Seeratul Mustafaa (310)
Invitation to Islam and Feeding the People - Part Six
Written by user2When the Quraish lost hope in Abu Taalib supporting them, they began to show open opposition and enmity for the Muslims. They started inflicting different punishments on the weak and vulnerable Muslims of the various tribes.
Abu Taalib then called on the Banu Haashim and Banu Muttalib to support and assist Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Upon the call of Abu Taalib, all the members of the Banu Haashim and Banu Muttalib responded and promised their assistance. From the Banu Haashim, only Abu Lahab joined the enemy against Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/178-179)
Invitation to Islam and Feeding the People - Part Five
Written by user2When the Quraish noticed that Abu Taalib was determined to assist and protect Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), they consulted each other for a third time. They then came to Abu Taalib and said, “‘Umaarah bin Waheed is an extremely handsome, intelligent and understanding youngster of the Quraish. Take him and hand your nephew to us who is responsible for causing disunity among the people. We intend to kill him and save the people from this calamity.”
Abu Taalib replied, “What! How can it ever be possible for me to give you that child which I raised myself and allow you to kill him while I take your child in his place to raise and care for? By Allah! This can never happen!”
Mut‘im bin ‘Adiyy remarked, “O Abu Taalib! Your people have presented you with a fair and just suggestion and an excellent solution to rid themselves of this calamity. However, you did not accept their offer.” Abu Taalib retorted, “By Allah! My people have not been fair to me! You can do whatever you want!”
(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/178)
Invitation to Islam and Feeding the People – Part Four
Written by user2Abu Taalib was greatly affected by the opposition and enmity of his family and people. When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) came to him, Abu Taalib said, “My beloved nephew! The people of your tribe came to me and this is what they had to say.” Abu Taalib then mentioned what had transpired between him and the delegation of the Quraish. Abu Taalib thereafter said, “I thus urge you to take pity on me and take pity on yourself as well, and do not make me carry a burden that I cannot bear.”
Invitation to Islam and Feeding the People - Part Three
Written by user2As long as Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) sufficed on inviting the people to Islam, the Quraish did not interfere with him. However, when he began to invite to Islam openly, began to speak ill of the idol worshippers and began to prevent people from engaging in kufr and shirk, the Quraish began to show him enmity and oppose him. However, Abu Taalib continued to support and assist Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
Invitation to Islam and Feeding the People – Part Two
Written by user2Although Abu Lahab was the uncle of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he always remained in the forefront of causing harm to Islam, just as Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) always remained in the forefront of supporting Islam.
Abu Lahab remained in the forefront when it came to denying Islam, causing harm, mocking, hating and showing enmity, whereas Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) remained in the forefront when it came to personal sacrifice, belief and love for Islam. May the anger and wrath of Allah Ta‘ala descend on Abu Lahab.
Invitation to Islam and Feeding the People – Part One
Written by user2Hazrat ‘Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates:
When the verse “And warn your close relatives” was revealed, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) instructed me to bring a saa’ (approximately 3.2kg) of grain, the shoulder of a goat and a bowl of milk. He then requested me to summon all the children of Muttalib.I did as instructed and approximately forty people responded. Among them were his uncles; Abu Taalib, Hamzah, ‘Abbaas and Abu Lahab.
After being commanded by Allah to invite to Islam openly, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) ascended Mt Safaa and summoned all of the tribes of the Quraish by name. When they had all assembled, he asked them, “If I were to inform you that there is an army on the other side of this mountain that wishes to attack you, would you believe me?” In one voice, they all responded, “We will definitely believe you since we have never known you to be anything but honest and truthful!”
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then said, “I am warning you of a severe punishment (that will befall you if you do not accept my message from Allah Ta‘ala).” Abu Lahab retorted, “Woe unto you! May you perish! Is it only for this purpose that you assembled us here?”
It was in this regard that Surah ‘Tabbat Yadaa Abi Lahab’ (may the hands of Abu Lahab perish) was revealed.
