Clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic' (5:110).
6. Do Muslims believe in the Trinity? NO
Muslims believe in the Absolute Oneness of God, Who is a Supreme Being free of human limitations, needs and wants. He has no partners in His Divinity. He is the Creator of everything and is completely separate from His creation.
God says in the Quran regarding the Trinity: "People of the Book (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, and attribute to God nothing except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only a Messenger of God, and His command that He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in God and in His Messengers, and do not say: ‘God is a Trinity.' Give up this assertion; it would be better for you. God is indeed just One God. Far be it from His glory that He should have a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and in the earth. God is sufficient for a guardian" (Quran 4:171).
7. Do Muslims believe that Jesus was the son of God? NO
"Say: "God is Unique! God, the Source [of everything]. He has not fathered anyone nor was He fathered, and there is nothing comparable to Him!" (Quran 112:1-4).
The Quran also states: "Such was Jesus, the son of Mary; it is a statement of truth, about which they vainly dispute. It is not befitting to the majesty of God, that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be' and it is" (Quran 19:34-35).
8. Do Muslims believe Jesus was killed on the cross then resurrected? NO
"“They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but they thought they did.” (Quran 4:156) “God lifted him up to His presence. God is Almighty, All-Wise” (Quran 4:157) .
CHRISTIANITY
1. Do Christians believe Jesus was a human being and Messenger of God? YES & NO
With the exception of Unitarian Christians, who like all the early followers of Jesus, still do not believe in the Trinity, most Christians now believe in the Divinity of Jesus, which is connected to the belief in Trinity. They say he is the second member of the Triune God, the Son of the first part of the Triune God, and at the same time "fully" God in every respect.
2. Do Christians believe he was born of a Virgin Mother? YES
A chaste and pious human woman who gave birth to Jesus Christ, the second member of the Trinity, the Son of God, and at the same time "fully" God Almighty in every respect.
Christians believe however, that while she was a virgin, she was married to a man named Joseph (Bible: Matthew:1:18). According to Matthew 1:25, Joseph "kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus".
3. Do Christians believe he had a miraculous birth? YES
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit" (Bible: Matthew 1:18)
4. Do Christians believe he performed miracles? YES
"And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, while thou stretches out thy hand to heal, and sign and wonders are performed through the name of thy holy servant Jesus (Bible: Acts 4:30).
Christians believe that Jesus performed these miracles because he was the Son of God as well as the incarnation of God.
5. Do Christians believe in the Trinity? YES
With the exception of the Unitarian Christians, who do not believe in the Divinity of Christ, the Trinity, according to the Catholic encyclopedia, is the term used for the central doctrine of the Christian religion. The belief is that in the unity of the Godhead there are Three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three Persons or beings are distinct from each another, while being similar in character: uncreated and omnipotent.
The First Vatican Council has explained the meaning to be attributed to the term mystery in theology. It lays down that a mystery is a truth which we are not merely incapable of discovering apart from Divine Revelation, but which, even when revealed, remains "hidden by the veil of faith and enveloped, so to speak, by a kind of darkness" (Const., "De fide. cath.", iv).
The First Vatican Council further defined that the Christian Faith contains mysteries strictly so called (can. 4). All theologians admit that the doctrine of the Trinity is of the number of these.
The Catholic Encyclopedia notes that of all revealed truths, this is the most impenetrable to reason.
6. Do Christians believe that Jesus was the son of God? YES
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him (Bible: John 3:16).
However, it is interesting to note that the term "son of God" is used in other parts of the Bible to refer to Adam (Bible: Luke 3:38), Israel (Bible: Exodus 4:22) and David (Bible: Psalms 2:7) as well. The creatures of God are usually referred to in the Bible as children of God.
The role of Paul of Tarsus in shaping this belief and the belief in Trinity
The notion of Jesus as son of God is something that was established under the influence of Paul of Tarsus (originally named Saul), who had been an enemy of Jesus, but later changed course and joined the disciples after the departure of Jesus.
Later, however, he initiated a number of changes into early Christian teachings, in contradiction, for instance, to disciples like Barnabas, who believed in the Oneness of God and who had actually lived and met with Jesus.
Paul is considered by a number of Christian scholars to be the father of Christianity due to his additions of the following ideas:
that Jesus is the son of God,
the concept of Atonement,
the renunciation of the Law of the Torah.
Paul did these things in hopes of winning over the Gentiles (non-Jewish people). His letters are another of the primary sources of information on Jesus according to the Christian tradition.
The original followers of Prophet Jesus opposed these blatant misrepresentations of the message of Jesus. They struggled to reject the notion of the Divinity of Jesus for close to 200 years.
One person who was an original follower of Jesus was Barnabas. He was a Jew born in Cyrus and a successful preacher of the teachings of Jesus. Because of his closeness to Jesus, he was an important member of the small group of disciples in Jerusalem who had had gathered together following the disappearance of Jesus.
The question of Jesus's nature, origin and relationship with God was not raised amongst Barnabas and the small group of disciples. Jesus was considered a man miraculously endowed by God. Nothing in the words of Jesus or the events in his life led them to modify this view.
The Gospel of Barnabas was accepted as a Canonical Gospel in the Churches of Alexandria till 325 CE Iranaeus (130-200) wrote in support of pure monotheism and opposed Paul for injecting into Christianity doctrines of the pagan Roman religion and Platonic philosophy. He quoted extensively from the Gospel of Barnabas in support of his views. This indicates that the Gospel of Barnabas was in circulation in the first and second centuries of Christianity.
In 325 (CE), a council of Christian leaders met at Nicaea and made Paul's beliefs officially part of Christian doctrine. It also ordered that all original Gospels in Hebrew script which contradicted Paul's beliefs should be destroyed. An edict was issued that anyone in possession of these Gospels would be put to death.
The Gospel of Barnabas has miraculously survived though.
7. Do Christians believe he was killed on the cross? YES
This is a core Christian belief and it relates to the concept of atonement. According to this belief, Jesus died to save mankind from sin. However, this is not stated explicitly in the four gospels which form the primary source texts of Christianity. It is found, however, in Romans 6:8,9.
Christians believe Jesus was spat on, cut, humiliated, kicked, striped and finally hung up on the cross to endure a slow and painful death.
According, to Christian belief, the original sin of Adam and Eve of eating from the forbidden tree was so great that God could not forgive it by simply willing it, rather it was necessary to erase it with the blood of a sinless, innocent Jesus.
Resurrection
The four Gospels and the Epistles of St. Paul are the main sources of Christianity which discuss the Resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. According to St. Matthew, Jesus appeared to the holy women, and again on a mountain in Galilee. Mark's Gospel tells a different story: Jesus was seen by Mary Magdalene, by the two disciples at Emmaus, and the Eleven before his Ascension into heaven.
Luke's Gospel says Jesus walked with the disciples to Emmaus, appeared to Peter and to the assembled disciples in Jerusalem. In John's Gospel, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, to the ten Apostles on Easter Sunday, to the Eleven a week later, and to seven disciples at the Sea of Tiberias.
Another account of the resurrection by St. Paul is found in Bible: Corinthians 15: 3-8.
According to Christian belief, Resurrection is a manifestation of God's justice, Who exalted Christ to a life of glory, as Christ had humbled himself unto death (Phil., 2: 8-9). This event also completes the mystery of Christian salvation and redemption. The death of Jesus frees believers from sin, and with his resurrection, he restores to them the most important privileges lost by sin (Bible: Romans 4:25).
More importantly, the belief in the resurrection of Jesus indicates Christian acknowledgment of Christ as the immortal God, the cause of believers' own resurrection (Bible: I Corinthians 4: 21; Phil., 3:20-21), as well as the model and the support of a new life of grace (Bible: Romans 4: 4-6; 9-11).
Further Reading:
Taken from soundvision.com
The person of Jesus or Isa in Arabic (peace be upon him) is of great significance in both Islam and Christianity. However, there are differences in terms of beliefs about the nature and life occurrences of this noble Messenger.
Source of information about Jesus in Islam
Most of the Islamic information about Jesus is actually found in the Quran.
The Quran was revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and memorized and written down in his lifetime. Today, anyone who calls him or herself a Muslim believes in the complete authenticity of the Quran as the original revealed guidance from God.
Source of information about Jesus in Christianity
Christians take their information about Jesus from the Bible, which includes the Old and New Testaments.
These contain four biblical narratives covering the life and death of Jesus. They have been written, according to tradition, respectively by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They are placed at the beginning of the New Testament and comprise close to half of it.
Encyclopedia Britannica notes that none of the sources of his life and work can be traced to Jesus himself; he did not leave a single known written word. Also, there are no contemporary accounts written of his life and death. What can be established about the historical Jesus depends almost without exception on Christian traditions, especially on the material used in the composition of the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, which reflect the outlook of the later church and its faith in Jesus.
Below are the views of Islam and Christianity based on primary source texts and core beliefs.
Source of information about Jesus in Islam
Most of the Islamic information about Jesus is actually found in the Quran.
The Quran was revealed by God to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), and memorized and written down in his lifetime. Today, anyone who calls him or herself a Muslim believes in the complete authenticity of the Quran as the original revealed guidance from God.
Source of information about Jesus in Christianity
Christians take their information about Jesus from the Bible, which includes the Old and New Testaments.
These contain four biblical narratives covering the life and death of Jesus. They have been written, according to tradition, respectively by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They are placed at the beginning of the New Testament and comprise close to half of it.
Encyclopedia Britannica notes that none of the sources of his life and work can be traced to Jesus himself; he did not leave a single known written word. Also, there are no contemporary accounts written of his life and death. What can be established about the historical Jesus depends almost without exception on Christian traditions, especially on the material used in the composition of the Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke, which reflect the outlook of the later church and its faith in Jesus.
Below are the views of Islam and Christianity based on primary source texts and core beliefs.
ISLAM
1. Do Muslims believe he was a Messenger of One God? YES
Belief in all of the Prophets and Messengers of God is a fundamental article of faith in Islam. Thus, believing in Prophets Adam, Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon them) is a requirement for anyone who calls him or herself a Muslim. A person claiming to be a Muslim who, for instance, denies the Messengership of Jesus, is not considered a Muslim.
The Quran says in reference to the status of Jesus as a Messenger:
"The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger before whom many Messengers have passed away; and his mother adhered wholly to truthfulness, and they both ate food (as other mortals do). See how We make Our signs clear to them; and see where they are turning away!" (Quran 5:75).
2. Do Muslims believe he was born of a Virgin Mother? YES
Like Christians, Muslims believe Mary, Maria in Spanish, or Maryam as she is called in Arabic, was a chaste, virgin woman, who miraculously gave birth to Jesus.
"Relate in the Book the story of Mary, when she withdrew from her family, to a place in the East. She screened herself from them; then We sent to her Our spirit (angel Gabriel) and he appeared before her as a man in all respects. She said: I seek refuge from you in God Most Gracious (come not near) if you do fear God. He said: Nay, I am only a Messenger from your Lord, to announce to you the gift of a pure son. She said: How shall I have a son, when no man has ever touched me, and I am not unchaste? He said: So it will be, your Lord says: ‘That is easy for Me; and We wish to appoint him as a sign unto men and a Mercy from Us': It was a matter so decreed" (Quran 19:16-21).
3. Do Muslims believe Jesus had a miraculous birth? YES
The Quran says: "She (Mary) said: ‘O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.' He (God) said: ‘So (it will be) for God creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: ‘Be!'- and it is" (3:47).
It should also be noted about his birth that: "Verily, the likeness of Jesus in God's Sight is the likeness of Adam. He (God) created him from dust, then (He) said to him: ‘Be!'-and he was" (Quran 3:59).
4. Do Muslims believe Jesus spoke in the cradle? YES
"Then she (Mary) pointed to him. They said: ‘How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?' He (Jesus) said: ‘Verily! I am a slave of God, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet; " (19:29-30).
5. Do Muslims believe he performed miracles? YES
Muslims, like Christians believe Jesus performed miracles. But these were performed by the will and permission of God, Who has power and control over all things.
"Then will God say: ‘O Jesus the son of Mary! recount My favor to you and to your mother. Behold! I strengthened you with the Holy Spirit (the angel Gabriel) so that you did speak to the people in childhood and in maturity. Behold! I taught you the Book and Wisdom, the Law and the Gospel. And behold: you make out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My leave, and you breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by My leave, and you heal those born blind, and the lepers by My leave. And behold! you bring forth the dead by My leave. And behold! I did restrain the children of Israel from (violence to you) when you did show them the Clear Signs, and the unbelievers among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic' (5:110).
6. Do Muslims believe in the Trinity? NO
Muslims believe in the Absolute Oneness of God, Who is a Supreme Being free of human limitations, needs and wants. He has no partners in His Divinity. He is the Creator of everything and is completely separate from His creation.
God says in the Quran regarding the Trinity: "People of the Book (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, and attribute to God nothing except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, was only a Messenger of God, and His command that He conveyed unto Mary, and a spirit from Him. So believe in God and in His Messengers, and do not say: ‘God is a Trinity.' Give up this assertion; it would be better for you. God is indeed just One God. Far be it from His glory that He should have a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and in the earth. God is sufficient for a guardian" (Quran 4:171).
7. Do Muslims believe that Jesus was the son of God? NO
"Say: "God is Unique! God, the Source [of everything]. He has not fathered anyone nor was He fathered, and there is nothing comparable to Him!" (Quran 112:1-4).
The Quran also states: "Such was Jesus, the son of Mary; it is a statement of truth, about which they vainly dispute. It is not befitting to the majesty of God, that He should beget a son. Glory be to Him! When He determines a matter, He only says to it, ‘Be' and it is" (Quran 19:34-35).
