In the begining Prophet Mohammed PBUH was on his own, no supporters, no money, no followers. However, he had a deep belief in his message, high principles, and twenty years of preparation.
The first followers were Khadijah (AS), Abu Baker (AS) and Ali bin Abu Taleb (AS). Over a period of six months, the number of followers increased to 45, most of them were young men whose ages did not exceed 30 years. They were 27 men, and 18 women. They consisted of 34 wealthy and eleven poor companions. Unlike what is usually said, most of the first followers were rich not poor.
These companions were from 16 different tribes. This was part of the Prophet's plan in order to be integrated in society. There was a Muslim in every household now. These companions were of different social backgrounds: Ammar Ibn-Yasser and Belal Ibn-Rabah, the slaves, Othman Ibn-Ma'zoum, the great wealthy lord.
In the Prophet's household, everyone embraced Islam. The household consisted of ten members: the Prophet (PBUH), Khadijah (AS), the four daughters: Zainab, Ruqaya, Um-Kolthoum, and Fatima, in addition to two maids, and two young men: Ali bin Abu Talib and Zaid Ibn-Haritha.
After three years, the number of Muslims had increased by more than a hundred. Quraysh did not notice this rise, which meant that the Prophet's plan had succeeded. Three years had passed without confrontation or conflict, and now a few of the elite were on our side, and Islam was inside every house in Mekkah. Three years had passed and marked the end of the first phase.
Two verses descended on the Prophet that told him its time to announce Islam Publicly:
First, "So profess openly what you have been commanded and veer away from the associators (Those who associate others with Allah)" (TMQ, 15:94), warning him of opposition and harm.
The second verse states that it is no more the phase of selection: "And warn your kinsmen, the nearest kin," (TMQ, 26:214). The Inspiration did not tell the Prophet where to start, but he was only ordered to make the matter public, and was left to plan for this action.
Now the Prophet PBUH had to take the next step; he had to announce Islam to the people. Now was the time for the idea to reach everyone & everywhere.
The Prophet's attitude reflected the flexibility of his mind and his wise planning, for he always took the initiative while Quraysh reacted to his actions. They were never able to force him to follow a certain course of action despite their power.
The Prophet PBUH chose to start with his own family, not with the whole of Quraysh. He invited all his family, men and women, to a feast. He let them eat first, then as soon as he started to speak, he was interrupted by Abu-Lahab who spoke ill of Mohammed's message, and warned them of the grave consequences that would befall them if Mohammed were not stopped. The Prophet PBUH did not lose his composure or temper; he did not even put his case forward on that occasion.
The Prophet did not want to start his call for Islam with an argument with his uncle, and decided to give it another try. Abu-Jahl's response was not out of hatred to the Prophet, on the contrary, the Prophet was dear to him ever since he was born to the extent that his two boys (Otba and Otayba) were engaged to the Prophet's two daughters (Ruqaya and Um-Kolthoum). However, Abu-Jahl was worried about his business, he knew that this message will turn Quraysh against them. The new religion called for removing the idols from the Ka3ba, which meant that the other tribes whose idols will fall would seek revenge by attacking their commercial caravans. Therefore, he chose to show everyone that he was against Mohammed to avoid any problems.
Once again, the Prophet PBUH invited his family for a second feast, but this time he decided to talk to them while they were still eating. He did not exclude Abu-Lahab from the invitation, to avoid more hostility. The Prophet PBUH started to talk confidently telling them about Islam and how he was the Prophet PBUH,
“O sons of Hashem, rescue yourselves from the Fire; O sons of Abd al-Muttalib, rescue yourselves from the Fire; O Fatima, rescue thyself from the Fire, for I have no power (to protect you) from Allah in anything except this that I would sustain relationship with you."[4]
Abu-Lahab, far from changing his attitude, continued his opposition to the Prophet, while Abu-Taleb, his other uncle who kept his promise to his late father of taking care of Muhammad, pledged to help and protect him as long as he lived.
The Prophet achieved his target from the feast: he wanted to gain the support and protection of his family. This does not undermine his trust in Allah. Islam teaches us to rely on Allah’s protection at all times, but also to take all the necessary measures and precautions. The Prophet still wanted another thing from them: he wanted them to believe in his message. Hamza and Al-Abbas turned their faces away; Abu-Taleb was reluctant to leave his father's beliefs although deep inside he felt Mohammed’s honesty. The rest of the family sat in silence. No one followed him, except for one young kid, Ali who was also invited, and answered the Prophet's call and gave him his hand to pledge loyalty. Why do we not do the same, why do we not gather our families to agree upon doing some rightful deeds together? Let us learn from our Prophet.
