HADRAT UMAR Achievements. Assassination. Byzantine and Persian Empires overpowered Battle of Yarmuk-15 A.H. Muslim army-40 000 Roman army-200 000 Baytul Maal Political, Administrative & Golden Age of Islam Social improvements Abu Lulu Passing Away - 26 Dhul Hijjah 23 A.H. Introduction During Hadrat Umar’s caliphate, he had to fight many battles to avoid the suppression of Islam. During the course of the battles, the Byzantine and Persian empires were defeated. The Battle of Yarmuk During the caliphate of Hadrat Umar , the Battle of Yarmuk was fought in the year 15 A.H. Cause of the Battle The Romans once again became worried about the fall of their centres like Damascus and Hims in Syria. They therefore gathered a large army to protect Jerusalem. When the news of the battle reached the Muslims, they also prepared for battle and stationed themselves at a place called Yarmuk. 39
The Battle In the year 15 A.H., the two armies engaged in fierce battle. The total strength of the Muslim army was forty thousand against two hundred thousand Romans. Outcome of the Battle The Muslims once again, although smaller in number, proved to be too strong for the Romans and they eventually retreated. In his defeat by the Muslims, Heracleus the Roman leader, has been known to have said: “Farewell Syria. What a good country to the enemy”. Three thousand Muslim soldiers were martyred during this battle. Like the Battle of Ajnaadeen, the Muslims were fewer in number, yet their strong faith in Allah brought victory to them. Palestine and Jordan were also defeated. Eventually Persia, Egypt, Alexandria and North Africa also came under the banner of Islam. Some Places that came under the banner of Islam during Hadrat Umar’s Caliphate 40
Hadrat Umar’s Achievements Hadrat Umar made many contributions to the growth and expansion of Islam during his caliphate. He made contributions in the political, administrative and social fields of Islam during his time. As an excellent, organised and sincere head of the Islamic state, he introduced many changes for the welfare of the society. Materially and spiritually the changes were brought about to promote the ideal state of Islam as is stated in the Noble Qur’aan. The following are some of the achievements of Hadrat Umar : 1. Majlis e Shuraa (consultative assembly) Whenever an important issue arose, this advisory body consisting of some famous companions of Prophet Muhammad , used to gather to decide on issues of concern. Each person had the right to speak freely. Nothing was decided upon without the agreement of the majority of its members. Any citizen had the right to give their views on the decisions made by members of the consultative assembly. Any complaints made against the administration, were investigated and action was taken to correct the matter. 2. Provincial Governors For the sake of efficiency and the smooth functioning of the Islamic state, Hadrat Umar divided the state into provinces. He placed each of them under an efficient governor. The provincial governor was called an Amir and he was not only the ruler of the province but he was also its military and religious leader. He was appointed by the caliph and responsible to him for his actions. He could also be dismissed by the caliph for misconduct. 41
The provinces were further divided into districts and the districts into subdivisions. The district officers were known as Aamils. These high officials were appointed by the caliph in consultation with the advisory council, and the caliph exercised strict control over them. 3. Baytul Maal (Revenue System) Hadrat Umar made great changes in the revenue system. He established for the first time, a department of finance (Baytul Maal) to regulate money matters of the government. It was here that all the money was collected and distributed to the necessary departments. The main sources of money were:- 1. Zakaah (poor due) 2. Jizyah (poll-tax) 3. Khiraj (land tax) 4. Ghani `mah (spoils of war) 5. Fay (income from state property) 4. Military Administration Hadrat Umar divided the army into permanent and temporary divisions. The permanent soldiers worked on a permanent basis and the temporary army was called only in times of emergency in the form of voluntary work. The soldiers were paid regular salaries and the volunteers were paid whenever they participated in the war. Horses and camels were specially bred for their use in the war. Army barracks, stores and forts were built in Syria, Egypt and Iraq. Besides salaries, food and clothing, houses were also provided for the soldiers. Rules were made regarding their leave, behaviour and training. The caliph himself acted as supreme commander and all the other generals and commanders were appointed by him. 42
