Prophet Muhammad

The Prophet of Islam Mohammed (SAW) had both sons and daughters.

but all his sons died in early childhood.

According to the most correct opinion, he had seven children, three boys and four girls.(radi Allah anhumah)

The girls (These children were all born from Khadeejah) were:

1- Syeda Zaynab bint Mohammed

2- Syeda Ruqayyah bint Mohammed

3- Syeda Umm Kulthoom bint Mohammed

4- Syeda Fatimah Zahra bint Mohammed

And The boys were:

(Children born from Khadeejah)

1- Al-Qaasim ibn Mohammed

2- Abd-Allaah ibn Mohammed

(Child born from Maariyah al-Qibtiyyah)

3- Ibraaheem ibn Mohammed

All of his children died during his lifetime, other than Fatimah who died after him (6 months later) (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon Them).

his descendants are his grandsons, the children of Fatima and Ali (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon Them).

As per Muslim ,Islam and Quran ... the Islam is absolute religion which exists from the day one of the mankind and Adam (peace be upon him) was the first prophet/messenger of Allah ....and the last being Muhammad (peace be upon him) ......

The following verses from Quran proves the point ....

And He(Allah) taught Adam the names of all things; then He placed them before the angels, and said: "Tell me the names of these if ye are right."

( Quran,Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #31)

Allah did choose Adam and Noah, the family of Abraham, and the family of 'Imran above all people,-

( Quran,Aal-e-Imran, Chapter #3, Verse #33)

We(Allah) have sent thee inspiration, as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him: we sent inspiration to Abraham, Isma'il, Isaac, Jacob and the Tribes, to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David We gave the Psalms.

( Quran,An-Nisa, Chapter #4, Verse #163)

And remember We(Allah) took from the prophets their covenant: As (We did) from thee: from Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus the son of Mary: We took from them a solemn covenant:

( Quran,Al-Ahzab, Chapter #33, Verse #7)

We(Allah) gave Moses the Book and followed him up with a succession of apostles; We gave Jesus the son of Mary Clear (Signs) and strengthened him with the holy spirit. Is it that whenever there comes to you an apostle with what ye yourselves desire not, ye are puffed up with pride?- Some ye called impostors, and others ye slay!

( Quran , Al-Baqara, Chapter #2, Verse #87)

So as per Muslim ,Islam and Quran ... the Islam is absolute religion which exists from the day one of the mankind and Adam (peace be upon him) was the first prophet/messenger of Allah ..and the last being Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Muhammad(pbuh) was born in Mecca in the year 570. Since his father died before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative. Muhammad (pbuh) was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society.

It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near Mecca. At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad(pbuh) received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for 23 years is known as the Quran. As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate.

This event, the Hijra 'migration', in which they left Mecca for the city of Medina, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. After several years, the Prophet and his followers were able to return to Mecca, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet saw dies at the age of 63, the greater part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his death Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China. He died with less than 5 possessions to his name.

While Muhammad (pbuh) was chosen to deliver the message, he is not considered the "founder" of Islam, since Muslims consider Islam to be the same divine guidance sent to all peoples before. Muslims believe all the prophets from Adam, Noah, Moses, Jesus etc. were all sent with divine guidance for their peoples. Every prophet was sent to his own people, but Muhammad(pbuh) was sent to all of mankind. Muhammad is the last and final messenger sent to deliver the message of Islam. Muslims revere and honor him (pbuh) for all he went through and his dedication, but they do not worship him. "O Prophet, verily We have sent you as a witness and a bearer of glad tidings and a warner and as one who invites unto God by His leave and as an illuminating lamp."(33:45-6)

A quick ADDITION

"Muslim" means the one who submits to God's will through monotheism (belief) and actions. There were Muslims since humans were created. Of all people there were those who followed the teachings of God and those who didn't.

Answer 2

God "Allah" is the inspirer of Islam upon Mohammad , and Mohammad was His last prophet . No Muslim can worship anyone else than GoD. Anyone to worship anyone or anything except GOD is not a Muslim.

Answer 4

Muslims do not worship Mohammad as he was just a human and died like anyone else. Islam, Christianity and Judaism does not allow human worship.

The first pillar of the Islam five pillars. This is a declaration and must be made Three times, sincerely for someone to become a Muslim. This is the most important Muslim beliefand this involves :

1. Tawhid - Allah is the ONE and no-one and nothing can be compared to him. To make a comparison is to commit sin of Shirk.

2. Risalah - prophecy, believe that Allah has spoken through the prophets and lastly through Muhammad(pbuh) in the Qur'an.

