MUHAMMAD SAW THE MESSENGER OF ISLAM (515 pages, 6/41)
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odel of beauty and modesty and good upbringing, unique among the girls of her generation. Moreover, the scholars insist that both father and mother of the last Prophet be descended from an ancestor named Abdu Manaf. Both grandfathers were named Abdu Manaf, so this condition is fulfilled thereby.”
The family council agreed heartily, and Abdul-Muttalib said to them, “Your words ring good and true. The girl you have suggested is in all respects a perfect match. However, her father has not given her to anyone yet, even though she is known among the tribes for her excellence and virtue; great men of all descriptions, men of fabulous wealth and power have asked for her hand, yet her father has consented to none. We have not the means to match their precious gifts, and if we appear as paupers, he may refuse us, too.”
Thus they held their counsel and were worried and in doubt as to what they should do. But Allah, the Creator of Causes, made the knowledge of the seers and sorcerers of Madinah known through the unbelievers, concerning that sun of comeliness and prodigy of virtue who was to become the father of the last Prophet , and it reached the ears of Wahb, the father of Amina. He received it with great joy in his heart and an immediate surge of affection. He was inspired to wish to marry his daughter Amina to Abdullah, and considered sending a message to this effect to Mecca. But being a man of prudence, he opted for a cautious course, and decided to leave a deputy in his place in Madinah, and personally travel to Mecca himself, thus performing a pilgrimage as well as viewing the prospective groom. He was prepared to draw up the marriage contract right there and then, should things turn out to his satisfaction.
Having thus made up his mind, he set out on his own from Madinah to Mecca, for he was a forthright and courageous man. Meanwhile in Mecca, Abdullah was sitting with his father one day, when a person came by with a fine Hijin camel. Seeing the camel, Abdullah asked leave of his father to take that camel and ride out hunting. Abdul-Muttalib permitted him to go out with a group of his friends, and they all picked their camels.
Word of their planned venture spread through the town, and it came to the ears of the seventy unbelievers who lay in wait for him. Instantly they left the city and went to a nearby hilltop to wait in ambush. Through the grace of the Almighty God, just that very night, Wahb arrived before the gates of Mecca, but as he was very tired, he decided to spend the night outside the gates. By divine providence it so happened that he chose as a resting place just that spot where
the seventy unbelievers lay in wait. He dismounted from his camel and sat down to rest.
Abdullah had set out from Mecca on his swift Hijin camel, and was making straight for the hill where Wahb was resting and the unbelievers lay in ambush. Wahb saw him coming from afar, a handsome youth mounted on a beautiful Hijin camel, a radiant light upon his brow. Wahb said to himself, “This can be no other than Abdullah, the son of Abdul-Muttalib whom I have come to see, for the light of Muhammad is shining on his brow. My doubt vanishes before this sight; he must be the destined father of the last Prophet, Muhammad. Quickly I will wed my daughter to him.”
Thus he reflected, when suddenly he saw the seventy unbelievers emerging from hiding with swords drawn. They rushed upon Abdullah to surround him and strike him down. Wahb instantly rose to the occasion; he mounted his camel and ran to Abdullah’s aid. But again he realized that there must be hidden wisdom in these events: if Abdullah was truly destined to be the father of the Holy Prophet
, no one could harm him, even if whole armies gathered against him, let alone seventy men. Allah Almighty would make him safe from harm and secure him from all their wiles. If he were not that person, then surely, he would be slain. While these thoughts were still passing through Wahb’s mind, he suddenly perceived a company of tall men on heavenly steeds descending out of the skies. These fighters of the Lord surrounded the attackers, and the unbelievers were struck down even as they raised their sabers, and their heads rolled–all seventy perishing in a mere moment. Abdullah rode on, unscathed. Wahb now mounted his camel and followed him into the city of Mecca.
Abdul-Muttalib and his kinsmen were still discussing how to ask Wahb for the hand of his daughter Amina when a messenger came in, announcing the arrival of Wahb himself. Abdul-Muttalib himself rose and went out to meet Wahb. When he had welcomed the guest and made him comfortable, Wahb began, “Oh my friend, Abdul-Muttalib! I have come to you with a far-reaching request. If you permit, I will speak to you of it in front of this honorable assembly.”
“We are at your command,” replied Abdul-Muttalib, “whatever it is, feel free to name it.” Wahb then said, “As you may have heard, I have a daughter, Amina, who is a model of virtue and chastity, she is ranked among the best women of this age. Kings and princes have asked for her hand, yet I consented to none of their offers. Now, Abdul-Muttalib, my friend, I have come to you to tell you that I have decided to give my daughter Amina to your son Abdullah; if this is agreeable to you and if you accept, then let this assembly of nobles witness our
agreement and the contract be drawn up forthwith.”
Abdul-Muttalib consented joyfully and a marriage contract was concluded without delay. The wedding feast was prepared and both sides made ready. The wedding took place, congratulations were exchanged, and the couple entered their nuptial chamber on the eve of the first Friday (Thursday night) of the month of Rajab wherefore this night is called “Laylat-al-Raghaib,” which means “night of desires”.
That very night the pure elements composing the light-filled body of Muhammad descended from Abdullah’s loins and settled within Amina’s womb, as a pearl will form in the shell of the sea. The scholars maintain that this event took place while their bodies were in a state of ritual purity.
Sahil ibn Abdullah reports: When the Lord Allah Almighty applied His Will to the creation of Muhammad , He commanded the guardian of Paradise gardens to open wide its gates and to give all inhabitants of Paradise the glad tidings of the coming of the Prophet Muhammad. Messengers were sent out to spread the good news to all who dwelt in the heavens and the earth that this very night the concealed light of Muhammad was to descend into his mother’s womb. Thus the Mercy to the Worlds would be conceived and born to earth.
It is related that at the time the precious elements of Muhammad’s physical existence were embedded in Amina’s blessed body, a call went out in the spiritual kingdoms of the other world: “Oh blessed ones! Anoint your abodes with perfume and incense and prepare for a feast of holiness! Mark the coming of Muhammad to the lower world with exuberant celebration and joyful festivity!”
In that same night innumerable strange and wondrous events took place of which we can only relate a small number here: the animals in Mecca all spoke fluently in human speech on that night of conception, and they said, “By the Lord of the Kaba! Tonight the Prophet Muhammad is conceived in his mother’s womb, the guiding light of all the world, the lodestar of the entire universe”!
