Seerah PDF - Prophet's Legacy

## Week 1: The Prophet's Legacy ### Week 1 | Day 1 #### His names & titles - In the Arabic language, if something has many names, it means that it’s very important. The Prophet has several names and titles, including Muhammad (mentioned 4 times in the Quran) and Ahmad (mentioned once). - Both nam...

## Week 1: The Prophet's Legacy ### Week 1 | Day 1 #### His names & titles - In the Arabic language, if something has many names, it means that it’s very important. The Prophet has several names and titles, including Muhammad (mentioned 4 times in the Quran) and Ahmad (mentioned once). - Both names come from the Arabic ح م د (m-d), which means ‘to praise’ - Muhammad is the one who is always praised, and Ahmad is the one who always praises (Allah). - In his book Jila’ Al-Afham, Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim (d. 1350 CE) said that the Prophet’s name fits him perfectly because he deserves praise from Allah, the angels, the faithful, and the rest of humanity. - The Prophet praised Allah in good and bad times, began his talks by praising Allah, and he will carry the banner of praise on Judgement Day. - Both the Quran and the daily prayers start by praising Allah at the beginning of Surah Al-Fatihah (1). The Prophet said, “I’m Muhammad, Ahmad, the one by whom Allah wipes disbelief, the one after whom people will be gathered (on Judgement Day), and the one after whom there will be no other prophet.” {Al-Bukhari & Muslim} - In the Quran, he is often called "Prophet" or "Messenger." - Other titles include 'the Prophet of Mercy,' 'the Prophet of Repentance,' 'the Chosen One (Al-Mustafa),' and 'the Truthful (Aş-Şadeq). Allah says in the Quran (33:45-46), “O Prophet! Indeed, We have sent you as a witness, a giver of good news, a warner, a caller to "the Way of Allah by His command, and a beacon of light." * * * ### Week 1 | Day 2 #### Honouring his name - The Prophet had 3 sons, who all died in childhood. - Evil Makkan idol-worshippers (like Al-'Aaş ibn Wa'il) used to make fun of the Prophet, saying he would soon be forgotten because he had no son to carry his name. - Today, 'Muhammad' (spelled in different ways) is the most common name in the world, whereas the name of Al-'Aaş is rarely mentioned. - You personally know someone whose first, middle, or last name is Muhammad, Mohamed, Mehmet, or Mamadou. - While working as an imam in the US, the author heard of another imam whose name was Muhammad Al-'Aashir (the Tenth). - When he was asked if Al-'Aashir was his last name, he said, "No, it's my number, because every male in my family in Africa is named Muhammad!" - Every time someone accepts Islam, they acknowledge Allah as their Lord and Muhammad as His Prophet. - Every time a scholar gives a speech, they start off by praising Allah and sending peace and blessings upon Prophet Muhammad. - Every time someone calls the azan, he declares that Allah is the only True God and that Muhammad is His Messenger. - Due to the different time zones in the world, there is no minute that goes by without someone somewhere calling the azan, honouring Allah and the name of Muhammad. - Every time a Muslim prays anywhere in the world, they honour the Prophet and his family in tashahhud. - Even the Muslims who don't pray or practice Islam still respect and love Muhammad. - Just as he is honoured in this world, Allah will honour him in different ways in the Next Life, both during Judgement Day and in Jannah. - Some people may brag about having a few thousand or million followers on social media. - The Prophet is followed today by about 2 billion people. - There were billions who believed in him throughout history and billions more in the future in-sha-Allah. - Even though these Muslims have never seen or met the Messenger, they still love him and honour his name. Addressing Prophet Muhammad in the following verse (94:4), Allah declares: "We have honoured your name for you." * * * ### Week 1 | Day 3 #### His physical description - The Prophet was described by many companions, including an old woman named Om Ma'bad. - Below are some of the things she said about him: 1. He is handsome with a bright face. 2. He is perfectly formed, not fat or skinny. 3. He is not too short or too tall. 4. He has beautiful eyes with long eyelashes and perfect eyebrows. 5. His hair is dark, his neck is long, and his beard is full. 6. He doesn’t speak too little or too much. 7. He is fascinating when he speaks and honourable when he is quiet. 8. His speech is very clear and sweet. 9. Words come out of his mouth like pearls. 10. He has companions who are always there for him. 11. They listen when he speaks and obey when he orders. 