A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS :
The moonless desert night swallowed all but the brightest stars that glimmered above the sands of Makkah. Within a quiet cave set against the mountain called Hira, a lone figure sat contemplating the vast mysteries of existence. His name was Muhammad ibn Abdullah, descendant of the renowned clan of Banu Hashim. Though only forty years of age, cares weighed heavy upon his mind and soul, for his people had strayed far from truth.
Where once their fathers worshipped Allah, the one Almighty God, many in Makkah had turned instead to idols hewn from rock and wood, paying homage to things of man's own invention. Trust in divine providence gave way to fears that only mortal power and wealth could answer. As custodian for his fellow Makkans, Muhammad felt responsible for their spiritual well-being, yet saw no way to lift the shadows from their hearts.
And so each year, as the season of rains began, he would retreat to this haven beneath the stars to seek clarity through worship, fasting and reflection. On this fateful night in the month of Ramadan, while deep in prayer, a presence stirred. A radiant being stood before him and spoke: "Recite!" Muhammad answered in confusion, "What shall I recite?" Again the command came, stronger this time: "Recite in the name of your Lord who created all that exists!"
The words spilled forth from Muhammad's lips, though he knew them not. As the presence vanished, a tremor shook his frame. Had he been visited by an angel? Or had long devotion addled his senses? Yet the memory of that voice proved indelible. In the days and weeks to come, further revelations continued to flow through him, borne on waves of intuition but also tremendous unease, for the message he received warned of idolatry's consequences and called all people to submit solely to Allah.
Though desiring quietude, Muhammad could not in good conscience keep this light to himself. And so he began to share what had been revealed, venturing into the streets and markets of Makkah to spread Allah's message. Few believed at first, scoffing at "prophecies" from an otherwise unremarkable man. But his childhood friend and cousin, Ali bin Abi Talib, came to trust in the sincerity of Muhammad's words and became his first follower. Thus did a movement take its first steps that would shine light in the darkness for all humanity.
The morning light revealed worried faces throughout Makkah as rumors spread of Muhammad's claims. Though attracting a small band of believers, his preaching stirred distrust among leaders of the Quraysh tribe who held traditional customs sacred. They saw in Islam a threat to their authority and livelihoods that relied on pilgrimages to the idols within the Kaaba.
As persecution of Muhammad's followers increased, he offered the Quraysh a chance at reconciliation. He preached, "O Quraysh! Let us worship Allah alone and leave these idols of stone that can neither benefit nor harm. Let there be no compulsion in matters of faith." But arrogance and fear stoked their wrath, hoping to end this disruption by any means.
At this dangerous impasse, Muhammad's loyalty to Makkans warred with his duty to spread Allah's message. A divine message then assured, "If you are driven out from here, truly Allah will establish you in a land of plenty, peace and purification." With heavy hearts, Muhammad and his band of converts resolved to seek asylum elsewhere for their survival. They made plans under cover of night to escape to the oasis town of Yathrib over a hundred miles to the north.
News of the departure spread panic among Quraysh leaders who gave chase. After several harrowing close calls, Muhammad's group reached Yathrib exhausted but relieved. There they found unlikely allies - a delegation of common folk and outcasts who had heard of Islam and invited them over for protection from Makkah's threats against believers' lives.
In Yathrib, Muhammad began establishing the first organized Muslim community. New mosques rose to serve the growing Ummah. Under his leadership, socio-economic reforms brought unity among once-warring tribes. Pivotal pacts made Yathribites and Muslims as kinsmen protecting one another. Signs of prosperity appeared where before had been turmoil.
Word of this paradise on earth spread far and wide. More Makkans facing danger for their faith began escaping south to Yathrib in growing numbers, swelling the ranks of those who recognized Muhammad as Allah's prophet. And it was in that blessed abode that the divine command came to change its name, henceforth to be known as "Madinah", the City of the Prophet. Thus shone hope that from darkness could emerge a radiant dawn.
In Madinah, Muhammad worked tirelessly to unify its diverse tribes and establish an exemplar Muslim community. Knowing past strife arose from lack of justice, he drafted agreements requiring mutual protection and respect among all citizens. Strict laws were put in place preventing the oppression of weak members of society.
To foster brotherhood, Muhammad paired off immigrants from Makkah with local supporters. Bilal, an Ethiopian former slave, found shelter with Sa'd bin Rabi, while Ali took in Dharrar. With refugees pouring in, land and resources were equitably redistributed to meet all people's basic needs. Trade and agriculture flourished under transparent regulations.
Muslims were taught five daily prayers, charitable giving, fasting and honoring one's parents and elders as integral to their faith. Friday afternoon congregations began, where Muhammad delivered sermons emphasizing compassion. Houses of study opened welcoming seekers of knowledge, woman and men alike. Through study circles and Sufi gatherings, debate and artistic expression deepened Islamic spirituality.