8. Do Muslims believe Jesus was killed on the cross then resurrected? NO
"“They did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but they thought they did.” (Quran 4:156) “God lifted him up to His presence. God is Almighty, All-Wise” (Quran 4:157) .
CHRISTIANITY
1. Do Christians believe Jesus was a human being and Messenger of God? YES & NO
With the exception of Unitarian Christians, who like all the early followers of Jesus, still do not believe in the Trinity, most Christians now believe in the Divinity of Jesus, which is connected to the belief in Trinity. They say he is the second member of the Triune God, the Son of the first part of the Triune God, and at the same time "fully" God in every respect.
2. Do Christians believe he was born of a Virgin Mother? YES
A chaste and pious human woman who gave birth to Jesus Christ, the second member of the Trinity, the Son of God, and at the same time "fully" God Almighty in every respect.
Christians believe however, that while she was a virgin, she was married to a man named Joseph (Bible: Matthew:1:18). According to Matthew 1:25, Joseph "kept her a virgin until she gave birth to a Son; and he called His name Jesus".
3. Do Christians believe he had a miraculous birth? YES
"Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit" (Bible: Matthew 1:18)
4. Do Christians believe he performed miracles? YES
"And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to thy servants to speak thy word with all boldness, while thou stretches out thy hand to heal, and sign and wonders are performed through the name of thy holy servant Jesus (Bible: Acts 4:30).
Christians believe that Jesus performed these miracles because he was the Son of God as well as the incarnation of God.
5. Do Christians believe in the Trinity? YES
With the exception of the Unitarian Christians, who do not believe in the Divinity of Christ, the Trinity, according to the Catholic encyclopedia, is the term used for the central doctrine of the Christian religion. The belief is that in the unity of the Godhead there are Three Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three Persons or beings are distinct from each another, while being similar in character: uncreated and omnipotent.
The First Vatican Council has explained the meaning to be attributed to the term mystery in theology. It lays down that a mystery is a truth which we are not merely incapable of discovering apart from Divine Revelation, but which, even when revealed, remains "hidden by the veil of faith and enveloped, so to speak, by a kind of darkness" (Const., "De fide. cath.", iv).
The First Vatican Council further defined that the Christian Faith contains mysteries strictly so called (can. 4). All theologians admit that the doctrine of the Trinity is of the number of these.
The Catholic Encyclopedia notes that of all revealed truths, this is the most impenetrable to reason.
6. Do Christians believe that Jesus was the son of God? YES
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him (Bible: John 3:16).
However, it is interesting to note that the term "son of God" is used in other parts of the Bible to refer to Adam (Bible: Luke 3:38), Israel (Bible: Exodus 4:22) and David (Bible: Psalms 2:7) as well. The creatures of God are usually referred to in the Bible as children of God.
The role of Paul of Tarsus in shaping this belief and the belief in Trinity
The notion of Jesus as son of God is something that was established under the influence of Paul of Tarsus (originally named Saul), who had been an enemy of Jesus, but later changed course and joined the disciples after the departure of Jesus.
Later, however, he initiated a number of changes into early Christian teachings, in contradiction, for instance, to disciples like Barnabas, who believed in the Oneness of God and who had actually lived and met with Jesus.
Paul is considered by a number of Christian scholars to be the father of Christianity due to his additions of the following ideas:
that Jesus is the son of God,
the concept of Atonement,
the renunciation of the Law of the Torah.
Paul did these things in hopes of winning over the Gentiles (non-Jewish people). His letters are another of the primary sources of information on Jesus according to the Christian tradition.
The original followers of Prophet Jesus opposed these blatant misrepresentations of the message of Jesus. They struggled to reject the notion of the Divinity of Jesus for close to 200 years.
One person who was an original follower of Jesus was Barnabas. He was a Jew born in Cyrus and a successful preacher of the teachings of Jesus. Because of his closeness to Jesus, he was an important member of the small group of disciples in Jerusalem who had had gathered together following the disappearance of Jesus.
The question of Jesus's nature, origin and relationship with God was not raised amongst Barnabas and the small group of disciples. Jesus was considered a man miraculously endowed by God. Nothing in the words of Jesus or the events in his life led them to modify this view.
The Gospel of Barnabas was accepted as a Canonical Gospel in the Churches of Alexandria till 325 CE Iranaeus (130-200) wrote in support of pure monotheism and opposed Paul for injecting into Christianity doctrines of the pagan Roman religion and Platonic philosophy. He quoted extensively from the Gospel of Barnabas in support of his views. This indicates that the Gospel of Barnabas was in circulation in the first and second centuries of Christianity.
In 325 (CE), a council of Christian leaders met at Nicaea and made Paul's beliefs officially part of Christian doctrine. It also ordered that all original Gospels in Hebrew script which contradicted Paul's beliefs should be destroyed. An edict was issued that anyone in possession of these Gospels would be put to death.
The Gospel of Barnabas has miraculously survived though.
7. Do Christians believe he was killed on the cross? YES
This is a core Christian belief and it relates to the concept of atonement. According to this belief, Jesus died to save mankind from sin. However, this is not stated explicitly in the four gospels which form the primary source texts of Christianity. It is found, however, in Romans 6:8,9.
Christians believe Jesus was spat on, cut, humiliated, kicked, striped and finally hung up on the cross to endure a slow and painful death.
According, to Christian belief, the original sin of Adam and Eve of eating from the forbidden tree was so great that God could not forgive it by simply willing it, rather it was necessary to erase it with the blood of a sinless, innocent Jesus.
Resurrection
The four Gospels and the Epistles of St. Paul are the main sources of Christianity which discuss the Resurrection of Jesus after his crucifixion. According to St. Matthew, Jesus appeared to the holy women, and again on a mountain in Galilee. Mark's Gospel tells a different story: Jesus was seen by Mary Magdalene, by the two disciples at Emmaus, and the Eleven before his Ascension into heaven.
Luke's Gospel says Jesus walked with the disciples to Emmaus, appeared to Peter and to the assembled disciples in Jerusalem. In John's Gospel, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, to the ten Apostles on Easter Sunday, to the Eleven a week later, and to seven disciples at the Sea of Tiberias.
Another account of the resurrection by St. Paul is found in Bible: Corinthians 15: 3-8.
According to Christian belief, Resurrection is a manifestation of God's justice, Who exalted Christ to a life of glory, as Christ had humbled himself unto death (Phil., 2: 8-9). This event also completes the mystery of Christian salvation and redemption. The death of Jesus frees believers from sin, and with his resurrection, he restores to them the most important privileges lost by sin (Bible: Romans 4:25).
More importantly, the belief in the resurrection of Jesus indicates Christian acknowledgment of Christ as the immortal God, the cause of believers' own resurrection (Bible: I Corinthians 4: 21; Phil., 3:20-21), as well as the model and the support of a new life of grace (Bible: Romans 4: 4-6; 9-11).
Further Reading:
(1) John the Baptist: A Prophet of Islam (Soundvision.com)
(2) Christ In Islam - By Ahmed Deedat (Islam101.com)
(3) The Pagan Origins of Christmas and the mixture of Pagan ideas into Christianity (turntoislam.com)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Story of Jesus, Son of Mary
The Story of Jesus, Son of Mary
Taken from islamonline.net
By Marwa Elnaggar
In relating the story of Jesus, the Qur’an describes how Mary, the mother of Jesus, was approached by an angel from God, bringing her tidings she had never imagined: that she will give birth to a son, a Messiah, who will be of the righteous and will be a prophet of God, calling the Children of Israel (the Israelites) to the straight path of God.
[(And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah).
He will speak unto mankind in his cradle and in his manhood, and he is of the righteous.] (Aal `Imran 3:45-46)
Naturally, for Mary, this news was both strange and seemingly impossible.
[She said: My Lord! How can I have a child when no mortal hath touched me? He said: So (it will be). Allah createth what He will. If He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.
And He will teach him the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel.] (Aal `Imran 3:47-48)
The very nature of Jesus is so special, that God compares the uniqueness of his creation to that of the first man and prophet, Adam.
[Lo! The likeness of Jesus with Allah is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, then He said unto him: Be! and he is.] (Aal `Imran 3:59)
Jesus and His Miracles
Jesus became one of the greatest prophets of God, and was sent to the Children of Israel in order to confirm the teachings of his predecessor, the Prophet Moses. His birth was a miracle, and, like all prophets of God, he was granted several miracles. He approached his people, telling them:
[Lo! I come unto you with a sign from your Lord. Lo! I fashion for you out of clay the likeness of a bird, and I breathe into it and it is a bird, by Allah's leave. I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I raise the dead, by Allah's leave. And I announce unto you what ye eat and what ye store up in your houses. Lo! herein verily is a portent for you, if ye are to be believers.
And (I come) confirming that which was before me of the Torah, and to make lawful some of that which was forbidden unto you. I come unto you with a sign from your Lord, so keep your duty to Allah and obey me.
Lo! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.] (Aal `Imran 3:49-51)
Jesus’s Followers
The Qur’an continues the story of Jesus by relating several incidents of his life and his disciples.
[But when Jesus became conscious of their disbelief, he cried: Who will be my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We will be Allah's helpers. We believe in Allah, and bear thou witness that we have surrendered (unto Him).
Our Lord! We believe in that which Thou hast revealed and we follow him whom Thou hast sent. Enroll us among those who witness (to the truth).] (Aal `Imran 3:52-53)
In another incident, after which an entire surah of the Qur’an is named, the disciples of Jesus asked him for another miracle.
[Behold! the disciples, said: “O Jesus the son of Mary! can thy Lord send down to us a table set (with viands) from heaven?” Jesus said: “Fear Allah, if ye have faith.”
They said: “We only wish to eat thereof and satisfy our hearts, and to know that thou hast indeed told us the truth; and that we ourselves may be witnesses to the miracle.”
Jesus the son of Mary said: “O Allah our Lord! Send us from heaven a table set (with viands), that there may be for us—for the first and the last of us—a solemn festival and a sign from thee; and provide for our sustenance, for thou art the best Sustainer (of our needs).”] (Al-Ma’idah 5:112-114)
God sent them the table they had asked for, but not without a warning.
[Allah said: “I will send it down unto you: But if any of you after that resisteth faith, I will punish him with a penalty such as I have not inflicted on any one among all the peoples.”] (Al-Ma’idah 5:115)
The End of the Story?
The story of Jesus never really ends in the Qur’an, as we are told that Jesus was not killed, but that rather, God raised his beloved prophet up to him.
[Behold! Allah said: “O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then shall ye all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.
As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help.”
As to those who believe and work righteousness, Allah will pay them (in full) their reward; but Allah loveth not those who do wrong.] (Aal `Imran 3:53-55)
The Qur’an also points out that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified. Speaking of the Children of Israel, Allah faults their accusations against Mary as well as their claim that they killed Jesus.
[That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge;
And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah's messenger - they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! Those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain.
Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.] (An-Nisaa’ 4:156-158)
The Qur’an confirms that Jesus was raised up by God, and the Prophet Muhammad reassured us that Jesus will be sent down to earth once again before the Day of Judgment. In a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet Muhammad said: “By the One in Whose hand is my self, definitely the son of Maryam will soon descend among you as a just judge, and he will break the cross, kill the pig, and abolish the jizyah (tribute), and wealth will be so abundant that no one will accept it, until a single prostration will be better than the world and everything in it.” (Al-Bukhari)
Taken from islamonline.net
By Marwa Elnaggar
In relating the story of Jesus, the Qur’an describes how Mary, the mother of Jesus, was approached by an angel from God, bringing her tidings she had never imagined: that she will give birth to a son, a Messiah, who will be of the righteous and will be a prophet of God, calling the Children of Israel (the Israelites) to the straight path of God.
[(And remember) when the angels said: O Mary! Lo! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a word from him, whose name is the Messiah, Jesus, son of Mary, illustrious in the world and the Hereafter, and one of those brought near (unto Allah).
He will speak unto mankind in his cradle and in his manhood, and he is of the righteous.] (Aal `Imran 3:45-46)
Naturally, for Mary, this news was both strange and seemingly impossible.
[She said: My Lord! How can I have a child when no mortal hath touched me? He said: So (it will be). Allah createth what He will. If He decreeth a thing, He saith unto it only: Be! and it is.
And He will teach him the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel.] (Aal `Imran 3:47-48)
The very nature of Jesus is so special, that God compares the uniqueness of his creation to that of the first man and prophet, Adam.
[Lo! The likeness of Jesus with Allah is as the likeness of Adam. He created him of dust, then He said unto him: Be! and he is.] (Aal `Imran 3:59)
Jesus and His Miracles
Jesus became one of the greatest prophets of God, and was sent to the Children of Israel in order to confirm the teachings of his predecessor, the Prophet Moses. His birth was a miracle, and, like all prophets of God, he was granted several miracles. He approached his people, telling them:
[Lo! I come unto you with a sign from your Lord. Lo! I fashion for you out of clay the likeness of a bird, and I breathe into it and it is a bird, by Allah's leave. I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I raise the dead, by Allah's leave. And I announce unto you what ye eat and what ye store up in your houses. Lo! herein verily is a portent for you, if ye are to be believers.
And (I come) confirming that which was before me of the Torah, and to make lawful some of that which was forbidden unto you. I come unto you with a sign from your Lord, so keep your duty to Allah and obey me.
Lo! Allah is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him. That is a straight path.] (Aal `Imran 3:49-51)
Jesus’s Followers
The Qur’an continues the story of Jesus by relating several incidents of his life and his disciples.
[But when Jesus became conscious of their disbelief, he cried: Who will be my helpers in the cause of Allah? The disciples said: We will be Allah's helpers. We believe in Allah, and bear thou witness that we have surrendered (unto Him).