Yes just not the same God that Christians believe in.

His name is Allah.

MMMMMMMMMM...

I believe that Muslim's believe in the same God but Jesus was a prophet

And not the Son of God and that the prophet Muhammud received the Book of the Qur'an by taking information from the ArchAngel Gabriel

Islam means "To enter into Peace"

Muslims believe in the same real God Almighty which Jesus and other prophets before him believed.

a. Elohim El, Elah, Alah

In the Bible, God is very often referred to as 'Elohim' in the Hebrew language. The 'im' in the ending is a plural of honour and God is referred to as 'El' or 'Elah' in the English Bible with commentary, edited by reverend C. I. Scofield. 'Elah' is alternatively spelled as 'Alah'. The difference in spelling is only of a single 'L'. Muslims spell Allah as 'Allah' while the Reverend has spelled it as Alah and they pronounce it as 'Elah'. Muslims pronounce it as Allah. Hebrew and Arabic are sister languages therefore we say it should be pronounced as 'Allah' and not as 'Elah'.

When I was in school, I was taught 'D, O' is do, 'T, O' is to. What is 'G, O' It is 'go' and not 'gu'. 'N, U, T' is nut, 'C, U, T' cut; 'B, U, T' is but, what is 'P, U, T'? Not 'pat' but it is 'put'. If you ask "Why?" The answer is "It is their language". If I have to pass I have to say 'P, U, T' is 'put' and not 'pat'. Similarly the right pronunciation for A, L, L, A, H, is Allah.

b. Jesus (pbuh) cried out Allah Allah when he was put on the cross

It is mentioned in the New Testament in the Gospel of Mathew, chapter 27 verse 46 as well as Gospel of Mark, chapter 15 verse 34 when Jesus (pbuh) was put on the cross.

Jesus cried with a loud voice saying "E'-Li, E'-Li la'-ma sa-bach'-tha-ni?" that is to say, 'My God, My God why hast Thou Forsaken Me?' Does this sound like Jehovah! Jehovah! why has thou forsaken me? Does it sound like Abba Abba? The answer is 'No'. Hebrew and Arabic are sister languages and if you translate "E'-Li, E'-Li la'-ma sa-bach'-tha-ni" into Arabic it is 'Allah Allah lama tarak tani' does it sound similar?

This statement of Jesus (pbuh), "E'-Li, E'-Li la'-ma sa-bach'-tha-ni" is preserved in its original Hebrew in each and every of its translation which is available in more than 2000 different languages of the world and in each and every of them, "Allah" is present.

2. "Allah" in Sikhism

One of the names by which Gurunanak Sahib referred to God is "Allah".

3a. "Allah" in Rigveda Book 2 Hymn I verse II

Even in the Rigveda which is the most sacred scripture of the Hindus, one of the attributes given to God Almighty in Book no 2 Hymn no I verse II, is 'Ila' which if pronounced properly is the same as Allah.

3b. Allo Upanishad:

Amongst the various Upanishads one of the Upanishad is named as 'Allo' Upanishad in which God is referred to as "Allah" several times.

http://www.irf.net/

The city of birth is Mecca and the city of burial is Medina.

Mecca:

The city of birth of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is Mecca (or Makkah), in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in year 570 AD. In Mecca there Kaba that is surrounded by Al-Masjid Al-Haram (or the Grand Mosque).

Medina:

The city where the prohet (PBUH) was buried.

It is:

• The city to which Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) immigrated in year 622 AD,
• from which the Islam religion started spreading,
• the Islamic nation as a State started,
• where the prophet was buried, and
• where there is the prophet Mosque (or Al-Masjid Alk-Nabaway)

1268. Ibn `Umar (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) used to observe I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 1269. `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) used to engage himself in I`tikaf (seclusion for prayers) in the mosque during the last ten nights of Ramadan till he passed away; thereafter, his wives followed this practice after him.

[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. 1270. Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (PBUH) used to observe I`tikaf every year (during Ramadan) for ten days; in the year in which he passed away, he observed I`tikaf for twenty days.

[Al-Bukhari]. Commentary: We learn from these Ahadith that the observance of I`tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan is Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). But it can be done only in mosque not at home. I`tikaf helps to enhance one's spiritual growth and to strive hard to worship Allah better as there is nothing to distract one's attention from this noble pursuit. http://www.soundvision.com/info/ramadan/

Actually Islam was only taught by Muhammad. He claimed that he heard angels that gave him messages from Alah. From then on, people considered him "The Messenger of Alah".

Answer:

Islam came from the One God of Abraham, and is only the final message from the One God of Abraham.