That night the wild beasts and birds congratulated one another on the coming of the Mercy to the Worlds. That night the thrones of all the kings of the whole world shook and trembled, the idols fell down upon their faces and broke; the roofs of many churches collapsed and the seers and soothsayers became tongue- tied. All the sorcerers and soothsayers assembled and held counsel, debating the portent of these signs.
They concluded that all these signs heralded the coming of the Prophet Muhammad , the long awaited prophet of the Arabs who that night was conceived in his mother’s womb in the holy city of Mecca. Of this they informed their kings and potentates, and told them that they would be overcome and defeated, their sovereignty wrested from them and their code of law abolished. It was to be replaced by the divine law this messenger of light was to bring the world. They informed their kings that the revelation he would bring was to remain on earth until the last day of the world. It would supersede all previous revelations and invalidate them. Thereupon great fear and apprehension seized the hearts of the kings for the awesomeness of this divine envoy.
The mother of the blessed Prophet Muhammad would hear a heavenly voice calling to her at the beginning of every month of her pregnancy that seemed to come from above as well as from below: “Blessings upon you and tidings of joy! The felicitous advent of Abu-Qasim to the world has indeed drawn nigh!”
It is related from Amina, the blessed mother of the Prophet:
“I first became pregnant at the beginning of the month of Rajab. One night as I lay sleeping, I saw a very fair-faced man entering my chamber. He gazed at my heart and pointed to the unborn child in my belly, and said, ‘As-salamu alaykum, ya Muhammad! Peace be upon you!’ I asked this person, ‘Who are you, sir?’ He answered, ‘I am the father of mankind, Adam Safiullah, and I have come to give you the glad news that you are now pregnant with the Crown of Creation, the Prince of the Worlds!’
“At the start of my second month of pregnancy, I saw another man enter my room. He was very calm and dignified and shone with great light and beauty. He gazed at my heart and spoke, ‘Peace be upon you, oh much beloved, as-salamu alaykum, oh goal of all desires!’ I asked this person who he was, and he answered, ‘I am the Prophet Seth, oh Amina, and I have come to confirm the joyful auspicious prediction, for you are to become the mother of the most illustrious prophet of all!’
“At the beginning of my third month, again I saw a person of immense beauty and dignified bearing enter my abode, and he too gazed at my heart and spoke, ‘Peace be upon you, oh thou enwrapped in thy robes, (ya ayyuhal Muzammil); as-salamu alaykum, oh thou shrouded in thy mantle, (ya ayyuhal Muddahthir)!’ I then asked this person who he
was, and he answered. ‘I am the Prophet Idris, and I have come to bring to you the joyous news that you are pregnant with the prince of all prophets who is invested with Allah’s mercy and compassion.’
“At the beginning of my fourth month of pregnancy a person of dark color appeared in my room who was of gentle gaze and luminous countenance. He looked at my heart and made a sign to the unborn child within me and greeted him thus: ‘Peace be upon you, oh you choicest of created beings!’ I asked this person who he was and he answered, ‘I am the Prophet Nuh, good news and joyful tidings to you, oh Amina, who are to be the mother of the celebrated and victorious Prophet of the last times!’
“In my fifth month, I beheld another person entering my chamber whose perfect grace and enlightened features were awesome. He, too, gazed at my heart and signaled to the unborn innocent within me, greeting him, ‘As-salamu alaykum, oh seal of the prophets!’ I asked this person, ‘And who are you?’ He answered, ‘I am the Prophet Hud, and I compliment you, Amina, on your good fortune of bearing the most praiseworthy of all prophets, who excels in generosity and munificence.’
“In the sixth month of my pregnancy, a person of illustrious aspect and radiant mien entered my room, gazed at my heart and addressed the unborn child within me, ‘Peace be upon thee, oh Messenger of Allah, as-salamu alayk, ya Habibullah (oh Beloved of Allah)!’ I asked this person who he might be, and he answered me, ‘I am the Prophet Ibrahim, oh Amina, the Friend of God, and I give you tidings of your bright fortune: you are to become the mother of a mighty prophet fair to behold.’
“In my seventh month, another winsome person entered my chamber, whose features were gentle and pleasing. This man looked at my heart and addressed the child within me, ‘As-salamu alayk, oh Prophet of Allah, peace be upon you, oh true friend of Allah!’ When I asked this man who he was, he said, ‘I am the Prophet Ismail, oh Amina, the Offering to Allah. I have come to give you the joyous news that you are to be the mother of a mild tempered prophet whose tongue excels in eloquence and whose portion is mercy.’
“My eighth month began, and a man came to my apartment who was of tall build and amiable expression. He gazed at my heart and spoke
to the unborn child within me, ‘Peace be upon you, oh Beloved of Allah, oh mighty prophet of the Almighty!’ I asked him, ‘Who might you be, oh noble lord?’ I am Musa, the son of Imran, and I bring you the good news that you are to be the mother of the great prophet to whom will be revealed the holy book of the Quran.’
“At the beginning of the ninth month again a person entered my room whose undergarment was of pure wool. He gazed at my heart and spoke to my child, ‘Peace be upon you, oh Messenger of Allah, as- salamu alayk, ya Rasulullah!’ I asked this person, ‘Who are you?’ and he said, ‘I am `Isa, the son of Maryam, the Messiah. Best of tidings to you, oh Amina, the time is near that you will give birth, so prepare yourself and make ready.’”
In that year when Amina became pregnant, the people endured great hardship from drought and famine, and there had been a great deal of tribal warfare. When Amina conceived, all these troubles suddenly ceased, the Almighty sent down from Heaven the blessing of rain, and their land was refreshed and food prices came down. Because of the relief they experienced in that year, the people took to calling it “the year of the solving of difficulties”. So favorable was this year that all the women who were pregnant gave birth to a son.
When the Holy Prophet was within his mother’s womb for two months, Abdul- Muttalib spoke to his son Abdullah, “Oh my son, within this year you are to become the father of the Arabian prophet whose coming is foretold in all the holy scriptures and who is expected by all in this year of blessings. Both you and I have been shown the high rank and station of this blessed child in our dreams. Therefore, it is only right and proper that we make suitable preparations for the birth of this extraordinary child.