5. Administration of Justice Hadrat Umar was a firm believer in the “cause of justice” and it was for this (his firm sense of justice), that he was called Al Faruq, the distinguisher between truth and falsehood. The rich and the poor, the noble and the humble, relatives and strangers, Muslims and disbelievers, Arabs and non-Arabs were all treated kindly. Hadrat Umar appointed judges in all the provincial towns. Officials who were unjust were dismissed. The caliph himself was not above any law and the people were free to criticise him if the need arose. It was Hadrat Umar who introduced the giving of pension to the retired officials of states and disabled soldiers. He gave money to the needy and the physically challenged. He funded just causes like the building of Masaajid and schools in the different parts of the Islamic state. 6. Education Hadrat Umar funded large amounts of money to the building of schools. Primary schools were opened and children were taught to read and write. Greater emphasis was laid on reading the Noble Qur’aan. Teachers were sent to all the schools. Imaams and Mu`azzins were placed in Masaajid and all of them were given salaries. Special attention was given to Ahaadith and Fiqh. Only qualified people were allowed to teach and to make decisions regarding education. 7. Public works Canals were dug for the purposes of farming and drinking. Masaajid, military camps, guest houses and prisons were among the buildings built during this period. Roads were repaired, bridges were built where necessary and in some places, wells were dug for public use. His caliphate eventually became known as the “Golden Age of Islam” because of the great changes that took place during his caliphate. 43
Assassination and Passing Away During the eleventh year of his caliphate, Hadrat Umar’s life came to a sad end. In Madinah, there lived a Persian slave named Abu Lulu. One day, he came to the caliph and said that his master was taking too much tax from him. Hadrat Umar asked him how much of tax he was paying, and what type of job he was holding. The slave answered that he was a carpenter and that he was paying 2 dirhams as tax to his master. The Persian slave Abu Lulu wanted Hadrat Umar to make his master (employer) reduce the tax. Hadrat Umar however did not see any injustice being done, and he did not intervene. The next morning, Hadrat Umar went to Masjidun Nabawee for Fajr Salaah. When Hadrat Umar started the Salaah, Abu Lulu rushed towards him and stabbed him several times with a dagger. Some of the people overpowered him, but he turned the dagger and killed himself. Hadrat Umar was carried into his home, where his condition became worse because of the depth of his wounds. Later, he sent his son to ask Sayyidah Aishah for permission to be buried next to Hadrat Abu Bakr who lay buried beside Prophet Muhammad . Sayyidah Aishah agreed to the arrangement although she wanted to reserve the place for herself. The question of who should succeed him arose. Hadrat Umar set up a small electoral body consisting of Hadrat Uthmaan, Hadrat Ali , Hadrat Zubayr , Hadrat Su`aad , Hadrat Talhaa and Hadrat Abdur Rahmaan . He left it to them to decide who would be the next caliph. Three days after that, on the 26th of Dhul Hijjah, in the 23rd year of the Hijrah, Hadrat Umar passed away. He was 63 years of age. He is buried next to Hadrat Abu Bakr who lies buried beside Prophet Muhammad as he had requested. 44
1. How did Hadrat Umar pass away? 2. What did he do to appoint the next caliph? LEARNER ACTIVITY Briefly summarise the achievements and progress that were made by Hadrat Umar during his caliphate. MORALS DRAWN FROM THE CHARACTER OF HADRAT UMAR Summary and questions Hadrat Umar was bold and courageous and openly accepted Islam. [Are you proud and courageous about the religion of Islam?] Hadrat Umar left his home and belongings and migrated to Madinah for Islam. [What do you learn from this?] Hadrat Umar spread Islam far and wide, established the Baytul Maal, public works, etc. He contributed physically, financially and whole-heartedly for the sake of Islam. [What contributions do you hope to make for Islam?] Hadrat Umar cared about the widowed, hungry and the poor and took care of them. [How would you help the less fortunate?] 45