The time had come to announce Islam to everyone. The Prophet PBUH chose a famous spot in Mekkah (the mountain of Safa) climbed it, and started, boldly, to call people to gather. Let the Prophet's strength be an inspiration to you never to be ashamed of your religion, always be strong and daring. Remember the ayah that can be translated as: "A Book sent down to you, (i.e., The Prophet) so let there be no restriction in your breast on account of it, that you may warn thereby; and (it is) a Reminding for the believers." (TMQ, 7:2).
The Prophet started calling, "O Bani Fihr! O Bani 'Adi!" addressing various tribes of Quraysh till they were assembled. Those who could not come themselves sent their messengers to see what was happening. Abu Lahab and other people from Quraysh came and the Prophet then said, "Suppose I told you that there was an (enemy) cavalry in the valley intending to attack you, would you believe me?" They said, "Yes, for we have never known you to tell anything other than the truth." He then said, "I am Allah's Prophet to you, I am a warner to you in face of a terrific punishment."
Abu Lahab said (to the Prophet) "May your hands perish all this day. Is it for this purpose that you have gathered us?" [5] Then the Qur'an was revealed: "Would the hands of Abu Lahab be cut up, (i.e., perish) and would he be cut up (too)! In no way did his wealth avail him, neither whatever he earned" (TMQ, 111: 1-2).
Betrayal is most painful when it comes from someone dear. Abu-Lahab was the only one whose name came in such a manner in Quran because he was the first one to provoke others to defy the Prophet. The Prophet PBUH was a virtuous man, did not even answer him. Do not ever set a bad example to your friends, do not be the first to introduce a sin, for the Prophet said, "He who sets in Islam an evil precedent, there is upon him the burden of that, and the burden of him also who acted upon it subsequently, without any deduction from their burden." [6]
Then the Prophet descended the mountain and started preaching for Islam. He talked to people about salvation and attracted them to religion. He did not start with warnings of hellfire, but with promises of Jannah. He wanted religion to appeal to them. Therefore, he did not push them away with words about torment and pain. He said, "oh people, say there is no deity but Allah and you will prosper."[7]
After this incident Quraysh stopped being neutral towards Mohammed PBUH.
Despite the fact that Quraysh started using violence against him and his followers, the Prophet unlike them, never leaned towards violence, because one could never fight or kill one’s own people.
Although the followers were only about 200, while Mekkah’s population was around 25,000 to 30,000, those followers were able to shake Quraysh's resolve because they were deeply rooted in the society. Quraysh tried to stop him in many ways. They started spreading doubts about the Prophet (SAWS), mocking and ridiculing what he said, trying to cause psychological and physical harm, until they even attempted to kill him.
They started calling him several names from poet, sorcerer to insane. Al-Walid Ibn Al Mu'3eera knew that Mohammed was truthful, but he was too arrogant to admit it. Then Allah sent some verses that describe how Al-Walid was scheming. Allah says what can be translated as, "Leave Me with him whom I created alone, And set up (Literally: made) for him extensive wealth, And sons always in presence, And made (life) smooth for him in an accessible (way). Thereafter he expects that I increase (My favors). Not at all! Surely he has been stubborn to Our signs. I will soon oppress him to a (hard) mounting (in calamities). Surely he did think and he determined! So, may he be slain, how he determined! Again, (Literally: Thereafter) may he be slain, how he determined! Thereafter he looked (round); Thereafter he frowned, and he scowled; Thereafter he withdrew, and he waxed proud. So he said, “Decidedly this is nothing except sorcery, transmitted relics. Decidedly this is nothing except the speech of mortals. I shall soon roast him in Saqar." (TMQ, 74:11-26).
