http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/7925867.stm


Suspected Taleban militants in north-west Pakistan have blown up the shrine of a 17th Century Sufi poet of the Pashtun language, police say.


No casualties are reported but the poet Rahman Baba's grave has been destroyed and the shrine building badly damaged.


Rahman Baba is considered the most widely read and poet in Pashto speaking regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan.


The Taleban had warned they would blow up the shrine if women continued to visit it and pay their respects.


Historic popularity


Literary experts say the poet's popularity is due to his message of tolerance coupled with a powerful expression of love for God in a Sufi way.


The BBC's M Ilyas Khan in Islamabad says that his lasting appeal reflects the historic popularity of Sufism in South Asia.


But our correspondent says that his views are anathema to the Taleban, who represent a more purist form of Islam and are opposed to Sufism, preventing people from visiting shrines of Sufi saints in areas they control.


When the Taleban seized power in neighbouring Afghanistan in 1996, they locked Sufi shrines.


In Mohmand tribal region, the local Taleban captured the shrine of a revered freedom movement hero, Haji Sahib of Turangzai, and turned it into their headquarters.


Taleban leaders have said in the past that they are opposed to women visiting these shrines because they believe it promotes obscenity.


Residents of Hazarkhwani area on the eastern outskirts of Peshawar - where the shrine of Rahman Baba is located - say that local Taleban groups had warned that if the women continued to visit the shrine, they would blow it up.

Apex School_Email


Assalam-u-alaikum,


Apex Primary school has been established for many years Masha'Allah and is growing in number each year. We were initially based in Barking and only recently we have purchased by the will of Allah (swt) a new building in Argyle Road In Ilford.


'Our Children Our Future' is the first ever Charity Dinner that our school is holding. The dinner will be held at the Hilton Insha'Allah and we will have amongst us Shaikh Haythaim who will be speaking about 'The importance of Islamic Institutions' and Abu Talha on 'The importance of Children's education'.


The aim of the evening is to raise money for the school primarily to pay off the school debt. We also would like to improve the facilities of our children play area Insha'Allah. In order for our children to be successful in academia we need to build upon the resources that we have and to update the technology of our school.


We will be auctioning some beautiful items including Jewellery, paintings, airline tickets to Dubai, signed nasheeds CD'S etc. Please visit the Apex website (www.apexprimary.co.uk) to obtain further information about the event.


Please do all come and support our School. Our children are our future and they are our means to Janaah Insha'Allah.


I have attached the poster of the event below. The details of the venue and how to purchase the tickets are as folllows and written on the poster also:


14th March


6-11pm


Hilton London Metropole Hotel


225 Edgware Road


London W2 1JU


07599 149661


07815 885962


Please do not reply to this email but if you wish to contact us about the event then email us at: event@apexprimary.co.uk


Finally Please visit our website www.apexprimary.co.uk and learn about our school, Insha'Allah.

<b>Light on the Tongue But Heavy on the Scales</b>


Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon him) said, “There are two statements that are light for the tongue to remember, heavy in the Scales and are dear to the Merciful: `Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allahil-Azim [Glory be to Allah and His is the praise, (and) Allah, the Greatest is free from imperfection)'.'' [Al-Bukhari and Muslim].


<b>Riyad-ul-Saliheen Commentary:</b>


This Hadith affirms that man’s actions carry weight. On the Day of Judgement, his actions will be cast into the Balance. At that time Allah will endow these actions with weight, or according to some scholars, those records which register man’s actions will be weighed. This is quite possible for the reason that Almighty Allah is Capable of weighing things without even their physical form. This discussion apart, when actions will be cast into the Balance, the formula mentioned in the Hadith, the utterance of which is very easy, will prove weighty. Every Muslim should make it a practice to repeat them frequently.


