The polytheists after failing to negotiate with Muhammad (SA) tried to harm him, an unsuccessful attempt was made by Abu Jahl to take his life by throwing a big rock.
‘Uabah bin Abi Mu’ait tried to choke the Prophet by pressing his feet firmly on the neck of Muhaamd (SA) while he was prostrating himself in prayer.
Moulana Abu Talib (SA) became very worried of this machinations of the heathen Quraish to kill the Prophet (SA) He persuaded his clan of Banu Hashim and Banu Al-Muttalib to support his nephew and protect him.
The Quraish countered by entering into a pact of injustice and aggression. They held a meeting at a place called Wadi Al-Muhassab and took an oath not to have any dealings with Banu Hashim and Banu Al_Muttalib, to severe all social relations, visits and even verbal contacts until the Prophet (SA) was given up to them to be killed. This they wrote down, drawing up a pact and a covenant. This treaty was hung up on the wall of Ka’bah.
Moulana Abu Talib (SA) wisely and quietly took stock of the situation and decided to withdraw to a valley on the eastern outskirts of Makkah. The two tribes were thus confined within a narrow pass (Shi’b of Abu Talib) from the beginning of Muharram, or later as per some accounts, in the seventh year of the Prophethood till the tenth year viz: a period of three years.
( the narrow pass known as Shi’b of Abu Talib )
It was a horrible and deadly siege. The supply of food was almost stopped and the people in confinement faced great hardship. Cries of little children suffering from hunger used to be heard clearly.
Nothing eatable reached them except, on few occasions, some small quantities of food was smuggled by some compassionate Makkans. During the prohibited months – when hostilities traditionally ceased, they would leave their confinement, and buy food from outside Makkah.
In the tenth year of the Prophethood, a disagreement arose between a group of Makkans with regard to the severance of relations pact. Hisham bin ‘Amr who used to smuggle some food to Bani Hashim secretly at night, managed to form a pressure group who set out to abolish the pact and declare all relevant clauses null and void. They decided to meet in their assembly place, and Zuhair bin abi Umaiyah along with his colleagues, after circumambulating Ka’bah seven times approached the hosts of people assembled there, and swore that they will tear the parchment. Abu Jahl said that he will never let this happen.
Meanwhile, as argument and counter arguments were being traded, Moulana Abu Talib was sitting in one corner of Kabah. He told the assembled people that a Revelation had been sent to his nephew Muhammad (SA) to the effect that ants had eaten away all their declaration, that had points of injustice and aggression except those parts that bore the Name of Allah.
He proposed that he would be ready to give up Muhammad (SA) up to them, if his words proved untrue, otherwise, they would have to withdraw and cancel their boycott.
The Makkans agreed to the soundness of his proposition, Al-Mut’im went to see the parchment and there he discovered that it was eaten away by ants and nothing was left except the part bearing the Name of Allah.
The declaration was thus cancelled and Muhammad (SA) and others were permitted to leave Ash-Sh’ib and return home.
Allah’s Messenger (SA) left his confinement and went on preaching his Faith.
Quraish likewise, cancelled the boycott but went on in their atrocities and oppression of the Muslims. Moulana Abu Talib had by now reached eighty years of age, and in spite of failing health, was shielding his beloved nephew.
A delegation of Quraish comprising of 25 notables again approached Moulana Abu Talib, paying tribute to him and confirming their high esteem of his character and position among them They tried to negotiate with him but failed because Muhammad (SA) would not refrain from preaching the religion of Allah and calling people to Tawheed.
In the tenth year of Prophethood, Moulana Abu Talib fell ill and passed away. According to some in the month of Rajab, six months after leaving the confinement at Ash- Sh’ib.
In that same year in the month of Ramadan Moulatena Khadijah also passed away, she was sixty five year old. She, for twenty five years, shared with Nabi ( SA) the toils and trials of life, especially in the first ten years of his Prophethood. He deeply mourned over her death.
Yesterday night we mumineen remembered her and sought her vasila in our dua.
These two painful events took place within a short period of time and added a lot to his grief and suffering. The Makkans now openly declared their campaign of torture and oppression. He set out for At’ Taif seeking a supportive atmosphere.
Muhammad (S.A.) set out from Mecca in the year 619 C.E. to bring the Quraish polytheists into the fold of Islam. He went with his freed slave Zaid bin Harithhah to Al – Taif a prosperous town having fruit and vineyard farms, located at a distance of 60 kms from Mecca.