As the Prophet went on speaking to people about Islam, he was being followed by his uncle Abu-Lahab who told people that his nephew Mohammed was insane and incited them not believe him. They even sent one of them, Al-Nadr Ibnul-Harith, to Persia for a year to learn tales and fables like the ones Muhammad narrated. They went to the extent of claiming that the Prophet was a secret agent! They also said that he had someone dictating him these myths, "And the ones who have disbelieved have said, “Decidedly this is nothing except a falsehood he has fabricated, and other people have helped him to it.” So they have already come with injustice and forgery (i.e., they have committed injustice and forgery) And they have said, “Myths of the earliest (people) that he has had written down so that they are dictated to him before sunrise and at nightfall" (TMQ, 25:4-5).
However, nothing could stop the Prophet (SAWS) who dedicated all his time and efforts to his message, to the point that Allah pitied his Prophet, as He says what can be translated as: "Yet, it may be that you will consume yourself of sorrow over their tracks (i.e., their tracks or footprints when they turn away) in case they do not believe in this discourse. " (TMQ, 18:6).
In spite of their attempts to shake the trust in him, the number of believers was in constant increase, because truth always prevails.
Source:
http://www.AmrKhaled.net
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
Start of The Da3wa
How did the Prophet start the da3wa (introduce people to Islam)?
He did not start with knocking down the idols around the Ka3ba. These, he knew, were going to be knocked down eventually after establishing Islam.
He did not start by declaring the message off a mountain. No one would have listened.
His plan was to choose among every family in Quraysh those who were successful in their practical life (committed people but not necessarily rich or descendants of great families) and known for their moral conduct.
His plan was to form a nucleus of distinguished people who would be committed to the message and who would support him.
One of these people was Abu-Bakr, a 38 years-old successful trader, who was cherished by Quraysh and was an expert in the genealogies of the Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula.
Another person was Khadijah, not because she was his wife, but because she was distinguished.
The third person was Ali Ibn Abu-Taleb, the Prophet’s first cousin who was 10 years-old. He was living in Mohammed’s house at that time and asked the Prophet about this religion when he saw him praying, then asked for a chance to think it over before he embraced Islam. Even better, the following day, when the Prophet asked him what his decision was, Ali answered, “Repeat what you said yesterday.” Having thought it over, he embraced Islam and uttered Al-Shahada (declaration of faith).
Two days later, Abu-Taleb (the Prophet’s uncle) saw Ali praying and asked him about it. Ali answered, “I followed Mohammed and committed myself to the true way. This is the true way.” Abu-Taleb said, “Stay as you are. Mohammed would never command you except with what is right.”
Islam started with Mohammed, one man, one woman, and a child. Four people were the nucleus of all this success.
Source:
http://www.AmrKhaled.net
He did not start with knocking down the idols around the Ka3ba. These, he knew, were going to be knocked down eventually after establishing Islam.
He did not start by declaring the message off a mountain. No one would have listened.
His plan was to choose among every family in Quraysh those who were successful in their practical life (committed people but not necessarily rich or descendants of great families) and known for their moral conduct.
His plan was to form a nucleus of distinguished people who would be committed to the message and who would support him.
One of these people was Abu-Bakr, a 38 years-old successful trader, who was cherished by Quraysh and was an expert in the genealogies of the Arabs of the Arabian Peninsula.
Another person was Khadijah, not because she was his wife, but because she was distinguished.
The third person was Ali Ibn Abu-Taleb, the Prophet’s first cousin who was 10 years-old. He was living in Mohammed’s house at that time and asked the Prophet about this religion when he saw him praying, then asked for a chance to think it over before he embraced Islam. Even better, the following day, when the Prophet asked him what his decision was, Ali answered, “Repeat what you said yesterday.” Having thought it over, he embraced Islam and uttered Al-Shahada (declaration of faith).
Two days later, Abu-Taleb (the Prophet’s uncle) saw Ali praying and asked him about it. Ali answered, “I followed Mohammed and committed myself to the true way. This is the true way.” Abu-Taleb said, “Stay as you are. Mohammed would never command you except with what is right.”
Islam started with Mohammed, one man, one woman, and a child. Four people were the nucleus of all this success.