Juwairiyah bint Al-Harith (May Allah be pleased with her) reported, the Mother of the Believers: The Prophet (peace be upon him) came out from my apartment in the morning as I was busy in performing the dawn prayer. He came back in the forenoon and found me sitting there. The Prophet (peace be upon him said, “Are you still in the same position as I left you.” I replied in the affirmative. Thereupon the Prophet said, “I recited four words three times after I had left you. If these are to be weighed against all you have recited since morning, these will be heavier. These are: Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, `adada khalqihi, wa rida nafsihi, wa zinatah `arshihi, wa midada kalimatihi [Allah is free from imperfection and I begin with His praise, as many times as the number of His creatures, in accordance with His Good Pleasure, equal to the weight of His Throne and equal to the ink that may be used in recording the words (for His Praise)].”[sahih Muslim]. Commentary: The recitation of the words quoted in this Hadith is highly meritorious and rewarding because they are full of Praise and Glorification of Allah.


<b></b>


Expression that is most loved by Allah





Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to me, “Shall I tell you the expression that is most loved by Allah?” It is `Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi’ (Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise)’.”[sahih Muslim].


<b>Obliterating Sins of the extent of the foam of the ocean</b>


Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “And he who utters: `Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection and His is the praise)’ one hundred times a day, his sins will be obliterated even if they are equal to the extent of the foam of the ocean.’‘[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]. Commentary: Here sins mean minor sins and those which do not relate to the rights of people.


<b>A Palm-tree will be planted in Jannah</b>


Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “For him who says: `Subhan-Allahi wa bi hamdihi (Allah is free from imperfection, and I begin with praising Him, and to Him),’ a palm-tree will be planted in Jannah.”[At-Tirmidhi].


<b>Commentary:</b> Jannah is so vast that we cannot even imagine its vastness. The planting of trees in return for the Praise and Glorification of Allah is, therefore, neither something difficult nor surprising. So, there should not be any hesitation in accepting it as a fact. Some people take it is as a metaphor for a plentiful reward.

The following are three stories that took place at the time of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) that involved three of the Sahabah which illustrates the reactions of their mothers after they embraced Islam:


<b>Story no. 1: </b>On the authority of Asma’ Bint Abi Bakr she said “My mother came to visit me one day. At that time she was still a polytheist and there was a pledge between the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) and Quraysh (one of the great tribes in Arabia that lived in al-Makkah in the pre-Islamic Period of Ignorance who used to enjoy great spiritual and financial powers). I requested the Prophet’s (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) religious verdict and said: ‘Oh Prophet of Allah! My mother came to visit me, seeking my help; should I keep a good relationship with her?” “Yes, keep a good relation with her,” said the Prophet. [saheeh al-Bukharee and Saheeh Muslim (1003)]


<b></b>


Story no. 2: On the authority of Abu Hurayrah, who said: I used to call my mother to Islam when she was still a polytheist. One day, while I was calling her she mentioned something about the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) that I detested. So I went to see the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam), while crying and told him: ‘I used to call my mother to Islam and she would refuse. I called her today and she mentioned something about you that I detested. Please invoke the blessings and guidance of Allah on her. Then the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: ‘O Great Allah guide the mother of Abu Hurayrah. So I left full of hope because of the Prophet’s supplication for my mother. When I reached home, I found that the door was partially closed. My mother heard my footsteps and said: Stay still Abu Hurayrah, then I heard the water running.” He added, ‘My mother performed body ablution, put on her cloths and hurriedly opened the door without her head-cover and said: “None has the right to be worshipped but Allah and Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) is the Messenger of Allah”. I went back to the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) crying of joy and told him: ‘I am bringing you good news. Allah answered your prayers and guided the mother of Abu Hurayrah. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) praised and glorified Allah and said: ‘This is good.’ I said: ‘Oh Messenger of Allah, pray to Allah to make me and my mother beloved by Allah’s believing slaves and make us love them.’ The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: ‘Oh Allah, make this little slave of Yours and his mother (meaning Abu Hurayrah and his mother) become beloved by your believing slaves and make the believers love them. Ever since, there was not a believer who heard of me, even without seeing me, that did not love me.” [saheeh Muslim (2491)]


