In the Name of Allah the Most Gracious the Ever Merciful: "Allah did choose Adam and Noah the family of Abraham, and the family of Imran above all people." (Quran 3:33) "O family of the House (of Mohammed), Allah only wishes to distance fault from you and cleanse you." (Quran 33:33) "It is He Who sent down to thee (O Mohammed) (step by step), in truth, the Book confirming what went before it; and He sent down the Torah (Of Moses) and the Gospel (of Jesus) (Quran 3:3) "Peace and salutation to Noah among the nations!"  (Quran 37:79) "Peace and salutation to Abraham!" (Quran 37:109) “And We gave (Abraham) Isaac and Jacob, and ordained among his progeny Prophethood and Revelation, and We granted him his reward in this life; and he was in the Hereafter (of the company) of the Righteous.” (Quran 29:27) "Behold Joseph said to his father: "O my father! I did see eleven stars and the sun and the moon: I saw them prostrate themselves to me!" (Quran 12:4) "Peace and salutation to Moses and Aaron!" (Quran 37:120) "Peace be on the Family of Yasin. (Quran 37:130) " So also was Jonah among those sent (by us)." (Quran 37:139) "And mention Idriss in the Book; surely he was a truthful man, a prophet. And We raised him high in Heaven." (Quran 19:56-57) "And Zachariah and John and Jesus and Ilyas all in the ranks of the righteous; and Ismail and Elisha and Jonas and Lot; each have We preferred above the nations. (To them) and their fathers and progeny and brethren, We chose them and We guided them to a straight way.” (Quran 6: 85-87)  "Behold, their brother Hud." (Quran 26:120) " "Behold! the angels said "O Mary! Allah giveth thee glad tidings of a Word from Him: his name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary held in honour in this world and the Hereafter and of (the company of) those nearest to Allah." (Quran 3:54) "Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah" (Quran 48:29) "Mohammed is not the father of any of your men, but (he is) the Messenger of Allah, and the Seal of the Prophets: and Allah has full knowledge of all things." (Quran 33:40) "But those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, and believe in the (Revelation) sent down to Mohammed for it is the Truth from their Lord― He will remove from them their ills and improve their condition." (Quran 47:2)  Glory to thy Lord the Lord, of Honour and Power! (He is free) from what they ascribe (to Him)! And Peace on the Messengers! And praise to Allah, the Lord and Cherisher of the Worlds." (Quran 37:180-2)

Sidna Adam (peace be upon him)

Mount Arafat; Arabia where Adam and Eve were re-united on earth 

Allah the Almighty revealed: "He began the creation of man from dust. Then He made his progeny of an extract of water held in light esteem. Then He made him complete and breathed into him of His spirit and made for you ears and eyes and heart." (Quran 32:7-9) "The similitude of Jesus before Allah is as that of Adam; He created him from dust, then said to him: 'Be'. And he was." (Quran 3:59) "And when your Lord said to the angels: I am about to appoint a vicegerent in the earth. They said: Will you place therein such as will cause disorder in it or shed blood? We celebrate your praise and extol your holy names. He answered: I know what you know not." (Quran 2:30) "And He taught Adam the names of all things; then presenting them to the angels, He said: Tell Me the names of these if you are right. Glory be to You. We have no knowledge except what You have taught us. Surely, You are Knowing, the Wise." (Quran 2:31-2) "It is We Who created you and gave you shape; then We bade the angels bow down to Adam, and they bowed down; not so Iblis; He refused to be of those who bow down." (7:11) "And behold, We said to the angels: 'Bow down to Adam' and they bowed down. Not so Iblis: he refused and was haughty: He was of those who reject Faith." (Quran 2:34) "O Iblis! What prevents thee from prostrating thyself to one whom I have created with my hands? Art thou haughty? Or art thou one of the high (and mighty) ones?" (Quran 38:75) "Iblis said: Give me respite till the Resurrection Day. Allah said: Be you among those who are given respite. He said: Because You have thrown me out of the way, I will certainly lie in wait for them on Your Straight Path. Then will assault them from before them and behind them, from their right and from their left, nor will You find most of them grateful." (Quran 7:14-18) "And O' Adam! Dwell you and your wife in the Garden (of Bliss) and eat there from wherever you will but approach not this tree lest you should be: among the wrong-doers." (Quran 7:20) "Your Lord has only forbidden you this tree lest you should become angels or immortals, and he swore to them saying: Surely, I am a sincere counselor unto you. So he beguiled them by deceit." (Quran 7:22) "When they both tasted of the tree, their private parts became manifest to each other and they both began to cover themselves with the leaves of the trees (in the garden), and their Lord called them saying: Did I not forbid you both from that tree and tell you that Satan was your avowed enemy. They said: Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If you forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your mercy, we shall surely be of the losers." (Quran 7:23-24) Abi Musa al Sha'arai narrated that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said: "Allah created Adam from a handful of dust taken from different lands, so the children of Adam have been created according to the composition of the land. Therefore from mankind we have white, red, black and yellow ones; we have good and evil, ease and sorrow, and what comes in between them." (Sahih al Bukhari). Ibn Masud and other companions of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said that Allah the Almighty sent Gabriel onto the earth to said that Allah the Almighty sent Gabriel onto the earth to get Him clay therefrom. The earth said: "I seek refuge in Allah from your decreasing my quantity or disfiguring me." So Gabriel returned and did not take anything. He said: "My Lord, the land sought refuge in You and it granted."  So Allah sent Michael for the same purpose, and the land sought refuge with Allah and it was granted. So he went back and said to Allah what Gabriel has said before him. Then Allah sent the Angel of Death, and the land sought refuge in Allah, the angel said: "I also seek refuge with Allah from returning without carrying out His command." So he took clay from the face of the earth and mixed it. He did not take from one particular place, but rather he took white, red, and black clay from different places. The Angel of Death ascended with it, Allah soaked the clay till it became sticky. Then Allah said to the angels: "Truly, I am going to create man from clay. So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him (his) soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him." (Quran 38:71-72). So Allah shaped Adam into a human being, but he remained figure of clay for 40 years. The angels went past him. They were seized with fear by what they saw, and Iblis felt fear most. He used to pass by the figure of Adam, buffeting it, which would make a sound like pottery. Allah told us: "He created man (Adam) from sounding clay like the clay of pottery." (Quran). When the time drew near to breathe the spirit into Adam, as Allah decreed, He commanded the angels: "When I breathe My spirit into him prostrate before him." Allah breathed His spirit into Adam and when it reached his head Adam sneezed. The angels said: "Say all praise belongs to Allah." Adam repeated: "All praise belongs to Allah." Allah said to him: "Your Lord has granted you mercy." When the spirit reached his eyes, Adam looked at the fruits of Paradise. When it reached his abdomen Adam felt an appetite for food. He jumped hurriedly before the spirit could reach his legs, so that he could eat from the fruits of Paradise. Allah, therefore, said: "Man is created of haste." (Quran 21:37). And then: The angels prostrated themselves all of them together. Except Iblis, he refused to be among the prostrators. (Quran 15:31-32)

Sayyida 'Hawwa' ("Eve", peace be upon her) 

Eve's Grave, Jeddah, Arabia

According to Arab tradition, Eve, the mother of all mankind, is buried near Jeddah. The history of this city in Arabia can be traced back to 2,500 years. The strategic location of the city makes it very popular among the Muslim pilgrims for whom Jeddah is the gateway to the twin holy cities of Mecca and Medina. But what attracts the travelers to this ancient city of Arabia is the Eve Cave in Jeddah. Jeddah derives its name from the cave of Eve, a prominent religious attraction in the country. The ancient city which lies close to the Red Sea derives its name from the Arabic term 'Jaddah' that literally means 'matriarch' and being the resting place of Eve, the first woman created by God the name of the city came to be Jeddah. According to the Islamic texts, when God banished Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, Adam fell in India while Eve landed at the coast of the Red Sea. And later on Adam was buried in Mecca while Eve, considered the 'jaddah' or the mother of mankind was buried in the city of Jeddah. From thereon the Eve Cave in Jeddah has been a prominent fixture in the Jeddah Travel Guide. Though a lot has been speculated among the historians regarding the actual spot of the Eve Cave at Jeddah, the beliefs of the pilgrims and travelers bring a number of them to this ancient city. But in 1975 the sudden growth in the number of Muslim pilgrims visiting the place resulted in the sealing of the Eve Cave in Jeddah by the Wahhabi authorities argued that it was against Islamic traditions to pray at the Tomb of Eve (peace be upon her).

Sidna Shith ("Seth", peace be upon him) 

Sidna Sheit ibn Adam, Zabadani, Damascus

Sidi Muhyiddin ibn al-Arabi (d. 636/1221) said in "Fusus al-Hikam" (Pearls of Wisdom), "All the Prophets, from Adam to the last of the Prophets, take their light from the niche of the Seal of the Prophets, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. Even though the existence of his clay was deferred, the last Prophet was nevertheless present in his reality, according to his statement, "I was a Prophet when Adam was between water and clay." Every other Prophet only became a Prophet by being described by divine qualities inasmuch as Allah is described as the Praiseworthy Wali. It is the same with the gifts - every gift is distinct from another by personal nature, although they come from a single source. It is evident that this one is not that one. That is because the Names are distinct. Because of its boundlessness, in the Divine Presence there is nothing at all which repeats itself. This is the truth which is determined. This was the knowledge of Shith, peace be upon him, and its spirit aids every spirit which discusses the like of this, except for the spirit of the Seal who receives replenishing knowledge directly from Allah, not from any spirit. No, rather it is from his spirit that his substance flows to all spirits, although he may not perceive that of himself at the time when his elemental body existed. However, in respect to his reality and his rank, he knows all of that essentially, just as he is ignorant of the composition of the elements (of his body). So he has knowledge and is ignorant, and he is capable of being described by contrary attributes even as the Origin admits of description with opposites such as the Majestic and the Beautiful, the Outward and the Inward, the Last and the First - and they are the same, and not other than Him. Therefore, he knows and does not know, and he perceives and does not perceive, and he sees and does not see. It is by this knowledge that Shith received his name because it means "the gift". In His hand is the key to the gifts in their various types and relationships So Allah gave him to Adam, and he was the first gift, and He only gave it from Himself. This was the knowledge of Shith, peace be upon him, and its spirit aids every spirit which discusses the like of this, except for the spirit of the Seal who receives replenishing knowledge directly from Allah, not from any spirit. No, rather it is from his spirit that his substance flows to all spirits, although he may not perceive that of himself at the time when his elemental body existed. However, in respect to his reality and his rank, he knows all of that essentially, just as he is ignorant of the composition of the elements (of his body). So he has knowledge and is ignorant, and he is capable of being described by contrary attributes even as the Origin admits of description with opposites such as the Majestic and the Beautiful, the Outer and the Inner, the Last and the First - and they are the same, and not other than Him. Therefore, he knows and does not know, and he perceives and does not perceive, and he sees and does not see. It is by this knowledge that Shith received his name because it means "the gift". In His hand is the key to the gifts in their various types and relationships So Allah gave him to Adam, and he was the first gift, and He only gave it from Himself." (Fusus al-Hikam)

Sidna Habil ("Abel", peace be upon him) 

Habil son of Adam, Nabi Habeel Mosque, Zabadani Valley, Syria

Allah Almighty said: “Recite to them the truth of the story of the two sons of Adam. Behold! They each presented a sacrifice (to Allah): It was accepted from one, but not from the other. Said the latter: "Be sure I will slay thee." "Surely," said the former, "Allah doth accept of the sacrifice of those who are righteous. "If thou dost stretch thy hand against me, to slay me, it is not for me to stretch my hand against thee to slay thee: for I do fear Allah, the cherisher of the worlds. "For me, I intend to let thee draw on thyself my sin as well as thine, for thou wilt be among the companions of the fire, and that is the reward of those who do wrong." The (selfish) soul of the other led him to the murder of his brother: he murdered him, and became (himself) one of the lost ones. Then Allah sent a raven, who scratched the ground, to show him how to hide the shame of his brother. "Woe is me!" said he; "Was I not even able to be as this raven, and to hide the shame of my brother?" then he became full of regrets. On that account: We ordained for the Children of Israel that if any one slew a person - unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land - it would be as if he slew the whole people: and if any one saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people. Then although there came to them Our messengers with clear signs, yet, even after that, many of them continued to commit excesses in the land.” (Quran 27-31)

Sidna Idriss ("Enoch", peace be upon him)

Sidna Idriss, "And We raised him high in Heaven" (Quran)

Allah has praised Idriss, describing him as being a prophet and truthful: "And mention Idriss in the Book; surely he was a truthful man, a prophet. And We raised him high in Heaven." (Quran 19:56-57) "And (mention) Ishmael, and Idriss, and Dhul Kifl. All were of the steadfast. And We brought them in unto Our mercy. Lo! they are among the righteous." (Quran 21:85-86)  Idriss was born and raised in Babylon following the teachings and religion of Prophet Adam (peace and blessing be him) and his son Seth (peace and blessing be him). Idriss was the fifth generation of the Prophet Adam. He called the people back to his forefathers religion, but only a few listened to him, while the majority turned away. Prophet Idriss and his followers left Babylon (Iraq) for Egypt. There he carried on his mission, calling people to what is just and fair, teaching them certain prayers and instructing them to fast on certain days and to give a portion of their wealth to the poor. He was the first of the Children of Adam to be given prophethood after Adam and Seth (peace upon them). Tailoring was his occupation. The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said: "Dawud was a maker of coats of mail and shields, Adam was a farmer, Nuh a carpenter, Idriss a tailor, and Musa a shepherd."(Hadith)   It is reported that Idriss was the first to invent the basic form of writing as well as the science of “Ilm al-Raml” (Science of Sand or Geomancy). According to one report for the origin of “Ilm al-Raml”, after praying to God that He give Idriss easily a means to earn his living, Idriss rested one day, bored and without work, and began to draw figures idly in the sand. As he did so, a stranger appeared before him and questioned what he was doing. Idriss replied that he was simply entertaining himself, but the stranger replied that he was doing a very serious act. Idriss became incredulous and tried to deny this, but the stranger explained the significance of the meaning of the figure Idriss drew. He then commanded Idriss to draw another figure, and upon doing so the stranger explained the meaning and significance of that figure. The pair continued this until Idriss had discovered and understood the sixteen figures. The stranger then taught Idriss how to form the figures in a regular manner and what the results meant, teaching him how to know things that could not be known with just the physical senses. After testing Idriss' newfound knowledge and skill of geomancy, and revealing himself to be the angel Jibril in the process, the stranger disappeared. Idriss, thankful to God and His messenger that he learned this art, never revealed the art to anyone. Before his death, he wrote a book describing the art as Jibril had taught him, and from his successors. Idriss is one of the prophets that our Holy Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) encountered in his ascension" (mi'raj) towards Heaven. He said (peace and blessing be upon him), " (..) And when I went over the fourth heaven, there I saw Idriss. Gabriel said (to me), 'This is Idriss; 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.'" (Bukhari)

Sidna Nuh ("Noah", peace be upon him)

Sidna Nuh, Kerak, Jordan

He was Noah Ibn Lamik, Ibn Mitoshilkh, Ibn Enoch, Ibn yard, Ibn Mahlabeel, Ibn Qinan, Ibn Anoush, Ibn Seth, Ibn Adam the Father of Mankind (peace and blessing be upon them). Ibn Abbas narrated that the Holy Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said: "The period between Adam and Noah was ten centuries." (Sahih Bukhari) Noah was born 1056 years after Adam's creation (or after he left the Garden of Eden). For many generations Noah's people had been worshipping statues that they called gods. They believed that these gods would bring them good, protect them from evil and provide all their needs. They gave their idols names such as Waddan, Suwa'an, Yaghutha, Ya'auga, and Nasran, (These idols represented, respectively, manly power; mutability, beauty; brute strength, swiftness, sharp sight, insight) according to the power they thought these gods possessed. Allah the Almighty revealed: "They (idolaters) have said: "You shall not leave your gods nor shall you leave Wadd, nor Suwa, nor Yaghuth, nor Ya uq nor Nasr (names of the idols)." (Quran 71:23). Originally these were the names of good people who had lived among them. After their deaths, statues of them were erected to keep their memories alive. After sometime, however, people began to worship these statues. Later generations did not even know why they had been erected; they only knew their parents had prayed to them. That is how idol worshipping developed. Since they had no understanding of Allah the Almighty Who would punish them for their evil deeds, they became cruel and immoral. Ibn Abbas explained: "Following upon the death of those righteous men, Satan inspired their people to erect statues in the places where they used to sit. They did this, but these statues were not worshiped until the coming generations deviated from the right way of life. Then they worshipped them as their idols." In his version, Ibn Jarir narrated: "There were righteous people who lived in the period between Adam and Noah and who had followers who held them as models. After their death, their friends who used to emulate them said: 'If we make statues of them, it will be more pleasing to us in our worship and will remind us of them.' So they built statues of them, and, after they had died and others came after them, Iblis crept into their minds saying :'Your forefathers used to worship them, and through that worship they got rain.' So they worshipped them." Into this environment Allah sent Noah with His message to his people. Noah was the only intellectual not caught in the whirlpool of man's destruction which was caused by polytheism. Allah is His Mercy sent His messenger Noah to guide his people. Noah was an excellent speaker and a very patient man. He pointed out to his people the mysteries of life and the wonders of the universe. He pointed out how the night is regularly followed by the day and that the balance between these opposites were designed by Allah the Almighty for our good. The night gives coolness and rest while the day gives warmth and awakens activity. The sun encourages growth, keeping all plants and animals alive, while the moon and stars assist in the reckoning of time, direction and seasons. He pointed out that the ownership of the heavens and the earth belongs only to the Divine Creator. Therefore, he explained to this people, there cannot have been more than one deity. He clarified to them how the devil had deceived them for so long and that the time had come for this deceit to stop. Noah spoke to them of Allah's glorification of man, how HE had created him and provided him with sustenance and the blessings of a mind. He told them that idol worshipping was a suffocating injustice to the mind. He warned them not to worship anyone but Allah and described the terrible punishment Allah would mete out if they continued in their evil ways. Allah Almighty said: "(Remember) Noah, when he cried (to Us) aforetime: We listened to his (prayer) and delivered him and his family from great distress. We helped him against people who rejected Our Signs: truly they were a people given to Evil: so We drowned them (in the Flood) all together." (Quran 21:76-7) " Noah Ark, 10-km from Ararat, Eastern Turkey (In the days of old), Noah cried to Us, and We are the best to hear prayer." (37:75) "Relate to them the story of Noah. Behold! he said to his people: "O my people, if it be hard on your (mind) that I should stay (with you) and commemorate the signs of God,- yet I put my trust in God. Get ye then an agreement about your plan and among your partners, so your plan be on to you dark and dubious. Then pass your sentence on me, and give me no respite." (Quran 10:71) "At length, behold! there came Our command, and the fountains of the earth gushed forth! We said: 'Embark therein, of each kind two, male and female, and your family - except those against whom the word has already gone forth,- and the Believers." but only a few believed with him.' So he said: 'Embark ye on the Ark, In the name of God, whether it move or be at rest! For my Lord is, be sure, Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful!' So the Ark floated with them on the waves (towering) like mountains, and Noah called out to his son, who had separated himself (from the rest): 'O my son! embark with us, and be not with the unbelievers!' The son replied: 'I will betake myself to some mountain: it will save me from the water.' Noah said: 'This day nothing can save, from the command of God, any but those on whom He hath mercy! 'And the waves came between them, and the son was among those overwhelmed in the Flood. Then the word went forth: 'O earth! swallow up thy water, and O sky! Withhold (thy rain)!' and the water abated, and the matter was ended. The Ark rested on Mount Judi, and the word went forth: 'Away with those who do wrong!' (Quran 11-40-4) ) "O ye that are sprung from those whom We carried (in the Ark) with Noah! Verily he was a devotee most grateful." (17:3) "And We left (this blessing) for him among generations to come in later times. 'Peace and salutation to Noah among the nations!' Thus indeed do we reward those who do right. For he was one of our believing Servants." (Quran 37:78-81) "God sets forth, for an example to the Unbelievers, the wife of Noah and the wife of Lut: they were (respectively) under two of our righteous servants, but they were false to their (husbands), and they profited nothing before God on their account, but were told: 'Enter ye the Fire along with (others) that enter!'" (Quran 66:10)

Sidna Hud ("Eber", peace be upon him)

Sidna Hud, Salallah, Oman

The people of 'Ad lived many years in the windswept hills of an area between Yemen and Oman. They were physically well built and renowned for their craftsmanship especially in the construction of tall buildings with lofty towers. They were outstanding among all the nations in power and wealth, which, unfortunately, made them arrogant and boastful. Their political power was held in the hand of unjust rulers, against whom no one dared to raise a voice. They were not ignorant of the existence of Allah, nor did they refuse to worship Him. What they did refuse was to worship Allah alone. They worshipped other gods, also, including idols. This is one sin Allah does not forgive. Allah wanted to guide and discipline these people so He sent a prophet from among them. This prophet was Hud (peace be upon him), a noble man who handled this task with great resoluteness and tolerance. Ibn Jarir reported that he was Hud Ibn Shalikh, Ibn Arfakhshand, Ibn Sam, Ibn Noah (peace be upon him). He also reported that Prophet Hud was from a tribe called Ad Ibn Us Ibn Sam Ibn Noah, who were Arabs living in Al-Ahqaf in Yemen between Oman and Hadramaut, on a land called Ashar stretching out into the sea. The name of their valley was Mughiith. Some traditions claimed that Hud was the first person who spoke Arabic while others claimed that Noah (peace be upon him) was the first. It was also said that Adam was the first. Hud condemned idol worship and admonished his people. "MY people, what is the benefit of these stones that you carve with your own hands and worship? In reality it is an insult to the intellect. There is only One Deity worthy of worship and that is Allah. Worship of Him and Him alone, is compulsory on you. He created you, He provides for you and He is the One Who will cause you to die. He gave you wonderful physiques and blessed you in many ways. So believe in Him and do not be blind to His favors, or the same fate that destroyed Noah's people will overtake you." With such reasoning Hud hoped to instill faith in them, but they refused to accept his message. His people asked him: "Do you desire to be our master with your call? What payment do you want?" Hud tried to make them understand that he would receive his payment (reward) from Allah; he did not demand anything from them except that they let the light of truth touch their minds and hearts. Allah the Almighty states: And to Ad people We sent their brother Hud. He said: "O my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (god) but Him; Certainly, you do nothing but invent (lies)! O my people I ask of you no reward for it (the Message). My reward is only from Him Who created me. Will you not then understand? And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strength to your strength, so do not turn away as Mujrimeen (criminals, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah)." They said: "O Hud! No evidence have you brought us and we shall not leave our gods for your mere saying! We are not believers in you. All that we say is that some of our gods (false deities) have seized you with evil (madness)." HE said: "I call Allah to witness and bear you witness that I am free from that which you ascribe as partners in worship, and with Him (Allah). SO plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite. I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but HE has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the truth). SO if you turn away, still I have conveyed the Message with which I was sent to you. My Lord will make another people succeed you, and you will not harm Him in the least. Surely, my Lord is Guardian over all things." (Quran 11:50-57) Hud tried to speak to them and to explain about Allah's blessings: how Allah the Almighty had made them Noah's successors, how He had given them strength and power, and how HE sent them rain to revive the soil. Hud's people looked about them and found they were the strongest on earth, so they become prouder and more obstinate. Thus they argued a lot with Hud. They asked "O Hud! Do you say that later we die and turn into dust, we will be resurrected?" He replied, "Yes, you will come back on the Day of Judgment and each of you will be asked about what you did." A peal of laughter was heard after the last statement. "How strange Hud's claims are!" The disbelievers muttered among themselves. They believed that when man dies his body decays and turns into dust, which is swept away by the wind. How could that return to its original state? Then what is the significance of the Day of Judgment? Why does the dead return to life? All these questions were patiently received by Hud. He then addressed his people concerning the Day of Judgment. He explained that belief in the Day of Judgment is essential to Allah's justice, teaching them the same thing that every prophet taught about it. Hud explained that justice demands that there be a Day of Judgment because good is not always victorious in life. Sometimes evil overpowers good. Will such crimes go unpunished? If we suppose there is no Day of Judgment, then a great injustice will have prevailed, but Allah has forbidden injustice to be incurred by Himself or His subjects. Therefore, the existence of the Day of Judgment, a day of accounting for our deeds and being rewarded or punished for them, reveals the extend of Allah's justice. Hud spoke to them about all of these things. They listened but disbelieved him. Allah recounts his people's attitude towards the Day of Judgment: "The chiefs of his people, whom disbelieved and denied the meeting in the Hereafter, and to who We had given the luxuries and comforts of this life, said: "He is no more than a human being like you, he eats of that which you eat, and drinks of what you drink. If you were to obey a human being like yourselves then verily! You indeed would be losers. Does he promise you that when you have died and have become dust and bones, you shall come out alive (resurrected)? Far, very far, is that which you are promised. There is nothing but our life of this world! We die and we live! We are not going to be resurrected! He is only a man who has invented a lie against Allah, but we are not going to believe in him." (Quran 23:33-38) The chiefs of Hud's people asked: "IS it not strange that Allah's chooses one of us to reveal His message to?" Hud replied: "What is strange in that? Allah wants to guide you to the right way of life, so HE sent me to warn you. Noah's flood and his story are not far away from you, so do not forget what happened. All the disbelievers were destroyed, no matter how strong they were." "Who is going to destroy us Hud?" the chiefs asked. "Allah." replied Hud. The disbelievers among his people answered: "We will be saved by our gods." Hud clarified to them that the gods they worshipped would be the reason for their destruction, that it is Allah alone Who saves people, and that no other power on earth can benefit or harm anyone. The conflict between Hud and his people continued. The years passed, and they became prouder and more obstinate, and more tyrannical and more defiant of their prophet's message. Furthermore, they started to accuse Hud of being a crazy lunatic. One day they told him: "We now understand the secret of your madness you insulted our gods and they harmed you; that is why you have become insane." Almighty Allah repeated their words in the Quran: "O my Hud! No evidence have you brought us, and we shall not leave our gods for your mere saying! And we are not believers in you. All that we say is that some of our gods (false deities) have seized you with evil (madness)." (Quran 11:53-54) Hud had to return their challenge. He had no other way but to turn to Allah alone, no other alternative but to give them a threatening ultimatum. he declared to them: "I call Allah to witness and bear you witness that I am free from that which you ascribe as pin worship with Him (Allah). SO plot against me, all of you and give me no respite. I put my trust in Allah, my Lord your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the truth). So if you turn away, still I have conveyed the message with which it was sent to you. My Lord will make another people succeed you, and you will not harm Him." (Quran 11:54-57) Thus Hud renounced them and their gods and affirmed his dependence on Allah Who had created him. Hud realized that punishment would be incurred on the disbelievers among his people. It is one of the laws of life. Allah punishes the disbelievers, no matter how rich, tyrannical or great they are. Hud and his people waited for Allah's promise. A drought spread throughout the land, for the sky no longer sent its rain. The sun scorched the desert sands, looking like a disk of fire which settled on people's heads. Hud's people hastened to him asking: "What is that drought Hud?" Hud answered: "Allah is angry with you. If you believe in Him, He will accept you and the rain will fall and you will become stronger than you are." They mocked him and became more obstinate, sarcastic and preserve in their unbelief. The drought increased, the trees turned yellow, and plants died. A day came when they found the sky full of clouds. Hud's people were glad as they came out of their tents crying: "A cloud, which will give us rain!" The weather changed suddenly from burning dry and hot to stinging cold with wind that shook everything; trees, plants, tents, men and women. The wind increased day after day and night after night. Hud's people started to flee. They ran to their tents to hide but the gale became stronger, ripping their tents from their stakes. They hid under cloth covers but the gale became stronger and still and tore away the covers. It slashed clothing and skin. It penetrated the apertures of the body and destroyed it. It hardly touched anything before it was destroyed or killed, its core sucked out to decompose and rot. The storm raged for 8 days and 7 nights. Almighty Allah recounts: Then when they saw it as a dense cloud coming towards their valleys, they said: "This is a cloud bringing us rain!" Nay but it is that torment which you were asking to be hastened! a wind wherein is a painful torment! Destroying everything by the command of its Lord! (Quran 46:24-25) Allah the Exalted described it thus: And as for Ad, they were destroyed for a furious violent wind which Allah imposed on them for 7 nights and 8 days in succession, so that you could see men lying overthrown (destroyed) as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees! (Quran 69:6-7) That violent gale did not stop until the entire region was reduced to ruins and its wicked people destroyed, swallowed by the sands of the desert. Only Hud and his followers remained unharmed. They migrated to Hadramaut and lived there in peace, worshipping Allah, their true Lord. The City of Imar (Shisr, Oman) Allah Almighty revealed: "Seest thou not How thy Lord dealt With the 'Ad (people) -- Of the (city of) Iram, With lofty pillars, The like of which were not produced in (all) the land? ( Quran, 89:6-8)" "Noah's people, when they denied the Messengers We drowned them, and We made them as a sign for mankind. We have prepared a painful torment for the Dhalimeen (polytheists and wrongdoers) Also Ad and Thamud and the dwellers of Ar-Rass and many generations in between. For each of them We put forward examples (as proofs and lessons etc), and each of them We brought to utter ruin (because of their disbelief and evil deeds). (Quran 25:37-39) Allah the Exalted revealed: Denied before them (these pagans of Mecca who denied you, O Mohammed) the people of Noah and the dwellers of Ar-Rass, and Thamud and Ad and Pharaoh, and the brethren of Lot, and the dwellers of the Wood, and the people of Tubba, everyone of them denied their Messengers so My Threat took effect. (Quran 50:12-14). Iram would seem to have been an ancient 'Ad capital, in southern Arabia. It boasted of lofty architecture ("lofty pillars"). Some Commentators understand Iram to be the name of an eponymous hero of the 'Ad, in which case the following line, "with lofty pillars", should be construed "of lofty stature". The 'Ad were a tall race. This tract of southern Arabia was once very prosperous (Arabia Felix) and contains ruins and inscriptions. It has always been an object of great interest to the Arabs. In the time of Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan (602–680) some precious stones were found among the ruins in this locality. Ubar is believed to have been the Omanum Emporiam, Irem (Iram) That Al Emad (Imad), Wabar, Ubar or the mythical lost city in "Arabian Nights" Omanum Emporiam was first mentioned in about 200 AD by Arabian geographers when it was described as a major market town in the "Empty Quarter" and at the crossroads for the frankincense trade. Irem That Al Emad mentioned in the Holy Quran 400 years later was a city of doom because of its sinful ways. It was believed to have been built by King Shaddad ibn Ad to recreate his idea of paradise, where he gathered gold, silver, pearls, amber and other precious things to make a city of beauty. The city was left crumbled and buried beneath the sands of the desert when God sent a great wind to destroy the corruption of wealth and delights of the flesh of the people of Ad. Bakheet tells us that when the city crumbled it was the result of something like an earthquake and that the city fell into a kind of hole in the ground just behind a large hill, atop of which remains one of the ruins. The walk down the hill to the hole is a bit of a slope and proper shoes are recommended. As it would turn out, the Arabic word Shisr is the word used for such a hole. Hence, the town of Shisr. Yaqut Al Hamawi, the famous Arab geographer, described Wabar as "the land which belonged to Ad in eastern parts of Yemen and which is today an untrodden waste owing to the drying up of the desert."  The discovery of the city at Shisr came as a result of scientific research and sheer accident. In the early 1990's archaeologists launched a major expedition to find the lost city. They used satellite pictures taken over the desert, revealing old caravan routes. A group of Bedouins led the archaeologists to the area at Shisr, which they thought had ruins. A settlement was discovered beneath the sands, an ancient well which supplied the settlement with water. There were remains of walls, towers and gates, which indicate an extensive town. Pottery, glass vessels and incense burners, dating back to the era between 1000 BC and the Islamic era 900-1400 AD, were also found. Archaeologists believe Ubar was the principal center of the north bound overland trade route to the north of the Arabian peninsula and to the Sumerian civilization in the south of ancient Iraq. Trade and frankincense and Arabian horses flourished from Shisr. Queen Sheba is believed to have traveled to the region for supplies of frankincense and stories narrate the tales of her offerings of frankincense to King Solomon. Also, "Modern archaeologists have identified ruins at Shisha, Oman as those of Irem (Iram), better known as the lost city of Ubar. This was a fortress city not of "pillars" but "towers" (which is the same word in Arabic). It served to protect the caravans traveling the frankincense route from the gum tree groves through the land of Ad into the Rub al Khali. Founded 5,000 years ago, Ubar was built around a natural cistern of water which provided a unique oasis in the Empty Quarter. 150 people lived in the fortress surrounded by perhaps 3,000 travellers encamped in black tents, resting before continuing their journeys. The city disappeared around 300 CE. According to legend, the buildings were thrown down as punishment by Allah for the wickedness of its ruler."

Sidna Salih ("Shaloh", peace be upon him)  

Sidna Salih's Shrine, Sinai, Egypt

After the destruction of the Ad, the tribe of Thamud succeeded them in power and glory. They also fell to idol-worshipping. As their material wealth increased so, too, did their evil ways while their virtue decreased. Like the people of Ad, they erected huge buildings on the plains and hewed beautiful homes out of the hills. Tyranny and oppression became prevalent as evil men ruled the land. So Allah sent unto them His Prophet Salih (peace and blessing be upon him), a man from among them. His name was Salih Ibn Ubeid, Ibn Maseh, Ibn Ubeid, Ibn Hader, Ibn Thamud, Ibn Ather, Ibn Eram, Ibn Nuh. He called his people to worship Allah alone, and to not associate partners with Him. While some of them believed him, the majority of them disbelieved and harmed him by both words and deeds. Salih directed them: "O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other Ilah (god) but Him." (11:61) Salih was known for his wisdom, purity and goodness and had been greatly respected by his people before Allah's revelation came to him. Salih's people said to him: "O Salih! You have been among us as a figure of good hope and we wished for you to be our chief, till this, new thing which you have brought that we leave our gods and worship your God (Allah) alone! Do you now forbid us the worship of what our fathers have worshipped? But we are really in grave doubt as to that which you invite us to monotheism." (Quran 11:62) they merely wanted to worship the same gods as their fathers had, with no reason, no proof, no thought. The proof of Salih's (peace and blessing be upon him) message was evident, but despite this it was obvious that most of his people did not believe him. They doubted his words, thinking he was charmed, and they saw that he would not stop preaching. Fearing that his followers would increase, they tried to put him off by assigning him an important task; to prove that he was a messenger of Allah by performing a miracle. Let a unique she camel issue from the mountains. Allah granted Salih this miracle and a huge, unique, she camel appeared from the direction of the mountain. The Quranic commentators said that the people of Thamud gathered on a certain day at their meeting place, and the prophet Salih (peace and blessing be upon him) came and addressed them to believe in Allah, reminding them of the favors Allah had granted them. Then pointing at a rock, they demanded: "Ask your Lord to make a she camel, which must be 10 months pregnant, tall and attractive, issue from the rock for us." Salih replied: "Look now! If Allah sends you what you have requested, just as you have described, will you believe in that which I have come to you with and have faith in the message I have been sent with?" They answered: "Yes." So he took a vow from them on this, then prayed to Allah the Almighty to grant their request. Allah ordered the distant rock to split asunder, to bringing forth a great ten month pregnant she camel. When their eyes set on it, they were amazed. They saw a great thing, a wonderful sight, a dazzling power and clear evidence!   Well of Sidna Salih's Camel, Ula, Hijaz A number of Salih's people believed, yet most of them continued in their disbelief, stubbornness, and going astray. Allah the Almighty said: We sent the she camel to Thamud as a clear sign, but they did her wrong. (Quran 17:59) and also: Verily the dwellers of Al Hijr (the rocky tract) denied the Messengers. We gave them Our Signs, but they were averse to them. (Quran 15:80-81) There are a number of ancient accounts of this camel and its miraculous nature. It was said that the she camel was miraculous because a rock in the mountain split open and it came forth from it, followed by its young offspring. Other accounts said that the she camel used to drink all the water in the wells in one day, and no other animals could approach the water. Still others claimed that the she camel produced milk sufficient for all the people to drink, on the same day that it drank all the water, leaving none for them. At first, the people of Thamud were greatly surprised when the she camel issued from the mountain rocks. It was a blessed camel, and its milk sufficient for thousands of men, women and children. If it slept in a place that place was abandoned by other animals. Thus it was obvious that is was not an ordinary camel, but one of Allah's signs. It lived among Salih's people, some of whom believed in Allah while the majority continued in their obstinacy and disbelief. Their hatred of Salih turned towards the blessed she camel and became centered on it. A conspiracy started to be hatched against the camel by the disbelievers, and they secretly plotted against it. Salih feared that they might kill the camel, so he warned them: "O my people! This she camel of Allah is a sign to you, leave her to feed on Allah's earth, and touch her not with evil lest a near torment will seize you." (Quran 11:64) For awhile, Salih's people let the camel graze and drink freely, but in their hearts they hated it. However, the miraculous appearance of the unique camel caused many to become Salih's followers, and they clung to their belief in Allah. The disbelievers now began complaining that this huge she camel with its unusual qualities drank most of the water and frightened their cattle. They laid a plot to kill the camel, and sought the help of their women folk to tempt the men to carry out their commands. Saduq bint of Mahya, who was from a rich and noble family, offered herself to a young man named Masrai Ibn Mahraj on condition that he hamstring the camel. Aniza, an old woman, offered one of her daughters to a young man, Qudar Ibn Saluf, in return for killing the camel. Naturally these young men were tempted and set about finding seven others to assist them. They watched the camel closely, observing all its movements. As the she camel came to drink at the well, Masarai shot it in the leg with an arrow. It tried to escape but was hampered by the arrow. Qudar followed the camel and struck it with a sword in the other leg. As it fell to the ground, he pierced it with his sword. The killers were given a hero's welcome, cheered with songs and poetry composed in their praise. In their arrogance they mocked Salih, but he warned them: "Enjoy life for 3 more days then the punishment will descend upon you." Salih was hoping that they would see the folly of their ways and change their attitude before the 3 days went out. "Why 3 days?" they asked.  "Let the punishment come as quickly as possible." He pleaded with them: "My people, why do you hasten to evil rather than good? Why do not you ask pardon of Allah so that you may receive mercy?" They replied: "We see your presence and that of your followers as bringing evil on us." Almighty Allah related their story: And indeed We sent to Thamud their brother Salih, saying "Worship Allah Alone and none else." Then look! They became two parties (believers and disbelievers) quarreling with each other. He said: "O my people! Why do you seek to hasten the evil (torment) before the good (Allah's Mercy)? Why seek you not the Forgiveness of Allah, that you may receive mercy?" They said: We augur till omen from you and those with you." he said: "Your ill omen is with Allah; nay, but you are a people that are being tested." And there were in the city nine men (from the sons of their chiefs), who made mischief in the land, and would not reform. They said: "Swear to another by Allah that we shall make a secret night attack on him and his household, and afterwards we will surely say to his near relatives: "We witnessed not the destruction of his household, and verily! We are telling the truth."" So they plotted a plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not. Then see how was the end of their plot! Verily! We destroyed them and their nation, all together. These are their houses in utter ruin, for they did wrong. Verily, in this is indeed an Ayah (a lesson or a sign) for people who know. We saved those who believed, and used to fear and obey Allah. (Quran 27:45-53) They also plotted to kill Salih and his household as Almighty Allah stated: "So they ploa plot, and We planned a plan, while they perceived not." (Quran 27:50) Allah saved Salih and his followers from their wicked plans. Heavy hearted, they left the evil doers and moved to another place. Three days after Salih's warning, thunderbolts filled the air, followed by severe earthquakes which destroyed the entire tribe and its homeland. The land was violently shaken, destroying all living creatures in it. There was one terrific cry which had hardly ended when the disbelievers of Salih's people were struck dead, one and all, at the same time. Neither their strong buildings nor their rock hewn homes could protect them. Allah the Exalted said: To Thamud people We sent their brother Salih. He said: "O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other Ilah (god) but Him (none has the right to be worshipped but Allah). Indeed there has come to you a clear sign (the miracle of the coming out of a huge she camel from the midst of a rock) from your Lord. This she camel of Allah is a sign unto you so you leave her to graze in Allah's earth, and touch her not with harm, lest a painful torment should size you. Remember when He made you successors after Ad people and gave you habitations in the land, you build for yourselves palaces in plains and carve out homes in the mountains. So remember the graces bestowed upon you from Allah, and do not go about making mischief on the earth." Tomb of Sidna Salih (Sinai, Egypt) The leaders of those who were arrogant among his people said to those who were counted weak to such of them as believed: "Know you that Salih is one sent from his Lord." They said: "We indeed believe in that with which he has been sent." Those who were arrogant said: "Verily, we disbelieve in that which you believe in." So they killed the she camel and insolently defied the Commandment of their Lord, and said: "O Salih! Bring about your threats if you are indeed one of the Messengers (of Allah)." So the earthquakes seized them and they lay dead, prostrate in their homes. Then he (Salih) turned from them, and said: "O my people! I have indeed conveyed to you the Message of my Lord, and have give you good advise but you like not good advisers." (Quran 7:73-79) All were destroyed before they realized what was happening. As for the people who believed in the message of Salih (peace and blessing be upon him), they were saved because they had left the place. Ibn Umar narrated that while the Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) was passing by Thamud's houses on his way to the battle of Tabuk, he stopped together with the people there. The people fetched water from the wells from which the people of Thamud used to drink. They prepared their dough (for baking) and filled their water skins from it (the water from the wells). The Prophet of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) ordered them to empty the water skins and give the prepared dough to the camels. Then he went away with them until they stopped at the well from which the she camel (of Salih) used to drink. He warned them against entering upon the people that had been punished, saying "I fear that you may be affected by what afflicted them; so do no enter upon them."

Sidna Huzlah Ibn Safwan (peace be upon him)  

Rass, Arabia

Allah Almighty revealed: "Noah's people, when they denied the Messengers We drowned them, and We made them as a sign for mankind. We have prepared a painful torment for the Dhalimeen (polytheists and wrongdoers) Also Ad and Thamud and the dwellers of Ar-Rass and many generations in between. For each of them We put forward examples (as proofs and lessons etc), and each of them We brought to utter ruin (because of their disbelief and evil deeds). (Quran 25:37-39) "Allah the Exalted revealed: Denied before them (these pagans of Mecca who denied you, O Mohammed) the people of Noah and the dwellers of Ar-Rass, and Thamud and Ad and Pharaoh, and the brethren of Lot, and the dwellers of the Wood, and the people of Tubba, everyone of them denied their Messengers so My Threat took effect. (Quran 50:12-14). These verses indicate that the dwellers of Ar-Rass were destroyed as they were the other people who refused to believe in the prophets of Allah. Ar-Rass is  contemporarily a typical Nejdi terrain located in Al- Qassim Province, Najd, central ( Saudi) Arabia.Rass means in Arabic "an old well", and it was mentioned in a poem of Hassan ibn Thabit the poet who was a companion of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him). Ibn Jarir stated that the dwellers of Ar-Rass were the people of one of Thamud's villages. Allah sent a prophet to them called “Huzlah Ibn Safwan”. They denied and killed him, so Allah destroyed them. Abu Bakr Mohammed Ibn Al Hassan narrated: "The dwellers of Ar-Rass had a well sufficing them and their land. They also had a just and good-hearted king. When he died, they were much grieved for him. After four days Satan took his form and said: "I was not deed, but I kept absent from you to see your reaction." They were very joyful. He commanded them to set up a curtain between him and them and told them that he would never die. A great number of them believed him and were fascinated with and worshiped him. Then Allah sent them a prophet telling them that it was only Satan who was addressing them from behind the curtain. He forbade them to worship him and commanded them to worship only Allah and no partner with Him. In spite of that, they killed their prophet and threw his body into a well. Therefore Allah destroyed them and their homes."