(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/172)
For three years, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) continued inviting people to Islam secretly and people gradually embraced Islam. After this period of three years, the following command was revealed, instructing Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to invite to Islam openly:
فَاصۡدَعۡ بِمَا تُؤۡمَرُ وَ اَعۡرِضۡ عَنِ الۡمُشۡرِکِیۡنَ ﴿۹۴﴾
Then proclaim openly that which you have been instructed (i.e. Islam) and turn away from the disbelievers (Surah Hijr v. 94)
وَ اَنۡذِرۡ عَشِیۡرَتَکَ الۡاَقۡرَبِیۡنَ ﴿۲۱۴﴾ۙ وَ اخۡفِضۡ جَنَاحَکَ لِمَنِ اتَّبَعَکَ مِنَ الۡمُؤۡمِنِیۡنَ ﴿۲۱۵﴾ۚ
And warn your close relatives and treat those believers who have followed you with affection and kindness (Surah Shu‘araa v. 214-215)
وَ قُلۡ اِنِّیۡۤ اَنَا النَّذِیۡرُ الۡمُبِیۡنُ ﴿ۚ۸۹﴾
And say (O Muhammed) I am indeed an open warner (Surah Hijr v. 89)
(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/171)
As people continued to gradually embrace Islam, the number of Muslims increased until they now formed a small group. At that time, the house of Hazrat Arqam (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was chosen as a place for all the Muslims to congregate.
Hazrat Arqam (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was among the first Muslims, being either the seventh or tenth person to embrace Islam. His house was on Mt Safaa.
Right until Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) accepted Islam, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) would gather at the house of Hazrat Arqam (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). After Hazrat ‘Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) embraced Islam, the Muslims would gather wherever they wished.
(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/171)
The Islam of Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) – Part Two
Written by user2When Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) heard the report of his brother, Hazrat Unais (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), he said, “My heart is not yet fully satisfied and convinced.”
Most probably, Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) wanted to hear a detailed description of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and the stories regarding him. The report of his brother was too concise and was thus insufficient for him and could not satisfy him.
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The Islam of Hazrat Abu Zar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) – Part One
Written by user2It is reported from Hazrat ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) that when Hazrat Abu Zar Ghifaari (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) learnt of the prophethood of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he said to his brother, Hazrat Unais (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), “Go to Makkah Mukarramah and gather information about this man who claims that he is the messenger of Allah and that divine revelation descends upon him from the heavens. Also listen to his message.”
The Islam of Hazrat ‘Amr bin ‘Abasah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) - Part Two
Written by user2Hazrat ‘Amr bin ‘Abasah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) continued:
As soon as I heard of Rasulullah’s (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) appearance, I went to Makkah and met him in secret. On meeting him, I asked, “Who are you?” He replied, “I am the messenger of Allah.” I asked, “Did Allah Ta‘ala send you as the Nabi?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied in the affirmative. I then asked, “What message did Allah Ta‘ala send you with?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “Allah Ta‘ala sent me with the message that you should believe in Him as one god and not ascribe any partners to him. You should destroy idols and maintain family ties.”
The Islam of Hazrat ‘Amr bin ‘Abasah (radhiyallahu 'anhu) - Part One
Written by user2Hazrat ‘Amr bin ‘Abasah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) says:
From the very beginning, I disassociated myself from idol worship and I was completely averse to it. I understood and knew that idols could neither benefit nor harm and were mere pieces of stone.
On one occasion, I met a scholar from the Ahl-e-Kitaab (people of the scriptures i.e. Jews or Christians) and asked him which religion was the best and most virtuous. The scholar replied, “A man will soon appear in Makkah. His religion will be the best religion. He will invite people away from idolatry towards the oneness of Allah. If you happen to find him, ensure that you follow him.”
From that moment, the city of Makkah was constantly in my thoughts. I would enquire regarding the news of Makkah from every person going to Makkah or returning from it until I finally heard of Rasulullah’s (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) appearance.
(To be continued insha Allah)
(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/169)
The Islam of Hazrat ‘Ammaar bin Yaasir (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and Hazrat Suhaib bin Sinaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)
Written by user2Hazrat ‘Ammaar bin Yaasir (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) says:
Hazrat Suhaib bin Sinaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and I had come to Daar-e-Arqam at the same time. We met at the door of Daar-e-Arqam, while Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was inside, and asked each other what our intention for coming to see Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was.
I replied, “I intend to go to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to listen to his message.” Hazrat Suhaib (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) expressed that he had the same intention. Both of us then entered Daar-e-Arqam where Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) presented the teachings of Islam to us and invited us to bring Imaan. Without any delay, we both accepted his invitation to Islam and were blessed with Imaan.
(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/168-169)