Source:
http://www.AmrKhaled.net
3 First Verses of the Holy Quran
The first three verses which were revealed to the Prophet after “Recite,” are:
- Surat Al-Muzzammil (Enwrapped): “O you enwrapped (in your raiment). Rise up (to pray during) the night, except a little, A half of it, or diminish a little thereof, Or increase thereto; and recite the Qur’an (in a distinct) recitation....” (TMQ, 73:1-4).
click to listen to Surat Al-Muzzammil:
- Surat Al-Muddaththir (shrouded): “O you shrouded (in your mantle), O you shrouded (in your mantle), And so your Lord magnify, And so your clothes purify, And so defilement forsake! And be not bountiful, (hoping) to gain more, And to your Lord (endure) patiently!..." (TMQ, 74:1-7).
click to listen to Surat Al-Muddaththir:
- Surat Al-Fatihah (The Opening): “In The Name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. Praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. The Possessor of the Day of Doom. You only do we worship, and You only do we beseech for help. Guide us in the straight Path. The Path of the ones whom You have favored, other than that of the ones against whom You are angered, and not (that of) the erring... (It is customary to say “amîn” “amen” at the end of this Surah).” (TMQ, 1:1-7).
click to listen to Surat Al-Fatihah:
These versus provide us with insight into the significance of the prayers and the requirements for the great reform Mohammed PBUH was going to lead:
Knowledge (Recite), spiritual power (Al-Muzzammil), work and motion (Al-Muddaththir), then, the way or the path to which he should steadfast to gain salvation in the two worlds (Al-Fatihah).
Having informed the Prophet of these requirements, the revelation stopped for two months in order for Muhammad to set a plan for his mission since this was his task not Jebreel’s AS. During these two months, the Prophet got really worried thinking that he had done something wrong and that Allah had abandoned him.
Hence, Allah’s kind words were revealed to comfort him in Surat Ad-Duha, in which Alla says what can be translated as:
“And (by) the forenoon, And (by) the night when it (comes) with its dark stillness! In no way has your Lord disregarded you, and in no way has He disfavored you. And indeed the Hereafter will be more charitable (i.e., better) for you than the First (i.e., the present life). And indeed your Lord will eventually give you so that you will be satisfied. Did He not find you an orphan, so He gave (you) an abode, And He found you erring, so He guided (you), And He found you in want, so He enriched (you)? Then, as for the orphan, then do not subdue (him), And as for the beggar, then do not scold (him); And as for your Lord’s favor, then discourse about it! (i.e., proclaim it)...” (TMQ, 93:1-11).
click to listen to Surat Ad-Duha:
Source:
http://www.AmrKhaled.net
- Surat Al-Muzzammil (Enwrapped): “O you enwrapped (in your raiment). Rise up (to pray during) the night, except a little, A half of it, or diminish a little thereof, Or increase thereto; and recite the Qur’an (in a distinct) recitation....” (TMQ, 73:1-4).
click to listen to Surat Al-Muzzammil:
- Surat Al-Muddaththir (shrouded): “O you shrouded (in your mantle), O you shrouded (in your mantle), And so your Lord magnify, And so your clothes purify, And so defilement forsake! And be not bountiful, (hoping) to gain more, And to your Lord (endure) patiently!..." (TMQ, 74:1-7).
click to listen to Surat Al-Muddaththir:
- Surat Al-Fatihah (The Opening): “In The Name of Allah, The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. Praise be to Allah, The Lord of the worlds. The All-Merciful, The Ever-Merciful. The Possessor of the Day of Doom. You only do we worship, and You only do we beseech for help. Guide us in the straight Path. The Path of the ones whom You have favored, other than that of the ones against whom You are angered, and not (that of) the erring... (It is customary to say “amîn” “amen” at the end of this Surah).” (TMQ, 1:1-7).
click to listen to Surat Al-Fatihah:
These versus provide us with insight into the significance of the prayers and the requirements for the great reform Mohammed PBUH was going to lead:
Knowledge (Recite), spiritual power (Al-Muzzammil), work and motion (Al-Muddaththir), then, the way or the path to which he should steadfast to gain salvation in the two worlds (Al-Fatihah).
Having informed the Prophet of these requirements, the revelation stopped for two months in order for Muhammad to set a plan for his mission since this was his task not Jebreel’s AS. During these two months, the Prophet got really worried thinking that he had done something wrong and that Allah had abandoned him.