Muhammad was called - just like Moses was called; and then God delivered His message to him.

The holy Qur'an is the last heavenly Book revealed by Almighty Allah that testifies the previous heavenly Books like The Torah, The Zaboor, All Books of Old Testament and New Testament, The bible etc. It teaches the Muslims to have following beliefs:

Basic Beliefs of the Muslims:

1. Belief in Almighty Allah (God) Sura Baqra -2. Aya 163: And your Allah is ONE Allah, There is no god but He. He is the Sole Creator, Sustainer, Provider and Ruler of the Universe. He has No Son, No Parents, No off-spring. He is Omnipotent, Omni-Present, All-Knowing, All-Seeing, All-Listening. HE and He alone deserves worship. All powers lie in His Hands. He alone is the Master of the Day of Judgment. He has No Partner, No Associate whatsoever. No one can understand Him completely. There is Nothing like Him. He is Most Merciful, Most Gracious, Most Forgiving..

2. Belief in Angels Created by Almighty Allah Karim from light. They are obedient to Allah Karim. Carry out His commands.

3. Belief in all heavenly books, including Tora, Zaboor, the Bible, the last one being the Qur'an.

4. Belief in all the Messengers of Almighty Allah- No distinction among them. Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) being the last Prophet of Islam. NO Prophet after him.

5. Belief in the Day of Judgment. Almighty Allah Karim is the Sole Ruler/Master of that Day. He enjoys the absolute authority to send people to Heaven or Hell.

6. Good and bad Destiny being in the Hands of Almighty Allah. No One can change his destiny.

7. Life hereafter: All the dead will be raised again and judged according to their good or bad deeds. There will be no death to them.

8. Hell and Heaven (Paradise)

These may be further elaborated in the light of the holy Qur'an and the Sahih Hadith.

Five Pillars of Islam:

1. Shahadat: [testimony that there is no god except Allah (God) the One and Only One, having No Partner whatsoever. And Muhammad is His servant and Messenger],

2. Salah: (praying five times a day)

3. Zakah: (specific compulsory charity-2,5% of annual savings)

4. Saum: (fasting during Ramadan)

5. Hajj: (pilgrimage) for each Muslim once in lifetime those who can afford it.

All that has been declared illegal (Haram) by Almighty Allah in the holy Qur'an or by Prophet (SAW) in his doings or sayings. For example:

1. Attributing any Partner or Associate whatsoever with Almighty Allah.

2. Killing any innocent human (irrespective of his caste, creed, color, country, religion)

3. 3. Even halal animals or birds attributed to any idol, holy man, any Deity.

4. Worshiping anything else than Almighty Allah.

5. Adultery

6. Usury

7. Usurping the property/belongings of others

8. Backbiting, theft, robbery/rebellion etc.

9. Disrespect of any of the Prophets (May peace be upon them all)

10. Falsehood, fraud, cheating, defaming others

11. Eating flesh of dead animals/birds. Eating flesh of animals/birds declared Haram.

12. Performing any act of prayers against the teachings of the Holy Prophet (SAW)

13. (Bida'at) Inventing or adding any act of prayer not mentioned by the holy Prophet or Khulafai Rashidoon

14. (Bida'at) Deleting/subtracting any act of worship from the actions of the Holy Prophet (SAW).

Born in Makka on 17th Rabiul Awwal about 53 years before Hijra. The year of his birth was called "Amul Feel" due to the invasion of the Ka'aba by Abraha the viceroy of the Abysinian King. Since the forces of Abraha arrived on elephants which is "Feel" in Arabic, the Arabs called this the year of the elephant. According to the Christian Calendar it was 571 AD. The Roman Empire was in decline, the Capital was transferred from Rome to Constantinople and the whole of Europe was divided into little kingdoms fighting among each other. On the Eastern side The Sasanid Empire of the Persians was also in decline. This was the world scene when a boy was born to the most renowned family of the Qoraish, the Banu Hashim. His father was Abdullah son of Abdul Muttalib and his mother was Amena daughter of Wahb. As a baby he was sent to the nearby Baduin Tribe where a lady called Halima nursed him.

Muhammad (SA) was born an orphan as his father Abdullah died a few months before his birth. His grand father Abdul Muttalib looked after the boy. Abdul Muttalib died when Muhammad (SA) was only 8 years old and then his uncle Abu Talib the father of Ali, took over the upbringing of his nephew. His first journey outside Arabia was to thenorthern parts of Syria with the trading caravan of his uncle Abu Talib. During one such journey an old christian monk called Bohaira met the trading caravan and saw young Muhammad (SA) who was about 14 years old at that time. The old monk told Abu Talib to lafter the boy well, "for very soon his enemies will try to hurt him". The monk also told Abu Talib that he saw unusual signs in the boy who will grow up into someone very important. Muhammad (SA) remained with his uncle's family until the age of 25. It was due to his honesty and straight forward manner that he was successful in trading and became known to many traders in Makka .