Our Lord! We believe in that which Thou hast revealed and we follow him whom Thou hast sent. Enroll us among those who witness (to the truth).] (Aal `Imran 3:52-53)
In another incident, after which an entire surah of the Qur’an is named, the disciples of Jesus asked him for another miracle.
[Behold! the disciples, said: “O Jesus the son of Mary! can thy Lord send down to us a table set (with viands) from heaven?” Jesus said: “Fear Allah, if ye have faith.”
They said: “We only wish to eat thereof and satisfy our hearts, and to know that thou hast indeed told us the truth; and that we ourselves may be witnesses to the miracle.”
Jesus the son of Mary said: “O Allah our Lord! Send us from heaven a table set (with viands), that there may be for us—for the first and the last of us—a solemn festival and a sign from thee; and provide for our sustenance, for thou art the best Sustainer (of our needs).”] (Al-Ma’idah 5:112-114)
God sent them the table they had asked for, but not without a warning.
[Allah said: “I will send it down unto you: But if any of you after that resisteth faith, I will punish him with a penalty such as I have not inflicted on any one among all the peoples.”] (Al-Ma’idah 5:115)
The End of the Story?
The story of Jesus never really ends in the Qur’an, as we are told that Jesus was not killed, but that rather, God raised his beloved prophet up to him.
[Behold! Allah said: “O Jesus! I will take thee and raise thee to Myself and clear thee (of the falsehoods) of those who blaspheme; I will make those who follow thee superior to those who reject faith, to the Day of Resurrection: Then shall ye all return unto me, and I will judge between you of the matters wherein ye dispute.
As to those who reject faith, I will punish them with terrible agony in this world and in the Hereafter, nor will they have anyone to help.”
As to those who believe and work righteousness, Allah will pay them (in full) their reward; but Allah loveth not those who do wrong.] (Aal `Imran 3:53-55)
The Qur’an also points out that Jesus was neither killed nor crucified. Speaking of the Children of Israel, Allah faults their accusations against Mary as well as their claim that they killed Jesus.
[That they rejected Faith; that they uttered against Mary a grave false charge;
And because of their saying: We slew the Messiah, Jesus son of Mary, Allah's messenger - they slew him not nor crucified him, but it appeared so unto them; and lo! Those who disagree concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge thereof save pursuit of a conjecture; they slew him not for certain.
Nay, Allah raised him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.] (An-Nisaa’ 4:156-158)
The Qur’an confirms that Jesus was raised up by God, and the Prophet Muhammad reassured us that Jesus will be sent down to earth once again before the Day of Judgment. In a hadith narrated by Abu Hurairah, the Prophet Muhammad said: “By the One in Whose hand is my self, definitely the son of Maryam will soon descend among you as a just judge, and he will break the cross, kill the pig, and abolish the jizyah (tribute), and wealth will be so abundant that no one will accept it, until a single prostration will be better than the world and everything in it.” (Al-Bukhari)
Friday, March 28, 2008
Beautiful Sayings Of The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)
Beautiful Sayings Of The Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)
Taken from qldmuslims.org.au
1. Part of a man's good observance of Islam is that he leaves alone what does not concern him!
2. Lies, darken the mouth and slander infuses the torments of the grave!
3. It is not permissible for a man to keep apart from his brother for more than 3 days!
4. Wherever you are fear Allah; if you follow an evil deed with a good one, you will obliterate it, and deal with people with a good disposition!
5. Let the food cool before eating for there is no Barkat otherwise.
6. The believers whose faith is most perfect are those who have the best character!
7. Modesty and faith are both companions: when one is taken away the other is taken!
8. A man slips more by his tongue than by his foot!
9. There are two favors of which many people are unmindful: health of body and calmness of mind!
10. Do not consider any kindness insignificant, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face (every act of kindness is sadqa) !
11. A good word is better than silence and silence is better than evil talks!
12. A father gives his son nothing better than a good education!
13. Pleasing your parents is to attain Allah's pleasure and disobedience to your parents is expressing disobedience to Allah!
14. Paradise lies under the feet of thy mother!
15. No dutiful son gives his parents a kind look without Allah recording to his credit an approved pilgrimage for every look! (Hajj Sawaab)
Taken from qldmuslims.org.au
1. Part of a man's good observance of Islam is that he leaves alone what does not concern him!
2. Lies, darken the mouth and slander infuses the torments of the grave!
3. It is not permissible for a man to keep apart from his brother for more than 3 days!
4. Wherever you are fear Allah; if you follow an evil deed with a good one, you will obliterate it, and deal with people with a good disposition!
5. Let the food cool before eating for there is no Barkat otherwise.
6. The believers whose faith is most perfect are those who have the best character!
7. Modesty and faith are both companions: when one is taken away the other is taken!
8. A man slips more by his tongue than by his foot!
9. There are two favors of which many people are unmindful: health of body and calmness of mind!
10. Do not consider any kindness insignificant, even meeting your brother with a cheerful face (every act of kindness is sadqa) !
11. A good word is better than silence and silence is better than evil talks!
12. A father gives his son nothing better than a good education!
13. Pleasing your parents is to attain Allah's pleasure and disobedience to your parents is expressing disobedience to Allah!
14. Paradise lies under the feet of thy mother!
15. No dutiful son gives his parents a kind look without Allah recording to his credit an approved pilgrimage for every look! (Hajj Sawaab)
Some Miracles Of The Prophet (SAW)
Some Miracles Of The Prophet (SAW)
Taken from qldmuslims.org.au
Splitting of the Moon
"The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder" [Qur'an 54:1]
Volume 6, Book 60, Number 388: Narrated Abdullah:
The moon was cleft asunder while we were in the company of the Prophet, and it became two parts. The Prophet said, Witness, witness (this miracle)."
Food Multiplication
Volume 4, Book 56, Number 780: Narrated Jabir:
My father had died in debt. So I came to the Prophet and said, "My father (died) leaving unpaid debts, and I have nothing except the yield of his date palms; and their yield for many years will not cover his debts. So please come with me, so that the creditors may not misbehave with me." The Prophet went round one of the heaps of dates and invoked (Allah), and then did the same with another heap and sat on it and said, "Measure (for them)." He paid them their rights and what remained was as much as had been paid to them.
Water Multiplication
Volume 4, Book 56, Number 779: Narrated 'Abdullah:
We used to consider miracles as Allah's Blessings, but you people consider them to be a warning. Once we were with Allah's Apostle on a journey, and we ran short of water. He said, "Bring the water remaining with you." The people brought a utensil containing a little water. He placed his hand in it and said, "Come to the blessed water, and the Blessing is from Allah." I saw the water flowing from among the fingers of Allah's Apostle , and no doubt, we heard the meal glorifying Allah, when it was being eaten (by him).
Volume 4, Book 56, Number 777: Narrated Al-Bara:
We were one-thousand-and-four-hundred persons on the day of Al-Hudaibiya (Treaty), and (at) Al-Hudaibiya (there) was a well. We drew out its water not leaving even a single drop. The Prophet sat at the edge of the well and asked for some water with which he rinsed his mouth and then he threw it out into the well. We stayed for a short while and then drew water from the well and quenched our thirst, and even our riding animals drank water to their satisfaction.
Volume 1, Book 7, Number 340: Narrated 'Imran:
Once we were traveling with the Prophet and we carried on traveling till the last part of the night and then we (halted at a place) and slept (deeply). There is nothing sweeter than sleep for a traveler in the last part of the night. So it was only the heat of the sun that made us to wake up and the first to wake up was so and so, then so and so and then so and so (the narrator 'Auf said that Abu Raja' had told him their names but he had forgotten them) and the fourth person to wake up was 'Umar bin Al-Khattab. And whenever the Prophet used to sleep, nobody would wake him up till he himself used to get up as we did not know what was happening (being revealed) to him in his sleep. So, 'Umar got up and saw the condition of the people, and he was a strict man, so he said, "Allahu Akbar" and raised his voice with Takbir, and kept on saying it loudly till the Prophet got up because of it. When he got up, the people informed him about what had happened to them. He said, "There is no harm (or it will not be harmful). Depart!" So they departed from that place, and after covering some distance the Prophet stopped and asked for some water to perform the ablution. So he performed the ablution and the call for the prayer was pronounced and he led the people in prayer. After he finished from the prayer, he saw a man sitting aloof who had not prayed with the people. He asked, "O so and so! What has prevented you from praying with us?" He replied, "I am junub and there is no water. " The Prophet said, "Perform tayammum with (clean) earth and that is sufficient for you."
Then the Prophet proceeded on and the people complained to him of thirst. Thereupon he got down and called a person (the narrator 'Auf added that Abu Raja' had named him but he had forgotten) and 'Ali, and ordered them to go and bring water. So they went in search of water and met a woman who was sitting on her camel between two bags of water. They asked, "Where can we find water?" She replied, "I was there (at the place of water) this hour yesterday and my people are behind me." They requested her to accompany them. She asked, "Where?" They said, "To Allah's Apostle ." She said, "Do you mean the man who is called the Sabi', (with a new religion)?" They replied, "Yes, the same person. So come along." They brought her to the Prophet and narrated the whole story. He said, "Help her to dismount." The Prophet asked for a pot, then he opened the mouths of the bags and poured some water into the pot. Then he closed the big openings of the bags and opened the small ones and the people were called upon to drink and water their animals. So they all watered their animals and they (too) all quenched their thirst and also gave water to others and last of all the Prophet gave a pot full of water to the person who was junub and told him to pour it over his body. The woman was standing and watching all that which they were doing with her water. By Allah, when her water bags were returned the looked like as if they were more full (of water) than they had been before (Miracle of Allah's Apostle) Then the Prophet ordered us to collect something for her; so dates, flour and sawiq were collected which amounted to a good meal that was put in a piece of cloth. She was helped to ride on her camel and that cloth full of food-stuff was also placed in front of her and then the Prophet said to her, "We have not taken your water but Allah has given water to us." She returned home late. Her relatives asked her: "O so and so what has delayed you?" She said, "A strange thing! Two men met me and took me to the man who is called the Sabi' and he did such and such a thing. By Allah, he is either the greatest magician between this and this (gesturing with her index and middle fingers raising them towards the sky indicating the heaven and the earth) or he is Allah's true Apostle."
Afterwards the Muslims used to attack the pagans around her abode but never touched her village. One day she said to her people, "I think that these people leave you purposely. Have you got any inclination to Islam?" They obeyed her and all of them embraced Islam.
Abu 'Abdultah said: The word saba'a means "The one who has deserted his old religion and embraced a new religion." Abul 'Ailya said, "The Sabis are a sect of people of the Scripture who recite the Book of Psalms."
Supplication for Rain
Volume 8, Book 73, Number 115:
Narrated Anas:A man came to the Prophet on a Friday while he (the Prophet) was delivering a sermon at Medina, and said, "There is lack of rain, so please invoke your Lord to bless us with the rain." The Prophet looked at the sky when no cloud could be detected. Then he invoked Allah for rain. Clouds started gathering together and it rained till the Medina valleys started flowing with water. It continued raining till the next Friday. Then that man (or some other man) stood up while the Prophet was delivering the Friday sermon, and said, "We are drowned; Please invoke your Lord to withhold it (rain) from us" The Prophet smiled and said twice or thrice, "O Allah! Please let it rain round about us and not upon us." The clouds started dispersing over Medina to the right and to the left, and it rained round about Medina and not upon Medina. Allah showed them (the people) the miracle of His Prophet and His response to his invocation.
Lights to guide Companions
Volume 1, Book 8, Number 454:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:Two of the companions of the Prophet departed from him on a dark night and were led by two lights like lamps (going in front of them from Allah as a miracle) lighting the way in front of them, and when they parted, each of them was accompanied by one of these lights till he reached their (respective) houses.
Crying of the stem of the Date-palm Tree
Volume 4, Book 56, Number 783: Narrated Ibn Umar:
The Prophet used to deliver his sermons while standing beside a trunk of a datepalm. When he had the pulpit made, he used it instead. The trunk started crying and the Prophet went to it, rubbing his hand over it (to stop its crying).
Glorification of Allah by the Prophet's meals
Volume 4, Book 56, Number 779: Narrated 'Abdullah:
We used to consider miracles as Allah's Blessings, but you people consider them to be a warning. Once we were with Allah's Apostle on a journey, and we ran short of water. He said, "Bring the water remaining with you." The people brought a utensil containing a little water. He placed his hand in it and said, "Come to the blessed water, and the Blessing is from Allah." I saw the water flowing from among the fingers of Allah's Apostle, and no doubt, we heard the meal glorifying Allah, when it was being eaten (by him).
The expulsion of a liar's corpse by the Earth
Volume 4, Book 56, Number 814: Narrated Anas:
There was a Christian who embraced Islam and read Surat-al-Baqara and Al-Imran, and he used to write (the revelations) for the Prophet. Later on he returned to Christianity again and he used to say: "Muhammad knows nothing but what I have written for him." Then Allah caused him to die, and the people buried him, but in the morning they saw that the earth had thrown his body out. They said, "This is the act of Muhammad and his companions. They dug the grave of our companion and took his body out of it because he had run away from them." They again dug the grave deeply for him, but in the morning they again saw that the earth had thrown his body out. They said, "This is an act of Muhammad and his companions. They dug the grave of our companion and threw his body outside it, for he had run away from them." They dug the grave for him as deep as they could, but in the morning they again saw that the earth had thrown his body out. So they believed that what had befallen him was not done by human beings and had to leave him thrown (on the ground).