12. He doesn't frown or blame others. {Al-Baihaqi & Al-Hakim} We ask Allah to give us the honour of seeing the Prophet on Judgement Day. - Some of us may be lucky to see him in their dreams in this world. - The Messenger said, ‘Whoever sees me in a dream has actually seen me, because Satan doesn’t appear in my form.” {Al-Bukhari & Muslim} * * * ### Week 1 | Day 4 #### His greatness - Anyone who fairly and objectively reflects on the incredible life of the Prophet will certainly be amazed and inspired by his greatness. - He displayed a set of unique qualities that are almost impossible to find in a single human being. - He left a huge impact on the world, even though he lacked the necessary means. - He changed the course of history, even though he had no training in strategic planning. - He introduced a universal and comprehensive system of law, even though he was raised in a lawless culture. - He united and transformed Arabia’s countless tribes, even though they had always been torn by conflict. - He challenged humanity with a holy book unmatched in its supreme style and perfection, even though he couldn’t read or write. - Millions of highly educated people have benefited from his knowledge and wisdom, even though he didn’t have any formal education. - His companions said that they never saw anyone who smiled more than him, even though he experienced many tragic events. - He beat mighty armies, even though his forces were greatly outnumbered with limited resources. - He was willing to forgive others, even those who had fought against him for years. - He turned his enemies, who conspired to kill him, into friends willing to defend him with their own lives. - He was an exceptional parent, even though he grew up an orphan. - He gave people hope in the most difficult times, even when everything seemed to work against them. - He invited kings and rulers to Islam, then stitched his own shoes and milked his goat. - He spoke to Allah directly during the Night Journey, then sat on the floor and ate with the poor. - He was like a lion on the battlefield but was very gentle with his family. - He became the undisputed leader of Arabia but found the time to race with his wife. - He cried his eyes out in salah but joked with kids. - He gained full authority yet remained humble. - He had access to great wealth yet died penniless. - He led by example and was very wise, honest, patient, and generous. To say that the Prophet was just another man is like saying that a diamond is just another stone. - He is the best of Allah’s creation, chosen to be the last Messenger and receive the final revelation to humanity. * * * ### Week 1 | Day 5 #### His leadership - As we will see in many stories throughout this book, the Prophet was a leader of great moral principles - a quality that never changed over the years. - We have seen time and time again how some people change or become corrupt once they gain authority or get rich. - The Prophet was a true leader and a model of excellence, whether he was powerless with only a handful of followers in Makkah or powerful with great authority in Madinah. - As a man of his word, he always honoured his pledges, even with his worst enemies. One of the reasons why the companions loved the Prophet as a leader is that he led by example and was humble with them. - They always felt that he was one of them - their brother and best friend. - When it was time to build the mosque, he was carrying bricks with them. - When it was time to dig the trench, he was digging with them. - When it was time to defend Madinah, he was on the front lines. - When they were hungry, he was the last one to eat. - He was there for their weddings, funerals, and everything in between. - He asked for their advice, even though he was in direct communication with Allah through revelation. - This is why they were willing to stand up for him and sacrifice for his cause. - Moreover, it was the Prophet’s leadership, dedication, and sincerity that transformed the lives of those around him. - In a way, his life was like a brilliant torch that shone in the middle of darkness, igniting the torches of his companions who then carried his light to the rest of the world. - This transformation was nothing short of a miracle. - In his book Al-Fişal, Imam Ibn Hazm (d. 1064 CE) said that the Arabs were made up of thousands of tribes and clans that never submitted to a single authority in their history. - They lived a wild life of pride, enmity, cruelty, ignorance, injustice, and lawlessness. - Suddenly, the Prophet emerged, with no riches, armies, palaces, guards, or even the support of his own tribe. - Slowly but surely, Arabia was transformed in remarkable ways. - Individuals and tribes started to enter Islam and live by the rules of the Quran. - Even chiefs and kings, who had access to massive wealth and manpower, chose to submit to the Prophet, despite his humble beginnings as an orphan and shepherd who was unable to read or write. - Just one man was able to turn the clashing tribes into a single ummah. - He changed the hearts of his people from pride to humility, enmity to friendship, cruelty to mercy, ignorance to knowledge, injustice to justice, and lawlessness to the rule of law. - Ibn Hazm concluded: “The legacy of Muhammad should certainly lead to believing in him and should confirm that he was indeed the Messenger of Allah. Even if this legacy was his only miracle, it would have been more than enough.” * * * ### Week 1 | Day 6 #### His uniqueness - If you read the life story of the Prophet, you will be filled with love and respect for him. - Everything about