Hence, Allah’s kind words were revealed to comfort him in Surat Ad-Duha, in which Alla says what can be translated as:
“And (by) the forenoon, And (by) the night when it (comes) with its dark stillness! In no way has your Lord disregarded you, and in no way has He disfavored you. And indeed the Hereafter will be more charitable (i.e., better) for you than the First (i.e., the present life). And indeed your Lord will eventually give you so that you will be satisfied. Did He not find you an orphan, so He gave (you) an abode, And He found you erring, so He guided (you), And He found you in want, so He enriched (you)? Then, as for the orphan, then do not subdue (him), And as for the beggar, then do not scold (him); And as for your Lord’s favor, then discourse about it! (i.e., proclaim it)...” (TMQ, 93:1-11).
click to listen to Surat Ad-Duha:
Source:
http://www.AmrKhaled.net
Friday, May 23, 2008
The Beginning of Islam
After the Prophet saw Jabreel AS at Al Hirah cave he went back home to Khadijah and told her "Cover me, cover me". He was shivering and shaking from the cold weather and because he was afraid of what he saw.
The Prophet still did not know that he was a Prophet or that the creature he met was Jebreel AS.
When his wife asked him what's wrong, he told her what happened at the cave and she firmly reassured him that she believes him and boosted his morals.
Her response was quick and firm. She said, “No, By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you! You foster family relations; you bear the burden of the weak; you help the poor and the needy; you entertain the guests and endure hardships in the path of truthfulness”[2].
It's narrated that the Prophet upon hearing her words relaxed and calmed down. She then took him by the hand and said, "we are going to consult someone, I have a cousin, his name is Waraqa Ibn Nawfal, an old man near his ninety years, But he is an educated man, one who has studied the Torah and the Gospel very well'.
Waraqa Ibn Nawfal was a very old man, who had lost sight from excessive reading of the Torah and the Gospel. He was the only Christian in Makkah and wasn't interested in the idols of Quraysh. He believed in true Christianity, maybe Allah made him reach that old age just for him to meet the Prophet PBUH. Glory is to Allah who made Waraqa Ibn Nawfal learn so much to know the truth and say it.
Prophet Mohammed PBUH explained to Waraqa Ibn Nawfal what he saw, he told him about the strange creature he saw. He did not say he was an angel because he didn't know that yet. As he was talking, Waraqa was listening, sometimes amazed and sometimes smiling. He was listening to what he had read in the Holy books about the last prophet who was to come. When the Prophet PBUH finished, Waraqa responded with only four sentences. The meeting lasted about 20 minutes so that no Orientalist can claim that the Prophet learned about religion from Waraqa.
In the first sentence Waraqa said, “You are the prophet of the final age. You are this nation's prophet”.
The second sentence was, “You have been visited by the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Jebreel) whom God had sent to Musa ‘Moses”. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out.”
The third sentence, “your people will bully you, hurt you, beat you, fight you and expel you”.
The fourth sentence, “I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would expel you.”
The Prophet interrupted him for the first time and asked, “Will they expel me?” Waraqa said, yes, anyone who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility, and if I see your day I shall help you wholeheartedly.
The Prophet engaged in deep thought about what Waraka told him and waited for Jebreel AS to descend again to confirm what Waraqa told him since he wasn't certain yet that he was right in his explanation.
However, Jebreel AS did not descend for a few days. God meant to let Mohammed think first and decide whether or not he was willing to take on this difficult mission. Having made up his mind to take on the mission and having longed to see Jebreel AS, Mohammed PBUH saw him one week later sitting on a throne between the earth and heavens filling the entire horizon and telling him, “Mohammed, you are Allah’s messenger and I am Jebreel from heavens.”
Having told him that, Jebreel AS came down to earth and took Mohammed outside Mekkah to give him the first lesson. He hit the earth with his wing and a spring of water came forth. Then, he started performing ablution and the prayers while Mohammed was watching and imitating him. Afterwards, Jebreel AS told him to pray two Rak3as (units of the prayer) in the morning and two Rak3as in the evening.
This is how prayers started based on the simulation (imitation) method before any modern theories in this regard were made.
The five pillars of Islam were set as follows:
“Narrated Ibn 'Umar, Allah's Apostle said, “Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):
1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Mohammed is Allah's Apostle.
2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
3. To pay Zakat (mandatory alms-giving)
4. To perform Hajj. (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
5. Fasting during the month of Ramadan.”
Source:
http://www.AmrKhaled.net
The Prophet still did not know that he was a Prophet or that the creature he met was Jebreel AS.
When his wife asked him what's wrong, he told her what happened at the cave and she firmly reassured him that she believes him and boosted his morals.