The Speech of the Wolf
Volume 3, Book 39, Number 517: Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said, "While a man was riding a cow, it turned towards him and said, 'I have not been created for this purpose (i.e. carrying), I have been created for sloughing.l" The Prophet added, "I, Abu Bakr and 'Umar believe in the story." The Prophet went on, "A wolf caught a sheep, and when the shepherd chased it, the wolf said, 'Who will be its guard on the day of wild beasts, when there will be no shepherd for it except me?' "After narrating it, the Prophet said, "I, Abu Bakr and 'Umar too believe it." Abu Salama (a sub-narrator) said, "Abu Bakr and 'Umar were not present then."
It has been written that a wolf also spoke to one of the companions of the Prophet near Medina as narrated in Fath-al-Bari: Narrated Unais bin 'Amr: Ahban bin Aus said, "I was amongst my sheep. Suddenly a wolf caught a sheep and I shouted at it. The wolf sat on its tail and addressed me, saying, 'Who will look after it (i.e. the sheep) when you will be busy and not able to look after it? Do you forbid me the provision which Allah has provided me?' " Ahban added, "I clapped my hands and said, 'By Allah, I have never seen anything more curious and wonderful than this!' On that the wolf said, 'There is something (more curious) and wonderful than this; that is, Allah's Apostle in those palm trees, inviting people to Allah (i.e. Islam).' "Unais bin 'Amr further said, "Then Ahban went to Allah's Apostle and informed him what happened and embraced Islam.)" palm trees or other trees and share the fruits with me."
The Prophet's Night Journey to Jerusalem (Arabic: Israa) and Ascent to the Heavens (Arabic: Miraj)
Volume 5, Book 58, Number 228: Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
Regarding the Statement of Allah""And We granted the vision (Ascension to the heavens) which We made you see (as an actual eye witness) was only made as a trial for the people." (17.60)
Ibn Abbas added: The sights which Allah's Apostle was shown on the Night Journey when he was taken to Bait-ul Maqdis (i.e. Jerusalem) were actual sights, (not dreams). And the Cursed Tree (mentioned) in the Quran is the tree of Zaqqum (itself) .
Volume 4, Book 54, Number 462: Narrated Ibn Abbas:
The Prophet said, "On the night of my Ascent to the Heaven, I saw Moses who was a tall brown curly-haired man as if he was one of the men of Shan'awa tribe, and I saw Jesus, a man of medium height and moderate complexion inclined to the red and white colors and of lank hair. I also saw Malik, the gate-keeper of the (Hell) Fire and Ad-Dajjal amongst the signs which Allah showed me." (The Prophet then recited the Holy Verse): "So be not you in doubt of meeting him' when you met Moses during the night of Mi'raj over the heavens" (32.23)
Narrated Anas and Abu Bakra: "The Prophet said, "The angels will guard Medina from Ad-Dajjal (who will not be able to enter the city of Medina)."
Volume 5, Book 58, Number 227: Narrated Abbas bin Malik:
Malik bin Sasaa said that Allah's Apostle described to them his Night Journey saying, "While I was lying in Al-Hatim or Al-Hijr, suddenly someone came to me and cut my body open from here to here." I asked Al-Jarud who was by my side, "What does he mean?" He said, "It means from his throat to his pubic area," or said, "From the top of the chest." The Prophet further said, "He then took out my heart. Then a gold tray of Belief was brought to me and my heart was washed and was filled (with Belief) and then returned to its original place. Then a white animal which was smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me." (On this Al-Jarud asked, "Was it the Buraq, O Abu Hamza?" I (i.e. Anas) replied in the affirmative). The Prophet said, "The animal's step (was so wide that it) reached the farthest point within the reach of the animal's sight. I was carried on it, and Gabriel set out with me till we reached the nearest heaven.
When he asked for the gate to be opened, it was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has Muhammad been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened, and when I went over the first heaven, I saw Adam there. Gabriel said (to me). 'This is your father, Adam; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me till we reached the second heaven. Gabriel asked for the gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel answered in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened.
When I went over the second heaven, there I saw Yahya (i.e. John) and 'Isa (i.e. Jesus) who were cousins of each other. Gabriel said (to me), 'These are John and Jesus; pay them your greetings.' So I greeted them and both of them returned my greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the third heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened, and when I went over the third heaven there I saw Joseph. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is Joseph; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fourth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed, what an excel lent visit his is!'
The gate was opened, and when I went over the fourth heaven, there I saw Idris. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is Idris; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fifth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked. 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is! So when I went over the fifth heaven, there I saw Harun (i.e. Aaron), Gabriel said, (to me). This is Aaron; pay him your greetings.' I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the sixth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked. 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. It was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!'
When I went (over the sixth heaven), there I saw Moses. Gabriel said (to me),' This is Moses; pay him your greeting. So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' When I left him (i.e. Moses) he wept. Someone asked him, 'What makes you weep?' Moses said, 'I weep because after me there has been sent (as Prophet) a young man whose followers will enter Paradise in greater numbers than my followers.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the seventh heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked,' Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!'
So when I went (over the seventh heaven), there I saw Abraham. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is your father; pay your greetings to him.' So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.' Then I was made to ascend to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) Behold! Its fruits were like the jars of Hajr (i.e. a place near Medina) and its leaves were as big as the ears of elephants. Gabriel said, 'This is the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) . Behold ! There ran four rivers, two were hidden and two were visible, I asked, 'What are these two kinds of rivers, O Gabriel?' He replied,' As for the hidden rivers, they are two rivers in Paradise and the visible rivers are the Nile and the Euphrates.'
Then Al-Bait-ul-Ma'mur (i.e. the Sacred House) was shown to me and a container full of wine and another full of milk and a third full of honey were brought to me. I took the milk. Gabriel remarked, 'This is the Islamic religion which you and your followers are following.' Then the prayers were enjoined on me: They were fifty prayers a day. When I returned, I passed by Moses who asked (me), 'What have you been ordered to do?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to offer fifty prayers a day.' Moses said, 'Your followers cannot bear fifty prayers a day, and by Allah, I have tested people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel (in vain). Go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your followers' burden.' So I went back, and Allah reduced ten prayers for me. Then again I came to Moses, but he repeated the same as he had said before. Then again I went back to Allah and He reduced ten more prayers. When I came back to Moses he said the same, I went back to Allah and He ordered me to observe ten prayers a day. When I came back to Moses, he repeated the same advice, so I went back to Allah and was ordered to observe five prayers a day.
When I came back to Moses, he said, 'What have you been ordered?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to observe five prayers a day.' He said, 'Your followers cannot bear five prayers a day, and no doubt, I have got an experience of the people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel, so go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your follower's burden.' I said, 'I have requested so much of my Lord that I feel ashamed, but I am satisfied now and surrender to Allah's Order.' When I left, I heard a voice saying, 'I have passed My Order and have lessened the burden of My Worshippers."
Taken from qldmuslims.org.au
Splitting of the Moon
"The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has been cleft asunder" [Qur'an 54:1]
Volume 6, Book 60, Number 388: Narrated Abdullah:
The moon was cleft asunder while we were in the company of the Prophet, and it became two parts. The Prophet said, Witness, witness (this miracle)."
Food Multiplication
Volume 4, Book 56, Number 780: Narrated Jabir:
My father had died in debt. So I came to the Prophet and said, "My father (died) leaving unpaid debts, and I have nothing except the yield of his date palms; and their yield for many years will not cover his debts. So please come with me, so that the creditors may not misbehave with me." The Prophet went round one of the heaps of dates and invoked (Allah), and then did the same with another heap and sat on it and said, "Measure (for them)." He paid them their rights and what remained was as much as had been paid to them.
Water Multiplication
Volume 4, Book 56, Number 779: Narrated 'Abdullah:
We used to consider miracles as Allah's Blessings, but you people consider them to be a warning. Once we were with Allah's Apostle on a journey, and we ran short of water. He said, "Bring the water remaining with you." The people brought a utensil containing a little water. He placed his hand in it and said, "Come to the blessed water, and the Blessing is from Allah." I saw the water flowing from among the fingers of Allah's Apostle , and no doubt, we heard the meal glorifying Allah, when it was being eaten (by him).
Volume 4, Book 56, Number 777: Narrated Al-Bara:
We were one-thousand-and-four-hundred persons on the day of Al-Hudaibiya (Treaty), and (at) Al-Hudaibiya (there) was a well. We drew out its water not leaving even a single drop. The Prophet sat at the edge of the well and asked for some water with which he rinsed his mouth and then he threw it out into the well. We stayed for a short while and then drew water from the well and quenched our thirst, and even our riding animals drank water to their satisfaction.
Volume 1, Book 7, Number 340: Narrated 'Imran:
Once we were traveling with the Prophet and we carried on traveling till the last part of the night and then we (halted at a place) and slept (deeply). There is nothing sweeter than sleep for a traveler in the last part of the night. So it was only the heat of the sun that made us to wake up and the first to wake up was so and so, then so and so and then so and so (the narrator 'Auf said that Abu Raja' had told him their names but he had forgotten them) and the fourth person to wake up was 'Umar bin Al-Khattab. And whenever the Prophet used to sleep, nobody would wake him up till he himself used to get up as we did not know what was happening (being revealed) to him in his sleep. So, 'Umar got up and saw the condition of the people, and he was a strict man, so he said, "Allahu Akbar" and raised his voice with Takbir, and kept on saying it loudly till the Prophet got up because of it. When he got up, the people informed him about what had happened to them. He said, "There is no harm (or it will not be harmful). Depart!" So they departed from that place, and after covering some distance the Prophet stopped and asked for some water to perform the ablution. So he performed the ablution and the call for the prayer was pronounced and he led the people in prayer. After he finished from the prayer, he saw a man sitting aloof who had not prayed with the people. He asked, "O so and so! What has prevented you from praying with us?" He replied, "I am junub and there is no water. " The Prophet said, "Perform tayammum with (clean) earth and that is sufficient for you."
Then the Prophet proceeded on and the people complained to him of thirst. Thereupon he got down and called a person (the narrator 'Auf added that Abu Raja' had named him but he had forgotten) and 'Ali, and ordered them to go and bring water. So they went in search of water and met a woman who was sitting on her camel between two bags of water. They asked, "Where can we find water?" She replied, "I was there (at the place of water) this hour yesterday and my people are behind me." They requested her to accompany them. She asked, "Where?" They said, "To Allah's Apostle ." She said, "Do you mean the man who is called the Sabi', (with a new religion)?" They replied, "Yes, the same person. So come along." They brought her to the Prophet and narrated the whole story. He said, "Help her to dismount." The Prophet asked for a pot, then he opened the mouths of the bags and poured some water into the pot. Then he closed the big openings of the bags and opened the small ones and the people were called upon to drink and water their animals. So they all watered their animals and they (too) all quenched their thirst and also gave water to others and last of all the Prophet gave a pot full of water to the person who was junub and told him to pour it over his body. The woman was standing and watching all that which they were doing with her water. By Allah, when her water bags were returned the looked like as if they were more full (of water) than they had been before (Miracle of Allah's Apostle) Then the Prophet ordered us to collect something for her; so dates, flour and sawiq were collected which amounted to a good meal that was put in a piece of cloth. She was helped to ride on her camel and that cloth full of food-stuff was also placed in front of her and then the Prophet said to her, "We have not taken your water but Allah has given water to us." She returned home late. Her relatives asked her: "O so and so what has delayed you?" She said, "A strange thing! Two men met me and took me to the man who is called the Sabi' and he did such and such a thing. By Allah, he is either the greatest magician between this and this (gesturing with her index and middle fingers raising them towards the sky indicating the heaven and the earth) or he is Allah's true Apostle."
Afterwards the Muslims used to attack the pagans around her abode but never touched her village. One day she said to her people, "I think that these people leave you purposely. Have you got any inclination to Islam?" They obeyed her and all of them embraced Islam.
Abu 'Abdultah said: The word saba'a means "The one who has deserted his old religion and embraced a new religion." Abul 'Ailya said, "The Sabis are a sect of people of the Scripture who recite the Book of Psalms."
Supplication for Rain
Volume 8, Book 73, Number 115:
Narrated Anas:A man came to the Prophet on a Friday while he (the Prophet) was delivering a sermon at Medina, and said, "There is lack of rain, so please invoke your Lord to bless us with the rain." The Prophet looked at the sky when no cloud could be detected. Then he invoked Allah for rain. Clouds started gathering together and it rained till the Medina valleys started flowing with water. It continued raining till the next Friday. Then that man (or some other man) stood up while the Prophet was delivering the Friday sermon, and said, "We are drowned; Please invoke your Lord to withhold it (rain) from us" The Prophet smiled and said twice or thrice, "O Allah! Please let it rain round about us and not upon us." The clouds started dispersing over Medina to the right and to the left, and it rained round about Medina and not upon Medina. Allah showed them (the people) the miracle of His Prophet and His response to his invocation.
Lights to guide Companions
Volume 1, Book 8, Number 454:
Narrated Anas bin Malik:Two of the companions of the Prophet departed from him on a dark night and were led by two lights like lamps (going in front of them from Allah as a miracle) lighting the way in front of them, and when they parted, each of them was accompanied by one of these lights till he reached their (respective) houses.
Crying of the stem of the Date-palm Tree
Volume 4, Book 56, Number 783: Narrated Ibn Umar:
The Prophet used to deliver his sermons while standing beside a trunk of a datepalm. When he had the pulpit made, he used it instead. The trunk started crying and the Prophet went to it, rubbing his hand over it (to stop its crying).