him is unique. - If you measured his greatness by any standard, he would easily pass on every count. - He was the best father, the best husband, the best teacher, the best leader, the best judge, the best friend, and the best prophet. - In short, he was the best human who ever lived. One of the very unique things about the Prophet is that every detail of his life has been documented - from the time his mother was pregnant with him to the moment he passed away. - Of all the prophets, he is the only one whose burial place is known precisely. - We even know the things that he will say or do on Judgment Day. - In addition to the details provided in the Quran, thousands of books have been written about the Prophet, covering every aspect of his life including his story (sirah), history (tarikh), narrations (hadith), miracles (mu’jizat), prophecies (nubou’at), great qualities (shama’il), special honours (khaşa’iş), battles (maghazi), praises for him (mada’ih), and more. In comparison, there is hardly any information in the Bible about the life of Jesus ('Isa) between his childhood and the age of 30 when he began his ministry (teaching about God), which lasted for only 3 years. - As for the Prophet, we have a full picture of his life and teachings, making it easy for millions throughout the world to copy his example. - We know exactly: 1. How he lived, taught, and dealt with his family and companions. 2. The wars he fought and the peace agreements he made. 3. The things that he liked or disliked. 4. When he smiled and when he cried. 5. How he bathed and made wudu before salah. 6. What he said before and after eating, before sleeping and after waking up, before leaving and upon entering his house, before and after using the washroom, and so on. 7. His physical description, even how many grey hairs he had in his beard. 8. Even the names of his camels, mules, and donkeys, as documented by scholars. Moreover, the Prophet was by far the most accomplished of all the prophets. - Before his death, he witnessed the perfection of his faith, the completion of his message, the establishment of a strong Muslim state, and the unity of Arabia under his leadership. - As for other prophets, many of them were frustrated with their own people and eventually prayed for their destruction. - This includes Nuh, Hud, Şalih, Lut, Shu’aib, and many others. - Both Musa and Haroon died in the desert while their people were banned from entering the Holy Land for 40 years. - According to Christian beliefs, the ministry of Jesus ended in a very tragic way. * * * ### Week 1 | Day 7 #### His universal message - The Prophet didn’t claim to bring a new message. - He was only the last in a long line of prophets with the same message. - His main goal was to correct people’s beliefs about God and restore the true faith promoted by all prophets before him. - The Quran teaches that every prophet was sent to his own people or a specific community, whereas Muhammad was sent as a universal messenger for all of humanity (7:158, 21:107, and 34:28). - This is why, unlike any previous prophet, the Messenger sent letters to the rulers and kings of neighbouring countries calling them to Islam. - When the Roman Emperor Heraclius received his letter, he summoned Abu Sufyan (a Makkan idol-worshipper), who happened to be on a business trip in Jerusalem. - When Abu Sufyan came to the palace, Heraclius asked him some questions and told him to be honest. - The following is a summary of their dialogue, which is reported in detail by Imam Al-Bukhari: - Heraclius: Which social class of society does Muhammad come from? - Abu Sufyan: He comes from a noble family in Makkah. - Heraclius: Did he ever betray, break a promise, or lie? - Abu Sufyan: No. - Heraclius: How about his followers, are they increasing or decreasing in number? And have any of his followers quit because he or she was not pleased with Muhammad? - Abu Sufyan: In fact, Muhammad’s followers admire him. They are only increasing in number. - Heraclius. Then what does Muhammad teach his followers? - Abu Sufyan: Belief in One God and social justice. Heraclius thought for a moment and then said, “If what you told me is true, then Muhammad will be able to take over this land under my feet.” - Within 2 years, Abu Sufyan accepted Islam. - Eight years later, he was among the Muslim troops that defeated the mighty armies of Heraclius and took over Jerusalem as well as many other parts of the Roman Empire! The Prophet said that Islam would enter every home. {Ahmad} - Many people freely accepted Islam during his life and after his death. - Today, there are about 2 billion Muslims in the world - that’s 1 out of every 4 people on the planet! - Of all prophets, he will have the largest number of followers on Judgement Day. {Al-Bukhari & Muslim} - The Muslim population is expected to increase greatly in the following few decades in-sha-Allah. * * * ## Week 2: Testimonials (words of praise) ### Week 2 | Day 1 #### What Allah said about him - This week, we will focus on some of the statements made by Muslims and non-Muslims to describe the greatness and legacy of the Prophet. - Of course, the best and most honourable descriptions of the Messenger are found in the Quran. For example: 1. Verse 33:56 declares, "Indeed, Allah and His angels shower the Prophet with blessings. O believers! Ask for Allah’s blessings upon him and give him the beautiful greetings of peace." 