<b>Story no. 3: </b>On the authority of Saa’d (Ibn Abi Waqas radhi allahu anhu) who said that verses of the Qur’aan revealed his story. He said Um Saa’d (his mother) swore not to talk to him ever nor eat or drink until he renounces Islam. She said: ‘You claim that Allah commanded you to obey your parents. I am your mother and I order you to do this (to renounce Islam).’ He said: ‘She stayed with nothing to eat or drink for three days until she fainted because of strain. Then one of her other sons named Umarah gave her water to drink. And she started to imprecate against Saa’d, then Allah revealed this verse in the Qur’aan, which translates to the meaning of, <b>“And We have enjoined on man to be good and dutiful to his parents; but if they strive to make you join with Me (in worship) anything (as a partner) of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. Unto Me is your return and I shall tell you what you used to do.” [soorah al-Ankaboot] [saheeh Muslim (1748)]</b>


Also, Allah revealed another verse in the Qur’aan, which translates to: <b>“But if they (both) strive with you to make you join in worship with Me others that if which you have no knowledge, then obey them not; but behave with them in the world kindly, and follow the path of him who turns to me in repentance and in obedience. Then to Me will be your return, and I shall tell you what you used to do.”</b>

http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2009/02/26/67302.html


Jewish local custom says no to loud prayer


A group of North American women rabbis stirred a row for singing the psalms at the Wailing Wall


CAIRO (AlArabiya.net)


North American Jewish women rabbis caused a stir at the Wailing Wall Wednesday as they prayed and sang loudly with prayer shawls and skull caps, flouting Orthodox Jewish customs.


One hundred American women rabbis visiting Israel for the Central Conference of American Rabbis sang loud and clear at the wall during a prayer, known as Hallel, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Women of the Wall, an organization that plans female group prayers on the first day of the month.


A Jewish chastity keeper at the wailing wall (L) argues with a US woman rabbi over singing outloud


Men interrupted the women's singing shouting "a woman's voice is lewd," Anat Hoffman, an activist for Reform Judaism in Israel, told Haaretz. "There were about 70 of us praying. I was ashamed in front of the guests from America."


Singing out loud is considered provocative in Orthodox Jewish law which holds that a woman's voice is lewd and prohibits men from hearing women singing.


Jackie Ellenson, one of the North American rabbis visiting Israel for the conference, said several ultra-Orthodox Jewish women from Israel demanded that the group stop singing and then called the police to complain. Ellenson said they considered themselves the wall's "chastity keepers"


"These chastity keepers were loud and very rude, but there was no violence," Hoffman said.


Jewish local custom says no to loud prayer


" The Western Wall is open to every woman to pray in her own way, as long as she does not breach the local custom, which is Jewish halachah "


Shmuel Rabinovitch, rabbi of Wailing WallDespite the Israeli Supreme Court's ruling allowing women to pray in groups at the Western Wall, local custom has it that women should neither wear the prayer shawl, or kipot, nor read directly from the Torah. Rather they should pray in a corner so as not to distract other worshippers.


"The Western Wall is open to every woman to pray in her own way, as long as she does not breach the local custom, which is Jewish halachah," Shmuel Rabinovitch, rabbi of the Wailing Wall, was quoted by Ynet as saying. "An attempt was made today to create a provocation, desecrate the site and hurt the feelings of men and women worshipers."


Hod Hasharon's chief Ashkenazi rabbi, Reuven Hiller - an outspoken critic of the Reform Movement - called the act "an unnecessary provocation," adding, "They may pray in their synagogues with shawls but why come to a place revered by all sects and offend people there?"

http://www.muslimco.com/alhuda.html

Praise be to Allah who guided us to this and if it was not for Him we wouldn't have been guided "They said: Glory to thee: of knowledge We have none, save what it is thou who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom", prayer and peace be upon His Messenger the illiterate Prophet who was sent as a mercy to the worlds, his family members and companions. I invoke upon Allah for His close assistance to enable me put together this article.


Was he really a mercy to the worlds? This is what we are going to discuss in the next few pages Insh a Allah.


For this purpose we intend to examine two particular situations taking a comparative approach. The former occurred when he suffered a weak position and the latter during his victory in an effort to detect if his characteristics changed at all. The two situations are the trip to At-Ta’if and his marriage to Juwayriyya bint al-Harith.