The Marriage of Muhammad (SA)

One of the leading trading families in those days was the family of Khadija a widow who was looking for an honest young man to look after her business affairs. Muhammad (SA) took Khadija's caravan party to Syria and various other places and was a great success. Khadija was impressed and asked him for marriage. Although being much older then Muhammad (SA), (she was 40 years old), the marriage was agreed upon by both families and Muhammad's uncle Abu Talib read the Khutba of marriage and performed the marriage ceremony according to the Ibrahimic traditions. The words of the Khutba as described in Sirat-e-Rasullallah by Ibne Hisham were:

"Praises be for Allah who was the God of Ibrahim who worshipped one God and a Muslim. I am the descendent of Ibrahim and have remained on the same religion of One God. May Allah keep this purity among the descendents of Ibrahim for ever". After this Khutba Abu Talib completed the marriage ceremony between Muhammad (SA) and Khadija. Muhammad (SA) moved to her house and the partnership from trading to partnership in life began in earnest. A baby daughter was born to Khadija within a few years after the marriage. She was named Fatima (SA). Khadija had two daughters from her earlier marriage which ended in widowhood. So the three daughters, two from Khadija's earlier marriages and one from Muhammad (SA) grew up together in the same house. History mentions another boy growing up in Muhammad's house. He was Ali (AS), Abu Talib's son. Ali (AS) was born in the year 30 Amulfeel when Muhammad was 30 years old. Fatima's birth was recorded some five year's later. So the difference of ages between Fatima and Ali was about 5 years. Ali was treated by Muhammad (SA) like a son and Muhammad (SA) took him every where he went. Ibne Hisham in his Sirat mentions that Muhammad (SA) began to meditate more and more. He would leave the town of Makka to the nearby hill called Jabal el Noor. There was a cave at the top of the hill and Muhammad (SA) would climb the mountain and sit in the cave to meditate. Sometimes he would stay there for days. Many times Ali accompanied him.

One such story tells us that on one occasion Muhammad (SA) did not return for 3 or 4 days and Abu Talib was concerned. His son Ali was also with him. They had taken some food with them. So the searching party from Makka went to the mountain looking for the two. When they reached the top and entered the cave they found Muhammad (SA) and Ali (AS) meditating together, safe and sound. Abu Talib asked Muhammad what did he do there. Muhammad told his uncle that he and Ali were engaged in meditating about the creator of the universe, the God of Ibrahim and Ismael

This meditation continued until one day a voice was heard inside the cave. It said, "Read". Muhammad (SA) replied what shall I read. The voice said, "Read in the name of thy Lord". He was Angel Gabril who told Muhammad (SA) that he was ordained by Allah to be the Messenger of Allah and to preach this "Deen" to the people.

This was the first revelation that came over Muhammad (SA) when he was told to begin his preaching of the Qur'an to Makkans. Muhammad (SA) came home and told Khadija about this who immediately accepted him as the Messenger of God. She also said that her uncle Warqa had told her that Muhammad (SA) had the signs of a great Messenger. When the news of this first revelation of Verse from the Qur'an had reached Warqa through Khadija he told her, "Didn't I tell you that this husband of yours was the Messenger of God". Ali (AS) was living with Muhammad (SA) and had also accompanied him to the Mountain of Hira, and had also experienced the revelation with Muhammad (SA). He had no doubts who Muhammad (SA) was and was the first to acknowledge him as the Messenger of Allah. Khadija among the women, their daughter Fatima (SA) and the two daughters from Khadija's earlier marriage. All acknowledged Muhammad (SA) as the Messenger of Allah. Muhammad (SA) used to enter the Ka'aba and pray there with Khadija and Ali (SA). The story was mentioned by Ibne Hisham in his Sirat as follows: 'One day these three were praying while Abbas Ibne Abdul Muttalib, Muhammad's uncle was sitting on the nearby hill and watching. A trader from Yemen was sitting with Abbas. He asked Abbas who were these three people praying in a strange man.

The woman was Muhammad's wife Khadija and the boy was Abu Talib's son Ali. "they follow some strange 'deen' which we are not familiar with yet," was Abbas's reply.