He first approached the family of Umair, reckoned as among the nobility of the town. All the three sons of Umair turned a deaf year and used abusive language, as regards the cause for which he had been striving.
For ten days, he stayed in al Taif, delivering the message of Islam to all the noble people, one after another, but to no avail. Contrary to Arab tradition of hospitality, he was hooted at and pelted with stones, and obliged to flee pursued by a merciless crowd.
So much so, that blood flowed down his legs and thus tired and exhausted, he took refuge in one of the numerous fruit farms, and rested against the wall of a vineyard belonging to
Walid bin Ukaba .
Seeing the plight of a stranger he sent with his slave Adras, who was a practicing Christian, a bunch of luscious grapes – 18 in all. Nabi Muhammad (S.A.) quenched his thirst and felt refreshed, and prayed for Walid, who himself died a polythist, fighting the Muslims, but in his descendents, the flower of Islam bloomed, so much so, that as a direct result of Nabi Muhammad (S.A.) prayer, on that eventful day at Al – Taif the Fatemi Dawat of Yemen was resplendent with 18 Doat ul Mutlaqeen, the first and foremost being Syedna Ali bin Mohammad Walid (RA) whose story of tawajo and khusu in well known in the annals of Fatemi Dawat, and it is not mere coincidence that Syedna Mohammad bin Walid (RA) wrote 18 kutubs, and lived till the ripe old age of 100 years, and till end, use to go to Masjid to offer Namaz.
Sharing the names of 18 Kutubs and have been blessed to receive sabak from two of them.
At Al Taif at a time when the whole world seemed to have turned against him, Muhammad (S.A.) turned to his Lord, and started praying, those touching words are still preserved, as those through which his wronged soul expressed distress and anguish.
HE WAS TIRED AND WOUNDED BUT AT THE SAME TIME CONFIDENT OF THE HELP OF HIS LORD.
‘O Allah ! To you alone I complain of my weakness, my insufficient ability and my insignificance before the people.
You are the Most Merciful of the merciful. You are the Lord of the helpless and the weak.
O Lord of mine ! Into whose hands would You abandon me: into the hands of any unsympathetic distant relative, who would angrily frown at me or to the enemy, who has been given control over my affairs ?
But if your wrath does not fall upon me, there is nothing for me to worry about !
Your pardon is ample enough for me, I seek pardon in the light of your Face, which illuminates the darkness, fixing the affairs in this world and in the Hereafter.
May it never be that I should incur Your wrath, or that You should be wrathful to me. And there is no power nor resource, but Yours alone.’
After bracing hostility of the people of al Taif, Muhammad (S.A.) slowly proceeded towards Mecca, where he had been persecuted by the heathen Quraish led by Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab. He recalled how the early converts, simple people and freed slaves, like Ammar bin Yasir, Bilal, Khabab bin Al- Arath, Sumaiyah and many more had braved unspeakable tortures.
Muhammad (S.A.) himself had to bear taunts and uncouth behavior. Once while he was praying in Kaba, Utaibah bin Abu Lahab threw intestines of camel, while he was in sujood. Ma Fatema (S.A.) was a helpless witness to this cowardly act, and cried a lot as she cleaned the back of her beloved father.
After feeling refreshed by the prayer he had offered to His Lord and bracing to face the hostility of the polytheist, as Muhammad (S.A.) made his way towards Mecca, angel Jibraeel came along with the angel of the Mountains, and said:’O Muhammad (S.A.) Order what you wish. If you like, I will let Al-Akhshabain ( name of the mountain surrounding Mecca) to fall on them.’
Muhammad (S.A.) was sent as Rehmatul –lil –’Alam’in, and in spite of inhuman tortures and persecutions, this is what he said : ” No, I hope that Allah will let them beget children, who will worship Allah alone, and will worship none besides Him” (Sahih Muslim 2/109)
How prophetic were his words, and the general good of the people and humanity seeped, in every word and action of his.
Dua ni iltemas fi Laylatul Qadr.
Next year during the pilgrimage season, a group of twelve people came from Madinah, which included five who had met the Prophet (SA) the previous year. They took a pledge, which is known as the First ‘Aqabah Pledge.
After the pledge (in the form of an oath had been taken) the Prophet (SA) sent with the group the first Muslim ambassador Mus’ab bin Umair, to teach the people there, the doctrine of Islam, give them practical guidance and propagate Islam among those who still professed polytheism.