Prophet Mohammad blessing and peace be upon him experienced much agony and hardships throughout his life, starting from being raised as an orphan, to living with his grandfather, loosing him, and moving with his uncle Abu Taleb. This uncle, in particular, was a major support to him during his Dawa till his death although he did not embrace Islam. His life was hard and difficult, nevertheless he was granted a merciful character and exalted mannerism as described by Allah:


"And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character." (Quran 68:4)


Needless to mention that the Ayah bears deeper sense than Mohammad blessing and peace be upon him being a mercy or adopting a merciful behaviour to all creations. Certainly Allah Intended to explain how by sending the final Messenger, Allah Willed mercy to the worlds for betterunderstanding, Allah Used the worlds to indicate that each and every creation will be eligible, beneficiary and recipient to this mercy in a way or another


The first situation-as we are going to learn in the following lines-ended a series of sorrowful incidents starting with the death of Abu Talib to Khadijah's death who was no less of a supporter. Those consecutive sad events made him call that year, the year of grief.


After he was worn out calling people to Islam in Makkah with no concrete results, he thought to extend beyond the local boundaries in search for hope.


The Trip to At-Ta’if


In Shawwal [Tareekh-e-Islam 1/122] (in the last of May or in the beginning of June 619 A.D.), ten years after receiving his mission from his Lord, the Prophet [pbuh] setout towards At-Ta’if, about 60 kilometres from Makkah, in the company of his freed slave Zaid bin Haritha inviting people to Islam. But contrary to his expectations, the general atmosphere was terribly hostile. He approached the family of ‘Umair, who were reckoned amongst the nobility of the town. But, to his disappointment, all of them turned deaf ear to his message and used abusive language as regards the noble cause he had been striving for.


Three brothers from the chieftains of Thaqeef —‘Abd Yaleel, Mas‘ud and Habeeb — sons of ‘Amr bin ‘Umair Ath-Thaqafy met the Prophet [pbuh], who invited them to embrace Islam and worship Allâh, but they impudently jeered at him and refused his invitation. "He is tearing the cloths of Al-Ka‘bah; is it true that Allâh has sent you as a Messenger?" said one of them. "Has not Allâh found someone else to entrust him with His Message?" said the second. "I swear by Allâh that I will never have any contact with you. If you are really the Messenger of Allâh, then you are too serious to retort back; and if you are belying Allâh, then I feel it is imperative not to speak to." said the third.


The Messenger of Allâh [pbuh], finding that they were hopeless cases, stood up and left them saying: "Should you indulge in these practices of yours, never divulge them to me." For ten days he stayed there delivering his message to several people, one after another, but all to no purpose.


Stirred up to hasten the departure of the unwelcome visitor, the people hooted him through the alley-ways, pelted him with stones and obliged him to flee from the city pursued by a relentless rabble. Blood flowed down both his legs; and Zaid, endeavouring to shield him, was wounded in the head.


The mob did not desist until they had chased him two or three miles across the sandy plains to the foot of the surrounding hills. There, wearied and exhausted, he took refuge in one of the numerous orchards, and rested against the wall of a vineyard.


At a time when the whole world seemed to have turned against him, Muhammad [pbuh] turned to his Lord and betook himself to prayer and the following touching words are still preserved as those through which his oppressed soul gave vent to its distress. He was weary and wounded but confident of the help of his Lord: "O Allâh! To You alone I make complaint of my helplessness, the paucity of my resources and my insignificance before mankind. You are the most Merciful of the mercifuls. You are the Lord of the helpless and the weak, O weak, O Lord of mine! Into whose hands would You abandon me: into the hands of an unsympathetic distant relative who would sullenly frown at me, or to the enemy who has been given control over my affairs? But if Your wrath does not fall on me, there is nothing for me to worry about."


"I seek protection in the light of Your Countenance, which illuminates the heavens and dispels darkness, and which controls all affairs in this world as well as in the Hereafter. May it never be that I should incur Your wrath, or that You should be wrathful to me. And there is no power nor resource, but Yours alone."


