The Life of Prophet Muhammad

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Questions and Answers

What was the name of Abrahah's elephant?

Mahmud

What did the birds carry in their claws that they used to attack Abrahah's army?

Stones

In what year did the Year of the Elephant occur, according to the Christian calendar?

570

What did the Arabs say about the Quraysh after Allah repelled the Abyssinians from Makkah?

They said they were the people of Allah. Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the father of the Prophet Muhammad?

'Abdullah Signup and view all the answers

To whom was 'Abdullah married?

Aminah Signup and view all the answers

What happened to 'Abdullah shortly after he married Aminah?

He died Signup and view all the answers

What did Aminah see or experience that made her believe her son would be important?

Signs and indications Signup and view all the answers

What event occurred when the infant Muhammad was with the Banu Sa'd?

Two angels split open his chest, removed a black clot, cleansed his heart, and replaced it. Signup and view all the answers

What was the nature of Muhammad's upbringing with the Banu Sa'd?

He was reared in an uncomplicated, natural environment, tended sheep, and spoke pure Arabic. Signup and view all the answers

Where did Aminah, the mother of Muhammad, die?

She died at al-Abwa' between Makkah and Madinah. Signup and view all the answers

Who took care of Muhammad after the death of his mother?

His grandfather, 'Abdu'l-Muttalib, took care of him. Signup and view all the answers

Who became Muhammad’s guardian after the death of his grandfather?

His uncle, Abu Talib, became his guardian. Signup and view all the answers

What character traits did Muhammad possess as he grew up?

He was known for his manliness, character, modesty, truthfulness and trustworthiness. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Muhammad play in the Fijar War?

He passed arrows to his uncles to fire. Signup and view all the answers

Besides family ties, what were other qualities of the Prophet's character?

He shared burdens of others, honoured his guests, demonstrated piety and fear of God. Signup and view all the answers

What item did the Messenger of Allah place in the center of the cloth to resolve the dispute among the Quraysh clans?

The Black Stone Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the alliance formed to support the wronged man from Zabid?

Hilf al-Fudul Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Hilf al-Fudul formed in Makkah?

To defend a man named Zabidi from al-'As ibn Wa'il who withheld payment for merchandise. Signup and view all the answers

In what way did the young, fair-minded men of Makkah respond to the Zabidi's appeal?

They met and formed a pact, Hilf al-Fudul, to support the wronged man. Signup and view all the answers

What specific action did the members of the Hilf al-Fudul take to help the merchant from Zabid?

They went to Al-'As ibn Wa'il, took what was owed to Zabidi, and gave it to him. Signup and view all the answers

Why was it considered a benefit that the Messenger of Allah was 'unlettered'?

It prevented his enemies from accusing him of altering other ideologies. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Quraysh agree to do as part of the Hilf al-Fudul?

To restore to everyone what was their due and not to allow aggressors to get the better of those they wronged. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Messenger of Allah say about his participation in the Hilf al-Fudul after receiving the message of Islam?

That he would still participate in it if invited, demonstrating its importance and respect. Signup and view all the answers

What were the first words spoken to the Prophet during his first revelation?

"Read in the name of your Lord Who created, created man of a blood-clot. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous, Who taught by the Pen, taught man what he did not know." Signup and view all the answers

What was the Prophet's initial reaction to his encounter when he returned home?

He was very frightened and trembling, asking to be wrapped up because he feared for himself. Signup and view all the answers

How does Khadijah initially respond to the Prophet's distress and fear?

She reassures him Allah would not disgrace him, citing his good character and deeds. Signup and view all the answers

What was Khadijah's reasoning that the Prophet did not need to be fearful?

She believed his character was incompatible with being affected by Satan or jinn because of his good character and Allah's wisdom. Signup and view all the answers

Who did Khadijah consult after the incident with the Prophet?

She consulted her cousin, Waraqah ibn Nawfal. Signup and view all the answers

What was Waraqah ibn Nawfal's religious background?

He had become a Christian and had learned much from the Torah and the Evangel. Signup and view all the answers

What did Waraqah tell the Prophet about his experience?

He told him that he was a prophet and that the same Great Spirit had come to him that came to Musa. Signup and view all the answers

What did Khadijah mean when she said, "You maintain close ties with your relations, you bear others' burdens and give people what they need?"

She was recounting some of the Prophet's admirable character traits and how his conduct was pleasing to Allah. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Quraysh declare regarding marriage and trade with the Banu Hashim and Banu al-Muttalib?

They declared they would not marry their women, give any in marriage to them, sell them goods, or buy anything from them. Signup and view all the answers

Where did the Quraysh display the document announcing the boycott and why?