So prepared was the ground and so zealous the propagation, that Islam spread rapidly from house to house, from tribe to tribe.
In the next year, thirteenth of Prophethood, June 622 AD during the pilgrimage season, over seventy converts from Madinah came along with others. The oft repeated question among them was – ” Isn’t it high time, we protect Muhammad (SA) instead of leaving him abandoned in Makkah ?”
They met secretly at night with the Nabi (SA) during the Tashreeq Days (the 11th, 12th and 13th day of Dhul-Hijjah) on a hillock at Al- Aqabah, the last year’s meeting place.
Muhammad (SA) then asked the group to appoint twelve people to represent their people, being responsible in regard to the articles of the pledge.
After the endorsement of the Second ‘Aqabah Pledge and the establishment of a small Muslim state in a vast desert surging with disbelief and ignorance – the most significant gain in terms of Islam – Muhammad (SA) gave his leave for the Muslims to migrate to Madinah, the emerging Muslim state.
The polytheists spared no effort in hindering and debarring the Muslims, who had to bear with much hardship. Abu Salamah when he decided to leave Makkah, his in-laws, in a desperate bid to raise obstacles detained his wife and snatched his son, and dislocated his hand. There were many such instances, but within two months of the “Aqabah pledge many migrated leaving their land, houses and wealth behind.
The polytheists were paralyzed by the carefully planned and speedy movement of the Muslims towards their new abode in Madinah.
As Madinah was inhabited by the powerful Al- Aws and Al-Khazraj tribes and controlled the commercial routes leading to Makkah, the Quriash started to feel threatened.
So on 26th Safar, Thursday morning (12th September 622 AD) ie: two and half months after the Great ‘Aqabah Pledge, all the Quraishite tribes attended the meeting at An –Nadwah (Council House)
At the meeting at An-Nadwah, there was a lengthy debate and several proposals were put forward. The arch enemy Abu Jahl bin Hisham suggested that they kill the Nabi (SA) and this heinous crime to carried out by a band of young men each form one tribe. This sinful proposal was unanimously accepted and the representatives went back homewith full determination for immediate implementations.
Muhaamd (SA) immediately came to know of the diabolic plot by a Revelation in which he was also granted permission to leave Makkah. The eleven polytheists surrounded the house of Prophet(SA) as night fell, and Abu Jahl strutted around the house with pride, confident that they will succeed before dawn.
Occasionally they use to peep inside the house making sure that Muhammad (SA) and Moulana Ali (SA) were there. They had planned to strike in a group as Muhammad (SA) emerged for morning namaz.
Before dawn break Muhammad (SA) left thehouse, making Moulana Ali (SA) sleep on his bed wearing his mantle. Muhammad (SA) left the house casting a handful of dust on the assassins and reciting the verses from Quran.
In the early morning the assassins were bewildered to find Moulana Ali (SA) sleeping on the bed, and by this time Muhammad (SA) had long left Makkah and tricked the polytheists by taking the road least expected lying south of Makkah and leading towards Yemen, than the usual road going to Makkah.
Muhammad (SA) hid in the cave on mount Thawr with his companion for three nights.
After the frantic search had slowed by the Quraish, Abdullah bin Uraiqit who was a trusted guide, came to the cave with two camels and Muhammad (SA) departed with food provisions for the onward journey through the seldom used ways along the coastal route.
That was in Rabi’ul Awwal 1st year A.H. September 16, 622 A.D. After traveling through many villages they finally reached Quba on Monday , 8th Rabi’ul Awaal ie: September 23rd 622 AD in the forteenth year of Prohpethood.
The shouts of Allahu Akbar resounded amongst the Muslims, whose joys knew no bounds as they saw they beloved Nabi (SA) emerging out of the desert mirage, from their look out point at Harrah. They had been going there each morning, and waiting till noon to catch the glimpse of the Nabi (SA).
Muhaamad (SA) stayed in Quba for 4 days. He built the Masjid and prayed there. Moulana Ali (SA) stayed back in Makkah for three days to return the trusts on behalf of the Nabi (SA) to their respective owners, and emigrated thereafter and reached Quba.
On the fifth day Friday the Nabi ( SA ) accompanied by his maternal uncles Bani An-Najjar and others, he rode towards Madinah amidst throngs of joyous Madiense, who had lined his path.