Glorification of Allah by the Prophet's meals
Volume 4, Book 56, Number 779: Narrated 'Abdullah:
We used to consider miracles as Allah's Blessings, but you people consider them to be a warning. Once we were with Allah's Apostle on a journey, and we ran short of water. He said, "Bring the water remaining with you." The people brought a utensil containing a little water. He placed his hand in it and said, "Come to the blessed water, and the Blessing is from Allah." I saw the water flowing from among the fingers of Allah's Apostle, and no doubt, we heard the meal glorifying Allah, when it was being eaten (by him).
The expulsion of a liar's corpse by the Earth
Volume 4, Book 56, Number 814: Narrated Anas:
There was a Christian who embraced Islam and read Surat-al-Baqara and Al-Imran, and he used to write (the revelations) for the Prophet. Later on he returned to Christianity again and he used to say: "Muhammad knows nothing but what I have written for him." Then Allah caused him to die, and the people buried him, but in the morning they saw that the earth had thrown his body out. They said, "This is the act of Muhammad and his companions. They dug the grave of our companion and took his body out of it because he had run away from them." They again dug the grave deeply for him, but in the morning they again saw that the earth had thrown his body out. They said, "This is an act of Muhammad and his companions. They dug the grave of our companion and threw his body outside it, for he had run away from them." They dug the grave for him as deep as they could, but in the morning they again saw that the earth had thrown his body out. So they believed that what had befallen him was not done by human beings and had to leave him thrown (on the ground).
The Speech of the Wolf
Volume 3, Book 39, Number 517: Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet said, "While a man was riding a cow, it turned towards him and said, 'I have not been created for this purpose (i.e. carrying), I have been created for sloughing.l" The Prophet added, "I, Abu Bakr and 'Umar believe in the story." The Prophet went on, "A wolf caught a sheep, and when the shepherd chased it, the wolf said, 'Who will be its guard on the day of wild beasts, when there will be no shepherd for it except me?' "After narrating it, the Prophet said, "I, Abu Bakr and 'Umar too believe it." Abu Salama (a sub-narrator) said, "Abu Bakr and 'Umar were not present then."
It has been written that a wolf also spoke to one of the companions of the Prophet near Medina as narrated in Fath-al-Bari: Narrated Unais bin 'Amr: Ahban bin Aus said, "I was amongst my sheep. Suddenly a wolf caught a sheep and I shouted at it. The wolf sat on its tail and addressed me, saying, 'Who will look after it (i.e. the sheep) when you will be busy and not able to look after it? Do you forbid me the provision which Allah has provided me?' " Ahban added, "I clapped my hands and said, 'By Allah, I have never seen anything more curious and wonderful than this!' On that the wolf said, 'There is something (more curious) and wonderful than this; that is, Allah's Apostle in those palm trees, inviting people to Allah (i.e. Islam).' "Unais bin 'Amr further said, "Then Ahban went to Allah's Apostle and informed him what happened and embraced Islam.)" palm trees or other trees and share the fruits with me."
The Prophet's Night Journey to Jerusalem (Arabic: Israa) and Ascent to the Heavens (Arabic: Miraj)
Volume 5, Book 58, Number 228: Narrated Ibn 'Abbas:
Regarding the Statement of Allah""And We granted the vision (Ascension to the heavens) which We made you see (as an actual eye witness) was only made as a trial for the people." (17.60)
Ibn Abbas added: The sights which Allah's Apostle was shown on the Night Journey when he was taken to Bait-ul Maqdis (i.e. Jerusalem) were actual sights, (not dreams). And the Cursed Tree (mentioned) in the Quran is the tree of Zaqqum (itself) .
Volume 4, Book 54, Number 462: Narrated Ibn Abbas:
The Prophet said, "On the night of my Ascent to the Heaven, I saw Moses who was a tall brown curly-haired man as if he was one of the men of Shan'awa tribe, and I saw Jesus, a man of medium height and moderate complexion inclined to the red and white colors and of lank hair. I also saw Malik, the gate-keeper of the (Hell) Fire and Ad-Dajjal amongst the signs which Allah showed me." (The Prophet then recited the Holy Verse): "So be not you in doubt of meeting him' when you met Moses during the night of Mi'raj over the heavens" (32.23)
Narrated Anas and Abu Bakra: "The Prophet said, "The angels will guard Medina from Ad-Dajjal (who will not be able to enter the city of Medina)."
Volume 5, Book 58, Number 227: Narrated Abbas bin Malik:
Malik bin Sasaa said that Allah's Apostle described to them his Night Journey saying, "While I was lying in Al-Hatim or Al-Hijr, suddenly someone came to me and cut my body open from here to here." I asked Al-Jarud who was by my side, "What does he mean?" He said, "It means from his throat to his pubic area," or said, "From the top of the chest." The Prophet further said, "He then took out my heart. Then a gold tray of Belief was brought to me and my heart was washed and was filled (with Belief) and then returned to its original place. Then a white animal which was smaller than a mule and bigger than a donkey was brought to me." (On this Al-Jarud asked, "Was it the Buraq, O Abu Hamza?" I (i.e. Anas) replied in the affirmative). The Prophet said, "The animal's step (was so wide that it) reached the farthest point within the reach of the animal's sight. I was carried on it, and Gabriel set out with me till we reached the nearest heaven.
When he asked for the gate to be opened, it was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has Muhammad been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened, and when I went over the first heaven, I saw Adam there. Gabriel said (to me). 'This is your father, Adam; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me till we reached the second heaven. Gabriel asked for the gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel answered, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel answered in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened.
When I went over the second heaven, there I saw Yahya (i.e. John) and 'Isa (i.e. Jesus) who were cousins of each other. Gabriel said (to me), 'These are John and Jesus; pay them your greetings.' So I greeted them and both of them returned my greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the third heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is!' The gate was opened, and when I went over the third heaven there I saw Joseph. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is Joseph; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fourth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed, what an excel lent visit his is!'
The gate was opened, and when I went over the fourth heaven, there I saw Idris. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is Idris; pay him your greetings.' So I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the fifth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked. 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said He is welcomed, what an excellent visit his is! So when I went over the fifth heaven, there I saw Harun (i.e. Aaron), Gabriel said, (to me). This is Aaron; pay him your greetings.' I greeted him and he returned the greeting to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the sixth heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked. 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked, 'Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. It was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!'
When I went (over the sixth heaven), there I saw Moses. Gabriel said (to me),' This is Moses; pay him your greeting. So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious brother and pious Prophet.' When I left him (i.e. Moses) he wept. Someone asked him, 'What makes you weep?' Moses said, 'I weep because after me there has been sent (as Prophet) a young man whose followers will enter Paradise in greater numbers than my followers.' Then Gabriel ascended with me to the seventh heaven and asked for its gate to be opened. It was asked, 'Who is it?' Gabriel replied, 'Gabriel.' It was asked,' Who is accompanying you?' Gabriel replied, 'Muhammad.' It was asked, 'Has he been called?' Gabriel replied in the affirmative. Then it was said, 'He is welcomed. What an excellent visit his is!'
So when I went (over the seventh heaven), there I saw Abraham. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is your father; pay your greetings to him.' So I greeted him and he returned the greetings to me and said, 'You are welcomed, O pious son and pious Prophet.' Then I was made to ascend to Sidrat-ul-Muntaha (i.e. the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) Behold! Its fruits were like the jars of Hajr (i.e. a place near Medina) and its leaves were as big as the ears of elephants. Gabriel said, 'This is the Lote Tree of the utmost boundary) . Behold ! There ran four rivers, two were hidden and two were visible, I asked, 'What are these two kinds of rivers, O Gabriel?' He replied,' As for the hidden rivers, they are two rivers in Paradise and the visible rivers are the Nile and the Euphrates.'
Then Al-Bait-ul-Ma'mur (i.e. the Sacred House) was shown to me and a container full of wine and another full of milk and a third full of honey were brought to me. I took the milk. Gabriel remarked, 'This is the Islamic religion which you and your followers are following.' Then the prayers were enjoined on me: They were fifty prayers a day. When I returned, I passed by Moses who asked (me), 'What have you been ordered to do?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to offer fifty prayers a day.' Moses said, 'Your followers cannot bear fifty prayers a day, and by Allah, I have tested people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel (in vain). Go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your followers' burden.' So I went back, and Allah reduced ten prayers for me. Then again I came to Moses, but he repeated the same as he had said before. Then again I went back to Allah and He reduced ten more prayers. When I came back to Moses he said the same, I went back to Allah and He ordered me to observe ten prayers a day. When I came back to Moses, he repeated the same advice, so I went back to Allah and was ordered to observe five prayers a day.
When I came back to Moses, he said, 'What have you been ordered?' I replied, 'I have been ordered to observe five prayers a day.' He said, 'Your followers cannot bear five prayers a day, and no doubt, I have got an experience of the people before you, and I have tried my level best with Bani Israel, so go back to your Lord and ask for reduction to lessen your follower's burden.' I said, 'I have requested so much of my Lord that I feel ashamed, but I am satisfied now and surrender to Allah's Order.' When I left, I heard a voice saying, 'I have passed My Order and have lessened the burden of My Worshippers."
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
The Prophet of Islam (saw)
The Prophet of Islam (saw)
Taken from irca.org.au
by M.J. Majid
The crown of creation set with richest gems,
Diamonds and rubies in value beyond ken,
Unequalled in brilliance, unique of kind,
Art thou, O Great Prophet! to all mankind.
Truthful by nature and of most saintly mien,
All called thee the Trusty, the Al-Ameen.
Most loving to children, courteous to all,
To animals tender, alike to great and small;
Never on Earth a nobler soul has trod,
Never had another shewed a true way to God.
O sweetest flower that ever on Earth did bloom,
Matchless alike in divine beauty and perfume,
O whitest lily that human eyes have seen,
O loveliest rose that in the world has been.
All nature join in homage, all men adore,
Thee who brought light to a darksome World;
Thee whose teachings are as a necklace of pearls,
Which when worn does radiant beauty impart.
Adding lustre to body, to soul and to heart.
Ya Rasool-Allah! Our dearest friend and guide,
May God's eternal blessings with thee abide.
From the Arabian deserts thou sounded thy call,
To the worship of God, the Lord of all.
From the Arabian deserts thou taught mankind,
How the truest of knowledge of God to find.
Thy words flew as lightning, the whole world around,
Of Truth and Light they did fully abound.
And nations, acknowledging the power of their sway,
Did find and follow the most truthful way.
In the wake of thy words, true piety did spring,
And great knowledge and virtue did truly bring.
Never on Earth a better soul was born,
Never the World did a purer soul adorn.
Man was fast sinking in idolatry and sin,
When thou thy great mission did first begin.
Then in place of darkness thou Light did give,
And taught mankind the noblest way to live;
And reformed the World as never before,
And unique blessings on it did bestow.
Praise be to Allah for this favour divine,
In sending thee the wicked World to refine.
Search the World though we may from pole to pole,
While the great ocean of time doth onward roll.
A more perfect Prophet never can we fine,
Than thee who, thank God, gave Islam to mankind.
Ya Rasool-Allah! my homage I make to thee,
Ya Nabi-Allah! my love I tender thee.
My life, my all, for thee I gladly give,
The divine messages shall with me forever live.
My love for thee no bounds doth know,
In my heart the memory shall forever glow.
May Allah shower His choicest blessings on thee,
May Allah grant thee peace for all eternity.
Ameen
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Is it permissible to celebrate the Prophet's (PBUH) birthday?
Is it permissible to celebrate the Prophet's birthday (Allah bless him and give him peace)?
Taken from sunnipath.com (original article taken from The Muslim Magazine, 1998)
Assalamu alaikum,
The traditional scholars generally agree that it is in itself permitted to celebrate the Prophet's birthday (Allah bless him and give him peace), as long as the celebrations are free of the unlawful or reprehensible, such as free intermingling of the sexes, excessive wasteful spending, and the like, and it is not held to be something necessary to do such that those who chose not to participate are considered to be in error. Those traditional scholars who criticize it do not criticize the event itself, but these related excesses. As they themselves admit, if these matters are not found, the event itself is permitted.
The article below, by a recognized traditional scholar, Shaykh Isa Mani`, explains the permissibility of the Mawlid.
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim
Should we celebrate Mawlid (The Prophet's (s) birthday)?
Yes we should celebrate it every year
And every month and every week
And every hour and every moment.
Dr. `Isa al-Mani` al-Humayri, Department of Awqaaf, Dubai
Office of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Dubai Administration of Ifta' and Research
Click here for the rest of the article
Taken from sunnipath.com (original article taken from The Muslim Magazine, 1998)
Assalamu alaikum,
The traditional scholars generally agree that it is in itself permitted to celebrate the Prophet's birthday (Allah bless him and give him peace), as long as the celebrations are free of the unlawful or reprehensible, such as free intermingling of the sexes, excessive wasteful spending, and the like, and it is not held to be something necessary to do such that those who chose not to participate are considered to be in error. Those traditional scholars who criticize it do not criticize the event itself, but these related excesses. As they themselves admit, if these matters are not found, the event itself is permitted.
The article below, by a recognized traditional scholar, Shaykh Isa Mani`, explains the permissibility of the Mawlid.
Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim
Should we celebrate Mawlid (The Prophet's (s) birthday)?
Yes we should celebrate it every year
And every month and every week
And every hour and every moment.
Dr. `Isa al-Mani` al-Humayri, Department of Awqaaf, Dubai
Office of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Dubai Administration of Ifta' and Research
Click here for the rest of the article
Prophet Muhammad’s Last Sermon: A Final Admonition
Prophet Muhammad’s Last Sermon: A Final Admonition
By Amatullah Abdullah
Taken from islamreligion.com
Beloved Prophet Muhammad, may God send His praises upon him, was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia circa 570 C.E. He is an example for all of humanity. He was a remarkable man at all times. He excelled in all walks of life by being a prophet, ruler, philosopher, orator, soldier, husband, friend, father, uncle, nephew, and a grandfather. He was a man of love, patience, courage, wisdom, generosity, intelligence and magnitude who inspired millions of lives throughout the world.