 

Sidna Ibrahim ("Abraham", peace be upon him)  

Cenotaph of Sidna Abraham, Hebron, Palestine

"Abraham was not a Jew nor yet a Christian, but he was true in faith and bowed his will to Allah's and he joined not gods with Allah." (Quran 3:67) "As for me, my Lord has guided me to a straight path a right religion, the community of Abraham, a sincere believer." (Quran 6:161) "Those of humankind who have the best claim to Abraham are those who followed him, and this Prophet and those who truly believe; and Allah is the Protecting Friend of the believers" (Quran 3:6) “And who is better in religion than he  who submits his will to Allah, while doing good, and who follows the practice of Abraham, a man of pure faith? And Allah chose Abraham for a bosom friend” (Quran 4:125) "And strive for Allah's sake with all the effort He deserves.  He has chosen you and has not laid upon you any hardship in religion, but only the practice of your father Abraham" (Quran 22:7). “Abraham was of a people obedient to Allah by nature upright, and he was not one of the idolaters; thankful for His bounties; He chose him and He guided him to a straight path” (Quran 16:120-121)  Ibn Kathir says: "Some of the People of the Book stated that his name was Sidna Abraham Ibn Tarikh, Ibn Nahur, Ibn Sarough, Ibn Raghu, Ibn Phaligh, Ibn Hud, Ibn Shalih, Ibn Arfghshand, Ibn Sam, Ibn Noah (may Allah be pleased with them). They said that when Tarikh was seventy five years old, he had Abraham, Nahor (Nohour) and Haran. Haran had a son named Lot. They also said that Abraham was the middle child and that Haran died in the lifetime of his father in the land where he was born, the land of the Chaldeans (Al-Kaldanieen), also known as Babylonia. At that time some people worshipped idols of stone and wood; others worshipped the planets, stars, sun and moon; still others worshipped their kings and rulers. Sidna Abraham (peace be upon him) was born into that atmosphere, into a typical family of that ancient time. The head of the family was not even an ordinary idolater, but was one who totally rejected Allah and who used to make the idols with his own hands. Some traditions claimed that Abraham's father died before his birth and he was raised by an uncle called Azer whom Abraham called father. Almighty Allah said: "And remember that Abraham was tried by his Lord with certain commands, which he fulfilled; He said: "I will make thee an Imam to the nations." He pleaded: "And also (Imams) from my offspring!" He answered: "But my promise is not within the reach of evil-doers." Remember We made the House a place of assembly for men and a place of safety; and take ye the station of Abraham as a place of prayer; and We covenanted with Abraham and Isma`il that they should sanctify My House for those who compass it round or use it as a retreat or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer). And remember Abraham said: "My Lord make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits―such of them as believe in Allah and the Last Day." He said: "(Yea) and such as reject faith―for a while will I grant them their pleasure, but will soon drive them to the torment of fire―an evil destination (indeed)!" And remember Abraham and Isma`il raised the foundations of the House (with this prayer): "Our Lord! accept (this service) from us; for thou art the All-Hearing the All-Knowing. "Our Lord! Make of us Muslims bowing to Thy (Will) and of our progeny a people Muslim bowing to Thy (Will) and show us our places for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); for Thou art the Oft-Returning Most-Merciful. "Our Lord! send amongst them a Messenger of their own who shall rehearse Thy Signs to them and instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom, and purify them; for Thou art the Exalted in Might the Wise." And who turns away from the religion of Abraham but such as debase their souls with folly? Him We chose and rendered pure in this world: and he will be in the Hereafter in the ranks of the Righteous. Behold! His Lord said to him: "Submit (thy will to Me)" He said: "I bow (my will) to the Lord and Cherisher of the universe."  And this was the legacy that Abraham left to his sons and so did Jacob; "O my sons! Allah hath chosen the faith for you; then die not except in the state of submission (to Allah)." Were ye witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? Behold, he said to his sons: "What will ye worship after me?" They said: "We shall worship thy God and the God of thy fathers―of Abraham Ismail and Isaac,―the one (true) God to Him we bow (in Islam)." That was a People that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did and ye of what ye do! of their merits there is no question in your case! They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (to salvation)." Say thou: "Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham is True, and he joined not gods with Allah." Say ye: "We believe, in Allah and the revelation given to us and to Abraham Isma`il Isaac Jacob and the Tribes and that given to Moses and Jesus and that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord we make no difference between one and another of them and we bow to Allah (in Islam)." So if they believe as ye believe they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism; but Allah will suffice thee as against them, and He is the All-Hearing the All- Knowing. (Our religion is) the Baptism of Allah; and who can baptize better than Allah? and it is He whom we worship. Say: Will ye dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings and ye for yours; and that we are sincere (in our faith) in Him? Or do ye say that Abraham Isma`il Isaac Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know better than Allah? Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah? But Allah is not unmindful of what ye do!" (Quran 2:124-140)     The Ibrahimi Sanctuary (where the tombs of Ibrahim, his wife Sarah, his sons Ishaq and Yacoub lie), Hebron, 32 km. south of Jerusalem When the king, Namrud, heard of Abraham's safe exit from the fire he became very angry. He feared that the status of godhead he had proclaimed for himself was not challenged by an ordinary human being. He summoned Abraham to the palace and held a dialogue with him which Allah Almighty recounted: Have you not thought about him who disputed with Abraham about his Lord (Allah) because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Abraham said to him: "My Lord (Allah) is He Who gives life and causes death." He said: "I give life and cause death." Abraham said: "Verily, Allah causes the sun to rise from the east; then cause it you to rise from the west." So the disbeliever was utterly defeated. Allah guides not the people who are wrongdoers. (Quran 2:258) Abraham's fame spread throughout the entire kingdom. People talked about how he had been saved from the blazing fire and how he had debated with the king and left him speechless. In the meantime, Abraham continued calling people to believe in Allah, exerting a great effort to guide his people to the right path. He tried every means to convince them. However in spite of his love and care for his people, they felt angry and deserted him. Only one woman and one man of his people shared his belief in Allah. The woman's name was Sarah and she became his wife. The man's name was Lot and he became a prophet.  When Abraham realized that no one else was going to believe in his call, he decided to emigrate. He left his people and traveled with his wife and Lot to a city called Ur, then another called Haran, and then to Palestine. Allah the Almighty told us: So Lut believed in him (Abraham's message). He (Abraham) said: "I will emigrate for the sake of my Lord. Verily, He is the All Mighty, the All Wise." (Quran 29:26)  After Palestine, Abraham traveled to Egypt, calling people to believe in Allah wherever he traveled, judging fairly between people, and guiding them to truth and righteousness. Abu Hurairah narrated that Abraham (pbuh) did not tell a lie except on three occasions, twice for the sake of Allah (Exalted and Almighty) when he said: "I am sick," (when his people were holding a festival in honor of their gods, Abraham excused himself by saying he was sick. (Quran 37:89 ) and when he said: "(I have not done this but) the big idol has done it." The (third was) that while Abraham and Sarah (his wife) were going (on a journey), they passed by (the territory of) a tyrant. Someone said to the tyrant: "This man (Abraham is accompanied by a very charming lady." So, he sent for Abraham and asked him about Sarah saying "Who is this lady?" Abraham said: "She is my sister." Abraham went to Sarah said "O Sarah! There are no believers on the surface of the earth except you and me. This man asked me about you and I have told him that you are my sister do not contradict my statement." the tyrant then called Sarah, and when she went to him, he tried to take a hold of her with his hand, but his hand got stiff and he was confounded. He asked Sarah: "Pray to Allah for me and I shall not harm you." SO Sarah asked Allah to cure him and he got cured. He tried to take hold of her for the second time, but his hand got as stiff as or stiffer than before and he was more comfounded. He again requested Sarah: "Pray to Allah for me, and I will not harm you." Sarah asked Allah to again, and he became all right. He then called one of his guards who had brought her and said: "You have not brought me a human being but have brought me a devil." The tyrant then gave Hajar as a maid servant to Sarah. Abraham, gesturing with his hand, asked: "What has happened?" She replied: "Allah has spoiled the evil plot of the infidel or immoral person and gave me Hajar for service." Abu Hurairah then addressed his listeners saying: "That Hajar was your mother, O Bani Ma is Sama (Arab, the descendants of Ishmael, Hajar's son)." Abraham's wife Sarah was sterile. She had been given an Egyptian woman Hajar, as a servant. Abraham had aged and his hair was gray and after many years spent in calling people to Allah. Sarah thought she and Abraham were lonely because she could not have a child.  Therefore, she offered her husband her servant Hajar in marriage. Hajar gave birth to her first son Ishmael (isma'il) when Abraham was an old man. Abraham lived on earth worshipping Allah and calling people to monotheism, but he was journeying to Allah, knowing that his days on earth were limited and that they would be followed by death and finally resurrection. The knowledge of life after death filled Abraham with peace and love and certitude. One day he begged Allah to show him how He brought the dead back to life. Allah commanded Abraham to take four birds, cut them up and mingle their body parts, divide them into four portions and place them on top of four different hills, then call back the birds in Allah's name. Abraham did as he was told. Immediately the mingled parts of the birds separated to join their original bodies in different places and the birds flew back to Abraham. Almighty Allah revealed: Remember when Abraham said: "My Lord Show me how You give life to the dead." Allah said: "Do you not believe?" Abraham said: "Yes I believe, but to be stronger in Faith." He said: "Take four birds, the cause them to incline towards you (then slaughter them, cut them into pieces) and then put a portion of them on every hill and call them they will come to you in haste. And know that Allah is All Mighty and All Wise." (Quran 2:260)

Sidna Lut ("Lot", peace be upon him)

Lut's Cave, Dead Sea, Jordan

Prophet Sidna Abraham (peace be upon him) left Egypt accompanied by his nephew Prophet Lut (peace be upon him), who then went to the city of Sodom (Sadum), which was on the western shore of the Dead Sea. This city was filled with evil. Its residents waylaid, robbed and killed travelers. Another common evil among them was that men had sex with men instead of with women. This unnatural act later became known as sodomy (after the city of Sodom). It was practiced openly and unashamedly. It was at the height of these crimes and sins that Allah revealed to Prophet Lut that he should summon the people to give up their indecent behavior, but they were so deeply sunk in their immoral habits that they were deaf to Lot's preaching. Swamped in their unnatural desires, they refused to listen, even when Lot warned them of Allah's punishment. Instead, they threatened to drive him out of the city if he kept on preaching. Allah the Almighty revealed: “The people of Lot (those dwelt in the towns of Sodom in Palestine) belied the Messengers when their brother Lot said to them: ‘Will you not fear Allah and obey Him? Verily! I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islamic Monotheism) my reward is only from the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). Go you in unto the males of the Alamin (mankind), and leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your wives? Nay, you are a trespassing people!’ They said: ‘If you cease not, O Lot! Verily, you will be one of those who are driven out!’ He said: ‘I am indeed, of those who disapprove with severe anger and fury your (this evil) action (of sodomy). My Lord! Save me and my family from what they do.’ So We saved him and his family, all except an old woman (this wife) among those who remained behind. (Quran 26:160-171)  The doings of Lot's people saddened his heart. Their unwholesome reputation spread throughout the land, while he struggled against them. As the years passed, he persisted in his mission but to no avail. No one responded to his call and believed except for the members of his family, and even in his household, not all the members believed. Lot's wife, like Noah's wife, a disbeliever. Allah the Almighty declared: Allah set forth an example for those who disbelieve, the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. They were under two of Our righteous slaves, but they both betrayed their (husbands, by rejecting their doctrines) so they (Noah & Lut) benefited them (their respective wives) not, against Allah, and it was said: "Enter the Fire along with those who enter!" (Quran 66:10) If home is the place of comfort and rest, then Lut found none, for he was tormented both inside and outside his home. His life was continuous torture and he suffered greatly, but he remained patient and steadfast with his people. The years rolled by, and still not one believed in him. Instead, they belittled his message and mockingly challenged him: "Bring Allah's Torment upon us if you are one of the truthful!" (Quran 29:29). Overwhelmed with despair, Lot prayed to Allah to grant him victory and destroy the corrupt. Therefore, the angels left Abraham and headed for Sodom the town of Lut. They reached the walls of the town in the afternoon. The first person who caught sight of them was Lot's daughter, who was sitting beside the river, filling her jug with water. When she lifted her face and saw them, she was stunned that there could be men of such magnificent beauty on earth. One of the tree men (angels) asked her: "O maiden, is there a place to rest?" Remembering the character of her people she replied, "Stay here and do not enter until I inform my father and return." Leaving her jug by the river, she swiftly ran home. "O father!" she cried. "You are wanted by young men at the town gate and I have never before seen the like of their faces!"  Lot felt distressed as he quickly ran to his guests. He asked them where they came from and where they were going. They did not answer his questions. Instead they asked if he could host them. He started talking with them and impressed upon them the subject of his people's nature. Lot was filled with turmoil; he wanted to convince his guests without offending them, not to spend the night there, yet at the same time he wanted to extend to them the expected hospitality normally accorded to guests. In vain he tried to make them understand the perilous situation. At last, therefore, he requested them to wait until the night fell, for then no one would see them. When darkness fell on the town, Lot escorted his guest to his home. No one was aware of their presence. However, as soon as Lot's wife saw them, she slipped out of the house quietly so that no one noticed her.  Quickly, she ran to her people with the news and it spread to all the inhabitants like wildfire. The people rushed towards Lot quickly and excitedly. Lot was surprised by their discovery of his guests. and he wondered who could have informed them. The matter became clear, however, when he could not find his wife, anywhere, thus adding grief to his sorrow. When Lot saw the mob approaching his house, he shut the door, but they kept on banging on it. He pleaded with them to leave the visitors alone and fear Allah's punishment. He urged them to seek sexual fulfillment with their wives, for that is what Allah had made lawful. Lot's people waited until he had finished his short sermon, and then they roared with laughter. Blinded by passion, they broke down the door. Lot became very angry, but he stood powerless before these violent people. He was unable to prevent the abuse of his guests, but he firmly stood his ground and continued to plead with the mob. At that terrible moment, he wished he had the power to push them away from his guests. Seeing him in a state of helplessness, and grief the guests said: "Do not be anxious or frightened, Lot for we are angels, and these people will not harm you." On hearing this, the mob was terrified and fled from Lot's house, hurling threats at him as they left. The angels warned Prophet Lut to leave his house before sunrise, taking with him all his family except his wife. Allah had decreed that the city of Sodom should perish. AN earthquake rocked the town. It was as if a mighty power had lifted the entire city and flung it down in one jolt.  A storm of stones rained on the city. Everyone and everything was destroyed, including Lot's wife. Allah the Almighty recounted this story: And tell them about the guests (angels) of Abraham. When they entered unto him, and said: "Salaaman (peace)!" Abraham said: "Indeed! We are afraid of you." They (the angels) said: "Do not be afraid! We give you glad tidings of a boy (son) possessing much knowledge and wisdom." (Abraham) said: "Do you give me glad tidings (of a son) when old age has overtaken me? Of what then is your news?" They (the angels) said: "We give you glad tidings in truth. SO be not of the despairing." Abraham said: "And who despairs of the Mercy of his Lord except those who are astray?" (Abraham again) said: "What then is the business on which you have come, O Messengers?" They (the angels) said: "We have been sent to a people who are Mujrimeen (criminals, disbeliveers, polytheists, sinners). (All) except the family of Lot. Them all we are surely going to save (from destruction)." Except his wife, of whom We have decreed that she shall be of the those who remain behind (she will be destroyed). Then when the Messengers (the angels) came unto the family of Lot, he said: "Verily! You are people unknown to me." They said: "Nay! we have come to you with that (torment) which they have been doubting. And we have brought to you the truth (the news of the destruction of your nation) and certainly, we tell the truth. Then travel in a part of the night with your family, and you go behind them in the rear, and let no one amongst you look back, but go on to where you are ordered." And We made known this decree to him, that the root of those (sinners) was to be cut off in the early morning. The inhabitants of the city came rejoicing (at the news of the young men's arrival).  Lot said: "Verily! These are my guests, so shame me not. And fear Allah and disgrace me not." They (people of the city) said: "Did we not forbid you to entertain (or protect) any of the Alamin (people, foreigners strangers etc) from us?" Lot said: "These (the girls of the nation) are my daughters to marry lawfully) if you must act so." Verily, by your life (O Muhammad), in their wild intoxication they were wandering blindly. So As Saliha (torment, awful cry etc) overtook them at the time of sunrise; and We turned (the towns of Sodom in Palestine) upside down and rained down on them stones of baked clay. Surely! In this are signs for those who see (or understand or learn the lessons from the Signs of Allah). And verily! They (the cities) are right on the highroad (from Mecca to Syria, i.e. the place where the Dead Sea is now). Surely! Therein is indeed a sign for the believers." (Quran 15:51-77) Allah the Exalted also declared: So we saved him and his family, all, except an old woman (his wife) among those who remained behind. Then afterward We destroyed the others. We rained on them a rain of torment. How evil was the rain of those who had been warned. Verily, in this is indeed a sign yet most of them are not believers. Verily! Your Lord, He is indeed the All Mighty, the Most Merciful. (Quran 26:170-175) The book was closed on the people of Lot. Their towns and names have been erased from the face of the earth. Gone are they from memory. One book was closed of the books of corruption. Lot proceeded towards Abraham. HE visited him, and when he recounted the story of his people, he was surprised to learn that Abraham already knew. So Lut continued to invite people to Allah, as did Abraham, the patient one who turned to Allah repentantly, and the two held firm to their mission.

Sidna Ismail ("Ishmael", peace be upon him)

The Sacred Mosque, Makkah (Built by Sidna Ibrahim and Sidna Ismael) 

Sidna Ismail is known as the first-born son of Abraham (peace be upon him) from Sayyida Hagar (peace be upon her), his second wife, and as an appointed prophet and messenger of Allah. It is believed that he lived between 120 to 143 years. After giving birth to over 12 different children, three of which were born to different mothers, he decided to live in a cave. Sidna Ismail, through his son Nebaioth (Nabit), is the ancestor of Adnani Arabs. He is the Grandfather of the Chieftain of Universe and Reason of Existcene, the Holy Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him). One day, Sidna Abraham (peace be upon him) woke up and asked his wife Hajar to get her son and prepare for a long journey. In a few days Abraham started out with his wife Hajar and their son Ismail. The child was still nursing and not yet weaned. Abraham walked through cultivated land, desert, and mountains until he reached the desert of the Arabian Peninsula and came to an uncultivated valley having no fruit, no trees, no food, no water. The valley had no sign of life. After Abraham had helped his wife and child to dismount, he left them with a small amount of food and water whiQuran was hardly enough for two days. He turned around and walked away. He wife hurried after him asking: "Where are you going Abraham, leaving us in this barren valley?" Abraham did not answer her, but continued walking. She repeated what she had said, but he remained silent. Finally she understood that he was not acting on his own initiative. she realized that Allah had commanded him to do this. She asked him : "Did Allah command you to do so?" He replied: "Yes." Then his great wife said: "We are not going to be lost, since Allah Who has commanded you is with us." Abraham invoked Almighty Allah thus: "O Our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley with no cultivation, by Your Sacred House (the Ka'ba at Mecca); in order, O our Lord, that they may offer prayers perfectly (Iqamat as salat) so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and O Allah provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks. O our Lord! Certainly, You know what we conceal and what we reveal.  Nothing on the earth or in the heavens is hidden from Allah." (Quran 14:37-38) Ibn Abbas narrated: "The first lady to use a girdle was the mother of Ismail. she used a girdle so that she might hide her tracks from Sarah (by dragging it). Abraham brought her and her son Ismail while she was suckling him to a place near the Kaba under a tree on the spot of ZamZam at the highest place in the mosque. During those days there was nobody in Mecca, nor was there any water so he made them sit over there and placed near them a leather bag containing some dates and a small water skin containing some water and set out homeward. Ismail's mother followed him saying: "O Abraham! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything to enjoy?" she repeated that to him many times, but he did not look back at her. Then she asked him : "Has Allah ordered you to do so?" He said: "Yes." She then said: "Then he will not neglect us," and returned while Abraham proceeded onwards. On reaching the Thaniya where they could not see him, he faced the Kaba and raising both hands, invoked Allah saying the following prayers: "O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Your Sacred House (Kaba at Mecca) in order, O our Lord that they may offer prayer perfectly. So fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and O Allah provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks." (Quran 14:37) Ibn Abbas's narration continued; "Ismail's mother went on suckling Ismail and drinking from the water (she had) When the water in the water skin had been used up, she became thirsty and her child also became thirsty, She started looking at him (Ismail) tossing in agony. She left him, for she could not endure looking at him, and found that the mountain of As-Safa was the nearest mountain to her on that land. she too on it and started looking at the valley keenly so that she might see somebody, but she could not see anybody. Then she descended for As Safa and when she reached the valley, she tucked up her robe and ran in the valley like a person in distress and trouble till she crossed the valley and reached the mountain of Al Marwa. There she stood and started looking expecting to see somebody, but she could not see anybody. she repeated that running between Safa And Marwa seven times." Safa and Marwa The Holy Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) said: "This is the source of the tradition of the Sa'y (rituals of the hajj, pilgrimage) the going of people between them (As-Safa and Al-Marwa). When she reached Al Marwa (for the last time) she heard a voice and she asked herself to be quiet and listened attentively. She heard the voice again and said: "O whoever you maybe! You have made me hear your voice; have you got something to help me?" And behold! She saw an angel at the place of Zam zam, digging the earth with his heel (or his wing) till water flowed from that place. She started to make something like a basin around it, using her hand in this way, and started filling her water skin with water with her hands and the water was flowing out water she had scooped some of it." The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) added: "May Allah bestow mercy on Ismail's mother! Had she let the zam-zam flow without trying to control it, or had she not scooped from that water to fill her water skin, Zam zam would have been a stream flowing on the surface of the earth." The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) continued: "Then she drank water and suckled her child. The angel said to her: "Don't be afraid of being neglected, for this is the House of Allah whiQuran will be built by this boy and his father, and Allah never neglects His people." The House (Kaba) at that time was on a high place resembling a hillock, and when torrents came, they flowed to its right and left. "She lived in that way till some people from the tribe of Jurhum or a family from Jurhum passed by her and her child as they (the Jurhum people) were coming through the way of Kada. they landed in the lower part of Mecca where they saw a bird that had the habit of flying around water and not leaving it. they said: "this bird must be flying around water, though we know that there is no water in this valley." They sent one or two messengers who discovered the source of water and returned to inform them of the water. So they all came towards the water. Ismail's mother was sitting near the water. They asked her: "Do you allow us to stay with you?" She replied: "Yes, but you will have no right to possess the water." They agreed to that. Ismail's mother was pleased with the whole situation, as she used to love to enjoy the company of the people, so they settled there, and later on they sent for their families who came and settled with them so that some families became permanent residents there. The child (Ismail) grew up and learned Arabic from them and (his virtues) caused them to love and admire him as he grew up and when he reached the age of puberty they made him marry a woman from amongst them." Abraham said: 'O Ismail! Allah has give me an order.' Ismail said: 'Do what your Lord has ordered you to do.' Abraham asked: 'Will you help me?' Ismail said: 'I will help you.' Abraham said: 'Allah has ordered me to build a house here,' pointing to a hillock higher than the land surrounding it. "Then they raised the foundations of the House (the Kaaba). Ismail brought the stones while Abraham built and when the walls became high Ismail brought this stone and put it for Abraham who stood over it and carried on building. While Ismail was handing him the stones, and both of them were saying: "Our Lord! Accept this service from us, verily, You are the All Hearer, the All Knower." (Quran 2:127) The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) added: "Then both of them went on building and going round the Kaaba saying O our Lord! Accept this service from us, verily, You are the All Hearer, the All Knower."; (Sahih Bukhari). Time passed. One day Abraham was sitting outside his tent thinking of his son Ismail and Allah's sacrifice. His heart was filled with awe and love for Allah for His countless blessings. A big tear dropped from his eyes and reminded him of Ismail. In the meantime, three angels descended to the earth; Gabriel, Israphael, and Michael. they came in human shapes and saluted Abraham. Abraham arose and welcomed them. He took them inside his tent thinking they were strangers and guests. He seated them and made sure that they were comfortable, then excused himself to go to his people.   Maqam of Sidna Ibrahim, the Sacred Mosque, Makkah His wife Sarah arose when he entered. She had become old and white haired. Abraham said to her: "We have three strangers in the house." "Who are they?" she asked. "I do not know any of them," he answered. "What food have we got?" He asked. Half a sheep." she replied, "Half a sheep! Slaughter a fat calf for them; they are strangers and guests." he ordered while leaving. The servants roasted and served a calf. Abraham invited the angels to eat and he started eating so as to encourage them. He continued, but when he glanced at his guests to assure they were eating, he noticed that none of them had touched the food. He said to the them: "Are you not going to eat?" He resumed eating, but when he glanced at them again he found that they were still not eating. Their hands did not reach out for the food. HE began to fear them. Abraham's fears increased. The angels, however were reading his inner thoughts and one of them said: "Do not fear." Abraham raised his head and replied: "Indeed I am in fear. I have asked you to eat food but you do not stretech out your hands to eat. Do you intend me evil?" One of the angels smiled and said: "We do not eat. We are Allah's angels." One of them then turned towards his wife and conveyed the glad tidings about Isaac (Ishaaq).  Almighty Allah revealed: Verily! There came Our Messengers to Abraham with glad tidings. They said: "Salaam (greetings or peace)!" he answered: "Salaam (greetings or peace)!" and he hastened to entertain them with a roasted calf. But, when he saw their hands went not towards it (the meal), he felt some mistrust of them, and conceived a fear of them. They said: "Fear not, we have been sent against the people of Lot." And his wife was standing there and she laughed (either, because the Messengers did not eat their food or for being glad for the destruction of the people of Lot). But We gave her glad tidings of Isaac, and after him of Jacob. She said (in astonishment): "Woe unto me! Shall I bear a child while I am an old woman, and here is my husband an old man? Verily! This is a strange thing!" They said: "Do you wonder at the Decree of Allah? The Mercy of Allah and His Blessings be on you, O the family (of Abraham). Surely, He (Allah) is All praiseworthy, All-Glorious." (Quran 11:69-73).

Sidna Ishaq ("Isaac", peace be upon him)

Ishaq's Shrine, Hebron, Palestine

Allah Almighty said: “And We gave (Abraham) Isaac and Jacob, and ordained among his progeny Prophethood and Revelation, and We granted him his reward in this life; and he was in the Hereafter (of the company) of the Righteous.” (Quran 29:27) “We blessed him and Isaac: but of their progeny are (some) that do right, and (some) that obviously do wrong, to their own souls.” (Quran 37:113) “And commemorate Our servants Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, possessors of Power and Vision.” (Quran 38:45) “Were ye witnesses when death appeared before Jacob? Behold, he said to his sons: "What will ye worship after me?" They said: "We shall worship thy God and the God of thy fathers―of Abraham Isma`il and Isaac,―the one (true) God to Him we bow (in Islam)." That was a People that hath passed away. They shall reap the fruit of what they did and ye of what ye do! of their merits there is no question in your case! They say: "Become Jews or Christians if ye would be guided (to salvation)." Say thou: "Nay! (I would rather) the Religion of Abraham is True, and he joined not gods with Allah." Say ye: "We believe, in Allah and the revelation given to us and to Abraham Isma`il Isaac Jacob and the Tribes and that given to Moses and Jesus and that given to (all) Prophets from their Lord we make no difference between one and another of them and we bow to Allah (in Islam)." So if they believe as ye believe they are indeed on the right path; but if they turn back, it is they who are in schism; but Allah will suffice thee as against them, and He is the All-Hearing the All- Knowing. (Our religion is) the Baptism of Allah; and who can baptize better than Allah? and it is He whom we worship. Say: Will ye dispute with us about Allah, seeing that He is our Lord and your Lord; that we are responsible for our doings and ye for yours; and that we are sincere (in our faith) in Him? Or do ye say that Abraham Isma`il Isaac Jacob and the Tribes were Jews or Christians? Say: Do ye know better than Allah? Ah! who is more unjust than those who conceal the testimony they have from Allah? But Allah is not unmindful of what ye do!” (Quran 2:133-40) “Say: "We believe in Allah, and in what has been revealed to us and what was revealed to Abraham, Isma`il, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes, and in (the Books) given to Moses, Jesus, and the Prophets, from their Lord; we make no distinction between one and another among them, and to Allah do we bow our will (in Islam)." (Quran 3:84) “We have sent thee inspiration as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him; We sent inspiration to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David, We gave the Psalms.” (Quran 4:163) “We gave him Isaac and Jacob: all (three) We guided: and before him We guided Noah, and among his progeny, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron: thus do We reward those who do good” (Quran6:84) “And his wife was standing (there), and she laughed: but We gave her glad tidings of Isaac, and after him of Jacob.” (Quran 11:71) "Thus will thy Lord choose thee and teach thee the interpretation of stories (and events) and perfect His favour to thee and to the posterity of Jacob― even as He perfected it to thy fathers Abraham and Isaac aforetime! For thy Lord is full of knowledge and wisdom." (Quran 12:6) "And I follow the ways of my fathers― Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; and never could we attribute any partners whatever to Allah: that (comes) of the grace of Allah to us and to mankind: yet most men are not grateful.” (Quran 12:38) "Praise be to Allah, who hath granted unto me in old age Ismail and Isaac: for truly my Lord is He, the Hearer of Prayer!” (Quran 14:39) “When he had turned away from them and from those whom they worshipped besides Allah, We bestowed on him Isaac and Jacob, and each one of them We made a prophet.” (Quran 19:49) “And We bestowed on him Isaac and as, an additional gift, (a grandson) Jacob, and We made righteous men of every one (of them).” (Quran 21:72)

Sidna Yaqub ("Jacob", peace be upon him)

Cenotaph of Sidna Yacoub , Hebron, Palestine

The Quran does not give details of Sidna Isaac's life (peace and blessing be upon him), but reliable Quranic commentators mentioned that when Sidna Ibrahim (peace and blessing be upon him) felt that his life was drawing to a close, he wished to see his son Sidna Ishaq (“Isaac”; peace and blessing be upon him) married. He did not want Isaac to marry one of the Canaanites, who were pagans, so he sent a trustworthy servant to Haran in Iraq to choose a bride for Sidna Ishaq. The servant's choice fell upon Rebekah Bint Bethuel Ibn Nahor, who was a brother of Sidna Ibrahim (peace and blessing be upon him). Isaac married her and she gave birth to a set of twins, Esau (Al-Eis) and Sidna Yaqub (Jacob). The People of the Book said that when Isaac was forty years old, he married Rebekah Bint Bethuel, during his father's life. They said she was sterile, so Isaac prayed to Allah and then she became pregnant. She gave birth to twin boys. The first one was called Esau whom the Arabs called Al-Eis. He became the father of Rum. The second one was called Yaqub, which means Isreal. The People of the Book said Esau threatened to kill his brother when their father was dead. They also said that he asked his father to pray for him that Allah make the earth good for his offspring and multiply his sustenance and fruits. When their mother knew that Esau threatened his brother Yaqub, she commanded her son Yaqub to go to her brother Laban in the land of Haran and abide with him for a time until his brother's anger had abated, and to marry one of the Laban's daughters. She told her husband Isaac to command him with that advice and pray for him, and he did. Yaqub left his family, when night came he found a place to rest. He took a stone and put it under his head and slept. He dreamed of a ladder from heaven to earth. Angels were ascending and descending and the Lord addressed him and said to him; "I will bless you and your offspring and make this land for you and for those who come after you." When he awoke he felt joyful from what he had seen in his dream and vowed, for Allah's sake that if he returned to his family safely, he would build here a temple for Allah the Almighty. He also vowed to give one tenth of his property for the sake of Allah. He poured oil on the stone so as to recognize it and called the place "Ayle's House" (Bethel), which means "House of Allah". It was to be the location of Jerusalem later. The People of the Book also said that when Yaqub came to his maternal uncle in the land of Haran, his uncle had two daughters. The elder one was called Leah (Lia) and the younger one was Rachel (Rahil). The latter was the better and lovelier of the two. His uncle agreed to marry his daughter to him on the condition that Yaqub pasture his sheep for seven years. After a period of time, his uncle prepared a feast and gathered people for the wedding. He married Leah, his elder daughter, to him at night. She was weak-sighted and ugly. When morning came, Yaqub discovered she was Leah and he complained to his uncle. "You deceived me; I was engaged to Rachel and you married me to Leah." His uncle said: "It is not our tradition to marry the younger daughter before the elder daughter. However, if you love her sister, work another seven years and I will marry you to both of them." Yaqub worked for seven years and then married Rachel. It was acceptable in their time, as described in the Torah, for a man to marry two sisters. Laban gave a female slave to each daughter. Leah's slave was called Zilpah and Rachel's slave was called Bilha. Almighty Allah compensated Leah's weakness by giving her sons. The first one was named Rueben (Robel), after whom there were Simon (Shamun), Levi (Lawi), and Judah (Yahudh). Rachel felt jealous of Leah's having sons, as she was barren. She gave her slave Bilha to her husband and he had relations with her until she became pregnant. She gave birth to a son and named him Naphtali. Leah was vexed that Rachel's slave had give birth to a son, so she in turn gave her slave Zilpah to Yaqub (peace be upon him), Zilpah gave birth to two sons, Gad and Asher. Then Leah got pregnant and gave birth to her fifth son, Issaacher, and later she gave birth to a sixth son Zebulun. After this Leah gave birth to a daughter named Dinah. Thus, Leah had seven sons from Yaqub. Then Rachel prayed to Allah to give her a son from Yaqub. Allah heard her call and responded to her prayer. She gave birth to a son, great, honorable, and beautiful. She named him Joseph (Yusuf, peace be be upon him). All of this happened when they were in the land of Haran and Yaqub (peace be upon him) was pasturing his uncle's sheep, which he did for a period of twenty years. Yaqub then asked his uncle Laban to let him go and visit his family. Allah the Almighty inspired Yaqub to return to the country of his father and people, and He promised to stand by him. Then Rachel got pregnant and gave birth to a son, Benjamin, but she had a hard labor and died after delivery. Yaqub buried her in Ephrath (afrath). The tomb of Rachel is there till the present day. Yaqub's sons were twelve men. From Leah there were Rueben (Robil), Simon (Shamun), Levi (Lawi), Judah (Yahudh), Issachar (isakher), and Zebulun (Zablun). From Rachel there were Joseph (Yusuf) (pbuh) and Benjamin. From Rachel's slave there were Dan and Naphtali (Neftali), and from Leah's slave there were Gad and Asher. Yaqub came to his father Isaac and settled with him in the village of Hebron which lies in the land of Canaan where Abraham had lived. Then Isaac fell ill and died when he was one hundred eighty years old. His sons Esau and Yaqub buried him with his father Abraham Al-Khalil in a cave which he had bought. It was said that Abraham died at the age of one hundred seventy five. Yaqub came to his father Isaac and settled with him in the village of Hebron which lies in the land of Canaan where Abraham had lived. Then Isaac fell ill and died when he was one hundred eighty years old. his sons Esau and Yaqub buried him with his father Abraham Al Khalil in a cave which he had bought. It was said that Abraham died at the age of one hundred seventy five.  Allah the Almighty declared in the Glorious Quran: And who turns away from the religion of Abraham (Islamic Monotheism) except him who befools himself? Truly, We chose him in this world and verily, in the Hereafter he will be among the righteous. When his Lord said to him: "Submit (be a Muslim)!" He said: "I have submitted myself (as a Muslim) to the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)." And this (submission to Allah, Islam) was enjoined by Abraham upon his sons and by Yaqub, (saying): "O my sons! Allah has chosen for you the true religion, then die not except in the Faith of Islam (as Muslims -- Islamic Monotheism)." Or were you witnesses when death approached Yaqub? When he said unto his sons: "What will you worship after me?" They said: "We shall worship you (Ilah (God - Allah) the Ilah (God) of your fathers, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, One Ilah (God), and to Him we submit (in Islam)." That was a nation who had passed away. They shall receive the reward of what they earned and you of what you earn. And you will not be asked of what they used to do. They say: "Be Jews or Christians, and then you will be guided." Say (to them O Mohammed): "Nay (we follow) only the religion of Abraham, Hanifan (Islamic monotheism, i.e. to worship none but Allah Alone, and he was not of the Al Mushrikeen (those who worshipped others along with Allah)." Say (O Muslims): "We believe in Allah and that which has been sent down to us and that which had been sent down to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Yaqub and to Al Asbat (the twelve sons of Yaqub), and that which has been given to Moses and Jesus and that which has been given to the Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them, and to Him we have submitted (in Islam)." So if they believe in the like of that which you believe, then they are rightly guided, but if they turn away, then they are only in opposition. So, Allah, will suffice you against them. He is the All Hearer, the All Knower. (Our Sibghah, religion is) the Sibghah (religion) of Allah (Islam) and which Sibghah (religion) can be better than Allah's. We are His worshippers. Say (O Mohammed, to the Jews and Christians): "Dispute you with us about Allah while He is our Lord and your Lord? And we are to be rewarded for our deeds and you for your deeds. We are sincere to Him in worship and obedience (i.e., we worship Him Alone and none else, and we obey His Orders)." Or say you that Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Yaqub, and Al Asbat (the twelve sons of Yaqub) were Jews or Christians? Say: "Do you know better or does Allah know better....that they all were Muslims? And who is more unjust than he who conceals the testimony (to believe in the Prophet Mohammed, when he comes written in their books) he has from Allah? Allah is not unaware of what you do."( Quran 2:130-140)  In another surah Almighty Allah declared: O People of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Why do you dispute about Abraham, while the Torah and the Gospel were not revealed till after him? Have you then no sense? Verily, you are those who have disputed about that of which you have no knowledge. Why do then dispute concerning that which you have no knowledge? It is Allah Who knows, and you know not. Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifan (Islamic Monotheism), to worship none but Allah Alone and he was not of the polytheists (he joined none in worship with Allah). Verily, among mankind who have the best claim to Abraham are those who followed him, and this Prophet (Mohammed) and those who have believed (Muslims). And Allah is the Wali (Protector and Helper) of the believers. (Quran 3:65-68) Allah the Exalted also affirmed: Then verily! Your Lord for those who do evil (commit sins and are disobedient to Allah) in ignorance and afterward repent and do righteous deeds, verily, your Lord thereafter to such is Oft Forgiving, Most Merciful. Verily, Abraham was an Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities or a nation), obedient to Allah, Hanifan (to worship none but Allah), and he was not one of those who were Al Mushrikeen (polytheists, idolaters, disbeliveers in the Oneness of Allah and those who joined partners with Allah). He was thankful for His (Allah's) Graces. He (Allah) chose him (as an intimate friend) and guided him to a Straight Path (Islamic Monotheism, neither Judaism or Christianity). We gave him good in this world and in the Hereafter he shall be of the righteous. Then, We have inspired you (O Mohammed saying): "Follow the religion of Abraham Hanifan (Islamic Monotheism to worship none but Allah) and he was not of the Mushrikeen (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, disbeliveers in the Oneness of Allah and His Messenger Mohammed, those who worship others along with Allah or set up rivals with or partners to Allah)." (Quran 16:119-123)

Sidna Yusuf ("Joseph", peace be upon him)