Muhammad (SA) said that "Lailaha Illallah" means that there is no god, only Allah that Muhammad (SA) is His messenger, and that all men are born equal. He taught against idolatry, and against social injustices of the time. In the beginning this preaching of One God went on secretly. Zaid and Abubakr were the other two who accepted Islam. The slave community of Makka began to accept this because they liked the tone of equality of all human beings. But once they accepted the faith they became steadfast never to go back to their adulatory even after suffering torture by their masters.

Muhammad (SA) preached Islam secretly for 3 years but only a few people were converted to Islam. At the end of the 3rd year Allah told Muhammad to "invite your own family and clan and announce to them that you are preaching Islam." Muhammad (SA) asked Ali to prepare some food. Some bread, meat and milk was brought in. Over 40 heads of the Tribes of Qoraish were invited. They came, ate food then before Muhammad (SA) was able to say anything they all dispersed. So the next day Muhammad (SA) Invited them again and immediately after food Muhammad (SA) announced, "I am the Messenger of Allah and my message is of peace and surrender to One God, any one who helps me in this work will be my Deputy and will be my successor after me." Ali who was only 13 years old stood up and told Muhammad (SA) he will help him in his work. Muhammad (SA) asked Ali to sit down and repeated the same announcement three times and all three times Ali stood alone. In the end Muhammad (SA) announced that Ali will be his deputy and successor after him. One head of the tribesmen laughed at this and one even told Abu Talib, father of Ali that "now you should obey your son." Now that this religion came out in the open the Qoraish of Makka became openly hostile. In the beginning they thought that the whole thing was a joke, but gradually when it became serious, they were angry and became openly hostile. For the people of Makka and towns like Taif, this was a very strange religion. They disliked it so much that first they persecuted the Muslims, then organised a boycott of Muhammad and his whole family of Banu Hashim. They banished him from Makka and the whole family lived in the Hills and mountains around Makka. The place became known as Sho'be Abu Talib, As Abu Talib as Head of the Clan of Banu Hashim protected the family while they were in exile. For three years the family suffered hunger and great poverty. The Leaders of Quraish had written down on a peace of goat skin that Banu Hashim shall never return to the city until Muhammad (SA) denounces his single god religion. At the end of three years Muhammad told his uncle Abu Talib to go to Makka and tell the Makkans that the peace of skin on which the agreement was written was no more. As it was sealed and was kept inside the Kaaba and no one was allowed to enter the place, they were surprised. The leaders said that if Muhammad (SA) was right and the agrwas no more, then they will lift the siege of Banu Hashim and let them return to the city. The Kaaba was opened, the sealed box was opened and the peace of parchment on which the agreement was written was found to be consumed by insects. When they saw this they agreed to liftthe siege and allowed the family of Banu Hashim to return to the City. Little had they realised that the news of this miraculous knowledge of Muhammad (SA) about the disappearance of the parchment, had a great effect on the people of Makka and they began to accept Islam. After this event many more Makkans were accepting Islam readily, especially the poor class of Makka who accepted Islam in earnest. But with this conversion, the feudal lords of Makka had increased their hostility towards new converts, punishing them and torturing them so much so that in the end Muhammad (SA) told them to migrate to another land. Habasha (Abysiniya) was the nearest country across the seas where they could hope to be safe. So the first migration began and about 83 new Muslims under the leadership of Ali's elder brother Jaafer Ibne Abi Talib, migrated to Habasha. Until that time Jaafer was the main writer of the revelation (Wahii) with 2 other companions named Abdullah Ibne Masood and Obai Ibne Ka'aba. Mas'ab Ibne Omair was also an early convert to Islam and a writer of the Revelation. He was sent to Yathrib to teach Qur'an to the people early there who had shown a great interest in this new creed.

Ali Ibne Talib, after his elder brother Jaafer's departure to Habasha became the head among the writers of the Revelation. Ali continued with the writing of the Revelation up to the last Verse of the Holy Qur'an. This was revealed after the Khutba of the Holy Prophet at Ghadeere Khum on 18th of Zilhijja 10th Hijri. This Verse is in Sura 5 (Maeda) V.3 which says that "This day I have perfected your Deen for you, and I have completed my blessings on you, and I have approved Islam for your Deen." Seventy days after the event, the Holy Prophet passed away.

Islam was spreading rapidly, Muhammad's uncle Hamza entered the fold of Islam which gave great strength to the new creed. It was at this time that Omar Ibne Khattab also came to accept Islam.