Though not wealthy, every Ansar (helper) was eager to receive the Messenger in his house. It was indeed a triumphal procession. Around the camel of Muhammad (SA) and his immediate followers, rode the chiefs of the city in their best garments and in glittering armor, the little girls chanting beautiful verses of welcome.
Every one pleading with Muhammad (SA) as he passed their houses to alight and stay with them. Muhammad (SA) used to reply courteously and kindly to each of them ” Leave it (camel) on its way, for it is commanded (by Allah)”
The camel moved onward with loosed rein, reached the site were Masjid ul – Nabawi will be built. The camel knelt down, but Muhammad (SA) did not dismount, until the camel rose again, moved forward, turned back, and came back to kneel down in the very former spot.
At this spot, Muhammad (SA) alighted in the area inhabited by Banu An-Najjar, a tribe related to the Prophet (SA) from the maternal side.
The fortunate host Abu Ayyub Ansari, whose house was the nearest to the spot escorted Muhammad (SA) to his dwelling. The first task to which Muhammad (SA) attended was the building of the Masjid, at the spot where his camel had knelt down. The land which belonged to two orphans was purchased, the ground was cleared of weeds and shrubs, and leveled. Muhammad (SA) himself carried bricks and stones and recited verses, in praise of Allah.
A brotherhood between the Ansar ( Helpers) and Muhajirun (Emigrants) was established, the most unique in the history of the world. A gathering of 90 men, half of them Helpers and half of them Emigrants assembled in the house of Anas bin Malik, where Muhammad (SA) gave the spirit of brotherhood his blessings.
Muhammad (SA) attached to that brotherhood a valid contract : it was not just meaningless words but rather a valid practice relating to blood and wealth. The atmosphere of brotherhood created a spirit of selflessness infused deeply in the hearts of his followers, and produced healthy results.
The Helpers were extremely generous to their brethren –in-faith. Abu Hurairah reported that once the Helpers approached the Prophet (SA) with the request that their orchards of palm trees, should be distributed equally between the Muslims of Madinah and their brethren from Makkah. But Muhammad (SA) was hesitant to put this heavy burden on them. It was, however, decided that the Emigrants would work in the orchards along with the Helpers and the yield would be divided equally among them.
The Emigrants took only what helped them make a reasonable living. This mutual brotherhood was so wise and timely, that many problems were resolved, and progress achieved wonderfully.
On arrival at Madinah Nabi ( SA) took temporary residence at the house of his maternal uncle Abu Ayyub.
Immediately thereafter he set upon the task of building the Masjid at the very place his camel had knelt down on arrival.
The land belonging to two orphans Sahl and Suhayl was purchased although the boys requested Nabi ( SA ) to accept it as a gift.
It was an enclosure with surrounding walls and no roof used as Camel pen.
Nabi ( SA) ordered the trees growing there to be cut and baked bricks were made.
The qiblah was made facing Bayt ul Muqaddas.
Two beams were erected to hold the ceiling up. It was square in form, each side measuring 100 yards and had three gates.
Nearby rooms reserved for Nabi ( SA) household were built of stones and bricks and ceiling of palm leaves.
Near the North side of the Masjid a place was reserved for those Muslims who had neither family not home.
Nabi ( SA) himself carried stones and bricks reciting ” Allahumma la aysa.. ..
” O Allah ! no bliss is there but that of the Hereafter, I beseech you to forgive the Muhajereen and Ansars. ( Emigrants and Helpers )
As I read the above lines I reflected that Nabi ( SA) who had been relentesly persecuted in Makkah and has now found safe heaven in Madinah and the future is looking all bright, he is safe and secure amongst his followers, at such a time he is thinking of Hereafter.
We ordinary folks would if an opportunity like this presents itself will be thinking of future worldly plans and here our Nabi ( SA) is thinking of Hereafter because he knows that this world is transient and the real abode is in the Hereafter.
A plinth measuring 3 cubits approx 5″ made of bricks and plastered covered the floor of the Masjid.
Nabi (SA) used to deliver Jumoa Khutba resting himself besides a Date tree trunk.
On the suggestion of Tamim Al Dari a minibar of wood, which he had seen in Syria was made by Kilab who was skilled in the art. It had two steps and a platform to sit.
Nabi ( SA) on Jumoa used to deliver two Khutbas leaning on a staff made of yew tree.