Yusuf's Shrine, Nablus, Palestine 

This is the most detailed and fascinating story in the Quran, involving both human weaknesses such as jealousy, hatred, pride, passion, deception, intrigue, cruelty, and terror as well as noble qualities such as patience, loyalty, bravery, nobility, and compassion. It is related that among the reasons for its revelation is that the Jews asked the Holy Prophet Sdian Mohammed (pbuh) to tell them about Joseph (pbuh) who was one of their old prophets. His story had been distorted in parts and marred in others with interpolation and exclusions. Therefore it was revealed in the Book of Allah (Quran), complete in its minute and careful details. Allah the Almighty declared: We relate unto you (Mohammed) the best of stories through Our Revelations unto you, of this Quran. And before this (i.e. before the coming of Divine Inspiration to you), you were among those who knew nothing about it (the Quran).” (Quran 12:3) The story of Joseph (pbuh) moves in a stream from beginning to end; its substance and form are equally coherent. It inspires you with a feeling for the depth of Allah's power and supremacy and the execution of His rulings despite the challenge of human intervention. And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not. (Quran 12:21) This is what the story of Joseph (pbuh), confirms categorically, for it ends with comfort and marvels. Joseph lived all his life confronting schemes made by the people closest to him. His brothers plotted to kill him, but they amended it to exiling him. This happened to him while he was a boy. He was sold into the slave market in Egypt, where he was bought for a nominal sum. Then he fell victim to the attempted seduction by a great man's wife who, when her wish was foiled, sent him to prison, where he remained for some time. In spite of all of this, he at length approached close to the Egyptian throne and became the king's chief minister. He then began his call to Allah from the position of the ruling authority. Allah's plans were carried out, and the matter ended. This is the substance (theme) of the story. As for the form (style) in which it is presented, it is a landmark of wonder. The story is presented in a sequence of episodes. It gives you scene after scene and the transition is inspiring, informative, and stirring to the imagination. There are also artistic loopholes, which leave it to the imagination of the reader to complete the sense, as well as the depth of the picture, the like of which no human artist can bring forth. The story begins with a dream and ends with its interpretation. As the sun appeared over the horizon, bathing the earth in its morning glory, Joseph (pbuh), son of the Prophet Jacob (pbuh) awoke from his sleep, delighted by a pleasant dream he had had. Filled with excitement he ran to his father and related it. "O my father! Verily, I saw (in a dream) eleven stars and the sun and the moon, I saw them prostrating themselves to me." (Quran 12:4) His father's face lit up. He foresaw that Joseph would be one through whom the prophecy of his grandfather, Prophet Abraham (pbuh), would be fulfilled, in that his offspring would keep the light of Abraham's house alive and spread Allah's message to mankind. Therefore, it was narrated that Allah's Messenger Mohammed (pbuh) was asked: "Who is the most honorable amongst the people?" He replied: "The most God-fearing." The people said: "We do not want to ask you about this." He said: "The most honorable person is Joseph Allah's prophet, the son of Allah's prophet, the son of the faithful friend of Allah (Abraham)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari) However, the father was well aware of the jealousy of Joseph's brothers, so he warned him against telling his dream to his brothers. "O my son! Relate not your vision to your brothers, lest they arrange a plot against you. Verily! Satan is to man an open enemy! Thus will your Lord choose you and teach you the interpretation of dreams (an other things) and perfect His Favor on you and on the offspring of Jacob, as He perfected it on your fathers, Abraham, and Isaac aforetime! Verily! your Lord is All-Knowing, All-Wise." (Quran 12:5-6) Joseph heeded his father's warning. He did not tell his brothers what he had seen. It is well known that they hatred him so much that it was difficult for him to feel secure telling them what was in his heart and in his dreams. Joseph was eighteen years old, very handsome and robust, with a gentle temperament. He was respectful, kind and considerate. His brother Benjamin was equally pleasant. Both were from one mother, Rachel. Because of their refined qualities, the father loved the two more than his other children, and would not let them out of his sight. To protect them, he kept them busy with work in the house garden. The scene of Jacob and his son closes. Another opens on Joseph's brothers plotting against him. "Truly, Joseph and his brother (Benjamin) are loved more by our father than we, but we are Usbah (a strong group). Really our father is in a plain error. Kill Joseph or cast him out to some other land, so that the favor of your father may be give to you alone, and after that you will be righteous folk (by intending repentance before committing the sin)." One from among them said: "Kill not Joseph, but if you must do something, throw him down to the bottom of a well, he will be picked up by some caravan of travelers." (Quran 12:8-10) Joseph's well, near Lake Tiberias, Palestine Their next movement opened the scene between them and their father Jacob (pbuh): They said: "O our father! Why do you not trust us with Joseph, when we are indeed his well wishers? Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and verily we will take care of him." He (Jacob) said: "Truly, it saddens me that you should take him away. I fear lest a wolf should devour him, while you are careless of him." They said: "If a wolf devours him, while we are Usbah (a strong group) (to guard him), then surely we are the losers." (Quran 12:11-14) Jacob suggested a point, which had not occurred to them in their discussion: he feared that desert wolves would eat him! ithe wolves within them, or did he mean the wild wolves? No one but Allah knows. They coaxed their father to send Joseph with them; he agreed under their pressure. They were excited that they could now get rid of Joseph for after this they could stand a better chance of receiving their father's affection. On leaving home, they went directly to the well, as they had planned, on the pretext of drinking water. One of them put his arms around Joseph and held him tightly. Startled by this unusual behavior, Joseph struggled to free himself. More brothers rushed to hold him. One of them removed his shirt. Some more joined in to lift Joseph up and cast him into the deep well. Joseph's piteous pleas made no difference to their cruel hearts. Then Allah revealed to Joseph that he was safe and should not fear, for he would meet them again some day to remind them of what they had done. There was water in the well, which buoyed Joseph's body, so he was not harmed. He sat lonely in the water, then clung to a rock ledge overheard and climbed on top of it. his brothers left him in this desolate place.  Then they killed a sheep and soaked Joseph's shirt in its blood. One brother said that they should swear to keep their deed a close secret. All of them took the oath. And they came to their father in the early part of the night weeping. (Quran 12:16) The scene here is dark night, broken by the crying of ten men. The father is sitting in his house when the sons enter, the darkness of night covering the darkness of their hearts and the darkness of their lies struggling to come out. Jacob wondered aloud: "Why this weeping? Has anything happened to our flock?" They answered crying: "O our father! We went racing with one another, and left Joseph by our belongings and a wolf devoured him; but you will never believe us even when we speak the truth. (Quran 12:17) "We were surprised after returning from the race that Joseph was in the belly of the wolf." "We did not see him!" "You will not believe us even though we are truthful! we are telling you what happened!" "The wolf has eaten Joseph!" "This is Joseph's shirt. We foiled it soiled with blood, and did not find Joseph!" They brought his shirt stained with false blood. (Quran 12:18) Deep down in the heart Jacob knew that his beloved son was still alive and that his other sons were lying. He held the blood stained in his hands, spread it out and remarked: "What a merciful wolf! he ate up my beloved son without tearing his shirt!" Their faces turned red when he demanded more information, but each swore by Allah that he was telling the truth. The brokenhearted father burst into tears: "Nay! But your ownselves have made up a tale. So for me patience is more fitting. It is Allah Alone whose Help can be sought against that which you assert." (Quran 12:18) The father acted wisely by praying for mighty patience, which is free of doubt, and by trusting in Allah for help against what they had plotted against him and his son. This scene dims, and the scene opens in the well with which Joseph had been thrown. In the dark well Joseph managed to find a stone ledge to hold onto. Around him was total darkness and an eerie silence. Fearful thoughts entered his mind: what would happen to him? Where would he find food? Why had his own brothers turned against him? Would his father know of his plight? His father's smile flashed before him recalling the love and affection he had always shown him. Joseph began to pray earnestly, pleading to Allah for salvation. Gradually his fear began to subside. His Creator was testing the young man with a great misfortune in order to infuse in him a spirit of patience and courage. Joseph, surrended himself to the will of his Lord. The next scene shows the wide desert. At the horizon is a long line of camels, horses, and men; a caravan on its way to Egypt. The caravan of merchants halted at this famous well for water. A man lowered in his bucket. Joseph was startled by the bucket hurtling down and grabbed hold of it before it could land in the water. As the man began to haul he felt the load unusually heavy, so he peeped into the well. What he saw shocked him; a man was clinging to the rope! He held the rope tightly and shouted to his friends: "Better give me a hand fellows! Looks like I found real treasure in the well!" His companions rushed to the well and helped him to pull out the stranger holding onto the rope. Standing before them was a healthy, handsome youth, beaming with an angelic smile. They saw in him a handsome prize, for money was all that mattered to them. Immediately, they clapped iron shackles on his feet and took him along to Egypt, far away from his beloved homeland of Canaan. All over the Egyptian city the news spread that an unusually handsome, robust young slave was on sale. People gathered by the hundreds at the slave market. some were spectators, others were bidders the elite and the rich, each one craning his neck to view the handsome specimen. the auctioneer had a field day as the bidding went wild, each buyer trying to outbid the other. Eventually, the Aziz, the chief minister of Egypt, outbid all the others and took Joseph to his mansion. The Quran describes this scene as follows: And there came a caravan of travelers; they sent their water drawer, and he let down his bucket into the well. He said: "What a good news! Here is a boy." So they hid him as merchandise (a slave). And Allah was the All Knower of what they did. They sold him for a low price, for a few Dhirhams (for a few silver coins). They were of those who regarded him insignificant. he (the man) from Egypt who bought him said to his wife: "Make his stay comfortable, may be he will profit us or we shall ado[t him as a son." Thus did We establish Joseph in the land, that We might teach him the interpretation of events. (Quran 12:19-21) See how Allah the Almighty reveals the substance of this long story from its beginning: And Allah has full power and control over His Affairs, but most of men know not. (Quran 12:21) The chains of slavery have closed on Joseph. He was cast into the well, deprived of his father, picked from the well, made a slave, sold at the market, and made the property of this man, the Aziz, the chief minister. The hazards followed in quick succession, leaving Joseph helpless. What we see as hazards and slander is the first step of the ladder on Joseph's way to greatness. Allah is decisive in His action. His plan is carried out despite the plans of others and while theirs are still being made. So He spoils their plan, and Allah's promise is realized. Allah has promise Joseph prophethood. Love for Joseph was thrust into the heart of the man who bought him, and he was a man of no mean position. He was an important personage, one of the ruling class of Egypt. Therefore, Joseph was pleasantly surprised when the chief minister of Egypt ordered his men to remove the heavy shackles from his swollen feet. He was also surprised when he told Joseph not to betray his trust; he would not be ill-treated if he behaved himself. Joseph smiled at his benefactor, thanked him, and promised to be loyal. Joseph felt at ease, for at last he was sheltered and would be well cared for. He thanked Allah over and over and wondered at the mysterious of life. Not so long ago he had been cast into a deep, dark well with no hope of ever coming out alive. Next he was rescued, then enslaved in iron shackles, and now he was moving freely in a luxurious mansion with enough food to enjoy. However, his heart ached with longing for his parents and brother Benjamin, and he shed tears daily. Joseph was made the personal attendant of the chief minister's wife. He was obedient and ever-obliging. With his pleasant manners and charming behavior, he won everybody's heart. Joseph's handsomeness became the talk of the town. People referred to him as the most attractive man they had ever seen and wrote poetry about him. His face carried immaculate beauty. The purity of his inner soul and his heart showed in his face, increasing his beauty. People from afar came to the city to have a glimpse of him. The prettiest of maidens and the richest of ladiesnursthe to possess him, but not once did he show haughtiness or conceit. he was always humble and polite. The days passed and Joseph grew. Almighty Allah said: And when he (Joseph) attained his full manhood, We gave him wisdom and knowledge (the Prophethood), thus We reward the doers of good. (Quran 12:22) He was given wisdom in affairs and knowledge of life and its conditions. He as given the art of conversation, captivating those who heard him. He was given nobility and self restraint, which made him an irresistible personality. His master soon knew that Allah had graced him with Joseph. He understood that Joseph was the most honest, straightforward and noble person he had met in his life. Therefore, he put Joseph in charge of his household, honored him, and treated him as a son. Tomb of Sidna Yusuf's Mother Sayyida Rachel (Wife of Propeht Yacoub), Bethlehem, Palestine The wife of the chief minister, Zulaikha, watched Joseph from day to day. She at with him, talked with him, listened to him, and her wonder increased over the passion of time. Joseph was soon confronted (with his second trial). The chief minister's wife, Zulaikha could not resist the handsome Joseph, and her obsession with him caused her sleepless nights. She fell in love with him, and it was painful for her to be so close to a man, yet be unable to hold him. Yet, she was not a wayward woman, for in her position she could get any man she desired. By all accounts, she must have been a very pretty and intelligent lady, or why would the chief minister have chosen her of all the pretty women in the kingdom? Although she bore him no child, he would not take another wife, as he loved her passionately. The Quran raises the curtain on the scene of this fierce and devouring love on the part of the lady. Allah the Almighty told us: And she, in whose house he was, sought to seduce him (to do an evil act), she closed the doors and said: "come on, O you." He said: "I seek refuge in Allah (or Allah forbid)! Truly he (your husband) is my master! He made my stay agreeable! (So I will never betray him). Verily, the Zalimun (wrong, evildoers) will never be successful." Indeed she did desire him and he would have inclined to her desire had he not seen the evidence of his Lord. Thus it was, that We might turn away from evil and illegal sexual intercourse. Surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. (Quran 12:23-24)  Commentators are unanimous about her intention of disobedience but disagree about his own intention. There are those who say that she tempted him and he tempted her to sin, although he did not follow through with his intent. Others say that she merely wanted him to kiss her, and he attempted to strike her. Yet others say that this anxiety had been there before this incident. There was a psychological disturbance in Joseph when he reached adolescence, which Almighty Allah rid him of. The safest commentary for us is that there is temptation and resistance in the verse, for He Most High stated: And indeed she did desire him and he would have inclined to her desire... (Quran 12:24) Abu Ubaidah said that this is a temptation and resistance meaning that she had tried to seduce him; had he not seen the proof of Allah, he would have been seduced. This is in keeping with the infallibility of prophets, as it suits the words, which immediately follow: Thus it was that We might turn away from him evil and illegal sexual intercourse. surely, he was one of Our chosen, guided slaves. (Quran 12:24) This verse proves that Joseph was an upright worshipper of Allah; it also testifies to his rescue from the authority of Satan. The Almighty said to the devil (Iblis) on the Day of Creation, "Certainly, you shall no authority over My slaves, except those who follow you of the Ghawin (Mushrikeen, and those who go astray, criminals, polytheists, and evildoers, etc)" (Quran 15:42) Joseph's refusal only heightened her passion. As he moved to the door to escape, she ran after him and caught hold of his shirt, like a drowning person clinging to the boat. In her tugging she tore his shirt and held the torn piece in her hand. They reached the door together. It opened suddenly, there stood her husband and a relative of hers. Almighty Allah said: So they raced with one another to the door, and she tore his shirt from the back. They both found her lord (her husband) at the door. (Quran 12:25) As he opened the door, he saw her husband standing in front of him. The sly woman immediately changed her tone to anger, and, showing the torn piece of the shirt in her hand, asked her husband: "What is the recompense (punishment) for him who intended an evil design against your wife, except that he be put in prison or a painful torment?" (Quran 12:25) She was now accusing Joseph of molesting her, to give the impression that she was innocent and a victim of Joseph's sexual desire. Though bewildered Joseph denied it: "it was she that sought to seduce me." (Quran 12:26) The shirt was passed from hand to hand, while she watched. The witness (her cousin) looked at it and found that it was torn at the back. The evidence showed that she was guilty. The disappointed husband remarked to his wife: "Surely, it is a plot of you women! Certainly mighty is you plot!" (Quran 12:28) The wise and just Aziz apologized to Joseph for his wife's indecency. He also instructed her to beg Joseph's forgiveness for accusing him falsely. Allah the Almighty narrated this incident thus: He (Joseph) said: "It was she that sought to seduce me," and a witness of her household bore witness saying: "If it be that his shirt is torn from the front, then her tale is true, and he is a liar! but if it be that his shirt is torn from the back, then she has told a lie and he is speaking the truth!" So when he (the husband) saw his (Joseph's) shirt was torn at the back; (her husband) said: "Surely, it is a plot of you women! certainly mighty is your plot! O Joseph! turn away from this! (O woman)! Ask forgiveness for your sin. Verily, you were of the sinful."(Quran 12:26-29 Quran). An incident like this cannot remain a secret in a house filled with servants, and the story spread. Women began to see her behavior as scandalous. They remarked: "The wife of Al-Aziz is seeking to seduce her (slave) young man, indeed she loves him violently; verily, we see her in plain error." (Quran 12:30) Naturally their gossip distressed Zulaikha. She honestly believed that it was not easy for any women to resist a man as handsome as Joseph. To prove her helplessness, she planned to subject the women to the same temptation she faced. She invited them to a lavish banquet. No one so invited would want to miss the honor of dining with the chief minister's wife; besides, they secretly harbored the desire to meet the handsome Joseph face to face. Some of her close friends jokingly said they would come only if she introduced them to Joseph. The invitation was restricted to ladies. The banquet began, laughter and mirth abounded. Etiquette dictated that the ladies not mention the topic of Joseph. They were shocked, therefore, when Zulaikha opened the topic. "I have heard of those who say I have fallen in love with the young Hebrew man, Joseph." Silence fell upon the banquet. At once all the guests hands stopped, and all eyes fell on the chief minister's wife. She said, while giving orders for the fruit to be served: "I admit that he is charming fellow. I do not deny that I love him. I have loved him for a long time." The confession of the chief minister's wife removed the tension among the ladies. After finishing their dinner, the guests began cutting their fruit. At that very moment she summoned Joseph to make his appearance. He entered the hall gracefully, his gaze lowered. Zulaikha called him by his name and he raised his head. The guests were astonished and dumbfounded. His face was shining and full of mand angelic beauty. It reflected complete innocence, so much so that one could feel the peace of mind in the depth of his soul. They exclaimed in astonishment while continuing to cut the fruit. All their eyes were on Joseph. So it was that the women began to cut their palms absent mindly without feeling that they had cut them. The presence of Joseph at the scene of drama was so effective that blflowedwithouttheir feeling pain. One of the ladies gasped: "Good gracious!" Another whispered: "This is not a mortal being!" Another stammered, patting her hair: "This is but a noble angel." Then the chief minister's wife stood up and announced: "This is the one for whom I have been blamed. I do not deny that I tempted him. You have been enchanted by Joseph, and see what has happened to your hands. I have tempted him, and if he does not do what I want of him he shall be imprisoned." Almighty Allah related the scene of the banquet in His words: So when she heard of their accusation, she sent for them and prepared a banquet for them; she gave each one of them a knife (to cut the foodstuff with), and she said (to Joseph): "Come out before them." Then, when they saw him, they exalted him (at his beauty) and (in their astonishment) cut their hands. They said: "how perfect is Allah (or Allah forbid)! No man is this! This is none other than a noble angel!" She said: "This is he (the young man) about whom you did blame me (for his love) and I did seek to seduce him, but he refused. And now if he refuses to obey my order, he shall certainly be cast into prison, and will be one of those who are disgraced." He said: "O my Lord! Prison is more to my liking than that to which they invite me. Unless You turn away their plot from me, I will feel inclined towards them and be one of those who commit sin and deserve blame or those who do deeds of the ignorants." So his Lord answered his inovocation and turned away from him their plot. Verily he is the All Hearer, the All Knower. (Quran 12:31-34)  That evening, Zulaikha convinced her husband that the only way to save her honor was to put Joseph in prison; otherwise she would not be able to control herself or to safeguard his prestige. The chief minister knew Joseph was absolutely innocent, that he was a young man of honor, a loyal servant, and he loved him for these reasons. It was not an easy decision for him to put an innocent man behind bars. However, he was left with no choice. He reasoned that Joseph's honor would also be safeguarded if he was kept out of Zulaikha's sight. That night, with a heavy heart, the chief minister sent Joseph to prison.

Sidna Ayoub ("Job", peace be upon him)  

Job's tomb, Salalah, Oman 

Ibn Ishaaq stated that he was a man of Rum. His name was Ayyub (Job), Ibn Mose, Ibn Razeh, Ibn Esau, Ibn Isaac (peace and blessing be upon him), Ibn Ibrahim (“Abraham”; peace and blessing be upon him). Someone else said he was Ayyub, Ibn Mose, Ibn Rimil, Ibn Esau, Ibn Isaac, Ibn Jacob. There have also been other statements on his lineage. Ibn Asaker narrated that his mother was a daughter of Lot (peace and blessing be upon him). It was said, also that his father was one who believed in Ibrahim (peace and blessing be upon him) when he was cast into the fire.  The first opinion is the most plausible, because he was a descendant of Abraham's offspring as Allah Almighty declared: "That was Our proof whiQuran We gave Abraham against his people. We raise whom We will in degrees. Certainly your Lord is All-Wise, All Knowing. And We bestowed upon him Isaac and Jacob, eaQuran of them We guided and before him, We guided Noah, and among his progeny David, Solomon, Ayyub, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron. Thus do We reward the good doers. (Quran 6:83-84) Allah the Almighty praised His worshipper Ayyub in His Glorious Quran: “Truly! We found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft returning in repentance to Us!" (Quran 38:44) Ayyub (peace and blessing be upon him) was repentant, remembering Allah with thankfulness, patience, and steadfastness. This was the cause of his rescue and the secret of Allah's praising him. A group of angels were discussing Allah's other human creatures, how those who were humble earned Allah's pleasure, while those who were arrogant incurred His displeasure. One of the angels remarked: "The best creature on earth today is Ayyub, a man of noble character who displays great patience and always remembers his Generous Lord. He is an excellent model for the worshippers of Allah. In return, his Lord has blessed him with a long life and plenty of servants, as well as the needy and the poor share in his good fortune; he feeds and clothes the poor and buys slaves to set them free. He makes those who receive his charity feel as if they are favoring him so kind and gentle is he." Iblis overhearing all of this, became annoyed. He planned to tempt Ayyub to corruption and disbelief, so he hastened to him. He tried to distract Ayyub from his prayers by whispering him about the good things in life but Ayyub was a true believer and would not let evil thoughts tempt him. This disturbed Iblis even more; thus he began to hate Ayyub even more. Iblis complained to Allah about Ayyub. He said that although he was continuously glorifying Allah he was not doing so out of his sincerity but to satisfy Allah so that his wealth should not be taken away. It was all a show, all out of greed. "If You remove his wealth then You will find that his tongue will no longer mention Your name and his praying will stop."  Allah told Iblis that Ayyub was one of His most sincere devotees. He did not worship Him because of the favors; his worship stemmed from his heart and had nothing to do with material things. But to prove to Iblis the depth of Ayyub's sincerity and patience, Allah allowed him to do whatever he and his helpers wished with Ayyub's wealth. Iblis was very happy. He gathered his helpers and set about destroying Ayyub's cattle, servants and farms until he was left with no possessions. Rubbing his hands in glee, Iblis appeared before Ayyub in the guise of a wise old man and said to him: "All your wealth is lost, some people say that it is because you gave too muQuran charity and that you are wasting your time with your continuous prayers to Allah. Others say that Allah has brought this upon you in order to please your enemies. If Allah had the capacity to prevent harm, then He would have protected your wealth." True to his belief, Ayyub replied: "What Allah has taken away from me belongs to Him. I was only its trustee for awhile. He gives to whom He wills and withholds from whom He wills." With these words, Ayyub again prostrated to his Lord. When Iblis saw this, he felt frustrated, so he again addressed Allah: "I have stripped Ayyub of all his possessions, but he still remains grateful to You. However he is only hiding his disappointment, for he places great store by his many children. The real test of a parent is through his children. You will see how Ayyub will reject You." Allah granted Iblis authority but warned him that it would not reduce Ayyub' faith in His Lord nor his patience. Iblis again gathered his helpers and set about his evil deeds. He shook the fountain of the house in whiQuran Ayyub's children were living and sent the building crashing, killing all of them. Then he went to Ayyub disguised as a man who had come to sympathize with him. In a comforting tone he said to Ayyub: "The circumstances under whiQuran your children died were sad. Surely, your Lord is not rewarding you properly for all your prayers." Having said this, Iblis waited anxiously hoping Ayyub was now ready to reject Allah. But again Ayyub disappointed him by replying: "Allah sometimes gives and sometimes takes. He is sometimes pleased and sometimes displeased with our deeds. Whether a thing is beneficial or harmful to me, I will remain firm in my belief and remain thankful to my Creator." then Ayyub prostrated to his Lord. At this Iblis was extremely vexed. Iblis called on Allah. "O my Lord, Ayyub's wealth is gone, his children are dead, and he is still healthy in body, and as long as he enjoys good health he will continue to worship You in the hope of regaining his wealth and producing more children. Grant me authority over his body so that I may weaken it. He will surely neglect worshipping You an will thus become disobedient." Allah wanted to teaQuran Iblis a lesson that Jo was a devoted servant of his Lord so He granted Iblis his third request but placed a condition: "I give you authority over his body but not over his soul, intellect or heart, for in these places reside the knowledge of Me and My religion." Armed with this new authority, Iblis began to take revenge on Ayyub's body and filled it with disease until it was reduced to mere skin and bone and he suffered severe pain. But through all the suffering Ayyub remained strong in his faith, patiently bearing all the hardships without complaining. Allah's righteous servant did not despair or turn to others for help but remained hopeful of Allah's mercy. Even close relatives and friends deserted him. Only his kind, loving wife stayed with him. In his hour of need, she showered her kindness on him and cared for him. She remained his sole companion and comforter through the many years of suffering.      The cave in which the Prophet Ayyub lay ill, and the well whose water washed and restored him, Urfa (Edessa), Turkey    Ibn Asaker narrated: "Ayyub was a man having muQuran wealth of all kinds; beats, slaves, sheep, vast lands of Haran and many children. All those favors were taken from him and he was physically afflicted as well. Never a single organ was sound except his heart and tongue, with both of whiQuran he glorified Allah, the Almighty all the time day and night. His disease lasted for a long time until his visitors felt disgusted with him. His friends kept away from him and people abstained from visiting him. No one felt sympathy for him except his wife. She took good care of him, knowing his former charity and pity for her." Therefore Iblis became desperate. He consulted his helpers, but they could not advise him. They asked : "How is it that your cleverness cannot work against Ayyub, yet you succeeded in misleading Adam the father of man, out of Paradise?" Iblis went to Ayyub's wife in the form of a man. "Where is your husband?" he asked her. She pointed to an almost lifeless form crumbled on the bed and said: "There he is, suspended between life and death." Iblis reminded her of the days, when Ayyub had good health, wealth and children. Suddenly, the painful memory of years of hardship overcame her, and she burst into tears. She said to Ayyub: "How long are you going to bear this torture from our Lord? Are we to remain without wealth, children or friends forever? Why don't you call upon Allah to remove this suffering?" Ayyub sighed, and in a soft voice replied : "Iblis must have whispered to you and made you dissatisfied. Tell me how long did I enjoy good health and riches?" She replied: "80 years." Then Ayyub replied: "How long am I suffering like this?" She said: "7 years." Ayyub then told her: "In that case I am ashamed to call on my Lord to remove the hardship, for I have not suffered longer than the years of good health and plenty. It seems your faith has weakened and you are dissatisfied with the fate of Allah. If I ever regain health, I swear I will punish you with a hundred strokes! From this day onward, I forbid myself to eat or drink anything by your hand. Leave me alone and let my Lord do with me as He pleases." Crying bitterly and with a heavy heart, she had no choice but to leave him and seek shelter elsewhere. In this helpless sate, Ayyub turned to Allah, not to complain but to seek His mercy: "Verily! distress has seized me and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy." so We answered his call, and we removed the distress that was on him, and We restored his family to him (that he had lost), and the like thereof along with them as a mercy from Ourselves and a Reminder for all who worship Us." (Quran 21:83-84) Almighty Allah also instructed: "Remember Our slave Ayyub, when he invoked His Lord saying: "Verily! Satan has touched me with distress (by losing my health) and torment (by losing my wealth)!" Allah said to him: "Strike the ground with your foot: This is a spring of water to wash in and cool and a refreshing drink." And We gave him back his family, and along with them the like thereof as a Mercy from Us, and a reminder for those who understand. (Quran 38:41-43) Ayyub obeyed and almost immediately his good health was restored. Meanwhile, his faithful wife could not longer bear to be parted from her husband and returned to him to beg his forgiveness, desiring to serve him. On entering her house, she was amazed at the sudden change: Ayyub was again healthy! She embraced him and thanked Allah for His mercy. Ayyub was not worried, for he had taken an oath to punish her with a hundred strokes if he had regained health but he had no desire to hurt her. He knew if he did not fulfill the oath, he would be guilty of breaking a promise to Allah. Therefore in His wisdom and mercy, Allah came to the assistance of His faithful servant and advised him: "take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith your wife, and break not your oath." Truly! We found him patient. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft returning in repentance to Us!" (Quran 38:44) Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) said: "While Ayyub was naked, taking a bath, a swarm of gold locusts fell on him, and he started collecting them in his garment. His Lord called him: "O Ayyub! Have I not made you too rich to need what you see?" He said: "Yes, My Lord! But I cannot shun Your Blessings." (Al Bukhari)

Sidna Shu'ayb ("Jethro", peace be upon him)

Shuayab's tomb, 'Hittin, Palestine

 

Allah the Almighty revealed the story of Shu'aib (peace and blessing be upon him): "To the people of Madyan (Madian) (We sent) their brother Shu'aib. He said: "O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other Ilah (God) but Him. Verily! a clear proof (sign) from your Lord has come unto you; so give full measure and full weight and wrong not men in their things, and do not mischief on the earth after it has been set in order that will be better for you, if you are believers. And sit not on every road, threatening, and hindering from the Path of Allah those who believe in Him, and seeking to make it crooked. Remember when you were but few, and He multiplied you. See what was the end of the Mufsideen (mischief makers, corrupts and liars). And if there is a party of you who believes in that which I have been sent and a party who do not believe, so be patient until Allah judges between us, and He is the Best of judges." The chiefs of those who were arrogant among his people said: "We shall certainly drive you out, O Shu'aib! and those who have believed with you from our town, or else you all shall return to our religion." He said: "Even though we hate it! We should have invented a lie against Allah if we returned to your religion, after Allah has rescued us from it. It is not for us to return to it unless Allah, our Lord, should will. Our Lord comprehends all things in His Knowledge. In Allah (Alone) we put our trust. Our Lord! Judge between us and our people in truth, for You are the Best of those Who gives judgment." The chiefs of those who disbelieved among his people said to their people: "If you follow Shu'aib be sure then you will be the losers!" Then he (shu'aib) turned from them and said: "O my people! I have indeed conveyed my Lord's Messages unto you and I have given you good advice. Then how can I sorrow for the disbelieving people's (destruction)." (Quran 7:85-93)  Madyan, Arabia  The people of Madyan were Arabs who lived in the country of Ma'an, part of which today is greater Syria. They were a greedy people who did not believe that Allah existed and who led wicked lives. They gave short measure, praised their goods beyond their worth, and hid their defects. They lied to their customers, thereby cheating them. Allah sent His Prophet Shu'aib (peace and blessing be upon him) armed with many miracles. Shu'aib preached to them, begging them to be mindful of Allah's favors and warning them of the consequences of their evil ways, but they only mocked him. Shu'aib remained calm as he reminded them of his kinship to them and that what he was doing was not for his personal gain. They seized the belongings of Shu'aib and his followers, then drove them out of the city. The Messenger turned to his Lord for help, and his plea was answered. Allah sent down on them scorching heat and they suffered terribly. On seeing a cloud gathering in the sky, they thought it would bring cool, refreshing rain, and rushed outside in the hope of enjoying the rainfall. Instead the cloud burst, hurling thunderbolts and fire. They heard a thunderous sound from above which caused the earth under their feet to tremble. The evil doers perished in this state of horror. Allah the Exalted stated: "The dwellers of Al-Aiyka (near Midian, or Madyan) belied the Messengers. When Shu'aib said to them: "Will you not fear Allah and obey Him? I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it (my message of Islamic Monotheism), my reward is only from the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). Give full measure, and cause no loss to others. And weigh with the true and straight balance. Defraud not people by reducing their things nor do evil making corruption and mischief in the land. Fear Him Who created you and the generations of the men of old." They said: "You are only one of those bewitched! You are but a human being like us and verily, we think that you are one of the liars! So cause a piece of heaven to fall on us, if you are of the truthful!" He said: "My Lord is the Best Knower of what you do." But, they belied him, so the torment of the day of shadow (a gloomy cloud) seized them, indeed that was the torment of a Great Day. Verily, in this is a sign yet most of them are not believers. And verily! Your Lord, He is indeed the All Mighty, the Most Merciful." (Quran 26:176-191).

Sidna Musa ("Moses", peace be upon him)

Shrine of Sidna Musa, Jebel Nebo, Jordan 

The pharaoh who ruled Egypt was a tyrant who oppressed the descendants of Sidna Jacob (peace and blessing be upon him), known as the children of Israel (Bani Israel). He used every means to demean and disgrace them. They were kept in bondage and forced to work for him for small wages or nothing. Under this system the people obeyed and worshipped the pharaoh, and the ruling class carried out his orders, thereby authorizing his tyranny and crazy whims. The pharaoh wanted the people to obey him only, and to believe in the gods of his invention. Perhaps, during that time, there were many classes of people who did not believe in or practice polytheism; however, they kept this to themselves and outwardly did as they were expected to do, without revolting or revealing themselves to anyone. Thus, successive dynasties came to Egypt and assumed that they were gods or their representative or spokesmen. Years passed, and a despotic king, who was adored by the Egyptians, ruled Egypt. His king saw the children of Israel multiplying and prospering. He heard them talking about a vague vision that one of Israel's sons would dethrone the pharaoh of Egypt. Perhaps this vision was only a daydream that persisted within the hearts of the persecuted minority, or perhaps it was a prophecy from their books. Another tradition states that it was Pharaoh himself who had the vision. Ibn 'Abbas narrated: "Pharaoh saw in his vision a fire, which came from Jerusalem and burned the houses of the Egyptians, and all Copts, and did not do harm to the children of Israel. When he woke up, he was horrified. He then gathered his priests and magicians and asked them about this vision. They said: "This means a boy will be born of them and the Egyptian people will perish at his hands.' That is why Pharaoh commanded that all male children of the children of Israel be killed." Either way, this vision reached the ears of the Pharaoh. He then issued a decree to slay any male child that would be born to the children of Israel. This was carried out until the experts of economics said to Pharaoh: "The aged of the children of Israel die and the young are slaughtered. This will lead to their annihilation. As a result, Pharaoh will lose the manpower of those who work for him, those whom he enslaves, and their women whom he exploits. It is better to regulate this procedure by initiating the following policy: males should be slaughtered in one year but spared to live the next year." Pharaoh found that solution to be safer economically. Moses's mother was pregnant with Aaron (peace and blessing be upon him) in a year that boys were spared; thus she gave birth to the child publicly and safely. During a year in which boys were to be slain, she gave birth to Moses (peace and blessing be upon him); thus his birth caused her much terror. She was afraid he would be slain, so she nursed him secretly. Allah the Almighty revealed: These are Verses of the manifest Book (that makes clear truth from falsehood, good from evil, etc.). We recite to you some of the news of Moses and Pharaoh in truth, for a people who believe (those who believe in this Quran, and in the Oneness of Allah). Verily, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (children of Israel) among them, killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of the Mufsideen (those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrants, etc.). And we wished to do a favor to those who were weak (and oppressed) in the land, and to make them rulers and to make them the inheritors, and to establish them in the land, and We let Pharaoh and Haman and their hosts receive from them that which they feared. And We inspired the mother of Moses, saying: "Suckle him (Moses), but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers." (Quran 28: 2-7). No sooner had the divine revelation finished that she obeyed the sacred and merciful call. She was commanded to make a basket for Moses. She nursed him, put him into the basket, then went to the shore of the Nile and threw it into the water. Her mother's heart, the most merciful one in the world, grieved as she threw her son into the Nile. However, she was aware that Allah was much more merciful to Moses than to her, that He loved him more than her. Allah was his Lord and the Lord of the Nile. Hardly had the basket touched the water of the Nile than Allah issued His command to the waves to be calm and gentle while carrying the child would one day be a prophet. She instructed her daughter to follow the course of the basket and to report back to her. As the daughter followed the floating basket along the riverbank, she found herself right in the palace grounds and saw what was unfolding before her eyes. The basket came to rest at the riverbank, which skirted the king's palace. The palace servants found the basket with the baby and took it to the Pharaoh and his queen. When the queen beheld the lovely infant, Allah instilled in her a strong love for this baby. Pharaoh's wife was very different from Pharaoh. He was a disbeliever; she was a believer. He was cruel; she was merciful. He was a tyrant; she was delicate and goodhearted. She was sad because she was infertile and had hoped to have a son. Hardly had she held the baby than she kissed him. Pharaoh was much amazed when he saw his wife hugging this baby to her breast. He was much astonished because his wife was weeping with joy, something he had never seen her do before. She requested her husband: "Let me keep the baby and let him be a son to us." Almighty Allah said; Then the household of Pharaoh picked him up, that he might become for them an enemy and a cause of grief. Verily! Pharaoh, Haman, and their hosts were sinners. And the wife of Pharaoh said; "A comfort of the eye for me and for you. Kill him not, perhaps he maybe of a benefit to us, or we may adopt him as a son." And they perceived not (the result of that). (Quran 28:9) The queen summoned a few wet nurses to suckle the baby Moses, but he would not take any of their breasts. The queen was distressed and sent for more wet nurses. Moses's sister was also worried, as her baby brother was without milk for a long time. Seeing the queen's anxiety, she blurted that she knew jut the mother who would suckle the child affectionately. They asked her why she was following the floating basket. She said she did so out of curiosity. Her excuse sounded reasonable, so they believed her. They ordered her to rush and fetch the woman she was talking about. Her mother also was waiting with a heavy heart, worried about the fate of her baby. Just then her daughter rushed in with the good news. Her heart lifted and she lost no time in reaching the palace.   Allah the Almighty narrated: And the heart of the mother of Moses became empty (from every thought, except the thought of Moses). She was very near to disclose his (case, the child is her son), had We not strengthened her heart (with Faith), so that she might remain as one of the believers. And she said to his (Moses's) sister: "Follow him." So she (his sister) watched him from a far place secretly, while they perceived not. And We had already forbidden (other) foster suckling mothers for him, until she (his sister came up and ) said: "Shall I direct you to a household who will rear him for you, and sincerely they will look after him in a good manner?" So did We restore him to his mother, that she might be delighted, and that she might not grieve, nor that she might know that the promise of Allah is true. But most of them know not. (Quran 28:10-13) As the child was put to her breast, he immediately started suckling. Pharaoh was astonished and asked; "Who are you? This child has refused to take any other breast but yours." Had she told the truth, Pharaoh would have known that the child was an Israelite and would have killed Moses instantly. However, Allah gave her inner strength and she replied: "I am a woman of sweet milk and sweet smell, and no child refuses me." This answer satisfied Pharaoh. Fronward, she was appointed as Moses's wet nurse. She continued to breast-feed him for a long time. When he was bigger and was weaned, she was allowed the privilege of visiting him. Moses was raised in the palace as a prince. And when he attained his full strength, and was perfect (in manhood), We bestowed on him Hukman (Prophethood, right judgment of the affairs) and religious knowledge (of the religion of his forefathers, Islamic Monotheism). And thus do We reward the Muhsineen (good-doers)." (Quran 28:14) Allah had granted Moses (peace and blessing be upon him) good health, strength, knowledge, and wisdom. The weak and oppressed turned to him for protection and justice. One day in the main city, he saw two men fighting. One was an Israelite, who was being beaten by the other, an Egyptian. On seeing Moses, the Israelite begged him for help. Moses became involved in the dispute and, in a state of anger, struck a heavy blow on the Egyptian, who died on the spot. Upon realizing that he had killed a human being, Moses's heart was filled with deep sorrow, and immediately he begged Allah for forgiveness. He had not intended to kill the man. He pleaded with Almighty Allah to forgive him, and he felt a sense of peace filling his whole being. Thereafter Moses began to show more patience and sympathy towards people. The next day he saw the same Israelite involved in another fight. Moses went to him and said: "You seem to be a quarrelsome fellow. You have a new quarrel with one person or another each day." Fearing that Moses might strike him, the Israelite warned Moses: "Would you kill me as you killed the wretch yesterday?" The Egyptian with whom the Israelite was fighting overheard this remark and reported Moses to the authorities. Soon thereafter, as Moses was passing through the city, a man approached and alerted him: "O Moses, the chiefs have taken counsel against you. You are to be tried and killed. I would advise you to escape." Moses knew that the penalty for killing an Egyptian was death. Allah the Exalted recounted: And he entered the city at a time of unawareness of its people, and he found there two men fighting, one of his party (his religion, from the children of Israel), and the other of his foes. The man of his own party asked him for help against his foe, so Moses struck him with his fist and killed him. He said, "This is of Satan's doing, verily, he is a plain misleading enemy." He said: "My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, so forgive me." Then He forgave him. Verily, He is the Oft-Forgiving, the Most Merciful. He said: "My Lord! For that with which You have favored me, I will never more be a helper for the Mujrimeen (criminals, disobedient to Allah, polytheists, sinners, etc.)!" So he became afraid, looking about in the city (waiting as to what will be the result of his crime of killing), when behold, the man who had sought his help the day before, called for his help again. Moses said to him: "Verily, you are a plain misleader!" Then when he decided to seize the man who was an enemy to both of them, the man said: "O Moses! Is it your intention to kill me as you killed a man yesterday? Your aim is nothing but to become a tyrant in the land, and not to be one of those who do right." And there came a man running, from the farthest end of the city. He said: "O Moses! Verily, the chiefs are taking counsel together about you, to kill you, so escape. Truly, I am to you of those who give sincere advice." So he escaped from there, looking about in a state of fear. He said: "My Lord! Save me from the people who are Zalimeen (polytheists, and wrong-doers)!" (Quran 28:15-21) Moses left Egypt in a hurry without going to Pharaoh's palace or changing his clothes. Nor was he prepared for traveling. He did not have a beast of burden upon which to ride, and he was not in a caravan. Instead, he left as soon as the believer came and warned him of Pharaoh's plans. He traveled in the direction of the country of Midian, which was the nearest inhabited land between Syria and Egypt. His only companion in this hot desert was Allah, and his only provision was piety. There was not a single root to pick to lessen his hunger. The hot sand burned the soles of his feet. However, fearing pursuit by Pharaoh's men, he forced himself to continue on. He traveled for eight nights, hiding during the day. After crossing the main desert, he reached a watering hole outside Midian where shepherds were watering their flocks. No sooner had Moses reached the Midian than he threw himself under a tree to rest. He suffered from hunger and fatigue. The soles of his feet felt as if they were worn out from hard walking on sand and rocks and from the dust. He did not have any money to buy a new pair of sandals, nor to buy food or drink. Moses noticed a band of shepherds watering their sheep. He went to the spring, where he saw two young women preventing their sheep from mixing with the others. Moses sensed that the women were in need of help. Forgetting his thirst, he drew nearer to them and asked if he could help them in any way. The older sister said: "We are waiting until the shepherds finish watering their sheep, then we will water ours." Moses asked again: "Why are you waiting?" The younger one: "We cannot push men." Moses was surprised that women were shepherding, as only men were supposed to do it. It is hard and tiresome work, and one needs to be on the alert. Moses asked: "Why are you shepherding?" The younger sister said: "Our father is an old man; his health is too poor for him to go outdoors for pasturing sheep." Moses (peace and blessing be upon him) said: "I will water the sheep for you." When Moses approached the water, he saw that the shepherds had put over the mouth of the spring an immense rock that could only be moved by ten men. Moses embraced the rock and lifted it out of the spring's mouth, the veins of his neck and hands standing out as he did so. Moses was certainly strong. He watered their sheep and put the rock back in its place. He returned to sit in the shade of the tree. At this moment he realized that he had forgotten to drink. His stomach was sunken because of hunger.  Almighty Allah described this event: And when he arrived at the water of Midian (Midyan) he found there a group of men watering their flocks, and besides them he found two women who were keeping back their flocks. He said: "What is the matter with you?" They said: "We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take their flocks. And our father is a very old man." So he watered their flocks for them, then he turned back to shade, and said: "My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!" (Quran 28:22-24) Tomb of Sidna Musa, Jebel Nebo, Jordan  The young ladies returned home earlier than usual, which surprised their father. They related the incident at the spring which was the reason that they were back early. Their father sent one of his daughters to invite the stranger to his home. Bashfully, the woman approached Moses and delivered the message. "My father is grateful for what you have done for us. He invites you to our home so that he may thank you personally." Moses welcomed this invitation and accompanied the maiden to her father. Moses could see that they lived comfortably as a happy and peaceful household. He introduced himself and told the old man about the misfortune that he had befallen him and had compelled him to flee from Egypt. The old man comforted him: "Fear not, you have escaped from the wrong-doers."  Moses's gentle behavior was noticed by the father and his daughters. The king man invited him to stay with them. Moses felt at home with this happy household, for they were friendly and feared Allah. One of the daughters suggested to her father that he employ Moses, as he was strong and trustworthy. They needed someone like him, especially at the water hole, which was visited by ruffians. The father asked her how she could be sure of his trustworthiness in such a short time. She replied: "When I bade him to follow me to our home, he insisted that I walk behind him so he would not observe my form." The old man was pleased to hear this. He approached Moses and said: "I wish to marry you toone omy daughters on condition that you agree to work for me for a period of eight years." This offer suited Moses well, for being a stranger in this country, he would soon have to search for shelter, and work. Moses married the Midianite's daughter and looked after the old man's animals for ten long years. Almighty Allah recounted: Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly. She said: "Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered our flocks for us." So when he came to him and narrated the story, he said; "Fear you not. You have escaped from the people who are Zalimeen (polytheists, disbeliveers, and wrong-doers)." And said one of them (the two women): "O my father! Hire him! Verily, the best of men for you to hire is the strong, the trustworthy." He said: "I intend to wed one of these two daughters of mine to you, on condition that you serve me for eight years, but if you complete ten years, it will be a favor from you. But I intend not to place you under a difficulty. If Allah wills, you will find me one of the righteous." He (Moses) said: "That is settled between me and you whichever of the two terms I fulfill, there will be no injustice to me, and Allah is Surety over what we say." (Quran 28:25-28) Time passed, and he lived in seclusion far from his family and his people. This period of ten years was of importance in his life. It was a period of major preparation. Certainly Moses's mind was absorbed in the stars every night. He followed the sunrise and the sunset every day. He pondered on the plant and how it splits and soil and appears thereafter. He contemplated water and how the earth is revived by it and flourishes after its death. Of course, he was immersed in the Glorious Book of Allah, open to the insight and heart. He was immersed in the existence of Allah. All these became latent within him. The religion of Moses (peace and blessing be upon him) was the same as that of Jacob (peace and blessing be upon him), which was Islamic monotheism. His forefather was Jacob (peace and blessing be upon him) the grandson of Abraham (peace and blessing be upon him). Moses (peace and blessing be upon him), therefore, was one of the descendants of Abraham (peace and blessing be upon him) and every prophet who came after Abraham was one of Abraham's successors. In addition to physical preparation, there was a similar spiritual preparation. It was made in complete seclusion, in the middle of the desert, and in the places of pasture. Silence was his way of life, and seclusion was his vehicle. Allah the Almighty prepared for His prophet the tools he would need later on to righteously bear the commands of Allah the Exalted. One day after the end of this period, a vague homesickness arose in Moses's heart. He wanted to return to Egypt. He was fast and firm in making his decision, telling his wife: "Tomorrow we shall leave for Egypt." His wife said to herself. "There are a thousand dangers in departing that have not yet been revealed." However, she obeyed her husband. Moses himself did not know the secret of the quick and sudden decision to return to Egypt. After all, he had fled from their ten years ago with a price on his head. Why should he go back now? Did he look forward to seeing his mother and brother? Did he think of visiting Pharaoh's wife who had raised him and who loved him as if she were his mother? No one knows what went through Moses's mind when he returned to Egypt. All we know is that a mute obedience to Allah's destinies impelled him to make a decision and he did. These supreme destinies steered his steps towards a matter of great importance. Moses left Midian with his family and traveled through the desert until he reached Mount Sinai. There Moses discovered that he had lost his way. He sought Allah's direction and was shown the right course. At nightfall they reached Mount Tur. Moses noticed a fire in the distance. "I shall fetch a firebrand to warm us." As he neared the fire, he heard a sonorous voice calling him: "O Moses, I am Allah, the Lord of the Universe." Moses was bewildered and looked around. He again heard the strange voice. "And what is in you right hand, O Moses?" Shivering, Moses answered: "This is my staff on which I lean, and with which I beat down branches for my sheep, and for which I find other uses." (This question was asked so that Moses' attention would focus on the staff and to prepare him for the miracle which was to happen. This was the beginning of Moses's mission as a prophet -peace and blessing be upon him). The same voice commanded him: "Throw down your staff!" He did so, and at once the staff became a wriggling snake. Moses turned to run, but the voice again addressed him: "Fear not and grasp it; We shall return it to its former state." The snake changed back into his staff. Moses's fear subsided and was replaced by peace, for he realized that he was witnessing the Truth. Mount Sinai Next, Allah commanded him to thrust his hand into his robe at the armpit. When he pulled it out, the hand had a brilliant shine. Allah then commanded Moses; "You have two signs from Your Lord; go to Pharaoh and his chiefs, for they are an evil gang and have transgressed all bounds." However, Moses feared that he would be arrested by Pharaoh, so he turned to Allah saying: "My Lord! I have killed a man among them and I fear that they will kill me." Allah assured him of his safety and set his heart at rest.  Almighty Allah narrated this event: And has there come to you the story of Moses? When he saw a fire, he said to his family: "Wait! Verily, I have seen a fire, perhaps I can bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find some guidance at the fire." And when he came to it the fire, he was called by name: "O Moses! Verily! I am your Lord! So take off your shoes, you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa. And I have chosen you. So listen to that which is inspired to you. Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and offer prayers perfectly, for My Remembrance. Verily, the Hour is coming - and My Will is to keep it hidden - that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives. Therefore, let the one who believes not therein (in the Day of Resurrection, Reckoning, Paradise and Hell etc) but follows his own lusts, divert your therefrom lest you perish. And what is that in your right hand, O Moses?" He said: "This is my stick, whereon I lean, and wherewith I beat down branches for my sheep and wherein I find other uses." Allah said: "Cast it down, O Moses!" He cast it down, and behold! It was a snake, moving quickly. Allah said: "Grasp it, and fear not, We shall return it to its former state, and press your right hand to your left side, it will come forth white and shining, and without any disease as another sign, that We may show you some of Our Greater Signs. "Go To Pharaoh! Verily! He has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience, and has behaved as an arrogant, and as a tyrant)." Moses said: "O my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness). And ease my task for me; and make loose the knot (the defect) from my tongue, (remove the incorrectness of my speech ) that they understand my speech, and appoint for me a helper from my family, Aaron, my brother; increase my strength with him, and let him share my task (of conveying Allah's Message and Prophethood), and we may glorify You much, and remember You much, Verily! You are of us Ever a Well-Seer." Allah said: "You are granted your request, O Moses! And indeed We conferred a favor on you another time before. When We inspired your mother with that which We inspired, saying: "Put him (the child) into the Tabut (a box or a case or a chest) and put him into the river (Nile), and then the river shall cast it up on the bank, and there, an enemy of Mine and an enemy of his shall take him.' And I endured you with love from Me, in order that you maybe brought up under My Eye, when your sister went and said; "Shall I show you one who will nurse him?' So We restored you to your mother, that she might cool her eyes and she should not grieve. Then you did kill a man, but We saved you from a great distress and tried you with a heavy trial. Then you stayed a number of years witthe people of Midian. Then you came here according to the term which I ordained (for you), O Moses! "And I have Istana'tuka (chosen you for My Inspiration and My Message) for Myself. Go you and your brother with My Ayat (proofs, lessons, verses, evidences, signs, revelations, etc), and do not, you both, slacken and become weak in My Remembrance. "Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, verily, he has transgressed all bounds in disbelief and disobedience and behaved as an arrogant and as a tyrant. And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear Allah." They said: "Our Lord! Verily! We fear lest he should hasten to punish us or lest he should transgress all bounds against us." He (Allah) said: "Fear not, Verily! I am with you both, Hearing and Seeing. So go you both to him, and say: "Verily, we are Messengers of your Lord, so let the children of Israel go with us, and torment them not; indeed, we have come with a sign from your Lord! And peace will be upon him who follows the guidance! Truly, it has been revealed to us that the torment will be for him who denies (believes not in the Oneness of Allah, and in His Messengers, etc), and turns away' (from the truth, and obedience of Allah)." (Quran 20:9-48). Moses (peace and blessing be upon him) and Aaron (peace and blessing be upon him) went together to Pharaoh and delivered their message. Moses spoke to him about Allah, His mercy and His Paradise and about the obligations of monotheism and His worship. Pharaoh listened to Moses' speech with disdain. He thought that Moses was crazy because he dared to question his supreme position. Then he raised his hand and asked: "What do you want?" Moses answered: "I want you to send the children of Israel with us." Pharaoh asked: "Why should I send them, as they are my slaves?" Moses replied: "They are the slaves of Allah, Lord of the Worlds." Pharaoh then inquired sarcastically if his name was Moses. Moses said "Yes." "Are you not the Moses whom we picked up from the Nile as a helpless baby? Are you not the Moses whom we reared in this palace, who ate and drank from our provisions and whom our wealth showered with charity? Are you not the Moses who is a fugitive, the killer of an Egyptian man, if my memory does not betray me? It is said that killing is an act of disbelief. Therefore, you were a disbeliever when you killed. You are a fugitive from justice and you come to speak to me! What were you talking about Moses, I forgot?" Moses knew that Pharaoh's mentioning his past, his upbringing, and his receiving Pharaoh's charity was Pharaoh's way of threatening him. Moses ignored his sarcasm and explained that he was not a disbeliever when he killed the Egyptian, he only went astray and Allah the Almighty had not yet given him the revelation at that time. He made Pharaoh understand that he fled from Egypt because he was afraid of their revenge upon him, even though the killing was an accident. He informed him that Allah had granted him forgiveness and made him one of the messengers.  "And remember Moses said to his people: "O my people! Ye have indeed wronged yourselves by your worship of the calf so turn (in repentance) to your Maker and slay yourselves (the wrong-doers); that will be better for you in the sight of your Maker." Then He turned toward you (in forgiveness); for He is Oft-returning Most Merciful." (Quran 2:54) Allah the Almighty revealed to us part of the dialogue between Moses (peace and blessing be upon him) and Pharaoh: Allah said: "Nay! Go you both with Our Signs, Verily! We shall be with you, listening. And when you both come to Pharaoh, say: "We are the Messengers of the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists), and So allow the children of Israel to go with us."" Pharaoh said to Moses: "Did we not bring you up among us as a child? And you did dwell many years of your life with us. And you did your deed which you did (the crime of killing a man) and you are one of the ingrates." Moses said: "I did it then, when I was an ignorant (as regards my Lord and His Message). So I fled from you when I feared you. But my Lord has granted me Hukman (religious knowledge, right judgments of the affairs and Prophethood), and appointed me as one of the Messengers. And this is the past favor with which you reproach me, and that you have enslaved the children of Israel." Pharaoh said: "And what is the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)?" Moses replied: "Lord of the heavens, and the earth, and all that is between them, if you seek to be convinced with certainty." Pharaoh said to those around: "Do you not hear what he says?" Moses said: "Your Lord and the Lord of your ancient fathers!" Pharaoh said: "Verily, your Messenger who has been sent to you is a madman!" Moses said: "Lord of the east, and the west, and all that is between them, if you did but understand!" Pharaoh said: "If you choose an ilah (a god) other than me, I will certainly put you among the prisoners." Moses said: "Even if I bring you something manifest (and convincing)." Pharaoh said: "Bring it forth then, if you are of the truthful!" (Quran 26:16-31) The degree of the conflict expressed in this dialogue reached its apex; thus, the tone of dialogue changed. Moses used a convincing intellectual argument against Pharaoh. However, Pharaoh escaped from the circle of dialogue based on the logic and began a dialogue of another type, a type which Moses could not bear to follow; a dialogue of menacing and threatening. Pharaoh deliberately adopted the style of the absolute ruler. He asked Moses how he dared to worship Allah! Did he not know that Pharaoh was a god? After declaring his divinity, Pharaoh asked Moses how he dared to worship another god. The punishment for this crime was imprisonment. It was not permitted for anyone to worship anyone other than the Pharaoh. Moses understood that the intellectual arguments did not succeed. The calm dialogue was converted from sarcasm to mentioning charity, then to scorn, then to the threat of imprisonment. Moses said: "Even if I bring you something manifest and convincing." Pharaoh said; "Bring it forth, then, if you are of the truthful!" So Moses threw his stick, and behold, it was a serpent, manifest. And he drew out his hand, and behold, it was white to all beholders! (Quran 26:30-33)

Sidna Harun ("Aaron", peace be upon him)

Jebel Haroun, Petra (Raqim), Jordan

Sidna Harun ("Aaron", peace and blessing be upon him) was a prophet mentioned in the Holy Quran. "And (further) their Prophet said to them: "A sign of his authority is that there shall come to you the ark of the Covenant with (an assurance) therein of security from your Lord, and the relics left by the family of Moses and the family of Aaron carried by angels. In this is a Symbol for you if ye indeed have faith."" (Quran 2:248) "We have sent thee inspiration as We sent it to Noah and the Messengers after him; We sent inspiration to Abraham, Ismail, Isaac, Jacob, and the Tribes to Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron, and Solomon, and to David, We gave the Psalms. (Quran 4:163) "We gave him Isaac and Jacob: all (three) We guided: and before him We guided Noah, and among his progeny, David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron: thus do We reward those who do good" (Quran 6:84) "We appointed for Moses thirty nights, and completed (the period) with ten (more): thus was completed the term (of communion) with his Lord, forty nights. And Moses had charged his brother, Aaron (before he went up): "Act for me amongst my people: do right, and follow not the way of those who do mischief." (Quran 7:42)  Tomb of Sidna Haroun, Petra (Raqim), Jordan   He was married to Elisheba Bint Amminadab of the house of Judah. His sons were Shabbar, Shabbir and Mushabbar. Like his brother, he was a prophet who was tasked by God with saving the Israelites from the tyrannical Pharaoh. Harun was a gifted speaker, and would often speak for Musa who suffered from a speech impediment. According to the Qur'an, Musa prayed to God to grant his brother Haroon the gift of prophecy so that he could help him in all his tasks ahead. God granted Musa his request and told him that he could take his brother along with him, and that he should be gentle in his language and patient in all his dealings. Islam holds that Haroon held no part in causing the Israelites to worship the golden calf. Rather, he was overpowered and was threatened with being killed by his people. When Musa returned from the mount, he immediately blamed Haroon and seized him by his beard, but Haroon then gave his explanation, after which Musa prayed to God to forgive both of them. Allah Most High said: "When Moses came back to his people angry and grieved, he said: "Evil it is that ye have done in my place in my absence: did ye make haste to bring on the judgment of your Lord?"― He put down the Tablets seized his brother by (the hair of) his head, and dragged him To him. Aaron said: "son of my mother! The people did indeed reckon me as naught, and went near to slaying me! Make not the enemies rejoice over my misfortune, nor count thou me amongst the people of sin." (Quran 7:150) He died at Mount Hor (Jebel Harun).