2. Allah addresses His prophets in the Quran by their names such as 'O Musa!' 'O 'Isa!' and 'O Adam!' But this is not the case with Muhammad, who is always addressed by honorary titles including 'O Prophet!' and ’O Messenger!" 3. Typically, Allah swears in the Quran by important things such as the sun, the moon, the stars, and other wonders of His creation. Verse 15:72 (By your life ‘O Prophet ... لَعَمْرُكَ is the only time in the Quran where Allah swears by the life of a human being. 4. Moreover, Allah praises the Prophet in verse 68:4, saying, "You are truly a man of excellent character." A poet was once asked why he didn’t praise the Prophet enough in his poetry. He replied: All words of praise can in no way do him justice, no matter what we say. If Allah honours him with what he's due, who can match His praise? Again who? * * * ### Week 2 | Day 2 #### What he said about himself - There are several narrations in which the Prophet speaks about himself. It should be clear that he is not bragging or showing off. - Rather, he only lists some of the honours and blessings that he has received from Allah to prove his noble status and to show gratitude to his Lord. - For example, he said, 1.“I’m the master of the children of Adam, and I’m not bragging. I’ll be the first to come out of the earth on Judgement Day, and I’m not bragging. I’ll be the first to speak in others’ defence and my words will be accepted, and I’m not bragging. And the banner of praise will be in my hand on Judgment Day, and I’m not bragging.” {Ibn Majah} 2. “Of all the prophets, I’ll have the largest number of followers on Judgment Day, and I’ll be the first to knock on the gate of Paradise.” {Muslim} 3. “I’ve been blessed with 6 special honours over all other prophets: 1. I’ve been given the ability to say words that are few in number but rich in meaning. 2. I’ve been allowed to use the earth for purification and prayer. 3. I’ve been sent to all humankind. 4. I’ve been helped with panic. 5. I’ve been authorized to take war gains. 6. I’m the last in the line of prophets.” {Muslim} * Meaning panic being put into the hearts of his enemies, leading to their defeat. * If a Muslim can’t find water or is unable to use it (because of illness or cold weather), he or she is allowed to purify themselves by touching clean earth or sand. See verse 5:6. Still, the Prophet instructed his companions, "Don’t overpraise me as the Christians did with the son of Maryam. I’m only a servant. So, just call me the Servant of Allah and His Messenger.” {Al-Bukhari} * * * ### Week 2 | Day 3 #### What other prophets said about him 1. The Prophet said, “I’m the answer to the prayer of Ibrahim. 'Isa, the son of Maryam, was the last one to announce my coming.” {Ahmad} - The first part of this hadith refers to verse 2:129 where Ibrahim prays for the coming of the Prophet. - The second part refers to verse 61:6 where 'Isa announces the coming of the Prophet. 2. 'Abdullah ibn 'Amr swore by Allah that the Prophet is described in the Tawrah and the Quran with the following qualities: "O Prophet! We have sent you as a witness, a giver of good news, a warner, and a guardian over those who can’t read or write. You are My Servant and Messenger. I have called you ‘Al-Mutawakkil’ (the one trusting in Allah), who is neither rude nor loud in the markets, who doesn’t respond to evil with evil but pardons and forgives. Allah Almighty will not take his soul until he straightens the corrupted message so that people will declare, ‘No one deserves worship except Allah.’ By this (declaration) He will open blind eyes, deaf ears, and sealed hearts.” {Al-Bukhari} 3. Allah says in the Quran (7:157): ""The faithful are those who follow the Messenger-the Prophet who can’t read or write—the one they find described in their Tawrah and Injil.³ He encourages them to do what is right and forbids them from what is wrong, allows for them good things and prohibits for them evil things, and relieves them from their strict rules and practices. Only those who believe in him, honour and support him, and follow the light sent down to him will be truly successful." - In this verse, the Jews and Christians are invited to believe in the Prophet who was mentioned in their original revelations. - Even though their holy books have been corrupted over the centuries, they still can find some references to him in those books. - Muslim scholars usually quote passages from the Bible as examples of these references (including Deuteronomy 18:15-18 & 33:2, Isaiah 42, and John 14:16). - However, Bible scholars explain these passages differently.