The Quraysh displayed the document inside the Ka'bah to give it authority. Signup and view all the answers

Which two clans gathered around Abu Talib in a narrow valley of Makkah?

The Banu Hashim and Banu al-Muttalib gathered around Abu Talib. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the only member of Banu Hashim who did not join them and instead aligned himself with the Quraysh?

Abu Lahab ibn ‗Abdu'l-Muttalib aligned himself with the Quraysh. Signup and view all the answers

What extreme measure did the Banu Hashim resort to because of the food scarcity caused by the boycott?

They had to eat the leaves of trees. Signup and view all the answers

Who led a group of fair-minded Quraysh to end the unjust boycott?

Hisham ibn 'Amr ibn Rabi'ah led the group. Signup and view all the answers

What did Zuhayr ibn Abi Umayyah declare regarding the boycott imposed on the Banu Hashim?

He declared he would not sit down until the unjust document was torn up. Signup and view all the answers

What did they find when they went to tear down the document, and what had caused it?

They found that insects had eaten all of it except for the words 'In Your name, O Allah'. Signup and view all the answers

What did the people of Ta'if do to the Messenger of Allah when he visited their town?

They stoned him until he was bleeding. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Messenger of Allah's response when the angel of the mountains offered to destroy Ta'if?

He refused, hoping that Allah would bring forth from them those who would worship Allah alone. Signup and view all the answers

Who was 'Addas, and how did he interact with the Messenger of Allah?

'Addas was a Christian slave who was sent by his masters, 'Utbah ibn Rabi'ah and Shaybah ibn Rabi'ah, to give grapes to the Messenger of Allah. He then converted to Islam, due to being impressed by his kindness. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Messenger of Allah complain to Allah about after being rejected in Ta'if?

He complained of his weakness, lack of resources, and humiliation before men. Signup and view all the answers

What did the Messenger of Allah say he was seeking refuge in?

He sought refuge in the light of Allah's face. Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the night journey from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa?

It was a journey to experience the proximity to Allah, witness His signs, and meet the earlier Prophets. Signup and view all the answers

What was given to the Messenger of Allah as a form of 'generous hospitality' after his difficult experience in Ta'if?

He was given solace and compensation for the distress he had endured, through the night journey. Signup and view all the answers

In what state did the Messenger of Allah return to his people in Makkah, after his trip to Ta'if?

He returned to Makkah where his people were even more opposed to him than they had been previously. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Before Prophethood

Ibrahim journeyed to Makkah, a valley with no water, unsuitable for human life.
Ibrahim, accompanied by his wife Hajar and son Isma'il, fled idol worship.
Ibrahim intended to establish a centre for worshipping Allah alone, a beacon of faith and guidance.
Allah blessed the spot with Zamzam spring providing water for survival.
Ibrahim visited his family and intended to sacrifice Isma'il, demonstrating his love for Allah.
Isma'il agreed to the sacrifice, but Allah provided a ram as a substitute.
Ibrahim and Isma'il together built the Ka'bah, the House of Allah.
Ibrahim prayed that the Ka'bah would be a beacon of worship and that Allah would send a prophet from his descendants.
Quraysh, a notable tribe, controlled Makkah.
Idol worship was prevalent in Makkah before Islam.
Powerful chiefs like Qusayy and Fihr led the Quraysh tribe, overseeing Makkah's affairs.
Hashim, a prominent Quraysh leader, provided water and sustenance for pilgrims.
Abdu'l-Muttalib cared for pilgrims and people in Makkah, a revered figure.

After Prophethood

The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was 40 when his first glimpses of light appeared.
He often retreated to the Cave of Hira for reflection.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) received revelations in the Cave of Hira, marking a pivotal moment.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) was frightened and told Khadijah.
The first revelations were about the creation of humankind and the role of the Qur'an.
Khadijah believed him and supported the Messenger, recognizing his exceptional character.
The Quraysh opposed the Prophet due to the threat to their faith.
The Quraysh boycotted the Banu Hashim tribe who housed the Prophet.
The boycott lasted for three years, causing hardship and distress to the tribe.
Ultimately the boycott was lifted due to the intervention of a group of the Quraysh.
Muslims migrated to Abyssinia fleeing persecution.
The migration and the later Pledge of Aqabah were important steps in the early spread of Islam.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the early life of Prophet Muhammad, including significant events such as the Year of the Elephant and his upbringing. This quiz covers key moments and figures in his life, as well as the cultural context of his time. Perfect for students of Islamic history.