The best form of congratulation I can think of is this: now is the time of the date harvest, and there are no better dates than the ones that grow in Madinah. Hence, I see it fit that you repair to Madinah to gather the best dates you can find and bring them back to celebrate the birth of your son.” So Abdul-Muttalib sent his son Abdullah to Madinah to fetch dates.
Abdullah set out on his journey, accomplished his errand and made to return. During the rest stop of the second night he passed away and was buried there. At this all the angels in Heaven became highly perturbed, and spoke to the Lord of the Worlds, “Oh, All-Powerful Lord! How is it that You have made him - who is the noblest of all Your creation and the Pride of the Worlds to whom all dwellers
of Heaven and earth owe reverence and praise - how is it that You have chosen to make this superb being a weak and fatherless orphan before he has yet beheld the light of day? What secret significance is there to this?” Thus the angels mourned and wailed. The Almighty Lord Allah spoke to them, “A child has need of his father in this world for protection, training and education. My Beloved however has no need for anyone but Me to teach him all these things. I am his supreme protector, and through Me he is to learn all things he is needful of knowing. Other children will call to their fathers when they are in need of help; but My Beloved will call out only ‘Oh my Lord,’ when he needs assistance, he will ask support and succor from none but Me, Allah Almighty.”
The Holy Prophet himself points to this fact when he says:
Truly, Allah Almighty has taught me, and His was the most excellent teaching.
When Abdullah died, he left a flock of sheep and five camels, as well as an Abyssinian slave woman who was nursing a child at the time. Her name was Umm Ayman. When the Holy Prophet came into the world, this woman, Umm Ayman, became his first wet-nurse. When he had grown up, he gave her freedom and even married her to his adopted son (another freedman) Zayd bin Harith, and she bore him `Usama.
There are differing opinions as to how long his mother carried the Holy Prophet
. Some say it was six months, some say seven, or eight or nine months. Ibn Abbas says on this subject that it was nine months. It is also reported that his mother never experienced any of the discomforts of pregnancy, nor the pangs of childbirth that most women go through. The Prophet’s mother Amina says:
“The whole duration of my pregnancy I felt none of the weight or pressure that pregnant women often feel. I only realized that I was pregnant from the absence of my monthly courses.
“From my belly there always emerged a beautiful scent, and at night I would hear the voice of dhikr and tasbih (praise and invocation) coming from within. I heard angels’ voices saying to me, “Oh Amina, you who are pregnant with the most excellent creature in all the universe, surely you are most favored of womankind!” In the sixth month of my pregnancy I saw in my dream a person who said to me, “When you have given birth, you must give the babe the name Muhammad and be sure to take the best care of this outstanding being.”
Ibn Abbas relates:
“The heavenly angels descended and surrounded the Prophet’s mother Amina on all sides, so that she was placed in the middle and thus protected from the invidious gaze of the Jinn, and so no harm could befall her. Then one of the angels addressed her and spoke, ‘Oh Amina, I bring you good news of the blessed boy you bear, for this son is meant to be the last and the seal of all prophets, and the prince of them all, and a leader of his people. Allah Almighty bears witness to this from his beginning up to the end.
When you have given birth to this blessed child, recite over him these words for his protection:
Bismillahi astar’ika rabbak, wa a’wwadhuka bil-wahid
(In the Name of Allah, I beseech Thy Lord for Thy protection and I place Thee in the keeping of the One.)
Min sharri kullu hasidin wa qa’imin wa qa’id
(From the evil of every invidious one, be he standing or seated.)
Wa kullu khalqin za’id (and whatever other creature) wa ‘an il-fasadi jahilin wa kullu khalafin fasid
(and from the mischief of the ignorant and every evil consequence)
min nafizhin au ‘abithin wa kullu jinnin marid
(from the meddler or disturber, and from every defiant Jinn)
ya’khudhu bil-murasidin bi-t-turuq-il-muwarid.
(who takes advantage of any easy way of access )
La yadurrahu wa la ya’tunahu fi yaqazhatin wa la manam wa la fi zha’ni wa la fi maqam
(that they may not approach with harm while he wakes or sleeps, in no circumstance or place)
Sajis-al-layali wa awakhar-al-ayyam Yad-allahi fauqa aydihim wa hijab-allahi fauqa ‘adiyatihim.
(Allah’s Hand is above theirs, and Allah’s Shield over their misdeeds.)’”
This protective prayer is mentioned also by Muhammad bin Abdullah al Karim
ibn Khalid al-Baghdadi, who reports that the Holy Prophet’s mother Amina said, “One night in a dream I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Oh Amina, verily Amina, you are to be the mother of the most excellent of all beings and the prince of them all, the last and the seal of all the prophets of Allah. When you have born him, you are to name him Muhammad; and know that in the Torah his name is given as Ahmad. Attach this amulet to him..’ Upon waking I found a page of silver at the head of my bedstead upon which was written: Bismillahi astar’ika wa a’wwadhu bil-wahid etc.”
As those versed in holy learning teach us: Any child that has this ta’wiz (amulet) placed upon him will be safe from interference and enmity of the Jinn, by the leave of Allah.
Abul-’Umar said: “Whoever carries upon his person this protective talisman of the Prophet, let him lie down to sleep wherever he wishes and fear not, for no harm can befall him then, for the sake of the blessed Prophet of Allah.”
There is also dispute concerning the month the Holy Prophet was born; most scholars agree that it was the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. There is also disagreement as to the exact day, but largely it is assumed to have been the twelfth night of the month, though there is dissent concerning even the time of day: some think it more correct to say he was born in daytime. Some, however say there is really no disagreement in this matter at all, but rather that both may be true, in that the hour of the noble and blessed birth of the Prophet Muhammad may have been the early dawn, before the actual rising of the sun. Therefore, those claiming it was nighttime have justifiable point to argue, while those claiming it to have been day are also not wrong, depending on the point of view. At any rate, it seems certain to have taken place in the early hour of dawn.
There is dispute as well concerning which day of the week it was, but it seems most correct to say that it was a Monday. It was a Monday also when the Holy Prophet set out on the Hijra (migration from Mecca to Madinah) and he entered Madinah on a Monday as well. The Sura al-Maida (The Table) was revealed on a Monday, he was blessed with the Mi’raj (the Ascension) on a Monday eve, and the victory of Mecca also took place on Monday, and finally, the Holy Prophet exchanged this passing world for his eternal abode on a Monday also. Peace and Blessings be upon him and his blessed family and his noble companions, from now on until eternity, Amin.