As the Ummah grew in strength and numbers, outside threats emerged. Quraysh leaders refused to relent in their dreams of crushing this new order. Scouting parties were sent north to spy on Madinah's progress. When a Qurayshi ambush left Muslims dead on the road, retaliation was vowed if such unprovoked aggression continued. In the second year after Hijra, Quraysh massed forces for an all-out attack, hoping to cripple Islam in its infancy.
Muhammad marshaled his defenders, outnumbered three to one, with a message of courage through faith alone. In the Battle of Badr, despite Quraysh numerical advantage, Allah empowered Muslims to victory that day through strategy and unity of purpose. Tales spread of angels descending to assist believers, affirming the rightness of their cause. It was then the Quranic verses came defining Badr as a lesson for future ages.
News of the stunning upset shook lands from Arabia to Syria. Tribes began sending delegations to Madinah pledging allegiance to Islam's growing power. Yet greater trials would test believers' mettle as they worked to establish a just order from the ashes of oppression. Their reward, if steadfast, would be nothing less than paradise.
The victory at Badr had cemented Madinah as the focal point for those seeking refuge in Islam. Each passing season brought more souls to the growing metropolis, now a thriving hub of trade, scholarship and worship. With prosperity, however, came new challenges. Tribes on the fringes eyed Madinah's wealth with envy, hoping to destabilize the Muslim state for their own gains.
In the third year after Hijra, a force of Quraysh and their allies marched to avenge their loss at Badr. At the wells of Uhud, overconfidence crept into Muslim ranks facing a larger enemy force on mountainous terrain. Despite Muhammad's advice, some battalions broke formation against his orders, allowing Quraysh cavalry to outflank them. Suffering heavy losses, Muslims were nearly routed before regrouping to hold the line.
Though mournful for martyrs, Muhammad knew victory in the hereafter required faith through trials. The Quran revealed, And test them - as Allah has tested those before them. Surely Allah will distinguish the wicked from the good. None were tested as Muhammad, who received an arrow wound defending believers until the last. Through this challenge, the Ummah emerged more resilient in their devotion.
In the coming years, emboldened tribes launched raids against outlying Muslim settlements, hoping to fracture the fragile coalition. Muhammad responded with a policy of diplomacy and measured response over vengeance, seeking to isolate aggressors through economic sanctions when bloodshed could be avoided. Only in self-defense were forceful reprisals taken, and then with strict rules of combat to prevent unjust harm.
By the fifth year after Hijra, Muhammad's empire stretched from Yemen in the south to Syria in the north, administering justice for peoples of all faiths. Former rivals like pagans and Christians lived freely under Muslim rule, enjoying novel rights of private worship and expression foreign to other empires. Non-Muslims paid tax supporting the state in exchange for full protection by Islamic law.
At their apex, over a hundred thousand made the Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah each year under Muslim protection after two decades of warfare. Word of Muhammad's wisdom in governance, his spiritual magnetism and championing of equality for all peoples, woman and man, slave and noble, had cast such a light that even the horizons could not contain the radiance of Islam's rise.
Why Muslims Don't Fear Death :
Muslims Have Fear Like anybody else but the only thing they really fear is God and Hell Fire and committing a major sins , so don't think that we're not scared but our faith gave us a power to overpower our fear.
After the victory at the Battle of Badr, the Islamic nation faced many challenges and underwent significant transformations. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) played a crucial role in guiding and leading the Muslim community during this time.
One important event that took place after the Battle of Badr was the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. It was a peace treaty between the Muslims and the Quraysh, the dominant tribe in Mecca. Despite the Muslims' initial disappointment with the terms of the treaty, the Prophet Muhammad showed remarkable wisdom and vision. He recognized that this agreement would pave the way for future alliances and peaceful coexistence.
As the Islamic nation grew, the Prophet Muhammad delivered powerful speeches to inspire and guide his followers. One of his most famous speeches was the Farewell Sermon, delivered during his final pilgrimage to Mecca. In this speech, the Prophet emphasized principles such as equality, justice, and the importance of maintaining good character. He reminded the Muslims of their responsibilities towards God and each other, and stressed the need to uphold the teachings of Islam.
The Prophet's words in the Farewell Sermon continue to resonate with Muslims today and serve as a guiding light for their lives. His message of unity, compassion, and social responsibility has had a profound impact on the Islamic nation and continues to shape the lives of millions around the world.
The unwavering faith and courage of Prophet Muhammad and his companions can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, their belief in the oneness of God and the promise of an eternal afterlife in Paradise gave them a deep sense of purpose and conviction. They understood that this worldly life is temporary, and they were motivated by the desire to please God and attain eternal bliss.
The Prophet Muhammad and his companions also had a profound understanding of the concept of martyrdom. In Islam, martyrdom is seen as an honorable and noble sacrifice in the path of God. They believed that dying while defending the faith and the cause of Islam would grant them a high rank in Paradise. This belief instilled in them a fearlessness towards death and a willingness to lay down their lives for the sake of their faith.