God says in the Quran that he was sent as a mercy for the people of the world.
“We sent thee not save as a mercy for the peoples.” (Quran 21:107)
His Prophetic Mission began at the age of forty, circa 610 C.E., and continued until 632 C.E. From the path of ignorance, mankind was lead to the straight path and was blessed with the guidance of God.
Shortly before his death, Prophet Muhammad delivered a sermon during the Hajj, which came to be known as his “Final Sermon”. This final sermon was not only a reminder to his followers, but also an important admonition. The final sermon confirms the end of his Prophetic Mission.
Year 10 A.H. of the Islamic Calendar is considered to be one of the most significant years for three reasons. Firstly, this was the year when the Prophet delivered his Last Sermon during his farewell pilgrimage to Mecca. Secondly, this was the year where number of deputations came to the Prophet to announce their Islam as well as their tribes. Thirdly, it was the golden period of Islam when multitudes of people embraced the faith by accepting the message of the Prophet.
Prophet Muhammad undertook his farewell pilgrimage in the year 10 A.H. His farewell pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the most significant historical events in the minds of Muslims, for it was the first and last pilgrimage made by Prophet Muhammad, as well as being the model for performing the fifth pillar of Islam, the Hajj.
Prophet Muhammad’s final sermon was delivered during the Hajj of the year 632 C.E., the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the lunar year, at Arafat, the most blessed day of the year. There were countless Muslims present with the Prophet during his last pilgrimage when he delivered his last Sermon.
The Final Sermon:
After praising, and thanking God, the Prophet, may God send His praises upon him said:
“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. God has Judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn Abd’al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived...
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under a trust from God and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, perform your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and offer Zakat. Perform Hajj if you have the means.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve.
An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; white has no superiority over black, nor does a black have any superiority over white; [none have superiority over another] except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before God and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and it may be that the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people.”
Thus the beloved Prophet completed his Final Sermon, and upon it, near the summit of Arafat, the revelation came down:
“…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My Grace upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion…” (Quran 5:3)
Even today the Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad is passed to every Muslim in every corner of the word through all possible means of communication. Muslims are reminded about it in mosques and in lectures. Indeed the meanings found in this sermon are indeed astounding, touching upon some of the most important rights God has over humanity, and humanity has over each other. Though the Prophet’s soul has left this world, his words are still living in our hearts.
By Amatullah Abdullah
Taken from islamreligion.com
Beloved Prophet Muhammad, may God send His praises upon him, was born in Mecca, Saudi Arabia circa 570 C.E. He is an example for all of humanity. He was a remarkable man at all times. He excelled in all walks of life by being a prophet, ruler, philosopher, orator, soldier, husband, friend, father, uncle, nephew, and a grandfather. He was a man of love, patience, courage, wisdom, generosity, intelligence and magnitude who inspired millions of lives throughout the world.
God says in the Quran that he was sent as a mercy for the people of the world.
“We sent thee not save as a mercy for the peoples.” (Quran 21:107)
His Prophetic Mission began at the age of forty, circa 610 C.E., and continued until 632 C.E. From the path of ignorance, mankind was lead to the straight path and was blessed with the guidance of God.
Shortly before his death, Prophet Muhammad delivered a sermon during the Hajj, which came to be known as his “Final Sermon”. This final sermon was not only a reminder to his followers, but also an important admonition. The final sermon confirms the end of his Prophetic Mission.
Year 10 A.H. of the Islamic Calendar is considered to be one of the most significant years for three reasons. Firstly, this was the year when the Prophet delivered his Last Sermon during his farewell pilgrimage to Mecca. Secondly, this was the year where number of deputations came to the Prophet to announce their Islam as well as their tribes. Thirdly, it was the golden period of Islam when multitudes of people embraced the faith by accepting the message of the Prophet.
Prophet Muhammad undertook his farewell pilgrimage in the year 10 A.H. His farewell pilgrimage to Mecca is one of the most significant historical events in the minds of Muslims, for it was the first and last pilgrimage made by Prophet Muhammad, as well as being the model for performing the fifth pillar of Islam, the Hajj.
Prophet Muhammad’s final sermon was delivered during the Hajj of the year 632 C.E., the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the lunar year, at Arafat, the most blessed day of the year. There were countless Muslims present with the Prophet during his last pilgrimage when he delivered his last Sermon.
The Final Sermon:
After praising, and thanking God, the Prophet, may God send His praises upon him said:
“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.
O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that He will indeed reckon your deeds. God has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. God has Judged that there shall be no interest, and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn Abd’al Muttalib shall henceforth be waived...
Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.
O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under a trust from God and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.
O People, listen to me in earnest, worship God, perform your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan, and offer Zakat. Perform Hajj if you have the means.
All mankind is from Adam and Eve.
An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; white has no superiority over black, nor does a black have any superiority over white; [none have superiority over another] except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.
Remember, one day you will appear before God and answer for your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.
O People, no prophet or apostle will come after me, and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore, O people, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and my example, the Sunnah, and if you follow these you will never go astray.
All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and it may be that the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Be my witness, O God, that I have conveyed your message to your people.”
Thus the beloved Prophet completed his Final Sermon, and upon it, near the summit of Arafat, the revelation came down:
“…This day have I perfected your religion for you, completed My Grace upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion…” (Quran 5:3)
Even today the Last Sermon of Prophet Muhammad is passed to every Muslim in every corner of the word through all possible means of communication. Muslims are reminded about it in mosques and in lectures. Indeed the meanings found in this sermon are indeed astounding, touching upon some of the most important rights God has over humanity, and humanity has over each other. Though the Prophet’s soul has left this world, his words are still living in our hearts.
Prophet Muhammad's Beard, Clothes, Swords, etc.
Some items belonging to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)...
(1) The name Muhammad (PBUH) in the sky
Apparently, the name of muhammad spelt in arabic appeared in the clouds on the 12th of Rabiul Awwal 2007 during a minhajul quran mawlid conference. Source: sunnivoice of Flickr
(1) The name Muhammad (PBUH) in the sky
Apparently, the name of muhammad spelt in arabic appeared in the clouds on the 12th of Rabiul Awwal 2007 during a minhajul quran mawlid conference. Source: sunnivoice of Flickr
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(2) Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Birthplace
Source: Wazirabid_7 of Flickr
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(3) Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Old House
Source: For more pictures go to scribd.com, Djilamar of Flickr
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(4) Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Tooth, Hair & Beard
Source: zoenie, nldisu, Djilamar, arhaamahmed of Flickr
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(5) Footprints & Sandals belonging to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Source: sunnivoice, Mordern_Day_ibn_Battuta of Flickr
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(6) Some items of clothing belonging to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Source: Djilamar of Flickr
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(7) Swords belonging to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Source: Djilamar, arhaamahmed of Flickr
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(8) Seal and some letters from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Source: Chichammachail, Vincent_Amigo, Djilamar, arhaamahmed of Flickr
Source: Wazirabid_7 of Flickr
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(3) Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Old House
Source: For more pictures go to scribd.com, Djilamar of Flickr
----------------------------------------------------------
(4) Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Tooth, Hair & Beard
Source: zoenie, nldisu, Djilamar, arhaamahmed of Flickr
----------------------------------------------------------
(5) Footprints & Sandals belonging to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Source: sunnivoice, Mordern_Day_ibn_Battuta of Flickr
----------------------------------------------------------
(6) Some items of clothing belonging to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Source: Djilamar of Flickr
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(7) Swords belonging to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Source: Djilamar, arhaamahmed of Flickr
----------------------------------------------------------
(8) Seal and some letters from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Source: Chichammachail, Vincent_Amigo, Djilamar, arhaamahmed of Flickr
This is the original seal of the prophet Muhammad which has been saved in Istanbul Museum. It reads "Muhammad prophet of Allah"
(for a translation of the above letter click here)
(for a translation of the above letter click here)
Videos: "The Message" & "Muhammad: The Last Prophet" (PBUH)
Videos: "The Message" & "Muhammad: The Last Prophet" (PBUH)
A couple of useful films - one animation (for the kids) and one feature film (for the adults). If you like the films please buy the DVDs at your convenience. I have included some links to preview the films - if the links don't work then please search on youtube/ Google Video for them.
It must be stressed that the items below are videos and we will never really understand the Sirah Rasul Allah (Life of the Apostle of God) unless we study the Qur’an and Sunnah for ourselves.
Muhammad: The Last Prophet (2002)
Muhammad: The Last Prophet is an animated movie produced by Badr International and directed by Richard Rich. The movie was released in limited cinemas in the United States and the United Kingdom. The movie focuses on the early days of Islam and Muhammad.
Cert: U , Runtime: 1 hour 35 mins
Watch it here:
- Part 1 of 12 - Part 2 of 12 - Part 3 of 12 - Part 4 of 12
- Part 5 of 12 - Part 6 of 12 - Part 7 of 12 - Part 8 of 12
- Part 9 of 12 - Part 10 of 12 - Part 11 of 12 - Part 12 of 12
----------------------------------------------------
The Message (1976)
Mohammad, Messenger of God (retitled The Message for U.S. release) is a 1976 film directed by Moustapha Akkad, chronicling the life and times of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (PBUH). Starring Anthony Quinn.
Cert: PG , Runtime: 3 hours 3 mins
Watch it here : Click here!
A couple of useful films - one animation (for the kids) and one feature film (for the adults). If you like the films please buy the DVDs at your convenience. I have included some links to preview the films - if the links don't work then please search on youtube/ Google Video for them.
It must be stressed that the items below are videos and we will never really understand the Sirah Rasul Allah (Life of the Apostle of God) unless we study the Qur’an and Sunnah for ourselves.
Muhammad: The Last Prophet (2002)
Muhammad: The Last Prophet is an animated movie produced by Badr International and directed by Richard Rich. The movie was released in limited cinemas in the United States and the United Kingdom. The movie focuses on the early days of Islam and Muhammad.
Cert: U , Runtime: 1 hour 35 mins
Watch it here:
- Part 1 of 12 - Part 2 of 12 - Part 3 of 12 - Part 4 of 12
- Part 5 of 12 - Part 6 of 12 - Part 7 of 12 - Part 8 of 12
- Part 9 of 12 - Part 10 of 12 - Part 11 of 12 - Part 12 of 12
----------------------------------------------------
The Message (1976)
Mohammad, Messenger of God (retitled The Message for U.S. release) is a 1976 film directed by Moustapha Akkad, chronicling the life and times of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (PBUH). Starring Anthony Quinn.
Cert: PG , Runtime: 3 hours 3 mins
Watch it here : Click here!
The Most Influential Human Being To Have Ever Lived
The Most Influential Human Being To Have Ever Lived
Below is a video about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that is worth watching...
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) - onewayTOtheend
Below is a video about the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that is worth watching...
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) - onewayTOtheend
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Story of Prophet Musa
The Story of Prophet Musa
By: Jamil Momand
Taken from: newhorizonschool.org
Part I
Prophet Musa was born in the land of Egypt and came from the people known as the Israelites. The ruler of Egypt was the Pharoah and he hated the Israelites that were in his land. In a fit of anger he sent an order throughout the countryside that said that all Israelite baby boys had to be killed as soon as they were born. When Musa was born, he was supposed to be killed along with the others but Allah had a plan for Musa. He ordered Musa's mother to place Musa in a wooden chest in the great Nile River and allow it to float downstream. The mother did what she was told but was afraid she would never see Musa again.
Allah guided the chest down the Nile River and, eventually, it floated into a small stream. The Pharoah's wife spotted the chest and ordered her servants to bring it ashore. When the Pharoah's wife saw the baby, she fell in love with him. She picked up the baby and showed it to the Pharoah. "Look," she said, "Here is a joy for the eye to behold. Please don't kill him.
Instead, we could adopt him as a son for ourselves." The Pharoah agreed with her and they decided to keep the baby. So Allah spared Musa the death that was supposed to await him and he was raised in the royal court of the Pharoah of Egypt.
In the meantime, Musa's mother became very sad and wept bitterly at the thought of her helpless little Musa. Allah knows how much a mother loves her child so He made a plan for them to unite. The mother sent her daughter to the Pharoah's court in order to check on baby Musa. When the daughter came to the royal palace, she found the Pharoah's wife very upset.
"Why won't this baby eat?" she exclaimed to her servants. "He will surely die unless someone can nurse him." Then Musa's sister spoke up. "I know of a people that will nourish the baby and make him strong," she said. The Pharoah's wife was very surprised but was desparate, so she agreed to let the baby go to be fed. The Pharoah's wife never knew that it was Musa's mother who nursed baby Musa. Thus Allah made the mother happy again because she could see her son every day.
Musa grew to become big and strong. One day he saw an Egyptian beating an Israelite. The poor Israelite asked Musa to help him. Musa stepped forward and hit the Egyptian with such a powerful blow that the Egyptian collapsed and died. After seeing what he had done, a cold sweat broke out on Musa's forehead. He said to himself, "This is the evil work of Satan. He is an enemy who clearly misleads!" Musa knew it was a sin to kill anyone until he is brought to trial and found guilty. He knelt on the ground and prayed to Allah. "O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul. Do You forgive me?" Allah is the Most Merciful, and out of His mercy Allah forgave Musa. Musa then vowed never to help those that sin and to be in Allah's service for the rest of his life.