The religious scholars (‘Ulama) say that the decisive battle in the Year of the Elephant took place when nine days remained to the month of Muharram. Fifty
days later was the twelfth of Rabi’ al-Awwal, and it was a Monday. According to some authorities it was the twenty-first day of April, while others maintain it was the second day of that month that the Holy Prophet was born to the world.
Because it was in the month of April that the Pride of Creation appeared in this world, the Lord Almighty blessed the water that rains from the sky during this month in a special way so that it is of particular benefit and usefulness to men, for the sake of His beloved prophet . The sun stood at the end of the sign of Aries, and the moon in the sign of Libra, and all the planets stood in a place of exaltation at that hour. It was six hundred years after ‘Isa bin Maryam’s ascension to the heavens, two thousand years after the death of the Prophet Ibrahim , and six thousand sixty-two years after Adam was sent down to be the representative of Allah Almighty on earth.
People might ask why was the prophet born during the month Rabi’-al- Awwal, rather than during Ramadan or one of the holy months; why was he born on a Monday rather than on the eve of Jum’a (the night of Thursday to Friday), or on Laylat-al-Qadr, or the fifteenth of Sha’ban, or any other holy night? Had the birth of Allah’s Beloved occurred on one of these blessed days or nights, ignorant people could easily have imagined that the Holy Prophet’s eminence and high spiritual station, his extraordinary gifts and special powers were due to his birthday falling on these dates.
However, quite the opposite is the case: any place or date is honored by its being associated with the Holy Prophet . Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca and spent most of his life there, being called to prophethood in his fortieth year; he then spent thirteen years in the city of his birth, preaching Islam to his people before he migrated to Madinah where he lived for another decade teaching his message.
Finally, he surrendered his noble soul and took up his station in the abode of permanence. His pure body was laid to rest in the soil of Madinah, not in Mecca, so that Madinah should be honored above other places by harboring his blessed remains in her soil. Perhaps it is that this place is especially distinguished by the Owner of the Throne on High, and He chose to honor this city by making it the burial site of His Beloved. May Allah grant us the visit to his fragrant tomb and make our way there easy, Amin.
The Year of the Elephant
(adapted from Abu Ishaq)
In the year that the Holy Prophet was born, the following event took place. In Yemen there lived a Christian king, Abraha, who marched on Mecca with his elephants in order to destroy the Kaba. This came about in the following way: the Negus, the Christian Emperor of Abyssinia, was a friend and supporter of Abraha of Yemen and honored him in many ways. Abraha was very happy at this, and prepared a lavish feast for his subjects and made many sacrifices, gave food to the poor and the dervishes and had churches built in many cities of Yemen.
In the capital city of San’a he built the greatest church of all, in honor of the Negus. It was such a splendid and beautiful building that all who saw it were stricken with wonder and doubted that such a marvel could be the work of mere mortals. It took four years to complete, and the building was named al-Qullays. By the time it was finished it was already famed far and wide.
Abraha then sent the Negus of Abyssinia a letter, saying: “The Lord has forgiven the Emperor and pardoned Abraha for his failings; I have therefore built a cathedral in the name of the Negus the likes of which the world has never seen before.” He included a drawing of this building with his letter and sent it to the Negus. The Negus received the letter and was very pleased, and praised Abraha for his good work. The fame of this church spread, and Christians from all over came to see it. Everyone was stunned, for they had never seen such a church. The Christians brought sacrificial animals, and gifts and donations came from neighboring lands. Even the Byzantine Emperor heard of this marvelous building, and wishing to add a good deed to his name, he sent precious gifts for the decoration of the church: paints and gold and marble.
For Abraha he sent a Byzantine robe of honor; He also wrote a letter to the Negus in which he said: “There is a trustworthy subject living in the province of Yemen, and he has built a church in your name of such splendor as there is no other in the world. Let this church become a center of worship and pilgrimage for all Christians, and let Abraha be its caretaker and governor of the whole province of Yemen.”
The Negus was extremely pleased when he received this letter, and he himself wrote to Abraha, congratulating him and expressing his pleasure through robes of honor and a crown for his head, as well as giving him his freedom and making him the future ruler upon the Yemeni throne. Abraha, full of joy, wrote back to the Negus, saying, “I have heard that the Arab tribes of Mecca have a building made of stone, and they call it the ‘house of God’. They go there every year and perform the rites of pilgrimage and they pray there, and make their sacrificial offerings, and it is a great and busy center of worship, as it is of commerce.
“Now, the church I have built is ten, no, one hundred times better than that square building. I have a mind to order the people of Yemen to come to my church and perform all their worship and their sacrifices in it. I’m thinking also of ordering those Arab tribesmen to leave off their pilgrimage to that building at Mecca and come here instead, so that this building will be remembered by all the world as that of the Emperor, and his fame will last for all times to come.”
When the Negus read these words, he was even more delighted and he ordered Abraha to tell all the people living in Yemen, whether they be Christians, Jews, or Arab tribesmen, to perform their worship in the new church from now on, and to conduct all their rites there.
Diverting the Pilgrimage to Yemen
Now, among the tribesmen of Arabs there were two brothers. The elder brother was named Muhammad Khuza’i, the younger brother Qays. They were both noble and esteemed among the Arabs. For some reason or other they traveled to the province of Hijaz. With kith and kin they entered the country of Yemen where Abraha received them with honors in a most friendly manner, and informed them of his wish to divert the annual pilgrimage from the sanctuary of Mecca to the grand cathedral at San’a.
He called Muhammad Khuza’i to him and showed him great favor, clothed him in a robe of honor and gave him a crown, declaring him king over Mecca and the Hijaz. With that he sent him to Mecca to tell the Arabs to make their Hajj to Abraha’s great church in Yemen from now on, and to leave off worship of the Kaba. His church, he said, was much better than their house of worship, for they had filled it up with idols, thereby defiling it, while his church was unspoiled. In all it was a much more suitable place for making the pilgrimage to. “Go, and deliver this message to the Arabs,” he said.
Muhammad Khuza’i and his brother and clan promptly set out for Mecca. Abdul-Muttalib was the chief of the tribes of Quraysh and Kinana at Mecca.