After Muhammads (SA) return from the Shu'be Abi Talib to the normal city life of Makka, Islam had start to spread rapidly under the protection of Muhammad's uncle Abu Talib. But Allah had other plans. Abu Talib and Khadija both died within one year which was a sad blow to the family. The Hostility of the Qoraish had taken a dangerous trend especially after the death of Abu Talib. Abu Lahab and Abu Sofyan who were the leaders of the hostile group against Islam made plans to end Muhammad's life. They thought of a scheme where if one person from each tribe of Qoraish surrounded Muhammad's house, entered the house in the morning and killed him then the blame would be on all tribes and Banu Hashim would not be able to take revenge. Allah told the Prophet of this scheme and instructed him to leave the city of Makka and migrate to Yathrib. Muhammad asked Ali to sleep in his bed to deceive the enemy. Ali asked " will this save your life," Muhammad (SA) said yes, it will save my life. Ali replied "then I have no hesitation in sleeping in your bed disguised as you." While Ali slept in Muhammad's bed, Muhammad (SA) himself left the house undetected by the enemy who had surrounded his house with open swords. Abubakr was with the Prophet, when they left Makka from the southern exit and hid in a cave a few miles away. While they were inside the cave a spider weaved a web on the entrance to the cave to give an impression that no one had entered the cave. Meanwhile in Makka the enemy with open swords entered Muhammad's house in order to kill him, but found Ali sleeping soundly. They asked Ali, where was Muhammad to which Ali replied, "have you entrusted him to me?" The enemy left disappointed, but realised that Muhammad (SA) must have gone to Yathrib. They tried to follow the tracks with the help of professional trackers and reached the cave of Thaur where these two were sitting inside. But the spider's web deceived them and they all came back disappointed.

Muhammad (SA) reached Yathrib, the town some 400 kilometres north of Makka and the converts there named the city as 'the city of the Prophet' (Madinatun Nabi). Ever since then the town has been known as Madina. The date of this migration was 26th July 623 AD and under the new Islamic Calendar, the first year of the Hijra. Ali stayed in Makka to give back to the owners all the valuables which the people of Makka had deposited with Muhammad for safe keeping. After three days when this important task was completed Ali (AS) set out for Madina and arrived there a week later. Muhammad (SA) waited for him at the outskirts of the town and entered the town with the whole family.

The People of Madina helped Muhammad (SA) settle in this new place. Their help was appreciated so much so that they were called Ansars, the Helpers, while those who came from Makka were called Muhajiroon, the migrants. On orders from Allah, Muhammad (SA) brought Muhajirs and Ansars together by making each Ansar a brother to a Muhajir. This way they shared each others property like brothers. Muhammad (SA) took Ali (AS) as his brother in faith, although Ali was his cousin in relation to blood. (Sirat Ibne Hisham).

Muhammad's daughter Fatima was about l 9 years old and there were many suitors, but whenever somebody asked Muhammad (SA) for Fatima's hand in marriage he kept quiet. One day Ali (AS) came to the mosque and asked for Fatima's hand in marriage. Muhammad replied "Yes, this has been ordained by Allah." He asked , "What property do you have," to which Ali replied, "not much." He had a sword, a horse and a protective shield. Muhammad said "sell the shield, because you will need the horse and the sword for the protection of Islam." Ali sold his shield for 200 Dirhams, brought the money to Muhammad (SA) who added another 200 Dirhams over it and asked his companions to buy household goods to set up home for the newly weds. He then read the Khutba and finalised the marriage of Ali (AS) and Fatima. This was in the First year of the Hijra. This was a simple Islamic marriage which should be copied by all Muslims instead of spending lavish amounts of money and huge dowries to cripple the parents economically for ever.

As Islam was the religion of peace and surrender to the Will of God, aggression had been forbidden. In spite of various attacks on the newly converted Muslim community in Madina, Muhammad (SA) had forbidden all retaliation. News came from Makka that all those who left Makka had lost their property. The Makkans had taken all they had left behind. Muhammad's uncle Hamza asked Muhammad (SA) to fight with the Kuffars of Makka but he did not agree. In the end when news came that the Makkans were marching towards Madina to fight Muhammad (SA) and his newly converted Muslim community, the Verses came down on Muhammad (SA) to stand up and defend your "Deen", but do not exceed the limits. In other words you can only defend, aggression was totally forbidden. (Sura Baqra,Verses 173-174)

The Battle of Badr

In the 2nd year of Hijra, 624 AD, 'The Battle of Badr' took place. The Makkans marched towards Madina with 1000 soldiers. Muhammad (SA) with his army of 313 men cam out of Madina. Badr is situated some 10 miles south of Madina and 240 miles north of Makka. The Makkans travelled all the way to Madina to defeat Islam. The Muslims had no choice but to defend Islam. Hamza, Ali Obaida came out of the Muslim side in single combat with the chiefs of Makka who were all slain. The battle ensued and at the end of the day the Makkans were defeated with 70 dead, while very few Muslims were killed. Those Makkans who were taken captive were told that if they could teach Muslims to read and write, they would live freely in the city and be provided with food and shelter. This was a clear direction that gaining knowledge was the first priority in Islam.