Seeing him in this helpless situation, Rabi‘a’s two sons, wealthy Makkans, were moved on grounds of kinship and compassion, and sent to him one of their Christian servants with a tray of grapes. The Prophet [pbuh] accepted the fruit with pious invocation: "In the Name of the Allâh." The Christian servant ‘Addas was greatly impressed by these words and said: "These are words which people in this land do not generally use." The Prophet [pbuh] inquired of him whence he came and what religion he professed. ‘Addas replied: "I am a Christian by faith and come from Nineveh." The Prophet [pbuh] then said: "You belong to the city of the righteous Jonah, son of Matta." ‘Addas asked him anxiously if he knew anything about Jonah. The Prophet [pbuh] significantly remarked: "He is my brother. He was a Prophet and so am I." Thereupon ‘Addas paid homage to Muhammad [pbuh] and kissed his hands. His masters admonished him at this act but he replied: "None on the earth is better than he is. He has revealed to me a truth which only a Prophet can do." They again reprimanded him and said: "We forewarn you against the consequences of abandoning the faith of your forefathers. The religion which you profess is far better than the one you feel inclined to."


Heart-broken and depressed, Muhammad [pbuh] set out on the way back to Makkah. When he reached Qarn Al-Manazil, Allâh, the Almighty sent him Gabriel together with the angel of mountains. The latter asked the Prophet [pbuh] for permission to bury Makkah between Al–Akhshabain —Abu Qubais and Qu‘ayqa‘an mountains. Full narration of this event was given by ‘Aishah [R] (the Prophet’s spouse). She said: "I asked the Prophet [pbuh] if he had ever experienced a worse day than Uhud. He answered that he had suffered a lot from those people (the idolaters) but the most painful was on the day of ‘Aqabah. I went seeking support from Ibn ‘Abd Yalil bin ‘Abd Kalal, but he spurned me. I set out wearied and grieved heedless of anything around me until I suddenly realized I was in Qarn Ath- Tha‘alib, called Qarn Al-Manazil. There, I looked up and saw a cloud casting its shade on me, and Gabriel addressing me: Allâh has heard your people’s words and sent you the angel of mountains to your aid. The latter called and gave me his greetings and asked for my permission to bury Makkah between Al-Akhshabain, the two mountains flanking Makkah. I said in reply that I would rather have someone from their loins who will worship Allâh, the All–Mighty with no associate." A concise meaningful answer fully indicative of the Prophet’s matchless character and the fathomless magnanimous manners. [bukhari 1/458; Muslim 2/109][1]


We will move now to the second situation subject to study in this paper:


Marriage to Juwayriyya bint al-Harith:


Juwayriyya bint al-Harith (Arabic: جويرية بنت الحارث juwayriyya bint al-ḥārith, born c. 608) was married to Muhammad, the Islamic prophet when he was 58 years old and she was 20, thus placing the marriage in 628. She therefore is also called Mother of the Believers (Arabic: "Umm-al-Momineen")


She was the daughter of al-Hārith ibn Abi Dirar, the chief of Banu Mustaliq, who was defeated with his tribe in a battle after a surprise attack. She was one of the captives taken in this campaign. She initially fell among the booty of Muhammad's, blessing and peace be upon him, companion Thabit b. Qays b. Al-Shammas may Allah be pleased with him. Troubled by this, Juwayriya sought a deed of redemption from Muhammad blessing and peace be upon him. Muhammad proposed to marry her and as a result freed her from the bondage of Thabit and consequently ameliorated the condition of her captured tribe.[2]


Studying and analyzing the two incidents, it becomes clear that his character did not change when he was in a weak or a strong position. When he was defeated, distressed, and longing to see a glimpse of hope among people he called to Allah, but in return he endured aggression and physical hostility, still he did not take advantage of Allah's offer to eliminate those people. Instead, he continued hoping for even one who would embrace the Oneness of Allah.


