Jesus in Islam

Here is a picture of what the Holy Quran portrays of a good Christian:

"...AND NEAREST AMONG THEM IN LOVE TO THE BELIEVERS WILT THOU FIND THOSE WHO SAY, "WE ARE CHRISTIANS": BECAUSE AMONG THESE ARE MEN DEVOTED TO LEARNING AND MEN WHO HAVE RENOUNDED THE WORLD. AND THEY ARE NOT ARROGANT." HOLY QURAN 5:82

WE MUSLIMS BELIEVE;

THAT JESUS WAS ONE OF THE MIGHTIEST MESSENGERS OF GOD,

THAT HE WAS THE CHRIST,

THAT HE WAS BORN MIRACULOUSLY - WITHOUT ANY MALE INTERVENTION,

THAT HE GAVE LIFE TO THE DEAD BY GOD'S PERMISSION,

AND THAT HE HEALED THOSE BORN BLIND AND THE LEPERS BY GOD'S PERMISSION.

IN FACT NO MUSLIM IS A MUSLIM IF HE DOES NOT BELIEVE IN JESUS!"

Muslim does not take the holy name of Jesus, in his own language, without saying Hazrat Eesa (meaning revered Jesus) or Eesa alai-hiss-salaam i.e. ( Jesus peace be upon him). Every time the Muslim mentions the name Jesus (pbuh) without these words of respect, he would be considered disrespectful, uncouth or barbaric.


In the Holy Quran Jesus (pbuh) is mentioned by name five times (5x) more than the number of times the prophet of Islam is mentioned in the Book of God. To be exact - twenty five time as against five. For example:

"..WE GAVE JESUS THE SON OF MARY CLEAR SIGNS AND STRENGTHENED HIM WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT" HOLY QURAN 2:87

"..O MARY! GOD GIVETH THEE GLAD TIDINGS OF A WORD FROM HIM: HIS NAME WILL BE CHRIST JESUS, THE SON OF MARY.." HOLY QURAN 3:45

"..CHRIST JESUS THE SON OF MARY WAS (NO MORE THAN) AN APOSTLE OF GOD.." HOLY QURAN 4:171

"..AND IN THEIR (the previous Prophets') FOOTSTEPS WE SENT JESUS THE SON OF MARY.." HOLY QURAN 5:49

"AND ZAKARIYA AND JOHN, AND JESUS AND ELIAS: ALL IN THE RANKS OF THE RIGHTEOUS:" HOLY QURAN 6:85

JESUS - HIS TITLES

Though Jesus is mentioned by name in twenty-five places in the Holy Quran he is also addressed with respect as:"Ibne Maryam" - son of Mary; as Masi (Heb) Messiah - translated as Christ; "Abd-ullah" servant of Allah; "Rasu -Ullah" - Messenger of Allah. He is spoken of as "the word of God", as "the spirit of God", as a "Sign of God", and numerous other epithets of honor spread over fifteen different chapters. There is not a single disparaging remark in the entire Quran to which even the most jaundiced among the Christians can take exception.


MANY REFERENCES

At the end of the most popular translation of the Holy Quran in English, i.e. by A.Yusuf Ali, there is a very comprehensive index. You will find on page 1837 references to Jesus, i.e.

Jesus, a rightenous prophet, vi.85;
birth, iii. 45:47; xix. 22-33;
apostle to Israel, iii. 49-51;
disciples, iii. 52-53; v.114-118
taken up, iii. 55-58; iv.157-159;
like Adam, iii.59;
not crucified, iv.157;
no more than apostle, iv.171; v.78;
xliii 59, 63-64;
not God, v.19,75;
sent with Gospel, v.49;
not son of God, ix.30;
Message and miracles, v.113; xix.30-33;
prays for Table of viands, v.117;
taught no false worship, v.119-121;
disciples declare themselves Muslims, v.114;
mission limited, n.1861 to xiii.38;
followers have compassion and mercy, lvii.27:
disciples as God's helpers, lxi.14;
as a Sign, xxiii. 50; xliii.61;
prophesied Ahmad, lxi.6.

MARY HONOURED

¡¡

BEHOLD! THE ANGELS SAID: "O MARY! GOD HATH CHOSEN THEE AND PURIFIED THEE- CHOSEN THEE ABOVE THE WOMEN OF ALL NATIONS." HOLY QURAN 3:42

"Chosen thee above the women of all nations." Such an honor is not to be found given to Mary even in the Christian Bible! The verse continue:

"O MARY! WORSHIP THY LORD DEVOUTLY: PROSTRATE THYSELF, AND BOW DOWN (IN PRAYER) WITH THOSE WHO BOW DOWN." HOLY QURAN 3:43

DIVINE REVELATION

What is the source of this beautiful and sublime recitation which, in its original Arabic, moves men to ecstacy and tears? Verse 44 below explains

THIS IS PART OF THE TIDINGS OF THE THINGS UNSEEN, WHICH WE REVEAL UNTO THEE (O APOSTLE!) BY INSPIRATION: THOU WAST NOT WITH THEM WHEN THEY CAST LOTS WITH ARROWS, AS TO WHICH OF THEM SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH THE CARE OF MARY: NOR WAST THOU WITH THEM WHEN THEY DISPUTED (THE POINT). HOLY QURAN 3:44

SURA MARYAM

There is a Chapter in the Holy Quran, named Sura Maryam "Chapter Mary" (XIX) named in honor of Mary the mother of Jesus Christ (pbuh); again, such an honor is not to be found given to Mary in the Christian Bible. Out of the 66 books of the Protestants and 73 of the Roman Catholics, not one is named after Mary or her son. You will find books named after Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, Paul and two score more obscure names, but not a single one is that of Jesus or Mary! If Muhummed (pbuh) was the author of the Holy Quran, then he would not have failed to include in it with MARYAM, the mother of Jesus, his own mother - AMINA, his dear wife - KHADIJA, OR HIS BELOVED daughter-FATIMA. But No!No! this can never be. The Quran is not his handiwork!


THE GOOD NEWS

BEHOLD! THE ANGELS SAID: "O MARY! GOD 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 GOD; HOLY QURAN 3:45

Whilst the good news was being announced (verse 45 above) Mary was told that her unborn child will be called Jesus, that he would be the Christ, a "Word" from God, and that.....

"HE SHALL SPEAK TO THE PEOPLE IN CHILDHOOD* AND IN MATURITY. AND HE SHALL BE (OF THE COMPANY) OF THE RIGHTEOUS." Holy Quran 3:46

* This prophecy found fulfilment within a very short time. We find this in Sura Maryam below:

AT LENGTH SHE BROUGHTHIM (THE BABE) TO HER PEOPLE, CARRYING HIM (IN HER ARMS). THEY SAID:"O MARY! TRULY AN-AMAZING THING HAST THOU BROUGHT! O SISTER OF AARON THY FATHER WAS NOT A MAN OF EVIL NOR THY MOTHER A WOMAN UNCHASTE!" Holy Quran 19:27-28

The amazement of the people knew no bounds. In any case they were prepared to think the worst of her, as she had disappeared from her kin for some time. But now she comes, shamelessly parading a babe in her arms! How she had disgraced the house of Aaron, the fountain of priesthood!

"SISTER OF AARON: Mary is reminded of her high lineage and the unexceptionable morals of her father and mother. How, they said, she had fallen and disgraced the name of her progenitors! "What could Mary do? How could she explain? Would they, in their censorious mood accept her explanation? All she could do was to point to the child, who, she knew, was no ordinary child. And the child came to her rescue. By a miracle he spoke, defended his mother, and preached -to an unbelieving audience." A.Yusuf Ali, comments in his notes 2480-2482 on page 773 of his translation.

BUT SHE POINTED TO THE BABE. THEY SAID: "HOW CAN WE TALK TO ONE WHO IS A CHILD IN THE CRADLE?" HOLY QURAN 19:23

And by a miracle he spoke:

HE SAID: "I AM INDEED A SERVANT OF GOD: HE HATH GIVEN ME REVELATION AND MADE ME A PROPHET; "AND HE HATH MADE ME BLESSED WHERESOEVER I BE, AND HE HATH ENJOINED ON ME PRAYER AND CHARITY AS LONG AS I LIVE "(HE) HATH MADE ME KIND TO MY MOTHER, AND NOT OVERBEARING OR MISERABLE; "SO PEACE IS ON ME THE DAY I WAS BORN, THE DAY THAT I DIE, AND THE DAY THAT I SHALL BE RAISED UP TO LIFE (AGAIN)!"

Holy Quran 19:24-33

LIKE ADAM

Does the miraculous birth of Jesus make him a God or a "begotten" son of God? No! Says the Holy Quran:

THE SIMILITUDE OF JESUS BEFORE GOD IS THAT OF ADAM; HE CREATED HIM FROM DUST, THEN SAID TO HIM: 'BE':AND HE WAS. HOLY QURAN 3:59

If it is said that he was born without a human father, Adam was also so born. Indeed Adam was born without either a human father or mother. As far as our physical bodies are concerned they are mere dust.