The Battle of Ohud

In the 3rd year of Hijra, 'The Battle of Ohud' took place. The Makkans did not like their defeat in Badr and began their preparations in earnest. They came with 3000 men to fight Islam. Muhammad (SA) heard the news and came out of Madina with 700 men. Muhammad(SA) arranged his small army in such a way that the mountain was behind them. Some 30 archers from the Iarmy were strategically placed in an opening in the mountain to protect the Muslims from any attack from behind. Initially the Makkans were no match for the valour of the Muslim soldiers and they began to run away. Newly converted Muslim soldiers prematurely thought they had won the war, so they began to take possession of the booty of war. When the 30 archers saw this, they left their strategic mountain pass to join the others. Khalid Ibne Walid saw this opening and cleverly attacked from behind on the person of the Prophet himself. It was Ali (AS) and a few other true companions of the Prophet that saved the day and saved the life of the Prophet. The Prophet was himself injured by a stone. Khalid Ibne Walid shouted 'Muhammad is killed', upon which hearing this, many companions began to run away in panic. The wounded Prophet was left in the battlefield with only Ali, Hamza, Abu Dajjana and Zakwan to defend him. These brave warriors fought fiercely and during this encounter Hamza was killed by a spear wound inflicted by the Slave of Abu Sofian's wife Hind. Zakwan and Abu Dajjana lay wounded and Ali was left alone to defend the Holy Prophet. Ali had received 16 wounds during this battle. He picked up the Holy Prophet while he was surrounded by the enemy and with Khalid shouting to finish the Prophet off for good. Ali fought against them, killing two of them, which led the others to run away. Ali (AS) boldly lifted the Holy Prophet and carried him to the mountain and safety. Ali kept shouting " the Holy Prophet is alive" so that the Muslims who ran away might come back. Those Muslims who had not run far returned and saw the wounded Prophet and his daughter Fatima (SA) attending to his wounds. They took heart and began to fight the enemy under the command of Ali (AS) and drove them away.

The victory was gained. The Prophet returned to Madina and declared three days of mourning for his uncle Hamza. The Holy Prophet said afterwards that Ali's bravery was applauded by Angel Gabril who said that there is no braver youth than Ali and no better sword than Zilfiqar.(Details of this battle can be read in the History of Tabari, Waqidi and Abul Fida).

The Battle of Khandaq

The Battle of Khandaq: 4th year of Hijra, 626 AD: At the end of the battle of Ohud when Abu Sofian was unable to hurt the Holy Prophet, he returned to Makka after promising that he will come back next year and will take revenge for the defeats of Badr and Ohud. This time it was not only the non believers of Makka who were with him. He had also taken the help of the Jews of Madina to defeat Islam for ever. The Jewish tribes of Madina promised to help in two ways, one to send soldiers to fight in the battlefield and two to create fear among the women and children who were left in the town unprotected. The Prophet's companion Salman Farsi suggested that the Muslims must dig a moat on the unprotected side of the town. The Muslims took this advice and the moat was ready within 3 days in which the Prophet himself took part. When the enemy forces arrived at the scene they were unable to enter the city due to the newly dug moat and they stayed on the outerside. But one of their most famous soldier's named Amr Ibne Abde Wud jumped the moat with his horse and challenged the Muslims to fight with him. When The Prophet asked his bravest to go and fight Amr none of them was eager to come out. Omar Ibne Khattab even suggested that this man was so brave that he fought one thousand men alone and defeated them. Ali was eager as ever to fight this man and he came out with the blessings of the Holy Prophet who said, 'Today the whole faith has come out to fight the whole infidelity. "Ali was able to kill the enemy soon and when the Prophet saw Ali victorious he uttered the words " Verily one blow of Ali's sword on the day of Khadaq is superior to the worship of all beings until the Day of Judgement."

Amr was killed, but the battle was not over. Armies of non believers were on the other side of the ditch while the Muslims were inside the city almost besieged without any provisions. After a while with the prayers of the Holy Prophet a storm blew up that frightened the army of the non believers and they ran away never to come back again.