HADRAT ABU BAKR HADRATUMAR BIRTH 51 B.H. 40 B.H. TRIBE Bani Tameem Adi - family of the Quraysh tribe. RELATIONSHIP Friend and close Friend and companion of Prophet TO PROPHET MUHAMMAD companion, first man to Muhammad . Father-in-law of accept Islam. Father-in- Prophet Muhammad (father of law of Prophet Muhammad Sayyidah Hafsah). (father of Sayyidah Aishah) ACCEPTED 27 Years. ISLAM AT 38 Years. THE AGE OF Spent most of his wealth Migrated to Madinah. Supported the CONTRIBUTIONS towards Islam - bought Prophet Muhammadin all battles. TO ISLAM BEFORE slaves and set them free. Contributed half of his wealth for the CALIPHATE Accompanied Prophet Expedition of Tabuk. Muhammad on Hijrah. Bought plot for Masjidun Nabawee. Fought in all battles. Appointed Amirul Hajj. Performed Imaamat during Prophet Muhammad’s illness. ELECTION Hadrat Umar led him to Hadrat Abu Bakr elected Hadrat Umar be elected. ACHIEVEMENTS During the time of Prophet Muhammad’s passing Became known as the ‘Golden Age of away, he held the Muslims Islam’. Fought many battles to avoid together. Zakaah suppression of Islam. Conquered remained unchanged. Byzantine, Persia, Syria, Palestine, Defeated false prophets Jordan, Egypt, Alexandria and North Tulayha and Musaylama Africa. Divided countries into provinces and he did not tolerate and appointed officials. Baytul Maal and those who practised public services established. drinking and adultery. 46
HADRAT ABU BAKR HADRAT UMAR 1. Muslims requested 1. The people were reluctant to that they should be free accept him as their next caliph. PROBLEMS from paying Zakaah. 2. Had to fight many battles to avoid ENCOUNTERED 2.False prophets the suppression of Islam. Tulayha and Musaylama 3. Persian slave, Abu Lulu wanted appeared. Hadrat Umar to make his master 3.Tulayha wanted to (employer) reduce his tax. eliminate Sajdah from When Hadrat Umar did not Salaah. intervene, Abu Lulu attacked him 4.Musaylama claimed during Fajr Salaah. That drinking and adultery were not unlawful. Musaylama also attempted to reduce the five daily Salaah to three. 5.Disunity of the Muslims. Sacrifice - How do we Courageous - Are we proud of our defend Islam? religion? Leadership - What would Sacrifice - How do we compare with his have happened if he did migration? MORAL LESSON not keep the Muslims Generosity- What contributions have we together? made towards Islam? Do we think of or If he had not defeated help the less fortunate? false prophets, how would we have been affected today? Humbleness, Humility, Simplicity - How do we treat our servants today? Would we be prepared to leave our homes for the sake of Islam? DEMISE 22nd Jumaadal Oolaa 13 26th Dhul Hijjah 23 A.H. He was 63 years old. Buried next to Prophet Muhammad . A.H. He was 63 years old. His assassin was Abu Lulu. Buried next to Prophet Muhammad . Passed away from natural causes. 47
PROPHET AADAM Prophet Aadam - clay Sayyidah Hawwa tree obedience Iblees’ pride Introduction Allah is the All Powerful. He is the Creator of everything. In the beginning, there was nothing besides Allah . Then Allah created everything through His Power. Allah created man in the best of forms as mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan in Surah At Teen (95); Aayah 4 : We have certainly created man in the best of forms. Allah created the first man, Prophet Aadam out of clay. In the Noble Qur'aan in Surah Saad(38);Aayaat 73 - 89, the incident in which Allah created Prophet Aadam is explained. It also tells us of how Iblees was disobedient to Allah and how he suffered because of his pride. After Allah created Prophet Aadam , Allah asked all the Angels and Iblees to prostrate to Prophet Aadam . All the Angels obeyed the Command of Allah except Iblees who was a Jinn. 48
