Mercy for the Universe - History of the Arabian Peninsula PDF

## Arabian Peninsula There is a sea on the west side of our country. On one side of the sea is India and on the other side there is Arabian Peninsula. Most of the Arab area is sand and mountains. The central area is barren and uninhabited. The habitation of Arabs is at the corners of this area....

## Arabian Peninsula There is a sea on the west side of our country. On one side of the sea is India and on the other side there is Arabian Peninsula. Most of the Arab area is sand and mountains. The central area is barren and uninhabited. The habitation of Arabs is at the corners of this area. On one side (south) there is Indian ocean, on the east side Persian Gulf (Arabian Gulf), on the west side red sea and on the north side it has land border with Iraq and Jordan. That's why Arab area is also called as Peninsula. The area around red sea from the borders of Jordan and Egypt and goes down up to Yemen is called as Hijaz. This area is the most fertile and inhibited area of Arab. The southern Arabian area covering eastern Yemen, parts of western Oman and southern Saudi Arabia is called Hadhramaut. On the other side in the Persian gulf, Bahrain is located and near to is Yamama. This area around Persian Gulf up to Iraq is called as Najd. ## Hijaz As studied in the topic before, Hijaz is the area along the coast of Red sea from Jordan border to Yemen. There were 3 major cities in Hijaz region which are still there. They are Makkah, Taif and Yathrib (Madinah). Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) belongs to these cities. ## Messenger of Allah (SWT) We see daily that if one person has to transfer important message to another who is away, then he will choose one of his closest and trustworthy person to transfer this message. That trustworthy person will listen to the message and will give it as it is to another person. In our language we call this person as messenger and in Persian we call him as Paighamber and in Arabic we call him as Rasool. The same way when Allah (SWT) decided to give message to their servants, He (SWT) selected one of the best among them to transfer it to others and He (SWT) called him messenger of Allah or Prophet. Peoples of Arab called him Nabi or Rasool. The main duties of these messengers are to get the commandments or instructions from Allah (SWT) and inform others what Allah (SWT) is expecting of them, what He (SWT) is commanding them to do and what is being prohibited. Allah (SWT) will be happy with whom who accepts these instruction and will be any on whom who did not follow these instructions. ## Chain of Prophets When Allah (SWT) created this world and decided to settle humans, the first human created by him with his powers is Adam (AS). All these human races came from Adam (AS). From Adam (AS), Allah (SWT) decided to send messengers to inform others about the good deeds and bad deeds which continued till our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). After Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), no messenger came and will not come till the end of times as the chain of prophets complete with Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). ## Descendants of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) Among the descendants of Hazrat Adam (AS), the famous prophet was Hazrat Nuh (AS). Among the descendants of Hazrat Nuh (AS), the most famous Prophet was Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). Ibrahim (AS) was born and brought up in Iraq. At that time, the people of Iraq use to worship Sun, Moon and Stars. Upon seeing this, Ibrahim (AS) started thinking, can stars be our God. As soon as the night ends, the stars were no where to be seen and Sun was shining with all its might. Then He (AS) said that he will not consider such mortal things to be God. When night came, He (AS) look at the moon and thought that it can be God. As soon as the moon sets, He (AS) stated that if my God does not show me the correct path then I will not know what is right and what is wrong. Then He (AS) started thinking that Sun has more light and can it be our God? When the Sun sets, He (AS) said that my Gods light is such that it does not have any darkness. I believe in the God who has made this heaven and the earth and all that it contains. Then He (AS) called his peoples and informed that He (AS) is leaving their Polytheist religion and accept the one true God Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) made Ibrahim (AS) prophet and showed him all that is in between heaven and the earth. Allah (SWT) selected him to give his message of monotheism to the mankind. Ibrahim (AS) went to the king of Iraq Namrood and narrated the message of Monotheism to Namrood and the people in his court. For them this was new as they have not thought or listen about one God before. They started threatening Ibrahim (AS) but He (AS) remained firmed on his message. One day after getting the chance Ibrahim (AS) went to their temple and broke all