Addressing both the Jews and the Christians, Allah says:-

O PEOPLE OF THE BOOK! COMMIT NO EXCESSES IN YOUR RELIGION: NOR SAY OF GOD AUGHT BUT THE TRUTH. CHRIST JESUS THE SON OF MARY WAS (NO MORE THAN) AN SPOSTLE OF GOD, AND HIS WORD, WHICH HE BESTOWED ON MARY, AND A SPIRIT PROCEEDING FROM HIM: SO BELIEVE IN GOD AND HIS MESSENGERS... Holy Quran 4:171

As a conclusion, read the following verses:

SUCH (WAS) JESUS THE SON OF MARY : (IT IS) A STATEMENT OF TRUTH, ABOUT WHICH THEY (VAINLY) DISPUTE. IT IS NOT BEFITTING TO (THE MAJESTY OF) GOD THAT HE SHOULD BEGET A SON. GLORY BE TO HIM ! WHEN HE DETERMINES A MATTER, HE ONLY SAYS TO IT, "BE", AND IT IS. VERILY GOD IS MY LORD AND YOUR LORD : HIM THEREFORE SERVE YE : THIS IS A WAY THAT IS STRAIGHT. Holy Quran 19:34-36

More on this topic (External link)

Quran the living miracle

Quran was revealed to the last Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) by God.
It is the book of God. It means that each word in Quran is the word of God. It does not contain the words of any human.
It was revealed 1400 years ago and it was written down during the time of Muhammad (peace be upon him).
It was preserved and the original copy of Quran is still available today. It is worth mentioning that no other religion in the world has the original copy of their Holy Book.
Quran was revealed in Arabic language.
Today the Arabic text of every single Quran in the world is same.
However translations in different languages are available. Please remember that translation is the choice of words by the translator according to his understanding of the language. So there can be different translations but original text in Arabic remains same.
The following pages give proofs beyond the shadow of doubt to prove that Quran is the Word of God and that it is impossible for a human or a group of humans or all humanity together to write Quran.


Scientific miracles mentioned in Quran that cannot be told by a human 1400 years ago. Those scientific miracles are being confirmed today by the scientists. One of the miracles is given in brief below:

Embroyology:

1400 years before the invention of the modern microscopes and the science of embryology, Allah gave us in the Qur¡¯an the precise stages through which the human embryo goes in the course of its development:

And indeed We created man [Adam] out of an extract of clay. Thereafter We made him as a Nutfah [mixed drops of the male and female sexual discharge] [and lodged it] in a safe lodging [woman¡¯s womb]. Then We made the Nutfah into a leech [or leech-like structure] then We made the leech into a chewed lump, then We made out of the chewed lump bones, then We clothed the bones with flesh, and then We brought it forth as another creation. So blessed be Allah, the Best of creators. [Qur¡¯an, 23:12-14; Al-Mu¡¯minun, ¡°The Believers¡±]

Dr. Keith L. Moore (Ph.D., F.I.A.C. The Department of Anatomy, University of Toronto, Canada) commented on these verses: ¡°The zygote forms by the union of a mixture of the sperm and the ovum (¡°The mixed drop!¡±). The word ¡°alaqah¡± refers to a leech or bloodsucker. This is an appropriate description of the human embryo from days 7-24 when it clings to the endometrium of the uterus, in the same way that a leech clings to the skin. Just as the leech derives blood from the host, the human embryo derives blood from the decidua or pregnant endometrium. It is remarkable how much the embryo of 23-24 days resembles a leech. As there were no microscopes or lenses available in the 7th century, doctors would not have known that the human embryo had this leech-like appearance. In the early part of the fourth week, the embryo is just visible to the unaided eye because it is smaller than a kernel of wheat.

The Arabic word ¡°mudghah¡± means ¡°chewed substance or chewed lump.¡± Toward the end of the fourth week, the human embryo looks somewhat like a chewed lump of flesh. The chewed appearance results from the somites which resemble teeth marks. The somites represent the beginnings or primordia of the vertebrae... Out of the chewed lump stage, bones and muscles form. This is in accordance with embryological development. First the bones form as cartilage models and then the muscles (flesh) develop around them from the somatic mesoderm.¡±

Allah also states in the Qur¡¯an the correct order in which the senses of hearing, seeing and understanding develop:

And He gave you hearing and sight and feeling and understanding. [Qur¡¯an, 32:9; Al-Sajdah, ¡°The Prostration¡±]

Dr. Keith L. Moore comments on these verses saying: ¡°The primordia of the internal ears appear before the beginning of the eyes, and the brain (the site of understanding) differentiates last.¡± How could Muhammad possibly have known these embryonic stages to microscopic details unless he (i.e., Muhammad) was not truly the messenger of Allah?


Historical facts stated accurately which are being confirmed today because of the findings in the field of archaeology.

City of Iram:

There is a city that was mentioned in the Qur¡¯an by the name of Iram. Up until 1975, this city was thought by many non-Muslims to be a mere myth since no mention of it was ever made in any known writings. In 1975 another city by the name of Ibla was unearthed in Syria. In some of the tablets found in the city of Ibla, the name of the city of Iram was mentioned for the first time as a place that used to trade with the city of Ibla. Subsequently, using space photography from the space shuttle, the city of Iram was found in the vicinity of Aden. Then behold! The appearance of this city was exactly as it was described in the Qur¡¯an as a city built with towering pillars:


Did you [O Mohammad] not see how your Lord dealt with [the tribe of] Aad ? [the city of] Iram with lofty pillars. The like of which was not created in the lands. [Qur¡¯an, 89:6-8; Al-Fajr ¡°The Dawn¡±]


Predictions about the future which came true.

Fall of Persian Empire

Qur'an confidently predicted a number of things only a few years before they came to pass. The fall of the Persian Empire, for example, was predicted in spite of the fact that it had just suffered a serious military defeat. The evidence was all to the contrary. But in the chapter entitled "Rom", the fall of the Persian Empire who were recently victors over the Romans was predicted.



Open challenges to individuals, nations and humanity, which they have failed to fulfil.




Abu Lahab

The Prophet (SAW) had an uncle by the name of Abu Lahab. This man hated Islam to such an extent that he used to follow the Prophet around in order to discredit him. However, about ten years before Abu Lahab died, a little chapter in the Qur'an was revealed affirming that he would never become a Muslim and would therefore be condemned forever.

For ten years all Abu Lahab had to do was say, "I heard that it has been revealed to Muhammad that I will never change - that I will never become a Muslim and will enter the Hellfire. Well I want to become a Muslim now. How do you like that? What do you think of your divine revelation now?"

But he never did that. In essence, Muhammad (SAW) said, "You hate me and you want to finish me? Here, say these words, and I am finished. Come on, say them!" But Abu Lahab never said them. Ten years! And in all that time he never accepted Islam or even became sympathetic to the Islamic cause.

How could he possibly have been so confident as to give someone 10 years to discredit his claim of Prophethood?


Literary Master Piece
Use and Mention of Words

For myself, I (Dr Garry Miller) have interest in mathematics & logic. There is a verse in the Qur'an:

"This a scripture whose verses are perfected and then expounded."(11:1)


Which tells me that there are no wasted words in the Qur'an; that each verse is perfected and then it is explained. It could not be in a better form. One could not use fewer words to say the same thing or if one uses more words one would only be adding superfluous information.

A revolution in logic has occurred in the last one hundred years, primarily over the difference between use and mention of words. Aristotle's law of the 'excluded middle' was the statement that every statement is either true or false. About a hundred years ago, somebody pointed out that the law of the excluded middle is a statement and is therefore not a law after all. It could just as well be false as well as true. This was a tangled knot for the logicians to untie until they came to understand the difference between the use and the mention of a word.

When we use a word, we consider its meaning. When we mention a word we are discussing the word itself. If I said Toronto is a large city, I mean Toronto, that place, is a large city. If I say Toronto has seven letters, I am talking about the word 'Toronto'. In the first case I used the word and in the second I mentioned the word.

Jesus and Adam

Connecting these ideas and the idea that the Qur'an composed of verses that are perfected and then expounded for us, consider the verse which says:

"The likeness of Jesus before Allah is as the likeness of Adam." (3:59)

It is very clear that what we have in the statement is an equation. This verse goes on to explain how that is true because they both came under unusual circumstances rather than having a mother and a father in the usual human reproductive way.

But what about the mention of the words? Was the author aware of the fact that if we were considering the words as words themselves, this sentence also read that 'Jesus' is something like 'Adam'. Well, they are not spelt with the same letters, how can they be alike in this revelation? The answer comes by checking the index of the Qur'an. So, when the word Isa (Jesus) is checked up, it is found that it occurs in the Qur'an twenty-five times. When word Adam is checked, it is found that it also occurs in the Qur'an twenty-five times. The point is that they are very much alike in this book. They are equated. So, following up on this idea, check for every case where something was set up as an equation, where the likeness of something was said to be the likeness of some other thing. And in every case, it works.

There are also some places in the Qur'an where one thing is said to be not like another thing. After a quick look at several places where on thing is said to be not like another thing, the counting revealed that their occurrence in the Qur'an do not match up. But another interesting thing happens. The Qur'an makes it very clear in the verse that trade is not like interest. The two words will be found six times for one and seven for the other. And so it is in every other case. When one thing is said to be not like another, there was a difference of one time. It would be five of one and four of the other, or seven of one and eight of another. The author is telling us that this is intentional.

And these are just some of the miracles. The Quran is full of miracles and new ones being discovered with time.

Isn't it true that Islam was spread by sword?

No. This is not true. However, this is a common misconception in the minds of many people. The Qur'an declares:

¡°There is no compulsion in religion. The right direction is henceforth distinct from error" (Qur'an 2:256).

This Qur'anic verse shows that God has made truth and falsehood distinct from each other and people are therefore free to choose one or the other. No one can be forced to believe in a religion since belief is something very personal. One who follows the Qur'an will not try to force another person to believe.