He was proud and he refused to prostrate to Prophet Aadam . He felt that he was better than Prophet Aadam because Prophet Aadam was made out of clay and he was made of fire. We read in the Noble Qur’aan in Surah Saad(38);Aayaat 75-76 about this incident: 75. (Allah) said: “O Iblees! What prevents you from prostrating yourself to one Whom I have created with My Hands? Are you too proud? Or are you one of the high (and mighty) ones?” 76. (Iblees) said: “I am better than he. You created me from fire, and him You created from clay.” Allah was angry with Iblees and ordered him out of Jannah. Iblees then said that he will try and lead man astray. However, he will not be able to mislead the true and sincere believers. We read in the Noble Qur’aan in Surah Saad(38);Aayaat 82 -83: 82. Iblees said: \"Then By Your Power, I will mislead them all\" 83. “Except Your servants amongst them,( sincere and purified by Your Grace).” 49
Allah told Iblees that those that follow him (Iblees), will be put into Jahannam. We read in the Noble Qur’aan in Surah Saad(38);Aayah 85: “[That] I will certainly fill Hell with you and those that follow you, all together.” After Allah had created Prophet Aadam , He also created Sayyidah Hawwa and made both of them live in Jannah. However, Allah gave them strict orders and forbade them to go near a certain tree in Jannah. Both Prophet Aadam and Sayyidah Hawwa were very happy in Jannah and this made Iblees very jealous. Iblees began to devise plans to make them disobey Allah’s Command of not going near the tree. Iblees tried many times to mislead Prophet Aadam and Sayyidah Hawwa. Then one day, they decided to taste the fruit from the tree. When they did this, Allah reminded them that He had warned them not to taste from the tree and that Iblees was their enemy. They accepted their mistake and begged Allah for forgiveness. Allah warned them again to be on their guard against Iblees and He then instructed them to leave Jannah and to settle on earth. Allah forgave them. Conclusion Unlike Iblees, all the Angels and the Prophets of Allah were never disobedient to Him. All the Prophets taught us how to be obedient to the Commands of Allah and tried to save us from Iblees, who will try to lead us astray. 50
We learn to be obedient to Allah because if we are not, we will be punished. When we obey Allah He will be pleased with us. When we disobey Allah , He becomes unhappy. Our every action must gain the pleasure of Allah so that Allah will Bless us in this world and grant us Jannah in the Hereafter. 1. How did Iblees display his pride? 2. What happened to Iblees because of his disobedience? 3. Why were Prophet Aadam and Sayyidah Hawwa put on earth? LEARNER ACTIVITY In the space below, discuss the negative aspects of pride and the positive aspects of forgiveness from the story of Prophet Aadam . 51
PROPHET NUH ark two of each kind (male & female) flood on earth Mount Judi Introduction After the time of Prophet Aadam , many people lived on earth. These people began to forget what Prophet Aadam had taught them about Allah . Allah saw this and sent down Prophet Idrees to lead the people on the straight path. But there came a time when they made their own gods out of stone for worship. Allah then sent down Prophet Nuh to lead the people onto the right path. Prophet Nuh Prophet Nuh began to lead the people back to Islam. But they would not listen to him. He tried his best to guide the people but they mocked him. We read in the Noble Qur’aan in Surah Hud(11);Aayah 38: And as he was constructing the ship, and whenever the chiefs of his people passed by him, they ridiculed him. He said: \"If you ridicule us then we will ridicule you just as you ridicule. 52
Prophet Nuh prayed to Allah to save those who believed in Him because their lives were in danger from those who did not believe in Allah . The Flood Allah heard Prophet Nuh’s prayer and was aware of the wrong actions of the people of that time. He ordered Prophet Nuh to build a huge ark and to put therein two of each kind (male and female), his family, as well as all those who believed in Allah . We read in the Noble Qur’aan in Surah Hud(11);Aayah 40: [So it was],until Our Command came and the fountains of the earth gushed forth! We said: \"Embark therein of each kind two male and female and your family except those against whom the Word has already gone forth and the believers. But only a few believed with him.” When everyone who believed in Allah was on board the ark, Allah created a huge flood. The sky became cloudy and it began to rain heavily. Soon, there was water everywhere and all the streams began to overflow. 53