Her response was quick and firm. She said, “No, By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you! You foster family relations; you bear the burden of the weak; you help the poor and the needy; you entertain the guests and endure hardships in the path of truthfulness”[2].
It's narrated that the Prophet upon hearing her words relaxed and calmed down. She then took him by the hand and said, "we are going to consult someone, I have a cousin, his name is Waraqa Ibn Nawfal, an old man near his ninety years, But he is an educated man, one who has studied the Torah and the Gospel very well'.
Waraqa Ibn Nawfal was a very old man, who had lost sight from excessive reading of the Torah and the Gospel. He was the only Christian in Makkah and wasn't interested in the idols of Quraysh. He believed in true Christianity, maybe Allah made him reach that old age just for him to meet the Prophet PBUH. Glory is to Allah who made Waraqa Ibn Nawfal learn so much to know the truth and say it.
Prophet Mohammed PBUH explained to Waraqa Ibn Nawfal what he saw, he told him about the strange creature he saw. He did not say he was an angel because he didn't know that yet. As he was talking, Waraqa was listening, sometimes amazed and sometimes smiling. He was listening to what he had read in the Holy books about the last prophet who was to come. When the Prophet PBUH finished, Waraqa responded with only four sentences. The meeting lasted about 20 minutes so that no Orientalist can claim that the Prophet learned about religion from Waraqa.
In the first sentence Waraqa said, “You are the prophet of the final age. You are this nation's prophet”.
The second sentence was, “You have been visited by the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Jebreel) whom God had sent to Musa ‘Moses”. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out.”
The third sentence, “your people will bully you, hurt you, beat you, fight you and expel you”.
The fourth sentence, “I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would expel you.”
The Prophet interrupted him for the first time and asked, “Will they expel me?” Waraqa said, yes, anyone who came with something similar to what you have brought was treated with hostility, and if I see your day I shall help you wholeheartedly.
The Prophet engaged in deep thought about what Waraka told him and waited for Jebreel AS to descend again to confirm what Waraqa told him since he wasn't certain yet that he was right in his explanation.
However, Jebreel AS did not descend for a few days. God meant to let Mohammed think first and decide whether or not he was willing to take on this difficult mission. Having made up his mind to take on the mission and having longed to see Jebreel AS, Mohammed PBUH saw him one week later sitting on a throne between the earth and heavens filling the entire horizon and telling him, “Mohammed, you are Allah’s messenger and I am Jebreel from heavens.”
Having told him that, Jebreel AS came down to earth and took Mohammed outside Mekkah to give him the first lesson. He hit the earth with his wing and a spring of water came forth. Then, he started performing ablution and the prayers while Mohammed was watching and imitating him. Afterwards, Jebreel AS told him to pray two Rak3as (units of the prayer) in the morning and two Rak3as in the evening.
This is how prayers started based on the simulation (imitation) method before any modern theories in this regard were made.
The five pillars of Islam were set as follows:
“Narrated Ibn 'Umar, Allah's Apostle said, “Islam is based on (the following) five (principles):
1. To testify that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Mohammed is Allah's Apostle.
2. To offer the (compulsory congregational) prayers dutifully and perfectly.
3. To pay Zakat (mandatory alms-giving)
4. To perform Hajj. (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
5. Fasting during the month of Ramadan.”
Source:
http://www.AmrKhaled.net
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Beginning of The Resalah (Prophetic Call)
When the Prophet PBUH was 40 years old he was at Al Hira cave overlooking the Ka3ba and that night wasn't like the other nights he spent reflecting in the cave as he did the last 2 years..
The Prophet heard a voice, a voice that wasn't familiar or normal, it was Jebreel AS (an angel sent from God).
Prophet Mohammed narrates,
Jebreel AS told me "Read" and I replied, “I do not know how to read.” The angel caught me (forcefully) and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read and I replied, “I do not know how to read.” Thereupon he caught me again and pressed me a second time until I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read but again I replied, I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?” Thereupon he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said what can be translated as, "Read: In the Name of your Lord Who created, Created man from clots. Read: And your Lord is The Most Honorable, Who taught by the pen. He taught man what he did not know." (TMQ, 96:1-5). Then Allah's Apostle returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely.” [11]
And this was the first verse of the Holy Quran that Mohammed PBUH read although he was illetrate.. It's a miracle how he read and memorized those verses..