The next morning Musa was still shaken from what had happened the night before. Then he saw the same man he had helped last night being beaten by another Egyptian. Again Musa prepared himself to help the weaker one when the Egyptian said something that made Musa stop. He said, "O Musa! Is it your intention to kill me the same way you killed that man last night? It seems you want to be a violent and unjust man." Before Musa could reply another man came running toward them saying, "Musa the Egyptian chiefs are coming to kill you. Get away while there is still time!" Musa asked Allah to save him from these sinful people and then headed for the land of Madyan. Though Musa did not know it he was about to encounter many more adventures in his life devoted to the service of Allah.
Part II- Musa Receives a Message from Allah
Musa left the land of Egypt to go to the land of Maydan. He had been traveling for several days when he stumbled upon a small oasis which had several trees and a water hole. The sun was blazing hot, so Musa decided to rest awhile. At the water hole he saw some men who were letting their animals have some water. Waiting behind them were two young women with a tiny flock of sheep. After a long time he called out to the women, "What's wrong? Why don't you water your sheep?" The women told Musa that they couldn't because the water hole was too crowded with the men's flock. Upon hearing that, Musa got up and steered their sheep toward the water, allowing them to drink. The men grumbled a little at first, but upon seeing how big and strong Musa was, they stopped grumbling and looked down.
The two young women smiled and were very grateful for Musa's kind help. Musa sat back down under the cool shade of a tree and the women took their flock of sheep back home. A little later one of them came back and asked him to come meet her father Musa agreed and went with her. The father was old and needed a young man to help with the care of the animals. After talking to Musa, the father found him to be a good man, so he offered one of his daughters to him in marriage. Musa agreed and helped the old man for several years. The marriage was a happy one, and they all prospered due to Musa's hard work and good judgment.
Many years later, Musa decided to travel with his family. He was content with his life and had completely forgotten his troubles in Egypt. One day he saw a small fire far off in the distance.
Since it was very cold, he went to go fetch a burning log to warm his family. As he approached the fire, he noticed something strange. The fire was only in one bush and did not spread to other bushes or trees. At the same time the bush didn't burn up and become ashes; it just stayed there-burning. Then Musa heard a voice say, "O Musa, I am your Lord. Therefore in My presence take of your shoes." Musa did what he was ordered.
Allah told Musa that he was to be a prophet. His mission was to go to the Pharoah of Egypt and tell him that there is no god but Allah. If the Pharoah and his people did not change their evil ways Allah would punish them.
Then Allah said, "What is that in your right hand, O Musa?" He answered, "It is my rod," Allah said "Throw it, O Musa!" When he threw the rod, it hit the ground and started to move by itself. At first Musa stood there gazing at it. Then he turned and started to run. Allah told Musa not to run because, as long as Allah was with him, there was nothing to be afraid of. Musa came back and looked at the rod again. It had turned into a brown snake, slithering and hissing on the ground. He bent down to pick it up by its tail. As soon as he grabbed it, the snake became rigid and was a rod again.
Then Allah ordered Musa to placed his hand on his chest. When Musa did this his right hand radiated with light. To make his hand normal again, he simply put his hand back on his chest.
Allah ordered Musa to go to the Pharoah with these two miracles and to warn him of Allah's command. Before Musa left the blazing bush, he asked Allah to make him brave and to let him bring his brother Aaron with him. Allah granted both of these requests to Prophet Musa and assured him that he and his followers would win over the Pharoah.
Part III - Musa Shows Pharaoh Signs From Allah
Musa now stood at the royal palace with his brother Aaron alongside him. He had not seen Egypt for many years and he knew that his life was in danger. Nothing could have brought him back except the command of Allah. Prophet Musa could still hear the words of Allah ringing in his ears: "Go to the Pharaoh and tell him to let the Israelites leave the land of Egypt." Musa climbed the golden steps that led to Pharaoh's throne. When he reached the top he said, "O Pharaoh, I am the Apostle of the Lord of the Worlds. Let the Israelites go with me and do not harm them. There will be peace to all those who follow the guidance of Allah."
Musa went on to warn the Pharaoh of all the calamities that would occur if he did not follow the guidance of Allah. But the Pharaoh refused to listen because he truly thought that he himself was a god. He looked about him and saw the riches he had and he was sure that there could never be anyone more powerful than he.
The Pharaoh asked Musa to show a sign from Allah so the Prophet threw down his rod and it began to move and slither. At first the Pharaoh was scared but tried hard not to show it. "Ha!" said the Pharaoh in a prideful way, "I have sorcerers that can match your magic."
Then Musa showed his radiant hand. It glowed with a shining white light. Still, the Pharaoh did not believe that Musa was the Apostle of Allah. He said, "I can build a throne that is as high as your Lord's throne, Musa. And I will prove that your power from Allah is weak compared to my power." The Pharaoh searched the land of Egypt for the best sorcerers available. When he found them, he brought them to his court and told them that if their magic was better than Musa's they would be rewarded handsomely. The sorcerers readily agreed to the plan because they did not know who Musa was. Musa did not have any magic but he had something that was much more powerful; he had true signs from Allah.
On the day of the contest the Pharaoh's court was filled with many people. Everyone in the room sided with the Pharaoh and left Musa all alone. But Musa remembered that Allah was with him. The sorcerers assembled their ropes and rods and asked Musa if he wished to have the first throw. Musa said, "No, you have the first throw." And they did. All of the sudden Musa saw snakes and wiggly things and their magic appeared to be powerful. Allah said to Prophet Musa, "Throw your rod now." When the rod fell to the ground it turned into a snake also and it swallowed all the ropes and other snake-like objects. After the last sorcerer's rope had been swallowed, Musa grabbed the snake and it became a rod once again. A hush fell over the crowded court and the sorcerers looked at each other in a perplexed fashion. They turned to Musa now realizing that Musa was not a magician or a sorcerer. They knew that Musa's power came from something greater than anything human.
The sorcerers then fell on their knees to beg for forgiveness from Allah for their evil ways. Allah forgave them but the Pharaoh grew furious. "How can you believe in Allah before I give you permission?" he said angrily. "If you don't get up right now, I'll have your arms and legs cut off and you will be crucified." The sorcerers said, "Do what you will, but we fear the punishment of Allah much more than any torture you could do to us."
The Pharaoh now realized he had a problem. Musa once again demanded that the Israelites go with him out of Egypt but the Pharaoh still would not allow it. Then Allah brought down a drought that stopped crops from growing and made cattle die of thirst. The Pharaoh promised to let the Israelites go if the drought would stop. Allah stopped the drought but the Pharaoh broke his promise. Many punishments came on Egypt and during each calamity the Pharaoh would make a promise to Musa. After the calamity had passed, however, he would go back on his word. Plagues, lice, locusts and frogs came, each more horrible than the last. Even the water in Egypt turned to blood, but still the Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go.
Finally, Allah told Musa to take the people out of Egypt during the night. Prophet Musa and the Israelites were well out of Egypt before the Egyptians knew what had happened. When the Pharaoh found out the Israelites had escaped he ordered all his forces to go and catch them and bring them back. He himself climbed into a golden chariot drawn by four white horses. He whipped them as hard as he could in order to catch Musa.
When Musa reached the Red Sea, Allah commanded him to strike the water with his rod. When he did the Red Sea miraculously parted and left a straight and narrow path down which Musa guided his people. The Israelites were awed but ran as fast as they could because they heard the hoof beats of the Pharaoh and the Egyptians.
When the Pharaoh got to the Red Sea, he paused for a moment. The path was still open and he could see the Israelites just starting to scramble up the other side of the water. "Now we've got them," thought the Pharaoh. He whipped his horses once again and yelled out a savage battle cry which was heard by Musa and the Israelites on the other side. When the last old lady climbed up out of the parted Red Sea, Musa could see the Pharaoh not more than a hundred feet away. The Pharaoh had now caught up to Musa and, brandishing his heavy sword, looked as if he would surely get his revenge.
All of a sudden the mountains of water on each side of the narrow path came crashing down. The Egyptians cried out but their voices were cut off by the splash of water on their helpless bodies. The Pharaoh's chariot overturned and the brave white horses neighed. A few seconds later, the only sound that could be heard was the calm water lapping lazily upon the shore.
Musa and the Israelites had escaped from Egypt with the help of Allah and were now headed for the promised land.
Part IV - Allah Tests the Israelites
Musa and the Israelites had just crossed the Red Sea and were now beginning their journey to the promised land of Canaan. Allah told them that this was the land of abundance and that the Israelites were to be an example for all of mankind to follow. But Canaan was still far away and the sun grew fierce and hot. Allah, in His mercy, shielded the people from the sun by making clouds follow them wherever they went. As they crossed the desert it was impossible to find enough food to feed all the people. Allah knew this so He created a food called manna and made it fall from the sky as if it was rain. For meat Allah made quails fly to them which they could easily catch. Surely these people were blessed to have Allah as their Protector.
For many days they went without water and they became thirsty. Allah told Prophet Musa to strike a large rock with his rod. When he did water gushed out of it from twelve different places. There were twelve tribes in the nation of Israel and each one had their own fountain of cool clear water.
With all of these blessings it is hard to imagine the Israelites disobeying Allah. Yet they started to complain to Prophet Musa that they wanted to go back to Egypt. They were tired of manna and tired of traveling. They wondered if there was really a land called Canaan after all. They had forgotten that not too long ago they were mere slaves to the Pharaoh and the Egyptians.
Then the Israelites passed through a town. The people of this town worshipped idols like the Egyptians did. The Israelites said to Prophet Musa, "O Musa make us a god like the gods these people have." Prophet Musa warned them that Allah is the only true God.
Allah commanded Musa to go to the top of Mount Sinai so that He could give Musa the Tablets. The Tablets were stone slabs that had special laws to govern the Israelites. Musa told his brother Aaron that he was to be in charge of the people while he was on top of the mountain.
The climb was long and difficult. When he got to the top Musa said, "O my Lord show Thyself that I may look upon Thee." Allah told Musa that if a nearby mountain could withstand the full Glory of Allah then Musa may look upon Him. Allah showed His Glory to the mountain. The earth began shaking and there was a shining light. Within a few seconds the mountain crumbled to dust and Musa fell over backward. When Musa regained consciousness he prayed to Allah. Allah then gave Musa the Tablets to take back to the Israelites.
After forty days Musa came down from Mount Sinai with the Tablets in his hands. When he came down he was horrified by what he saw. The Israelites had melted down their jewelry to make a golden calf. They molded the calf so that it was hollow inside. When the wind blew through the hollow calf it made strange noises. The Israelites worshipped the golden calf.
Musa became angry. He grabbed Aaron by his hair and said, "Did I not tell you to watch the people in my absence?" Aaron tried to stop the people form worshipping the calf but they didn't listen to him and threatened to kill him. Musa let go of his brother and asked Allah for forgiveness for himself and Aaron. The one who actually led the people to make the false god was the Samari. He said that this calf was their god and the god of Musa, but Musa had forgotten. When Musa questioned the Samari he said in reply, "I took a pinch of sand from your footstep, O' Musa, and tossed it into the molten gods as it was being shaped." The Samari thought this would flatter Prophet Musa but instead Musa became more angry and said to the Samari, "Get out of my sight and from now on whenever someone comes to you you must say, "Touch me not.'" That was his punishment in this life but Allah has a greater punishment waiting for the Samari and his followers in the next life. Musa then seized the golden calf, melted it down, and scattered its gold across the sea.
Still many of the people did not believe in Allah. Musa took seventy men with him to the mountain to prove that Allah did exist. When they approached the holy place the ground began to shake and they started to fall. They cried to Musa to ask Allah for forgiveness for them. But each time Allah forgave the people they went against Allah and Prophet Musa again and again.
Then Allah commanded that the Israelites to sacrifice a cow. Instead of doing it they laughed and told Musa to ask Allah what kind of cow. Then they wanted to know what color it had to be. They kept on asking Musa more and more details about the cow until they forgot that the reason they were sacrificing the cow was for Allah.
In the end, many of the Israelites disobeyed all of Allah's commandments. Allah said to them, "You are apes, despised and rejected." Allah broke up the Israelites into many different tiny groups. They never reached Canaan. After the generation of Prophet Musa came another generation. These people thought only of this world and nothing else. They felt that they were the chosen people and that if they would do anything wrong they would be forgiven.
Allah tested the Israelites in times of bad while they lived in Egypt. Allah also tested them in times of prosperity after they crossed the Red Sea. Allah wanted the Israelites to strive for the straight path. Some listened but many did not.
By: Jamil Momand
Taken from: newhorizonschool.org
Part I
Prophet Musa was born in the land of Egypt and came from the people known as the Israelites. The ruler of Egypt was the Pharoah and he hated the Israelites that were in his land. In a fit of anger he sent an order throughout the countryside that said that all Israelite baby boys had to be killed as soon as they were born. When Musa was born, he was supposed to be killed along with the others but Allah had a plan for Musa. He ordered Musa's mother to place Musa in a wooden chest in the great Nile River and allow it to float downstream. The mother did what she was told but was afraid she would never see Musa again.
Allah guided the chest down the Nile River and, eventually, it floated into a small stream. The Pharoah's wife spotted the chest and ordered her servants to bring it ashore. When the Pharoah's wife saw the baby, she fell in love with him. She picked up the baby and showed it to the Pharoah. "Look," she said, "Here is a joy for the eye to behold. Please don't kill him.
Instead, we could adopt him as a son for ourselves." The Pharoah agreed with her and they decided to keep the baby. So Allah spared Musa the death that was supposed to await him and he was raised in the royal court of the Pharoah of Egypt.
In the meantime, Musa's mother became very sad and wept bitterly at the thought of her helpless little Musa. Allah knows how much a mother loves her child so He made a plan for them to unite. The mother sent her daughter to the Pharoah's court in order to check on baby Musa. When the daughter came to the royal palace, she found the Pharoah's wife very upset.