The Noble Qur’aan gives the description of the flood in the following verses of Surah Al Qamar 54 Aayaat 11 -12: So We opened the gates of the heaven with water pouring down And We caused the earth to burst with springs; so the waters(of the heaven and the earth)gathered together according to a measure already ordained.” The Flood Prophet Nuh’s son The sea water began to rise until it destroyed everything. This went on for days and days. While the ark was floating, Prophet Nuh saw his son struggling to stay alive. Prophet Nuh called to him and said: “O, my son come onto this ark and do not join the disbelievers.” But his son was disobedient, proud and a disbeliever. He refused by saying: “I will save myself by going to a mountain, it will save me from the water.” Prophet Nuh replied: “Today nothing can save you from the Command of Allah except him on whom He has Mercy”. Still the son did not believe and suddenly the waves of the flood waters swept him away. 54
We read in the Noble Qur’aan in Surah Hud(11);Aayaat 42-43: 42. So it ( the ship)floated with them on the waves (towering) like mountains and Nuh called out to his son who had separated himself (from the rest): \"O my son! embark with us and be not with the disbelievers!\" 43. The son replied: \"I will take refuge on a mountain, it will save me from the water.\" Nuh said: \"This day nothing can save anyone from the Command of Allah except him on whom He has mercy!\" And the waves came between them and the son was among those overwhelmed in the flood. Here again, we see that disbelief and disobedience to Allah leads to downfall. Although Nuh was a Prophet of Allah , his son could not be saved. This is because all the disbelievers were punished and as a result they drowned in the flood. Belief in One Allah comes before everything. It is even more important than your own family. 55
Prophet Nuh like all the other Prophets of Allah , taught people to believe in One and Only Allah . Similarly, Prophet Muhammad tried to save the people from evil and showed them the right path in praying to Allah . 1. Why was there a flood during Prophet Nuh’s Prophethood? 2. Why was his son not saved? 3. What do we learn from this story? A Ship in Flood Waters 56
PROPHET IBRAAHEEM Born - Iraq broke idols fire - cool Sayyidah Hajrah Jabal-as- Safaa Jabal- al- Marwah Prophet Ismaa`eel Minaa sacrifice `Id ul Adhaa INTRODUCTION Idol Worship Prophet Ibraaheem was born in Iraq at a time when people believed in worshipping idols. As a young boy, he used to spend a lot of time searching for the truth. He used to watch the people around him and wonder how these people could worship idols that they had made with their own hands. He saw them drinking wine, fighting and killing one another and he knew that these things were wrong. 57
He used to think to himself that surely, there is some strong power, that controls the earth as stated in the Noble Qur’aan in, Surah Al An`aam(6); Aayaat 76-78: 76. When the night covered him over [with darkness], he saw a star. He said: \"This is my Rabb.\" But when it set he said: \"I love not those that set [disappear]\" 77. When he saw the moon rising in splendour he said: \"This is my Rabb.\" But when the moon set he said: \"Unless my Rabb guides me I shall surely be among those who go astray.\" 78. When he saw the sun rising he said: \"This is my Rabb; this is the greatest (of all).\" But when the sun set he said: \"O my people! I am indeed free from what you associate others with Allah. 58
After he saw the sun setting, he said the following, as is indicated in the Noble Qur’aan in Surah Al An`aam(6);Aayah 79: “Indeed, I have turned my face firmly and truly Towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give Partners to Allah.” Thereafter, with the Help of Allah , he realised that all the things he had watched, and everything on earth were all made and controlled by Allah . Prophet Ibraaheem then decided to teach the people that idol- worshipping was wrong. First, he tried to tell Azar, who used to make idols, that idol-worshipping was wrong as stated in the Noble Qur’aan, Surah Maryam (19);Aayah 42 : Behold he said to his father: \"O my father! why worship that which does not hear and does not see and will not benefit you at all? Azar did not listen to him and became angry with Prophet Ibraaheem . Then Prophet Ibraaheem decided to teach the people that idol-worshipping was wrong. One day, when the town’s people were out, Prophet Ibraaheem broke all the idols except the largest one. 59