On the day Nabi ( SA) first ascended the minbar to deliver the Jumoa Khutba loud wailing was heard from the date palm tree from where Nabi ( SA) used to previously deliver Khutba
Nabi ( SA) descended from the Minbar and placed his hands and wailing stop. The Date tree was removed and buried. The place where the Date tree stood is known as Ustuwath Hannanah ( date palm weeping ) and it is here we offer two rakat namaz.
For sixteen months from arrival the qibla faced Baytul Muqqadas and one day while Nabi ( SA ) was praying Zohar namaz in Masjid Quba and had completed two rakats the Quranic revelation came to change the qibla facing Kaba.
The next two rakats were thus prayed facing Kaba.
It was two months before the Battle of Badr and the qibla direction of Masjid e Nabawi was changed facing Kaba.
For the Muslims the victory of Badr was indeed most auspicious, they saw the hand of Almighty in their success over idolaters.
The idolaters were burning for revenge and in this third year of Hijra, they made formidable preparation for another war.
They sent out emissaries to different tribes, and soon a formidable force amounting to 3000 well equipped soldiers, of whom 700 were fully equipped warriors assembled, their sole motive, that of revenge and complete annihilation of the Muslims.
Marching under the command of the relentless Abu Sufiyan, and meeting with no opposition from any side, they took up a well chosen position to the north east of Medinah, where only the hill of OHOD ( UHUD) and a valley separated them from the devoted city. From this safe vantage point they ravaged the fields and fruit groves of the Medinites. Mohammad (S.A.) marched out with a thousand men.
The Jews saw an opportunity and the leader of munafikin Abdullah Ibn Ubayy deserted the Muslims with 300 of his followers, thus the Muslim force was reduced to 700 who only possessed 2 horses amongst them, but nonetheless marched ahead on to challenge the idolaters.
Advancing quietly through groves of fruit trees, they soon gained the hill of Ohad. Nabi (S.A.) took up his position under the hill, posting a few archers on a height behind the troops, giving them strict injunctions not to abandon their place whatever happened, their job was to harass the cavalry of the enemy and protect the flanks of the Muslims.
The idolaters, confident in their numbers, marched down into the plain with their idols in the centre of their army, and the wives of the chiefs chanting their war songs and beating their timbrels.
The first violent onslaught of the Koreish was bravely repulsed by the Muslims, led by Moulana Hamza (S.A.) who taking advantage of the confusion of the enemy, dashed into their midst dealing havoc on all sides.
Victory for the Muslim was clearly at sight, when the archers posted on the hillock, forgetting the injunction of the Prophet, and seeing the enemy in flight, left their position in search of plunder.
Khalid bin Walid one of the Koreish chief, at once perceived their error, and rallying his horse, fell on the rear of the Muslims. The infantry of the Koreish also turned, and the Muslim troops taken by surprise from both front and rear, had to renew the battle at fearful odds. Hamza (S.A.) and several others became martyrs.
The efforts of the idolaters were, however, directed towards Mohammad (S.A.) who, surrounded by a few disciples and separated from the main body of his warriors, became the chief object of their assaults. He was wounded and blood oozed from his forehead.
But rescue was near at hand. Moulana Ali (S.A.) who had been fighting in the centre retreated to the hill and shielded the Prophet by driving away the enemy, who was then taken to the safety of the height of Mount Ohod.
Ali (S.A.) fetched water in his shield from the hollow of a rock. With this he dressed the wounds of the Prophet, who with his companions then offered noon prayers.
The Koreish were too exhausted to follow up their advantage, either by attacking Medinah or driving the Muslims from the height of Ohod. They retreated from the Medinite territory after barbarously mutilating the slain Muslims.
The wife of Abu Sufiyan – Hind, the daughter of Otba, with other Koreishite women, showed greatest ferocity in the inhuman and savage work of vengeance, tearing out the liver of Hamza (S.A.) and trying to chew it. She finally vomited the entire thing. The barbarism practised by the Koreish on the slain, created a feeling of exasperation.
On his return to Medinah the Prophet directed a small body of the disciples to pursue the retreating enemy, and to impress on them, that the Muslims, though worsted in battle, were yet unbroken in spirit, and too strong to be attacked again with impunity.
As in the battle of Badr, so once again in Ohod notwithstanding the enemy’s large number and the Muslims’ marked weakness in manpower and resources, the latter displayed unprecedented heroism.