Treaty of Hodaibiya

After the battles of Badr, Ohud and Khandaq the infidels of Makka avoided any further military ventures. The Prophet decided to perform Umra in the 6th year of Hijra (628 AD)As the Muslims approached Makka, the infidels of Makka did not like this and stopped the Muslims entering Makka. Seeing them bent on aggression, the apostle of God agreed to a treaty with the Makkans. It was wisely drafted by Imam Ali (AS), the terms outwardly looked humiliating to Muslims that if a Muslim was taken captive by the infidels he will not be returned but if an infidel comes to the hands of the Muslims he will be released immediately. When the Holy Prophet signed the treaty, Umar Ibne Khattab disliked it so much that he uttered the words," I have never doubted about the Prophethood of Muhammad (SA) this much as I did today." He questioned the Prophet about this humiliating agreement to which the Prophet replied, "I am the Messenger of Allah and all my acts are on the orders from Allah." But it is evident that this deviation from the path of the Prophet was later to become an acceptable norm rather then an off the cuff event. Later you will see how this misconceived habit of contradicting the infallible Prophet of Islam created divisions within the religion itself. Those who followed Ali as the follower of the Sunna of the Prophet became the partisan of Ali, others followed Omar ibn Khattab.

(see Saheeh Bukhari, Kitab-alKholafa)

The Battle of Khyber

The Jews of Madina ever since their treachery during the battle of Khandaq, were always on the look out for some mischief to hurt Islam. This mischief mongering increased so much so that they were banished from the city to live outside Madina. They had extensive lands and had built strong fortresses where most of the Jewish community lived. The fort of Khyber was a strong fort built of stone with an iron gate. It was the strong hold of the Jews who invaded Muslim lands and villages around the area. They killed Muslims and looted their property. Warnings were given to the Jews of Khyber to stop their mischievous deeds but they did not bother even to acknowledge their misdeeds. The Holy Prophet proceeded to stop this problem for the Muslims. Muslim forces encamped outside this fort. It was in the month of Muharram in the 7th year of Hijra. On the First day Abubakr led the Muslim forces to fight the Jews. The Jews came out of the fort. A furious battle was fought, Muslims could not break the Jews onslaught and retreated back to their camp. The Next day Omar Ibne Khattab took the flag and tried to defeat the Jewish forces without success. That night the Prophet announced," Tomorrow I will give the flag of Islam to a man who is brave and does not run away from the battlefield, he loves Allah and the Prophet of Allah and Allah and His Prophet love him." The Next day, after morning prayers the Prophet called for Ali (AS) and gave the Flag in his hands. Ali (AS) holding the flag in his hand went towards the fort. Noticing that only one man was coming towards the fort the Jews did not come out in the open field. Reaching the gates of the fort Ali fixed the pole on a hard stone slab. Noticing the fixing of the flag on a hard stone, a Jew who was a learned scholar, asked from the top of the wall, " who are you? "Ali replied, "I am Ali son of Abu Talib." Hearing the name the learned scholar turned towards his people and told them, "I have read in the sacred bothat a man of this name will defeat you." In accordance with the convention of the Arabs, Ali announced his challenge and demanded the bravest of them to come out and fight him in single combat. Merhub, one of the brave and skilled warriors came out and was killed by Ali (AS) in one blow.

His brother Anter came out and he was also killed in a single blow of Ali's SwZulfiqar. Once these brothers were killed Ali went towards the iron gates and brought them down. Once the gates were open Muslims entered the fort and soon the Jews were defeated. This was a great victory for Muslims, for the Jews were a mischievous lot and had been giving a lot of trouble to Muslims of Madina and those living around. Most of the Jewish land came into the Muslims hands. It was at this time that a Palm orchard called Fadak also came into the Muslim hands. The Prophet of Islam took this orchard for himself and later gave it to his daughter Fatimah.

Praise be to Allaah.

Allaah has enjoined upon His slaves five prayers throughout the day and night at specific times decreed by the wisdom of Allaah so that the slave may be in contact with his Lord in these prayers throughout all of these times. They are for the heart like water for a tree, given to it time after time, not all in one go and then it stops.

Part of the wisdom behind doing the prayers at these times is so that people will not get bored or find it too difficult, which would happen if they all had to be done at once. Blessed be Allaah, the Wisest of judges.

(From the Introduction to Risaalat Ahkaam Mawaaqeet al-Salaah (Essay on the Rulings on the Times of the Prayers) by Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Uthaymeen, may Allaah have mercy on him).

Source: Islam Q & A : islam-qa.com