the idols in it. The king then ordered to burn Ibrahim (AS) in fire for his actions. Ibrahim (AS) remained firmed in his message even after the announcement of the punishment. Allah (SWT) rewarded the courage and firmness on the message of Monotheism in such a way that the fire which was to burn Ibrahim (AS) became a garden for him. Now Ibrahim (AS) decided to go towards Syria and Egypt and started giving the message of Monotheism to their kings. When they didn't listen to the message then he moved towards Hijaz. Allah (SWT) gifted Ibrahim (AS) with 2 sons. The elder son was named Ismail (AS) and the younger was named Ishaq (AS). Hazrat Ismail (AS) settled in Hijaz and Hazrat Ishaq (AS) settled in Syria. ## Ka'aba Hijaz was not inhabited during those days, but Yemen and Syria were very populated. The caravans going from Yemen to Syria and vice versa used to pass through Hejaz. Because of this there was regular movement of peoples through Hejaz. Allah (SWT) ordered Ibrahim (AS) to built a house in Hejaz which will be epicenter for Allah's worship and prayers. Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) then built a house in area and named it Ka'aba or Baitullah (House of Allah). ## Family of Prophet Ismail (AS) Allah (SWT) gave greatness to his house and advised Ibrahim (AS) to settle his son Ismail (AS) at this area to serve Ka'aba. Ibrahim (AS) did as it was told. The children of Ismail (AS) also settled here and the area was named Makkah. The family of Ismail (AS) settled in this area called Makkah and gave the message of Allah (SWT) to who ever comes there and worshipped Allah alone in Ka'aba. After many years, with the influence of others the people of Makkah started worshipping idols made of sand and stone by leaving the one true God Allah (SWT). Worshipping idols and considering them as God is one of the worst things in the eyes of Allah (SWT) and those who worship idols by leaving the one true God Allah (SWT) are called as Kaafir (unbeliever). ## Quraysh After many years, the family of Ismail (AS) was divided in to many tribes. Among them one famous tribe was "Quraysh". Quraysh tribe used to live near Ka'aba and were the care taker of it. The arrangements for the peoples coming from far away areas for Haj like water, food and accommodation was taken care by them. They also had the responsibility of taking care of different works related to Ka'aba. Because of this reason, this tribe use to get lot of respect. Many of the peoples of this tribes we merchant. ## Banu Hashim There were many clans/families in Quraysh tribes and among them was Banu Hashim. They were the descendent of Hashim ibn Abd-Manaf who was very famous among the clan. He use to provide food to the pilgrims who came for Hajj and fill leather carriers with water for drinking. He was one of the richest person of Makkah. Quraysh were mainly merchant. Hashim went to the kings of Abyssinia Najjashi, king of Syria and Egypt Ceaser and got an order that the merchant of Quraysh can easily go in to their countries and do the trade without any issues. Then he went to other tribes of Arabs and got an agreement that they will not attack the caravans of Quraysh and in return the merchants of Quraysh will take all the necessary items needed by different tribes to their place. ## Abdul Muttalib Hashim married a girl in Banu Najjar clan in Yathrib (Madinah Munawwara). They had a child whom they named Shaybah who then became famous with the name Abdul Muttalib. Abdul Muttalib became famous as he grew and became the care taker of Ka'aba after his father Hashim. There was a well of the times of Hazrat Ismail (AS) named Zam Zam which was lost with time due to negligence. Abdul Muttalib recovered the Zam Zam well and made it usable for all. ## Family of Abdul Muttalib Abdul Muttalib was very lucky and lived for long. He had 10 sons among them 5 became very famous namely Abu Lahab, Abu Talib, Abdullah, Hamza (RA) and Abbas (RA). ## Abdullah Among all the children's, Abdullah was the most beloved to his father and was the youngest among them. When he was 17 years old, he got married to Aminah in Banu Zahra clan in the Quraysh tribe. Abdullah didn't live long after marriage and died after few months of his marriage. ## Birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) After few months from the death of Abdullah, Bibi Aminah gave birth to a son. They named him Muhammad (PBUH). He is the child who became our Prophet and for whose birth Ibrahim (AS) prayed and Isa (AS) gave the glad tiding of his coming after him. He was going to become the prophet for the whole nations. He (PBUH) was born on Monday 12 Rabi Ul Awwal around 571 years after Isa (AS). Everyone in the home was happy for the birth of this child. ## Bringing up of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) First, our Prophet (PBUH) was fed by his mother. After 2 to 3 days, the servant (Subiah) of his uncle Abu Lahab fed him. There was a tradition in Arabs at that time. Noble families of Arabs use to send their infants to