Sidna Yousha'a ("Joshua", peace be upon him) 

Sidna al-Yasa', Kifl Hares, Salfit, Palestine

Within a mosque to the west of Salt, on a hill carrying his name lies the shrine of Prophet Yusha’a ibn Nun (“Joshua” peace be pn him). He, according to People of the Book, became the leader of the Israelite tribes after the death of Moses (peace be on him). His name was Hoshea the son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim, but that Moses called him Joshua, and that is the name by which he is commonly known. He was born in Egypt prior to the Exodus, and was probably the same age as Caleb, with whom he is occasionally associated. He was one of the twelve spies of Israel sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan (Palestine). After the death of Moses, he led the Israelite tribes in the conquest of Canaan, and allocated the land to the tribes. The years in which these events took place is subject to dispute. According to conventional Bible chronology, Joshua lived between 1450 – 1370 BC, or sometime in the late Bronze Age. He is believed to have lived 110 years.

Sidna Samwail ("Samuel", peace be upon him)

Samuel's Tomb, Jerusalem, Palestine

Ibn Jarir reported that the condition of the Israelites deteriorated. They committed many sins and killed whom they wished of the prophets. Consequently Allah sent them tyrannous king who ill-treated them and spilled their blood, and set their enemies from outside against them as well. They used to go war, taking with them The Ark of the Covenant. They did this so that they would be victorious by its blessings, and it became a symbol of calm and a relic left behind by Moses's people. When they went to war with the people of Gaza and Askalon, they were defeated because the Ark of the Covenant was captured from them. When the king of the Israelites heard of this he died on the spot. The children of Israel remained like sheep without a shepherd until Almighty Allah sent them a prophet named Samuel (Shammil) (peace and blessing be upon him). They asked him to appoint a king over them to lead in a war against their enemies. According to Ibn 'Asaker, the Israelites believed their Ark of the Covenant to be very holy and an important symbol of their history. The carried the Ark even in battle and believed that, because of it, Allah would protect them from their enemies. This belief gave them peace of mind and great courage, and their enemies were terrified by it. Their enemies also believed that it was given special power by Allah. Gradually the Israelites started to ignore Allah's law; evil habits became part of their lives. Allah sent upon them an enemy, the Philistines, who defeated the Israelites, captured their Ark, drove them out of their homes, and took away their children to use or sell as slaves. Their power was broken. They separated from one another and were very disheartened. Then came Prophet Samuel among them to bring some relief. They asked the prophet's help in appointing a strong leader, a king under whose banner they could unite and fight the Philistines. Prophet Samuel (pbuh), knowing their weakness, told them: "I fear that when the time comes to fight you may refuse." But they assured him that they had suffered enough insults and were now ready to fight in the way of Allah, even if they lost their lives. Prophet Samuel prayed to Allah for guidance. Allah revealed to him that He had chosen one, Saul (Talut), to be their king. The prophet wanted to know how to recognize the future king. He was told that Saul would come to him by himself and that they should then hand over the control of kingdom to him, for he would lead them in battle against the Philistines. Saul was tall and sturdy, pious, and very intelligent. He lived and worked with his father on their farm. One day, several of their donkeys were lost. Accompanied by his servant, Saul went in search of them. They traveled for many days and were very tired. Saul said to his servant: "Let us rather go back, for I am sure that my father will be worried by now, and the other animals must also be cared for." His servant suggested that as they were already in the land of Samuel the prophet, they should go to him to inquire about the lost donkeys. Saul agreed, and they carried on. On their way, they asked directions from some maidens carrying water. They were told to go in the direction of the mountain. Here, a vast crowd was waiting for the Prophet Samuel. When Saul set eyes on him, he instantly recognized him as a prophet by his holy men. Samuel also recognized Saul as the king that Allah had chosen for them. Saul greeted the prophet respectfully. When he asked about his missing donkeys, Samuel told him not to worry, his donkeys were already on their way to his fat's farm. He then told Saul that Allah had chosen him as the king of the children of Israel. His duty would be to take charge of their affairs, to unite them under one banner, and to protect them from their enemies. If he carried out Allah's commands, he would be given victory. Saul was surprised by this sudden honor offered to him. It was also a heavy responsibility. He protested to the prophet that he was of the children of Benjamin, the least famous of the tribes of Jacob; he did not know anything of leadership or kingship and had no wealth. Samuel told him that it was the will of Allah that he should be the king, that he should thank Allah for His favor and be strong in faith. Taking Saul by the hand, Samuel led him to the children of Israel, but they insisted on a direct sign from Allah. Prophet Samuel told them to go outside the city to see the sign, which they did.  Almighty Allah revealed: "Have you not thought about the group of children of Israel after (the time of ) Moses? When they said to a Prophet of theirs: "Appoint for us a king and we will fight in Allah's Way." He said: "Would you then refrain from fighting, if fighting was prescribed for you?" They said: "Why should we not fight in Allah's Way while we have been driven out of our homes and our children (families have been taken as captives)?" But when fighting was ordered for them, they turned away, all except a few of them. And Allah is All-Aware of the Zalimeen (polytheists, and wrongdoers). And their Prophet (Samuel) said to them: "Indeed Allah has appointed Saul as a king over you." They said: "How can he be a king over us when we are better fitted than him for the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth." He said: "Verily, Allah has chosen him above you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah grants His Kingdom to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower." And their Prophet (Samuel) said to them: "Verily! The sigh of His kingdom is that there shall come to you At Tabut (a wooden box), wherein is Sakinah (peace and reassurance) from your Lord and a remnant of that which Moses and Aaron left behind, carried by the angels. Verily, in this is a sigh for you if you are indeed believers." Then when Saul set out with the army, he said: "Verily! Allah will try you by a river. So whoever drinks thereof, he is not of me, and whoever tastes it not, he is of me, except him who takes thereof in the hollow of his hand." Yet, they drank thereof, all, except a few of them. So when he had crossed it (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: "We have no power on this day against Goliath and his hosts." But those who knew with certainty that they were to meet their Lord, said: "How often a small group overcame a mighty host by Allah's Leave?" And Allah is with the patient. And when they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they invoked. "Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience and make us victorious over the disbelieving people." (Quran 2:246-250) Saul set about organizing his army with strong faith and wisdom. He ordered that only men free from responsibilities should join. Those engaged in building homes, men who were about to be married and those occupied with business should not join. After establishing a well-trained army, he decided to put them to the test. He told them that along the route they would pass a river where they should drink enough water to quench their thirst but not more than that. To his disappointment, he discovered the majority of them drank more water than they should have. He discharged them for disobedience and kept only the few who had obeyed him, as they were the ones who proved their sincerity. This resulted in a split in the army, but he was not bothered. He believed in quality and not numbers; better a small band of true believers he could rely on than a huge army of unreliable men. Saul's men sighted the enemy on the other side of the river. Their opponents appeared physically strong and were armed with better weapons. They were led by the mighty warrior Goliath (Galut), known for his huge build and brute strength. A great number of Saul's men ran away on seeing this strong force. The small band that remained was willing to fight, whatever the outcome, for they had heard that there had been many incidents in the past in which Allah had caused a small force to defeat a larger one.

Sidna Dawud ("David", peace be upon him) 

Sidna Dawud ibn Sulayman, Juraselam

When the two armies faced each other, Goliath challenged any soldier from King Saul's army to single combat, as was the custom of battle in those days. Goliath also wanted to show off his strength. The men were terrorized, and no one had enough courage to volunteer. The king offered the hand of his pretty daughter in marriage to the man who would fight Goliath, but even this tempting offer did not change the deadly silence among his soldiers. Then, to everyone's surprise, a youth stepped forward. A roar of laughter echoed from the enemy's side, and even Saul's men shook their heads. The young man was Sidna Dawud (David), from the city of Bethlehem. His elderly father had chosen three of his sons to join Saul's army. He had instructed the youngest one, Dawud, not to take part in the fighting but to help the army in other ways and to report to his father daily on what was happening on the war front. Although Saul was very impressed by the youth's courage, he said: "I admire your courage, but you are no match for that mighty warrior. Let the strong men come forward." Dawud, however, had already decided and was willing to meet the challenge. Proudly, he told the king that only the day before he had killed a lion which had threatened his father's sheep, and on another occasion he had killed a bear. He asked Saul not to judge him by his appearance, for he feared no man or wild beast. Saul, surprised by young Dawud's brave stance, agreed: "My brave soldier, if you are willing, then may Allah guard you and grant you strength!" The king dressed Dawud in battle armor and handed him a sword, but Dawud was not used to wearing battle dress. He felt uncomfortable in it, and it obstructed his movements. He removed the armor, then collected a few pebbles and filled his leather pouch with them. He slung it over his shoulder next to his sling. With his wooden staff in hand, he began to walk towards the enemy. Saul was worried and asked him how on earth, with a sling and a couple of stones was he going to defend himself against the giant? Dawud replied: "Allah Who protected me from the claws of the bear and the fangs of the lion will certainly protect me from this brute!" When Goliath set eyes on the lean young man who looked like a boy, he laughed loudly and roared: "Are you out to play war with one of your playmates, or are you tired of your life? I will simply cut off your head with one swipe of my sword!"Dawud shouted back: "You may have armor, shield, and sword, but I face you in the name of Allah, the Lord of the Israelites, Whose laws you have mocked. Today you will see that it is not the sword that kills but the will and power of Allah!" So saying, he took his sling and placed in it a pebble from his pouch. He swung and aimed it at Goliath. The pebble shot from the whirling sling with the speed of an arrow and hit Goliath's head with great force. Blood gushed out, and Goliath thumped to the ground, lifeless, before he had a chance to draw his sword. When the rest of his men saw their mighty hero slain, they took to their heels. The Israelites followed in hot pursuit, taking revenge for their years of suffering at the hands of their enemy, killing every soldier they could lay hands on. In this battle the Israelites regained the glory and honor that had been lost for a long time. Dawud became a hero overnight. Saul kept his word and married his daughter Michal (Miqel) to the young warrior and took him under his wing as one of his chief advisors. Almighty Allah declared: So they routed them by Allah's Leave and Dawud killed Goliath, and Allah gave him (Dawud) the kingdom (after the death of Saul and Samuel) and wisdom, and taught him of that which He willed. And if Allah did not check one set of people by means of another, the earth would indeed be full of mischief. But Allah is full of Bounty to the Alamin (mankind, jinns and all that exist).(Quran 2:251). Dawud became the most famous man among the Israelites. However, he was not inveigled by this; he was not a prisoner of fame or leadership but a prisoner of Allah's love. Therefore, after killing Goliath he went out into the desert in the company of nature, glorifying Almighty Allah and contemplating His favors. Verily, We made the mountains to glorify Our Praises with him (Dawud) in the Ashi (after the mid-day till sunset) and Ishraq (after the sunrise till mid-day). And (so did) the birds assembled: all with him (Dawud) did turn (to Allah, glorified His Praises). We made his kingdom strong and gave him wisdom and sound judgment in speech and decision." (Quran 38:18-20) “Creatures such as the plants, birds, beasts, and even the mountains responded to his voice glorifying Allah. Allah had chosen Dawud to be a prophet and revealed the Psalms to him. As He the Almighty said: And to Dawud We gave the Psalms. (Quran 17:55). Dawud recited his scripture and glorified Allah while the mountains joined him praise and the birds rallied around him. Almighty Allah directed: “Be patient (O Muhammad) of what they say, and remember Our slave Dawud, endured with power. Verily, he was ever oft-returning in all matters and in repentance toward Allah. (Quran 38:17). Dawud's sincerity was not the only factor responsible for the birds and beasts joining with him in glorifying Allah, nor was the sweetness of his voice. IT was a miracle from Allah. This was not his only miracle, for Allah also endowed him with the faculty of understanding the languages of birds and animals. Dawud (peace and blessing be upon him) fasted every other day. Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn Al-As narrated: Allah's Apostle (peace and blessing be upon him) said to me: "The most beloved fasting to Allah was the fasting of the Prophet Dawud, who used to fast alternate days. And the most beloved prayer to Allah was the prayer of Dawud, who used to sleep the first half of the night, and pray for one third of it and again sleep for a sixth of it.'" (Sahih Al-Bukhari). Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn Al-As also narrated: "The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said to me: 'I have been informed that you pray all the nights and observe fast all the days; is this true?' I replied: 'Yes.' He said: 'If you do so, your eyes will be weak and you will get bored. So fast three days a month, for this will be the fasting of a whole year. (Or equal to the fasting of a whole year).' I said: 'I find myself able to fast more.' He said: 'Then fast like the fasting of (the Prophet) Dawud (peace and blessing be upon him) who used to fast on alternate days and would not flee on facing the enemy.'" (Sahih Al-Bukhari) Allah granted Dawud great influence. His people had a great number of wars in their time, but they had a problem in that the iron armor was too heavy for the fighter to move and fight as he wished. It is said that Dawud was sitting one day, contemplating this problem while toying with a piece of iron. Suddenly, he found his hand sinking in the iron. Almighty Allah had made it flexible for him: And We made the iron soft for him. (Ch 34:10 Quran) The people praised and loved Dawud. However, the hearts of men are fickle and their memories short. Even great men can feel insecure and become petty-minded. One day Dawud found Saul in a worried state. He sensed something strange in Saul's attitude towards him. That night, when he shared his feeling with his wife, she started to weep bitterly and said: "O Dawud, I will never keep any secrets from you." She told him that her father had become jealous of his popularity and feared that he would lose his kingdom to him. She advised him to be on his guard. This information shocked Dawud very much. He prayed and hoped that Saul's good nature would overcome the darker side of his character. The following day, Saul summoned Dawud to inform him that Canaan had gathered its forces and would march on the kingdom. He ordered Dawud to advance on them with the army and not to return unless victory was gained. Dawud sensed that this was an excuse to get rid of him; either the enemy would kill him, or in the thick of battle, Saul's henchmen might stab him in the back. Yet he hastened with his troops to meet the army of Canaan. They fought the Canaanites brav, without thinking of their own safety. Allah granted them victory, and Dawud lived to return to Saul. Unfortunately, this only increased Saul's fear, so he plotted to kill Dawud. Such is jealousy that not even a daughter's well-being mattered. Michal learned of her father's plan and hurried to warn her husband. Dawud gathered some food and things, mounted his camel and fled. He found a cave in which he remained hidden for many days. After a time, Dawud's brothers and some citizens joined forces with him. Saul's position became very weak, for he began to rule with a heavy hand. He ill-treated the learned, tortured the reciters of the Talmud, and terrorized his soldiers. This worsened his position, and his subjects began to turn against him. He decided to go war against Dawud. Hearing this news, Dawud marched to confront Saul's army. The king's army had traveled a great distance and was overcome by fatigue, so they decided to rest in a valley, where they fell asleep. Quietly, Dawud crept up to the sleeping Saul, removed his spear, and cut off a piece of his garment with the sword. Dawud then awakened the king and told him: "Oh king, you come out seeking me, but I do not hate you, and I do not want to kill you. If I did, I would have killed you when you were asleep. Here is a piece of your garment. I could have hacked your neck instead, but I did not. My mission is that of love, not malice." The king realized his mistake and begged for forgiveness. Tower of Sidna Dawud, Juraselam  Time passed and Saul was killed in a battle in which Dawud did not take part. Dawud succeeded Saul, for the people remembered what he had done for them and elected him king. So it was that Dawud the Prophet was also a king. Allah strengthened the dominion of Dawud and made him victorious. His kingdom was strong and great; his enemies feared him without engaging in war with him. Dawud had a son named Solomon (Sulaiman), who was intelligent and wise from childhood. When the following story took place, Solomon was eleven years old. One day Dawud, was sitting, as usual, solving the problems of his people when two men, one of whom had a field, came to him. The owner of the field said: "O dear Prophet! This man's sheep came to my field at night and ate up the grapes and I have come to ask for compensation." Dawud asked the owner of the sheep: "Is this true?" He said: "Yes, sir." Dawud said: "I have decided that you give him your sheep in exchange for the field." Solomon, to whom Allah had given wisdom in addition to what he had inherited from his father, spoke up: "I have another opinion. The owner of the sheep should take the field to cultivate until the grapes grow, while the other man should take the sheep and make use of their wool and milk until his field is repaired. If the grapes grow, and the field returns to its former state, then the field owner should take his field and give back the sheep to their owner." Dawud responded: "This is a sound judgment. Praise be to Allah for gifting you with wisdom. You are truly Solomon the Wise."  Prophet Dawud was a just and righteous ruler who brought peace and prosperity to his people, and whom Allah honored as a messenger. He delivered Allah's message to the people through the precious gift of his melodious voice. When he recited the Psalms (Zabur), it was as if the rest of creation chanted with him; people listened as if in a trance. The messages Dawud delivered are famous and well remembered. They are known in the Bible as the Psalms or Songs of Dawud.  Dawud divided his working day into four parts: one to earn a living and to rest, one to pray to his Lord, one to listen to the complaints of his people, and the last part to deliver his sermons. He also appointed deputies to listen to his subjects' complaints so that in his absence people's problems might not be neglected. Although a king, he did not live on the income of his kingdom. Being well-experienced in the craft of weapon-making, he made and sold weapons and lived on that income. One day, as Dawud was praying in his prayer niche, he ordered his guards not to allow anyone to interrupt him, but two men managed to enter and disturb him. "Who are you?" he asked. One of the men said: "Do not be frightened. We have a dispute and have come for your judgment." Dawud said: "What is it?" The first man said: "This is my brother, has ninety nine sheep, and I have one. He gave it to me but took it back." Dawud, without hearing from the other party said: "He did you wrong by taking the sheep back, and many partners oppress one another, except for those who are believers." The two men vanished like a cloud, and Dawud realized that they were two angels sent to him to teach him a lesson. He should not have passed a judgment without hearing from the opposing party. Almighty Allah told us of this incident: “And has the news of the litigants reached you? When they climbed over the wall into (his) Mihrab (a praying place or a private room). When they entered in upon Dawud, he was terrified of them, they said: Fear not! (We are) two litigants, one of whom has wronged the other; therefore judge between us with truth, and treat us not with injustice, and guide us to the Right Way." "Verily, this is my brother (in religion) has ninety nine ewes, while I have only one ewe, and he says: 'Hand it over to me,' and he overpowered me in speech." Dawud said immediately without listening to the opponent: "He has wronged you in demanding your ewe in addition to his ewes. And, verily, many partners oppress one another, except those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and they are few." And Dawud guessed that We have tried him and he sought Forgiveness of his Lord, and he fell down prostrate and turned to Allah in repentance. So We forgave him that, and verily, for him is a near access to Us, and as good place of final return Paradise. O Dawud! Verily! We have placed you as a successor on earth, so judge you between men in truth and justice. And follow not your desire for it will mislead you from the Path of Allah. Verily! Those who wander astray from the Path of Allah shall have a severe torment, because they forgot the Day of Reckoning. (Quran 38:21-26). Dawud worshipped Allah, glorified Him and sang His praise until he died. According to traditions, Dawud died suddenly and was mourned by four thousand priests as well as thousands of people. It was so hot that people suffered from the intensity of the sun. Solomon called the birds to protect Dawud and the people from the sun, and they did so until he was buried. This was the first sign of his dominion to be witnessed by the people.

Sidna Sulayman ("Solomon", peace be upon him)  

Dome of the Rock, Juraselam

Prophet Sidna Sulayman (“Solomon”, peace be upon him) inherited his father Dawud's prophethood and dominion. This was not a material inheritance, as prophets do not bequeath their property. It is given away to the poor and needy, not to their relatives. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: "The prophets' property will not be inherited, and whatever we leave is to be used for charity." (Sahih Al-Bukhari). “And indeed We gave knowledge to Dawud and Sulayman, and they both said: "All the praises and thanks be to Allah, Who has preferred us above many of His believing slaves!" And Sulayman inherited (the knowledge of) Dawud. He said: "O mankind! We have been taught the language of birds, and on us have been bestowed all things. This, verily, is an evident grace (from Allah)." And there were gathered before Sulayman his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they were all set in battle order (marching forwards). (Quran 27:15-17). After his father's death, Sulayman became king. He begged Allah for a kingdom such as none after him would have, and Allah granted his wish. Besides wisdom, Allah had blessed Sulayman with many abilities. He could command the winds and understand and talk to birds and animals. Allah directed him to teach both men and jinns to mine the earth and extract its minerals to make tools and weapons. He also favored him with a mine of copper, which was a rare metal in those days. During his time horses were the common mode of transportation. They were very essential for defense, to carry soldiers and cart provisions and weapons of war. The animals were well cared for and well trained. One day Sulayman was reviewing a parade of his stable. The fitness, beauty and posture of the horses fascinated him so much that he kept on stroking and admiring them. The sun was nearly setting, and the time for the middle prayer was passing by. When he realized this, he exclaimed: "I surely love the finer things of life than the service of my Lord! Return them to me." Almighty Allah revealed: And to Dawud We gave Sulayman. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft returning in repentance (to Us)! When there were displayed before him, in the afternoon, well-trained horses of the highest breed (for jihad in Allah's cause). And he said: "Alas! I did love the good (these horses) instead of remembering my Lord (in my 'Asr prayer)" till the time was over, and the sun had hidden in the veil of the night. Then he said: "Bring them (horses) back to me." Then he began to pass his hand over their legs and their necks (till the end of the display). And indeed We did try Sulayman and We placed on his throne Jasadan (a devil, so he lost his kingdom for a while) but he did return (to his throne and kingdom by the Grace of Allah and he did return) to Allah with obedience and in repentance. He said: "My Lord! Forgive me, and bestow upon me a kingdom such as shall not belong to any other after me. Verily, You are the Bestower." So, We subjected to him the wind, it blew gently to his order whithersoever he willed, and also the devils from the jinns including every kind of builder and diver, and also other bound in fetters. (Saying of Allah to Sulayman): "This is Our gift, so spend you or withhold, no account will be asked." And verily, he enjoyed a near access to Us, and a good final return Paradise. (Quran 38:30-40). One day Sulayman gathered his army, which had different battalions of men, jinns, birds, and animals. He marched them to the country of Askalon. While they were passing through a valley, an ant saw the approaching army and cried out to warn the other ants: "Run to your homes! Otherwise, unaware, Sulayman and his army might crush you!" Sulayman, hearing the cry of the ant, smiled. He was glad that the ant knew him to be a prophet who would not intentionally harm Allah's creation. He thanked Allah for saving the ants' lives. Allah the Almighty narrated: And there were gathered before Sulayman his hosts of jinns and men, and birds, and they all were set in battle order (marching forwards). Till, when they came to a valley of the ants, one of the ants said: "O ants! Enter your dwellings, lest Sulayman and his hosts crush you, while they perceive not." So he (Sulayman) smiled, amused at her speech and said: "My Lord! Inspire and bestow upon me the power and ability that I maybe grateful for Your Favors which You have bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may do righteous good deeds that will please You, and admit me by Your Mercy among Your righteous slaves." (Quran 27:17-19). In Jerusalem, on a huge rock, Sulayman built a beautiful temple to draw the people to worship Allah. Today this building is known as "The Dome of the Rock." From there, a large band of followers joined Sulayman on pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in Mecca. After they had completed their hajj, they traveled to Yemen and arrived in the city of San'a. Sulayman was impressed by their clever method of channeling water all over their cities. He was keen to build similar water systems in his own country but did not have enough springs. He set out to find the hoopoe bird, which could detect water under the ground. He sent signals all over the hoopoe to call on him, but it was nowhere to be found. In anger, he declared that unless the bird had a good reason for its absence, he would punish it severely. The hoopoe eventually came to Sulayman and explained the reason for its delay. "I have discovered something of which you are not aware. I have come from Sheba (Sab'a) with important news." Sulayman became curious, and his anger subsided. The bird continued: "Sab'a is ruled by a queen named Bilkis (Bilqis), who has plenty of everything, including a splendid throne. But in spite of all this wealth, Satan has entered her heart and the hearts of her people. She rules their minds completely. I was shocked to learn that they worship the sun instead of Allah the Almighty." To check the hoopoe's information, Sulayman sent a letter to the queen with the bird. He instructed the bird to remain hidden and to watch everything. The hoopoe dropped the letter in front of the queen and flew away to hide. She excitedly opened and read it: "Verily! It is from Sulayman, and verily! It reads: 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, and Most Merciful; be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit with full submission).'" (Quran 27:30-31). The queen was very disturbed and hurriedly summoned her advisors. They reacted as to a challenge, for they felt that there was someone challenging them, hinting at war and defeat, and asking them to submit to his conditions. They told her that they could only offer advice, but it was her right to command action. She sensed that they wanted to meet Sulayman's invasion threat with a battle. However, she told them: "Peace and friendship are better and wiser; war only brings humiliation, enslaves people and destroys the good things. I have decided to send gifts to Sulayman, selected from our most precious treasure. The courtiers who will deliver the gifts will also have an opportunity to learn about Sulayman and his military mighty." Sulayman's reconnaissance team brought him the news of the arrival of Bilkis' messengers with a gift. He immediately realized that the queen had sent her men on a probing mission thus, he gave orders to rally the army. The envoys of Bilqis, entering amidst the well-equipped army, realized that their wealth was nothing in comparison to that of the kingdom of Sulayman's palace floors, which were made of sandalwood and inlaid with gold. They noticed Sulayman surveying his army, and they were surprised at the number and variety of soldiers, which included lions, tigers, and birds. The messengers stood in amazement, realizing that they were in front of an irresistible army. The envoys marveled at the splendor surrounding them. They eagerly presented their queen's precious gifts and told Sulayman that the queen wished that he would accept them as an act of friendship. They were shocked by his reaction: he did not even ask to open the covers of the containers! He told them: "Allah hagiven me plenty of wealth, a large kingdom, and prophethood. I am, therefore, beyond bribery. My only objective is to spread the belief in Tawheed, the Oneness of Allah." He also directed them to take back the gifts to the queen and to tell her that if she did not stop her kind of worship he would uproot her kingdom and drive its people out of the land. The queen's envoys returned with the gifts and delivered the message. They also told her of the wonderful things they had seen. Instead of taking offense, she decided to visit Sulayman. Accompanied by her royal officials and servants, she left Sheba, sending a messenger ahead to inform Sulayman that she was on her way to meet him. Sulayman asked the jinns in his employ whether anyone among them could bring her throne to the palace before she arrived. One of them said; "I will bring it to you before this sitting is over." Sulayman did not react to this offer; it appeared that he was waiting for a faster means. The jinns competed with each other to please him. One of them named Ifrit said: "I will fetch it for you in the twinkling of an eye!" No sooner had this one - who had the knowledge of the Book - finished his phrase than the throne stood before Sulayman. The mission had, indeed, been completed in the blinking of an eye. Sulayman's seat was in Palestine, and the throne of Bilqis had been in Yemen, two thousand miles away. This was a great miracle performed by one of those sitting with Sulayman. When Bilqis arrived at Sulayman's palace, she was welcomed with pomp and ceremony. Then, pointing to the altered throne, Sulayman asked her whether her throne looked like that one. She looked at it again and again. In her mind she was convinced that her throne could not possibly be the one she was looking at, as hers was in her palace; et, she detected a striking similarity and replied: "It is as if it were the very one, and resembles mine in every respect." Sulayman judged that she was intelligent and diplomatic. He then invited her into the great hall, the floor of which was laid in glass and shimmering. Thinking it was water, as she stepped on the floor, she lifted her skirt slightly above her heels, for fear of wetting it. Sulayman pointed out to her that it was made of solid glass. She was amazed. She had never seen such things before. Bilqis realized that she was in the company of a very knowledgeable person who was not only a ruler of a great kingdom but a messenger of Allah, as well. She repented, gave up sun worship, accepted the faith of Allah, and asked her people to do the same. It was finished; Bilqis saw her people's creed fall apart before Sulayman. She realized that the sun which her people worshipped was nothing but one of Allah's creatures. The sun eclipsed within her for the first time, and her heart was lit by a never fading light, the light of Islam. Almighty Allah told us this story in the Quran: He inspected the birds, and said: "What is the matter that I see not a hoopoe? Or is he among the absentees? I will surely punish him with a severe torment, or slaughter him, unless he brings me a clear reason." But the hoopoe stayed not long, he came up and said: "I have grasped (the knowledge of a thing) which you have not grasped and I have come to you from Sheba with true news. I found a woman ruling over them, and she has been given all things that could be possessed by any ruler of the earth, and she has a great throne. I found her and her people worshipping the sun instead of Allah, and Satan has made their deeds fair seeming to them, and has barred them from Allah's Way, so they have no guidance." Al-La (this word has two interpretations) [As Satan has barred them from Allah's Way} so that they do not worship (prostrate before) Allah, or so that they may worship (prostrate before) Allah, Who brings light to what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you conceal and what you reveal. Allah, La ilaha illa Huwa (none has the right to be worshipped but He), the Lord of the Supreme Throne! (Sulayman) said: "We shall see whether you speak the truth or you are one of the liars. Go with this letter of mine, and deliver it to them, then draw back from them, and see what answer they return." She said: "O chiefs! Verily! Here is a delivered to me a noble letter. Verily! It is from Sulayman and verily! It (reads): 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; Be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission)." She said: "O chiefs! Advise me in this case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with me." They said: "We have great strength, and great ability for war, but it is for you to command; so think over what you will command." She said: "Verily! Kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it, and make the most honorable amongst its people low. And thus they do. But verily! I am going to send him a present, and see with what answer the messengers return." So when (the messengers with the present) came to Sulayman, he said: "Will you help me in wealth? What Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay, you rejoice in your gift!" (Then Sulayman said to the chief of her messengers who brought the present): "Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there is disgrace, and they will be abased." He said: "O chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?" An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said: "I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am indeed strong, and trustworthy for such work." One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: "I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!" then when Sulayman saw it placed before him, he said: "This is by the Grace of my Lord, to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for the good of his ownself, and whoever is ungrateful, he is ungrateful only for the loss of his ownself. Certainly! My Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful!" He said: "Disguise her throne for her that we may see whether she will be guided (to recognize her throne), or she will be one of those not guided." So when she came, it was said to her: "Is your throne like this?" She said: "It is as though it was the very same." And Sulayman said: "Knowledge was bestowed on us before her, and we were submitted to Allah." And that which she used to worship besides Allah has prevented her from Islam, for she was of a disbelieving people. It was said to her: "Enter As-Sarh" (a glass surface with water underneath it) or a palace, but when she saw it, she thought it was a pool, and she tucked up her clothes, uncovering her legs. Sulayman said: "Verily, it is Sarh paved smooth with slab of glass." She said: "My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, and I submit (in Islam), together with Sulayman, to Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists)." (Quran 27:20-44) Sulayman's public work was largely carried out by the jinns. This was a punishment for their sins of making people believe that they were all-powerful, knew the unseen, and could foresee the future. As a prophet, it was Sulayman's duty to remove such false beliefs from his followers. Sulayman lived amidst glory, and all creatures were subjected to him. Then Allah the Exalted ordained for him to die. His life and death were full of wonders and miracles; thus, his death harmonized with his life and glory. His death, like his life, was unique. The people had to learn that the future is known neither by the jinns, nor by the prophets, but by Allah alone. Sulayman's effort in this direction did not end with his life, for even his death became an example. He was sitting holding his staff, overseeing the jinns at work in a mine. He died sitting in this position. For a long time no one was aware of his death, for he was seen sitting erect. The jinns continued with their sand toil, thinking that Sulayman was watching over them. Many days later, a hungry ant began nibbling Sulayman's staff. It continued to do so, eating the lower part of the staff, until it fell out of Sulayman's hand, and his great body fell to the ground. People hurried to him, realizing that he had died a long time ago and that the jinns did not perceive the unseen, for had the jinns known the unseen, they would not have kept working, thinking that Sulayman was alive. Allah the Exalted revealed: And We caused a fount of molten brass to flow for him, and there were jinns that worked in front of him by the Leave of his Lord, and whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire. They worked for him what he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (making) cauldrons fixed (in their places). "Work you, O family of Dawud, with thanks!" But few of My slaves are grateful. Then when we decreed death for him (Sulayman), nothing informed them (jinns) of his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept slowly gnawing away at his stick, so when he fell down, the jinns saw clearly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the humiliating torment. (Quran 34:12-14).

Sidna Dhul-Kifl ("Ezekiel", peace be upon him)

Tomb of Sidna Dhul Kifl, Kifl, Iraq

Dhul-Kifl (peace be upon him) is considered by Muslims to be a prophet. Ibn Jarir narrated that he was not a prophet but he was a righteous man. Allah the Almighty declared: “Remember Ishmael and Idris and Dhul Kifl, all were from among those who observe patience." (Quran 21:85-86). "Allah directed: “Remember Our slaves, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (all) owners of strength (in worshipping Us) and also of religious understanding. Verily, We did choose them by granting them (a good thing) the remembrance of the home (in the Hereafter and they used to make the people remember it and also they used to invite the people to obey Allah and to do good deeds for the Hereafter). And they are in Our Sight, verily of the chosen and the best! Remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul Kifl all are among the best.” (Quran 38:45-48).  Mohammad Ibn Ishaaq stated of Wahb Ibn Munbah said that when Allah took Kalih Ibn Yofra (Jephtha) after Prophet Joshua (peace and blessing be upon him), Ezekiel (Dhul Kifl) Ibn Buzi succeeded him as the prophet to the Israelites. It is believed that he lived for roughly 75 years. The name Dhul Kifl literally means "the one with a kifl", using a type of name where dhū ("possessor of") precedes some characteristically associated feature. Such names were used of other notable personalities in the Quran, for example Dhu'l-Nun "the one with the fish", referring to the prophet Yunus, and Dhū'l-Qarnayn "he of the two horns". Kifl is an archaic Arabic word meaning "double" or "duplicate", from a root meaning "to double" or "to fold"; it was also used of a fold of cloth. The name is generally understood to mean "possessor of a double portion". The reason people believe Ezekiel to be Dhul Kifl is when the exile, monarchy, and state were annihilated, a political and national life was no longer possible. In the absence of a worldly foundation it became necessary to build a spiritual one. Ezekiel performed this mission by observing the signs of the time and deducing his doctrines from them. In conformity with the two parts of his book, his personality and his preaching are alike twofold, and the title Dhul Kifl means "the one to double" or "to fold".  In addition to this Baidawi, the Quranic exegete, said that this name was given because Dhul Kifl had to do double the work of other prophets. It is said that the people of Dhul Kifl had fled from Palestine for fear of the plague and settled on a plateau. Allah said to them: "Die you all," and they all perished. A few centuries passed, and then Ezekiel, passing by, stopped over them, wondering. There came a voice: "Do you want Allah to resurrect them while you watch?" He said: "Yes." Then he was commanded to call those bones to join one to the other and to be covered with flesh. So he called them by the power of Allah, and the people arose and glorified Allah in the voice of one man. Allah Most High declared: Almighty Allah said: Did you (O Muhammad) not think of those who went forth from their homes in thousands, fearing death? Allah said to them, "Die." And then He restored them to life. Truly, Allah is full of Bounty to mankind, but most men think not. (Quran 2:243). According to Ibn Abbas, this place was called "Damardan." Its people were inflicted with plague, so they fled, while a group of them who remained in the village perished. The Angel of Death called to the survivors: "Die you all," and they perished. After a long time a prophet called Ezekiel passed by them and stood wondering over them, twisting his jaws and fingers. Allah revealed to him: "Do you want Me to show you how I bring them back to life? He said: "Yes." His idea was to marvel at the power of Allah over them. A voice said to him: "Call: 'O you bones, Allah commands you to gather up.'" The bones began to fly one to the other until they became skeletons. Then Allah revealed to him to say; "Call: 'O you bones, Allah commands you to put on flesh and blood and the clothes in which they had died.'" And a voice said: "Allah commands you to call the bodies to rise." And they rose. When they returned to life they said: "Blessed are You, O Lord, and all praises is Yours." Ibn 'Abbas reported that the dead who were resurrected were four thousand, while Ibn Salih said they were nine thousand. Muhammad Ibn Ishaaq stated that we do not know how long Ezekiel (peace and blessing be upon him) stayed among the Israelites before Allah took him away. After him, the Israelites deviated from the right way of life, as they usually did, and deserted Allah's covenant with them. They worshipped many idols, among them Ba'al, so Allah sent to them the Prophet Sidna Ilyas “Elijah”; peace and blessing be upon him).

Sidna Ilyas ("Elijah", peace be upon him)  

Elijah's Cave, Haifa, Palestine

After the death of Prophet Sulayman ("Solomon", peace be upon him) his kingdom was dismembered. There was virtually the rule of Satan all around. The religious people were mocked at. The ruler of Somaria killed a large number of learned people. When the evil reached the saturation point, God sent the Prophet Ilyas (peace be upon him) to reform mankind during the reign of the king Ahab of Israel. He tried his best to save the people from polytheism. He forbade them to worship the Tyrian Baal. He advised the people to ward off evil and worship One God. When his efforts bore no fruit he suddenly appeared before the king and foretold him that severe draught and famine would overtake his kingdom. He added that the Tyrian Baal would be powerless to avert it. The people paid no heed to his warnings and did not mend their ways. The prophecy of the Prophet Ilyas (peace de upon him) turned out to be true and whole of the kingdom came under the sway of famine. The people began to starve. After three years the Prophet Ilyas (peace be upon him) supplicated to show mercy to the famine stricken people. They acknowledged the authority of God and felt penitence. Soon after the rain ended the draught and God lifted his curses After this he was directed by God to call upon al-Yasa (Elisha, peace be upon him) to be his successor. The Prophet Ilyas (peace be upon him) did so in obedience to His command and disappeared mysteriously. The Holy Qur'an makes mention of Prophet Ilyas (peace be upon him) in the following Verses: "And Zakariya and John, and Jesus and Ilyas: all in the ranks of the righteous. And Ismail and Elisha, and Jonas, and Lot: and to all We gave favour above the nations. (To them) and to their fathers, and progeny and brethren: We chose them, and we guided them to a straight way.This is the guidance of Allah: He giveth that guidance to whom He pleaseth, of His worshippers. If they were to join other gods with Him, all that they did would be vain for them." (Quran 6:85–89) "And Ilyas was most surely of the messengers. Will ye call upon Baal and forsake the Best of Creators,- "Allah, your Lord and Cherisher and the Lord and Cherisher of your fathers of old?" But they rejected him, and they will certainly be called up (for punishment),- Except the sincere and devoted Servants of Allah (among them). And We left (this blessing) for him among generations (to come) in later times." (Quran 37: 123-129)

Sidna Al-Yasa' ("Elisha", peace be upon him) 

Al-Yasa'a's Shrine, Edessa, Turkey 

According to Al-Hafiz Abu Al-Qasim Ibn Asaker, Sidna Al-Yasa‘ ( Elisha) was Ibn Adi, Ibn Shultam, Ibn Aphraem, Ibn Joseph (Yusuf), Ibn Isaac (Ishaq), Ibn Abraham (Ibrahim) (peace be upon them). It was said that he was the cousin of Propeht Sidna Ilyas ("Elijah "; peace be upon him). Other sources said also that he had been hiding with Ilyas in a cave in Mount Qasium to escape from the King of Ba'alabak, and when Elijah died, he Al-Yasa‘ succeeded him as a prophet among his people. He lived among his people, calling them to Allah and abiding by the message and laws of Ilyas until he passed away. Then dissension rose among them, and events took momentum. Sins increased everywhere, and the tyrants increased and killed the prophets. Sidna Al-Yasa‘ has been mentioned twice in the Holy Quran: “And commemorate Ismail, Elisha and Dhul-kifl; each of them was of the company of the good." Quran 38:48) “And Zachariah and John and Jesus and Ilyas all in the ranks of the righteous; and Ismail and Elisha (Al-Yasa) and Jonas and Lot; each have We preferred above the nations. (To them) and their fathers and progeny and brethren, We chose them and We guided them to a straight way.” (Quran 6: 85-87)   One day Ilyas (peace be upon him) passed through the fields while the owner (Al-Yasa) was busy in ploughing. No sooner had the owner seen the Prophet than he abdicated his own work and approached Ilyas (peace be upon him) in hot haste. Al-Yasa began to follow him. The Prophet was much surprised and remarked: Why do you accompany me after leaving your own work? Al-Yasa retraced his steps and fetched his ox. He slaughtered it, lit the fire and cooked the beef. He fed Ilyas, his companions and many other guests to seek the pleasure of Allah. The Prophet was much pleased with the host for his sincerity, hospitality and righteousness. When Ilyas(peace be upon him) was about to depart, Al-Yasa expressed his keen desire to live in the company of his honourable guest during the rest of his life and serve him whole heartedly as a humble servant. As the noble attitude of Al-Yasa had enamoured Ilyas (peace be upon him), the latter accorded him permission without hesitation. When the Prophet Ilyas (peace be upon him) was on his death-bed, he wished to bid him farewell. AL-Yasa was not prepared to leave him. Then Ilyas (peace be-upon him) asked him to express any of his desires to be fulfilled. Al-Yasa said: I wish that Allah may bestow blessings upon me in the same way as He has blessed you. The Prophet Ilyas (peace be upon him) supplicated and invoked blessings of Allah upon his successor. His prayer was granted. Allah chose Al-Yasa as His Prophet after the death of Ilyas (peace be upon him). He derived spiritual magnificence from the company of his guide and became the favourite of Allah. After some time he proceeded to Yariha to preach the religion of Allah. The inhabitants of that locality gave him a warm reception. At that time they were under the spell of starvation. The land was barren and water was not available. Al-Yasa (peace be upon him) supplicated to Allah to show mercy to the famine-stricken people. His prayer was granted and Allah showered his bounties upon them."