Even the prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, could not force another person to become a Muslim. God revealed to him the following words:

"And if your Lord willed, all who are in the earth would have believed together. Would you then compel people until they become believers? It is not for any soul to believe except by the permission of Allah (Qur'an 10:99-100).

This instruction from God makes it clear that anyone is mistaken who thinks that he or she can compel others to believe. If God wanted He could make everyone believers, but rather has given them free choice. Even so, no one can believe upon being forced. It is the grace of God on a person that will result in belief. Is there a teaching more beautiful than this? How could any true follower of the Qur'an turn around and force his faith on others?

On the contrary, the Qur'an instructs its followers on how to call people to true faith as follows:

"Call unto the way of your Lord with wisdom and fair exhortation, and reason with them in the better way" (Qur'an 16:125).

¡¡

Where does the Qur'an say call people at the point of a sword? It does not. God instructed his messenger, on whom be peace, as follows:

"Say: This is my Way: I invite unto Allah with sure knowledge, I and whosoever follows me" (Qur'an 12:108).

Here again, the call is to be made with sure knowledge, with clear evidence. Putting these instructions together, a Muslim understands that he or she must present Islam with clear evidence (i.e. sure knowledge) and use wisdom and fair exhortation to reason with people to accept the evidence for faith. Where is there any mention of sword in all of this?.

The Junior Encyclopedia of Canada says: "Islam is the fastest-growing religion worldwide" (The Junior Encyclopedia of Canada, Hurtig Publishers, Canada, 1990, Vol. 2, p. 396).

What explains this phenomenon? Who is forcing anyone today to become Muslims? Muslims are not even engaged in active preaching in any noticeable degree. People are voluntarily coming into Islam because they find that Islam makes sense.

Huston Smith discusses in his book entitled "The World's Religions", on page 256, how the prophet Muhammad, on whom be peace, granted freedom of religion to the Jews and Christians under Muslim rule. The prophet had a document drawn up in which he stipulated that Jews and Christians shall be "protected from all insults and vexations; they shall have an equal right with our own people to our assistance and good offices," and furthermore, that they shall "practice their religion as freely as the Muslims" (Quoted in The World's Religions by Huston Smith, Harper Collins, 1991, p. 256). Smith points out that Muslims regard that document as "the first charter of freedom of conscience in human history and the authoritative model for those of every subsequent Muslim state" (p. 256).

So, was Islam spread by the sword? The following short answer comes from Ira Zepp Jr., a non- Muslim, in his book entitled "A Muslim Primer". "It is unfortunate that Islam has been stereotyped as the 'religion of the sword' or that Islam was 'spread by the sword.' The historical reality is that the expansion of Islam was usually by persuasion and not by military power. In any case, Islam cannot be forced on anyone; if profession of the shahadah [i.e. the declaration of Islam] is forced on someone, it is not true Islam". (A Muslim Primer by Ira Zepp, Jr., 1992, Wakefield Editions, US, p. 134).

You must know this man

You may be an atheist or an agnostic or you may belong to any of the religious denominations that exist in the world today. You may have been a Communist or a believer in democracy and freedom. No matter what you are, and no matter what your religious and political beliefs, personal and social habits happen to be? YOU STILL MUST KNOW THIS MAN!

He was by far the most remarkable man that ever set foot on this earth. He preached a religion, founded a state, built a nation, laid down a moral code, initiated numberless social and political reforms, established a dynamic and powerful society to practice and represent his teachings, and he revolutionized the worlds of human thought and human action for all time.

His name was Muhammad (peace and blessings of Almighty Creator be upon him)?and he accomplished all these wonders in the unbelievably short span of twenty-three years.

Muhammad (pbuh) was born in Arabia on the 20th of August, 570 CE, and when he died at the age of 63, the whole of the Arabian Peninsula had changed from paganism and idol worship to the worship of One God; from tribal quarrels and wars to national solidarity and cohesion; from drunkenness and debauchery to sobriety and piety; from lawlessness and anarchy to disciplined living; from utter moral bankruptcy to the highest standards of moral excellence. Human history has never known such a complete transformation of a people or a place before or since.

The Encyclopedia Britannica calls him "the most successful of all religious personalities of the world." Bernard Shaw said, "if Muhammad (pbuh) were alive today, he would succeed in solving all those problems which threaten to destroy human civilization in our times." Thomas Carlysle was amazed as to how one man, single-handedly, could weld warring tribes and wandering Bedouins into a most powerful and civilized nation in less than two decades. Napoleon and Gandhi never tired of dreaming of a society along the lines established by this man in Arabia fourteen centuries ago.

Indeed no other human being ever accomplished so much, in such diverse fields of human thought and behavior, in so limited a space of time, as did Muhammad (pbuh). He was a religious teacher, a social reformer, a moral guide, a political thinker, a military genius, an administrative colossus, a faithful friend, a wonderful companion, a devoted husband, a loving father?all in one. No other man in history ever excelled or equaled him in any of these difficult departments of life.

The world has had its share of great personalities. But these were one-sided figures who distinguished themselves in but one or two fields, such as religious thought or military leadership. None of the other great leaders of the world ever combined within himself so many different qualities to such an amazing level of perfection as did Muhammad (pbuh).

The lives and teachings of other great personalities of the world are shrouded in the mist of time. There is so much speculation about the time and the place of their birth, the mode and style of their life, the nature and detail of their teachings and the degree and measure of their success or failure that it is impossible for humanity today to reconstruct accurately and precisely the lives and teachings of those men.

Not so this man Muhammad (pbuh). Not only was he born in the fullest blaze of recorded history, but every detail of his private and public life, of his actions and utterances, has been accurately documented and faithfully preserved to our day. The authenticity of the information so preserved is vouched for not only by faithful followers but also by unbiased critics and open-minded scholars.

At the level of ideas there is no system of thought and belief?secular or religious, social or political ?which could surpass or equal ISLAM?the system which Muhammad (pbuh) propounded. In a fast-changing world, while other systems have undergone profound transformations, Islam alone has remained above all change and mutation, and retained its original form for the past 1400 years. What is more, the positive changes that are taking place in the world of human thought and behavior truly and consistently reflect the healthy influence of Islam in these areas.

It is not given to the best of thinkers to put their ideas completely into practice, and to see the seeds of their labors grow and bear fruit in their own lifetime. Except of course, Muhammad (pbuh), who not only preached the most wonderful ideas but also successfully translated each one of them into practice. At the time of his death his teachings were not mere precepts and ideas straining for fulfillment. They had become the very core of the life of tens of thousands of perfectly trained individuals. At what other time or place and in relation to what other political, social, religious system, philosophy or ideology?did the world ever witness such a perfectly amazing phenomenon? Except of course, ISLAM, which was established as a complete way of life by Muhammad (pbuh) himself. History bears testimony to this fact and the greatest skeptics have no option but to concede this point.

In spite of the phenomenal success which crowned his efforts, he did not for a moment claim to be God or God's incarnation or Son ?but only a human being who was chosen and ordained by the Creator to be a teacher of truth to mankind and a complete model and pattern for their actions.

He was a man with a noble and exalted mission ?and his unique mission was to unite humanity in the worship of the One and only God and to teach them the way to honest and upright living in accordance with the laws and commands of God. He always described himself as a Messenger and servant of God, as indeed every single action and movement of his proclaimed him to be.


A world which has not hesitated to raise to Divinity individuals whose very lives and missions have been lost in legend and who, historically speaking, did not accomplish half as much?or even one tenth?as was accomplished by Muhammad (pbuh), should stop to take serious note of this remarkable man's claim to be God's messenger to mankind.


Today, after the lapse of some 1400 years, the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), have survived without the slightest loss, alteration or interpolation. Today they offer the same undying hope for treating mankind's many ills which they did when Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was alive. This is our honest claim and this is the inescapable conclusion forced upon us by a critical and unbiased study of history.


The least YOU should do as a thinking, sensitive, concerned human being is to stop for one brief moment and ask yourself: Could it be that these statements, extraordinary and revolutionary as they sound, are really true? Supposing they really are true, and you did not know this man Muhammad (pbuh) or hear about his teachings? Or did not know him well and intimately enough to be able to benefit from his guidance and example? Is it not time you responded to this tremendous challenge and made some effort to know him? It will not cost you anything but it may well prove to be the beginning of a completely new era in your life.

Come, let us make a new discovery, the life of this wonderful man Muhammad (pbuh), the like of whom never walked on this earth, and whose example and teachings can change YOUR life and OUR world for the better. May God shower His choicest blessings upon him!

Why polygamy is allowed?

And if you fear that you cannot act equitably towards orphans, then marry such women as seem good to you, two and three and four; but if you fear that you will not do justice (between them), then (marry) only one or what your right hands possess; this is more proper, that you may not deviate from the right course. (Quran 4:3)


Islam allows Muslim man to have up to four wives if he can do justice between them. By "doing Justice" means that man should give equal and same means of life to all his wives. That is, same type of accommodation, same food, distribute his days equally to all of them, whatever he provides to one he must provide to others too.

i
It's very difficult for a man to do justice with more than one wife. That's why Islam says to marry only one woman if you cannot do justice between your wives. Basically Islam is not allowing but restricting polygamy. Before Islam, there was no restriction on the number of wives. And even today, people (having different beliefs & religions) practicing polygamy have no such restrictions.