live with the Bedouin family in the rural areas. Bedouin families from across villages use to come to Makkah to take infants of the them. Among them there was one lady whose name was (villages) to nurture Halimah Sa'adiya. She was from Hawazin tribe and said family. She came to Makkah and took Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to her village. Up to six years Prophet (PBUH) was with Halimah Sa'adiya in Banu Hawazin tribe. ## With Bibi Aminah When Prophet (PBUH) was six years old, his mother took him with her. As you studied in above paragraph that the great grandmother of Prophet (PBUH) was from Yathrib (Madinah) and belongs to Najjar family. Bibi Aminah took him to Yathrib (Madinah) and stayed there for one month. ## Death of Bibi Aminah After staying for one month, Bibi Aminah left for Makkah. She became sick on the way and died at the place of Abwa and was buried there. What a sad occasion. There was no friend or any family member with Prophet (PBUH) at that time apart from Umm Ayman (RA) who was the servant of Bibi Aminah. Then Umm Ayman (RA) took him to Makkah Mukarramah and returned him to his grandfather Abdul Muttalib. ## Under guardianship of Abdul Muttalib Grandfather took care of his orphan grandchild and provided him with much love and respect in his upbringing. He use to keep Prophet (PBUH) with him all time and use to do everything for his sake. ## Abdul Muttalib Death Abdul Muttalib was very old. He was 82 years old and use to think about his orphan grandchild every time. He then handed over his grand child to one of his best son Abu Talib and left this world. He was buried in a grave yard named Hajoon in Makkah. ## Under guardianship of Abu Talib Uncle brought up his nephew with great love. He used to think about his nephew's comfort more than his own children. Abu Talib was a merchant. Once Abu Talib was travelling to Syria for the trade. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) expressed his desire to accompany him in his journey. Abu Talib was unable to reject is beloved nephew's desire and took him (PBUH) with his caravan. Due to some reason Abu Talib send Prophet (PBUH) back to Makkah in middle of his journey. When Prophet (PBUH) was 12 years old, he started grazing the goats as was the tradition in Makkah. There was no custom of education in Arab at the time. Because of this reason, Prophet (PBUH) was not given education. But with his uncle, Prophet (PBUH) use to gain the experience in trade. Gradually Prophet (PBUH) reached the age of youth. ## Participation in the battle of Fijar People of Arabs were great fighters and use to fight frequently even for petty things. If one person was killed, they will not keep quite till they get their revenge. Once there was a fight between two Arab tribes "Bakr" and "Taghlib" over horse race and that fight continued for 40 years. One such battle was called "Fijar”. This fight was between Quraysh and other tribes of Quraysh. All the families of Quraysh participated in this fight. Each family had separate troops. Flag of Banu Hashim was in the hands of one of the sons of Abdul Muttalib named Zubayr. Our prophet (PBUH) was one among the troops of Banu Hashim. He (PBUH) was very soft hearted and did not like the fights. Because of this reason, our beloved Prophet (PBUH) never laid hands on any one. ## Agreement to Support the oppressed Because of these regular fights, there was no peace in the country. No body could be in peace and they don't know the future of their loved once. Many peoples use to die in these fights and because of this reason many families have orphans. They use to snatch the property/money of the orphans and oppress the poor and weak. The weaker does not have any where to go and there was all kind of oppression on the poor. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) use to get saddened and depressed by this and always think about the ways to stop this oppression so that all can live happily and peacefully. There were some kind hearted people who use to think how some families/tribes can come together and make a promise to help these poor and oppressed. The name of the first founders of this proposal coincidentally includes the word Fazl (grace) which means kindness. That's why this mutual agreement was named “The word of Grace" and this was called "حلف الفضول". After the fight of Fijar, Zubayr bin Abdul Muttalib (uncle of Prophet (PBUH)) proposed to revive the agreement which was made before and had been forgotten by the people. The families of Hashim, Zuhra and Tameem went to the house of one good man of Makkah named Abdullah bin Jud'an and agreed to help the oppressed and will not allow any oppressor to stay in Makkah. Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) was present when this agreement was made and He (PBUH) use to say that "I am ready to fulfill this agreement even today". ## Construction of Ka'aba The city of Makkah is located in such a place that it is surrounded by mountains from all sides and in center is where Ka'aba is located. During heavy rain, the water flows through the lanes of Makkah and enter the houses. The walls of Ka'aba were low and it does not have roof as well. Many a times due to heavy rain, there were damages caused to Ka'aba. All the leaders of Makkah came together and decided to reconstruct Ka'aba with more height and strong walls. They agreed to send one person to the port city Jeddah to collect the wooden planks where a boat was damaged at the shores. Now all the families of Quraysh took part in the construction of Ka'aba. There was a black stone installed on the walls of Ka'aba which was called as "Hajr-E-Aswad". Arabs used to consider it very blessed and even know it is respected. When doing circumambulation around Ka'aba, each circumambulation starts from this stone. When there was time to install Hajr-E-Aswad, all the leaders who were together before for the construction of Ka'aba now get separated and started to fight for the honor. They even took out the swords to take this honor. As the situation was getting out of control, one of the respected leaders suggested that tomorrow morning whoever comes first to Haram Shareef they will consider him to be their leader and accept whatever the decision he takes. This was agreed and accepted by all. Look what Allah (SWT) did. The first person to enter Haram Shareef on the next day was none other than our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Everybody was happy to see Him (PBUH) and all together said, "Honest and Sincere (Sadiq and Ameen) person arrived and we will accept whatever the decision he takes. Then Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked for a cloth and put the stone on it with his own hand. He (PBUH) asked all the leaders to hold the corners of the cloth and took it to the right spot. Then Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) took the stone and put it in the place with his own hand. With this, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stopped the great temptation which may lead to fight and bloodbath. ## Business/Trade The most respected profession of Quraysh at that time was trade. When Prophet (PBUH) grew, he (PBUH) took the same profession. As Prophet (PBUH) was famous for being honest and well behaved, the path to this profession became easy. He (PBUH) uses to fulfill the promises made to other merchants. One of the companions of Prophet (PBUH) in trade Abdullah said “one day I did a deal with Prophet (PBUH). We formalized some points and some was pending. I informed Prophet (PBUH) that I will come and get the remaining formalized and left. I remember this promise after three days. Then I ran towards the same location and saw that Prophet (PBUH) was sitting at the same place and waiting for me. When I came, Prophet (PBUH) did not get angry on me and gently said “you have given me trouble. I was waiting for you here from last 3 days". In business, Prophet (PBUH) always keeps his affairs clean. Hazrat Said (RA) said, “He (PBUH) was a partner with him in trade and will always keeps his affairs clean. He (PBUH) never quarreled and never done any unfavorable things." There was one more companion with Prophet (PBUH) in trade. His name was Abu Bakr (RA). He (RA) was a merchant of Quraysh and use to travel some times with Prophet (PBUH). The people of Quraysh trusted our Prophet (PBUH) in good fortune, integrity and honesty so much that they used to hand over their capital to him for trade. Many people use to keep their money with Prophet (PBUH) and called him Amin, meaning trustworthy. ## Business Travel Quraysh merchants often traveled to Syria and Yemen for trade of their goods. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also travelled to these countries for trade. ## Trade with Khadija (RA) There was a trend in Arab that wealthy people used to give their money for trade to the person who is hardworking and honest. That person will trade with the money and whatever the profit he makes will be distributed among them. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also started to trade in the same way. There was a wealthy woman in Quraysh whose name was Khadija bint Khuwaylid (RA). She (RA) was widowed. Khadija (RA) use to give her money to other peoples for trade. Bibi Khadija (RA) came to know about the honesty of Prophet (PBUH). She (RA) then called Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and asked him to take her wealth and do the trade. Bibi Khadija (RA) said, “I will give you more profit than what I used to give to others.” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) accepted the offer and went to Syria for trade. Bibi Khadija (RA) sent her servant Maysarah with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In this trade, Bibi Khadija (RA) made lot of profit. She (RA) was very happy with the work and honesty Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). ## Marriage with Khadija (RA) After 3 months from the trip of Syria, Bibi Khadija (RA) sent a marriage proposal to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). At that time Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) age was 25 years and Hazrat Khadija (RA) age was 40 years. Even with this age difference, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) accepted the marriage proposal happily and completed the marriage ceremony with much simplicity. Uncle Abu Talib, Hamza (RA) and other prominent family members of Prophet (PBUH) went to bride house. Abu Talib gave the marriage sermon and Mehr of 500 dirham was agreed. Both husband and wife lived happily. The trade was going as usual and Prophet (PBUH) use to visit many cities of Arab for this. Prophet's (PBUH) goodness, truth, honesty and good morals were discussed everywhere. ## Avoiding Shirk and evil talks Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in this world to spread the message of Allah (SWT), to protect them from evil and say good and virtuous things. If this was the intention of Allah (SWT) with regards to Prophet (PBUH), then it's obvious that Allah (SWT) would have given him good things and qualities. From childhood, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was very virtuous and free from evil. Even in childhood he (PBUH) did not play the games which has lies and remained free from all the vices and evil in his teenage and younger age. If there was even a trivial thing that did not befit the glory of Prophet, then Allah (SWT) would have saved him from it. Once during childhood, the wall of the Ka'aba was being repaired. Children used to take of their aprons/bottom covers and carry stones on their shoulders. Upon the instructions of his uncle, Prophet (PBUH) also tried to do the same and fell unconscious. During his early youth, a casual gathering of friends took place where people spent the night in idle stories. Prophet (PBUH) also wanted to attend this gathering. But on the way, Prophet (PBUH) fell asleep and woke up in the morning. People of Quraysh have forgotten the religion of their grandfather Hazrat Ibrahim (AS). They left the one true God Allah (SWT) and started worshiping the idols prepared from stone and sand. Some use to worship Sun and some stars. But Prophet (PBUH) were away from all this. ## Prophethood Now Prophet (PBUH) age was 40 years. This is the time when a man's understanding and intellect is at it highest. The desire which was there during his youth will be no more and had the good and bad experience of this world. This is the age suitable for him to be Prophet or messenger of Allah (SWT) and to show the right path to the ignorant. Allah (SWT) provide instructions to the messengers through his Angels. The pious people who listen to the message of Prophet's and follows it are called as Muslime. Allah (SWT) likes these peoples and bestows them with his blessings till they live in this world. And when they die, Allah (SWT) grants their soul rest and peace. When all peoples are resurrected, Allah will grant all the pious and righteous peoples all kinds of happiness. They will be happier and get more comfort than any king. The place where these righteous and pious people get all comfort is called as Heaven. And those who did not listen to the message of Prophet's and did not follow the right path will go astray in this world and the world hereafter. And after the day of resurrection, they will suffer pain and punishment such that they would not have suffered in this world. The place where these peoples get punishment is called as Hell. Allah (SWT) made heaven and earth, provided his peoples with all types of foods, fruits, different colored clothes, grew all kinds of greenery and flowers in the land and created all kinds of comfort just for the few days of life. Would He (SWT) not have made arrangement for the eternal life of his peoples? Just as teachers, doctors and other profession were made to understand different aspects and laws of this world, in same way Allah (SWT) sent messengers and Prophet's to create the lah sent mesta we do not obey the words of the teachers and doctors of this world, then we have to urtea cheatly due to our Ignorance, in the same way it to suffer great the words of the Messengers and Propy if we do not obey thier greatly in this world and hereafter. Among all the favors of Allah (SWT), the greatest favor is that He (SWT) send his messengers to guide us and show us the path of righteousness. From the days of Adam (AS) till the days of Isa (AS), there were messengers sent in every time and everywhere to guide the people of that area to right path. The last among the messengers is Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). After Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) there is no messenger to come in this world as the message of Allah (SWT) is completed and this message has reached everywhere. ## Revelation Allah (SWT) bestowed prophethood on Muhammad (PBUH) at the age of 40 years as studied earlier. Before this, Prophet (PBUH) use to like loneliness. He (PBUH) would take food and visit cave of Hira in Mount Jabl al-Nour near Makkah and stay there for several days or weeks. He (PBUH) would feel pained by the ignorance and poverty of the peoples. Prophet (PBUH) would spend day and night praying to Allah (SWT) in cave. One such day, the Angel (Jibrail) who use to give the commandments of Allah (SWT) to the messengers appeared. The angel then conveyed the first message from Allah (SWT) which is called as revelation (wahi) to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The first revelation revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is as follows. 