When the people returned, they saw all the idols broken and became very angry. They immediately suspected Prophet Ibraaheem because they remembered that he always spoke against idol-worship. They went to Prophet Ibraaheem and asked him whether he had broken all the idols. He replied that it was done by the largest idol. He also told them to ask the idols if they could speak, as mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan in, Surah Al Ambiyaa’(21);Aayah 63: He said: \"Nay this was done by this, their biggest one! Ask them if they can speak.\" The people told Prophet Ibraaheem that the idol could not speak or move. At this point, Prophet Ibraaheem tried to show the people the truth as mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan in, Surah Al Ambiyaa(21);Aayah 66: (Ibraaheem) said: \"Do you then worship besides Allah things that can neither be of any good to you nor do you harm When the people heard Prophet Ibraaheem say these things, they became very angry because they knew he was speaking the truth. 60
They were so angry that they decided to punish him by burning him to death, as mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan, in Surah Al Ambiyaa’(21);Aayah 68: They said: \"Burn him and help your gods if you do (anything at all)!\" They did not know that Allah had ordered the fire to be cool for Prophet Ibraaheem, because he was trying to teach the people the truth. Therefore, we learn that Allah protects all those who obey and believe in Him. We read in the Noble Qur’aan in Surah Al Ambiyaa’(21);Aayah 69: We [Allah] said: “O fire, be cool and (a means of) safety upon Ibraaheem.” The people waited until the fire had completely died down and were shocked to see that Prophet Ibraaheem was not harmed by the fire. We read in the Noble Qur’aan in Surah Al Ambiyaa’(21);Aayah 70: And they intended for him a plan (ie.harm), but We made them the greatest losers. 61
Prophet Ismaa`eel and ZamZam After Prophet Ibraaheem left his father’s home in Iraq, he lived in Palestine for a while with his wife Sayyidah Sarah . Later, they moved to Egypt and then back to Palestine. For many years Prophet Ibraaheem and Sayyidah Sarah did not have any children. Later on, Allah blessed Prophet Ibraaheem and Sayyidah Sarah with a son called Prophet Ishaaq . It was only after he married Sayyidah Hajrah that his first son Prophet Ismaa`eel was born. When Prophet Ismaa`eel was only a few months old, Prophet Ibraaheem was ordered by Allah to take Sayyidah Hajrah and Prophet Ismaa`eel and leave them in Makkah. The place was lonely, dry and without any water. Prophet Ibraaheem obeyed Allah and left them in Makkah. At first, Sayyidah Hajrah was surprised at Prophet Ibraaheem leaving them behind. But, when she realized that it was a Command from Allah , she knew that Allah would take care of them. After a few days, the food and water had all been used up by them. Sayyidah Hajrah had to get water because if she did not, then she and her baby Prophet Ismaa`eel , would soon die of thirst. She climbed a nearby hillock, (known as Jabal-as -Safaa), in order to get a better view of the valley. On the other side she saw another hillock (known as Jabal-al-Marwa) and climbed this one as well. There too she found nothing and no-one to help her. She ran 7 times between these hills praying to Allah for help and then came back to the baby Prophet Ismaa`eel . To her surprise, she saw a fountain of clean, pure water, gushing out of the ground under the feet of Prophet Ismaa`eel . This became known as the well of Zam-Zam. She and Prophet Ismaa`eel then began to live beside the well of Zam-Zam. 62