But the Prophet of Allah made it very clear to the Muslims not to attribute the routing of the enemy to their bravery or some superb tactical manoeuvre. It was owing to Allah’s blessings alone that they came out victorious. They real power lay in their faith and trust in Allah, and when forced to war they should look forward to HIS help rather than count upon their striking capability or material resources.
Many heroic episodes were witnessed during the Battle of Ohad which showed the immense sacrifice and love for Islam and Nabi ( SA)
The women of Madinah also showed exemplary love for Nabi (SA) and fortitude.
Just one out of many which we hear often in Vaaz Mubarak is that of a woman of Bani Dinar whose husband, father and brother were all martyred.
When their deaths were announced she said : How is our Nabi ( SA ) ?
When she was told that Nabi ( SA) was unharmed she expressed her wish to see him.
She exclaimed ” All misfortunes are nothing so long as you are safe ”
As a result of Hudaybiyah Treaty the Quraish were neutralized.
However, Khaibar remained a hotbed of intrigue and conspiracy and the Jews of Khaibar were hindering the peace and security of the Muslims and peaceful preaching of the Faith.
In Muharram 7 A. H. Nabi ( SA) set out with an army of 1400 men.
The hypocrites of Madinah namely their chief Abdullah bin Ubai sent a message to the Jews of the mobilizing of Muslim army. The Jews requested the tribe of Ghatafan for military assistance granting them half share from their fruit farm yield if the Muslims are defeated.
Nabi ( SA) marched through the ‘Isr Mountain and after halting at valley called Ar Raji reached Khaibar and the Jews were totally unaware of the arrival of Muslim Army.
Khaibar in all consisted of 8 fortresses divided into two sections. Fighting occured in the section consisting of 5 fortresses.
During the night Nabi ( SA) said : ” Tomorrow I will give the banner to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger and Allah and His Messenger love Him”
Come morning and the Muslims gathered around the Nabi ( SA) in the hope that they were the chosen one.
We mumineen know who was the most deserving and chosen one. Moulana Ali who had an eye ailment received instant shifa and the banner.
The fort of Na’im under their leader Marhab held a strategic position and we all know single handed Moulana Ali uprooted the gate and challenged Marhab to a single combat and killed him. ‘ La fatah Illa Aliya. .’
This paved way to overcome all the remaining forts and fortifications of Khaibar. In the matter of three days all the 5 forts were secured.
In the second part of Khaibar known as Al – Katibah a heavy siege lasted fourteen days with Jews fortifying themselves and not coming out to fight. Finally the Jews of both the forts Al Watih and As Sulalim surrendered.
The Jews of Fadak which was very prosperous also surrendered and gave up their wealth in return for safe passage. In this particular instance no Muslim cavalry or any resources were used, and it was agreed that Fadak property and future yields would belong exclusively to Nabi ( SA ) and it was for this reason that it was gifted to Ma Fatema ( AS)
The victory at Khaibar was a Divine Promise as fore told in the Qur’an Ayat. Sura 48: 20
” Allah has promised you abundant spoils that you will capture, and He has hastened for you this. ”
When Allah bestows ne’amat all efforts become easy and wishes are full fille
Shukr ! Shukr ! Shukr ! A’ali Qadr Muffadal Moula has this Sehrullah bestowed so many ne’amats that Ibadat in this month for an adna like me has given me ‘ a spiritual high’ as never ever experienced in my life.
This being my last post of the Sehrullah series of AKHBAR I am indebted to all those who took time out to read it and specially those who cared to share it in their group.
Dua ni iltemas on Layali salaseen. Sharing my last post which also has my reflection the Anwaar I was able to blessed me during Ramazan 1432 H
Ten years on this RAMAZAN has given us an opportunity to reflect more
THE DISTRIBUTION OF BOOTY AT AL-JI’RANAH
Upon returning from the successful mission of lifting the siege in Ta’if Nabi (SA) waited over ten nights at Al-Ji’ranah, in the hope that Hawazin’s delegation (those defeated in Hunain) might arrive and announce their repentance and consequently reclaim their loss.
Seeing that none of them arrived, Nabi (SA) in order to calm down the tribal chiefs and the nobles of Makkah, started to distribute the booty, and the ones who obtained the greatest number of shares, were the people who had recently embraced Islam.