2190086 100 أَقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ خَلَقَ الْإِنْسَنَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ أَقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الأَكْرَمُ الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ عَلَّمَ الْإِنسُنَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمُ Recite in the Name of your Lord Who created Created humans from a clinging clot. Recite! And your Lord is the Most Generous, Who taught by the pen taught humanity what they knew not. (Surah, Alaq) This was the first revelation on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It was about this time that the Prophet (PBUH) was given a great burden of teaching his Ummah. The Prophet (PBUH) was given the task of teaching the ignorant, showing the light to those who are walking in darkness and to acquaint the idol worshippers with the one true god Allah (SWT). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was deeply distressed upon receiving his first revelations. After returning home, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) informed Bibi Khadija (RA) about the events. Bibi Khadija (RA) then consoled and reassured Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and said, "Why are you upset when you sympathize the poor, you help those whom there were no one to help, you grieve the afflicted. Allah (SWT) will not disgrace you." Then she (RA) took Him (PBUH) to her cousin Warakha ibn Nawfal. Warakha was a Christian and knew Hebrew language. He studied Torah and Bible revealed on Hazrat Musa (AS) and Hazrat Isa (AS) respectively. He then asked Prophet (PBUH) about what he listened, what he sees and what has happened? Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) then narrated the whole incident. After listening to the events, Warakha ibn Nawfal said, “He is the same angle which was sent to Isa ibn Mariyam (AS). I wish. I was alive until your people drove you out.” Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “will this happen?” Warakha replied, “whoever came before you with the message that you have brought, this is what his people did to him”. Coincidentally after few days Warakha passed away. Prophet (PBUH) has just started his work and then this message of Allah (SWT) came, يأَيُّهَا الْمُدير قُمْ فَأُنذِرُ Forms وَرَبَّكَ فَكَيْرٌ )sotheavodisert وَثِيَابَكَ فَطَهِّرُ if ne وَالرُّجْزَ فَأَهْجُرُelt chines O you (Muhammad (PBUH)) who covers himself [with a garment] Arise and warn all Revere your Lord (Allah) alone Purify your garments And keep away from Ar-Rujz (the Idols) (Surah Muddathir) After this commandment, it became obligatory (Farz) on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to spread the message of Islam and to save others from ignorance. ## Islam The name of the religion for which our Prophet (PBUH) was sent to profess is called “Islam”. The meaning of Islam is to submit to the will of Allah (SWT) and to follow his commands. Those who follow Islam are called as Muslim means follower of commands of Allah (SWT). ## Monotheism (Tauheed) The first command in Islam is to accept Allah (SWT) is one and has no partner in His divinity. He (SWT) is the one supreme what is in between heaven and earth. Sun rises and sets with his command. The heaven and the earth follow his command. Fruits, flowers, tree, grains all grows on his command. Rivers, mountains, jungle are made by Him. Allah (SWT) is eternal and absolute. None is born of Him and nor was He born and there is none like Him. He is the one who gives pain and sorrow and he is the one who removes it. From him we get happiness and he is the one who takes it away. The above faith (aqeeda) is called Tauheed or monotheism and it is the first part of the first Kalima لا إله إلا الله( meaning, there is no worthy of worship except Allah (SWT). ## Angels Allah (SWT) has created such a creation (that we do not see) in order to carry out the works of the heavens and the earth in a timely manner, these are called Angels who are busy day and night in carrying out the orders of Allah (SWT). They don't have the power to do anything by themselves. Whatever they do is by the order of Allah (SWT). This is the second part of the faith (aqeeda) in Islam. ## Messengers The third part of the faith (aqeeda) is to consider all the messengers who came on earth speaks truth, their message was same and all are sent by Allah (SWT). The last among the messengers of Allah (SWT) is