As for marrying Juwayriyya, the incident usually raises controversy. Based on this incident, people who are short sighted perceive him as desirous to possess women. But in a fraction of a second, we can easily detect how the same merciful, respectful and caring character manifested when he was the victorious chief. Caring for human beings, trying to help them to be set free from the shackles of polytheism, self, desires only to mention a few, instead of celebrating this victory, enjoy humiliating the enemy, and outwardly express having the upper hand, he responds to the request of a woman who once occupied a high rank among her family. Through his insight, he realized that by marrying Juwayriya, the companions would be uncomfortable keeping the Messenger's-blessing and peace be upon him-in laws as war captives. Instead of calling them to give up their booty, he married Juwayria knowing that the companions would automatically free her tribe. Because of this marriage, 100 households of Banu Mustaliq were set free. Certainly, he is aware of the human nature, including the love of money, property and knew how to handle it. Further, he did not force her family members to embrace Islam, however, his and the companion's attitude following his footsteps showed the beauty of Islam, mercy of its Messenger and willingly embraced Islam.


Isn't this enough of a proof that he was really a mercy to the worlds?


Alhamdulelah Who Has Guided us to this and blessing and peace be upon his final Messenger Mohammad Ibn Abdullah, his household and companions.


[1]Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (THE SEALED NECTAR) by Saifur Rahman al-MubarakpuriJamia Salafia - India Translated by Issam Diab Maktaba Dar-us-Salam Publishers and Distributors Saudi Arabia§ UK § USA § Pakistan http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/B...tsn/ch3s1.html


[2]^ Alfred Guillaume, The Life of Muhammad: A Translation of Ibn Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah, p. 490-493


__________________

Praise be to Allah who guided us to this and if it was not for Him we wouldn't have been guided "They said: Glory to thee: of knowledge We have none, save what it is thou who art perfect in knowledge and wisdom", prayer and peace be upon His Messenger the illiterate Prophet who was sent as a mercy to the worlds, his family members and companions. I invoke upon Allah for His close assistance to enable me put together this article.


Was he really a mercy to the worlds? This is what we are going to discuss in the next few pages Insh a Allah.


For this purpose we intend to examine two particular situations taking a comparative approach. The former occurred when he suffered a weak position and the latter during his victory in an effort to detect if his characteristics changed at all. The two situations are the trip to At-Ta’if and his marriage to Juwayriyya bint al-Harith.


Prophet Mohammad blessing and peace be upon him experienced much agony and hardships throughout his life, starting from being raised as an orphan, to living with his grandfather, loosing him, and moving with his uncle Abu Taleb. This uncle, in particular, was a major support to him during his Dawa till his death although he did not embrace Islam. His life was hard and difficult, nevertheless he was granted a merciful character and exalted mannerism as described by Allah:


"And verily, you (O Muhammad) are on an exalted standard of character." (Quran 68:4)


Needless to mention that the Ayah bears deeper sense than Mohammad blessing and peace be upon him being a mercy or adopting a merciful behaviour to all creations. Certainly Allah Intended to explain how by sending the final Messenger, Allah Willed mercy to the worlds for betterunderstanding, Allah Used the worlds to indicate that each and every creation will be eligible, beneficiary and recipient to this mercy in a way or another


The first situation-as we are going to learn in the following lines-ended a series of sorrowful incidents starting with the death of Abu Talib to Khadijah's death who was no less of a supporter. Those consecutive sad events made him call that year, the year of grief.


After he was worn out calling people to Islam in Makkah with no concrete results, he thought to extend beyond the local boundaries in search for hope.


The Trip to At-Ta’if


In Shawwal [Tareekh-e-Islam 1/122] (in the last of May or in the beginning of June 619 A.D.), ten years after receiving his mission from his Lord, the Prophet [pbuh] setout towards At-Ta’if, about 60 kilometres from Makkah, in the company of his freed slave Zaid bin Haritha inviting people to Islam. But contrary to his expectations, the general atmosphere was terribly hostile. He approached the family of ‘Umair, who were reckoned amongst the nobility of the town. But, to his disappointment, all of them turned deaf ear to his message and used abusive language as regards the noble cause he had been striving for.