There are many situations that might require a man to marry more than once. Few examples include:

Check the world population. The number of women is greater than men. So there will always be women who will never get married if every man marries one woman. So what do you think those women, who doesn't get married, will do. So what is the solution?

¡¡
Men die in war. Just analyze the wars in the past and the number of men who died in those wars in this century. Result: millions of women get widowed. What should they do? Even just look in the past 30 years. The wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, Somalia, East Timor and the list goes on & on. Hundreds of thousands of men died in these wars. So what is the solution?


After the death of man, the woman has to look after the whole family. So basically her life virtually finishes, i.e., earn money, raise children, cook food etc. No one to take care of her and her family. What to do? So what is the solution?

¡¡
There is large number of disabled population. Some are blind, some deaf, some have physical disabilities etc. But they also want to marry a man. But majority of them does not. Why? So what is the solution?

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If some elder woman becomes widow than doesn't she want to marry after some time? So what is the solution?
Islam is a practical and realistic religion. It is not here to fulfill the dreams or philosophy or personal opinion of some individual but it provides the practical solutions to the problems and it is the way of life for humanity. No other religion in the world provides the solution to the above problem which is just one of the problem facing the human race.

Islam provides an answer to these problems. In Islam, it is the duty of a man to take care of woman, to provide her with all the means of life. And for a Muslim man, it is a great test to take care of a woman. Because they might have to marry women twenty years elder just to support them. They might have to marry disabled women. And women with children. And they have to take care of their children. In Islam, the concept of life is doing as many good deeds as possible. Life is not about enjoying at the expense of the misery of other people but its about satisfaction and peace by being a helping hand to those in misery and pain. And all that is not easy.

You can easily see the outcome of ignoring this one very important concept of multiple wives. The prostitution rate is high. And so is the number of sexually transmitted diseases. The family system is diminishing. The status of above-mentioned people (disabled women etc) is not good at all. This factor also contributes to the increase in poverty rate. And in the spread of social evils.

Jihad

linguistic sense, the Arabic word "jihad" means struggling or striving and applies to any effort exerted by anyone. In this sense, a student struggles and strives to get an education and pass course work; an employee strives to fulfill his/her job and maintain good relations with his/her employer; a politician strives to maintain or increase his popularity with his constituents and so on. The term strive or struggle may be used for/by Muslims as well as non-Muslims; for example, Allah, the One and Only True God says in the Qur'an:

"We have enjoined on people kindness to parents; but if they STRIVE (JAHADAKA) to make you ascribe partners with Me that of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not..." (29:8; also see 31:15)



In the above two verses of the Qur'an , it is non-Muslim parents who strive (jahadaka) to convert their Muslim child back to their religion. In the West, "jihad" is generally translated as "holy war," a usage the media has popularized. According to Islamic teachings, it is UNHOLY to instigate or start war; however, some wars are inevitable and justifiable. If we translate the words "holy war" back into Arabic, we find "harbun muqaddasatu," or for "the holy war," "al-harbu al-muqaddasatu." WE CHALLENGE any researcher or scholar to find the meaning of "jihad" as holy war in the Qur'an or authentic Hadith collections or in early Islamic literature. Unfortunately, some Muslim writers and translators of the Qur'an, the Hadith and other Islamic literature translate the term "jihad" as "holy war," due to the influence of centuries-old Western propaganda. This could be a reflection of the Christian use of the term "Holy War" to refer to the Crusades of a thousand years ago. However, the Arabic words for "war" are "harb" or "qital," which are found in the Qur'an and Hadith.

For Muslims the term JIHAD is applied to all forms of STRIVING and has developed some special meanings over time. The sources of this development are the Qur'an (the Word of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad (S) [(S) denotes Sall-Allahu 'alayhi wa sallam, meaning peace and blessings of Allah be upon him]. The Qur'an and the Hadith use the word "jihad" in several different contexts which are given below:


1. RECOGNIZING THE CREATOR AND LOVING HIM MOST:
It is human nature to love what is seen with the eyes and felt with the senses more than the UNSEEN REALITY. The Creator of the Universe and the One God is Allah. He is the Unseen Reality which we tend to ignore and not recognize. The Qur'an addresses those who claim to be believers:

"O you who believe! Choose not your fathers nor your brethren for protectors if they love disbelief over belief; whoever of you takes them for protectors, such are wrong-doers. Say: if your fathers, and your children, and your brethren, and your spouses, and your tribe, and the wealth you have acquired, and business for which you fear shrinkage, and houses you are pleased with are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger and STRIVING in His way: then wait till Allah brings His command to pass. Allah does not guide disobedient folk." (9:23, 24)



It is indeed a struggle to put Allah ahead of our loved ones, our wealth, our worldly ambitions and our own lives. Especially for a non-Muslim who embraces Islam, it may be a tough struggle due to the opposition of his family, peers and society.


2. RESISTING PRESSURE OF PARENTS, PEERS, AND SOCIETY:
Once a person has made up his mind to put the Creator of the Universe above all else, he often comes under intense pressures. It is not easy to resist such pressures and STRIVE to maintain dedication and love of Allah over all else. A person who has turned to Islam from another religion may be subjected to pressures designed to turn him back to the religion of the family. We read in the Qur'an:


"So obey not the rejecters of faith, but strive (jahidhum) against them by it (the Qur'an) with a great endeavor." (25:52)




3. STAYING ON THE STRAIGHT PATH STEADFASTLY:
Allah says in the Qur'an: "And STRIVE (JADIHU) for Allah with the endeavor (JIHADIHI) which is His right. He has chosen you and has not laid upon you in the DEEN (religion) any hardship..." (22:78) "And whosoever STRIVES (JAHADA), STRIVES (YUJAHIDU) only for himself, for lo! Allah is altogether independent of the universe." (29:6)


As for those who strive and struggle to live as true Muslims whose lives are made difficult due to persecution by their opponents, they are advised to migrate to a more peaceful and tolerant land and continue with their struggle in the cause of Allah. Allah says in the Qur'an:

"Lo! As for those whom the angels take (in death) while they wronged themselves, (the angels) will ask: 'In what you were engaged?' They will way: 'We were oppressed in the land.' (The angels) will say: 'Was not Allah's earth spacious that you could have migrated therein?'" (4:97) "Lo! Those who believe, and those who emigrate (to escape persecution) and STRIVE (JAHADU) in the way of Allah, these have hope of Allah's mercy..." (2:218)


Allah tests the believers in their faith and their steadfastness:

"Or did you think that you would enter Paradise while yet Allah knows not those of you who really STRIVE (JAHADU), nor knows those (of you) who are steadfast." (3:142) "And surely We shall try you with something of fear and hunger, and loss of wealth and lives and fruits; but give tidings to the steadfast." (2:155)


We find that the Prophet Muhammad (S) and his clan were boycotted socially and economically for three years to force him to stop his message and compromise with the pagans but he resisted and realized a moral victory (2).


4. STRIVING FOR RIGHTEOUS DEEDS:
Allah declares in the Qur'an:

"As for those who STRIVE (JAHADU) in Us (the cause of Allah), We surely guide them to Our paths, and lo! Allah is with the good doers." (29:69)


When we are faced with two competing interests, it becomes jihad to choose the right one, as the following Hadith exemplify: "Aisha, wife of the Prophet (S) asked, 'O Messenger of Allah, we see jihad as the best of deeds, so shouldn't we join it?' He replied, 'But the best of jihad is a perfect Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah).'" (Sahih Al-Bukhari #2784) At another occasion, a man asked the Prophet Muhammad (S): "'Should I join the jihad?' He asked, 'Do you have parents?' The man said, 'Yes!' The Prophet (S) said, 'Then strive by serving them!'" (Sahih Al-Bukhari #5972) Yet another man asked the Messenger of Allah (S): "'What kind of jihad is better?' He replied, 'A word of truth in front of an oppressive ruler!'" (Sunan Al-Nasa'i #4209) The Messenger of Allah (S) said: "...the MUJAHID (one who carries out jihad) is he who STRIVES against himself for the sake of Allah, and the MUHAJIR (one who emigrates) is he who abandons evil deeds and sin." (Sahih Ibn Hibban #4862)


5. HAVING COURAGE AND STEADFASTNESS TO CONVEY THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM:
The Qur'an narrates the experiences of a large number of Prophets and good people who suffered a great deal trying to convey the message of Allah to mankind. For examples, see the Qur'an 26:1-190, 36:13-32. In the Qur'an, Allah specifically praises those who strive to convey His message: "Who is better in speech than one who calls (other people) to Allah, works righteous, and declares that he is from the Muslims." (41:33) Under adverse conditions it takes great courage to remain a Muslim, declare oneself to be a Muslim and call others to Islam. We read in the Qur'an:

"The (true) believers are only those who believe in Allah and his messenger and afterward doubt not, but STRIVE with their wealth and their selves for the cause of Allah. Such are the truthful." (49:15)




6. DEFENDING ISLAM AND THE COMMUNITY:
Allah declares in the Qur'an:

"To those against whom war is made, permission is given (to defend themselves), because they are wronged - and verily, Allah is Most Powerful to give them victory - (they are) those who have been expelled from their homes in defiance of right - (for no cause) except that they say, 'Our Lord is Allah'..." (22:39-40)


The Qur'an permits fighting to defend the religion of Islam and the Muslims. This permission includes fighting in self-defense and for the protection of family and property. The early Muslims fought many battles against their enemies under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (S) or his representatives. For example, when the pagans of Quraysh brought armies against Prophet Muhammad (S), the Muslims fought to defend their faith and community (3). The Qur'an adds:


"Fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress limits. Lo! Allah loves not aggressors. ...And fight them until persecution is no more, and religion is for Allah. But if they desist, then let there be no hostility except against transgressors." (2:190, 193)





7. HELPING ALLIED PEOPLE WHO MAY NOT BE MUSLIM:
In the late period of the Prophet Muhammad's (S) life, the tribe of Banu Khuza'ah became his ally. They were living near Makkah which was under the rule of the pagan Quraysh, Prophet Muhammad's (S) own tribe. The tribe of Banu Bakr, an ally of Quraysh, with the help of some elements of Quraysh, attacked Banu Khuza'ah invoked the treaty and demanded Prophet Muhammad (S) to come to their help and punish Quraysh. The Prophet Muhammad (S) organized a campaign against Quraysh of Makkah which resulted in the conquest of Makkah which occurred without any battle (4).