Sidna Ya Sinn ("Jonah", peace be upon him)

Antioch (Antakiya), Syria

Allah Most High revealed: “Peace be on the Family of Yasin. Even thus do We reward the doers of good. Surely he was one of Our believing servants.” (Quran 37.130-2) All that we know about the people of Yasin is what Allah Almighty has told us in the Glorious Quran: "Put forward to them a similitude the (story of ) the dwellers of the town, (it is said that the town was Antioch, Antakiya), when there came Messengers to them. When We sent them two Messengers, they belied them both, so We reinforced them with a third and they said: "Verily! We have been sent to you as Messengers." They (people of the town) said: "You are only human beings like ourselves and the Most Beneficent (Allah) has revealed nothing, you are only telling lies." The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you, our duty is only to convey plainly (the Message)." The people said: "For us we see an evil omen from you, if you cease not we will surely stone you and a painful torment will touch you from us." The Messengers said: "Your evil omens be with you! (Do you call it "evil omen") because you are admonished? Nay but you are a people Musrifun (transgressing all bounds by committing all kinds of great sins, and by disobeying Allah)." And there came running from the farthest part of the town, a man saying: "O my people! Obey the Messengers obey those who ask no wagers of you (for themselves) and who are rightly guided. Why should I not worship Him (Allah Alone) Who has created me and to Whom you shall be returned. Shall I take besides Him aliah (gods) if the Most Beneficent (Allah) intends me any harm, their intercession will be of no use whatsoever, nor can they save me? Then verily, I should be in plain error. Verily! I have believed in your Lord, so listen to me!" It was said (to him when the disbelievers killed him): "Enter Paradise." He said: "Would that my people knew! That my Lord (Allah) has forgive me, and made me of the honored ones!" We sent not against his people after him a host from heaven nor do We send (such a thing). IT was but one shout and lo! They (all) were silent (dead destroyed). Alas for mankind! There never came a Messenger to them but they used to mock at him. Do they not see how many of the generations We have destroyed before them? Verily, they will not return to them. (Quran 36:13-31).

Sidna Yunus/Dhu Nun ("Jonah", peace be upon him)

Sidna Yunus, Beni Naim, Palestine

Prophet Sidna Yunus (Jonah) (peace and blessing be upon him) also known as "Dhu-Nun". About his people Almighty Allah said: Was there any town community that believed after seeing the punishment, and its Faith at that moment, saved it from the punishment? (the answer is none)- except the people of Yunus; when they believed, We removed from them the torment of disgrace in the life of the present world, and permitted them to enjoy for a while." (Quran 10:98) The inhabitants of the town of Nineveh were idolaters who lived a shameless life. Prophet Yunus (peace and blessing be upon him) was sent to teach them the worship of Allah. The people disliked his interference in their way of worship, so they argued. "We and our forefathers have worshipped these gods for many years and no harm has come to us." Try as he might to convince them of the foolishness of idolatry and of the goodness of Allah's laws, the ignored him. He warned them that if they kept on with their foolishness, Allah's punishment would soon follow. Instead of fearing Allah, they told Yunus that they were not afraid of his threats. "Let it happen," they told him. Yunus was disheartened. "In that case, I will leave you to your misery!" so saying, he left Nineveh, fearing that Allah's anger would soon follow. Remember Dhan Nun (Yunus), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him (the calamities which had befallen him)!" (Quran 21:87) Hardly had he left the city when the skies began to change color and looked as if they were on fire. The people were filled with fear by this sight. They recalled the destruction of the people of 'Ad, Thamud and Noah. Was theirs to be a similar fate? Slowly faith penetrated their hearts. They all gathered on the mountain and started to beseech Allah for His mercy and forgiveness. The mountains echoed with their cries. It was a momentous hour, filled with sincere repentance. Allah removed His wrath and showered His blessings upon them once again. When the threatening storm was lifted, they prayed for the return of Yunus so that he could guide them. Meanwhile, Yunus had boarded a small ship in the company of other passengers. It sailed all day in calm waters with a good wind blowing at the sails. When night came, the sea suddenly changed. A horrible storm blew as if it were going to split the ship into pieces. The waves looked wild. They rose up as high as mountains then plunged down like valleys, tossing the ship and sweeping over the deck. Behind the ship, a large whale was splitting the water and opening its mouth. A command had been issued from Almighty Allah to one of the greatest whales of the sea to surface. It obeyed. The whale hurried to the surface of the sea and followed the ship as it had been commanded. The tempest continued and the chief crewman asked the crew to lighten the ship's heavy load. They threw their baggage overboard, but this was not enough. Their safety lay in reducing the weight further, so they decided among themselves to lighten their load by removing at least one person.  The captain directed: We will make lots with all of the travelers' names. The one whose name is drawn will be thrown into the sea." Yunus knew this was one of the seamen's traditions when facing a tempest. It was a strange polytheistic tradition, but it was practiced at that time. Yunus's affliction and crisis began. Here was the prophet, subjected to polytheistic rules that considered the sea and the wind to have gods that riot. The captain had to please these gods. Yunus reluctantly participated in the lot, and his name was added to the other travelers' names. The lot was drawn and "Yunus" appeared. Since they knew him to be the most honorable among them, they did not wish to throw him into the angry sea. Therefore, they decided to draw a second lot. Again Yunus's name was drawn. They gave him a final chance and drew a third lot. Unfortunately for Yunus, his name came up again. Yunus realized that Allah's hand was in all this, for he had abandoned his mission without Allah's consent. The matter was over, and it was decided that Yunus should throw himself into the water. Yunus stood at the edge of the ship looking at the furious sea. It was night and there was no moon. The stars were hidden behind a black fog. But before he could be thrown overboard, Yunus kept mentioning Allah's name as he jumped into the raging sea and disappeared beneath the huge waves. The whale found Yunus floating on the waves before it. It swallowed Yunus into its furious stomach and shut its ivory teeth on him as if they were white bolts locking the door of his prison. The whale dived to the bottom of the sea, the sea that runs in the abyss of darkness.  Three layers of darkness enveloped him, one above the other; the darkness of the whale's stomach, the darkness of the bottom of the sea, the darkness of the night. Yunus imaged himself to be dead, but his senses became alert when he found he could move. He knew that he was alive and imprisoned in the midst of three layers of darkness. His heart was moved by remembering Allah. His tongue released soon after saying: La ilaha illa Anta (none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah), Glorified (and Exalted) be You (above all that evil they associate with You), Truly, I have been of the wrong doers." (Quran 21:87) Yunus continued praying to Allah, repeating this invocation. Fishes, whales, seaweeds, and all the creatures that lived in the sea heard the voice of Yunus praying, heard the celebration of Allah's praises issuing from the whale's stomach. All these creatures gathered around the whale and began to celebrate the praises of Allah in their turn, each in its own way and in its own language. The whale also participated in celebrating the praises of Allah and understood that it had swallowed a prophet. Therefore it felt afraid; however, it said to itself; "Why should I be afraid? Allah commanded me to swallow him." Allah Almighty saw the sincere repentance of Yunus and heard his invocation in the whale's stomach. Allah commanded the whale to surface and eject Yunus onto an island. The whale obeyed and swam to the farthest side of the ocean. Allah commanded it to rise towards the warm, refreshing sun and the pleasant earth. The whale ejected Yunus onto a remote island. His body was inflamed because of the acids inside the whale's stomach.  He was ill, and when the sun rose, its ray burned his inflamed body so that he was on the verge of screaming for the pain. However, he endured the pain and continued to repeat his invocation to Allah. Almighty Allah caused a vine to grow to considerable length over him for protection. Then Allah Exalted caused Yunus to recover and forgave him. Allah told Yunus that if it had not been for his praying to Him, he would have stayed in the whale's stomach till the Day of Judgment. Almighty Allah recounted: And, verily, Yunus was one of the Messengers. When he ran to the laden ship, he agreed to cast lots and he was among the losers, Then a big fish swallowed him and he had done an act worthy of blame. Had he not been of them who glorify Allah, he would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) till the Day of Resurrection. But We cast him forth on the naked shore while he was sick and We caused a plant of gourd to grow over him. And We sent him to a hundred thousand people or even more, and they believed; so We gave them enjoyment for a while. (Quran 37:139-148). Gradually he regained his strength and found his way to his hometown, Nineveh. He was pleasantly surprised to notice the change that had taken place there. The entire population turned out to welcome him. They informed him that they had turned to believe in Allah. Together they led a prayer of thanksgiving to their Merciful Lord. Ibn Abbas narrated: "The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon him) said: 'One should not say I am better than Yunus Ibn Matta.'" (Sahih Bukhari).

Sidna 'Uzayr ("Ezra", peace be upon him)

Shrine of Sidna Uzayr, Amarah, Iraq

 

According to the people of the Book, Sidna Uzayr ("Ezra"; peace and blessing be upon him) was the son or descendant of Seraiah, a lineal descendant of Phinehas, the grandson of Sidna Harun (“Aaron”, peace and blessing be upon him). His knowledge of the Torah is considered to have been equal with Moses (peace and blessing be upon him). He is a figure mentioned in the Quran, in the verses 2:259 and 9:30. Allah Most High revealed: “The Jews call Ezra a son of Allah, and the Christians call the Christ a son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. Allah's curse be on them: how they are deluded away from the Truth! They take their priests (A’hbar) and their anchorites to be their lords in derogation of Allah, and (they take as their Lord) Christ the son of Mary; yet they were commanded to worship but One Allah: there is no god but He. Praise and glory to Him: (Far is He) from having the partners they associate (with Him).” (Quran 9:30-1) According to the Book of Jawahir al-Maani, the Qutb Mawlana Shaykh Abil Abbas Ahmed Tijani (may Allah be pleased with him) notes that Ezra is the person mentioned in the following Qur'anic verse: "Or (take) the similitude of one who passed by a hamlet, all in ruins to its roofs. He said: "Oh! how shall Allah bring it (ever) to life, after (this) its death?" But Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said: "How long didst thou tarry (thus)?" He said: "(perhaps) a day or part of a day." He said: "Nay, thou hast tarried thus a hundred years; but look at thy food and thy drink; they show no signs of age; and look at thy donkey: and that We may make of thee a Sign unto the people Look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh! When this was shown clearly to him he said: "I know that Allah hath power over all things." (Quran 2:259) Shaykh Abil Abbas Tijani (may Allah be pleased with him) comments in the Jawahir that as the the law being utterly lost and forgotten, Ezra having been raised to life after he had been dead one hundred years, the Jews asked him to call his Lord to teach him the Torah anew. Thus Allah flowed it upon him, dictating the whole unto the scribes, out of his own memory; at which the Jews greatly marvelled, and declared that he could not have done it, unless he were the son of God. Ibn Kathir's commentary on the verse in the Quran that mentions Uzair, "God the Exalted encourages the believers to fight the polytheists, disbelieving Jews and Christians, who uttered this terrible statement and utter lies against God, the Exalted. As for the Jews, they claimed that `Uzayr was the son of God, Allah is free of what they attribute to Him. As for the misguidance of Christians over `Isa, it is obvious. This is why God declared both groups to be liars, (That is their saying with their mouths), but they have no proof that supports their claim, other than lies and fabrications,(resembling), imitating, (the saying of those who disbelieved aforetime.) They imitate the previous nations who fell into misguidance just as Jews and Christians did, (may Allah fight them), Ibn `Abbas said, "May God curse them” (how they are deluded away from the truth!) "May God curse them”, when it is apparent, exchanging it for misguidance."  According to Ibn Kathir, after questioning how the resurrection will take place on the Day of judgement, God had him brought back to life many years after he died. He rode on his revived donkey and entered his native place. But the people did not recognize him, nor did his household, except the maid, who was now an old blind woman. He prayed to God to cure her blindness and she could see again. He meets his son who recognized him by a mole between his shoulders and was older than him. Ezra then led the people to locate the only surviving copy of Torah as the remaining were burnt by Nebuchadnezzar. It was rotting and crumpled, so Ezra had a new copy of the Torah made which he had previously memorised. He thus renovated the Torah to the Children of Israel. Ibn Kathir mentions that the sign in the phrase "And that We may make of thee a sign unto the people" was that he was younger than his children. After this miracle, Ibn Kathir writes that Jews began to claim that Ezra was the 'son of God'.

Sidna Ash'iya' ("Isaiah", peace be upon him)

Ash'iya's Tomb, Palestine

 

Among the prophets between Prophet David and Prophet Zakariah is Sidna Isaiah (peace and blessing be upon him), Ibn Amoz (Amisiah). According to Mohammed Ibn Ishaaq, Isaiah (peace and blessing be upon him) appeared before Zakariah (peace and blessing be upon him) and Yahya (John the Baptist) (peace and blessing be upon him). He is among those who prophesied about Isa (Jesus) (peace and blessing be upon him) and the Holy Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him). The king during his time was called Hezekiah (Hazkia). He listened and was obedient to Isaiah in what he advised him to do and prohibit for the good of the state. Affairs took momentum among the Israelites. The king became sick with an infected foot. While he was sick, King Sennacherib (Sinharib) of Babylon advanced towards Jerusalem with sixty thousand men. The people were greatly terrified. The King asked Isaiah: "What did Allah reveal to you regarding Sennacherib and his army?" He replied: "He has not yet revealed anything to me." Then the revelation came down for King Hezekiah to appoint a successor, as he wished, because his end was at hand. When Isaiah told him this, the king turned to the qibla (the direction faced in prayer); he prayed, glorified Allah, invoked Him, and wept. Weeping and invoking Allah the All-Powerful and majestic with a sincere heart, trust and patience, he said: "O Lord of lords, and God of gods! O, Benevolent and Merciful One Whom neither sleep nor nodding can overpower, remember me for my deeds and my just judgment over the children of Israel; and all that was from You, and You know it better than I do, my open acts and my secrets are with You." Allah answered his prayers had compassion on him. He revealed to Isaiah to tell him the glad tidings that He had compassion for his weeping and would extend his life for a further fifteen years and save him from the enemy, Sennacherib. When Isaiah told this to Hezekiah, his disease was healed. Evil and sadness departed, and he fell prostrate, saying: "O Lord, it is You Who grants kingship to whomsoever You wish and dethrones whomsoever You wish and elevates whomsoever You wish and degrades whomsoever You wish, Knower of the unseen and the evident. And lo! You are the First and the Last; the Manifest and the Perceived; You grant mercy and answer the prayers of the troubled ones." When he raised his head, Allah revealed to Isaiah to command the king to extract the water of the fig and apply it to his sore, and he would be whole and cured. He did so and was cured. Then Allah sent death upon the army of Sennacherib. In the morning they were all corpses, except Sennacherib and five of his companions, among them Nebuchadnezzar (Bukhtanasar). The king of Israel immediately sent for them, put them in shackles and displayed them in the land for seventy days to spite and insult them. Every day each of them was fed a loaf of barley bread; after seventy days he confined them in prison. Allah then revealed to Isaiah that the king should send them back to their country so that they might warn their people what would happen to them. When they returned, Sennacherib gathered his people and told them what had happened to them. The priests and magicians said to him: "We told you about their Lord and their prophets, but you did not listen to us. It is a nation which, with their God, nobody can overcome." So, Sennacherib was afraid of Allah. He died seven years later. Ibn Ishaaq also reported that when King Hezekiah of Israel died, the Israelites' condition deteriorated; there was political confusion, and their wickedness increased. Isaiah preached to them what Allah revealed to him, directing them to righteousness and warning them of Allah's severe punishment. His preaching made him their enemy and they decided to kill him, so he escaped from them. Ibn Ishaaq also reported an Israelite interpolation which said that when Isaiah was passing by a tree, it opened, and he entered therein; but Satan saw him and held onto the loop of his garment so that it stuck out. When they saw it, they brought a saw and sawed the tree, and him with it. Indeed, from Allah we come and to him we return.

Sidna Aramaya ("Jeremiah", peace be upon him)

Al-Aqsa Mosque  

Another prophet is Jeremiah (peace and blessing be upon him) Ibn Hilkiah from the House of Levi Ibn Jacob (peace and blessing be upon him). It has been claimed that he was Al-Khidr. This was related by Al-Dahak from Ibn Abbas but it is not true. Ibn Asakir reported that it is written in some scrolls that Jeremiah stood upon the blood of John Ibn Zechariah while it was flowing and he said: "O blood! You have enlightened the people, so take a rest." So it stopped and condensed until it disappeared. There is a tradition that Jeremiah asked Allah: "O Lord! Which of Your slaves is more lovable to You?" He answered: "Those who remember Me most away from their remembrance of My creatures; those who are not thinking of death, nor speak of eternal living; those who, when they are allured by the riches of this world, despise them, and when they lose them are happy; those have My love, indeed, and I shall reward them more than they desired." The Destruction of Jerusalem  Almighty Allah declared: "And We gave Moses the Scripture and made it a guidance for the children of Israel (saying): "Take not other than me as your Wakil (Protector, Lord, or Disposer of your affairs, etc). O offspring of those whom We carried in the ship with Noah! Verily, he was a grateful slave." And We decreed for the children of Israel in the Scripture, that indeed you would do mischief of the earth twice and you will become tyrants and extremely arrogant! So, when the promise came for the first of the two, We sent against you slaves of Yours given to terrible warfare. They entered the very innermost parts of your homes. And it was a promise completely fulfilled. Then We gave you once again, a return of victory over them. And We helped you with wealth and children and made you more numerous in manpower. And We said: "If you do good, you do good for yourselves, and if you do evil (you do it) against yourselves." Then, when the second promise came to pass, (We permitted your enemies) to make your faces sorrowful and to enter the mosque (of Jerusalem) as they had entered it before, and to destroy with utter destruction that fell in their hands. (And We said in the Torah): "It may be that your Lord may show mercy unto you, but if you return to sins, We shall return to Our Punishment. And We have made Hell a prison for the disbeliveers." (Quran 17:2-8). Wahb Ibn Munbah reported that when sin increased, Allah revealed to an Israelite prophet called Amos (Mamia) (peace and blessing be upon him) that he should stand before his people and admonish them that they are hard-headed, blind, and deaf and tell them: "I (Allah) remember their forefathers, and that makes Me merciful with them. And ask them about My bounty: can any of them benefit from disobeying Me? And does any suffer who obeys Me? The beasts remember their countries and return to them, but those people have forgotten why I have favored them for the sake of their forefathers, and have misused their generosity. Your cries have forgotten My tenets and your reciters worship other than Me, and your women have not learned a useful lesson and their rulers have lied against me and My messengers. Their hearts and mouths are full of lies. And I swear by My majesty and power that I will send upon them people with strange tongues, and strange faces, merciless in the face of their tears; and I shall send them a tyrannous cruel king, with an army like clouds, and followers like storms, and their flags like the wings of eagles, and the paces of their hoses like the decades of a journey. They will return buildings to dust, and leave the villages a wilderness. Woe betide it and its inhabitants if they shout and invoke! I will not look at their faces." Ibn Asaker has related the same in these words: Ishaaq Ibn Bishr said that Idris told them that Wahb Ibn Munbah said that Allah the Exalted sent Jeremiah to the children of Israel when the situation had become worse among them - in disobedience, killing of prophets and covetousness. Allah was determined to revenge Himself upon them vindictively; and so He revealed to Jeremiah: "I am going to destroy Jerusalem (the children of Israel) irevenge. Go to the Dome of the Rock. I will give you My commands and revelations." Jeremiah stood up and rent his clothes, and applied ashes to his face and fell prostrate and said: "O Lord! Would that my mother had not borne me, when You made me the last prophet of Israel, and Jerusalem be destroyed in my time." Allah said: "Raise your head." He raised his head, wept, and said: "O my Lord! Whom will You set against them?" He said: "The worshippers of fire who do not fear My punishment, nor expect My reward. Stand up Jeremiah, and hear the news about Israel. Before I chose you, I had made you and favored you and honored you. Go with the king and guide and protect him." (He was with the king while he was receiving revelation from Allah, and they forgot how Allah saved them.) "Go and tell them what I have told you." "O Allah! I am weak and if You do not strengthen me."  "Do you not know that all affairs are controlled by Me? I am Allah without semblance, or any like Me. I spoke to the oceans so; I am with you, and nothing shall harm you. Go to your people and tell them: Allah has remembered you, with His remembrance of our forefathers' good deeds. The animals remember their countries and return to them. But those people of yours are drenched in destruction and damnation, for they have forgotten the purpose of My generosity to their forefathers and have misplaced My favors. The scholars and priests have gone astray and have worshipped another god besides Me. "As for their kings and princes, they have been lavished with My bounty and though themselves safe from My fate. They abandon My Book and kill My prophets. Is it possible for Me to have a partner? Is it possible for Me to make a creature to be worshipped and to be obeyed besides Me? As for their reciters and jurists, they teach and learn what they like. As for the children of the prophets, they are oppressed and seduced and go with the crowd. They want the positions of their fathers without the discipline, patience, piety, and kindness of their fathers. "By my power, I swear, that I shall send woe upon them that no wise man can understand. I shall replace their luxury with ordeal, chains, and fetters and after dwelling in palaces, they will dwell in dust. I will disgrace and degrade their womenfolk. I create My creatures and slaves with mercy and bounty. If they accept and recognize it, I complete My favors and mercy. When I change My mind, I change My mind; and if I change, I am angry; and if I am angry, I punish, and nothing prospers with My anger." According to Ka'b, Jeremiah said: "By your grace I have come to learn before You; how is it possible when I am weak and powerless, to speak before You? But by Your mercy You have spared me to this day. None fears this punishment more than I do, because I have been among them while they disobeyed You, yet without it changing me. If You punish me, I deserve it, and if You spare me, I expect it of Your kindness. O Lord, You are Overlord! Are you going to destroy their country when it is the place of Your prophets the place of Your revelations? O Lord the Exalted and Blessed by Your Name! For You to destroy this mosque and all pertaining to it, and those houses which landed Your praise! O Lord, for You to kill these people and punish them, when they are the issue of Abraham Your faithful friend and David Your chosen one! O lord, which village will escape Your punishment then? Which worshipper will escape Your vengeance after the children of Your faithful friend Abraham?" He on High said: "He who disobeys Me will not detest My punishment. I had honored them because they obeyed Me. If they disobeyed me I will place them among the disobedient, until I rescue them out of My Mercy." Jeremiah said: "O Lord, You made friends with Abraham and for his sake You preserved us; and Moses You did save; and he asked You to save us and not abandon us, nor throw us to the enemy." And so Allah revealed to him: "O Jeremiah, I made you honored in your mother's womb and have chosen you to this day. If your people had protected the orphans, the widows, the helpless, and the stranded, I would have been their Sustainer. They would have been like a blissful garden to Me; but I complain of the children of Israel to you. I have been the kind shepherd to them; but I honor only those who honor and despise those who despise My command. Those before them feared Me, but these people displayed their obedience of Me in the temple, market place, hill and mountain tops, and under the shade of trees until the heavens wondered at them before Me, and the earth and the mountains, including the beasts, wondered and wailed. All that had no effect on them; nor was the Book useful to them." Ka'b said that when Jeremiah delivered the message of his Lord, and the people heard the threats and warnings in it, they said: "You are lying, if you are saying that Allah shall destroy the land, His temple, His Book, His worship, and monotheism." They captured Jeremiah, tied him up and imprisoned him. At this, Allah sent Nabuchadnezzar (Bakht Nassar) upon them. He entered the country with his troops and surrounded the city. When the siege was prolonged they surrendered to his rule. They opened the gates and Nabuchadnezzar's troops streamed in. He ruled them savagely and punished them cruelly. He killed a third of them, captured a third, and spared the lame and the old; then he trampled upon them with the horses, demolished their houses, drew the youth along, and stood the women in the market places as guards. He intimidated the troops and destroyed the castles and temples. He burned the Torah. He asked about Daniel, the prophet who had written to him, but he was dead. His family took out the letter which he had written to him. Among the family members were Daniel the youngest son of Ezekiel, Azariah, and Mishael. He left that letter for them. The younger Daniel succeeded the elder Daniel. Nabuchadnezzar entered Jerusalem with his troops, then marched to Syria. He killed the children of Israel until he almost exterminated them. He returned to Babylon with booty in the form of treasure and men, among them young princes and children of priests numbering seventy thousand. Babylon, Iraq Ibn Ishaaq Ibn Bishr reported that Wahb bin Munbah stated that after Nabuchadnezzar had destroyed Jerusalem, he was told that the Israelites had a man who used to predict what had befallen them, describing the king and his actions, foretelling that he would slay their warriors, capture their children, destroy the temple, and burn their Torah. They had said he was lying, and so they had tied him and kept him in prison. Nabuchadnezzar ordered that he be brought out from prison. Jeremiah was released and the king said to him: "Did you warn those people against what has happened to them?" Jeremiah affirmed it and the king said: "I knew that." Jeremiah stated: "Allah sent me to them and they accused me of lying." He asked: "Did they beat you and imprison you?" He replied: "Yes." The king said: "What a wicked race, to deny their prophet and their Lord's message! So would you like to join me, for me to honor you and make you free? And if you want to remain in your country, I grant you that." Jeremiah replied: "I am still in the security of Allah when I did not go away from the country at all. If the Israelites did not go out of it, they would not fear you, nor any other, nor would you have authority over them." When Nabuchadnezzar heard this, he let him alone, and so Jeremiah went to live in his place in Elia (Elat). According to Hisham Ibn al-Kalbi, Nabuchadnezzar marched on Jerusalem, its king who was a descendant of David, who had built Jerusalem for the Israelites - made peace with him. Nabuchadnezzar took hostages and departed. When he had gone as far as Thahria, he learned that the Israelites had risen against their king and killed him because he had made peace with him. So, Nabuchadnezzar beheaded all the hostages that were with him. He returned to the Israelites and invaded the city, killing the warriors and capturing their families. When he had found Jeremiah in prison and released him, Jeremiah told him his story and his warnings concerning him. Nabuchadnezzar said: "What a wicked people, that disobey the prophet of Allah!" He set him free and honored him. Jeremiah gathered around him the remaining weak souls of Israel. He said to them: "Woe to us! We have disobeyed Allah. We must repent to Allah, Great and Majestic, for what we have done, and I shall pray to Allah to accept our repentance." He prayed so, and Allah revealed to him that He would not accept it: "If they are sincere, they must stay with you in this country (or town)." He told them what Allah had revealed. They said: "How can we stay in this town when it has been devastated and Allah is angry with its people?" So they refused to stay. Ibn al-Kalbi said that since that time, the children of Israel were dispersed the world over. Some of them went to the Hijaz, Taif and Medina, and others settled in Wadi al-Qura. Some went to Egypt, and Nabuchadnezzar wrote to its king, demanding those who had escaped thither, but he refused. So Nabuchadnezzar mounted his army and fought him. He defeated him and captured their children. Then he marched to the extreme of Morocco. He returned from Morocco, Egypt, Jerusalem, Palestine, and Jordan with many captives.   The Reconstruction of Jerusalem In the Era of Jeremiah Hashim Ibn Al-Kalbi reported that Allah the Exalted revealed to Jeremiah (peace and blessing be upon him): "I am going to reconstruct Jerusalem, so go there." He went and found it devastated. He said to himself: "Exalted be Allah! Allah told me to come to this city and that He was reconstructing it. News of the death of Nabuchadnezzar had reached Bashtaasib through Sham (Syria), which was in utter ruin. The wild beasts had multiplied in Palestine, for it had become empty of men. Bashtaasib therefore called to the children of Israel: "Whoever wants to return to Sham (Syria/Palestine) may do so." It was ruled by one from the House of David, who was ordered by Bashtaasib to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple, so they returned and rebuilt it. Ibn Al-Kalbi said that the Israelites settled it, and Allah rebuilt their glory. It remained so until Rome vanquished them in the era of the tribal kings; then they lost their community and their authority after the appearance of Christianity. This is how Ibn Jarir tells their story in his History of Jerusalem. He said that Laharasab was a just king and diplomatic. The people, chiefs, and kings obeyed him, and he was gifted in the construction of cities, canals and institutions. When he grew too weak to rule, after more than one hundred, his son Bashtaasib ascended to the throne. During his reign the religion of Zoroastrianism (al-Majusia) appeared. A man named Zoroaster (Zordahst) had been a companion of Jeremiah and had angered him, so Jeremiah) cursed him. Zoroaster became a leper. He went to the land of Azerabaigan, joined Bashtaasib and converted him to Zoroastrianism, which he chose for himself of his own free will. Bashtaasib forced people to embrace it and killed many people who disobeyed him. After Bashtaasib, his son Barman ruled. They were among the famous and heroic kings of Persia, and Nabuchadnezzar had been deputy to all three of them. He lived a long time, may Allah torment him! The essence of what has been written by Ibn Jarir is that the person or wayfarer passing through this village was Jeremiah. Others say that it was Hosea (Ozir), and this is the consensus of the ancients and those after them, but Allah knows best.

Sidna Daniel (peace be upon him)

Takkemt, Sus, Morocco 

The name "Daniel" means "God is my judge". According to the People of the Book Daniel, at a young age (BC 606), was carried off to Babylon (Iraq) where he was trained in the service of the court under the authority of Ashpenaz. Daniel and his three other youths named Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were subsequently evaluated and chosen for their intellect and beauty, to be trained as Chaldeans, who constituted the ranks of the advisors to the Babylonian court.  It is also written that Daniel became famous for interpreting dreams and rose to become one of the most important figures in the court and lived well into the reign of the Persian conquerors. There Daniel was obliged to enter into the service of the king of Babylon, and in accordance with the custom of the age, received the Chaldean name of Belteshazzar, i.e., prince of Bel. His residence in Babylon was very probably in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar, now identified with a mass of mounds called the Kasr, on the right bank of the river. However, Daniel and his three companions remained fiercely loyal to their Jewish religious and cultural identity, an identity which would sooner or later come into conflict with the paganism of the Babylonian court. Daniel's training was to fit him for service to the empire. Daniel became distinguished during this period for his piety, and for his strict observance of the Torah, and gained the confidence and esteem of those who were over him.  At the close of his three years of discipline and training in the royal schools, Daniel was distinguished for his knowledge and proficiency in the pagan practices of his day, and was brought out into public life. He soon became known for his skill in the interpretation of dreams. Daniel made known and interpreted Nebuchadnezzar's dream; as well as a later dream preceding the king's descent into animal behaviour, and many years afterwards, when he was now an old man, amid the alarm and consternation of the terrible night of Belshazzar's impious feast (in which Belshazzar and his concubines drank wine out of the royal Jewish ceremonial goblets of the Temple), Daniel was called in at the suggestion of the queen-mother to interpret the mysterious handwriting on the wall. For successfully reading the cryptic handwriting by an angel of God, Daniel was rewarded by the Babylonians with a purple robe and elevation to the rank of "third ruler" of the kingdom. It is believed that the place of "second ruler" was held by Belshazzar as associated with his father, Nabonidus, on the throne, though no where in the book of Daniel is Nabonidus mentioned by name and according to the book of Daniel Nebuchadnezzar was the father of Belshazzar. Daniel interpreted the handwriting, and "in that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain" by his own sons, who later fled.  After the Persian conquest of Babylon, Daniel held the office of the first of the "three presidents" of the empire under the reign of the obscure figure of Darius the Mede, and was thus practically at the head of state affairs, with the ability to influence the prospects of the captive Jews, whom he had at last the happiness of seeing restored to their own land; although he did not return with them, but remained still in Babylon. Daniel's fidelity to God exposed him to persecution by jealous rivals within the king's administration. The fact that he had just interpreted the emperors' dream had resulted in his promotion and that of his companions. Being favored by the King, Cyrus the Great, he was untouchable. His companions were vulnerable to the accusation that had them thrown into the furnace for refusing to worship the Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar as a god; but they were miraculously saved, and Daniel would years later be cast into a den of lions (for continuing to practice his faith in YHWH), but was miraculously delivered; after which Cyrus issued a decree enjoining reverence for "the God of Daniel" (Daniel 6:26). He "prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Great," whom he probably greatly influenced in the matter of the decree which put an end to the Jewish Captivity (BC 536). Ibn Abi Al-Dunya narrated the following, based on a chain of citations. Nabuchadnezzar captured the two lions and threw them into a pit. He then brought Daniel and threw him at them; yet they did not pounce at him; rather, he remained as Allah wished. When then he desired food and drink, Allah revealed to Jeremiah, who was in Sham (Palestine/Syria): "Prepare food and drink for Daniel." He said: "O Lord I am in Jerusalem while Daniel is in Babylon." Allah revealed to him: "Do what I have commanded you to do, and I shall send you one who will carry you and what you have prepared." Jeremiah did so and Allah sent him something that would carry him until he arrived at the brink of the pit. Then Daniel asked: "Who is this?" He answered: "I am Jeremiah." He asked: "What brought you?" He answered: "Your Lord sent me to you." He said: "And so my Lord has remembered me?" He said: "Yes." Daniel said: "Praise be to Allah Who never forgets those who appeal to Him! And Praise be to Him Who compensates good with good, rewards patience with safety, dispels harm after distress, assures us when we are overwhelmed, and is our hope when skill fails us."  The time and circumstances of Daniel's death have not been recorded. There are seven different locations all claiming to be the site of the tomb of Daniel: Babylon, Kirkuk and Muqdadiyah in Iraq, Susa and Malamir in Iran, Samarkand in Uzbekistan, and Takkamt in Morocco. The latter location is the most likely because it is confirmed by a Qutb. Shaykh Allama Sidi Ahmed Skirej al-Fasi (may Allah be pleased with him) reported in the book of ‘Thamarat al-Funun fi-Fawaid Taqirru biha al-‘Uyun’ (Fruit of Arts in Benefits that Delight the Eyes): “It is widespread and diffused amid the people of Suss (central Morocco) that three prophets are buried on the (Atlas) mountains between the country and the desert. One of them is called Daniel situated in the village of Takkamt. His visitation is a popular custom in search of rain (istisqa’), healing, or help in examinations. A spring has gushed forth from his tomb to benefit the inhabitants of Takkamt. According to some reports, a wicked man has one day shown a certain lack of respect for Daniel’s tomb before a fire came out of the tomb to burn him and his friends as well as nearly 1000 palm trees around. Allah know best."    ذكر العلامة سيدي أحمد بن الحاج العياشي سكيرج رضي الله عنه في كتاب ثمرة الفنون في فوائد تقر بها العيون: وقد شاع وذاع عند أهل سوس أن تلك الجبال الحائلة بين بلادهم وصحاري المغرب بقبلتها مدفن 3 من الأنبياء، أحدهم اسمه دانيال ببلاد تكمت، وهو معروف عندهم إلى الآن يستسقون عنده إذا نزل بهم قحط ويستشفون بترابه ويقصدونه في قضاء حوائجهم وخرجت من عند رجلي القبر عين ماء غزير عم نفعها أهل تكمت كلهم، وذكر أن بعض الظلمة تجاسر على قبره ببعض ما لا ينبغي فخرجت نار من القبر فأحرقته وأحرقت أناسا معَه وما يزيد على ألف نخلة من نخيل تلك البلاد، والله أعلم.والثاني اسمه سيدي وَلْكَنَّاسْ مدفنه على رأس جبل بين تذغت ووادي أسَافّن وهو معروف عند أهل تلك البلاد مُعَظّم محترم يُقصد للزيارة ولا يسكن أحد بالقرب منه إلا بعيدا، ومن رام السكنى بقربه وسكن يظهر هلاكه بالقرب عاجلا.والثالث اسمه شناول، مدفنه ببلاد تمدلت خارج الجبال المذكورة لناحية الصحراء وبقي به آثار مدينة عظيمة ويقال أن عمرانها كان قبل مدة لمتونة وبقربه أيضا قبر مولاي عبد الله بن إدريس،قيل وسبب دخول هؤلاء الأنبياء المغرب هو أن "بخت نصّر" كان يقتل الأنبياء وفرَّ هؤلاء بأنفسهم وركبوا البحر فلاح بهم الريح لرباط ماسّه وخرجوا منها وتوجهوا لناحية القبلة وما يقال أن المغرب لم يدخله نبي، إما أن يقال هذه القولة غير صحيحة وعلى صحتها يقال أن تلك الجبال ليست من حيز المغرب وإنما هي من حيز الصحراء وما دون جبل دَرْنَ هو المسمى بالمغرب مشيناها خطى كتبت علينا = ومن كتبت عليه خطى مشاهَا وأرزاق لنا متفرقات = فمن لم يأته حقا أتاهَا ومن كانت منيته بأرض = فليس يموت في أرض سواهَا وينبغي أن لا يستبعد شيء من هذه الأخبار من دفن الأنبياء المذكورين بالمحال المذكورة، بل يجب علينا التسليم في ذلك كله وتعظيم القبور المذكورة بما يعد تعظيما وبكل ما يليق من الاحترام ولو على توهم الصحبة لا سيما مع ما انضم إلى ذلك من الشيوع وتواطئ الأخبار خوفا من الوقوع في المحظور العظيم والبلاء الوخيم والعياذ بالله من سوء الأدب المؤدي للكفر.

Sidna Zakariya ("Zechariah", peace be upon him)

Zakariya's Shrine, Juraselam, Palestine 

The years had taken their toll on the Prophet Sidna Zakariya ("Zechariah”, peace and blessing be upon him). He was now old and bent with age, in his nineties. Despite his feebleness, he went to the temple daily to deliver his sermons. Zakariyah was not a rich man, but he was always ready to help those in need. His one disappointment in life was that he had no children, for his wife was barren. This worried him, for he feared there was no one after him to carry out his work. The people needed a strong leader, for it they were left on their own, they would move away from Allah's teachings and change the Holy Laws to suit themselves. During one of his visits to the temple, he went to check on Mary, who was living in a secluded room of the temple. He was surprised to find fresh out of season fruit in her room. Besides him, no one had entry to her room. When he inquired, she told him that the fruit was from Allah. She found it every morning. But why was he so surprised, she asked him. Did he not know that Allah provides without measure for whom He wills? This noble girl had opened this eyes to a startling idea. Could he not ask his Lord to bless him with a child in his old age? Even if his wife was past childbearing age, nothing was impossible for his Gracious Lord! Allah the Almighty revealed: 'Kaf, Ha, Ya, 'Ayn, Sad. This is a mention of the Mercy of your Lord to His slave Zakariyah. When he called out his Lord (Allah) - a call in secret, saying: "My Lord! Indeed my bones have grown feeble, and gray hair has spread on my head, and I have never been unblest in my invocation to You, O my Lord! And Verily! I fear my relatives after me, since my wife is barren. So give me from Yourself an heir, - who shall inherit me, and inherit also the posterity of Jacob (inheritance of the religious knowledge and Prophethood, not the wealth, etc.)  And make him, my Lord, one with whom You are Well-pleased!" Allah said: "O Zakariyah! Verily, We give you the glad tidings of a son. His name will be Yahya (John). We have given that name to none before him." He said: "My Lord! How can I have a son, when my wife is barren, and I have reached the extreme old age." He said: "So (it will be). Your Lord says, It is easy for Me. Certainly I have created you before, when you had been nothing." Zakariyah said: "My Lord! Appoint for me a sign." He said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak unto mankind for three nights, though having no bodily defect." Then he came out to his people from Al Mihrab (a praying place or a private room, etc.), he told them by signs to glorify Allah's Praises in the morning and in the afternoon. It was said to his son: "O Yahya! Hold fast to the Scripture (The Torah)." And We gave him wisdom while yet a child, and made him sympathetic to men as a mercy or a grant from Us, and pure from sins (Yahya) and he was righteous, and dutiful towards his parents, and he was neither an arrogant nor disobedient (to Allah or to his parents). And Salamun (peace) on him the day he was born, the day he dies, and the day he will be raised up to life again! (Quran 19:1-15) Almighty Allah also said: At that time Zakariyah invoked his Lord, saying: "O my Lord! Grant me from You, a good offspring. You are indeed the All-Hearer of invocation." Then the angels called him, while he was standing in prayer in Al- Mihrab ( a praying place or a private room), saying: "Allah gives you glad tidings of Yahya confirming (believing in) the Word from Allah ("Be!" - and he was! (i.e. the creation of Isa (Jesus), son of Mariam (Mary), noble keeping away from sexual relations with women, a Prophet, from among the righteous." He said: "O my Lord! How can I have a son when I am very old, and my wife is barren?" Allah said: "Thus Allah does what He wills." He said: "O my Lord! Make a sign for me." Allah said: "Your sign is that you shall not speak to mankind for three days except with signals. And remember your Lord much (by praising Him again and again), and glorify Him in the afternoon and in the morning." (Quran 3:38-41). Sidna Yahya (peace and blessing be upon him) was born a stranger to the world of children who used to amuse themselves, as he was serious all the time. Most children took delight in torturing animals whereas, he was merciful to them. He fed the animals from his food until there was nothing left for him, and he just ate fruit or leaves of trees. Yahya loved reading since childhood. When he grew up, Allah the Exalted called upon him: "O Yahya! Hold fast to the Scripture (The Torah)." And We gave him wisdom while yet a child. (Quran 19:12). Allah guided him to read the Book of Jurisprudence closely; thus, he became the wisest and most knowledgeable man of that time. Therefore, Allah the Almighty endowed him with the faculties of passing judgments on people's affairs, interpreting the secrets of religion, guiding people to the right path, and warning them against the wrong one. Yahya reached maturity. His compassion for his parents, as well as for all people and all creatures, increased greatly. He called people to repent their sins. There are quite a number of traditions told about Yahya. Ibn Asaker related that one time his parents were looking for him and found him at the Jordan River. When they met him, they wept sorely, seeing his great devotion to Allah, Great and Majestic.  Ibn Wahb said that, according to Malik, grass was the food of Yahya Ibn Zakariyah, and he wept sorely in fear of Allah. A chain of narrators reported that Idris Al Khawlawi said: "Shall I not tell you he who had the best food? It is Yahya Ibn Zakariyah, who joined the beasts at dinner, fearing to mix with men." Ibn Mubarak stated that Wahb Ibn Al-Ward narrated that Zakariayah did not see his son for three days. He found him weeping inside a grave which he had dug and in which he resided. "My son, I have been searching for you, and you are dwelling in this grave weeping!" "O father, did you not tell me that between Paradise and Hell is only a span, and it will not be crossed except by tears of weepers?" He said to him: "Weep then, my son." Then they wept together. Other narrations say that Yahya (pbuh) said: "The dwellers of Paradise are sleepless out of the sweetness of Allah's bounty; that is why the faithful must be sleepless because of Allah's love in their hearts. How far between the two luxuries, how far between them?" They say Yahya wept so much that tears marked his cheeks. He found comfort in the open and never cared about food. He ate leaves, herbs, and sometimes locusts. He slept anywhere in the mountains or in holes in the ground. He sometimes would find a lion or a bear as he entered a cave, but being deeply absorbed in praising Allah, he never heeded them. The beasts easily recognized Yahya as the prophet who cared for all the creatures, so they would leave the cave, bowing their heads.  Sidna Yahya ibn Zakariya, Damascus, Syria Yahya sometimes fed those beasts, out of mercy, from his food and was satisfied with prayers as food for his soul. He would spend the night crying and praising Allah for His blessings. When Yahya called people to worship Allah, he made them cry out of love and submission, arresting their hearts with the truthfulness of his words. A conflict took place between Yahya and the authorities at that time. A tyrant king, Herod Antipas, the ruler of Palestine, was in love with Salome, his brother's daughter. He was planning to marry his beautiful niece. The marriage was encouraged by her mother and by some of the learned men of Zion, either out of fear or to gain favor with the ruler. On hearing the ruler's plan, Yahya pronounced that such a marriage would be incestuous. He would not approve it under any circumstance, as it was against the Law of the Torah. Yahya's pronouncement spread like wildfire. Salome was angry, for it was her ambition to rule the kingdom with her uncle. She plotted to achieve her aim. Dressing attractively, she sang and danced before her uncle. Her arousing Herod's lust. Embracing her, he offered to fulfill whatever she desired. At once she told hi: "I would love to have the head of Yahya, because he has defiled your honor and mine throughout the land. If you grant me this wish, I shall be very happy and will offer myself to you." Bewitched by her charm, he submitted to her monstrous request. Yahya was executed and his head was brought to Salome. The cruel woman gloated with delight. But the death of Allah's beloved prophet was avenged. Not only she, but all the children of Israel were severely punished by invading armies which destroyed their kingdom.