Three brothers from the chieftains of Thaqeef —‘Abd Yaleel, Mas‘ud and Habeeb — sons of ‘Amr bin ‘Umair Ath-Thaqafy met the Prophet [pbuh], who invited them to embrace Islam and worship Allâh, but they impudently jeered at him and refused his invitation. "He is tearing the cloths of Al-Ka‘bah; is it true that Allâh has sent you as a Messenger?" said one of them. "Has not Allâh found someone else to entrust him with His Message?" said the second. "I swear by Allâh that I will never have any contact with you. If you are really the Messenger of Allâh, then you are too serious to retort back; and if you are belying Allâh, then I feel it is imperative not to speak to." said the third.


The Messenger of Allâh [pbuh], finding that they were hopeless cases, stood up and left them saying: "Should you indulge in these practices of yours, never divulge them to me." For ten days he stayed there delivering his message to several people, one after another, but all to no purpose.


Stirred up to hasten the departure of the unwelcome visitor, the people hooted him through the alley-ways, pelted him with stones and obliged him to flee from the city pursued by a relentless rabble. Blood flowed down both his legs; and Zaid, endeavouring to shield him, was wounded in the head.


The mob did not desist until they had chased him two or three miles across the sandy plains to the foot of the surrounding hills. There, wearied and exhausted, he took refuge in one of the numerous orchards, and rested against the wall of a vineyard.


At a time when the whole world seemed to have turned against him, Muhammad [pbuh] turned to his Lord and betook himself to prayer and the following touching words are still preserved as those through which his oppressed soul gave vent to its distress. He was weary and wounded but confident of the help of his Lord: "O Allâh! To You alone I make complaint of my helplessness, the paucity of my resources and my insignificance before mankind. You are the most Merciful of the mercifuls. You are the Lord of the helpless and the weak, O weak, O Lord of mine! Into whose hands would You abandon me: into the hands of an unsympathetic distant relative who would sullenly frown at me, or to the enemy who has been given control over my affairs? But if Your wrath does not fall on me, there is nothing for me to worry about."


"I seek protection in the light of Your Countenance, which illuminates the heavens and dispels darkness, and which controls all affairs in this world as well as in the Hereafter. May it never be that I should incur Your wrath, or that You should be wrathful to me. And there is no power nor resource, but Yours alone."


Seeing him in this helpless situation, Rabi‘a’s two sons, wealthy Makkans, were moved on grounds of kinship and compassion, and sent to him one of their Christian servants with a tray of grapes. The Prophet [pbuh] accepted the fruit with pious invocation: "In the Name of the Allâh." The Christian servant ‘Addas was greatly impressed by these words and said: "These are words which people in this land do not generally use." The Prophet [pbuh] inquired of him whence he came and what religion he professed. ‘Addas replied: "I am a Christian by faith and come from Nineveh." The Prophet [pbuh] then said: "You belong to the city of the righteous Jonah, son of Matta." ‘Addas asked him anxiously if he knew anything about Jonah. The Prophet [pbuh] significantly remarked: "He is my brother. He was a Prophet and so am I." Thereupon ‘Addas paid homage to Muhammad [pbuh] and kissed his hands. His masters admonished him at this act but he replied: "None on the earth is better than he is. He has revealed to me a truth which only a Prophet can do." They again reprimanded him and said: "We forewarn you against the consequences of abandoning the faith of your forefathers. The religion which you profess is far better than the one you feel inclined to."


Heart-broken and depressed, Muhammad [pbuh] set out on the way back to Makkah. When he reached Qarn Al-Manazil, Allâh, the Almighty sent him Gabriel together with the angel of mountains. The latter asked the Prophet [pbuh] for permission to bury Makkah between Al–Akhshabain —Abu Qubais and Qu‘ayqa‘an mountains. Full narration of this event was given by ‘Aishah [R] (the Prophet’s spouse). She said: "I asked the Prophet [pbuh] if he had ever experienced a worse day than Uhud. He answered that he had suffered a lot from those people (the idolaters) but the most painful was on the day of ‘Aqabah. I went seeking support from Ibn ‘Abd Yalil bin ‘Abd Kalal, but he spurned me. I set out wearied and grieved heedless of anything around me until I suddenly realized I was in Qarn Ath- Tha‘alib, called Qarn Al-Manazil. There, I looked up and saw a cloud casting its shade on me, and Gabriel addressing me: Allâh has heard your people’s words and sent you the angel of mountains to your aid. The latter called and gave me his greetings and asked for my permission to bury Makkah between Al-Akhshabain, the two mountains flanking Makkah. I said in reply that I would rather have someone from their loins who will worship Allâh, the All–Mighty with no associate." A concise meaningful answer fully indicative of the Prophet’s matchless character and the fathomless magnanimous manners. [bukhari 1/458; Muslim 2/109][1]