Soon the Jurhum tribe passed by and saw the water and the vegetation there and decided that it was a nice place to live. They asked Sayyidah Hajrah for permission to live there and she agreed. They began to build houses around the area of the well and soon more and more people began to settle there. Thus the city of Makkah began to grow and became an important place for business and trade. THE BUILDING OF THE KA`BAH Prophet Ibraaheem re-visits his family Prophet Ibraaheem stayed away from his family for a period as long as Allah had wished. Prophet Ibraaheem later visited the family that he had left behind. Prophet Ibraaheem speaks to Prophet Ismaa`eel When Prophet Ibraaheem saw Prophet Ismaa`eel he said: “O Ismaa`eel! Allah has given me an order.” Prophet Ismaa`eel said: “Do what your Lord has ordered you to do.” Then Prophet Ibraaheem asked: “Will you help me?” Prophet Ismaa`eel replied I will help you.” Prophet Ibraaheem said: “Allah has ordered me to build a house here,” pointing to a hillock higher than the land surrounding it. The Ka`bah rebuilt The Ka`bah was built by Prophet Aadam and was later destroyed during the flood in Prophet Nuh’s time. When Prophet Ibraaheem wondered where to build the Ka`bah, he was directed by Allah to the original spot where the Ka`bah had once stood. The Ka`bah remains on that spot even up to this day. 63
Both Prophet Ibraaheem and Prophet Ismaa`eel began to build the Ka`bah as mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan in Surah Al Baqarah(2);Aayah 127: And remember when Ibraaheem and Ismaa`eel raised the foundations of the House (the Ka`bah in Makkah), (with this prayer): \"Our Lord! accept (this service) from us. You are the All-Hearing the All-Knowing.” Prophet Ibraaheem started building the Ka`bah, while Prophet Ismaa`eel handed him the stones to build it. When the building became high and Prophet Ibraaheem could no longer lift the stones to such a high position, he stood on the stone of Al Maqam and completed the building of the Ka`bah. The Black Stone When Prophet Ibraaheem completed the building of the Ka`bah he thought about placing a special stone in such a place, that it would serve as an indicator as to where the tawaaf around the Ka`bah should begin. He asked Prophet Ismaa`eel to fetch a stone. It was then that a voice from the direction of the mountain of Abi Qubays said: “There is a stone here which you should use.” This was the same stone which was placed into the wall of the Ka`bah by Aadam the first Prophet of Allah . The stone from Jannah was given to Prophet Aadam by Allah . During the flood in Prophet Nuh’s time, this stone was hidden by Angel Jibreel in the mountain of Abi Qubays. Prophet Ibraaheem and Prophet Ismaa`eel recovered the stone and placed it in the wall of the Ka`bah. Today, this stone still lies embedded in the wall of the Ka`bah and is known as the ‘Hajratul Aswad or Hajre Aswad’. 64
Prophet Muhammad Rebuilds the Ka`bah It is important to remember that Prophet Muhammad had also once rebuilt the Ka`bah, when heavy rains and floods had damaged its walls. The tribe leaders had fought about who was going to place the Black Stone in the wall of the Ka`bah. Prophet Muhammad solved this problem when he asked the tribe leaders to place the Black Stone on a cloth and carry it to where it was to be placed. He had then placed the Black Stone in the wall of the Ka`bah himself. The Sacrifice of Prophet Ismaa`eel Prophet Ibraaheem had a dream in which he was ordered by Allah to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismaa`eel . Prophet Ibraaheem returned to Makkah and related this dream to his son Prophet Ismaa`eel . When Prophet Ismaa`eel heard what his father told him, he was calm and assured his father that he will do anything that Allah had commanded, as mentioned in the Noble Qur’aan in Surah As Saffaat(37);Aayah 102: Then when he (the son) reached the age of (serious)work with him, he said: \"O my son! Indeed I have seen in a dream that I offer you in sacrifice, now see what is your view!(The son) said: \"O my father! do as you are commanded, you will find me if Allah so wills one practicing Patience and Constancy!\" 65
Prophet Ibraaheem and Prophet Ismaa`eel began to make their way towards a place called Minaa to perform the sacrifice. In Minaa, shaytaan tried to stop them from performing the sacrifice, but their faith in Allah was very strong. Each time shaytaan tried to stop them, they stoned him. Shaytaan was defeated by the strength of their faith in Allah . Allah tested the faith of Prophet Ibraaheem in Minaa again. Prophet Ibraaheem whole-heartedly prepared for the sacrifice without the slightest doubt in his heart. Prophet Ismaa’eel was also sure of his faith in Allah and put his head down in preparation for the sacrifice to be made. As Prophet Ibraaheembegan to sacrifice his son, Allah called out to him, and said that he had fulfilled his duty. In the place of his son, a ram was sacrificed. Prophet Ibraaheem then brought Prophet Ismaa`eel back to Sayyidah Hajrah in Makkah. Thereafter, Prophet Ibraaheem returned to Palestine. It is because of this event that we sacrifice animals on the 10th,11th and12th days of Dhul Hijjah known as Al ’Ud-hiyyah. CONCLUSION Prophet Ibraaheem had faith in Allah and passed each test that Allah had put him through. The first major test that he had to face was when he was thrown into the fire by the cruel idolators. But his faith was true and strong and Allah Commanded the fire to be cool for him and he was saved from the fire. He was then ordered to leave his wife and son in a totally deserted and uninhabited place. He did not hesitate but acted exactly as he was commanded to, by Allah . Allah provided for Sayyidah Hajrah and her son Prophet Ismaa`eel . 66
He provided them with water, which saved them from dying of thirst. Prophet Ibraaheem was also asked to sacrifice his son and in being prepared to do so, passed this test as well. Allah tells us about Prophet Ibraaheem in the Noble Qur'aan in Surah An Nisaa’(4);Aayah 125: “And who is better in religion than one who submits himself to Allah while being a doer of good and follows the religion of Ibraaheem, inclining toward truth? And Allah took Ibraaheem as an intimate friend.” This teaches us to have a firm and unshakeable faith in Allah and He will reward us. It also teaches us to be prepared to sacrifice everything, even our lives for Allah . It also teaches us to carry out all of Allah’s Commands. 67
1. What was Prophet Ibraaheem’s first test of faith? 2. What was his second test of faith? 3. Why do we sacrifice animals on the 10th,11th and12th days of Dhul Hijjah every year? LEARNER ACTIVITY “Prophet Ibraaheem was put through so many tests by Allah .” Discuss some of the tests that you were put through in your life. ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ 68
PROPHET PROPHET PROPHET AADAM NUH IBRAAHEEM Abstain from Allah sent Allah ordered him TASK GIVEN going near a down Prophet to leave his wife and TO EACH PROPHET particular tree in Nuh to lead son Prophet Jannah. the people back Ismaa`eel in onto the straight Makkah. path. Prophet Ibraaheem was ordered to sacrifice his son Prophet Ismaa`eel . Iblees who was disobedient to Allah, tempted PROBLEMS Prophet Aadam The people did ENCOUNTERED and not listen to Prophet Nuh . Test of faith when he Sayyidah was thrown into the fire. Also tested when Hawwa and The people he was asked to became jealous sacrifice his son. caused them to and wanted to be taken out kill him. from Jannah and to be put on earth. Because Iblees Prophet Nuh On both occasions he was disobedient prayed to Allah was saved by Allah HOW MAJOR PROBLEMS to Allah he to save all . WERE OVERCOME was cast out of those who Jannah. After believed in Him Prophet Aadam because their and lives were in Sayyidah danger. Allah Hawwa had Commanded Prophet Nuh gone near the to build an ark to save all the tree, they prayed believers from to Allah for the flood and they were saved. forgiveness which Allah accepted. 69
PROPHET PROPHET NUH PROPHET AADAM IBRAAHEEM MORAL Teaches us that To believe in We should be LESSON Only Allah . Iblees is our prepared to sacrifice We learn that enemy who is everything, even our parents cannot lives for Allah and relentlessly trying save their we should not to mislead us so children from question or hesitate that he can take as Allah’s to carry out any of many as he can punishment if Allah’s Commands. Allah always Helps with him to they do wrong those who believe in Jahannam. (like Prophet Nuh’s son Him and do good. Prophet Aadam is our father ). We also learn that Allah and Sayyidah punishes people Hawwa is who do not our mother. Allah will grant listen to Him, in Jannah to all those different ways. who believe and obey Him and his Prophets / Messengers. Alhamdulillah, we have come to the end of Book Six. Inshaa’Allah the topics that you will continue to study in Book Seven are as follows: 1. More Qualities of Prophet Muhammad . 2. More on the Miracles of the Prophets . 3. The remaining two caliphs namely, Hadrat Uthmaan and Hadrat Ali . 4. Prophets of Allah namely: Prophet Yusuf Prophet Dawud Prophet Musaa ; and Prophet `Isaa 70
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