Sidna Isa ("Jesus", peace be upon him) 

Birth Place of Sidna Isa, Bethlehem, Palestine

In many verses of the Glorious Quran Allah the Exalted denied the claim of the Christians that He has a son. A delegation from Nagran came to the Holy Prophet Sidna Mohammmed (peace and blessing be upon him). They began to talk about their claim about the Trinity, which is that Allah is three in one, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, with some disagreement among their sects. That is why Allah affirmed in many verses of the Quran that Sidna ‘Isa is a slave of Allah, whom He molded in the womb of his mother like any other of His creatures, and that He created him without a father, as He created Adam without a father or a mother. Allah the Almighty said: Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Abraham and the family of Imran above the Alamin (mankind and jinns) (of their times). Offspring, one of the other, and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower. Remember when the wife of Imran said: "O my Lord! I have vowed to You what (the child that) is in my womb to be dedicated for Your services (free from all worldly work; to serve Your Place of worship), so accept this, from me. Verily, You are the All-Hearer, the All Knowing." Then when she delivered her (child Mary), she said: "O my Lord! I have delivered a female child," and Allah knew better what she delivered, - "and the male is not like the female, and I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge with You (Allah) for her and for her offspring from Satan, the outcast." So her Lord (Allah) accepted her with goodly acceptance. He made her grow in a good manner and put her under the care of Zechariah. Every time he entered Al-Mihrab (a praying place or a private room), he found her supplied with sustenance. He said: "O Mary! From where have you got this?" She said: "From Allah. Verily, Allah provides sustenance to whom He wills, without limit." (Quran 3:33-37) Allah declared that He had elected Adam (peace and blessing be upon him) and the elite of his offspring who obey Allah. Then He specified the family of Abraham (peace and blessing be upon him), which includes the sons of Ishmael (peace and blessing be upon him), and the family of Imran, the father of Mary. Mohammmed Ibn Ishaaq stated that he was Imran Ibn Bashim, Ibn Amun, Ibn Misha, Ibn Hosqia, Ibn Ahriq, Ibn Mutham, Ibn Azazia, Ibn Amisa, Ibn Yamish, Ibn Ahrihu, Ibn Yazem, Ibn Yahfashat, Ibn Eisha, Ibn Iyam, Ibn Rahbaam, Ibn David (“Dawud”, peace and blessing be upon him). Prophet Zakariyah's (peace and blessing be upon him) wife's sister had a daughter named Hannah. She was married to Imran, a leader of the Israelites. For many years, the couple remained childless. Whenever Hannah saw another woman with a child, her longing for a baby increased. Although years had passed, she never lost hope. She believed that one day Allah would bless her with a child, on whom she would shower all her motherly love. She turned to the Lord of the heavens and the earth and pleaded with Him for a child. She would offer the child in the service of Allah's house, in the temple of Jerusalem. Allah granted her request. When she learned that she was pregnant, she was the happiest woman alive, and thanked Allah for His gift. Her overjoyed husband Imran also thanked Allah for His mercy. However, while she was pregnant her husband passed away. Hannah wept bitterly. Alas, Imran did not live to see their child for whom they had so longed. She gave birth to a girl, and again turned to Allah in prayer: "O my Lord, I have delivered a female child," and the male is not like the female, and I have named her Mary, and I seek refuge with You (Allah) for her and her offspring from Satan, the outcast." (Quran 3:36) Hannah had a big problem in reference to her promise to Allah, for females were not accepted into the temple, and she was very worried. Her sister's husband Zakariyah, comforted her, saying that Allah knew best what she had delivered and appreciated fully what she had offered in His service. She wrapped the baby in a shawl and handed it over to the temple elders. As the baby was a girl, the question of her guardianship posed a problem for the elders. This was a child of their late and beloved leader, and everyone was eager to take care of her. Zakariyah said to the elders: "I am the husband of her maternal aunt and her nearest relation in the temple; therefore, I will be more mindful of her than all of you." As it was their custom to draw lots to solve disagreements, they followed this course. Each one was given a reed to throw into the river. They had agreed that whoever's reed remained afloat would be granted guardianship of the girl. All the reeds sank to the bottom except Zakariyah's. With this sign, they all surrendered to the will of Allah and made him the guardian. To ensure that no one had access to Mary, Zakariyah built a separate room for her in the temple. As she grew up, she spent her time in devotion to Allah. Zakariyah visited her daily to see to her needs, and so it continued for many years. One day, he was surprised to find fresh fruit, which was out of season in her room. As he was the only person who could enter her room, he asked her how the fruit got there. She replied that these provisions were from Allah, as He gives to whom He wills. Zakariyah understood by this that Allah had raised Mary's status above that of other women. Thereafter, Zakariyah spent more time with her, teaching and guiding her. Mary grew to be a devotee of Allah, glorifying Him day and night.  Ali Ibn Abi Talib narrated that the Holy Prophet Sidna Mohammmed (peace and blessing be upon him) said: "The best of the world's women is Mary (in her lifetime), and the best of the world's women is Khadija (in her lifetime)." (Sahih Al-Bukhari) Abu Musa Al-Ashari also narrated that the Holy Prophet Sidna Mohammmed (peace and blessing be upon him) said: "May among men attained perfection but among women none attained perfection except Mary the daughter of Imran, and Asiya the wife of Pharaoh, and the superiority of Aisha to other women is like the superiority of Tharid (an Arabic dish) to other meals." While Mary was praying in her temple, an angel in the form of a man appeared before her. Filled with terror, she tried to flee, praying: "Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah." The angel said: "I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son." She said: "How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?" He said: "So (it will be), your Lord said: "That is easy for me (Allah): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allah).'" (Quran 19:18-21) The angel's visit caused Mary great anxiety, which increased as the months went by. How could she face giving birth to a child without having a husband? Later, she felt life kicking inside her. With a heavy heart, she left the temple and went to Nazareth, the city in which she had been born where she settled in a simple farm house to avoid the public. But fear and anxiety did not leave her. She was from a noble and pious family. Her father had not been an evil man nor was her mother an impure woman. How could she prevent tongues from wagging about her honor? After some months, she could not bear the mental strain any longer. Burdened with a heavy womb, she left Nazareth, not knowing where to go to be away from this depressing atmosphere.  She had not gone far, when she was overtaken by the pains of childbirth. She saw down against a dry palm tree, and here she gave birth to a son. Looking at her beautiful baby, she was hurt that she had brought him into the world without a father. She exclaimed: "I wish I had died before this happened and had vanished into nothingness!" Suddenly, she heard a voice nearby: "Grieve not, your Lord has placed a rivulet below, and shake the trunk of this tree, from which ripe dates will fall. So eat and drink and regain the strength you have lost; and be of good cheer, for what you see is the power of Allah, Who made the dry palm tree regain life, in order to provide food for you." For a while she was comforted by Allah's miracle, for it was a sure sign of her innocence and purity. She decided to return to the city. However, her fears also returned. What was she going to tell the people? As if sharinhis mother's worry, the baby began to speak: "If you meet any person say: 'I have vowed to fast for The Beneficent and may not speak to any human today.'" With this miracle, Mary felt at ease. As she had expected, her arrival in the city with a newborn baby in her arms aroused the curiosity of the people. They scolded her: "This is a terrible sin that you have committed." She put her finger to her lips and pointed to the child. They asked: "How can we speak to a newborn baby?" To their total amazement, the child began to speak clearly: "I am Allah's servant. Allah has given me the Book, and has made me a prophet, and has blessed me wherever I may be, and has enjoined on me prayers and alms-giving as long as I live. Allah has made me dutiful towards she who had borne me. He has not made me arrogant nor unblessed. Peace unto me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive." Most of the people realized that the baby was unique, for it Allah wills something, He merely says "Be" and it happens. Of course, there were some who regarded the baby's speech as a strange trick, but at least Mary could now stay in Nazareth without being harassed. Allah the Exalted revealed: And mention in the Book (the Quran, O Mohammmed, the story of) Mary, when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east. She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Ruh (angel Gabriel), and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects. She said: "Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah." The angel said: "I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son." She said: "How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?" He said: "So (it will be), your Lord said: "That is easy for Me (Allah): and (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allah).'" So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (Bethlehem valley, about four to six miles from Jerusalem). And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a palm tree. She said: "Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!" Then (the babe "Sidna ‘Isa" or Gabriel) cried unto her from below her, saying: "Grieve not! Your Lord has provided you a water stream under you; and shake the trunk of palm tree towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe dates upon you. So eat and drink and be glad, and if you see any human being, say: 'Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) so I shall not speak to any human being this day.'" Then she brought him (the baby) to her people, carrying him. They said: "O Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing Fariyya (an unheard mighty thing). O sister (the like) of Aaron (not the brother of Moses, but he was another pious man at the time of Mary)! Your father was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor was your mother an unchaste woman." Then she pointed to him. They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?" He (Sidna ‘Isa) said: "Verily! I am a slave of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet; and He has made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined me prayer, and Zakat, as long as I live, and dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblest. And Salam (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!" Such is Sidna ‘Isa, son of Mary. (It is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute). It befits not (the Majesty of) Allah that He should beget a son (this refers to the slander of Christians against Allah, by saying that Sidna ‘Isa is the son of Allah). Glorified (and Exalted be He above all that they associate with Him). When He decrees a thing, He only says to it, "Be!" - and it is. Sidna ‘Isa said: "And verily Allah is my Lord and your Lord. So worship Him (Alone). That is the Straight Path. (Allah's Religion of Islamic Monotheism which He did ordain for all of His Prophets)." Then the sects differed (the Christians about Sidna ‘Isa), so woe unto the disbeliveers (those who gave false witness saying that Sidna ‘Isa is the son of Allah) from the meeting of a great Day (the Day of Resurrection, when they will be thrown in the blazing Fire). How clearly will they (polytheists and disbeliveers in the Oneness of Allah) see and hear, the Day when they will appear before Us! But the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) today are in plain error. And warn them (O Mohammmed) of the Day of grief and regrets, when the case has been decided, while now they are in a state of carelessness and they believe not. (Quran 19:16-39)  Ephesus, Turkey (This stone building is believed by many Catholics and Muslims to be where the Virgin Mary lived her last years) It was said that Joseph the Carpenter was greatly surprised when he knew the story, so he asked Mary: "Can a tree come to grow without a seed?" She said: "Yes, the one which Allah created for the first time." He asked her again: "Is it possible to bear a child without a male partner?" She said: "Yes, Allah, created Adam without male or female!" It was also said that, while pregnant, Mary went one day to her aunt, who reported that she felt as if she was pregnant. Mary in turn, said that she, too, was feeling as if she was pregnant. Then her aunt said: "I can see what is in my womb prostrating to what is in your womb." The Jewish priests felt this child Sidna ‘Isa was dangerous, for they felt that the people would turn their worship to Allah the Almighty Alone, displacing the existing Jewish tenets. Consequently, they would lose their authority over the people. Therefore, they kept the miracle of Sidna ‘Isa's speech in infancy as a secret and accused Mary of a great misdeed. As Sidna ‘Isa (peace and blessing be upon him) grew, the signs of prophethood began to increase. He could tell his friends what kind of supper waited for them at home and what they had hidden and where. When he was twelve years old, he accompanied his mother to Jerusalem. There he wandered into the temple and joined a crowd listening to the lecture of the Rabbis (Jewish priests). The audience were all adults, but he was not afraid to sit with them. After listening intently, he asked questions and expressed his opinion. The learned rabbis were disturbed by the boy's boldness and puzzled by the questions he asked, for they were unable to answer him. They tried to silence him, but he ignored their attempts and continued to express his views. Sidna ‘Isa became so involved in this exchange that he forgot he as expected back home. In the meantime, his mother went home, thinking that he might have gone back with relatives or friends. When she arrived, she discovered that he was not there, so she returned to the city to look for him. At last she found him in the temple, sitting among the learned, conversing with them. He appeared to be quite at east, as if he had been doing this all his life. Mary got angry with him for causing her worry. He tried to assure her that all the arguing and debating with the learned had made him forgot the time. Sidna ‘Isa grew up to manhood. It was Sabbath, a day of complete rest: no fire could be lit or extinguished nor could females plait their hair. Moses (peace and blessing be upon him) had commanded that Saturday be dedicated to the worship of Allah. However, the wisdom behind the Sabbath and its spirit had gone, and only the letter remained in the Jews' hearts. Also, they thought that Sabbath was kept in heaven, and that the People of Israel had been chosen by Allah only to observe the Sabbath.  They made a hundred things unlawful on Saturday even self-defense or calling a doctor to save a patient who was in bad condition. This is how their life was branded by such hypocrisy. Although the Pharisees were guardians of the law, they were ready to sell it when their interests were involved so as to obtain personal gains. There was, for example, a rule which prohibited a journey of more than one thousand yards on the Sabbath day. What do we expect of the Pharisees in this case? The day before, they transferred their food and drink from their homes two thousand yards away and erected a temporary house so that from tthey could travel a further thousand yards on the Sabbath day. Sidna ‘Isa was on his way to the temple. Although it was the Sabbath, he reached out his hand to pick two pieces of fruit to feed a hungry child. This was considered to be a violation of the Sabbath law. He made a fire for the old women to keep themselves warm from the freezing air. Another violation. He went to the temple and looked around. There were twenty thousand Jewish priests registered there who earned their living from the temple. The rooms of the temple were full of them. Sidna ‘Isa observed that the visitors were much fewer than the priests. Yet the temple was full of sheep and doves which were sold to the people to be offered as sacrifices. Every step in the temple cost the visitor money. They worshipped nothing but money. In the temple, the Pharisees and Sadducees acted as if it were a market place, and these two groups always disagreed on everything. Sidna ‘Isa followed the scene with his eyes and observed that the poor people who could not afford the price of the sheep or dove were swept away like flies by the Pharisees and Saducees. Sidna ‘Isa was astonished. Why did the priests burn a lot of offerings inside the temple, while thousands of poor people were hungry outside it? On this blessed night, the two noble prophets John (peace and blessing be upon him) and Zakariyah (peace and blessing be upon him) died, killed by the ruling authority. On the same night, the revelation descended upon Sidna ‘Isa (peace and blessing be upon him). Allah the Exalted commanded him to begin his call to the children of Israel. To Sidna ‘Isa, the life of ease was closed, and the page of worship and struggled was opened. Like an opposing force, the message of Sidna ‘Isa came to denounce the practices of the Pharisees and to reinforce the Law of Moses. In the face of a materialistic age of luxury and worship of gold, Sidna ‘Isa called his people to a nobler life by word and deed. This exemplary life was the only way out of the wretchedness and diseases of his age. Sidna ‘Isa's call, from the beginning, was marked by its complete uprightness and piety. It appealed to the soul, the inner being, and not be a closed system of rules laid down by society. Sidna ‘Isa continued inviting the people to Almighty Allah. His call was based on the principle that there is no mediation between the Creator and His creatures. However, Sidna ‘Isa was in conflict with the Jews' superficial interpretation of the Torah. He said that he did not come to abrogate the Torah, but to complete it by going to the spirit of its substance to arrive at its essence. He made the Jews understand that the Ten Commandments have more value than they imagined. For instance, the fifth commandment does not only prohibit physical killing, but all forms of killing; physical, psychological, or spiritual. And the sixth commandment does not prohibit adultery only in the sense of unlawful physical contact between a man and a woman, but also prohibits all forms of unlawful relations or acts that might lead to adultery. The eye commits adultery when it looks at anything with passion. Sidna ‘Isa was therefore in confrontation with the materialistic people. He told them to desist from hypocrisy, show and false praise. There was no need to hoard wealth in this life. They should not preoccupy themselves with the goods of this passing world; rather they must preoccupy themselves with the affairs of the coming world because it would be everlasting. Sidna ‘Isa told them that caring for this world is a sin, not fit for pious worshippers. The disbeliveers care for it because they do not know a better way. As for the believers, they know that their sustenance is with Allah, so they trust in Him and scorn this world. Sidna ‘Isa continued to invite people to worship the Only Lord, Who is without partner, just as he invited them to purify the heart and soul. His teaching annoyed the priests, for every word of Sidna ‘Isa was a threat to them and their position, exposing their misdeeds. The Roman occupiers had, at first, no intention of being involved in this religious discord of the Jews because it was an internal affair, and they saw that this dispute would distract the Jews from the question of the occupation. However, the priests started to plot against Sidna ‘Isa. They wanted to embarrass him and to prove that he had come to destroy the Mosaic Law. The Mosaic Law provides that an adulteress be stoned to death. They brought him a Jewish adulteress and asked Sidna ‘Isa: "Does not the law stipulate the stoning of the adulteress?" Sidna ‘Isa answered: "Yes." They said: "This woman is an adulteress." Sidna ‘Isa looked at the woman and then at the priests. He knew that they were more sinful than she. They agreed that she should be killed according to Mosaic Law, and they understood that if he was going to apply Mosaic Law, he would be destroying his own rules of forgiveness and mercy. Sidna ‘Isa understood their plan. He smiled and assented: "Whoever among you is sinless can stone her." His voice rose in the middle of the Temple, making a new law on adultery, for the sinless to judge sin. There was none eligible; no mortal can judge sin, only Allah the Most Merciful. As Sidna ‘Isa left the temple, the woman followed him. She took out a bottle of perfume from her garments, knelt before his feet and washed them with perfume and tears, and then dried his feet with her hair. Sidna ‘Isa turned to the woman and told her to stand up, adding: "O Lord, forgive her sins." He let the priests understand that those who call people to Almighty Allah are not executioners. His call was based on mercy for the people, the aim of all divine calls. Sidna ‘Isa continued to pray to Allah for mercy on his people and to teach his people to have mercy on one another and to believe in Allah. Sidna ‘Isa continued his mission, aided by divine miracles. Some Quranic commentators said that Sidna ‘Isa brought four people back from the dead: a friend of his named Al-Azam, an old woman's son, and a woman's only daughter. These three had died during his lifetime. When the Jews saw this they said: "You only resurrect those who have died recently; perhaps they only fainted." They asked him to bring back to life Sam Ibn Noah.  When he asked them to show him his grave, the people accompanied him there. Sidna ‘Isa invoked Allah the Exalted to bring him back to life and behold, Sam Ibn Noah came out from the grave gray-haired. Sidna ‘Isa asked: "how did you get gray hair, when there was no aging in your time?" He answered: "O Spirit of Allah, I thought that the Day of Resurrection had come; from the fear of that day my hair turned gray."     The Holy Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) in the Old Testament The Quran mentions in Surah Al-Araf chapter 7 verse 157: "Those who follow the Messenger, the unlettered Prophet, whom they find mentioned in their own (scriptures) in the law and the Gospel". The Holy Prophet prophesised in the Book of Deuteronomy: Almighty God speaks to Moses in Book of Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 18: "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and I will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him." The Christians say that this prophecy refers to Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him) because Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him) was like Moses (peace and blessing be upon him). Moses   (peace and blessing be upon him) was a Jew, as well as Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him) was a Jew. Moses (peace and blessing be upon him) was a Prophet and Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him) was also a Prophet. If these two are the only criteria for this prophecy to be fulfilled, then all the Prophets of the Bible who came after Moses (peace and blessing be upon him) such as Solomon, Isaiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Malachi, John the Baptist, etc. will fulfill this prophecy since all were Jews as well as prophets. However, it is Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) who is like Moses (peace and blessing be upon him):        i) Both had a father and a mother, while Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him) was born miraculously without any male intervention. [Mathew 1:18 and Luke 1:35 and also Al-Quran 3:42-47]        ii) Both were married and had children. Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him) according to the Bible did not marry nor had children.        iii) Both died natural deaths. Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him) has been raised up alive. (4:157-158) The Holy Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) is from among the brethren of Moses (peace and blessing be upon him). Arabs are brethren of Jews. Abraham (peace and blessing be upon him) had two sons: Ishmail and Isaac. The Arabs are the descendants of Ishmail (peace and blessing be upon him) and the Jews are the descendants of Isaac (peace and blessing be upon him). Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) was unlettered and whatever revelations he received from Almighty God he repeated them verbatim. "I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him." [Deuteronomy 18:18]         iv) Both besides being Prophets were also kings i.e. they could inflict capital punishment. Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him) said, "My kingdom is not of this world." (John 18:36).        v) Both were accepted as Prophets by their people in their lifetime but Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him) was rejected by his people. John chapter 1 verse 11 states, "He came unto his own, but his own received him not."        iv) Both brought new laws and new regulations for their people. Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him) according to the Bible did not bring   any new laws. (Mathew 5:17-18).    2. It is Mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy chapter 18:19, "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not harken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will  require it of him."   3. Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is prophesised in the book of Isaiah. It is mentioned in the book of Isaiah chapter 29 verse 12: "And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned." When Archangel Gabrail commanded Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) by saying Iqra - "Read", he replied, "I am not learned".   4.The Holy Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) mentioned by name in the Old Testament: Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is mentioned by name in the Song of Solomon chapter 5 verse 16: "Hikko Mamittakim we kullo Mohammedim Zehdoodeh wa Zehraee Bayna Jerusalem." "His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem." In the Hebrew language “im” is added for respect. Similarely im is added after the name of Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) to make it “Mohammedim”. In English translation they have even translated the name of Prophet Mohammed     (peace and blessing be upon him) as "altogether lovely", but in the Old Testament in Hebrew, the name of Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is yet present. Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) in the New Testament: Quran Chapter 61 Verse 6: "And remember, Jesus, the son of Mary, said, 'O Children of Israel! I am the messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me and giving glad tidings of a messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed.' But when he came to them with clear signs, they said, 'This is evident sorcery!' "All the prophecies mentioned in the Old Testament regarding Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) besides applying to the Jews also hold good for the Christians. 1. John chapter 14 verse 16: "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever."  2. Gospel of John chapter 15 verse 26: "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me." 3. Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 7: "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you". "Ahmed" or "Mohammed" meaning "the one who praises" or "the praised one" is almost the translation of the Greek word Periclytos. In the Gospel of John 14:16, 15:26, and 16:7. The word 'Comforter' is used in the English translation for the Greek word Paracletos which means advocate or a kind friend rather than a comforter. Paracletos is the warped reading for Periclytos. Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him) actually prophesised Ahmed by name. Even the Greek word Paraclete refers to the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) who is a mercy for all creatures. Some Christians say that the Comforter mentioned in these prophecies refers to the Holy Sprit. They fail to realise that the prophecy clearly says that only if Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him) departs will the Comforter come. The Bible states that the Holy Spirit was already present on earth before and during the time of Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him), in the womb of Elizabeth, and    again when Jesus (peace and blessing be upon him) was being baptised, etc. Hence this prophecy refers to none other than Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him). 4. Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 12-14: "I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you unto all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me".  The Sprit of Truth, spoken about in this prophecy referes to none other than Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him).

Ahl al-Kahf ("Sleepers of the Cave", peace be upon them)

Mount Pion, Ephesus, Turkey

The "Seven Sleepers" were seven young men who had been walled up in a cave during the persecutions under Decius (c.250). They fell asleep, miraculously waking up in the time of Theodosius II. Verses referring to the Cave (9-26) were sent down in direct response to a question by Jewish Arabs. In verse 23 Allah tells the Muslims not to be lead astray from the truth of His message by impudent, uninformed scholars on how many had sojourned in the Cave. Allah Almighty revealed: "Or dost thou reflect that the Companions of the Cave and of the Inscription were wonders among Our Signs? Behold, the youths betook themselves to the Cave: they said "Our Lord! Bestow on us Mercy from Thyself, and dispose of our affair for us in the right way! Then We drew (a veil) over their ears, for a number of years, in the Cave, (so that they heard not): Then We roused them, in order to test which of the two parties was best at calculating the term of years they had tarried! We relate to thee their story in truth: they were youths who believed in their Lord, and We advanced them in guidance: We gave strength to their hearts: behold, they stood up and said: "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and of the earth: never shall we call upon any god other than Him: if we did; we should indeed have uttered an enormity!" "These our people have taken for worship gods other than Him: why do they not bring forward an authority clear (and convincing) for what they do? Who doth more wrong than such as invent a falsehood against Allah? "When ye turn away from them and the things they worship other than Allah betake yourselves to the Cave: your Lord will shower His mercies on you and dispose of your affair towards comfort and ease." Allah Most High continues, "Thou wouldst have seen the sun, when it rose, declining to the right from their Cave, and when it set, turning away from them to the left while they lay in the open space in the midst of the Cave. Such are among the Signs of Allah: he whom Allah guides; but he whom Allah leaves to stray for him wilt thou find no protector to lead him to the Right Way. Thou wouldst have deemed them awake, whilst they were asleep, and We turned them on their right and their left sides: their dog stretching forth his two forelegs on the threshold: if thou hadst come up on to them, thou wouldst have certainly turned back from them in flight, and wouldst certainly have been filled with terror of them. Such (being their state), We raised them up (from sleep), that they might question each other. Said one of them "How long have ye stayed (here)?" They said "We have stayed (perhaps) a day or part of a day." (At length) they (all) said "Allah (alone) knows best how long ye have stayed here. Now send ye then one of you with this money of yours to the town: let him find out which is the best food (to be had) and bring some to you, that (ye may satisfy hunger therewith:) and let him behave with care and courtesy, and let him not inform anyone about you. "For if thy should come upon you, they would stone you or force you to return to their cult, and in that case ye would never attain prosperity." Thus did We make their case known to the people, that they might know that the promise of Allah is true, and that there can be no doubt about the Hour of Judgment." "Behold, they dispute among themselves as to their affair. (Some) said "Construct a building over them": their Lord knows best about them: those who prevailed over their affair said "Let us surely build a place of worship over them." (Some) say they were three, the dog being the fourth among them; (others) say they were five, the dog being the sixth― doubtfully guessing at the unknown; (yet others) say they were seven, the dog being the eighth. Say thou: "My Lord knoweth best their number; it is but few that know their (real case)." Enter not, therefore, into controversies concerning them, except on a matter that is clear, nor consult any of them about (the affair of) the Sleepers. Nor say of anything, "I shall be sure to do so and so tomorrow"― Without adding, "So please Allah!" And call thy Lord to mind when thou forgettest, and say "I hope that my Lord will guide me ever closer (even) than this to the right road." So they stayed in their Cave three hundred years, and (some) add nine (more). Say: "Allah knows best how long they stayed: with Him is (the knowledge of) the secrets of the heavens and the earth: how clearly He sees, how finely He hears (everything)! They have no protector other than Him; nor does He share His Command with any person whatsoever."  "And recite (and teach) what has been revealed to thee of the Book of thy Lord: none can change His Words, and none wilt thou find as a refuge other than Him. And keep thy soul content with those who call on their Lord morning and evening, seeking His Face; and let not thine eyes pass beyond them seeking the pomp and glitter of this Life; nor obey any whose heart We have permitted to neglect the remembrance of Us, one who follows his own desires, whose case has gone beyond all bounds. Say "The Truth is from your Lord": let him who will, believe, and let him who will, reject (it): for the wrongdoers We have prepared a Fire whose (smoke and flames), like the walls and roof of a tent will hem them in: if they implore relief they will be granted water like melted brass, that will scald their faces. How dreadful the drink! How uncomfortable a couch to recline on! As to those who believe and work righteousness, verily We shall not suffer to perish the reward of any who do a (single) righteous deed. (Quran 18:9-30)               The Sleepers later died naturally (and permanently) and were buried in the cave in which they had slept.  In fact, Sidna Ali (may Allah glorify his face) reported to Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that Seven Companions plus the dog had resided in the Cave. He goes on to mention the names of the young men as: Yamliha, Makthalina, Mashlina, Marnush, Darbanush, Zazanush and Kaferstatyush. As officers of court, Yamliha, Makthalina and Mashlina had sat on the right hand side of the King and Marnush, Darbanush and Zazanush on his left side. The name of the person, a shepherd, who had led them to the Cave, was Kaferstatyush.  The dog in the narrative is called Qitmir and there are scholars who say that he, together with the likes of the she-camel of Salih (peace be upon him) and the pigeon of Noah, will be amongst the animals of Paradise. The symbolism of the watchful and faithful canine, sleeping with his forepaws stretched out towards the mouth of the cave, has inspired extensive commentary. Ibn ‘Abbas also notes that the names of the Ashab ul-Kahf possess rukya, or spiritually protective capacities, for those who firmly believe in the Power and Oneness of their Creator. The Companions of the Cave are so beloved to Allah that invocation through the goodness of their names will give relief from fire and oppressive authority. It will also cool the fever of a child, or ease a difficult pregnancy. Scholars of tafsir (Quranic exegesis) unanimously confirm that because Chapter of Kahf comments directly on the famous story, it abrogates all previous speculation about it. For Muslims, at least, the Holy Book confirms beyond any reasonable doubt that the event (whether Christian or Jewish in tradition) is not myth, and did actually happen.

Sidna Khalid ibn Sinan (peace be upon him)

Aden, Yemen 

He is a Arab prophet that lived during the intermission period between Jesus Christ and the Holy Prophet Sidna Mohammad (peace and blessing be upon them). His name is Khaled, the son of Sinan, the son of Ghis al-Abbasi. (He should not be confused with the Companion of the same name, Khalid ibn Sinan al-Awsi who fought at Badr, may Allah be well-pleased with him). It is narrated by Ibn Kathir in al-Bidaya (al-Ma`arif ed. 2:211), Ibn Hajar in al-Isaba (2:370-371), Ibn Saad in al-Tabaqat (1:295) and others, that once his daughter went to see the Holy Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him). The Holy Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said to her, "Welcome the daughter of the prophet who was killed by his followers". He is well known among Arabs because of the story of a fire which began on the Abbas Land during the pagan state of the Arabs before Islam. Later it was called "Horratin" means "blazing". A poet has composed in this way, "The fire bursting into flames and having a loud sound which deafens a man".   Al-Qashani, the commentator, says that Khalid lived in Aden, and was a man of great himma who was overcome in the contemplation of divine unity. One day a great fire appeared from a cave among his people. It destroyed the crops and the livestock, and the people called on him to protect them from it. He struck the fire with his staff, saying, "Away! Away!" until it became cold and retreated to the cave. Then he told his people that he would enter the cave in order to extinguish the fire, and he told them to call him after three full days had passed. Should he call him before that, he would come out and die. If they were patient, he would emerge in good health. They waited two days, and then Shaytan made them restless, and doubts came to them and they were afraid that he might have been destroyed. They shouted to him. He emerged from the cave with his hand on his head from the pain their shouting had caused him. He told them, "You have killed me and squandered my word and my covenant." He then told them of his death and commanded them to bury him and then watch for forty days. Then, he said, a flock of sheep led by a donkey with slit ears and its tail cut off would come to them. When it stood opposite his grave, they were to disinter him and he would rise and tell them of the true state of things after death from witnessing and vision so that all creation would receive certainty as to what the Messenger related. Then he died and they buried him. They waited until the forty days had passed. The flock of sheep came led by a donkey with slit ears. It stopped opposite his grave, so they understood that they should disinter Khalid as he had commanded them so that he might inform them as to the truth of the Prophets. Some of his older sons were adverse to that and said that it would shame them among the Arabs and that they would be called, "the sons of the disinterred one." There was the vehemence of the Jahiliya in that. They squandered their legacy and destroyed him. Sidi Muhyiddin ibn al-Arabi (d. 636/1221) said in Fusus al-Hikam, “As for the wisdom of Khalid ibn Sinan, by his call he manifested the prophethood of the interspace. He claimed that he would tell them about what happens after death. He commanded that he should be disinterred and questioned in order that he might report that the judgment in the Interspace occurs in the form of the life of this world. Thus it would be known that all the Messengers spoke the truth in what they related in this life regarding what happens after death. Khalid's goal was that all the world would believe in what the Messengers brought so that there would be mercy for all. He was honored by his prophethood being near the time of the Prophet Mohammed, may Allah bless him and grant him peace. He knew that Allah had sent Mohammed as a mercy to the worlds, but Khalid was not a Messenger. He wanted to receive a generous share of this mercy contained in the message of Mohammed. He was not commanded to convey the message, but he wanted to have that share in the Interspace so that there would be stronger knowledge about the creation, and for this reason his people squandered him.  The Messenger of Allah described them as having squandered their Prophet because they did not do what he wanted them to do. Did Allah give him the reward for what he wanted? There is no doubt and no disagreement that he had the reward of what he wished, but there is doubt and disagreement about the reward of the goal. Is wishing for it the same in the Next World as its occurrence even though it did not occur or not? In the Shari'a, equality is not supported in many places – such as in the case of the one who performs the prayer in the group. The one who prays it in the group has a reward from the presence of the group. He is like the person who, in spite of poverty, desires to be able to give charity as the people of wealth and property do. He has the like of their rewards, but the like of their rewards can be in their intentions or their deeds. The people had both the intention and the action. The Prophet, peace be upon him, did not prescribe both of them, nor one of them, and outwardly they are not the same. For that reason, Khalid ibn Sinan sought the proclamation to confirm for him the station of joining both matters so that he would receive two rewards. Allah knows best.”

 

Seal of Prophets and Messengers, Chieftain of the Universe & Reason of Existence, Sidna Mohammed ibn Abdellah (peace and blessing be upon him)