When Muhammad arrived at Mecca, he went in to the Bani Kinana, and began telling them about his clai
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odel of beauty and modesty and good upbringing, unique among the girls of her generation. Moreover, the scholars insist that both father and mother of the last Prophet be descended from an ancestor named Abdu Manaf. Both grandfathers were named Abdu Manaf, so this condition is fulfilled thereby.”
The family council agreed heartily, and Abdul-Muttalib said to them, “Your words ring good and true. The girl you have suggested is in all respects a perfect match. However, her father has not given her to anyone yet, even though she is known among the tribes for her excellence and virtue; great men of all descriptions, men of fabulous wealth and power have asked for her hand, yet her father has consented to none. We have not the means to match their precious gifts, and if we appear as paupers, he may refuse us, too.”
Thus they held their counsel and were worried and in doubt as to what they should do. But Allah, the Creator of Causes, made the knowledge of the seers and sorcerers of Madinah known through the unbelievers, concerning that sun of comeliness and prodigy of virtue who was to become the father of the last Prophet , and it reached the ears of Wahb, the father of Amina. He received it with great joy in his heart and an immediate surge of affection. He was inspired to wish to marry his daughter Amina to Abdullah, and considered sending a message to this effect to Mecca. But being a man of prudence, he opted for a cautious course, and decided to leave a deputy in his place in Madinah, and personally travel to Mecca himself, thus performing a pilgrimage as well as viewing the prospective groom. He was prepared to draw up the marriage contract right there and then, should things turn out to his satisfaction.
Having thus made up his mind, he set out on his own from Madinah to Mecca, for he was a forthright and courageous man. Meanwhile in Mecca, Abdullah was sitting with his father one day, when a person came by with a fine Hijin camel. Seeing the camel, Abdullah asked leave of his father to take that camel and ride out hunting. Abdul-Muttalib permitted him to go out with a group of his friends, and they all picked their camels.
Word of their planned venture spread through the town, and it came to the ears of the seventy unbelievers who lay in wait for him. Instantly they left the city and went to a nearby hilltop to wait in ambush. Through the grace of the Almighty God, just that very night, Wahb arrived before the gates of Mecca, but as he was very tired, he decided to spend the night outside the gates. By divine providence it so happened that he chose as a resting place just that spot where
the seventy unbelievers lay in wait. He dismounted from his camel and sat down to rest.
Abdullah had set out from Mecca on his swift Hijin camel, and was making straight for the hill where Wahb was resting and the unbelievers lay in ambush. Wahb saw him coming from afar, a handsome youth mounted on a beautiful Hijin camel, a radiant light upon his brow. Wahb said to himself, “This can be no other than Abdullah, the son of Abdul-Muttalib whom I have come to see, for the light of Muhammad is shining on his brow. My doubt vanishes before this sight; he must be the destined father of the last Prophet, Muhammad. Quickly I will wed my daughter to him.”
Thus he reflected, when suddenly he saw the seventy unbelievers emerging from hiding with swords drawn. They rushed upon Abdullah to surround him and strike him down. Wahb instantly rose to the occasion; he mounted his camel and ran to Abdullah’s aid. But again he realized that there must be hidden wisdom in these events: if Abdullah was truly destined to be the father of the Holy Prophet
, no one could harm him, even if whole armies gathered against him, let alone seventy men. Allah Almighty would make him safe from harm and secure him from all their wiles. If he were not that person, then surely, he would be slain. While these thoughts were still passing through Wahb’s mind, he suddenly perceived a company of tall men on heavenly steeds descending out of the skies. These fighters of the Lord surrounded the attackers, and the unbelievers were struck down even as they raised their sabers, and their heads rolled–all seventy perishing in a mere moment. Abdullah rode on, unscathed. Wahb now mounted his camel and followed him into the city of Mecca.
Abdul-Muttalib and his kinsmen were still discussing how to ask Wahb for the hand of his daughter Amina when a messenger came in, announcing the arrival of Wahb himself. Abdul-Muttalib himself rose and went out to meet Wahb. When he had welcomed the guest and made him comfortable, Wahb began, “Oh my friend, Abdul-Muttalib! I have come to you with a far-reaching request. If you permit, I will speak to you of it in front of this honorable assembly.”
“We are at your command,” replied Abdul-Muttalib, “whatever it is, feel free to name it.” Wahb then said, “As you may have heard, I have a daughter, Amina, who is a model of virtue and chastity, she is ranked among the best women of this age. Kings and princes have asked for her hand, yet I consented to none of their offers. Now, Abdul-Muttalib, my friend, I have come to you to tell you that I have decided to give my daughter Amina to your son Abdullah; if this is agreeable to you and if you accept, then let this assembly of nobles witness our
agreement and the contract be drawn up forthwith.”
Abdul-Muttalib consented joyfully and a marriage contract was concluded without delay. The wedding feast was prepared and both sides made ready. The wedding took place, congratulations were exchanged, and the couple entered their nuptial chamber on the eve of the first Friday (Thursday night) of the month of Rajab wherefore this night is called “Laylat-al-Raghaib,” which means “night of desires”.
That very night the pure elements composing the light-filled body of Muhammad descended from Abdullah’s loins and settled within Amina’s womb, as a pearl will form in the shell of the sea. The scholars maintain that this event took place while their bodies were in a state of ritual purity.
Sahil ibn Abdullah reports: When the Lord Allah Almighty applied His Will to the creation of Muhammad , He commanded the guardian of Paradise gardens to open wide its gates and to give all inhabitants of Paradise the glad tidings of the coming of the Prophet Muhammad. Messengers were sent out to spread the good news to all who dwelt in the heavens and the earth that this very night the concealed light of Muhammad was to descend into his mother’s womb. Thus the Mercy to the Worlds would be conceived and born to earth.
It is related that at the time the precious elements of Muhammad’s physical existence were embedded in Amina’s blessed body, a call went out in the spiritual kingdoms of the other world: “Oh blessed ones! Anoint your abodes with perfume and incense and prepare for a feast of holiness! Mark the coming of Muhammad to the lower world with exuberant celebration and joyful festivity!”
In that same night innumerable strange and wondrous events took place of which we can only relate a small number here: the animals in Mecca all spoke fluently in human speech on that night of conception, and they said, “By the Lord of the Kaba! Tonight the Prophet Muhammad is conceived in his mother’s womb, the guiding light of all the world, the lodestar of the entire universe”!