⁴ * The Tawrah is the original revelation of Musa and the Injil is the original revelation of 'Isa. * For more details, read What the Bible Says About Muhammad (peace be upon him) by Shaykh Ahmed Deedat. * * * ### Week 2 | Day 4 #### What his companions said about him - Naturally, many companions were very close with the Prophet and were impressed by their interactions with him. - As we will see in week 17, there were several battles mentioned in the books of hadith and sirah where his companions (including some of his former enemies) stood up for him and defended him with their lives. - Let’s consider a few examples of what they said about the Messenger. * * * ### Week 2 | Day 5 #### What his enemies said about him - They say in Arabic, "If someone’s friends and enemies both agree that he or she is good, then there is no doubt that this person is actually good." 1. This was the case with the Prophet. - For example, the idol-worshippers knew that he was honest and sincere. - Although they didn't follow his faith, they trusted him with their gold and valuables. - Ironically, they didn’t trust other idol-worshippers, even though they were best friends. -This is why Allah tells the Prophet in verse 6:33 that his enemies don’t question his honesty; they only question Allah's revelations to him. {Ibn Kathir & Ibn Hisham} 2. As mentioned last week, when Heraclius asked Abu Sufyan (long before he became Muslim) if the Prophet ever lied or betrayed others, Abu Sufyan admitted that he never did. {Al-Bukhari} 3. Abu Sufyan himself, who was then at war with the Prophet, became very happy and proud when he heard that his daughter Om Habibah got married to the Prophet after she had been divorced and abandoned by her husband in Abyssinia. {Al-Qurtubi} 4. Abu Jahl (one of the worst enemies of the Prophet) was asked by some of his non-Muslim friends, "Is Muhammad telling the truth or lying?" - Abu Jahl replied, "By Allah! I know for sure that Muhammad is a prophet. - He has never lied. - But my tribe and his tribe have always competed for leadership. - Every time they achieved something, we achieved the same thing. - The race has always been a tie. - But now they say they have a prophet - how can we beat that? - By Allah! We will never believe or follow him." {Ibn Kathir & Ibn Al-Qayyim} The sad reality is that some of your friends and classmates may have issues with you simply because they can’t be as good as you. - This meaning was captured by Abu Al-Aswad Ad-Du'ali (d. 688 CE), famous poet and grammarian, when he said: They became jealous and full of hate, since they couldn’t beat him in a race. Like the women jealous of gorgeous Kate,⁵ they claim she has an ugly, ugly face. * Kate is a random girl’s name used for the ____ * * * ### Week 2 | Day 6 #### What Muslim poets said about him - For centuries, Muslim poets have composed great poems in praise of the Prophet, his special qualities, and legacy. - The list includes the companion Hassān ibn Thabit, Al-Farazdaq, Ahmad Shawqi, and many others. - One of the leading poets in this field is Al-Buşairi (d. 1295 CE) who wrote several great poems, of which ‘Al-Burdah’ is probably the most famous in Islamic history. - The following are some lines from another poem called ‘Al-Muhammadiyah, in which the Prophet’s name is mentioned in each line. * * * ### Week 2 | Day 7 #### What non-Muslim thinkers said about him - “If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astonishing results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in history with Muhammad?" - Lamartine, Histoire de la Turquie, Paris, 1854. - “I have studied Muhammad—the wonderful man, and in my opinion, he must be called the Saviour of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the leadership of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it much needed peace and happiness.” - George Bernard Shaw, The Genuine Islam, Singapore, Vol. 1, No. 8, 1936. - “In all things Muhammad was profoundly practical. When his beloved son Ibrahim died, an eclipse occurred, and rumours of God’s personal condolences quickly arose. Whereupon Muhammad announced, ‘An eclipse is a phenomenon of nature. It is foolish to attribute such things to the death or birth of a human being.” - James A. Michener, "Islam: The Misunderstood Religion,” in Reader’s Digest, May 1955. - "I think he’s an example of huge courage and commitment, an example of what one person can do with the help of the divine, but with your own human inspiration too. Above all that he remained kind, human, warm, and loving.” - Karen Armstrong, author of Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time, 2006. - "Muhammad is the most successful of all prophets and religious personalities.” - Encyclopedia Brittanica, 11th edition, article "Koran." * * * ## Week 2: Testimonials (words of praise) ### Quiz time 2 **True (T) or False (F)** 1. Previous revelations announced the coming of the Prophet. 2. He was known for his honesty even before becoming a prophet. 3. Prophet 'Isa will be the first one to enter Jannah. 4. The Prophet was even praised by some of his enemies. **Choose the correct answer** 5. Allah calls the Prophet ’O Muhammad’ in the Quran. - a. always - b. sometimes - c. never 6. Prophet will have the largest number of followers on Judgment Day. - a. Musa - b. Muhammad - c. Nuh 7. Prophet is the only person whose life Allah swears by in the Quran. - a. Muhammad - b. Adam - c. Ibrahim