8. REMOVING TREACHEROUS PEOPLE FROM POWER:
Allah orders the Muslims in the Qur'an: "If you fear treachery from any group, throw back (their treaty) to them, (so as to be) on equal terms. Lo! Allah loves not the treacherous." (8:58) Prophet Muhammad (S) undertook a number of armed campaigns to remove treacherous people from power and their lodgings. He had entered into pacts with several tribes, however, some of them proved themselves treacherous. Prophet Muhammad (S) launched armed campaigns against these tribes, defeated and exiled them from Medina and its surroundings (5).


9. DEFENDING THROUGH PREEMPTIVE STRIKES:
Indeed, it is difficult to mobilize people to fight when they see no invaders in their territory; however, those who are charged with responsibility see dangers ahead of time and must provide leadership. The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (S), had the responsibility to protect his people and the religion he established in Arabia. Whenever he received intelligence reports about enemies gathering near his borders he carried out preemptive strikes, broke their power and dispersed them (6). Allah ordered Muslims in the Qur'an: "Fighting is prescribed upon you, and you dislike it. But it may happen that you dislike a thing which is good for you, and it may happen that you love a thing which is bad for you. And Allah knows and you know not." (2:216)


10. GAINING FREEDOM TO INFORM, EDUCATE AND CONVEY THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM IN AN OPEN AND FREE ENVIRONMENT:
Allah declares in the Qur'an:

"They ask you (Muhammad) concerning fighting in the Sacred Month. Say, 'Fighting therein is a grave (offense) but graver is it in the sight of Allah to prevent access to the path of Allah, to deny Him, to prevent access to the Sacred Mosque, and drive out its inhabitants. Persecution is worse than killing. Nor will they cease fighting you until they turn you back from your faith, if they can..." (2:217) "And those who, when an oppressive wrong is inflicted on them, (are not cowed but) fight back." (42:39)


To gain this freedom, Prophet Muhammad (S) said: "STRIVE (JAHIDU) against the disbelievers with your hands and tongues." (Sahih Ibn Hibban #4708) The life of the Prophet Muhammad (S) was full of STRIVING to gain the freedom to inform and convey the message of Islam. During his stay in Makkah he used non-violent methods and after the establishment of his government in Madinah, by the permission of Allah, he used armed struggle against his enemies whenever he found it inevitable.


11. FREEING PEOPLE FROM TYRANNY:
Allah admonishes Muslims in the Qur'an:

"And why should you not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? - Men, women, and children, whose cry is: 'Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from You, one who will protect; and raise for us from You, one who will help.'" (4:75)


The mission of the Prophet Muhammad (S) was to free people from tyranny and exploitation by oppressive systems. Once free, individuals in the society were then free to chose Islam or not. Prophet Muhammad's (S) successors continued in his footsteps and went to help oppressed people. For example, after the repeated call by the oppressed people of Spain to the Muslims for help, Spain was liberated by Muslim forces and the tyrant rulers removed. After the conquest of Syria and Iraq by the Muslims, the Christian population of Hims reportedly said to the Muslims: "We like your rule and justice far better than the state of oppression and tyranny under which we have been living." (7) The defeated rulers of Syria were Roman Christians, and Iraq was ruled by Zoarastrian Persians.



WHAT SHOULD MUSLIMS DO WHEN THEY ARE VICTORIOUS?
Muslims should remove tyranny, treachery, bigotry, and ignorance and replace them with justice and equity. We should provide truthful knowledge and free people from the bondage of 'associationism' (SHIRK, or multiple gods), prejudice, superstition and mythology. Muslims remove immorality, fear, crime, exploitation and replace them with divine morality, peace and education. The Qur'an declares:


"Lo! Allah commands you that you restore deposits to their owners, and if you judge between mankind that you judge justly. Lo! It is proper that Allah admonishes you. Lo! Allah is ever Hearer, Seer." (4:58)
"O you who believe! Stand out firmly for Allah's witnesses to fair dealing, and let not the hatred of others to you make you swerve to wrong and depart from justice. Be just: that is next to Piety and fear Allah. And Allah is well acquainted with all that you do." (5:8)
"And of those whom We have created there is a nation who guides with the Truth and establishes justice with it." (7:181)
"Lo! Allah enjoins justice and kindness, and giving to kinsfolk, and forbids lewdness and abomination and wickedness. He exhorts you in order that you may take heed." (16:90)
"Those who, if We give them power in the land, establish prescribed prayers (SALAH) and pay the poor-due (ZAKAH) and enjoin right conduct and forbid evil. And with Allah rests the end (and decision) of (all) affairs." (22:41)




DID ISLAM SPREAD BY FORCE, SWORDS OR GUNS?
The unequivocal and emphatic answer is NO! The Qur'an declares:

"Let there be no compulsion (or coercion) in the religion (Islam). The right direction is distinctly clear from error." (2:256)


Here is a good study of the question of the spread of Islam by a Christian missionary, T. W. Arnold: "...of any organized attempt to force the acceptance of Islam on the non-Muslim population, or of any systematic persecution intended to stamp out the Christian religion, we hear nothing. Had the caliphs chosen to adopt either course of action, they might have swept away Christianity as easily as Ferdinand and Isabella drove Islam out of Spain, or Louis XIV made Protestantism penal in France, or the Jews were kept out of England for 350 years. The Eastern Churches in Asia were entirely cut off from communion with the rest of Christiandom throughout which no one would have been found to lift a finger on their behalf, as heretical communions. So that the very survival of these Churches to the present day is a strong proof of the generally tolerant attitude of Mohammedan [sic] governments towards them" (8). Islam does not teach, nor do Muslims desire, conversion of any people for fear, greed, marriage or any other form of coercion. In conclusion, jihad in Islam is STRIVING IN THE WAY OF ALLAH by pen, tongue, hand, media and, if inevitable, with arms. However, jihad in Islam does not include striving for individual or national power, dominance, glory, wealth, prestige or pride.


-- M. Amir Ali, Ph.D.



REFERENCES:
1. For the sake of simplicity and easy reading, masculine pronouns have been used throughout this brochure. No exclusion of females is intended.
2. Haykal, M. H., THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD, Tr. Ismail R. Faruqi, American Trust Publications, 1976, p. 132.
3. Haykal, pp. 216, 242, 299 and 414 for the Battles of Badr, Uhud, Al-Khandaq and Hunayn, respectively.
4. Haykal, p. 395 for the conquest of Makkah.
5. Haykal, pp. 245, 277, 311 and 326 for campaigns against the tribes of Banu Qaynuqa', Banu Al-Nadir, Banu Qurayzah and Banu Lihyan, respectively. Also, see p. 283 for the Battle of Dhat Al-Riqa'.
6. Haykal, pp. 284, 327, 366, 387, 393, 443 and 515 for the Battles of Dawmat Al-Jandal, Banu Al-Mustaliq, Khayber, Mu'tah, Dhat Al-Salasil, Tabuk and the Campaign of Usama Ibn Zayd, respectively.
7. Hitti, Philip K., HISTORY OF THE ARABS, St. Martin's Press, New York, 1970, p. 153.
8. Arnold, Sir Thomas W. THE PREACHING OF ISLAM, A HISTORY OF THE PROPAGATION OF THE MUSLIM FAITH, Westminister A. Constable & Co., London, 1896, p. 80.

What they say about Muhammad

During the crusades, all sorts of slanders were leveled against the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). With the birth of the modern age, which is characterized by a greater degree of religious tolerance and freedom of thought, there has been a change in the approach of western authors who study the Prophet's life and characters. A sampling of their views is given below.
Consider what others have said about this extraordinary man:
If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modem history with Muhammad? The most famous men created arms, laws and empires only. They founded, if anything at all, no more than material powers which often crumbled away before their eyes. This man moved not only armies, legislation, empires, peoples and dynasties, but millions of men in one-third of the then-inhabited world; and more than that he moved the altars, the gods, the religions, the ideas, the beliefs and souls.... His forbearance in victory, his ambition which was entirely devoted to one idea and in no manner striving for an empire, his endless prayers, his mystic conversations with God, his death and his triumph after death-all these attest not to an imposture but to a firm conviction which gave him the power to restore a dogma. This dogma was twofold: the unity of God and the immateriality of God; the former telling what God is, the latter telling what God is not; the one overthrowing false gods with the sword, the other starting an idea with the words. Philosopher, orator, apostle, legislator, warrior, conqueror of ideas, restorer of rational dogmas, of a cult without images; the founder of twenty terrestrial empires and of one spiritual empire, that is Muhammad. As regards all standards by which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask, is there any man greater than he? (Lamartine Histoire de la Turquie, Pans 1854, Vol. 11, pp. 276-77)

He was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without Pope's pretensions, Caesar without the legions of Caesar: without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue. If ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the right divine, it was Mohammad, for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports. (Bosworth Smith Mohammad and Mohammadanism, London 1874, p 92)

It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher. (Annie Besant The Life and Teachings of Muhammad, Madras 1932, p 4)

His readiness to undergo persecution for his beliefs, the high moral character of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as leader, and the greatness of his ultimate achievement all argue his fundamental integrity To suppose Muhammad an impostor raises more problems than it solves. Moreover, none of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as Muhammad. (W Montgomery Watt Mohammad At Mecca, Oxford, 1953, p 52)

My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level. (Michael H. Hart The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, New York: Hart Publishing Company Inc. 1978, p 33.)