That night the wild beasts and birds congratulated one another on the coming of the Mercy to the Worlds. That night the thrones of all the kings of the whole world shook and trembled, the idols fell down upon their faces and broke; the roofs of many churches collapsed and the seers and soothsayers became tongue- tied. All the sorcerers and soothsayers assembled and held counsel, debating the portent of these signs.
They concluded that all these signs heralded the coming of the Prophet Muhammad , the long awaited prophet of the Arabs who that night was conceived in his mother’s womb in the holy city of Mecca. Of this they informed their kings and potentates, and told them that they would be overcome and defeated, their sovereignty wrested from them and their code of law abolished. It was to be replaced by the divine law this messenger of light was to bring the world. They informed their kings that the revelation he would bring was to remain on earth until the last day of the world. It would supersede all previous revelations and invalidate them. Thereupon great fear and apprehension seized the hearts of the kings for the awesomeness of this divine envoy.
The mother of the blessed Prophet Muhammad would hear a heavenly voice calling to her at the beginning of every month of her pregnancy that seemed to come from above as well as from below: “Blessings upon you and tidings of joy! The felicitous advent of Abu-Qasim to the world has indeed drawn nigh!”
It is related from Amina, the blessed mother of the Prophet:
“I first became pregnant at the beginning of the month of Rajab. One night as I lay sleeping, I saw a very fair-faced man entering my chamber. He gazed at my heart and pointed to the unborn child in my belly, and said, ‘As-salamu alaykum, ya Muhammad! Peace be upon you!’ I asked this person, ‘Who are you, sir?’ He answered, ‘I am the father of mankind, Adam Safiullah, and I have come to give you the glad news that you are now pregnant with the Crown of Creation, the Prince of the Worlds!’
“At the start of my second month of pregnancy, I saw another man enter my room. He was very calm and dignified and shone with great light and beauty. He gazed at my heart and spoke, ‘Peace be upon you, oh much beloved, as-salamu alaykum, oh goal of all desires!’ I asked this person who he was, and he answered, ‘I am the Prophet Seth, oh Amina, and I have come to confirm the joyful auspicious prediction, for you are to become the mother of the most illustrious prophet of all!’
“At the beginning of my third month, again I saw a person of immense beauty and dignified bearing enter my abode, and he too gazed at my heart and spoke, ‘Peace be upon you, oh thou enwrapped in thy robes, (ya ayyuhal Muzammil); as-salamu alaykum, oh thou shrouded in thy mantle, (ya ayyuhal Muddahthir)!’ I then asked this person who he
was, and he answered. ‘I am the Prophet Idris, and I have come to bring to you the joyous news that you are pregnant with the prince of all prophets who is invested with Allah’s mercy and compassion.’
“At the beginning of my fourth month of pregnancy a person of dark color appeared in my room who was of gentle gaze and luminous countenance. He looked at my heart and made a sign to the unborn child within me and greeted him thus: ‘Peace be upon you, oh you choicest of created beings!’ I asked this person who he was and he answered, ‘I am the Prophet Nuh, good news and joyful tidings to you, oh Amina, who are to be the mother of the celebrated and victorious Prophet of the last times!’
“In my fifth month, I beheld another person entering my chamber whose perfect grace and enlightened features were awesome. He, too, gazed at my heart and signaled to the unborn innocent within me, greeting him, ‘As-salamu alaykum, oh seal of the prophets!’ I asked this person, ‘And who are you?’ He answered, ‘I am the Prophet Hud, and I compliment you, Amina, on your good fortune of bearing the most praiseworthy of all prophets, who excels in generosity and munificence.’
“In the sixth month of my pregnancy, a person of illustrious aspect and radiant mien entered my room, gazed at my heart and addressed the unborn child within me, ‘Peace be upon thee, oh Messenger of Allah, as-salamu alayk, ya Habibullah (oh Beloved of Allah)!’ I asked this person who he might be, and he answered me, ‘I am the Prophet Ibrahim, oh Amina, the Friend of God, and I give you tidings of your bright fortune: you are to become the mother of a mighty prophet fair to behold.’
“In my seventh month, another winsome person entered my chamber, whose features were gentle and pleasing. This man looked at my heart and addressed the child within me, ‘As-salamu alayk, oh Prophet of Allah, peace be upon you, oh true friend of Allah!’ When I asked this man who he was, he said, ‘I am the Prophet Ismail, oh Amina, the Offering to Allah. I have come to give you the joyous news that you are to be the mother of a mild tempered prophet whose tongue excels in eloquence and whose portion is mercy.’
“My eighth month began, and a man came to my apartment who was of tall build and amiable expression. He gazed at my heart and spoke
to the unborn child within me, ‘Peace be upon you, oh Beloved of Allah, oh mighty prophet of the Almighty!’ I asked him, ‘Who might you be, oh noble lord?’ I am Musa, the son of Imran, and I bring you the good news that you are to be the mother of the great prophet to whom will be revealed the holy book of the Quran.’
“At the beginning of the ninth month again a person entered my room whose undergarment was of pure wool. He gazed at my heart and spoke to my child, ‘Peace be upon you, oh Messenger of Allah, as- salamu alayk, ya Rasulullah!’ I asked this person, ‘Who are you?’ and he said, ‘I am `Isa, the son of Maryam, the Messiah. Best of tidings to you, oh Amina, the time is near that you will give birth, so prepare yourself and make ready.’”
In that year when Amina became pregnant, the people endured great hardship from drought and famine, and there had been a great deal of tribal warfare. When Amina conceived, all these troubles suddenly ceased, the Almighty sent down from Heaven the blessing of rain, and their land was refreshed and food prices came down. Because of the relief they experienced in that year, the people took to calling it “the year of the solving of difficulties”. So favorable was this year that all the women who were pregnant gave birth to a son.
When the Holy Prophet was within his mother’s womb for two months, Abdul- Muttalib spoke to his son Abdullah, “Oh my son, within this year you are to become the father of the Arabian prophet whose coming is foretold in all the holy scriptures and who is expected by all in this year of blessings. Both you and I have been shown the high rank and station of this blessed child in our dreams. Therefore, it is only right and proper that we make suitable preparations for the birth of this extraordinary child.