"Why won't this baby eat?" she exclaimed to her servants. "He will surely die unless someone can nurse him." Then Musa's sister spoke up. "I know of a people that will nourish the baby and make him strong," she said. The Pharoah's wife was very surprised but was desparate, so she agreed to let the baby go to be fed. The Pharoah's wife never knew that it was Musa's mother who nursed baby Musa. Thus Allah made the mother happy again because she could see her son every day.
Musa grew to become big and strong. One day he saw an Egyptian beating an Israelite. The poor Israelite asked Musa to help him. Musa stepped forward and hit the Egyptian with such a powerful blow that the Egyptian collapsed and died. After seeing what he had done, a cold sweat broke out on Musa's forehead. He said to himself, "This is the evil work of Satan. He is an enemy who clearly misleads!" Musa knew it was a sin to kill anyone until he is brought to trial and found guilty. He knelt on the ground and prayed to Allah. "O my Lord! I have indeed wronged my soul. Do You forgive me?" Allah is the Most Merciful, and out of His mercy Allah forgave Musa. Musa then vowed never to help those that sin and to be in Allah's service for the rest of his life.
The next morning Musa was still shaken from what had happened the night before. Then he saw the same man he had helped last night being beaten by another Egyptian. Again Musa prepared himself to help the weaker one when the Egyptian said something that made Musa stop. He said, "O Musa! Is it your intention to kill me the same way you killed that man last night? It seems you want to be a violent and unjust man." Before Musa could reply another man came running toward them saying, "Musa the Egyptian chiefs are coming to kill you. Get away while there is still time!" Musa asked Allah to save him from these sinful people and then headed for the land of Madyan. Though Musa did not know it he was about to encounter many more adventures in his life devoted to the service of Allah.
Part II- Musa Receives a Message from Allah
Musa left the land of Egypt to go to the land of Maydan. He had been traveling for several days when he stumbled upon a small oasis which had several trees and a water hole. The sun was blazing hot, so Musa decided to rest awhile. At the water hole he saw some men who were letting their animals have some water. Waiting behind them were two young women with a tiny flock of sheep. After a long time he called out to the women, "What's wrong? Why don't you water your sheep?" The women told Musa that they couldn't because the water hole was too crowded with the men's flock. Upon hearing that, Musa got up and steered their sheep toward the water, allowing them to drink. The men grumbled a little at first, but upon seeing how big and strong Musa was, they stopped grumbling and looked down.
The two young women smiled and were very grateful for Musa's kind help. Musa sat back down under the cool shade of a tree and the women took their flock of sheep back home. A little later one of them came back and asked him to come meet her father Musa agreed and went with her. The father was old and needed a young man to help with the care of the animals. After talking to Musa, the father found him to be a good man, so he offered one of his daughters to him in marriage. Musa agreed and helped the old man for several years. The marriage was a happy one, and they all prospered due to Musa's hard work and good judgment.
Many years later, Musa decided to travel with his family. He was content with his life and had completely forgotten his troubles in Egypt. One day he saw a small fire far off in the distance.
Since it was very cold, he went to go fetch a burning log to warm his family. As he approached the fire, he noticed something strange. The fire was only in one bush and did not spread to other bushes or trees. At the same time the bush didn't burn up and become ashes; it just stayed there-burning. Then Musa heard a voice say, "O Musa, I am your Lord. Therefore in My presence take of your shoes." Musa did what he was ordered.
Allah told Musa that he was to be a prophet. His mission was to go to the Pharoah of Egypt and tell him that there is no god but Allah. If the Pharoah and his people did not change their evil ways Allah would punish them.
Then Allah said, "What is that in your right hand, O Musa?" He answered, "It is my rod," Allah said "Throw it, O Musa!" When he threw the rod, it hit the ground and started to move by itself. At first Musa stood there gazing at it. Then he turned and started to run. Allah told Musa not to run because, as long as Allah was with him, there was nothing to be afraid of. Musa came back and looked at the rod again. It had turned into a brown snake, slithering and hissing on the ground. He bent down to pick it up by its tail. As soon as he grabbed it, the snake became rigid and was a rod again.
Then Allah ordered Musa to placed his hand on his chest. When Musa did this his right hand radiated with light. To make his hand normal again, he simply put his hand back on his chest.
Allah ordered Musa to go to the Pharoah with these two miracles and to warn him of Allah's command. Before Musa left the blazing bush, he asked Allah to make him brave and to let him bring his brother Aaron with him. Allah granted both of these requests to Prophet Musa and assured him that he and his followers would win over the Pharoah.
Part III - Musa Shows Pharaoh Signs From Allah
Musa now stood at the royal palace with his brother Aaron alongside him. He had not seen Egypt for many years and he knew that his life was in danger. Nothing could have brought him back except the command of Allah. Prophet Musa could still hear the words of Allah ringing in his ears: "Go to the Pharaoh and tell him to let the Israelites leave the land of Egypt." Musa climbed the golden steps that led to Pharaoh's throne. When he reached the top he said, "O Pharaoh, I am the Apostle of the Lord of the Worlds. Let the Israelites go with me and do not harm them. There will be peace to all those who follow the guidance of Allah."
Musa went on to warn the Pharaoh of all the calamities that would occur if he did not follow the guidance of Allah. But the Pharaoh refused to listen because he truly thought that he himself was a god. He looked about him and saw the riches he had and he was sure that there could never be anyone more powerful than he.
The Pharaoh asked Musa to show a sign from Allah so the Prophet threw down his rod and it began to move and slither. At first the Pharaoh was scared but tried hard not to show it. "Ha!" said the Pharaoh in a prideful way, "I have sorcerers that can match your magic."
Then Musa showed his radiant hand. It glowed with a shining white light. Still, the Pharaoh did not believe that Musa was the Apostle of Allah. He said, "I can build a throne that is as high as your Lord's throne, Musa. And I will prove that your power from Allah is weak compared to my power." The Pharaoh searched the land of Egypt for the best sorcerers available. When he found them, he brought them to his court and told them that if their magic was better than Musa's they would be rewarded handsomely. The sorcerers readily agreed to the plan because they did not know who Musa was. Musa did not have any magic but he had something that was much more powerful; he had true signs from Allah.
On the day of the contest the Pharaoh's court was filled with many people. Everyone in the room sided with the Pharaoh and left Musa all alone. But Musa remembered that Allah was with him. The sorcerers assembled their ropes and rods and asked Musa if he wished to have the first throw. Musa said, "No, you have the first throw." And they did. All of the sudden Musa saw snakes and wiggly things and their magic appeared to be powerful. Allah said to Prophet Musa, "Throw your rod now." When the rod fell to the ground it turned into a snake also and it swallowed all the ropes and other snake-like objects. After the last sorcerer's rope had been swallowed, Musa grabbed the snake and it became a rod once again. A hush fell over the crowded court and the sorcerers looked at each other in a perplexed fashion. They turned to Musa now realizing that Musa was not a magician or a sorcerer. They knew that Musa's power came from something greater than anything human.
The sorcerers then fell on their knees to beg for forgiveness from Allah for their evil ways. Allah forgave them but the Pharaoh grew furious. "How can you believe in Allah before I give you permission?" he said angrily. "If you don't get up right now, I'll have your arms and legs cut off and you will be crucified." The sorcerers said, "Do what you will, but we fear the punishment of Allah much more than any torture you could do to us."
The Pharaoh now realized he had a problem. Musa once again demanded that the Israelites go with him out of Egypt but the Pharaoh still would not allow it. Then Allah brought down a drought that stopped crops from growing and made cattle die of thirst. The Pharaoh promised to let the Israelites go if the drought would stop. Allah stopped the drought but the Pharaoh broke his promise. Many punishments came on Egypt and during each calamity the Pharaoh would make a promise to Musa. After the calamity had passed, however, he would go back on his word. Plagues, lice, locusts and frogs came, each more horrible than the last. Even the water in Egypt turned to blood, but still the Pharaoh refused to let the Israelites go.
Finally, Allah told Musa to take the people out of Egypt during the night. Prophet Musa and the Israelites were well out of Egypt before the Egyptians knew what had happened. When the Pharaoh found out the Israelites had escaped he ordered all his forces to go and catch them and bring them back. He himself climbed into a golden chariot drawn by four white horses. He whipped them as hard as he could in order to catch Musa.
When Musa reached the Red Sea, Allah commanded him to strike the water with his rod. When he did the Red Sea miraculously parted and left a straight and narrow path down which Musa guided his people. The Israelites were awed but ran as fast as they could because they heard the hoof beats of the Pharaoh and the Egyptians.
When the Pharaoh got to the Red Sea, he paused for a moment. The path was still open and he could see the Israelites just starting to scramble up the other side of the water. "Now we've got them," thought the Pharaoh. He whipped his horses once again and yelled out a savage battle cry which was heard by Musa and the Israelites on the other side. When the last old lady climbed up out of the parted Red Sea, Musa could see the Pharaoh not more than a hundred feet away. The Pharaoh had now caught up to Musa and, brandishing his heavy sword, looked as if he would surely get his revenge.
All of a sudden the mountains of water on each side of the narrow path came crashing down. The Egyptians cried out but their voices were cut off by the splash of water on their helpless bodies. The Pharaoh's chariot overturned and the brave white horses neighed. A few seconds later, the only sound that could be heard was the calm water lapping lazily upon the shore.
Musa and the Israelites had escaped from Egypt with the help of Allah and were now headed for the promised land.
Part IV - Allah Tests the Israelites
Musa and the Israelites had just crossed the Red Sea and were now beginning their journey to the promised land of Canaan. Allah told them that this was the land of abundance and that the Israelites were to be an example for all of mankind to follow. But Canaan was still far away and the sun grew fierce and hot. Allah, in His mercy, shielded the people from the sun by making clouds follow them wherever they went. As they crossed the desert it was impossible to find enough food to feed all the people. Allah knew this so He created a food called manna and made it fall from the sky as if it was rain. For meat Allah made quails fly to them which they could easily catch. Surely these people were blessed to have Allah as their Protector.
For many days they went without water and they became thirsty. Allah told Prophet Musa to strike a large rock with his rod. When he did water gushed out of it from twelve different places. There were twelve tribes in the nation of Israel and each one had their own fountain of cool clear water.
With all of these blessings it is hard to imagine the Israelites disobeying Allah. Yet they started to complain to Prophet Musa that they wanted to go back to Egypt. They were tired of manna and tired of traveling. They wondered if there was really a land called Canaan after all. They had forgotten that not too long ago they were mere slaves to the Pharaoh and the Egyptians.
Then the Israelites passed through a town. The people of this town worshipped idols like the Egyptians did. The Israelites said to Prophet Musa, "O Musa make us a god like the gods these people have." Prophet Musa warned them that Allah is the only true God.
Allah commanded Musa to go to the top of Mount Sinai so that He could give Musa the Tablets. The Tablets were stone slabs that had special laws to govern the Israelites. Musa told his brother Aaron that he was to be in charge of the people while he was on top of the mountain.
The climb was long and difficult. When he got to the top Musa said, "O my Lord show Thyself that I may look upon Thee." Allah told Musa that if a nearby mountain could withstand the full Glory of Allah then Musa may look upon Him. Allah showed His Glory to the mountain. The earth began shaking and there was a shining light. Within a few seconds the mountain crumbled to dust and Musa fell over backward. When Musa regained consciousness he prayed to Allah. Allah then gave Musa the Tablets to take back to the Israelites.
After forty days Musa came down from Mount Sinai with the Tablets in his hands. When he came down he was horrified by what he saw. The Israelites had melted down their jewelry to make a golden calf. They molded the calf so that it was hollow inside. When the wind blew through the hollow calf it made strange noises. The Israelites worshipped the golden calf.
Musa became angry. He grabbed Aaron by his hair and said, "Did I not tell you to watch the people in my absence?" Aaron tried to stop the people form worshipping the calf but they didn't listen to him and threatened to kill him. Musa let go of his brother and asked Allah for forgiveness for himself and Aaron. The one who actually led the people to make the false god was the Samari. He said that this calf was their god and the god of Musa, but Musa had forgotten. When Musa questioned the Samari he said in reply, "I took a pinch of sand from your footstep, O' Musa, and tossed it into the molten gods as it was being shaped." The Samari thought this would flatter Prophet Musa but instead Musa became more angry and said to the Samari, "Get out of my sight and from now on whenever someone comes to you you must say, "Touch me not.'" That was his punishment in this life but Allah has a greater punishment waiting for the Samari and his followers in the next life. Musa then seized the golden calf, melted it down, and scattered its gold across the sea.
Still many of the people did not believe in Allah. Musa took seventy men with him to the mountain to prove that Allah did exist. When they approached the holy place the ground began to shake and they started to fall. They cried to Musa to ask Allah for forgiveness for them. But each time Allah forgave the people they went against Allah and Prophet Musa again and again.
Then Allah commanded that the Israelites to sacrifice a cow. Instead of doing it they laughed and told Musa to ask Allah what kind of cow. Then they wanted to know what color it had to be. They kept on asking Musa more and more details about the cow until they forgot that the reason they were sacrificing the cow was for Allah.
In the end, many of the Israelites disobeyed all of Allah's commandments. Allah said to them, "You are apes, despised and rejected." Allah broke up the Israelites into many different tiny groups. They never reached Canaan. After the generation of Prophet Musa came another generation. These people thought only of this world and nothing else. They felt that they were the chosen people and that if they would do anything wrong they would be forgiven.
Allah tested the Israelites in times of bad while they lived in Egypt. Allah also tested them in times of prosperity after they crossed the Red Sea. Allah wanted the Israelites to strive for the straight path. Some listened but many did not.
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