The Holy Prophet's Blessed Grave, Madinah, Arabia

Allah Almighty said: "I am the first of those who bow to His Will. ( Quran 6:163) "And I am commanded to be the first of those who bow to Allah." (Quran 39:12) "Lo! We have sent thee with the Truth, a bearer of glad tidings and a warner; and there is not a nation but a warner hath passed among them." (Quran 35:24) "Even as We have sent unto you a messenger from among you, who reciteth unto you Our revelations and causeth you to grow, and teacheth you the Scripture and wisdom, and teacheth you that which ye knew not." (Quran 2:151) "These are the limits (imposed by) Allah. Whoso obeyeth Allah and His messenger, He will make him enter Gardens underneath which rivers flow, where such will dwell for ever. That will be the great success." (Quran 4:13) "And whoso disobeyeth Allah and His messenger and transgresseth His limits, He will make him enter Fire, where he will dwell for ever; his will be a shameful doom." (Quran 4:14) The Holy Prophet  (peace and blessing be upon him) was born in Mecca (Makkah), Arabia, on Monday, 12 Rabi' Al-Awal (2 August A.D. 570). His mother, Sayyida Aminah (may Allah be pleased with her), was the daughter of Wahb Ibn Abdu Manaf of the Zahrah family. His father, 'Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) was the son of Abdul Muttalib. His genealogy has been traced to the noble house of Ishmael (peace be upon him), the son of Prophet Abraham (peace and blessing be upon him) in about the fortieth descend. The Holy Prophet's father died before his birth. Before he was six years old his mother died, and the doubly orphaned Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) was put under the charge of his grandfather Abdul Muttalib who took the most tender care of him. But the old chief died two years afterwards. On his deathbed he confided to his son Abu Talib the charge of the little orphan. When The Holy Prophet was twelve years old, he accompanied his uncle Abu Talib on a mercantile journey to Syria, and they proceeded as far as Busra. The journey lasted for some months. It was at Busra that the Christian monk Bahira met  Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him). He is related to have said to Abu Talib: 'Return with this boy and guard him against the hatred of the Jews, for a great career awaits your nephew." After this journey, the youth of The Holy Prophet seems to have been passed uneventfully, but all authorities agree in ascribing to him such correctness of manners and purity of morals as were rare among the people of Mecca. The fair character and the honorable bearing of the unobtrusive youth won the approbation of the citizens of Mecca, and b y common consent he received the title of "Al Ameen," The Faithful. In his early years, The Holy Prophet was not free from the cares of life. He had to watch the flocks of his uncle, who, like the rest of the Bani Hashim, had lost the greater part of his wealth. From youth to manhood he led an almost solitary life. The lawlessness rife among the Meccans, the sudden outbursts of causeless and bloody quarrels among the tribes frequenting the Fair of Okadh (The Arabian Olympia), and the immorality and skepticism of the Quraish, naturally caused feelings of pity and sorrow in the heart of the sensitive youth. Such scenes of social misery and religious degradation were characteristic of a depraved age. When Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) was twenty five years old, he traveled once more to Syria as a factor of a noble and rich Quraishi widow named Sayyida Khadijah; and, having proved himself faithful in the commercial interests of that lady, he was soon rewarded with her hand in marriage. This marriage proved fortunate and singularly happy. Sayyida Khadijah was much the senior of her husband, but in spite of the disparity of age between them, the most tender devotion on both sides existed. This marriage gave him the loving heart of a woman who was ever ready to console him in his despair and to keep alive within him the feeble, flickering flame of hope when no man believed in him and the world appeared gloomy in his eyes. Until he reached thirty years of age, The Holy Prophet was almost a stranger to the outside world. Since the death of his grandfather, authority in Mecca was divided among the ten senators who constituted the governing body of the Arabian Commonwealth. There was no such accord among them as to ensure the safety of individual rights and property. Though family relations afforded some degree of protection to citizens, yet strangers were frequently exposed to persecution and oppression. In many cases they were robbed, not only of their goods, but even of their wives and daughters. At the instigation of the faithful The Holy Prophet, an old league called the Federation of Fudul, i.e., favors was revived with the object of repressing lawlessness and defending every weak individual - whether Meccan or stranger, free or slave - against any wrong or oppression to which he might be the victim within the territories of Mecca. When The Holy Prophet reached thirty-five years, he settled by his judgment a grave dispute, which threatened to plunge the whole of Arabia into a fresh series of her oft-recurring wars. In rebuilding the Sacred House of the Ka'ba in A.D. 605, the question arose as to who should have the honor of raising the black stone, the most holy relic of that House, into its proper place. Each tribe claimed that honor. The senior citizen advised the disputants to accept for their arbitrator the first man to enter from a certain gate. The proposal was agreed upon, and the first man who entered the gate was The Holy Prophet "Al-Ameen." His advice satisfied all the contending parties. He ordered the stone to be placed on a piece of cloth and each tribe to share the honor of lifting it up by taking hold of a part of the cloth. The stone was thus deposited in its place, and the rebuilding of the House was completed without further interruption. It is related that, about this time, a certain Usman, Ibn Huwairith, supported by Byzantine gold, made an attempt to convert the territory of Hijaz into a Roman dependency, but the attempt failed, chiefly through the instrumentality of The Holy Prophet. These are nearly all the public acts related by historians in which The Holy Prophet took part in the first fifteen years of his marriage to Sayyida Khadijah. As for his private life he is described to have been ever helpful to the needy and the helpless. His uncle Abu Talib had fallen into distress through his endeavors to maintain the old position of his family. The Holy Prophet, being rather rich at this time by his alliance with Sayyida Khadijah, tried to discharge part of the debt of gratitude and obligation which he owed to his uncle by undertaking the bringing up and education of his son Ali. A year later he adopted 'Akil, another of his uncle's sons. Sayyida Khadijah bore The Holy Prophet three sons and four daughters. All the males died in childhood, but in loving Ali he found much consolation. About this time, The Holy Prophet set a good example of kindness, which created a salutary effect upon his people. His wife Sayyida Khadijah had made him a present of young slave named Zaid Ibn Haritha, who had been brought as a captive to Mecca and sold to Sayyida Khadijah. When Haritha heard that The Holy Prophet possessed Zaid, he came to Mecca and offered a large sum for his ransom. Whereupon Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) said: "Let Zaid come here, and if he chooses to go with you, take him without ransom; but if it be his choice to stay with me, why should I not keep him?' Zaid, being brought into The Holy Prophet's presence, declared that he would stay with his master, who treated him as if he was his only son. The Holy Prophet no sooner heard this than he took Zaid by the hand and led him to the black stone of Ka'ba, where he publicly adopted him as his son, to which the father acquiesced and returned home well satisfied. Henceforward Zaid was called the son of The Holy Prophet. Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) was now approaching his fortieth year, and his mind was ever-engaged in profound contemplation and reflection. Before him lay his country, bleeding and torn by fratricidal wars and intolerable dissension; his people, sunk in barbarism, addicted to the observation of rites and superstitions, were, with all their desert virtues, lawless and cruel. His two visits to Syria had opened to him a scene of unutterable moral and social desolation, rival creeds and sects tearing each other to pieces, carrying their hatred to the valleys and deserts of Hijaz, and rending the townships of Arabia with their quarrels and bitterness. For years after his marriage, The Holy Prophet had been accustomed to secluding himself in a cave in Mount Hira, a few miles from Mecca. To this cave he used to go for prayer and meditation, sometimes alone and sometime with his family. There, he often spent the whole nights in deep thought and profound communion with the Unseen yet All-Knowing Allah of the Universe. It was during one of those retirements and in the still hours of the night, when no human sympathy was near, that an angel came to him to tell him that he was the Messenger of Allah sent to reclaim a fallen people to the knowledge and service of their Lord. Renowned compilers of authentic traditions of Islam agree on the following account of the first revelations received by the Prophet. The Holy Prophet would seclude himself in the cave of Mount Hira and worship three days and nights. He would, whenever he wished, return to his family at Mecca and then go back again, taking wihim the necessities of life. Thus he continued to return to Sayyida Khadijah from time to time until one day the revelation came down to him and the Angel Gabriel (Jibreel) appeared to him and said: "Read!" But as The Holy Prophet was illiterate, having never received any instruction in reading or writing, he said to the angel: "I am not a reader." The angel took a hold of him and squeezed him as much as he could bear, and then said again: "Read!" Then Prophet said: "I am not a reader." The Angel again seized the Prophet and squeezed him and said: "Read! In the Name of Your Lord, Who has created (all that exists), has created a man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who has taught (the writing) by the pen, has taught man that which he knew not." (Quran 96:1-4). Then the Prophet repeated the words with a trembling heart. He returned to Sayyida Khadijah from Mount Hira and said: "Wrap me up! Wrap me up!" She wrapped him in a garment until his fear was dispelled. He told Sayyida Khadijah what had occurred and that he was becoming either a soothsayer or one smitten with madness. She replied: "Allah forbid! He will surely not let such a thing happen, for you speak the truth, you are faithful in trust, you bear the afflictions of the people, you spend in good works what you gain in trade, you are hospitable and you assist your fellow men. Have you seen anything terrible?" The Holy Prophet replied: "Yes," and told her what he had seen. Whereupon, Sayyida Khadijah said: "Rejoice, O dear husband and be cheerful. He is Whose hands stands Sayyida Khadijah's life bears witness to the truth of this fact, that you will be the prophet to this people." Then she arose and went to her cousin Waraqa Ibn Naufal, who was old and blind and who knew the Scriptures of the Jews and Christians, and is stated to have translated them into Arabic. When she told him of what she had heard, he cried out: "Holy! Holy! Verily, this is the Namus (The Holy Spirit) who came to Moses. He will be the prophet of his people. Tell him this and bid him to be brave at heart." When the two men met subsequently in the street, the blind old student of the Jewish and Christian Scriptures spoke of his faith and trust: "I swear by Him in Who hand Waraqa's life is, Allah has chosen you to be the prophet of this people. They will call you a liar, they will persecute you, they will banish you, and they will fight against you. Oh, that I could live to those days. I would fight for these." And he kissed him on the forehead. The first vision was followed by a considerable period, during which The Holy Prophet suffered much mental depression. The angel spoke to the grieved heart of hope and trust and of the bright future when he would see the people of the earth crowding into the one true faith. His destiny was unfolded to him, when, wrapped in profound meditation, melancholy and sad, he felt himself called by a voice from heaven to arise and preach. O you (The Holy Prophet) enveloped (in garments)! Arise and warn! And your Lord (Allah) magnify! (Quran 74:1-3) He arose and engaged himself in the work to which he was called. Sayyida Khadijah was the first to accept his mission. She was to believe in the revelations, to abandon the idolatry of her people and to join him in purity of heart and in offering up prayers to Allah the Almighty. At the beginning of his mission, The Holy Prophet - hereinafter called the Prophet - opened his soul only to those who were attached to him and tried to free them from the gross practices of their forefathers. After Sayyida Khadijah, his cousin' Ali was the next companion. The Prophet used often to go into the desert around Mecca with his wife and young cousin that they might together offer their heart felt thanks to the Lord of all nations for His manifold blessings. Once they were surprised by Abu Talib, the father of Ali. He said to the Prophet: "O son of my brother, what is this religion you are following?" "It is the religion of Allah of His Angels, of His Messengers and of our ancestor Abraham," answered the Prophet. "Allah has sent me to His servants, to direct them towards the truth, and you, O my uncle, are the most worthy of all. It is meet that I should thus call upon you and it is meet that you should accept the truth and help in spreading it." Abu Talib replied: "Son of my brother, I cannot abjure the religion of my fathers; but by the Supreme Lord, while I am alive, none shall dare to injure you." Then turning towards Ali, the venerable chief asked what religion was his. Ali answered: "O father, I believe in Allah and His Prophet and go with him." Abu Talib replied: "Well my son, he will not call you to anything except what is good, therefore you are free to go with him." After Ali, The Holy Prophet's adopted son Zayd became a convert to the new faith. He was followed by Abu Bakr, a leading member of the Quraish tribe and an honest, wealthy merchant who enjoyed great consideration among his compatriots. He was but two years younger than the Prophet. His adoption of the new faith was of great moral effect. Soon after, five notables presented themselves before the Prophet and accepted Islam. Several converts also came from lower classes of the Arabs to adopt the new religion. For three weary long years, the Prophet labored very quietly to deliver his people from the worship of idols. Polytheism was deeply rooted among the people. It offered attractions, which the new faith in its purity did not possess. The Quraish had personal material interests in the old worship, and their prestige was dependent upon its maintenance. The Prophet had to contend with the idolatrous worship of its followers and to oppose the ruling oligarchy, which governed its destinies. After three years of constant but quiet struggle, only thirty followers were secured. An important change now occurred in the relations of the Prophet with the citizens of Mecca. His compatriots had begun to doubt his sanity, thinking him crazy or possessed by an evil spirit. Hitherto he preached quietly and unobtrusively. He now decided to appeal publicly to the Meccans, requesting them to abandon their idolatry. For this he arranged a gathering on a neighboring hill and there spoke to them of their folly in the sight of Allah in worshipping pieces of stone which they called their gods. He invited them to abandon their old impious worship and adopt the faith of love, truth and purity. He warned them of the fate that had overtaken past races who had not heeded the preaching of former prophets. But the gathering departed without listening to the warning given them by the Prophet. Having thus failed to induce his fellow citizens to listen to him, he turned his attention to the strangers arriving in the city on commerce or pilgrimage. But the Quraish made attempts to frustrate his efforts. They hastened themselves to meet the strangers first on different routes, to warn them against holding any communication with the Prophet, whom they represented as a dangerous magician. When the pilgrims or traders returned to their homes, they carried with them the news of the advent of the bold preacher who was inviting the Arabs loudly - at the risk of his own life - to abandon the worship of their dear idols. Now the Prophet and his followers became subject to some persecution and indignity. The hostile Quraish prevented the Prophet from offering his prayers at the Sacred House of the Ka'ba; they pursued him wherever he went; they covered him and his disciples with dirt and filth when engaged in their devotions; they scattered thorns in the places which he frequented for devotion and meditation. Amidst all these trials the Prophet did not waver. He was full of confidence in his mission, even when on several occasions he was put in imminent danger of losing his life. At this time Hamza, the youngest son of Abdul Muttalib, adopted Islam. Hamza was a man of distinguished bravery, an intrepid warrior, generous and true, whose heroism earned for him the title of the "Lion of Allah." He became a devoted adherent of Islam and everlost his life in the cause. The Prophet continued preaching to the Arabs in a most gentle and reasonable manner. He called thepeople, so accustomed to iniquity and wrong doings, to abandon their abominations. In burning words which excited the hearts of his hearers, he warned them of the punishment which Allah had inflicted upon the ancient tribes of 'Ad and Thamud who had obstinately disobeyed the teachings of Allah's messengers to them. He adjured them by the wonderful sights of nature, by the noon day brightness, by the night when it spreads its veil, by the day when it appears in glory to listen to his warning before a similar destruction befell them. He spoke to them of the Day of Reckoning, when their deeds in this world will be weighed before the Eternal Judge, when the children who had been buried alive will be asked for what crime they were put to death. Almighty Allah said: Nay, they wonder that there has come to them a Warner (The Holy Prophet) from among themselves. So the disbeliveers say: "This is a strange thing! When we are dead and have become dust (shall we be resurrected)? That is a far return." We know that which the earth takes of them (their dead bodies), and with Us is a Book preserved (i.e., the Book of Decrees). Nay, but, they have denied the truth (this Quran) when it has come to them, so they are in a confused state (can not differentiate between right and wrong). Have they not looked at the heaven above them, how We have made it and adorned it, and there are no rifts in it? And the earth! We have spread it out, and set thereon mountains standing firm, and have produced therein every kind of lovely growth (plants). An insight and a reminder for every slave turning to Allah (i.e., the one who believes in Allah and performs deeds of His obedience, and always begs His pardon). And We send down blessed water (rain) from the sky, then we produce therewith gardens and grain (every kind of harvests that are reaped). And tall date palms, with ranged clusters; a provision for (Allah's) slaves. And We give life therewith to a dead land. Thus will be the resurrection (of the dead). Denied before them (i.e. these pagans of Makka who denied you, O Mohammed) the people of Noah, and the dwellers of Rass, and the Thamud, and 'Ad, and Pharaoh, and the brethren of Lot, and the dwellers of the Wood, and the people of Tubba, everyone of them denied their Messengers, so My Threat took effect." (Quran 50: 2-14) Almighty Allah also declared: All praises and thanks be to Allah Who Alone created the heavens and the earth, and originated the darkness and the light, yet those who disbelieve hold others as equal with their Lord. He it is Who has created you from clay, and then has decreed a stated term (for you to die). And there is with Him another determined term (for you to be resurrected), yet you doubt (in the Resurrection). And He is Allah (to be worshipped Alone) in the heavens and on the earth, He knows what you conceal and what you reveal, and He knows what you earn (good or bad). And never an Ayah (sign) comes to them from the Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of their Lord, but that they have been turning away from it. Indeed, they rejected the truth (The Quran and The Holy Prophet) when it came to them, but there will come to them the news of that (the torment) which they used to mock at. Have they not seen how many a generation before them We have destroyed whom We had established on the earth such as We have not established you? And We poured out on them rain from the sky in abundance, and made the rivers flow under them. Yet We destroyed them for their sins, and created after them other generations." (Quran 6:1-6)   As the number of believers increased and the cause of the Prophet was strengthened by the conversions of many powerful citizens, the Prophet's preaching alarmed the Quraish. Their power and prestige were at stake. They were the custodians of the idols, which the Prophet had threatened to destroy; they were the ministers of the worship, which he denounced; in fact their existence and living wholly depended upon the maintenance of the old institutions. The Prophet taught that in the sight of his Lord all human were equal, the only distinction recognized among them being the weight of their piety. Allah the Exalted said: O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable of you in the Sight of Allah is that believer who has At Taqwa (one of the Muttaqun, pious and righteous persons who fear Allah much, abstain from all kinds of sins and evil deeds which He has forbidden), and love Allah much (perform all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained. Verily! Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware." (Quran 49:13).  The Quraish would have none of this leveling of distinctions, as it reflected upon their long inherited privileges. Accordingly, they organized a system of persecution in order to suppress the movement before it became firmly established. They decided that each family should take upon itself the task of stamping out the new faith on the spot. Each household tortured its own members or adherents or slaves who were supposed to have connected themselves with the new religion. With the exception of the Prophet, who was protected by Abu Talib and his kinsmen, and Abu Bakr, and a few others who were either distinguished by their rank or possessed some influence among the Quraish, all other converts were subjected to different sorts of torture. Some of them were thrown into prison, starved, and then flogged. The hill of Ramada and the place called Bata thus became scenes of cruel torture. One day the Quraish tried to induce the Prophet to discontinue his teachings of the new religion, which had sown discord among their people. 'Utba Ibn Rabi'a, was delegated to see the Prophet and speak to him. 'Utba said: "O son of my brother, you are distinguished by your qualities; yet you have sown discord among our people and cast dissension in our families; you denounced our gods and goddesses and you charge our ancestors with impiety. Now we are come to make a proposition to you, and I ask you to think well before you reject it." "I am listening to you, O father of Walid," said the Prophet. "O son of my brother, if by this affair you intend to acquire riches, honors, and dignity, we are willing to collect for you a fortune larger than is possessed by any one of us; we shall make you our chief and will do nothing without you. If you desire dominion, we shall make you our king; and if the demon which possesses you cannot be subdued, we will bring you doctors and give them riches until they cure you." When 'Utba had finished his discourse, the Prophet said: "Now listen to me, O father of Walid." "I listen." He replied. The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), recited to him the first thirteen verses of Surah Fussilat, which maybe interpreted as follows: In the Name of Allah The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful. Ha Mim (These letters are one of the miracles of the Quran, and none but Allah Alone knows their meanings). A revelation from Allah the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. A Book whereof the Verses are explained in detail; - a Quran in Arabic for people who know. Giving glad tidings (of Paradise to the one who believes in the Oneness of Allah, Islamic Monotheism) and fears Allah much (abstains from all kinds of sins and evil deeds) and loves Allah much (performing all kinds of good deeds which He has ordained), and warning (of punishment in the Hellfire to be the one who disbelieves in the Oneness of Allah), but most of them turn away, so they listen not. And they say: "Our hearts are under coverings (screened) from that to which you invite us, and in our ears is deafness, and between us and you is a screen, so work you (on your way); verily we are working (on our way). Say (O Mohammed): "I am only a human being like you. It is inspired in me that your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God - Allah), therefore take the Straight Path to Him (with true Faith - Islamic Monotheism) and obedience to Him, and seek forgiveness of Him. And woe to Al-Mushrikeen; (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbeliveers in the Oneness of Allah, etc, those who worship others along with or set up rivals or partners to Allah etc.) Those who give not the Zakat and they are disbeliveers in the Hereafter. Truly, those who believe (in the Oneness of Allah and in His Messenger The Holy Prophet - Islamic Monotheism) and do righteous good deeds for them will be an endless reward that will never stop (Paradise). Say (O Mohammed): "Do you verily disbelieve in Him Who created the earth in two Days and you set up rivals (in worship) with Him? That is the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). He placed therein (the earth) firm mountains from above it, and He blessed it, and measured therein its sustenance (for its dwellers) in four Days equal (all these four days were equal in the length of time), for all those who ask (about its creation). Then He Istawa (rose over) towards the heaven when it was smoke, and said to it and to the earth: "Come both of you willingly or unwillingly." They both said: "We come, willingly." Then He completed and finished from their creation as seven heavens in two days and he made in each heaven with lamps (stars) to b e an adornment as well as to guard (from the devils by using them as missiles against the devils). Such is the Decree of Him the All Mighty, The All Knower. But if they turn away, then say (O Mohammed): "I have warned you of a Sa'iqa (a destruction awful cry, torment, hit, a thunder bolt) like the Sa'iqa which overtook 'Ad and Thamud (people)." (Quran 41:1-13). When the Prophet had finished his recitation, he said to 'Utba: "This is my reply to your proposition; now take what course you find best." Persecution by the Quraish grew fiercer every day and the sufferings of the Prophet's disciples became unbearable. He had heard of the righteousness, tolerance, and hospitality of the neighboring Christian king of Abyssinia. He recommended such of his companions who were without protection to seek refuge in the kingdom of that pious king, Al Najashi (Negus). Some fifteen of the unprotected adherents of Islam promptly availed themselves of the advice and sailed to Abyssinia. Here they met with a very kind reception from the Negus. This is called the first hijrah (migration) in the history of Islam and occurred in the fifth year of the Prophet The Holy Prophet's mission, A.D. 615. These emigrants were soon followed by many of their fellow sufferers, until the number reached eighty-three men and eighteen women. The hostile Quraish, furious at the escape of their victims, sent deputes to the king of Abyssinia to request him to deliver up the refugees, that they might be put to death for adjuring their old religion and embracing a new one. The king summoned the poor fugitives and inquired of them what was the religion, which they had adopted in preference to their old faith. Ja'far, son of Abu Talib and brother of Ali, acted as spokesman for the exiles. He spoke thus: "O king, we were plunged in the depth of ignorance and barbarism, we adored idols, we lived in unchastity, and we ate dead bodies, and we spoke abomination, we disregarded every feeling of humanity and sense of duty towards our neighbors, and we knew no law but that of the strong, when Allah raised among us a man, of whose birth, truthfulness, honesty, and purity we were aware. He called us to profess the Unity of Allah and taught us to associate nothing with Him; he forbade us the worship of idols and enjoined us to speak the truth, to be faithful to our trusts, to be merciful, and to regard the rights of neighbors; he forbade us to speak evil of the worship of Allah and not to return to the worship of idols of woos and stone and to abstain from evil, to offer prayers, to give alms, to observe the fast. We have believed in him, we have accepted his teachings and his injunctions to worship Allah alone and to associate nothing with Him. Hence our people have persecuted us, trying to make us forego the worship of Allah and return to the worship of idols of wood and stone and other abominations. They have tortured us and injured us until, finding no safety among them, we have come to your kingdom trusting you will give us protection against their persecution." After hearing the above speech, the hospitable king ordered the deputies to return to their people in safety and not to interfere with their fugitives. Thus the emigrants passed the period of exile in peace and comfort. While the followers of the Prophet sought safety in foreign lands against the persecution of their people, he continued his warnings to the Quraish more strenuously than ever. Again they came to him with offers of riches and honor, which he firmly and utterly refused. But they mocked at him and urged him for miracles to prove his mission. He used to answer: "Allah has not sent me to work wonders; He has sent me to preach to you." Thus disclaiming all power of wonder working, the Prophet ever rested the truth of his divine mission upon his wise teachings. He addressed himself to the inner consciousness of man, to his common sense and to his own better judgement. Say (O Mohammed): "I am only a human being like you. It is inspired in me that your Ilah (God) is One Ilah (God- Allah), therefore take the Straight Path to Him (with true Faith - Islamic Monotheism) and obedience to Him and seek forgiveness of Him. And woe to Al Mushrikeen; (polytheists, pagans, idolaters, and disbeliveers in the Oneness of Allah etc., those who worship others along with Allah or set up rivals or partners to Allah etc. (Quran 41:6) Despite all the exhortation of the Prophet, the Quraish persisted in asking him for a sign. They insisted that unless some sign be sent down to him from his Lord, they would not believe. The disbeliveers used to ask: "Why has The Holy Prophet not been sent with miracles like previous prophets?" T he Prophet replied: "Because miracles had proved inadequate to convince. Noah was sent with signs, and with what effect? Where was the lost tribe of Thamud? They had refused to receive the preaching of the Prophet Salih, unless he showed them a sign and caused the rock to bring forth a living camel. He did what they asked. In scorn they cut the camel's feet and then daring the prophet to fulfill his threats of judgment, were found dead in their beds the next morning, stricken by the angel of the Lord." There are some seventeen places in the Quran, in which the Prophet The Holy Prophet is challenged to work a sign, and he answered them all to the same or similar effect: Allah has the power of working miracles, and has not been believed; there were greater miracles in nature than any which could be wrought outside of it; and the Quran itself was a great, everlasting miracle. The Quran, the Prophet used to assert to the disbeliveers, is a book of blessings which is a warning for the whole world; it is a complete guidance and explains everything necessary; it is a reminder of what is imprinted on human nature and is free from every discrepancy and from error and falsehood. It is a book of true guidance and a light to all. As to the sacred idols, so much honored and esteemed by the pagan Arabs, the Prophet openly recited: They are but names which you have named - you and your fathers - for which Allah has sent down no authority. (Quran 53:23) When the Prophet thus spoke reproachfully of the sacred gods of the Quraish, the latter redoubled their persecution. But the Prophet, nevertheless, continued his preaching undaunted but the hostility of his enemies or by their bitter persecution of him. And despite all opposition and increased persecution, the new faith gained ground. The national fair at Okadh near Mecca attracted many desert Bedouins and trading citizen of distant towns. These listened to the teachings of the Prophet, to his admonitions, and to his denunciations of their sacred idols and of their superstitions. They carried back all that they had heard to their distant homes, and thus the advent of the Prophet was made know to almost all parts of the peninsula. The Meccans, however, were more than ever furious at the Prophet's increasing preaching against their religion. They asked his uncle Abu Talib to stop him, but he could not do anything. At , as the Prophet persisted in his ardent denunciations against their ungodliness and impiety, they turned him out from the Ka'ba where he used to sit and preach, and subsequently went in a body to Abu Talib. They urged the venerable chief to prevent his nephew from abusing their gods any longer or uttering any ill words against their ancestors. They warned Abu Talib that if he would not do that, he would be excluded from the communion of his people and driven to side with The Holy Prophet; the matter would then be settled by fight until one of the two parties were exterminated. Abu Talib neither wished to separate himself from his people, nor forsake his nephew for the idolaters to revenge themselves upon. He spoke to the Prophet very softly and begged him to abandon his affair. To this suggestion the Prophet firmly replied: "O my uncle, if they placed the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand to cause me to renounce my task, verily I would not desist therefrom until Allah made manifest His cause or I perished in the attempt." The Prophet, overcome by the thought that his uncle and protector was willing to desert him, turned to depart. But Abu Talib called him loudly to come back, and he came. "Say whatever you please; for by the Lord I shall not desert you ever." The Quraish again attempted in vain to cause Abu Talib to abandon his nephew. The venerable chief declared his intention to protect his nephew against any menace or violence. He appealed to the sense of honor of the two families of the Bani Hashim and the Bani Muttalib, both families being kinsmen of the Prophet, to protect their member from falling a victim to the hatred of rival parties. All the members of the two families nobly responded to the appeal of Abu Talib except Abu Lahab, one of the Prophet's uncles, who took part with the persecutors. During this period, 'Umar Al-Khattab adopted Islam. In him the new faith gained a valuable adherent and an important factor in the future development and propagation of Islam. Hitherto he had been a violent opposer of the Prophet and a bitter enemy of Islam. His conversion is said to have been worked by the miraculous effect on his mind of a Surah of the Quran which his sister was reading in her house, where he had gone with the intention of killing her for adopting Islam. Thus the party of the Prophet had been strengthened by the conversation by his uncle Hamza, a man of great valor and merit; and of Abu Bakr and 'Umar, both men of great energy and reputation. The Muslims now ventured to perform their devotions in public.  The miracle of the Prophet's night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, and the Heavenly Ascent Speaking of the miraculous Night Journey of Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) tells of his conversation with Allah, his vision, his being the leader of all the prophets, his ascent to the Lote Tree (Sidrat Tree) of the Ending, close to the Garden of Refuge, and speaks of the greatest signs of Allah seen by him during his journey. Another of Prophet Mohammed's very special qualities are made known to us as a result of this event added to which we learn more of the exalted degrees bestowed upon him on account of it. This miraculous event is mentioned in the Holy Quran and further details are made known to us in the authentic prophetic quotations. Allah says, "Exalted is He who carried His worshiper (Prophet Mohammed) to travel in the night from the Sacred Mosque (Mecca) to the Furthest Mosque (Jerusalem) which We have blessed around it so that We might show him some of Our signs. He is the Hearer, the Seer." (Quran 17:1). And, "By the star when it plunges, your companion is neither astray, neither errs, nor does he speak out of desire. Indeed, it is not except a Revelation which is revealed, taught by One who is Stern in power. Of might, he (Gabriel) stood firm while he was in the highest horizon; then he drew near, and became close he was but two bows' length or even nearer, so (Allah) revealed to His worshiper (Gabriel) that which he revealed (to Prophet Mohammed). His heart did not lie of what he saw. What, will you dispute with him about what he sees! Indeed, he saw him in another descent at the Lote Tree (Sidrat tree) of the Ending close to the Garden of Refuge. When there comes to the Lote Tree, that which comes his eyes did not swerve, nor did they stray for indeed he saw one of the greatest signs of his Lord." (Quran 53:1-18). Muslims have absolutely no doubt about the occurrence of this great, miraculous event because Allah in His unchangeable Word, the Holy Quran Himself testifies to it. There are a great number of authentic prophetic quotations that elabourate upon its detail and marvels to acquaint us still further with the very special qualities of our beloved Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him). Some of the information has already been made known to you, dear reader in previous chapters, however, we will, Allah willing (inshaAllah), enlightened you with more indications to its magnitude. Malik's son Anass tells us that he was told by the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) "Burack was brought to me. It was a white animal, somewhat taller than a donkey, yet smaller than a mule. Its step extended a distance that equaled the range of its vision. I mounted and rode it until I was brought to Jerusalem. I tied it to the ring that the prophets used and thereafter entered the mosque where I prayed two units of prayer. When I came out, Gabriel brought me two vessels, one of milk and the other of wine. I chose the one containing milk and Gabriel said, 'You have chosen the upright nature.' Then he ascended with me to the first heaven and asked for it to be opened and a voice asked, 'Who is it?' He replied, 'Gabriel'. Then the voice asked, 'Who is with you?' Gabriel replied, 'Mohammed'. The voice inquired, 'Was he sent for?' and he answered, ' He was sent for', whereupon the door was opened for us and I found Adam who welcomed me and supplicated for me. Then we ascended to the second heaven and Gabriel asked for it to be opened, and a voice inquired, 'Who is it?' and he replied, 'Gabriel' and the voice asked 'Who is with you?' To which he replied, 'Mohammed'. It was asked, 'Was he sent for?' and he answered, 'He was.' And the door was opened for us, and there I found my cousins, Jesus, Mary's son and John, Zachariah's son. They welcomed me and supplicated for me. Then we ascended to the third heaven and the same thing happened and the door was opened for me and I met Joseph, he had been given half of all the beauty, and he too welcomed me and supplicated for me. Then we ascended to the fourth heaven and the same thing occurred. There I found Idris and he welcomed me and supplicated for me. (Of Idris) Allah says, "Idris, he too was of the truth and a Prophet." 19:56. Thereafter, we ascended to the fifth heaven and the same occurred. Aaron was there and he welcomed and supplicated for me. Then, we ascended to the sixth heaven, and the same thing occurred, and there I found Moses who welcomed and supplicated for me. Thereafter we ascended to the seventh heaven and the same thing occurred and I found Abraham leaning against the "Bayt al-Ma'mur (the Crowded House) pilgrimaged by seventy thousand angels in the heavens who enter but do not emerge until the Day of Judgement. Then he took me to the Lote Tree of the Ending, its leaves are like the ears of elephants and its fruits are like earthenware vessels. When a command from Allah covers it, that which is covered is transformed in a way that no creature is capable to describe on account of its absolute beauty. Then, Allah revealed to me what He revealed and He obligated to me fifty prayers during each day with its night. Then I descended to Moses who advised me saying, 'Go back to your Lord and ask Him to lighten it, your nation will never be able to do that. I tested the Children of Israel and know from experience.' So I went back to my Lord and requested, 'My Lord, lighten it for my nation.' So He reduced it by five, and I returned to Moses and told him, 'He reduced it by five for me.' Moses said, 'Your nation will not be able to do that, go back again and asked Him to lighten it.' I kept going and coming between my Lord and Moses until Allah said, 'Mohammed, they are five prayers throughout each day with its night. Each prayer counts as ten, equivalent to fifty prayers. Whosoever intends to do something good, but does not do it, a good action will be written for him. If he does it, ten will be written for him. Whosoever intends to do something bad and does not do it-nothing will be written against him. If he does it, then one bad action will be recorded.' Then I returned to Moses and told him and he said, 'Go back to your Lord and ask Him to lighten it.' Whereupon I said: I have gone back to my Lord so often that I am shy before Him." A fine detail of the preparatory Heavenly Ascent was narrated by Abu Dharr who tells us that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) said, "The roof of my house was split open, and Gabriel descended and opened my chest and washed it with water from Zamzam. Then he brought a gold dish filled with wisdom and belief and poured it into my chest and then sealed it. He took me by the hand and ascended with me to the heavens." Judge Iyyad continues to throw more light up the Night Journey by drawing our attention to the reports of several Companions: Shehab's son tells us, "Every Prophet except Adam and Abraham said to me (Prophet Mohammed). 'Welcome to the righteous Prophet and the righteous brother'. Adam and Abraham said, 'a righteous son.'" Abbas' son, reports that the Prophet said, "Then he (Gabriel) ascended with me until I reached a level plain where I heard the scratching of pens." To this Anass added, "Then he (Gabriel) ascended with me until I reached the Lote Tree of the Ending, and it was covered in colors that I did not recognize, thereafter I was brought into the Garden." Sa'sa'a son, Malik tells us of the Prophet's (peace and blessing be upon him) conversation with Moses, he said, "When I passed Moses, he wept. He was asked, 'Why do you weep?' He replied, 'Lord, this is a young man who was sent after me, and more of his nation will enter the Garden than those of my nation." Abu Hurayra, tells us, "Then he (the Prophet) traveled until he reached Jerusalem where he dismounted. He tied his mount to the Rock and prayed with the angels. After the prayer they asked, 'Gabriel, who is this with you?' He replied, 'This is Mohammed, the Messenger of Allah, the Seal of the Prophets.' Whereupon they inquired, 'Has he been sent already?' To which he replied, 'Yes'. And they said, 'May Allah give him a long life as a brother and a caliph, an excellent brother, an excellent caliph!' Thereafter he met the spirits of the prophets who praised their Lord and he mentioned what each of them said. They were, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, David and Solomon." Abu Hurayra went on to say, "Mohammed praised his Lord, the Mighty, the Glorified, and said, 'You have all praised your Lord, and I will praise Him: Praise be to Allah who has sent me as a mercy to the worlds and as a bringer of good tidings and as a warner for all mankind. He has sent down the Criterion on me that clarifies all things. He has made my nation the best nation, and He has made my nation a median nation. They are the first and the last. He opened my chest for me and removed my burden from me. He has elevated my prominence and made me an opener and a seal.' Abraham said, 'That is why Mohammed is better than you.'" Masood's son tells us, "He brought me to the Lote Tree of the Ending, which is in the sixth heaven. Whatever rises from the earth to it reaches it and touches a part of it. Whatever falls from above it reaches it and touches part of it. Allah says, "When there comes to the Lote Tree, that which comes" 53:16. Rabi, Anass's narrates, "I (Prophet Mohammed) was told, 'This is the Lote Tree of the Ending. Each of your nation who travels your Path will reach it. It is the furthest Lote Tree. From its roots spring rivers of sweet water, rivers of unstaling milk, rivers of wine, a delight to its drinkers, and rivers of pure honey. The tree is so huge that it would take a rider seventy years just to ride across its shadow. One leaf from it would shade creation, light and angels cover it." Abu Hurayra explained that this refers to the words of Allah, "When there comes to the Lote Tree, that which comes." (Quran 53:16). Allah told him, "Ask," and Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) replied, "You took Abraham to be a close friend and You gave him and immense kingdom. You spoke directly to Moses and gave David an immense kingdom and made iron malleable for him, and You subjected the mountains to him. To Solomon, You gave an immense kingdom and subjugated men, jinn and satans to him, and the winds and gave to him a kingdom the like of which no one after him would have. To Jesus You taught the Torah and the Gospel and permitted him to heal the blind and the leper. You protected him and his mother from the accursed satan so that he would find no way against them." Allah then said to him, "I have taken you as a close friend and a beloved. In the Torah it is written, 'Mohammed is the Beloved of the Merciful'. I have sent you to all people and made your nation such that none will be permitted to speak until they have all testified that you are My Worshiper and My Messenger. I made you to be the first of the prophets to be created and the last to be sent. I have given you the seven dual verses (Mathani), and I did not give them to any prophet before you. To you I have given the seals of the "Cow" chapter from the treasure under My Throne, and these I did not given to any prophet before you. I have made you an opener and a seal." In another version it reads, "The Messenger of Allah was given three things. He was given the five prayers, the seals of the "Cow" chapter, and the pardoning for the major sins of his nation for each of his nation who did not associate anything with Allah." Allah says, "His heart did not lie of what he saw." 53:11. Masood's son tells us that he saw Gabriel in his reality and described him as having six hundred wings. Sharik, Abi Namr's son, says that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) saw Moses in the seventh heaven, then he was taken higher to that of which Allah has knowledge, Moses said, "I did not think that anyone would be raised above me." Anass tells us that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) prayed with the prophets in Jerusalem. He also tells that he said, "One day when I was sitting, Gabriel came to me and nudged me between my shoulders, whereupon I arose and ascended to a tree in which there was something similar to two bird's nests. He sat in one and I sat in the other, and it grew until it filled both the east and west. If I had wished I could have touched the sky. I looked around and glanced at Gabriel and it appeared to me as if he was a piece of transparent cloth. I recognized the superiority of his knowledge of Allah over mine. Then the gate of heaven was opened and I saw a blinding light and a veil dropped below me. The pearl and ruby split open and Allah revealed to me what He wished to reveal." Imam Ali (may Allah be satisfied with him) informs us, "When Allah wanted to teach His Messenger the 'Call to Prayer', Gabriel came to him with a mount called Burack. As he went to mount it, it shied away from him and Gabriel said, 'Be still, by Allah, no worshiper has ever ridden you who is more honoured before Allah than Mohammed.' Then he mounted and rode it until it brought him to the veil just below the Merciful, whereupon an angel came out of the veil and the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) inquired, 'Gabriel, who is this?' He replied, 'By the One who has sent you with the truth, I have the closest station to Allah of all creatures, yet I have not seen this angel from the time I was created until this moment.' The angel said, 'Allah is the Greatest! Allah is the Greatest!' Then a voice came from behind the veil saying, 'My worshiper has spoken the truth, I am the Greatest, I am the Greatest!' The angel then said, 'I bear witness that there is no god except Allah' and a voice from behind the veil said, 'My worshiper has spoken the truth, there is no god except Me,' and the rest of the Call to Prayer was mentioned, although he did not mention the response to the words, 'Come to the prayer, come to success.'" After this he said, "Then the angel took Mohammed by the hand as a guide so that he was the prayer leader for the inhabitants of the heavens, including Adam and Noah." The grandson of al-Hussayn tells us that "Allah honoured Mohammed above the inhabitants of the heavens of the earth." Dear reader, we must understand that it is the creatures who are veiled in this life, not the Creator because He is never absent but eyes never reach Him, whereas He reaches the eyes. The Creator, Exalted is He, is not connected with anything that might veil Him because veils are defined by physical senses and reflective lights on substances. He veils the eyes, the inner eyes, and the perception of His creatures how and when He wills as He has said. However, on the Day of Judgement Allah will be seen by the elite amongst the believers in Paradise, but not with the physical method of this life's sighting because Allah is removed from directions and is neither contained by either space or location. Allah tells us, "On that Day there shall be radiant faces, gazing towards their Lord." 75:22-23. Whereas the unbelievers are veiled from this rank as Allah said, "No indeed, on that Day they shall be veiled from their Lord." (Quran 83:15). The preceding hadith speaks of an angel 'coming out of the veil', therefore it is understood that it is a veil which veils what is beyond it and so the angels cannot grasp the power and immensity of Allah nor yet the wonders of what He created of the earthly life and the angelic world of the whole universe beyond that point. This is an indication that the veil is not particular to the Essence, rather to the creation. Ka'b explained that it is there at the Lote Tree of the Ending, that the knowledge of the angels ends, and it is there that they find the command of Allah and their knowledge does not extend further than that point. The hadith says, "Then a voice (having no direction) came (as if) from behind the veil saying (not heard by the ear, rather by the heart), My worshiper has spoken the truth I am Greater, I am Greater!" From this it is understood that the angel does not hear the words of Allah here, rather they are from behind a veil. Allah says, "It does not belong to any human that Allah should speak to him except by Revelation, or from behind a veil, or that He sent a Messenger to reveal whatsoever He will by His permission. He is the High, the Wise." 42:51. The meaning of this is that he does not see Allah, his eye is veiled from seeing Him.  The way in which Allah praised the excellent qualities of His Prophet Allah says, "And when Allah took the covenant of the Prophets, 'That I have given you of the Book and Wisdom. Then there shall come to you a Messenger (Mohammed) confirming what is with you, you shall believe in him and you shall support him to be victorious, do you agree and take My load on this?' They answered, 'We do agree.' Allah said, 'Then bear witness, and I will be with you among the witnesses.'" 3:81 Abul Hassan al-Kabasi draws our attention to the fact that in this verse Allah selected Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) out of all His Prophets and Messengers, and this excellence was not given to anyone else. Commentators said that Allah described Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) to each and every prophet and messenger before they were sent to their nation, and took a covenant from each that if he met him he must believe him. It has also been said that the covenant entailed informing their nation of his impending coming together with his description. The phrase, "Then there shall come to you a Messenger" is addressed to the Jews and Nazarenes/Christians who were the forerunners. Ali, Abu Talib's son and others added that from the time of Prophet Adam, Allah made a covenant with each prophet and messenger to believe and help Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) if he should happen to appear during their time. And that it was incumbent upon each them to take a covenant with their nation to the same effect. Allah says, "We took from the Prophets their covenant and from you (Prophet Mohammed) from Noah and Abraham, from Moses and Jesus the son of Mary." 33:7. And, "We have revealed to you as We revealed to Noah and to the Prophets after him, and We revealed to Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the tribes, Jesus, Job, Jonah, Aaron and Solomon, and We gave to David the Psalms. And Messengers of whom We have narrated to you before, and Messengers of whom We did not narrate to you. Certainly, Allah talked to Moses. Messengers bearing glad tidings and warning, so that the people will have no Argument against Allah, after the Messengers. Allah is the Almighty, the Wise." 4:163-165. Upon the passing of Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) Omar Al-Khattab's son said as he mourned the loss. "May my father and mother be your ransom. O Messenger of Allah, it has been revealed that a fraction of your excellence before Allah is that He sent you as His last Prophet whilst mentioning you among the first of them. 'We took from the Prophets their covenant and from you from Noah'. May my father and mother be your ransom! O Messenger of Allah, it has been revealed that a fraction of your excellence with Allah is that the people of the Fire will wish they had obeyed you even when they are being severely punished and will say, 'Would that we had obeyed Allah and obeyed the Messenger!' 33:66." The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) told his followers, "Of all the prophets I was the first to be created and the last of them to be sent." This is why he was mentioned before Noah and the other prophets. Samarkandi explained, "Because Allah distinguished him by mentioning him before the other prophets-despite the fact that he was the last of them to be sent-means that the covenant between Allah and them was made when He brought them out from the back of Adam like small ants." Referring to the words "Of these Messengers, We have preferred some above others" in the verse "Of these Messengers, We have preferred some above others. To some Allah spoke, and some He raised in rank." 2:253 it has been explained that this phrase refers to Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) because he was sent for all mankind. Allah also made the spoils of war lawful to him (which were unlawful to previous prophets) and gave to him superior miracles. No other prophet was given a virtue or an honourable rank without Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) being given its equivalent or higher. It has also been said that a glimpse of his excellence is that Allah addresses him in the Holy Quran using titles such as O Prophet, O Messenger whereas He calls the other prophets by their names. Commenting on the verse "Of his party was Abraham" 37:83 al-Kalbi said, the word "his” refers to Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) because Abraham was of his party, religion and path. However, it has also been said by Makki that it refers to Prophet Noah, peace be upon him. The qualities of the Holy Prophet  We have already spoken about several of the Prophet's praiseworthy qualities, his excellent virtues and perfect attributes, and brought you ample proof through reliable reports that all these qualities are truthful. However, one must be aware that these reports are but a sample and that there are so many more to learn, collect and study. This section also relates to the qualities of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) and one must realize that we have only scratched the surface as the extent of the proofs is colossal. There is an overflowing ocean of knowledge relating to the qualities of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) and when buckets full of this knowledge are drawn from that ocean, it's effect on that ocean is insignificant. To complete this chapter, we are of the opinion that the best manner would be to quote the sayings of al-Hassan, and al-Hussayn, the grandsons of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) narrated by Abi Hala, as they cover many of his qualities and include a considerable amount of physical detail. Al-Hassan tells us that he asked his uncle Abi Hala about the features of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) as he wished to recall them. He said,   "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) was not only imposing but majestic, his face shone like the full moon. He was a little taller than medium height and a little shorter than could be termed tall. The head of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) was well proportioned and his hair was neither curly nor straight, and parted; it did not reach lower than the lobes of his ears. His complexion was fair and he had a wide brow. His eyebrows were thick separated by a narrow space. When he was angered a vein throbbed between them. His nose was long and had a line of light over it that someone might, unthinkingly, suppose to be his nose. His beard was thick, and his eyes were black and naturally mascared. His cheeks were firm and his mouth wide with evenly spaced teeth. The hair on his chest formed a fine line. His neck was as if it were fashioned from pure silver. The Prophet's physique was finely balanced, and his body firm and muscular.  His belly was equal in size to his chest. His chest was broad and the space between his shoulders wide. His calves were full. He was luminous! Between the neck and navel of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) there was a fine line of hair, however the rest of his torso was free from hair. He had hair on his forearms and shoulders as did the upper part of his chest. His wrists were thick, and the palms of his hand broad. Both his hands and the soles of his feet were firm, and his fingers were long. He was slender. He had a high instep and his feet were so smooth that water ran off them. As for his gait, when he walked it was a though he was going down a hill. His walk was dignified and easy. He walked swiftly. When he addressed someone he would turn his entire body towards them. He lowered and restrained his glance which would be more downward than upward. He was the first to speak to his Companions and the first to greet any person he met."  Al-Hassan then asked how he spoke whereupon Abi Hala's son replied, "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) was sad on account of his knowledge of reality and reflected. He took no rest and spoke only when necessary, spending long periods in silence. He began and concluded his talk correctly and his words were straight to the point and easily understood without excess, or inadequacy. His temperament was exceptional, he was neither harsh nor cruel. He valued a gift no matter whether it was small. He neither censured, nor criticized anything, nor did he praise the taste of food. He was only angry with whosoever violated the rights of Allah, he was never angry for his own personal sake. If he happened to point to something, he pointed with his entire hand. When something surprised him he would turn the palm of his hand upside down. When talking, he held his right thumb in his left palm. When angered he turned away, averting his face and when he was happy, he looked downwards. More often than not his laughter was that of a smile and he showed his teeth which were as white as hailstones." Al-Hassan said, "I delayed mentioning this to al-Hussayn for a while, then I mentioned it to him only to discover he had beaten me to it. He had asked our father (Imam Ali) about the preceding prophetic qualities of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) both at home and outside, and also about his features. He omitted nothing." Al-Hussayn said, "I asked my father about the prophetic qualities of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) at home and he replied, 'He was permitted to enter his house for his own comfort. When he retired to his house, he divided his time in to thirds, a third for Allah, a third for his family and a third for himself, then, he divided his third between the people and himself. As for the time allotted for the people, he spent more time with ordinary people than he did with the hierarchy, so none were excluded. In respect to the prophetic qualities in the third set aside for himself he would show preference to those of merit and divide the time according to the excellence of their faith. Some only had one need, whereas others had two or more. He concerned himself with them and kept them active in doing things that were beneficial for both themselves and the community. He always asked about them and their affairs. He would say, 'Those of you who are present should convey things to those who are absent, and you should let me know the needs of the people who are unable to convey their needs to me. On the Day of Resurrection, Allah will make firm the feet of a person who conveys to a ruler the need of someone who is unable to convey it himself.'" Sufyan, Wukay's son, commented "The people entered (into his presence) as seekers and only departed after they had tasted something, and left to guide others." Al-Hussayn asked his father about the occasions the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) went out and his mode of behaviour. Imam Ali replied, "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) did not speak unless it was in respect of the concerns of people. He unified people and did not divide them. He honoured the nobility from each delegation and appointed them over their people. He was cautious and guarded himself against them, however he was never discourteous and never turned his face away from them. Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) inquired about his Companions and would ask people about others. He praised and encouraged what was good, and disliked and discouraged anything that was odious. He took a balanced course, without making changes. He was never neglectful, because it was his fear that people might become negligent or weary. He was always prepared for any eventuality. He neither neglected a right nor let his debt become excessive so that he had to ask for the help of others. To him, the best and most preferred people were those who were good advisors to others. As for those he esteemed most, they were those who supported and helped him." Al-Hussayn also asked Imam Ali (may Allah be pleased with them) him about his gatherings and prophetic qualities while he was with them. Imam Ali replied, "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) neither sat down nor stood up without mentioning Allah. He did not reserve a special place for himself and forbade others to do so on his behalf. When he came upon a group of people he would sit down at its edge and ask others to do the same. Everyone who sat with him received his share of time and no one who sat with him felt that another was more honoured than he. The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) was patient with all people and those in his company would be the first to depart. When someone in need asked for something he would either give it to him or speak to him with words of consolation. Of all people, he was the kindest and most well mannered, and was like a father to them. When it came to the rights of people each was equal before him. The gatherings of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) were those of forbearance, modesty, patience and trust. Voices were never raised during these gatherings neither were people's shortcomings made known, nor lapses exposed. Each participant was humble, bonded to one another through their fear of Allah. Respect was shown to the elderly and mercy shown to the young, they helped those in need and were merciful to strangers." Having asked these questions al-Hussayn then asked about the Messenger of Allah's interaction with his Companions. Imam Ali told him, "The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) was of a cheerful disposition, with an exceptional temperament. He was never harsh or rude and did not shout or use obscene language. He was not one to find fault nor over praise anyone. He disregarded and left anything that was unessential. He was void of hypocrisy, and did not store up matters, nor did he concern himself with trivialities. He neither censured anyone, scolded them, nor pried into the secrets of people. When Prophet Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) spoke it was only about things to receive a reward from Allah. When he spoke, those sitting with him sat still, as if they had birds perched on their heads. When someone spoke to him, they remained silent until he had finished. Their conversation was about the first matter that was raised. He laughed at what they laughed and was surprised by that which surprised them. When a stranger spoke to the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) in a vulgar manner, he was patient with him. He said, "When you find someone asking for something of which he has a need, give it to him." He did not look for praise except to balance a matter. He never interrupted someone who happened to be speaking, and spoke only when that person had finished what he was going to say or when the person got up from where he was sitting.” Imam Ali (may Allah be satisfied with him) was asked by someone else to describe the silence of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) to which he replied, "He remained silent on account of four matters; forbearance, caution, evaluation and reflection. He reflected upon what would endure and that which would not. He was forbearing in his patience, and provocative matters never angered him. The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) exercised caution out of concern for his nation in several matters. For example he avoided offering voluntary worship in front of his followers lest they follow him and thereafter the voluntary become obligatory. If such matters had become obligatory his nation would have been punished if they neglected to do them. The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) would overlook something minor in order not to harm the establishment of something major. In other words focusing on the principle cause rather than minor issues and he would strive to establish what was best for his nation, both materially and spiritually of the code of practice, and the supportive knowledge and wisdom. He established the best practice in this life for the sake of winning in the Everlasting Life." Praise be to Allah, and our thanks to Him. This brings to a close a glimpse of the description of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him). Preeminence of the Holy Prophet (Peace and Blessing be upon Him) Praise be to Allah Who Gave more merit to some Prophets (peace and blessings to all of them) than to others, Who Set off the Glamour of some, compared with other Messengers, and who made of Our Holy Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), the Most Deserving of all, settling him at the Summit of Situations. According to the texts and to unanimous opinion, he is the Most Deserving, the Most Perfect Among Beings, the Chief of all Adam's (peace be upon him) children, and the Mercy of Mankind, even of those who received the Prophecies and the Divine Messages. Holy Greetings to his Family, his Companions, and his Nation which is the Best Nation Humanity has known, according to the religious texts and to verses of the Holy Quran. After this foreword, I intend to say that, since quite a number of years, I listened to talks ascribed to Muslims, which I have ranked as senseless lucubration's, and had decided not to dip my pen for refuting them. Unfortunately they went a great deal and spread. Seeing that most of our contemporaries are uneducated, knowing of the Book but hopes, and what scrapes their chiefs have embellished, although it is nothing more than errors and untrue statements pretending that not a single proof does exist so as to confirm Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) as the most deserving of all the Prophets, Holders of Truth, and Miracles, I feared that the ignorant masses would give ear to such insinuations, so I wrote this brief answer within reach of understanding of the contemporaries the carelessness of whom is well-known, and I have stated that in the Holy Quran the primacy among Prophets is mentioned as well as the Holy Prophet’s privileged place in comparison with the Prophets and the Messengers. This is clear as daylight and needs no proof. As the saying goes, “How to believe in something, if the day requires proof?” As long as we deal with narrow-minded folks, our answer will keep within bounds of their brains, therefore bearing witness and reporting verses from the Holy Quran. We declare that the Holy Quran has mentioned that Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) was the Mercy of Mankind. It is proved that, on the Day of the Last Judgment, he will intercede on their behalf, and that he is the Chief of the Sons of Adam (peace be upon him). Adam and those who are after him will fall in under his banner on the Day of Resurrection. He is the Seal and the Leader of Prophets. His religion is the Best, his Nation perfect, and his Book the Most Valuable of all the Books revealed by Almighty Allah. He is the First to Arise from Earth. He is the First to Reach Heaven. He has got the Means. Allah Has Had regard for him more than for anyone else. He Has Enhanced his Glamour; He Has Opened everything for him, and Forgiven him everything. He Has Preserved his Family from blemish. He Set him in a night trip to the Heavens, swore by his Name, by his Time, by his Country, and granted him Profusion. His Verses are Eternal. His Religion has abolished the other religions. He has been the Messenger of the Whole Humanity. Here are the items on what we have stated. According to the exegetes (interpreters), there is a difference between the positions of the Habib, our Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) and the others' position. You have some verses here which partly explain this statement. Let us first begin by the difference of position between him and the Sidna Abraham Al-Khalil (“Friend of Allah”, peace be upon him). Al-Khalil (peace be upon him) begs pardon by saying; “It is from Him that I beseech the forgiveness of my sin on the day of accounts” whereas in that respect the position of the Habib (“the Confidant of Allah”, peace and blessing be upon him) is the following, “Yes, We made you winner of a glamorous victory so that Allah forgives you the early beginnings of your sin and whatever of it that has lingered”. The Friend (peace be upon him) is in the situation of an applicant. He says, “Do not wail out on the Day of the Resurrection”; whereas He gave satisfaction to the Confident (peace and blessing be upon him) without a slightest request, “The Day when Allah will not lower the Prophet and his Companions”. The Friend (peace and blessing be upon him) said, “Grant me a truthful tongue among the lowest”, meanwhile to the Confidant (peace and blessing be upon him) He said, “We have heightened your glamour”. Speaking of the Friend, he (Abraham, peace be upon him) says, “Spare me and my children from the worshipping of idols”. While for the Confidant (peace and blessing be upon him), “Allah wills to spare you the blemish, O people of the Prophet's household”. The Friend (peace be upon him) says, “God satisfies me”, whereas for the Confidant (peace and blessing be upon him), “O Prophet, Allah satisfies you”. The Friend (peace be upon him) says, “I walk towards my God who will lead me”; when for the Confidant (peace and blessing be upon him), “Glory be to Him who set His servant to journey by night”, and so on. As for the Interlocutor (“Al-Kalim”; Moses, peace be upon him), he has come on earth for the meeting, while Sidna Mohammed the Confidant (peace and blessing be upon him) is meant by, “Glory be to Him who set his Servant in a night journey”. The Interlocutor's meditation happened on the Sinai, whereas the Confidant's meditation took place on the Throne and on top of Heights. Allah spoke to Moses (peace be upon him) by Divine inspiration, while He talked to Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), verbally and obviously. God replied to the Interlocutor (peace be upon him), “You shall not see Me”. Speaking of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) He says, “The heart was not mistaken about what it observed”. Moses (peace be upon him) fell on ground, thunderstruck, while the Confidant (peace and blessing be upon him), “The eye did not turn aside and never rebelled”. He related thus His words to Moses (peace be upon him), “What is it that you hold in your hand O Moses?”, while He kept secret His conversation with the Confidant (peace and blessing be upon him), reporting it vaguely by saying, “He revealed to His Servant what He Revealed”, and so forth. According to Fakr ar-Razi, in his comment on the verse, “Those Prophets that we have distinguished from one another”, the nation is unanimous to consider that some of them are more deserving than the others and that Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), is the most deserving of all. To back up this argument, there are many reasons, The first one is this word of Allah Almighty “We entrusted you with a mission only out of Mercy for humanity”. So long as he is the Mercy of humanity, it is natural for him to be above it. The second one is the word of Allah Almighty “We have heightened your glamour”. In relation to this subject, they keep repeating that Allah has coupled Sidna Mohammed's name (peace and blessing be upon him) with His name, in the quotation of the Profession of Faith (Kalimat Shahadah), in the call for prayer (adhan), and in the Witness Bearing Prayer (at-Tashahhoud) whereas not one Prophet has got the privilege of this coupled quotation. The third one is that He coupled His obedience to his, “He who obeys to the Prophet obeys to Allah”. He coupled the Oath of Allegiance towards Him to the one towards the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him). He said, “Those who swear allegiance on your behalf do it to Allah, the hand of God is above their hands”. He coupled His power to his own one, by saying, “Power is theprivilege (monopoly) of Allah and His Prophet”. He also coupled His satisfaction to his own one by announcing, “ Allah and His Prophet mostly deserve satisfaction”. He even coupled His consent to his own one, by saying, “O Faithful people! Consent to the call of Allah and of His Prophet”. The fourth one is that Allah has ordered Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), to hurl defiance for each chapter (Surah) of the Holy Quran by saying, “Bring only one Surah that is same”. The briefest Surah is the one of Al-Kauthar which contains only three verses. It seems that Allah challenged them every three verses. Since Holy Quran contains more than six thousand verses, it is logical that the miracle of Holy Quran should be not a single miracle but rather two thousand miracles and even more. If this is proved, we say that Allah, praise be to Him, has quoted the honor granted to Moses (peace be upon him) in nine verses, while the honor granted to Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), is more extensive, owing to this great number of verses. We owe the fifth argument to the fact that our Prophet's miracle (peace and blessing be upon him), is more prodigious (magnanimous), than the other miracles of the rest of the Prophets, which proves it's superiority; He said indeed, “The Holy Quran is to the Holy Scriptures what Adam is to the other beings”. The sixth argument proves that the Prophet's miracle (peace and blessing be upon him) is the Holy Quran. This miracle, that finds its roots in words and voices, the nature of which is accidental (temporary) and not lasting like that of the other Prophets' miracles, and will keep on endlessly until the end of time, which is not the case for the other miracles. The seventh argument, Allah, praise be to His name, referring to the Prophets, has said, “It is to them that Allah showed the Good Road, so follow their track”, thus ordering Sidna Mohammed to follow the steps of his predecessors, the matter of which is connected with principles of minor importance not with the basic principles of the religion and its details, because the religion of Islam has abolished the rest of religions. On another connection, Allah willed to say to Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), “We have taught you the way of living of the Prophets' and their conduct, choose therefore the best of their virtues”, which implies that our Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) gathered up virtues that none among the Prophets did acquire, so is not he necessarily superior to them? The eighth argument is the following, the Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is sent to all beings, his duty was most important, and thus his merit shows up to be greater. Allah Almighty Has told him indeed, “We have sent you to all beings without exception.” His merit turns out to be greater more, and more especially because (in the beginning) he was alone, without any means, or companions or supporters. And, while addressing the world by saying, “O World of unfaithful people!” he set all in this world, in one instance, against himself. Therefore the difficulties awaiting him were numerous. Besides, when Moses (peace be upon him) was sent to the people of Israel, he had only PharaO and his people to fear, whereas Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) had to brave the whole world. In order to understand the unparalleled effort deployed by our Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), imagine a man in a country where he has neither a friend nor a companion and whom you sent to give un-welcomed news to another strong and armed man, sure he would be reluctant to go and find that person, even if the latter is but one man. Now, ask the same person to give that un-welcomed news to someone in a remote countryside. It would be very hard for him to do so. As for Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), he was charged with walking day and night during all of his life to free people that he knew not, or rather knew only because of their hate, and their harm and scorn. And in spite of all that, he did not seek relief from his duty. On the contrary, he hurried in front of them so as to fulfil to the letter his duty, the matter that brought him to endure much sufferance while spreading the divine religion. Allah said, “The first Companions of the Prophet have more merit than those who supported the religion later.” If this is said of the Companions, all the more reason, that the greatest merit should fall to the Prophet who suffered much more than the others. The ninth argument is owed to the fact that the religion of Islam is the best of religions. It is then only logical that Sidna Mohammed would be the best Prophet. By the Will of Allah, the religion of Islam has abolished the rest of religions, thus, is not it the best, especially because the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “He who established a good custom shall have rewards as many as the number of times this custom would have been practiced by others until the Day of the Resurrection.” The religion of Islam has more rewards and credits than the other religions, by means of consequence; its establisher must be more deserving than other prophets. The tenth argument is that as long as the nation that believes in the mission of Sidna Mohammed is the best, it is only natural for the Prophet of that mission to be the best. Hasn't Allah Almighty said, “You will be the best nation the world will discover”. Following the precepts of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is deserving of that praise from Allah. In another instance, Allah said to Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), “Tell them, if you love Allah, follow me and Allah will bless you.” The merit of the follower overspreads implicitly from the followed person. Add to all those reasons, that the merit of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is shown also in the fact that he is sent to all the creatures, and that the great number of freed beings increases the value of the followed person. The eleventh argument is that, from the fact that Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is the latest sent of the Prophets, he is necessarily their superior, because it is unusual that one who is less deserving succeeds one who is more deserving. The twelfth argument, the scale of the prophet's merit is established on the basis of the number of prodigies (extraordinary deeds) they have performed, which proves their sincerity and settles the honors owed to them. In that meaning, our Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) has been able to perform such a number of prodigies as to be ranked on top of the three thousand prophets at least. These prodigies are of different kinds, some consist in satiating a great number of beings with a small quantity of food, in quenching their thirst with some water. Other prodigies bear closely upon the science and the eloquence of the Holy Quran. Others are intimately connected with the Prophet's (peace and blessing be upon him) person itself, who is descended from the noblest lineage of the Arabs. In another respect, our Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) was most courageous. They recount his exploits of arms at battle, delivered by Ali (may Allah be satisfied with him), the Companion of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), to Amr ibn Abd-Ouid. Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) asked Ali (may Allah be satisfied with him), “How did you feel Ali? I felt very fine, I had the feeling that I could brave all the people of Medina! So, get yourself ready, Ali, because in that city, a man will revolt against you and will deliver a terrible attack to you”. There are also other wonders concerning the Prophet's (peace and blessing be upon him) good education, his generosity, his faithfulness, his eloquence and his devotion. The books of Hadith are full of those numberless prodigies and their details. The Thirteenth argument, Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “Adam (peace be upon him) and the rest will fall under my banner on the Day of Resurrection”, which proves that Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is above Adam (peace be upon him) and all his sons. The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) also said, “Without any pretension at all, I am the best of the sons of Adam (peace be upon him)”. He said also, “Among the Prophets, I shall be the first one to trample down the grass of Heaven; before the others, my people too will be the first to trample it.” Anas has related that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) declared, “I shall be the first to resuscitate on the Day of the Resurrection, I shall be the orator at the time when the risen from the dead shall have gathered, and their Savior when they shall have lost hope. I behold the Banner of Allah 's Blessing and I am his best servant among all the children of Adam (peace be upon him), with no pretension.” As for him, Ibn Abbas (may Allah be satisfied with him) relates that some of the companions were exchanging remarks about the Messengers of Allah. One of them said, “It is paradisiacal that Allah took Abraham (peace be upon him) for Companion”, a second one said, “Nothing is more wonderful than to see God speaking to Moses (peace be upon him)”, a third one said, “Jesus (peace be upon him) is the Spirit of Allah “, a fourth one said, “Adam (peace be upon him) was chosen by Allah to be the Father of all men”. Having heard their remarks, Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) turned to his Companions (may Allah be satisfied with him) and said, “I heard your remarks and your arguments. It is true indeed that Abraham (peace be upon him) is the Companion of Allah, that Moses (peace be upon him) heard the word of Allah, that Jesus (peace be upon him) is the Spirit of Allah, and that Adam (peace be upon him) was Chosen by Allah, but it is equally true that I am the Friend and the Favorite of Allah, and this is without pretension. I shall hold the Banner of the Blessing on the Day of Resurrection, without pretension, and shall be the first to bequest Allah 's forgiveness to mankind, also without pretension. And, I shall be the first to open the Gates of Heaven, and to make my way in, accompanied by the humble among the Faithful and this too without pretension. And I am the most generous of all beings, all without pretension. Fourteenth argument, al-Baiha (may Allah be satisfied with him) who, accounting the merits of the Prophet's Companions (Sahaba), has related that Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be satisfied with him), having appeared at a distance, Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) said, “Here comes the Lord of Arabs” at which his wife Lady Aicha (may Allah be satisfied with her), the Prophet's wife, replied, “Aren't you the Lord (Sayyid) of the Arabs?”, to what Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) said, “I am the Lord of Allah 's creatures and he (Ali) is the Lord of Arabs”. This, once more, proves that Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is above all Prophets (peace be upon all of them). Fifteenth argument, Mujahid (may Allah be satisfied with him) tells that ibn Abbas (may Allah be satisfied with him) said that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) asserted that he has been granted by Allah five privileges never beheld before by others preceding him and he counted the following privileges, “I am sent by Allah to all the inhabitants of earth without any distinction of color, whereas the Prophets ahead of me are commissioned to there own people; the whole earth was offered to me as a Chosen Land; Allah withstands me by startling my enemy wherever I go; He provided me the free disposal of the spoils which were Forbidden Fruit for my predecessors; and finally, I behold the Pardon of Allah which I keep as a privilege to those among my people who wouldn't have cast slur on Divine Unity. Beholding all these privileges, it is clear that Allah has granted him more merits than the others. Sixteenth argument, in the connection with this, Mohammed b. Aissa al-Hakim Tirmidhi (may Allah be satisfied with him) said, “The wealth of every Emir depends on the importance and on the number of his subjects.” The Emir of a village should own a fortune equal to the importance of his village, and he who has possessed the Orient and the Occident is in need of much more than the fortune of an Emir of a village. The example is also good for the messenger of Allah whose duty is limited to a particular place on earth, for the volume of the spiritual values he has should be equal to the value of the place where he would carry on his duty. It is therefore necessary that he who is sent to all the beings of the Orient and the Occident should possess knowledge allowing him to be well informed of what (conflicts, or difficulties) the people of Orient and Occident are embroiled with. Thus, compared with other prophecies, the value of Sidna Mohammed's prophecy (peace and blessing be upon him) is the same as the value of both Orient and Occident together compared with some well-defined country. And so, it is most natural that he has great knowledge and such deep wisdom as no other prophet had before; Allah said indeed, “We have inspired him in all that We wished to inspire him”. In point of eloquence, Allah said, “You possess all the keys of speech”. The Holy Quran has become the general Encyclopedia of all books, and the people of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) the best people earth has known. Seventeenth argument, Mohammed Thirmidhi (may Allah be satisfied with him) has related in the book of prodigies that Abu Hurairah (may Allah be satisfied with him) has narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “ Allah Almighty has taken Abraham (peace be upon him) for Friend, Moses (peace be upon him) for Interlocutor, and me for Confidant”. Eighteenth argument, Humam ben Munabah (may Allah be satisfied with him) has related in the concise book of traditions that Abu Hurairah (may Allah be satisfied with him) has narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “My example, as far as the Prophets, my predecessors, are concerned, is like the example of a man who builds houses and embellishes them though keeping the empty space of a brick at one corner of each house; admiring the architecture of these houses, the visitors asked the owner, “Why don't you place a brick in the empty space and thus your dwellings be perfect?”, and the man answered, “I am the brick in question”. Nineteenth argument, Allah Almighty each time he addressed a prophet in the verses of the Holy Quran, called him by his name; such were the cases for Adam (peace be upon him), for Abraham (peace be upon him), or Moses (peace be upon him), but as for Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), his name is preceded by, “O you Prophet” at each call, which, once more proves the superiority of the Prophet with respect to his predecessors. The following argument was brought forward by the contradictor, In the first place, he has asserted that the other Prophets prodigies (attributes and miracles) are more significant than Prophet the Holy Prophet’s; Adam (peace be upon him) says he, has seen the Angels fall on their knees at his sight, which is not the case for Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him); as for Abraham (peace be upon him), he was thrown into a big fire, but Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) saw nothing of the sort; David (peace be upon him) witnessed the iron becoming soft; The devils submitted to Solomon's (peace be upon him) will, also the human beings, the birds, the deer, and the wind, but that was not the case for Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him). As for Jesus (peace be upon him), God made him speak since his early childhood and gave him the power to resuscitate the dead, to heal the dumb and the leprous, which was also not the case for Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him). The contradictor's second argument mentions that Allah Almighty designated Abraham (peace be upon him) in the Holy Quran as Companion, saying “ Allah took Abraham for Companion”, also Allah said, “We did speak to Moses”, of Jesus (peace be upon him) He said, “We endowed him with life (giving)”. And he says 'Now, Allah said no such thing of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him)'. Third argument of the contradictor, it is related that Ibn Abbas (may Allah be satisfied with him) has said, “We were in the Mosque and were exchanging remarks about the merits of the Prophets (peace upon them), and we mentioned Noah’s (peace be upon him) great Devotion to Allah, Abraham's companionship, and the Speech of Allah Almighty to Moses (peace be upon him), and the Ascension (or Miraculous Birth) of Jesus (peace be upon him). We had replied that Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) has more merit than them, for he is sent to all the people without distinction, and was forgiven all his previous and also subsequent sins, and came latest among Prophets. At that moment, says Ibn Abbas (may Allah be satisfied with him), Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) came in and asked us about the subject of the discussion. We answered that we were speaking of the merits of the Prophets (peace on them), and he said, “No one could be better than Yahya ibn Zakariya (“John the Baptist”; peace be upon him), because he has never committed a sin, and never even started to doing so”. The answer to the assertion, stating that the Angels fell down on their knees in front of Adam (peace be upon him), does not conclude to the superiority of Adam (peace be upon him), because Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “Adam (peace be upon him) and his sons will fall in under my banner on the Day of Resurrection”. It is also written in the Hadith, “I were a Prophet and Adam was water and clay”, and also that Angel Gabriel has set the Holy Prophet’s foot upon the stirrup on the Night of his Ascent (al-Mi’araj), an action that is more flattering than that of lying prone. Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) was blessed by Allah Almighty Himself who summoned the Angels as well as the Faithful People to bless him by their prayers, a matter that is far better than the Angel's prostration, as it is proved by the following reasons, Allah Almighty has commanded the Angels to prostrate themselves at the feet of Adam (peace be upon him) out of politeness, but he commanded them to bless Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) by prayers, in order to get nearer to him. The prayer performed in order to bless Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) will be lasting until the Day of Resurrection, whereas the prostration of the Angels before Adam (peace be upon him) happened one only and single time. It is useful to remind also that it is the Angels that laid themselves prone before Adam (peace be upon him), while in the case of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), it is Allah, the Great master Himself, who did it and Who, afterwards, commanded the Angels and the Faithful to perform it too. The Angels received order to lay themselves prone before Adam (peace be upon him) because he bears on the forehead the Light of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him). If they say that Allah Almighty has provided only Adam (peace be upon him) with knowledge, by saying, “Allah taught Adam (peace be upon him) all the names”, while to Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) Allah said, “You knew neither what was the Book nor the Faith”, it is also to Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) that God has said, “He found you lost and lead you to the Good Road”. They are also saying that it is Allah Himself Who taught Adam (peace be upon him) all he knew, and that Allah Almighty said indeed, “Allah taught Adam (peace be upon him) all the names”, while for Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), it is the Angel Gabriel who was his teacher, the answer to this is the following, Allah Almighty said of Sidna Mohammed's education (peace and blessing be upon him), “Allah taught you what you knew not and His favor to you is priceless”. In that meaning, the Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) said, “Allah guided me and He did it to perfection”. Allah also said, “Allah Almighty taught you the Holy Quran”. Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) used to say, “Show us the things as they are”. Allah said to Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), “Say! My Allah, never shall I have enough of learning”. So Angel Gabriel inspired him with the words of Allah, but for the knowledge, it comes from Allah Himself. Allah Almighty has said, “Say, that the Angel who is in charged to call you beside Allah, will do so when Allah will command it”. Then God added, “The Most High will call for the souls at their death hour”. And if they say that Noah (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “I can not send back the faithful” and that Allah said to Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), “Do not send back those who pray to Allah”, which shows that Noah's character is better than the Holy Prophet’s, we shall reply that the Most High has said, “We have sent Noah to put his people on guard against a severe punishment of Allah “ Thus Allah warned that people against a severe punishment if he went on in the bad road. As for Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), Allah told him, “We only have sent you to save the world”. Allah Almighty also said, “We have sent you a Prophet, among you, your future is dear to him, etc. [to the end of the verse]. The end in store for Noah's action brought him finally to say, “My Allah, do not strike down the Faithful people's homes”, while the end in store for Sidna Mohammed's action (peace and blessing be upon him) provided him with the ownership of Divine Mercy. According to the prodigies (remarkable talents) mentioned in the book entitled “The Marks of Prophecy”, the Holy Prophet’s exceeded those of the other Prophets. However, this book is not worthy of mentioning more than what we have done. The most learned Mohammed ibn Abdellkarim Bennis (al-Fasi Tijani d. 1350/1935) has said in his book entitled, Dhurrat at-taj wa 'ujalat al-mu'htaj (The Firmament of the Star that Shines with Dazzling Spirit), in the explanation by al-Hamazia poem of al-Busairi, the verses of the Holy Quran, the Hadith, the remarks of the scholars, attest the superiority of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) over all the creatures of the whole world. And if there is a scale of value for the human beings, Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) stands in the top position. The scholars have asserted indeed that he is better than any other Prophet taken singly, and that he is also better than them altogether, distinguishing here the oneness and the party as a whole, so as to punctuate clearly and without ambiguity the merit of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), who is also above Angels. The Shaykh Sanusi has said, “Sidna Mohammed's merit and his superiority over all human beings are well known truth, set by simple logic, and need no producing of proof. Does the day need proof to show its presence?” Unanimous opinion gives Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) as the best of Prophets. The fact that the prescriptions of Sunnah admit the superiority of the Prophets over Angels, it is obvious the same prescriptions would acknowledge him the superiority over Angels because he is the better of the best, and even more, according to that Sunnah he is above any dispute. It is said of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), “He is the best of all creatures unexceptionally”. The narrator goes on to say, “I have read in the explanation given by Nesfi of the verse, “Neither Jesus nor the closest Angels will hesitate one moment to serve Allah”; that the choice part of the human beings that represents the Prophets (peace be upon them), is superior to the choice part of the Angels, who are Jibril, Mikail, ‘Isra'el. It is understood that the choice part of Angels is superior to the choice part of the simply Faithful people and that the choice part of human beings is superior to the mere Angels. What we have just stated owes its evidence to the fact that the choice part of human beings has mastered their senses by worshipping Allah Almighty whereas before, they habitually to made use of them; and the Prophets (peace be upon them) are also like Angels by their virtues, and have more merit in mastering their senses and their physical pleasures, therefore their obedience to Allah carries more weight seeing the difficulties it implies, while the obedience of the Angels, considering their nature, doesn't imply sufferance from their part. In respect of that, it is said, “The true brave is not the one who saves his skin from fire and from the scuffle on the war day, but rather the one who willingly avoids committing a sin. Indeed, it is harder to overcome one's own will than to defeat others.” The narrator goes on, “It is established that merit does not necessarily imply superiority, and that the following story does not contest at all the merit of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him); once a Jew, in the market, swore by the merit of Moses (peace be upon him) as for Allah, then a pious Muslim that stood beside him struck him on the mouth. Hearing of the facts, the Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) begged the assistant never to mention again his superiority over Moses (peace be upon him). Allah Almighty has said, “When they will blow the horn, everyone, in Heaven and earth, will be panic-stricken, except those to whom Allah will spare fright; at the second call of the horn, everyone will stand up, Sidna Mohammed said. I shall see Moses (peace be upon him) standing at one leg of Allah 's throne, but I did not realize if he stood ahead of me or if he was part of those whom Allah spared. This is a particularity unconnected with superiority as is proved by Angels, while his wish, as not to make use of his name in the superlative (better than), is meant to avoid a comparison which would provoke dispute and forming parties and even bring down the value of the lower party; that is why, out of modesty, Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) mentioned the merit of Moses (peace be upon him)”. About the merit of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), Ibn Mardau'ih relates after Ibn Abbas, that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “God has set Moses near to Him by taking him for Confidant, on the Mount Sinai.” Moses said to Allah; “O God, am I not your favorite since you have chosen me for Confidant and have spoken to me?” Allah replied, “Mohammed is nearer to Me, and has more merit.” Moses asked again, “If Mohammed has more merit than myself, does this mean that his people are better than the people of Israel to whom You have opened the sea, whom You have saved from PharaO and his soldiers, and whom You fed with Manna (sort of a fruit) and with Salu'a (Quail, or a bird whose flesh is very soft).” Allah answered, “Yes, the people of Mohammed are better to Me than the people of Israel”. Moses said, “O God, show me that people.” Allah, “You shall not see them, but if you wish I shall make you hear the voice of that people.” Moses answered, “Yes, I sure want to, my God.” Then Allah said, “People of Mohammed, answer your God.” The people of the Prophet answered although it was not yet completely structured, “Here we are, Lord. Our Lord, we are Your true servants. Allah said, “Yes, you spoke the truth. I am your Lord and you are My truthful servants. I forgive you your sins and grant you privileges before you ask Me for it. Anyone who sees Me on the Day of Resurrection, believing I am the One and Only Allah, shall enter into Paradise.” Ibn Abbas goes on, by sending the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) to preach, Allah wanted to grant him privileges meant for him and his people, and He said to Mohammed, “You were not next to Mount Sinai when We called for your people.” Besides, it is said in the Hadith (Sahih Bukhari) after Lyadh, that Sidna Mohammed was named Ahmed (peace and blessing be upon him) before coming to the world, the former Holy Books having thus reported his name. It is in the Holy Quran, later, that the name Mohammed was quoted. The name Ahmed is derived from the verb; to praise Allah, and this name was given to the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) because he is the first one to have praised Allah before the others. The Day of Resurrection will be the same. The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) will praise Allah and obtain His blessing, and the people will praise Him in its turn, the act of praise having been dedicated to Allah only. It is a custom for the people of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) to praise Allah after eating and drinking. This is why they are called a people of 'praises'. Al-Bukhari narrated after Abu Hurairah (may Allah be satisfied with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “My example in relation to the other Prophets (peace be upon them) is similar to the example of a man who built a beautiful house but left at one of its corners the empty space of a brick, which he omitted intentionally. While visiting his house, and admiring his architectural art, his guests asked him the reason for which he left empty the space of the brick and the man replied, “I am the brick in question”. It is said in the book of the explained examples that Allah granted more merit to Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) than to the rest of the Prophets (peace be upon them) and it is by him that He ended the list of His Messengers on earth, and that it is him whom He charged to preach for the final religion on earth. Abu Hurairah (may Allah be satisfied with him) said that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “The centuries have followed one another since Adam's coming on earth until the century that saw me come in my turn, which was the best of all. Then Allah made of each batch three tribes and wanted me to belong to the best tribe. That is why He also said, “There are the ones on the right, and the ones on the left, as well as the advanced ones”; and not only did He wish me to stand among the advanced but to be their chief. Afterwards, Allah created three groups and saw to it that I was born in the best one of these groups. I am the most pious of Adam's sons, and all without pretension I am most deserving of all as to Allah Almighty Who has divided up the tribes into several families and saw to it that I was born in the best of all these families”. (Al-Bukhari) The Prophet's wife Lady Aicha (may Allah be satisfied with her) narrated that Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “Angel Gabriel came to me and told me; “I have searched high and low all over the world and I have found no man as virtuous as Mohammed or a lineage as noble as that of the Banu Hashim family.” Abu Talib has written an excellent poem in that meaning wherein he says among many more besides,  If a day comes when I'd praise myself,     It will be accountable to Mohammed the best and most pious of all. The same Abu Talib has said, on another hand, Ahmed (speaking of the Prophet) has come to us,     And since that day no one dares to measure himself to his lineage.   In the same meaning, Ali ibn Talib (may Allah be satisfied with him) has said, “The tribe of Quraysh couldn't have but boundless honor”.    Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is the best creature in the world that has walked on earth Al-Qadi Iyyad (may Allah be satisfied with him) has reported many stories in his book Kitab Shifa bita'rif huquq al-Mustapha (The Antidote in knowing the rights of Chosen Prophet) about the Holy Prophet’s prophesy, which has been related by his predecessors before his coming on earth. Here are some of them. Allah Almighty has said, “Allah pledged the Prophet's word on that book We have given to you, on the wisdom it beholds, then He will send you a prophet. Believe in his word and back him up”. In the same meaning, Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be satisfied with him) has said, “Allah sends no prophet here before He has taken his avowal that Sidna Mohammed is His prophet, so as to acknowledge him as such and to introduce him to his people in case he comes to the world during his lifetime.” Suddi and Qatada narrate that the Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “I have been the first of human creatures to be promoted to the rank of prophet and I am the last one to assume a divine mission, and this is why Noah (peace and blessing be upon him) as well as the other prophets have announced my arrival in the world.” Arbadh ibn Saria (may Allah be satisfied with him) has said, “I have heard the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) say, 'I am Allah 's servant and the last of these Prophets, Adam (peace be upon him) was only clay when Allah willed me to be the Oath of Abraham (peace be upon him) and the Presage of Jesus (peace be upon him), son of Mary (may Allah be satisfied with him). When Adam was in the beyond, he was already called by the name of the Father of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) and of the others. It is even said that he begged of Allah in the name of Sidna Mohammed, to be forgiven his sin when he committed the sin eternal. As for him (peace and blessing be upon him), Al-Baraa'a says, “Once we asked the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), 'When were you described as Prophet?' and he replied, 'I was already prophet at the time when Adam was still in the making.'“ They also say that Omar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be satisfied with him), the Prophet's companion, once spoke words so touching that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) couldn't hold back his tears. These words were addressing Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), “O Prophet! Your merit is so great for Allah that He made your coming a follow-up of all the Prophets while the presage of your arrival preceded them all. O Prophet! Your merit is so great that the people in hell, amid the flame, wished they had obeyed you and said to each other, “O If only we had obeyed Allah and His Prophet we would not have been here.” The Shaykh Abul Hassan al-Harrani al-Maghribi reports in the book he has written about the meanings of the Prophet's names (peace and blessing be upon him), that Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), in explaining his origin, has said, “I am Ahmed and I am Mohammed son of Abdullah son of Abdul Muttalib.” And he went up the line of ancestors until Adam (peace be upon him), and then said, “Adam proceeds from clay and the clay from foam, and foam proceeds from waves, and waves proceed from water, and water proceeds from rain, and rain proceeds from misty clouds and misty clouds proceed from the spirit of Mohammed”. If this account is true, Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is the origin of human existence. In the same meaning, the most learned Abi Abdullah Tirmidhi has written a good poem indeed where he says of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), among others, From his parents, he (Sidna Mohammed) inherited nobility.        And has left to his sons (the Muslims) that very nobility. He has shone in the world as a sparkling star.        And glory became his mate. By the Holy Grace he became pure.        And has purified all those who neared him, etc. On the other hand, Ibn Abbas (may Allah be satisfied with him) relates that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “When God created Adam, He sent me down to earth in his backbone. I was also in Noah’s backbone when he was in his Ark, and I was in Abraham's backbone when he was thrown into the fire. And God hadn't ceased conveying me from one pure backbone to another pure backbone until the day I was born of my parents, who never fell into the way of wrongdoing”. One day, the Prophet's uncle, Abbas (may Allah be satisfied with him) told the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), “O Messenger of Allah! I would like to honor you in a poem.” And Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) answered, “Speak, and may God give you eloquence.” So Abbas (may Allah be satisfied with him) wrote a poem in which he praised the high nobility of the lineage of the Messenger of Allah pointing out that he has been conveyed from one backbone to another since the beginning of the word until he saw the day of his birth with his parents, adding that Allah Almighty has honored him by granting His blessings to him. The narrator insists upon the fact that the preceding story confirms what was reported by Abdur Razaq by the account of Jabir who has said, “I have asked the Messenger of Allah, 'What is it that Allah created before creating the world?' ‘Mohammed’, he replied to me, 'Allah had created the spirit of your Prophet before creating the world.' And He wanted this spirit to be moved by His Holy Will. At the time, there was no Paper, no Pen, no Paradise, no Hell, no Kingdom, no Heaven, no Earth, Sun, Moon, Jinns, nor human beings. And when Allah willed to create the world He divided this spirit into four parts. Out of the first part He made the Pen, of the second the Paper, of the third the Throne of Allah, and afterwards God divided the fourth part into four parts. Of the first part of this He made the Holders of the Kingdom of Allah, of the second the Throne, of the third the rest of the Angels and divided once more the fourth part into four parts. He made of the first one the Skies, of the second the Land, of the third Paradise and Hell, and divided the fourth part into four. Out of the first part He made the spirit of the faithful people's thoughts, of the second the Light of their hearts, which means the Faith in Allah, and of the third the Light of their existence, which means the Proclamation that there is only One Allah, and that His Prophet is Mohammed’”. What results mainly from the story above is that Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is the origin of all divine creatures. Al-Hafiz narrates in respect of a story told by Abu Hurairah who has reported that the Messenger of Allah Almighty (peace and blessing be upon him), has said, “I have prayed to Allah who heard my wish and promised me, that seventy thousand people of my people will go to Paradise, and that each one-thousand of those people will be joined another seventy thousand”. Other narrators were saying that Omar (may Allah be satisfied with him), the Prophet's companion, at hearing this, shouted out, “How Generous Allah is!”, and the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) responded and said that each person of the seventy thousand will ask and obtain Mercy of Allah as well, for their parents and for their next of kin”. Al-Kalabadhi relates in the book, Maani al-Akhbar (The Meaning of the Narratives) that Lady Aicha (may Allah be satisfied with her) had once lost track of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing be upon him) and was looking for him. She found him at last in the place known by the name of “Makhrabah”, praying. She remarked that the Prophet's head (peace and blessing be upon him) was crowned by three lights, and she asked him the reason for that. The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) answered her by saying, “Three times I have received a messenger of Allah. The first time he promised me that seventy thousand people of my people will enter Paradise because of the Mercy of Allah. Then a second time, the same messenger came to inform me that Allah will let enter His Paradise, for each person out of the seventy thousand, another thousand people. And a third time, the same messenger came to tell me that Allah will let enter in Paradise another seventy thousand people for each person numbered previously, so I said to Allah, “O My Allah, my people will never amount to this great number.” And Allah replied to me, “I shall complete the number for you by the Arab nomads who otherwise would have never prayed or fasted”. Al-Kalabadhi explains the conception of 'people' spoken of in the above narrative (Hadith) and says that the people of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) are made up of three kinds of people. The first kind consists of the Prophet's companions and the pious Muslims. The second kind consists of the people that adopted Islam and followed its teachings, and the third kind consists of all the people for whom the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) came to preach. Al-Hafiz ibn Hajar, for his part, has spoken lengthily of the merit of Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), in the explanation he gives of the narrative (Hadith) about Mercy. He has said, “The merit of Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is greater than that of the rest of all human creatures. The Messengers of Allah, the Prophets, and the Angels are superior to the rest of all creatures and Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is being above them all”. The Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti has observed in his book Tazyin al-araik that “Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is the Prophet of all Prophets and that his merit is certain and beyond doubt, which is the reason why, says he, the other Prophets will fall in under his banner on the Day of the Resurrection”. The same happened on that night of the Prophet's Ascent to the Heavens (al-Mi’araj), when he fulfilled prayer before all the other Prophets. The same narrator pointed out that Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) had come at the time of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all), all of them as well as their people would have been obliged to believe in his Mission and support him, and that is because they would have all come at the same time, and not because he has less merit (or ability) than anyone (so that he might have needed help). Besides, Allah has taken the promise of all Prophets that they preach on behalf of the Mission of the last Messenger of Allah, who is Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him). That is why near the end of time, when Jesus (peace be upon him) returns, he will belong to the Holy Prophet’s religion, though he is himself a pious Prophet. The same will happen with Moses, Abraham, Noah and Adam (peace be upon them all) because Sidna Mohammed's Mission is most important and most perfect and his religion more consonant with the other Religions of the Book although more precise and somewhat different in its details. The other religions are specific to the time in which they came and to a certain group of people. Whereas the Holy Prophet’s religion suits all people of the world and is for all times. Sabki related after Abada ibn Samad and also Jabar ibn Abdullah, who both advanced a solid proof of the other Prophet's belief in the Holy Prophet’s religion; on Solomon's ring, as they say, it is written “There is only one God and his Prophet is Mohammed”. Ashraf al-Busairi who preceded Sabki has written a valuable poem, the meaning of which is consonant with the narrative of Sabki. Among others he said, All that has been bestowed by Prophets to humanity        Is inspired from your radiant light They are like Stars sparkling in the night, to shine upon people        And you are the Sun, the light of which is glittering in the Stars. And if it is confirmed that Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is the Prophet of Prophets and their Messenger, and that the Prophets are superior to Angels, then, by means of consequence, it is certain that the Angels belong to Sidna Mohammed's attendance. Many arguments confirm this point of view. Among others, the Angels granted to Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) favors they did not grant to his predecessors, like joining in battle by his side and walking behind him to protect him from unexpected assaults, and naturally this proves they belong in his attendance and believe in his religion. Rafai has said in the speech of Al-Muharir, “The Angels served him”. In the same meaning, Ibn Abbas mentions services rendered by the Angels, in the verses of Holy Quran where Allah Almighty has said, “We provided him with guardians to serve him, some walking ahead of him, and others protecting him from behind”. In the book of Dalail (The Proofs), Ibn al-Mundhir relates after Ibn Abu Hatim according to Tabarra'i and also Ibn Mardau'i, according to Abu Naeem, that Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “Allah Almighty has backed me up with four ministers, two of whom are the Angels Gabriel and Michael and the other two are my companions Abu Bakr and Omar”. It is well known, usually, that a minister belongs in general to the monarch's attendance. It is equally as well known, how high the rank is where Gabriel and Michael stand among the Angels, as well as Abu Bakr and Omar amongst the community of human beings. It is also said that when Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) died, all the Angels without exception prayed over his body, a thing that they have not done for any of the other Prophets, that the Angels stood by his people's side every time his people engaged in battle to protect and reinforce the religion of Islam, that Angel Gabriel attends each Muslim at his death hour to cast the devil out of his presence at that hard moment, that the Angels come down from the Heavens every year on the Night of Power to offer their best wishes to the people of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), that the Angels can read the Fatiha (Ch. 1) of the Holy Quran whereas they never read anything of the other Holy Books. That often the Angels enjoy listening to the recitation of Holy Quran by the human beings, a preference that they have not for the rest of the Holy Books, that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) has received throughout his lifetime the greatest number of Angels sent by Allah to the world, that the Angel of Death, before entering the presence of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), asked him for permission to approach, a thing which he has not done for any of the other Prophets, that the guardianship of the Prophet's tomb has been assigned to an Angel who used to transmit to him the greetings of the pilgrims visiting the tomb, that seventy thousand Angels keep him company in his tomb, praying for him all day, and that seventy thousand others pray for him all night in turn until the Day of the Resurrection. It is said in Ruh al-Ma'ani (Spirit of Indications) as to explain the verse, “The Messengers of God have more merit the ones than the others”. That the narrator says, “here 'the ones' meant our Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) because the stories and the narratives have proved his merit. He has accomplished great deeds and distinguished himself mostly by unlimited qualities, not only theoretically but also practically. People of great renown have humbled themselves in his presence and sat at his feet. He is sent by Allah to be the Mercy of all the human beings and is well known to have had the best education and the best character of all the Messengers of Allah. He has received by Inspiration the Genuine Holy Quran, the religion of which is confirmed by ascertained miracles. He is the beholder of the Divine Mercy when comes the Day of the Resurrection.” In an explanation of the same verse, that is to say the superior merit of some Prophets in regard to others, the Siraj Munir (The Illuminating Lantern) observed that, “the Holy Prophet’s merit is manifested in the fact that he is sent to all the creatures and that he is the last of Prophets, and that his people are the most numerous, and that by the Creed of his religion he abrogated all the other religions, and that he (Sidna Mohammed, peace and blessing be upon him) is the Mercy of all the beings, his Holy Quran having amazed creatures of Heaven and earth by being suitable to all times and all places, remaining thus the greatest miracle in the world until the Day of the Resurrection”. It is also said in the enumeration of the Prophet's miracles that the moon split in two at the simple gesture of the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him), and that a branch broke off from a tree to follow him, and that a stone has greeted him, and that some animals spoke to him, and that water flew from his fingers, and many more such as these. On another hand, the narrator relates that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “that the Prophets who preceded had numbers of people in keeping with the importance of the words they have received from God, and as for me, since Allah inspired me with the Holy Quran, I hope I'll have the most numerous people when comes the Day of the Resurrection”. The same narrator relates that the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) has said, “ Allah gifted me with five privileges my predecessors did not have, He backed me up by frightening my enemies. He gave me the whole earth as favorite land, and I may pray wherever I please or I intend to, a privilege that is also granted to all Muslims. The spoils of war are lawful to me but were not to my predecessors. I behold the Mercy of Allah. I am sent to all creatures of the earth with no distinction of color or race, and I am the last of all the Prophets. In the book Ruh al-Bayan (Spirit of Logic) and in an explanation of the verse, “Wherever you do go, you will find Allah in front of you”, it is said that Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) went to visit a greatly renowned person's home where he was surrounded by the most learned of men and very notable people. Someone in the middle of the disciples asked Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), “How can one know that Allah has no definite place while he has said, Allah stands in His kingdom?” “It is simple, replied the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him); ‘the proof lies in the words of Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) when he found himself in the entrails of the whale, and said, “You are only one and single, my God, O How unfair I was!’” At that, the disciple was astonished and did not grasp the meaning of the Prophet's words, so the host asked the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) to shed more light, for the disciple, on what he had just said, and the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) told them, “there is a poor man here who owes a debt of one thousand Dirhams. If you pay for him his debt I shall explain my words to you.” Them the host hurried to pay the debt of the poor man and he (the Prophet, peace and blessing be upon him) said, “When Mohammed went up in the Heavens on the Night of his Ascent, he said, 'O God, I cannot thank you', and when Prophet Yunus found himself in the dark entrails of the whale, deep in the bottom of the seas, he said, 'There is no God but my God. How unfair I was'. Both Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) and Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him) addressed Allah in the present tense, which proves that Allah is present everywhere, in the highest sky as well as in the bottom of the sea.” The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) has said besides, “Do not give me more merit than Yunus ibn Mata who has seen in the entrails of the whale what I have seen from the height of Allah's throne”. Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) was referring to the similitude of his position and that of Prophet Yunus (peace be upon him), when speaking to Allah Almighty. Conclusion The great and most pious scholar Yusuf Nabhani, has written in his book Nujum al-Muthadeen, a comparison between our Prophets Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) and Jesus (peace be upon him). He said, “Both are Messengers of Allah Almighty and both are created beings of Allah, the Most Great, therefore Allah is the Genuine Creator and the two of them are his creatures, they are the nearest to him and the most deserving. Both of them, Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) and Jesus (peace be upon him), were at their beginning weak individuals. As for Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), Allah Almighty reinforced him and granted victory to him over all his enemies. He also commanded him to wage war on his enemies and at the same time He protected him from their misdeeds. Allah constantly heightened his importance more and more until his death. All the Arabs obeyed to him and rallied to Islam under his authority. Many of the kings, the Romans as well as the Persians, the Copts, and the Ethiopians, feared him when they heard of his might and authority. Some of those kings rallied to his religion, others offered him presents in friendship or alliance, and by the time Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) left this world, he had raised an army of a hundred and twenty thousand warriors, each of whom was ready to sacrifice his life and his wealth for him and for Islam. He accomplished all that owing to the miracles and the great deeds he had performed, the most important of which is the miracle of the Holy Quran. Except for this miracle, the great people of Arabia, who were so uneducated and wild, and who worshipped idols, would not have followed him. Even his own tribe, which must have been the first one to produce his followers, was at that time among his worst enemies, and had done everything in its power to fight against him, to injure him and to send away people from him. This very tribe plotted his death, when he was weak. The abusive wrongs he endured only reinforced him in his faith, and encouraged him all the more to popularize the mission entrusted to him by Allah Almighty and to struggle against the obscure beliefs and traditions of his next to kin. The latter, having seen the Prophet's (peace and blessing be upon him) miracles and deeds and heard the Holy Quran reciting, and unable still to get rid of their father's religion, proposed to the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) that he become their king, but with one condition; that he not to injure their religion. But alas! The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) refused their bargain, and persisted in spreading abroad the teachings of Allah, while in their turn, they decided to injure him more and more. The situation went on from bad to worse. Finally, they decided to kill him and one night broke into his house, but could not find him. He had been informed of their plot by angel Gabriel who had been charged by Allah to inform His Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) of the schemes woven by his enemies against him. He commanded him to go into exile in the City of Madinah where he found many followers. All the inhabitants of Mecca who believed in him, accompanied him into exile, and from that time forth (the exile) Allah has not ceased heightening him and lowering his enemies. Islam grew tremendously, and the Prophet's influence increased more and more until many nations were convinced of the authenticity of his message. Sidna Mohammed's Companions and Successors were unequalled in their reasoning, their nobility, their perfect moral behavior, their vigor, their courage, their knowledge, their fair and honorable character, and other qualities. Even their enemies attest to their character, and all the more their friends. After the Prophet's death (peace and blessing be upon him), it has been through them that Allah has maintained the establishment of his religion. And He has allowed the Prophet's Companions and Successors to spread this religion in all areas of the world, and extend Islam into new continents by the will and the might of Allah Almighty not by mere coincidence. Allah has never ceased in bringing the righteous leaders and learned people of all countries and times to the service of Sidna Mohammed's religion (peace and blessing be upon him), spreading it, and preserving its Creed and its details, so that it remains intact until this present day. It is useful to note that in spite of the miracles and deeds done by Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) throughout his lifetime, none of the believers among his people have ever pretended that Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) is a god, in spite of his numberless and perfect qualities. All the Muslim Nation is unanimous in saying that he is the Servant of Allah and his Messenger. Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) valued greatly his quality of being human and being the Messenger of Allah Almighty and has often made this remark, “I am a human being, I eat like the rest of men and sit like them”. He said in other circumstances, “Make it oh God, that I live poor and that I revive on the Day of Resurrection among the poor”. To a woman, who was trembling with emotion and respect, he said, “Calm down, my lady, I am only the son of a woman from the tribe of Quraysh that used to eat dried and preserved meat”. The books of Hadith are full of traditions and narratives that proved the Prophet's (peace and blessing be upon him) worshipping of his God and the love he had for his people and the advice he gave to his people in order not to be taken for a god, as it happened with the Christians concerning Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him). As for Jesus (peace be upon him) goes on the narrator, he began weak and without means like Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), but on the contrary, Allah granted him no honors, no strength, no possibilities, no allegiance of nations, and no spreading of his religion before his ascent in the Heavens, which was not the case for our master Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him). The narrator points out that if Allah has reserved a different attitude for Jesus (peace be upon him) in comparison with the one he reserved for Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), He is the Only Judge and it belongs to Him alone to allot to His Creatures the fate he has chosen for them. Allah has weakened Jesus (peace be upon him) and his followers in their struggle against His enemies. On the contrary he increased the strength of the enemies in spite of their number and their primordial force. Jesus has been injured and despised. All the books, even the Christian ones, admit this difficult situation that Jesus (peace be upon him) had to endure. And finally, they reverse the roles and put a different face on the reality of things, referring particularly to the power of having nothing, the honor of degradation, the greatness and respectability of lowness. In those hard times, the Jews, who were the worst enemies of Jesus (peace be upon him), hounded him and inflicted the worst injures on him until the moment when Allah came to his rescue and raised him to Heaven. When the betrayer of Jesus (peace be upon him) led his enemies to his home, He changed the betrayers physical features so that he resembled Jesus (peace be upon him), and it is the betrayer that has been crucified instead of him. All the while, the Christians believe that Jesus (peace be upon him) has been crucified, and that he is the son of God, and not His creature and His Prophet. The merit of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) finds here its most indisputable proof, so long as Allah has reinforced him and weakened his enemies, whereas he allowed the enemies of Jesus (peace be upon him) to inflict the worst of injures on him.  As for the reasons and objections against the superiority of Sidna Mohammed's Prophethood (peace and blessing be upon him), for which these statements and facts have been recounted and explained, they are baseless, and every reasonable person pays them no attention. And in fact, for those same reasons, it is right to believe in the eminent superiority of Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him) over Jesus (peace be upon him). All the verses of Holy Quran, the Hadiths, the narratives and the texts written by the great scholars illuminate clearly and precisely the genuine superiority our master Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), son of Abdullah, Messenger of Allah. He was a Prophet when Adam (peace be upon him) was something between water and clay, and he has been sent by Allah to save the world and it is out of his spirit that the Prophets and the Messengers of God have been created. He is holder of Divine Mercy when comes the Day of the Resurrection. He who disowns all this is nothing but an apostate. May the blessings of Allah be on the Prophet Sidna Mohammed (peace and blessing be upon him), his parents and his companions, and may He grant him salvation. Only Allah can light for people the 'good road' and lead them. I end this message by a poem as an answer to the untrue statements spoken against the Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him). (In that poem is said the following), Allah is holding hell in store for the apostate,         You have rebelled against Ahmed the great Prophet. You are neither pious nor generous, So keep silent until you join your place in hell for your final sojourn!         You have rebelled against Ahmed the great Prophet. Best of all creatures without exception, Noble scholars have believed in his word And you dare to disavow him, you shallow lowborn! He that was generous and has defeated such number of enemies,         And his companions, trustful people and noble lords who fought against ignorance. Faith springs up from the heart and is above the brain, Follow the good understandingly, and free from constraint! The Jews, false-hearted and sightless, have disavowed Jesus stubbornly,         As for you, you have granted him much,         much more than even what Allah has granted him. You have divinized him, whereas he is only creature of Allah! To the prejudice of Mohammed you have worshipped him,         and against the will of Allah you Have adored him. Enough lies, enough calumnies It serves you nothing to calumniate Mohammed!     Kitab Shifa by al-Qadi Iyyad The Praise of Allah for His Prophet and the Exalted Status in which He Beholds Him (peace and blessing be upon him)   Illustration of the Way in which Allah Perfected the Excellence of the Prophet’s Character and Establishment and Blessing Him with all the Virtues of Religion and this World (peace and blessing be upon him)  The Authentic and Well-Known Traditions Narrating the Esteemed Value Allah Has Placed upon His Prophet, together with His Exalted Position and Nobility in this Life and the Everlasting Life   The Miracles Given to The Prophet together with their Special Characteristics (peace and blessing be upon him) The Necessity to Believe and Obey and Follow the Prophet's Tradition (peace and blessing be upon him) The Necessity of Loving the Holy Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) The Necessity of Praise, Respect, and Honor the Holy Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) The Praise on the Prophet, its Verdict, Obligation, and Virtue (peace and blessing be upon him)

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