The best form of congratulation I can think of is this: now is the time of the date harvest, and there are no better dates than the ones that grow in Madinah. Hence, I see it fit that you repair to Madinah to gather the best dates you can find and bring them back to celebrate the birth of your son.” So Abdul-Muttalib sent his son Abdullah to Madinah to fetch dates.
Abdullah set out on his journey, accomplished his errand and made to return. During the rest stop of the second night he passed away and was buried there. At this all the angels in Heaven became highly perturbed, and spoke to the Lord of the Worlds, “Oh, All-Powerful Lord! How is it that You have made him - who is the noblest of all Your creation and the Pride of the Worlds to whom all dwellers
of Heaven and earth owe reverence and praise - how is it that You have chosen to make this superb being a weak and fatherless orphan before he has yet beheld the light of day? What secret significance is there to this?” Thus the angels mourned and wailed. The Almighty Lord Allah spoke to them, “A child has need of his father in this world for protection, training and education. My Beloved however has no need for anyone but Me to teach him all these things. I am his supreme protector, and through Me he is to learn all things he is needful of knowing. Other children will call to their fathers when they are in need of help; but My Beloved will call out only ‘Oh my Lord,’ when he needs assistance, he will ask support and succor from none but Me, Allah Almighty.”
The Holy Prophet himself points to this fact when he says:
Truly, Allah Almighty has taught me, and His was the most excellent teaching.
When Abdullah died, he left a flock of sheep and five camels, as well as an Abyssinian slave woman who was nursing a child at the time. Her name was Umm Ayman. When the Holy Prophet came into the world, this woman, Umm Ayman, became his first wet-nurse. When he had grown up, he gave her freedom and even married her to his adopted son (another freedman) Zayd bin Harith, and she bore him `Usama.
There are differing opinions as to how long his mother carried the Holy Prophet
. Some say it was six months, some say seven, or eight or nine months. Ibn Abbas says on this subject that it was nine months. It is also reported that his mother never experienced any of the discomforts of pregnancy, nor the pangs of childbirth that most women go through. The Prophet’s mother Amina says:
“The whole duration of my pregnancy I felt none of the weight or pressure that pregnant women often feel. I only realized that I was pregnant from the absence of my monthly courses.
“From my belly there always emerged a beautiful scent, and at night I would hear the voice of dhikr and tasbih (praise and invocation) coming from within. I heard angels’ voices saying to me, “Oh Amina, you who are pregnant with the most excellent creature in all the universe, surely you are most favored of womankind!” In the sixth month of my pregnancy I saw in my dream a person who said to me, “When you have given birth, you must give the babe the name Muhammad and be sure to take the best care of this outstanding being.”
Ibn Abbas relates:
“The heavenly angels descended and surrounded the Prophet’s mother Amina on all sides, so that she was placed in the middle and thus protected from the invidious gaze of the Jinn, and so no harm could befall her. Then one of the angels addressed her and spoke, ‘Oh Amina, I bring you good news of the blessed boy you bear, for this son is meant to be the last and the seal of all prophets, and the prince of them all, and a leader of his people. Allah Almighty bears witness to this from his beginning up to the end.
When you have given birth to this blessed child, recite over him these words for his protection:
Bismillahi astar’ika rabbak, wa a’wwadhuka bil-wahid
(In the Name of Allah, I beseech Thy Lord for Thy protection and I place Thee in the keeping of the One.)
Min sharri kullu hasidin wa qa’imin wa qa’id
(From the evil of every invidious one, be he standing or seated.)
Wa kullu khalqin za’id (and whatever other creature) wa ‘an il-fasadi jahilin wa kullu khalafin fasid
(and from the mischief of the ignorant and every evil consequence)
min nafizhin au ‘abithin wa kullu jinnin marid
(from the meddler or disturber, and from every defiant Jinn)
ya’khudhu bil-murasidin bi-t-turuq-il-muwarid.
(who takes advantage of any easy way of access )
La yadurrahu wa la ya’tunahu fi yaqazhatin wa la manam wa la fi zha’ni wa la fi maqam
(that they may not approach with harm while he wakes or sleeps, in no circumstance or place)
Sajis-al-layali wa awakhar-al-ayyam Yad-allahi fauqa aydihim wa hijab-allahi fauqa ‘adiyatihim.
(Allah’s Hand is above theirs, and Allah’s Shield over their misdeeds.)’”
This protective prayer is mentioned also by Muhammad bin Abdullah al Karim
ibn Khalid al-Baghdadi, who reports that the Holy Prophet’s mother Amina said, “One night in a dream I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Oh Amina, verily Amina, you are to be the mother of the most excellent of all beings and the prince of them all, the last and the seal of all the prophets of Allah. When you have born him, you are to name him Muhammad; and know that in the Torah his name is given as Ahmad. Attach this amulet to him..’ Upon waking I found a page of silver at the head of my bedstead upon which was written: Bismillahi astar’ika wa a’wwadhu bil-wahid etc.”
As those versed in holy learning teach us: Any child that has this ta’wiz (amulet) placed upon him will be safe from interference and enmity of the Jinn, by the leave of Allah.
Abul-’Umar said: “Whoever carries upon his person this protective talisman of the Prophet, let him lie down to sleep wherever he wishes and fear not, for no harm can befall him then, for the sake of the blessed Prophet of Allah.”
There is also dispute concerning the month the Holy Prophet was born; most scholars agree that it was the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal. There is also disagreement as to the exact day, but largely it is assumed to have been the twelfth night of the month, though there is dissent concerning even the time of day: some think it more correct to say he was born in daytime. Some, however say there is really no disagreement in this matter at all, but rather that both may be true, in that the hour of the noble and blessed birth of the Prophet Muhammad may have been the early dawn, before the actual rising of the sun. Therefore, those claiming it was nighttime have justifiable point to argue, while those claiming it to have been day are also not wrong, depending on the point of view. At any rate, it seems certain to have taken place in the early hour of dawn.
There is dispute as well concerning which day of the week it was, but it seems most correct to say that it was a Monday. It was a Monday also when the Holy Prophet set out on the Hijra (migration from Mecca to Madinah) and he entered Madinah on a Monday as well. The Sura al-Maida (The Table) was revealed on a Monday, he was blessed with the Mi’raj (the Ascension) on a Monday eve, and the victory of Mecca also took place on Monday, and finally, the Holy Prophet exchanged this passing world for his eternal abode on a Monday also. Peace and Blessings be upon him and his blessed family and his noble companions, from now on until eternity, Amin.