our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). ## Books The fourth part of the faith (aqeeda) is to consider the books of the prophets such as Torah, Zabur (Psalms), Bible and Quraan are true. ## To Live Again After Death The fifth part of the faith (aqeeda) is to consider that we will be resurrected in Qayamat and will be presented before Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) will then reward us or punish us based on our deeds. ## Faith (Imaan) These five things are the true beliefs of Islam on which all Muslims believe. These things are being said by our mouth in simple sentences. Saying them with the tongue and believing with the heart is called as faith (Imaan). There is none worthy of worship (لا إلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ) except Allah (SWT) and Muhammad (PBUH) is the messenger of Allah (SWT). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was ordered to spread this message among the people and make them understand. ## First to become Muslim Disbelief (Kufr) and polytheism (shirk) had been spread in Makkah and all over Arabia for centuries and every one was involved in it. They were involved in this disbelief to such an extent that they can't listen against their idols. The first one to listen to the true message was the beloved wife of Prophet, Khadija (RA). As soon as Prophet (PBUH) gave the message of Allah (SWT), she (RA) accepted Islam immediately. Among men, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) friend Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) a famous merchant of Quraysh accepted Islam immediately upon listening to the message and from that day He (RA) use to be with Prophet (PBUH) in all is works. Uncle Abu Talib's youngest son Hazrat Ali (RA) was adopted by Prophet (PBUH) and he grew up in the arms of Prophet (PBUH) and lived with Him (PBUH). Hazrat Ali (RA) accepted Islam in his childhood. Prophet (PBUH) loyal servant Hazrat Zaid bin Haris (RA) accepted islam. Now Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) started preaching Islam secretly to the good hearted and sensible peoples of Quraysh. Among the most famous peoples, 5 accepted Islam upon preaching from Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA). These 5 famous persons are Hazrat Usman bin Affan (RA), Hazrat Zubair (RA), Hazrat Talha (RA), Hazrat Abdul Rehman bin Auf (RA) and Hazrat Sa'ad bin Abi Waqqas (RA). Slowly and steadily the message of truth was being spread among the people and the number of Muslims in Makkah started increasing day by day. Among them they were some servents (Ghulam) namely Hazrat Ammar bin Yaser (RA), Hazrat Khabbab bin Arat (RA), Hazrat Soheb Rumi (RA) and Hazrat Bilaal (RA). Few good-natured youths of Quraysh also accepted Islam namely, Hazrat Arqam (RA), Sayeed bin Zaid (RA), Abdullah bin Masood (RA), Usman bin Mazo'n (RA) and Ubaidah (RA). Slowly this message spreads outside Makkah and the Quraysh leaders came to know about this new message. The leaders of Quraysh were very angry on the new religion due to their ignorance and love towards the religion of their forefathers. Now they started persecuting those who became Muslims. Due to the fear from these disbelievers (kuffar), the Muslims use to pray secretly in mountains and caves. Once Prophet (PBUH) with his cousin Hazrat Ali (RA) was praying secretly and then his uncle Abu Talib came. He was surprised to see this and found it to be strange. Abu Talib asked his nephew, what kind of religion is this? Prophet (PBUH) replied, “It is the religion of our grandfather Hazrat Ibrahim (AS)”. Abu Talib said, “stay steadfast on to your religion. No one can harm you in my presence." Till three years, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spread the true message of Islam slowly and secretly. The pious and sensible people use to accept Islam upon receiving the message and the ignorant not only reject it but also, they become enemy of Muslims. During that time, there was a true and pious Muslims named Hazrat Zaid bin Arqam (RA) and his house was near to Ka'aba. His (RA) house was became the first school (Madrasa) of Islam. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would visit his house regularly and meets with Muslims and tell them good words and strengthen their Imaan (Faith). Those who were fond of this religion would come here and meet Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and becomes Muslim. ## First general sermon After 3 years of Prophethood, Allah (SWT) command to start giving the message of Islam in public, to stop others from idol worship and not to be afraid of polytheists (Mushrik). Coincidentally the person to supported the most is none other than his uncle Abu Talib. We studied earlier how much Abu Talib use to love and support Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In same way the person who opposed the most and became the enemy of Prophet (PBUH) is also an uncle whose name is Abu Lahab. Apart from Abu Lahab, one of the biggest enemies of Islam and Prophet (PBUH)