The Islamic preacher Amr Khaled describes the significance of this dialogue as follows:
This dialogue symbolizes mercy, love and peace. This is exactly the mission of Islam, which rejects all kinds of violence, oppression or unjust. Secondly, it was to prove to the Prophet that he was not dreaming, but rather he was awake; notice that Prophet Mohammed PBUH spent six months, prior to the revelation, dreaming of good dreams that came true, like bright day light. Thirdly, the beginning of the revelation was meant to be powerful to indicate the seriousness of Islam's mission.
Another point Amr Khaled stresses is that the first word Jebreel AS asks the Prophet PBUH is: “Iqra” which means recite.
Why did the mission of Islam start that way, although Prophet Mohammed PBUH himself was illiterate?
It indicates that the era of miracles is over. A new era of knowledge, science and planning has started by Mohammed PBUH. Nevertheless, 60% of our nation is illiterate. People are still waiting for a miracle that would turn their lives to the better. They cannot realize that that miracle would never happen unless they became true Muslims.
Such a start, with the word "Iqra" which means "recite", leaves no doubt about the truth of Islam. Islam is applicable to all ages, and this is the age of knowledge. God says what can be translated as, "Read: In the Name of your Lord Who created, Created man from clots. Read: And your Lord is The Most Honorable, Who taught by the pen. He taught man what he did not know." (TMQ, 96:1-5). He mentioned knowledge along with its tools six times in just five verses. Miracles are over. If we are to take this mission seriously, we would be the miracle.
After the Prophet saw Jebreel AS, he was very frightened. It indicates that he was not going after the prophecy.
click to listen to the first Verse of the Holy Quran:
Source:
http://www.AmrKhaled.net
The Prophet heard a voice, a voice that wasn't familiar or normal, it was Jebreel AS (an angel sent from God).
Prophet Mohammed narrates,
Jebreel AS told me "Read" and I replied, “I do not know how to read.” The angel caught me (forcefully) and pressed me so hard that I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read and I replied, “I do not know how to read.” Thereupon he caught me again and pressed me a second time until I could not bear it any more. He then released me and again asked me to read but again I replied, I do not know how to read (or what shall I read)?” Thereupon he caught me for the third time and pressed me, and then released me and said what can be translated as, "Read: In the Name of your Lord Who created, Created man from clots. Read: And your Lord is The Most Honorable, Who taught by the pen. He taught man what he did not know." (TMQ, 96:1-5). Then Allah's Apostle returned with the Inspiration and with his heart beating severely.” [11]
And this was the first verse of the Holy Quran that Mohammed PBUH read although he was illetrate.. It's a miracle how he read and memorized those verses..
The Islamic preacher Amr Khaled describes the significance of this dialogue as follows:
This dialogue symbolizes mercy, love and peace. This is exactly the mission of Islam, which rejects all kinds of violence, oppression or unjust. Secondly, it was to prove to the Prophet that he was not dreaming, but rather he was awake; notice that Prophet Mohammed PBUH spent six months, prior to the revelation, dreaming of good dreams that came true, like bright day light. Thirdly, the beginning of the revelation was meant to be powerful to indicate the seriousness of Islam's mission.
Another point Amr Khaled stresses is that the first word Jebreel AS asks the Prophet PBUH is: “Iqra” which means recite.
Why did the mission of Islam start that way, although Prophet Mohammed PBUH himself was illiterate?
It indicates that the era of miracles is over. A new era of knowledge, science and planning has started by Mohammed PBUH. Nevertheless, 60% of our nation is illiterate. People are still waiting for a miracle that would turn their lives to the better. They cannot realize that that miracle would never happen unless they became true Muslims.
Such a start, with the word "Iqra" which means "recite", leaves no doubt about the truth of Islam. Islam is applicable to all ages, and this is the age of knowledge. God says what can be translated as, "Read: In the Name of your Lord Who created, Created man from clots. Read: And your Lord is The Most Honorable, Who taught by the pen. He taught man what he did not know." (TMQ, 96:1-5). He mentioned knowledge along with its tools six times in just five verses. Miracles are over. If we are to take this mission seriously, we would be the miracle.
After the Prophet saw Jebreel AS, he was very frightened. It indicates that he was not going after the prophecy.
click to listen to the first Verse of the Holy Quran:
Source:
http://www.AmrKhaled.net
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