The religious scholars (‘Ulama) say that the decisive battle in the Year of the Elephant took place when nine days remained to the month of Muharram. Fifty
days later was the twelfth of Rabi’ al-Awwal, and it was a Monday. According to some authorities it was the twenty-first day of April, while others maintain it was the second day of that month that the Holy Prophet was born to the world.
Because it was in the month of April that the Pride of Creation appeared in this world, the Lord Almighty blessed the water that rains from the sky during this month in a special way so that it is of particular benefit and usefulness to men, for the sake of His beloved prophet . The sun stood at the end of the sign of Aries, and the moon in the sign of Libra, and all the planets stood in a place of exaltation at that hour. It was six hundred years after ‘Isa bin Maryam’s ascension to the heavens, two thousand years after the death of the Prophet Ibrahim , and six thousand sixty-two years after Adam was sent down to be the representative of Allah Almighty on earth.
People might ask why was the prophet born during the month Rabi’-al- Awwal, rather than during Ramadan or one of the holy months; why was he born on a Monday rather than on the eve of Jum’a (the night of Thursday to Friday), or on Laylat-al-Qadr, or the fifteenth of Sha’ban, or any other holy night? Had the birth of Allah’s Beloved occurred on one of these blessed days or nights, ignorant people could easily have imagined that the Holy Prophet’s eminence and high spiritual station, his extraordinary gifts and special powers were due to his birthday falling on these dates.
However, quite the opposite is the case: any place or date is honored by its being associated with the Holy Prophet . Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca and spent most of his life there, being called to prophethood in his fortieth year; he then spent thirteen years in the city of his birth, preaching Islam to his people before he migrated to Madinah where he lived for another decade teaching his message.
Finally, he surrendered his noble soul and took up his station in the abode of permanence. His pure body was laid to rest in the soil of Madinah, not in Mecca, so that Madinah should be honored above other places by harboring his blessed remains in her soil. Perhaps it is that this place is especially distinguished by the Owner of the Throne on High, and He chose to honor this city by making it the burial site of His Beloved. May Allah grant us the visit to his fragrant tomb and make our way there easy, Amin.
The Year of the Elephant
(adapted from Abu Ishaq)
In the year that the Holy Prophet was born, the following event took place. In Yemen there lived a Christian king, Abraha, who marched on Mecca with his elephants in order to destroy the Kaba. This came about in the following way: the Negus, the Christian Emperor of Abyssinia, was a friend and supporter of Abraha of Yemen and honored him in many ways. Abraha was very happy at this, and prepared a lavish feast for his subjects and made many sacrifices, gave food to the poor and the dervishes and had churches built in many cities of Yemen.
In the capital city of San’a he built the greatest church of all, in honor of the Negus. It was such a splendid and beautiful building that all who saw it were stricken with wonder and doubted that such a marvel could be the work of mere mortals. It took four years to complete, and the building was named al-Qullays. By the time it was finished it was already famed far and wide.
Abraha then sent the Negus of Abyssinia a letter, saying: “The Lord has forgiven the Emperor and pardoned Abraha for his failings; I have therefore built a cathedral in the name of the Negus the likes of which the world has never seen before.” He included a drawing of this building with his letter and sent it to the Negus. The Negus received the letter and was very pleased, and praised Abraha for his good work. The fame of this church spread, and Christians from all over came to see it. Everyone was stunned, for they had never seen such a church. The Christians brought sacrificial animals, and gifts and donations came from neighboring lands. Even the Byzantine Emperor heard of this marvelous building, and wishing to add a good deed to his name, he sent precious gifts for the decoration of the church: paints and gold and marble.
For Abraha he sent a Byzantine robe of honor; He also wrote a letter to the Negus in which he said: “There is a trustworthy subject living in the province of Yemen, and he has built a church in your name of such splendor as there is no other in the world. Let this church become a center of worship and pilgrimage for all Christians, and let Abraha be its caretaker and governor of the whole province of Yemen.”
The Negus was extremely pleased when he received this letter, and he himself wrote to Abraha, congratulating him and expressing his pleasure through robes of honor and a crown for his head, as well as giving him his freedom and making him the future ruler upon the Yemeni throne. Abraha, full of joy, wrote back to the Negus, saying, “I have heard that the Arab tribes of Mecca have a building made of stone, and they call it the ‘house of God’. They go there every year and perform the rites of pilgrimage and they pray there, and make their sacrificial offerings, and it is a great and busy center of worship, as it is of commerce.
“Now, the church I have built is ten, no, one hundred times better than that square building. I have a mind to order the people of Yemen to come to my church and perform all their worship and their sacrifices in it. I’m thinking also of ordering those Arab tribesmen to leave off their pilgrimage to that building at Mecca and come here instead, so that this building will be remembered by all the world as that of the Emperor, and his fame will last for all times to come.”
When the Negus read these words, he was even more delighted and he ordered Abraha to tell all the people living in Yemen, whether they be Christians, Jews, or Arab tribesmen, to perform their worship in the new church from now on, and to conduct all their rites there.
Diverting the Pilgrimage to Yemen
Now, among the tribesmen of Arabs there were two brothers. The elder brother was named Muhammad Khuza’i, the younger brother Qays. They were both noble and esteemed among the Arabs. For some reason or other they traveled to the province of Hijaz. With kith and kin they entered the country of Yemen where Abraha received them with honors in a most friendly manner, and informed them of his wish to divert the annual pilgrimage from the sanctuary of Mecca to the grand cathedral at San’a.
He called Muhammad Khuza’i to him and showed him great favor, clothed him in a robe of honor and gave him a crown, declaring him king over Mecca and the Hijaz. With that he sent him to Mecca to tell the Arabs to make their Hajj to Abraha’s great church in Yemen from now on, and to leave off worship of the Kaba. His church, he said, was much better than their house of worship, for they had filled it up with idols, thereby defiling it, while his church was unspoiled. In all it was a much more suitable place for making the pilgrimage to. “Go, and deliver this message to the Arabs,” he said.
Muhammad Khuza’i and his brother and clan promptly set out for Mecca. Abdul-Muttalib was the chief of the tribes of Quraysh and Kinana at Mecca.
When Muhammad arrived at Mecca, he went in to the Bani Kinana, and began telling them about his clai
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