Abu Sufyan bin Harb was given a hundred camels and forty (gold) ounces and yet he said : “ What about my son, Yazeed’s share? So he was given the same quantity for his son as well. But yet he exclaimed : “ And what about the share of Mu’awiyah, my second son ?
So Nabi (SA) gave Mu’awiyah as much as he gave his father and brother.
Likewise, Hakim bin Hizam was given a hundred camels , but was given a hundred more when he demanded. Safwan bin Umaiyah was given three hundred camels – a hundred camels at each time. (Ash – Shifa (1/86)
The generosity of Nabi (SA) to the chiefs of Makkah and the newly converts, resulted in a stampede by the Bedouins, so much so, that Nabi (SA) was forced to take refuse against a tree, and they even took away his mantle.
Rehmatul lil A’lameen Nabi (SA) addressed the tumultuous people saying: “O people ! Give me back my mantle. For I swear by the One in Whose Hand is Muhammad’s soul, that if had as many numerous camels as the number of Tihamah trees, I would have distributed them among you… “ Standing by his camel he said : “ O people, I swear by Allah that I get nothing but one fifth of your booty, and this very fifth also goes back to you”
After he had distributed the booty among the new converts, he distributed the remaining among the Muslims, and the Ansaars (Helpers – people of Medinah) were disgruntled and not satisfied, with what little they received compared to the booty received by the new converts.
Hunain represented hard times and they were the first to rush and to fight and stand firm with Nabi (SA) when the fighting was intense, whereas new converts like Abu Sufyan and Hakim bin Hizam, who escaped from the battlefield, when the tide turned against the Muslims, received large booty.
When resentment grew among the Helpers and ill statements spread, Nabi (SA) summoned Sa’d bin Ubadah and told him to gather all the Ansaars, and gave a very passionate speech, saying that although the Ansaars are not telling him directly, he can read their minds – saying ‘You (Muhammad S.A.) came to us belied and rejected, and we accepted you ; you came to us helpless and we helped you ; you were a fugitive, and we took you in; you were poor and we comforted you’
‘You Helpers, do you feel anxious for the things of this world. Wherewith I have sought to incline these people unto the Faith in which you are already established ?
Are you not satisfied, O group of Helpers that the people go with ewes and camels, while you go along with the Messenger of Allah (SA) to your dwellings ….. Allah ! have mercy on the Helpers, their children and their children’s children !
The audience wept till tears rolled down their beards as they said: “Yes we are satisfied, O Prophet of Allah ! with our lot and share”
ANWA’R
As I read the Akhbaar of the distribution of booty at Ji’rannah which had happened in the year 8 AH and that Abu Sufyan bin Harb, from whose loins came Muawiyah and Yezid bin Muawiyah, was given a large share of the booty, a question arose in my mind.
Nabi (SA) who had been blessed with the I’lm of ‘ma kana sayakoon’ at the time of Me’raj ( the ascension) the event which occurred at Mecca before the Hijrah, was aware, of all the events that will transpire in the future.
Surah al- Isra (verse 1) Allah shows His ayat – proofs, lessons, signs, evidence etc:
Surah al _Najm (Verses 12 to 18) also narrates the entire Me’raj episode.
In Vaaz we hear frequently of Jibraeel showing Nabi (SA) two ‘haveli mubaraks’ and on being asked, Jibraeel narrates the tragic incidents that will happen, one in Medinah and the other, on the burning sands of Karbala. Nabi (SA) knew, who were the perpetrators of the gruesome crime.
The question than is – why oh ! why! when Nabi (SA) knew that Sufyan bin Harb and his family were the perpetrators of crime against Nabi (SA) progeny, did he give out large booty to them, at the cost of earning resentment of the Ansaars, who had fought with valor and risked their very lives in the hard won battle of Hunain ??
I have found this question very perplexing. If any of you readers have an answer, I will be indebted to know.
On reflection during Sehrullah 1432 H I have tried to understand the historical paradox, in my own humble way, and sharing the same with my readers. Please do correct me, if you feel I have erred in my reflection of this Akhbar.
The Anwa’r I see in this Akhbaar is that Nabi (SA) was the epitome and a living example of ‘salama’ which in the primary sense means – to be tranquil, at rest, to be at perfect peace, to be in absolute submission to the Will of Allah. The last mentioned is the most important, Nabi (SA) was always living in THE NOW – THE PRESENT MOMENT. Nabi (SA) was here to enable the Divine Purpose of the Universe to unfold.