The life of Last prophet(Peace be upon him)

Read by Cat Stevens (now Yusuf Islam), the famous British pop singer.
The life of the last Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.
Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam: Its means peace be upon him), peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was a mercy to the universe. His life ever shines as a symbol of light and guidance for all time and for all people. He was the last messenger of God to humanity, the seal of the prophets. To the Oneness of God he called:

La Ilaha Illalla Muhammad-ur-Rasullullah
There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah
This is the life and message of Islam.
Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam), the last prophet, was born in the harsh desert land of Arabia almost 600 years after Jesus (peace be upon him) in the city of Makkah located in a deep valley surrounded by a curtain of brown and black jacket mountains.

Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) was an orphan. His father had died before he was born so he was raised and weaned in the desert according to the Arab custom. By the tender age of six, his mother Amina also died and he was left all alone to be brought up by his grandfather Abdul Muttalib and later under the care of his paternal uncle Abu Taalib.

Makkah was an important and famous city primarily because within it stood the Holy Kaaba, the first house ever set up for mankind to glorify the One true God constructed some 3000 years earlier by the Prophet Abraham with the help of his first son Ishmael (peace be upon them). It was here in this deserted and barren valley that Abraham according to Divine Will has settled his wife Hagar along with their child Ishmael. So it was, that with the passage of time, Makkah gradually became a city of pilgrimage and a flourishing center of culture and trade, through which passed the great trade caravans between Syria in the North and Yemen in the South.

Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) was a direct descendent of Abraham through Ishmael belonging to the noble and renowned family of Bani Hashim. As a shepherd boy, Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam), used to tend the sheep and goats around the hills of Makkah under the bright burning sun. A familiar training it seems for those destined to fulfill the role of Prophethood.

As a young man, Muhammad became known to everybody as Al-Amin, the trustworthy, because of his honesty and noble character. His uncle loved him dearly and would take him on trading journeys to Syria. This gave Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) the opportunity to learn how to earn his living as a trader. He managed business well. Although he was relatively poor, Muhammad's truthfulness and generous nature made him trusted and loved by everyone who knew him.

There lived in Makkah, one of the most honorable of ladies, her name was Khadija. Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) had worked for her. At the age of 25, he received from her an indirect proposal of marriage although she was a senior and twice widowed, Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) accepted her offer. They were married and lived a happy life. She bore him 2 sons and 4 daughters. Sadly, the 2 sons died in infancy. Nevertheless, it was an ideal marriage and they lived together a blissfully perfect family life.

Muhammad's company and wise counsel were greatly sought after. It is said that once when the sacred Kaaba was being rebuilt after serious floods had damaged its walls, a disagreement arose among the four main tribes of Quraish as to which tribe should have the honor of replacing the sacred black stone. A skirmish was about to begin when one of the elders suggested a solution. "Make the first to enter the gate, your judge" he said. They all looked and to their great joy, Muhammad entered. "It is Al-Amin, the trust worthy" they cried. Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) saw what was happening and he asked for a piece of cloth to be brought. He laid the black stone upon the cloth and told the members of each of the four tribes to hold the corners of the cloth and raise the stone as he himself eased it into its position. So he ended the quarrel and with it the threat of war.

The Arabs of his time had many great qualities. They were brave, generous, loyal and yet they were often involved in petty feuds fighting endless battles among themselves ready to shed blood on flimsies pretense. They had little respect for the weak, the orphans or widows and frequently indulge in heavy drinking and frivolity. Because of the important status given to the sons, many fathers practiced the evil custom of burying the unwanted daughters at birth. But at the root of all evils, lay polytheism. Polytheism, the cult of worshipping idols was practiced by almost everyone. The everlasting religion and legacy of Abraham, the worship of one true God alone had been buried and forgotten with time. Over the years, some 360 idols and statutes of false gods had been installed in and around the Holy Kaaba worshipped as lords and intercessors. Even the followers of Moses and Jesus have diverged from the universality and teachings of the pure monotheistic faith of Abraham and had divided themselves into many separate sects and tribes.

But Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) was an exceptional figure. He did not take part in any of this. It became his habit in later years to retreat to an isolated cave in the nearby mountain called Hira, not far from Makkah to bear his heart and pray in search of truth. With no sound but the stirring wind, he would contemplate in his solitude, the signs of the universe. It was here one night during the month of Ramadan, at the age of 40, that the Almighty called Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) to his service. This night, known as Laila-tul-Qadar, the night of power, the spirit of truth was to descend with God's decree and light for humanity, the Quran, a new chapter for the world was about to unfold.

The white veining moon was shining brightly when suddenly he perceived a presence. Out of the stillness of the night a voice was heard "read". Muhammad was shaken "I cannot read", he replied. The earth seemed to tremble as the voice repeated the command pressing him on, "Read". "I cannot read", he felt himself frozen with fear unable to move. "Read" the awesome voice commanded again. "What shall I read?" Then suddenly he was released. At that moment all time and space were suspended. The heavens and the earth joined, peace, as mankind stood at the threshold of a new dawn.

Surah Al-Alaq (Chapter 92 of Holy Quran: The Book of God) -- Verses 1 to 5

"Read, in the name of your Lord who Creates, Creates man from a clot of blood. Read and your Lord is most Generous who teaches by the pen, teaches man that which he knew not."

These were the first five jeweled verses of the Glorious Quran, the voice was that of Angel Gabriel, the spirit of faith and truth who had been sent to the last of the God's prophet. The mission had just begun for Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam), the Messenger of Allah, a mercy to the worlds.

The Prophet Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) had just received first words from his Lord on mount Hira. He rushed down from the mountain, his face shining with beads of sweat heart beating fiercely, the verses of Quran still echoing in his soul. "What kind of recitation was this? What kind of words?" He ran to Khadija "Cover me, cover me". She gently comforted him as he explained what had just happened. "I fear that something may befall me", he said. "Never by Allah", said his wife faithfully, "Allah will never disgrace you, you keep good relations with all your relatives, you help the poor and the needy, you serve your guests generously and assist the deserving, the unfortunate ones."

Sometime later Khadija took him to her cousin a learned scribe named Waraqa who knew the Torah and the Gospel well. After describing to him what had happened that night, the old man without hesitation affirmed that "Indeed this must have been a meeting with arch Angel Gabriel whom Allah has sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people turn you out", the old wise man said. He knew that the prophet foretold in the earlier scriptures had arrived. So began the call of the Last Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) which was to influence the world for ever more and herald a new age in the history of human consciousness and progress, the birth of Islam.

The first to believe in the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) was his wife Khadija followed shortly after by his young beloved cousin Ali, son of Abu Taalib, who lived with them. Most were violently opposed but some willingly opened their hearts and accepted the call like Muhammad's closest friend and companion Abu Bakr and his servant Zaid and others. After a while, as the revelations of the Quran continued, the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) was commanded to publicly deliver the message of Islam and recite the verses which has been sent to him.

translation of Surah Fatih: Chapter 1 of the Holy Quran, the Book of God)

"In the Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds

The Beneficent, the Merciful

Master of the Day of Judgement

You alone we worship and You alone we ask for help

Show us the straight path, the path of those whom You have favored

Not those who earned Your anger, nor those who go astray"

One day, the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) climbed to the top of Safa, a small hill close to the sacred Kaaba and called after his kinsmen, the people of Quraish. As they gathered around him, they asked him, "What was the matter?" Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) answered, "Tell me O men of Makkah if I were to inform you that I see an army on the other side of this hill, would you believe me?" "Indeed", they all answered, "for we trust you and we know you never tell a lie." "Then", Muhammad said, "Know that I am a Warner and that I warn of severe punishment. God has commanded me to warn you, my nearest kin, that I can guarantee you no good on earth or in heavens."

The crowd on hearing this became dumb struck. As they stood silent and still under the heat of the sun, Abu Lahab, the prophet's uncle, finally burst out: "May you perish." They all turned their backs and dispersed leaving Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) standing alone. The people of Makkah listened to these new words calling them to bow to Allah and to enter the religion of love and submission, Islam. But soon they became sharply divided. Many began to reject the glaring truth. After years of knowing him as the most kind and pious among them, they started insulting him and ridiculing him and even calling him insane. Yet with all this abuse heard upon him, he would never speak a bad word in return. He used to say "He who believes in Allah and the last day, should be good to his guest, He who believes in Allah and the last day, should honor his neighbor, and He who believes in Allah and the last day, should say what is good or be silent." Nothing would deter him. He continued patiently inviting his townsfolk to what was the basic pillar of Islam to bear witness that there was no God worthy of worship but Allah, that he Muhammad was the Messenger of Allah.

translation of Surah Ikhlas: : Chapter 112 of the Holy Quran, the Book of God)

"Say, He is Allah the One
Allah the Eternal, Absolute
He begets not, nor was He begotten
And there is none comparable to Him"

The more he called on them to submit to one and Only God, the more enraged the tribal chiefs became. "What", they said, "Has he made all our gods into One God. This is a strange thing indeed." What was even more surprising to them was that these miraculous new words, the passages of the Quran, were coming to a man whom they knew was unlettered. Never had Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) learned to read or write, a skill that only few could claim among the Arabs at that time. So how then these words so matchless in their beauty and articulation coming to him.