We will move now to the second situation subject to study in this paper:


Marriage to Juwayriyya bint al-Harith:


Juwayriyya bint al-Harith (Arabic: جويرية بنت الحارث juwayriyya bint al-ḥārith, born c. 608) was married to Muhammad, the Islamic prophet when he was 58 years old and she was 20, thus placing the marriage in 628. She therefore is also called Mother of the Believers (Arabic: "Umm-al-Momineen")


She was the daughter of al-Hārith ibn Abi Dirar, the chief of Banu Mustaliq, who was defeated with his tribe in a battle after a surprise attack. She was one of the captives taken in this campaign. She initially fell among the booty of Muhammad's, blessing and peace be upon him, companion Thabit b. Qays b. Al-Shammas may Allah be pleased with him. Troubled by this, Juwayriya sought a deed of redemption from Muhammad blessing and peace be upon him. Muhammad proposed to marry her and as a result freed her from the bondage of Thabit and consequently ameliorated the condition of her captured tribe.[2]


Studying and analyzing the two incidents, it becomes clear that his character did not change when he was in a weak or a strong position. When he was defeated, distressed, and longing to see a glimpse of hope among people he called to Allah, but in return he endured aggression and physical hostility, still he did not take advantage of Allah's offer to eliminate those people. Instead, he continued hoping for even one who would embrace the Oneness of Allah.


As for marrying Juwayriyya, the incident usually raises controversy. Based on this incident, people who are short sighted perceive him as desirous to possess women. But in a fraction of a second, we can easily detect how the same merciful, respectful and caring character manifested when he was the victorious chief. Caring for human beings, trying to help them to be set free from the shackles of polytheism, self, desires only to mention a few, instead of celebrating this victory, enjoy humiliating the enemy, and outwardly express having the upper hand, he responds to the request of a woman who once occupied a high rank among her family. Through his insight, he realized that by marrying Juwayriya, the companions would be uncomfortable keeping the Messenger's-blessing and peace be upon him-in laws as war captives. Instead of calling them to give up their booty, he married Juwayria knowing that the companions would automatically free her tribe. Because of this marriage, 100 households of Banu Mustaliq were set free. Certainly, he is aware of the human nature, including the love of money, property and knew how to handle it. Further, he did not force her family members to embrace Islam, however, his and the companion's attitude following his footsteps showed the beauty of Islam, mercy of its Messenger and willingly embraced Islam.


Isn't this enough of a proof that he was really a mercy to the worlds?


Alhamdulelah Who Has Guided us to this and blessing and peace be upon his final Messenger Mohammad Ibn Abdullah, his household and companions.


[1]Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (THE SEALED NECTAR) by Saifur Rahman al-MubarakpuriJamia Salafia - India Translated by Issam Diab Maktaba Dar-us-Salam Publishers and Distributors Saudi Arabia§ UK § USA § Pakistan http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/B...tsn/ch3s1.html


[2]^ Alfred Guillaume, The Life of Muhammad: A Translation of Ibn Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah, p. 490-493


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Bismillah


Mash aAllah excellent idea.

Bismillah


as salam alykom


http://www.witness-pioneer.org/vil/Books.../index.htm


Excellent translation of the book Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum may Allah reward the translator much and publishing house as well.


In the introduction, you will learnt about an important fact that explains much for those who have insight.


The book is an excellent read and reference for the biography of our beloved Messenger Mohammad Ibn Abdullah.