He epitomized the greatest power of the Universe – non resistance and complete submission to TOTALITY – Will Of Allah – saying YES to the PRESENT MOMENT – honoring the PRESENT MOMENT. ( For this thought process, I am indebted to the teaching of Eckhart Tolle)
Even after knowing the future, Nabi (SA) was submitting to THE WILL OF ALLAH, accepting and doing his duty in perfect peace.
It was the WILL of ALLAH working through his Nabi (SA) in the NOW – The Present Moment, and Nabi (SA) was fully focused in discharging his obligations, in full compliance with THE WILL OF ALLAH – submitting in humility with grace, knowing ALLAH KNOWS BEST.
A most difficult task for ordinary mortals, knowing if at all, the future and still accepting the paradox of the Present.
Now coming to the resentment of the Ansaars, there is so much Anwa’r in the Akhbaar, if one cares to reflect.
Nabi (SA) knows the minds of his followers fully. He well understands and sympathizes fully with the sacrifices made by the Ansaar, and the unequal distribution of the booty. But here again he is simply acting on the Will of Allah.
Nabi (SA) does not desire anything for himself. He articulates forcefully – mark his words :
“ O people, I swear by Allah that I get nothing but one fifth of your booty, and this very fifth also goes back to you”
However he fully understand human nature, and his sole mission is to make those who really love him, to unshackle themselves from gross materialism, to become farishta shifat in this world, and how true and meaningful are his words :
‘Are you not satisfied, O group of Helpers that the people go with ewes and camels, while you go along with the Messenger of Allah (SA) to your dwellings ….. Allah ! have mercy on the Helpers, their children and their children’s children !
There is a great lesson for us to be learnt from this Akhbar. Many a times in our worldly journey, we are assailed with doubts, as to the happenings around us. When we see around us people, who do not deserve, who show merely outward profession of faith, their actions do not reflect their speech, getting rewarded with worldly goods, when we stand at such cross road in life, utterly confused and perplexed, we should be of firm faith and ask ourselves the question.
Do I want the world or my MOULA ?
Be honest with your self – what you want in this life. Moula knows what is best for you, so accept in humility, be at peace with your self. This is ‘salama’ – Islam.
There are many best selling books in the market, showing you ways and means to achieve what you desire – the question is what is your desire ? What is the focus in your life. I am not saying you do not desire worldly comforts, or it is not good to aspire for high standard of living – what I am saying is to ACCEPT WHAT IS.
The doa Mubarak of Aqa Moula (TUS) ‘ barakAllaho’ does not only mean palatial bungalows, pricey cars, luxurious living, it depending upon what is good for you – Moula knows – it may mean, rise in the spiritual station, nearness to Moula, Ma’ad at jet speed after death etc:
In his Book ‘ The New Earth’ Eckhart Tolle gives a good example of a sapling to a question put forward to him. He says the sapling does not want anything – if it withers and dies, so be it. If it grows into a big tree – so be it. The reason is, it is one with the Will of Allah – with the Totality of the Universe, it has completely surrendered.
In a National Geographic documentary I was amazed to see the animals standing in lashing rain storm with their heads bowed, completely at ease, till heavy rains subsided.
A lesson to be learnt from the plants and animals. Accepting WHAT IS.
I am not advocating passivity, we are here to strive and achieve the best for ourselves and our family. But at times, we have to become still have firm faith in the Will of Allah and our MOULA and to be at perfect peace with ourselves, after giving our very best.
The lesson learnt is that – whatever the present moment contains, accept it, as if you had chosen it – there in lies your greatness.
In times of crisis of faith, remember the words of Nabi (SA) – ‘people go with ewes and camels while you go with the Messenger of Allah (SA)’ in our times we are in the saya of our beloved Aqa Moula (TUS)
What I reflected in 1432 H Ramazan is so very relevant and important under the present threat of COVID 19 pandemic – be in a state of ‘sala’ma’ a state of tranquility and rest having Faith in the Will of Allah and the dua mubarak of our beloved A’ali Qadr Muffadal Moula (TUS)
Moula Moula !! Muffadal Moula ghanu jivo ! ghanu jivo ! Ameen.
DUA NI ILTEMAS
REQUEST TO SHARE WITH ALL THOSE WHO MAY BE INTERESTED TO READ ABOUT AKHBA’R WHICH GIVES US ANW’AAR
The pictures in the posts have been taken from a You Tube video of a book available on Amazon
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