The chiefs of the Quraish, the most influential tribe in Makkah, became more and more enraged. However at one of their council meetings they decided to ask the Prophet's uncle and guardian Abu Taalib to mediate, to try and stop him from calling people away from their customs and the religion of their forefathers. Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) when he heard this, was emotionally moved because of the love and affection he felt for his dear uncle but his answer was calm and clear: "By Allah if they place the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left, I would never abandon this course until Allah makes it victorious or I die therein."

Slowly, one by one, the number of Muslims grew under the guidance of the beloved Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam). This first noble group of believers followed the way of righteousness and submission. Their love for the truth shown out, illuminating the dull paganistic society of that time. The pursuit of worldly gain, the main objective of earthly life and ambitions was shunned in favor of pursuit of eternal life and wisdom. "Whosoever follows the path to seek knowledge therein" the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) said "Allah will make easy for him the path to paradise."

Yet Muslims were made the object of persecution from the very beginning. Those who were poor of little means and had no position suffered the most. They were mocked and laughed at. But when ridicule failed, the disbelievers resorted to physical attacks and torment. Stones and dirt were hurled at them. Some 100 Muslims were permitted to leave Makkah abandoning their homes and seeking refuge in neighboring Abyssinia, a Christian land.

For those who stayed behind, the persecution increased. Bilal, a black Abyssinian slave who had accepted Islam was laid outstretched on the burning sand at the behest of his brutal master, while large heavy rocks were placed on his chest. "Where is your God now?" the disbelievers taunted him. But no amount of torture could shake his faith. The believers would never give up Islam.

So a new tactic was adopted by the chiefs of Makkah. The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) and his followers were evicted and forced to live in a confined section of town. No provisions were allowed to get through to them. They had to suffer long torturous periods without food or water. Not eating for days or even weeks on ends. This boycott began in the 7th year after the commencement of Quranic revelation and lasted for 3 long years. But by the Grace of Allah, some kind hearts among the persecutors could not tolerate the victimization any longer. Their will gradually softened and the ban was finally lifted.

Again the people were able to observe and listen to the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam). He was the most handsome of men of medium height, black hair and beard, his teeth shown gleaming white when he smiled. But it was his character and perfect behavior which made the greatest impression. His words were always full of guidance and wisdom. The customs and traditions of the tribal society in Arabia were shaken and revised by the extraordinary spirit of his teachings. He said: " Support your brother whether he is doing wrong or he is being wronged." A man enquired, "O Messenger of Allah, I can help him if he has been wronged but how can I support him if he is doing wrong?" He said "Prevent him from doing wrong. That is how you support him."

Muhammad's kindness and merciful nature was also unparalleled. Often when he passed by a group of children, he would pass his hands affectionately over their heads and sometimes would even join in their innocent games. He said: "There are for Allah one hundred mercies of which only one was sent down among the Jinn, mankind, beasts, birds and insects. Through it they incline towards each other. Through it, they show mercy to one another and through it they show affection to their younger ones. And Allah has reserved for Himself ninety nine mercies with which He will show mercy to His servants on the day of resurrection."

He gave special place and honor to women. In one stroke, Islam raised them to a position unimaginable in the society at that time guaranteeing them rights and liberties not equal anywhere. "Paradise lies beneath the feet of your mother" he said. But the majority still persisted in their ways of ignorance and continued to reject him.

It was during the 10th year of the mission that Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) was to experience the greatest sorrow of his life. His Uncle Abu Taalib, who adopted and provided him the much needed family protection and support died. This was followed soon after by the death of his loving wife, Khadija. To add to his grief, the people of Taif to whom he had journeyed to convey the message of Islam had mercilessly rejected him, sending raffians to pelt him with stones making his body stream with blood.

It was in this devastating and difficult time that the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) was to be given one of the greatest and most uplifting honors by Allah, Glorified and Exalted as He. This was a miraculous night journey. On that special night, the Angel Gabriel came to Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) and woke him from his sleep. Gabriel then made him mount what looked like a dazzling white creature named Al-Buraq. Soon with lightening speed Muhammad was transported to Masjid Al-Aqsa, the distant place of prayer in Jerusalem. There, on this blessed site in the heart of Jerusalem, Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) was met by an assembly of earlier prophets who gathered behind him as he led them in prayer.

From there, Gabriel took him and they ascended through the seven heavens to witness the unseen mysteries of the universe and to see some of the greatest signs of Allah. According to tradition, the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) said, " When I entered the lowest heaven I saw a man sitting there with the spirits of men and women passing before him. To one on the right, he would smile saying 'a good spirit from a good body' and to another on the left he would frown and say 'a bad spirit from a bad body'. I said, 'Who is this O Gabriel?' He replied, 'This is Adam and the persons on the right and left are his offspring. Those on the right are the people of Paradise, those on the left are the people of hell fire.' Then Gabriel ascended with Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) through each subsequent heaven meeting different Prophets as he went. Jesus, John, Joseph, Aaron, Moses, peace be upon them all. Until finally they reached the seventh heaven. There was a man sitting on the throne at the gate of the immortal mansion. 'Never have I seen a man more like myself', said the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam). 'This was my father Abraham'. Then Gabriel appeared to the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) in all his angelic light and splendor. They had reached the lot tree of the utmost boundary, the Sidrat-ul-Muntaha veiled by mysterious colors, inexhaustibly indescribable.

Translation) Chapter 53 of the Holy Quran, the Book of God -- Verses 11 to 18

"The heart falsified not what he saw
Would you then dispute with him concerning what he sees
And Verily he saw him yet another time by the Lot tree of the utmost boundary
Near it the garden of Abode, when the Lot tree was shrouded by whatever in shrouded
The sight did not swerved nor did it exceed, Verily he saw of the Sign of his Lord, the Greatest."

Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) had soared to the zenith of Divine heights. It was in this night of supreme spiritual and bodily elevation that he received from Allah Almighty, the second noble pillar of Islam: the five daily prayers. And that, which was given to no Prophet ever before, the whole world was made a place for prostration and prayer for Muslims. This was Al-Isra Wal Mairaj the night journey and ascension.

On his return the next morning, after hearing about this miraculous journey, the disbelievers now rejoiced in the opportunity to jeer and mock Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) even more. They had called him a mad man, a sooth sayer, a poet and now a liar. Persecution increased and life grew unbearable for Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) and his companions. They were constantly in danger so they quietly prepared to leave Makkah.

A delegation of those who had embraced Islam from the city of Yasrab (Yathrib), 250 miles away, offered their homes and welcomed all Muslims to live in the safety of their city. They especially wanted the Prophet to bring peace to their city torn by tribal feuds and unrest. The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) accepted. This was to be the Hijra, the migration, the turning point in Islamic history, from which date the Islamic calendar began, the birth of the first Islamic state and thus Yasrab came to be called the city of the Prophet Madina-tun-nabi.

Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam), the Messenger of Allah, after 13 years of inviting to Islam and after suffering bitter persecution at the hands of pagan Arabs left Makkah together with the small community of Muslims and migrated to where they had been offered peace and security in the city of Medina. Thus began the second major phase in the mission and life of the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam).

In Medina, the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) became the head of state. From here Islam was to blossom. A new, brilliant and just social order was born. At the base was the mosque. Hereto Islam's vision for peace amongst all the people of the world of all faiths and races took shape in what was effectively the first constitution and charter of human rights and liberties ever. It guaranteed every citizen freedom, security and justice. Freedom of conscious and worship for Muslims as well as non-Muslims alike, Security and protection from any outside threat or attack, Justice and the abolition of all crimes and immoral practices.

Translation) Chapter 8 Al-Anfal of the Holy Quran, the Book of God -- verse 74

"Those who believed and migrated and fought for the cause of Allah and those who took them in and help them, these are the believers in truth, for them is pardon and generous provision."

Charity was one of the main features of this new society. Greed and selfishness became strangers and were replaced by compassion and concern for all living things. The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) said: "Doing justice between two people is a charity, and assisting a man upon his burden and lifting his baggage is a charity, and answering a questioner with mildness is a charity, and removing that which is inconveniences to man such as thorns and stones is a charity and a smile to your brother is a charity."

Once a man came upto Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) and begged him for some sheep. There were large number of them grazing between two hills so he ordered that they were all to be given to him. When the man returned to his village he said: "O People, embrace Islam for by Allah, Muhammad gives so much he does not fear poverty."

Here in Medina, another two more important pillars of Islam were established. The Muslims were ordered to pay Zakat, the wealth tax due to help the poor and the needy. And fasting in the month of Ramadan. During this period, the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) remarried. He was proposed to by many, but apart from Aisha, the daughter of Abu Bakr, his wives were mainly widows of Muslims who were killed or martyred. However, he always had a special place and memory in his heart for Khadija, his first wife and beloved partner.