Furthermore, the early Muslims were driven by a sense of justice and a desire to establish a just society based on the teachings of Islam. They fought against oppression, injustice, and the persecution they faced in order to establish a society where all individuals could live in peace and harmony. Their struggle was not only for their own survival but for the greater good of humanity.
Hey! That sounds like an interesting topic to explore. Islam has had a significant impact on humanity after its victory. It brought about a lot of positive changes and influenced various aspects of life. Let's dive into some of the key contributions of Islam to humanity.
One of the most remarkable achievements of Islam was its emphasis on knowledge and education. Islamic scholars made significant advances in fields such as mathematics, astronomy, medicine, and philosophy. They built upon the knowledge of ancient civilizations and made groundbreaking discoveries. For example, Al-Khwarizmi, a Muslim mathematician, developed algebra, which revolutionized mathematics.
Islam also promoted social justice and equality. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) preached compassion, fairness, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their social status or background. This message of equality is beautifully captured in a Hadith where the Prophet said, "All people are equal like the teeth of a comb." This teaching inspired Muslims to establish institutions like hospitals, orphanages, and schools, providing care and education to those in need.
Another area where Islam made a significant impact is in the preservation and development of culture and arts. Islamic art is renowned for its intricate geometric patterns, calligraphy, and exquisite architecture. Mosques, such as the iconic Alhambra in Spain, showcase the beauty and creativity that flourished under Islamic influence.
Islam also played a crucial role in the advancement of trade and commerce. The concept of fair trade, honesty, and ethical business practices were encouraged by Islamic teachings. This fostered economic growth and prosperity in Muslim societies. The Prophet Muhammad himself was a successful merchant and emphasized the importance of integrity in business .
Sure! Muslims have made many significant contributions to various fields throughout history. Here are a few notable inventions and inventors:
1. Al-Khwarizmi: He is known as the "Father of Algebra" and his work laid the foundation for modern algebra and mathematics.
2. Ibn al-Haytham: He made important contributions to the field of optics and is considered the "Father of Optics." His research on vision and light formed the basis for the scientific understanding of optics.
3. Ibn Sina (Avicenna): He was a prominent philosopher, physician, and scientist. His work in medicine, particularly his book "The Canon of Medicine," became a standard medical text in Europe for centuries.
4. Abbas Ibn Firnas: He was an early pioneer in aviation and made significant advancements in the technology of flight. He designed and built a flying machine and conducted the first recorded manned flight in the 9th century.
5. Al-Jazari: He was an engineer and inventor known for his book "The Book of Knowledge of Ingenious Mechanical Devices." Al-Jazari's inventions included various water-powered machines, clocks, and automata.
6. Al-Zahrawi (Albucasis): He was a renowned surgeon and is often referred to as the "Father of Modern Surgery." His medical encyclopedia, "Al-Tasrif," discussed surgical techniques and instruments that greatly influenced the field of medicine.
The last ceremony of the Prophet Muhammad PBUH :
"O People! Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore, listen carefully to what I am saying and take these words to those who could not be present here today."
"O People! just as you regard this month, this day ,this city as sacred ,so regard the life and property of every Muslim a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds."
"Allah has forbidden you to take usury, therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital is yours to keep .You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequality. Allah has judged that there shall be no interest and that all interest due to Abbas Ibn 'Aal-Muttalib be waived."
"Every right arising out of homicide in pre-Islamic days is henceforth waived and the first such right that I waive is that arising from the murder of Rabiah ibni al-Harithiah."
"O men! the unbelievers indulge in tampering with the calendar in order to make permissible that which Allah forbade, and to prohibit what Allah has made permissible. With Allah the months are twelve in number. Four of them are holy, there are sucessive and one occurs singly between the months of Jumada and Shaban."
"Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will be able to lead you astray in big things so beware of following him in small things."
"O People it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well never to be unchaste."
"O People! listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat .Perform Haj if you can afford it."
"All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly."
"Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware, do not astray from the path of righteousness after I am gone."
"O People! No Prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. Reason well, therefore O People! and understand words that I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the Quran and the Sunnah and if you follow these you will never go astray."
"All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly."
"O Allah, be my witness, that I have conveyed your message to Your people."
As part of this sermon, the prophet recited to them a revelation from Allah, which he had just received, and which completed the Quran, for it was the last passage to be revealed:
This day the disbeliever's despair of prevailing against your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me (Allah)! This day have I perfected for you, your religion and fulfilled My favor unto you, and it hath been My good pleasure to choose Islam for you as your religion. (Surah 5, Ayah 3)
The sermon was repeated sentence by sentence by Safwan's brother Rabiah (RA), who had powerful voice, at the request of the Prophet and he faithfully, proclaimed to over ten thousand gathered on the occasion. Towards the end of his sermon, the Prophet asked "O people, have I faithfully delivered unto you my message?" A powerful murmur of assents "O Allah! yes!"arose from thousands of pilgrims and the vibrant words "Allahumma Na'm," rolled like thunder throughout the valley. The Prophet raised his forefinger and said: "O Allah bear witness that I have conveyed your message to your people."