The area of Medina was also populated by a number of Jewish tribes. The Muslims already felt a close affinity with these people of the book, as the coming of the Prophet had been foretold in Torah. God had said to Moses: "I will raise them a Prophet among their brethren like unto thee and I will put my words in his mouth and he shall speak to them all that I shall command him." Who in the Old Testament were the brethren of the sons of Israel if not the sons of Ishmael? Who else could have been the Prophet like unto Moses? Who was most similar to him then the Prophet Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam).

And according to the sayings of Jesus, the prophecy was also fulfilled: "If I go not away, the comforter will not come unto you. But if I depart he will be sent unto you. He will guide you into all truth for he shall not speak of himself but whatever he shall hear that shall he speak."

Upto this time, Muslims had even prayed in the same direction as the people of the book, facing the Holy city of Jerusalem. The believers were now ordered to turn their faces for prayers towards the Holy mosque in Makkah, the Kaaba. This historic change in the direction of the prayer symbolizes the distinction and the honor given to the new Muslim Ummah. As the Muslims were returning to the original faith of Abraham so in prayer they turn to the first house of Allah erected by him.

Apart from the people of the book, the Makkan chiefs too were displeased. They were still determined to wipe out the new Muslim community and were plotting to attack Medina. But now at last, after years of persecution and torture, permission was given by Allah for Muslims to defend themselves.

Translation) Chapter 22 Al-Hajj of the Holy Quran, the Book of God -- Verse 39

"Permission is given on to those who are being fought against because they have been wronged and indeed Allah is able to give them victory."

The result was the battle of Badr in the second year after the Hijra in the month of Ramadan. The Makkan army attacked with 1000 men outnumbering the small Muslim army 3 to 1. But by the Will of Allah, the outcome was a spectacular victory for the Muslims. Some of the Makkan chiefs who had led the persecution against the Muslims were killed. Others were taken prisoners and subsequently ransomed. For the first time in history, the prisoners of war were fed and sheltered like their captors and treated humanely. This battle was a turning point. The strength and courage of the believers shocked the Makkans and their allies. But they were still determined to destroy Islam.

In battle after battle, the Muslims proved that they can withstand all attacks. After a narrow escape for the believers in the battle of Uhud, the following year the Quraish then planned a once and for all assault to destroy the Muslims. They plotted with certain Bedouin and Jewish tribes and hypocrites within Medina itself. In the 5th year of Hijra, a force of more than 10000 marched on Medina. However, the Muslims were ready. On the advice of Salman, the Persian, they had prepared to defend themselves by digging a system of wide trenches around the city. The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) himself took part in this and while he was digging, they sang a refrain:

After a month long siege and unable to penetrate the Muslim defenses, the pagan army became impatient. Gradually distrust began to spread between the allied forces. Quarrelling amongst themselves and suffering from severe weather conditions, they finally packed up their tents and withdrew. This was a great victory for Islam. Medina was never again attacked.

In the following year, the 6th after Hijra, a truce was made between the Makkans and the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam). Even though the terms were weighed heavily on the side of the Quraish, this was to be another triumph for Islam, and it was called the treaty of Hudaibeya. The period of peace which followed gave many non-Muslims the chance to see for themselves the blessings of the Islamic way of life. As a result, an enormous number of Makkans and the tribes embraced Islam.

One day, a man from a distant region with ruffled hair came to the Messenger of Allah to ask about Islam. The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) said: "You have to offer prayers 5 times in one day and a night". The man asked: "Is there any more?" The Prophet replied: "No but if you want to offer extra prayers, you can." He continued: "You have to fast during the day light hours in the month of Ramadan." The man asked: "Is there anymore fasting?" He replied: "No but if you want to offer extra fast, you may." Then the Prophet further said to him: "You have to pay Zakat, obligatory charity." The man asked: "Is there anything other than Zakat for me to pay?" The Messenger of Allah (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) said: "No unless you want to give alms of your own." At that point, the man said, "By Allah, I will neither do less nor more than this." The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) remarked: "If he is true to what he says than he will be successful."

During this period, the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) sent letters to various rulers, including the emperors of the two superpowers of that time: Persia and Byzantine, inviting them to Islam. The emperor Herecules was on his way to Jerusalem when he received the letter bearing the Prophet¡¯s seal. It read: "From Muhammad, Messenger of Allah to Herecules, emperor of Byzantine. Peace be unto him who follows true guidance. I invite you to Islam. Accept it and you will have peace and prosperity and Allah will give you double reward. If you reject, the sins of your subjects will be on you." And the letter ended with the verse of Quran:

Translation) Chapter 3 Al-Imran of the Holy Quran, the Book of God -- Verse 64

"Say O People of the Book, come to common terms between us and you that we worship none but Allah and we associate no partners with Him and that we will not set up from amongst ourselves others as lords besides Allah. Then if they turn away say: Bear witness that we are Muslims submitting to Him."

Even though the emperor recognized that this was indeed the Prophet who according to the scriptures had been awaited he felt compelled by loyalty to his chiefs and courtiers to reject the message. And thus sadly the winds of fate blew closed the door. The good tidings went unheeded and the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) words inevitably became fulfilled.

Meanwhile in Arabia, Islam's strength was rapidly growing. Two years after the truce with the Makkans was made and as its terms were repeatedly violated by the Quraish, Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) decided to march on Makkah with an army of about 10,000. What happened was to be an all time marvel and a landmark in the history of religious conquests. The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) captured the city with hardly a single drop of blood being shed. He rode through the gate mounted on a camel with his head bowed in humility as all his trembling enemies looked on. Yet to their amazement, he preceded to forgive all those who uptil then were bitter enemies of Islam. And announced the general amnesty. This was the day of victory and the final chapter of the Prophet's life was about to begin.

The conquest of Makkah was over. The enemies of Islam had surrendered and were graciously pardoned. Witnessing the merciful behavior and character of the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam), the people of Makkah voluntarily accepted Islam. The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) entered the Holy precinct of the sacred Kaaba. There stood all of the 360 idols and stones, the false gods which the Arabs had bowed and worshipped so long. One by one, on the order of the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam), the idols were smashed into pieces. Thus finally erasing the symbols of idolatry from the Arabian Peninsula. At last, this house, the sacred Kaaba erected by the noble Prophet Abraham and his first son Ishmael was purified and rededicated to the worship of the One and Only God, Allah Lord of all the worlds.

Translation) Chapter 9 Taubaof the Holy Quran, the Book of God -- Verse 33

"He it is, Who has sent His messenger with the guidance and religion of truth that He may exalt it above all religions even though the pagans may detest it."

It was now 21 years since the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) has started calling humanity to recognize the one Transcendent God and the Quranic revelation had begun. Now Muhammad's mission was coming to a close. He stayed in Medina which effectively became the capital of the new Muslim world. Delegations from all over Arabia came to embrace Islam at the hands of the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam). In addition, he sent group of believers to various provinces and lands inviting them to enter Islam. Even with all of Arabia and surrounding lands at his command, he continued to live as a humble servant of Allah. He used to patch his own sandals, sow his clothes and serve his family like any ordinary man. It was in the 7th century ten years after the Hijra, the Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) was nearing the end of his life on earth. That was the year he performed Hajj the pilgrimage, the 5th and final pillar of Islam.

Under the scorching sun on the plains of Arafat, Prophet Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) delivered his final sermon:

"O People, listen to my words carefully for I know not that after this year I shall ever meet you again at this place. O People, your lives and your property are sacrosanct until you meet your Lord, as are this Holy place, this Holy day and this Holy month. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord and answer for your deeds, so be aware whoever of you is holding a trust let him return it to his rightful owner. All usury is abolished, your capital however, is yours to keep. Wrong not and you shall not be wronged. All blood shed from the pagan age of ignorance is to be left unavenged. O people, the devil has lost all hope of ever being worshipped in this land of yours, nevertheless he will try to mislead you in smaller matters. Beware of him therefore for the safety of your religion. Time has turned and it is as it was the day God that created the heavens and the earth. The number of months is 12, four of them are Holy in which war and fighting are forbidden. O man, you have your rights over your wives and they have rights over you. It is your right that they do not fraternize with anyone of whom you do not approve but if they do, Allah has permitted you to isolate them in their homes and chastise them without cruelty. But if they abide by your rights then they have the right to be fed and clothed with kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. You have taken them only as a trust from Allah and you have their enjoyment only by permission so listen to me in earnest O people and reason well. I leave behind two things: The Quran and my example. If you follow them, you will not go astray. O People, listen to my words, know that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that all Muslims constitute one brotherhood. It is only lawful to take from your brother what he gives you willingly. So wrong not yourselves."

The Prophet (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) then faced the heavens and said: "Be my witness O Allah that I have conveyed your message to your people." It was then that some of the final words of Quran were revealed:

Translation) Chapter 5 Al-Maidaof the Holy Quran, the Book of God -- Verse 3

"This day I have perfected your religion for you and have completed My favor upon you and have chosen for you as religion, Al-Islam."

A few months after, at the age of 63, Allah Almighty reclaimed his soul. The Prophet Muhammad (Sallalahu alaihewasalam) passed away in his home in Medina leaving no more than a few small possessions, for the world at his feet but not a dinar to his name. Yet the spirit of his message remain as clear and alive today as when it was first delivered that man may witness the miracle of his life and mission, the beauty of perfection of his goal.

La Ilaha Illalla Muhammad-ur-Rasullullah

There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah