Mohammad is no more than a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. (Surah Ali ‘Imran, 144)
Mohammad is no more than a messenger. [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets. (Surah Ahzab, 40)
And those who believe and do righteous deeds and believe in what has been sent down upon Mohammad – and it is the truth from their Lord – He will remove from them their misdeeds and amend their condition. (Surah Mohammad, 2)
Mohammad is the Messenger of Allah, and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. (Surah Fatah, 29)
‘’ And remember, Jesus, the son Mary said: “Bani – Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah (sent) to you, confirming the Law (which came) before me, and giving Glad Tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmad.” But when he came to them with clear evidence, they said, “This is obvious magic.” (Surah As-Saf,6)
FOR JUSTİCE,
FREEDOM,
EQUALİTY AND BROTHERHOOD!
‘’ Indeed, the most beloved of creatures in the sight of Allah is he who, although young and beautiful, does not stray from the path of Allah and uses this blessing to obey him in the way of Allah. Allah prides himself on his angels with this young creatures and commands: This is my true worshipper’’
I recommend you kindness toward young people. Because their heart is fine and softer. Allah sent me (to His worshippers) to give good news and to warn. The young people (accepted my word) agreed with me. But the elders (rejecting my Word) tried to oppose me’’
The superiority of a young man who worshipped Allah in his youth over an old man who worshipped after he grew old is like the superiority of the prophets over other people.’’
All these words belong to our Prophet, to our only leader. He is the only leader whose undisputed history points to the importance given to the youth. He is the ‘’Prophet of Mercy’’ of all mankind.
We can find the most striking examples of the Prophet’s human aspect other than prophethood in his relationships with children. Because He is more than an ordinary person, He is a special person who can almost ‘’ become a child with children ‘’ achieve this and recommend it to other people. Even this difference in His approach to children is a feature that needs to be examined in its own right. On the other hand, He is a great educator who draws attention to many facts that people working on child psychology have identified and revealed from that period. With these qualities, He is a father, a grandfather, and a child educator who has earned the love of all children of His age, who has reserved a privileged place for children in His life full of beauty that need to studied in every aspect.
As is known, the Prophet Mohammad is introduced in the Qur’an as ‘’ Mercy ‘’ for all creature. When his name is mentioned in Muslim manners, he is remembered. In order to make it easier to read, we will not use a description that is briefly referred to as S.A.V ( May Allah bless him and grant him peace) every time its name is mentioned. Our advice for those who believe in him is to say ‘’ Sallallahu AlaihiWassalam‘’ (May Allah bless him and grant him peace), which is wajib when his name is mentioned.
The purpose of writing this book is to introduce Him to people who don’t know him, even though his name is the most known in the world. For people who say they believe in Him, how much they know about Him is another matter. We want those who accept Him to know who they accept, and those who do not, to know who they reject. Of course there will be our mistakes and flaws in narration. Our intention and effort is to at least increase the awareness of the Prophet Mohammad. Our aim, so to speak, is to introduce the prophet to the lost youth, referred to as the ‘’ cafeteria youth ‘’. Let me remind you that this book was not written by a theologian. The flaws are mine.
I continue to tell you about the Prophet Mohammad, one of the most heard names in human history.
With a prayer to be known….
He is the prophet of the commanders, administrators, superiors and family heads, as well as the soldiers in the army, the ruled people and the family members who form the smallest building block of society. Finally, He is the occasion of ‘’ Mercy ‘’ for the animals created by Allah to serve people, the poor, widows and orphans and children. Because, thanks to Him, people abandoned torturing animals, despising the poor, appropriating orphans’ property and killing their children.
We are born into an established world, but we enter a relationship with our natural environment with a consciousness produced by our social life. From childhood, we approach our natural environment with the way of thinking and behaviour we receive from both our parents and our immediate social environment. So we don’t see many things that our social environment doesn’t see or ignores. Although there are many things around us that we should be aware of and protect, we are often not even aware of them. Because either we didn’t build them, or we made a habit of them every day. We only notice the existence of the air we breathe, the sun we need for light and heat, the green that produces oxygen in our air and gives us a psychological pleasure, the clear blue sky that opens over us, the sea that attracts people with its emerald green colour, when these are not available or when it becomes unusable then we realize what a great value they are to mankind.
This order, called the universe, was created and presented to us by Almighty Allah. This is a clear indication of the value that Allah has given mankind. The Qur’an explains that all living and inanimate beings on earth and in the sky, and also notes that mankind should not disrupt this measure and balance while using nature. Entering a relationship with nature in measured and balanced way will lead to the fact that human species will benefit from nature for the longest time possible. As a native American chieftain once said, ‘’ We borrowed this world from our children, not from our ancestors ‘’
It should not be believed that Islam imposes a number of duties on us only in matters of faith and worship, which are considered religious areas, and leaves other areas of life empty. Islam gives orders, advice and warnings about all aspects of human life. Therefore, there are also a number of orders, recommendations and warnings about this issue that we are focusing on.
Islam teaches Muslims to respect all beings and not to adhere to their right to live. Because very Muslim says, ‘’ The seven layers of heaven and earth and the beings in them glorify Allah. There is nothing that does not glorify him with praise’’. The statements of the Qur’an that consider wastefulness are wrong is the brotherhood of the devil, and the Prophet’s warnings that even if it is a river, it should not be wasted while taking ablution will also be an important basis for creating environmental awareness among Muslims.
A Muslim person believes that he is reserved for the names of Allah and that these names are reflected in him. One of the names of Allah is the name ‘’ Quddus ‘’. Quddus means the holy, clean and pure. As a reflection of this name, our Almighty Allah constantly cleanses the natural pollution that occurs on earth continuously with the ecological system that it has established. At this point, as a reflection of the name ‘’ Quddus ‘’, the Muslim acts with the belief that he should keep himself and his environment clean and does his part. The Qur’an declares that Allah has imposed on mankind the task of building the earth. In a verse it is said,’’ It is Allah who created you on Earth and wants to build it upon’’. Based on the verse above, Islamic scholars said that construction works such as dwellings, opening water channels and reconstruct the earth as a natural or religious duty. But he must do it without destroying nature. Muslim morality requires this. A Muslim is obliged to be an environmentalist.
Our Prophet exemplified to Muslims in this regard. Our Prophet, who knew this command of Allah very well, participated in the construction activities in Medina and worked to make the city where they lived prosperous. In addition, he declared Medina and the Taif regions as hareem areas besides Meccan and prohibited cutting trees and hunting there. Let us not forget that our Prophet declared an area of about 30 km (about 1000 square kilometres) of Medina in all directions as a hareem zone and prohibited the cutting of trees and breaking of branches. Again, our Prophet forbade Travelers to cut down the ‘’ Sidr ‘’ tree, a desert plant where animals are protected from the sun.
While the Qur’an declares that all living and inanimate beings on Earth and in the Sky were created according to a certain measure and balance, it also notes that mankind should not disrupt this measure and balance during the use of nature.
In addition, our Prophet gave orders and recommendations to keep the city in which they lived clean, and took care to protect plants and animals. At this point, with the orders of our Prophet that the mosque should be kept clean and scented with a fragrance, the courtyards should be kept clean, especially the stagnant waters should not be polluted, and the drinking water should not be spilled. He praised the man who took water from the well with his shoes and gave it to a dog with its tongue sagging from its dry mouth due to thirst and also slandered the old woman who imprisoned her cat in the house and starved it to death.
These examples show that our Prophet, our one and only leader, was always an example for his ummah in protecting the environment and keeping it clan, as in all matter. In addition, the words of our Prophet, ‘’even when all hell is lose, if you have a sapling and time, plant it. ‘’ ‘’ Whoever plants a tree, Allah writes rewards for him as much as the product that comes from the tree.’’ ‘’Whoever restores an empty, dry and barren land is rewarded by Allah for his deeds. As any living creature benefits from it, charity is written for the one who revives it.’’ ‘’ If a Muslim plants a tree, the product eaten from that tree is an alms for him. The fruit taken from that tree is also alms for him. The fruit eaten by wild animals is also alms. And what the birds eat is alms. The product that everyone devours from it is an alms that belongs to the one who planted it.’’ Encouraging them to plant trees are a complete indicator of this sensitivity and encouragement to create environmental awareness.
Surely there is a creator of us and the universe. And how do we know the creator? Throughout history, humanity has been searching for its creator in this regard. We, the Muslims, answered this question with the book called the Qur’an. We came to know Allah with the Qur’an and became more loving as we began to know it and the Qur’an, the messenger of the Prophet himself, who brought his message to us! I mean, we loved that person who was one of us. We have surpassed our mother, our father, our life. We have martyrdom in this regard, too. We will say ‘’ Allah is one. There is no Allah except Him. And I also pledge to Mohammad, His servant and Messenger.’’
Humanity has found peace as it goes in the way of the Qur’an and its Messenger, who brought the Qur’an to us. The universe found its humanity. And as we strayed from the path of the Qur’an and the Prophet, the universe got its share of cruelty of humanity.
The evil forces, who know our equation of Allah and Hiss Messenger, have been working with all their might to break our creed on this issue.
They have tried to keep the Qur’an out of the life of a Muslim so that we are kept away from our Prophet. They have reduced it to the form of a book sent down for the dead, trying to turn it into a funereal ritual book. Our guide, the Quran !
As for our Prophet, the leaders of the world are trying to make us accept other masters. They are in a hurry to erase His circumcision. And they are trying to do this through Muslim – looking irreligious people.
They are trying to introduce Muslims to a religion that does not include the Qur’an and its Prophet, but which is called a Islam. They are trying to mold each of us into a Muslim who lives like a Christian.
Never! We will not accept this plot!
We have Allah to whom we have promised to protect his religion. The point is that we need to rAbuild the concept of a Muslim who has not lost his faith. Especially the evil structures are in the thought of destroying our children and youth by leaving us ignorant.
Our prayers, fast, and pilgrimages are wanted to be reduced to a folkloric motif category as a result of cultural occupation.
For example, with these Moderate Islam stalls, let’s not fall into the charlatan of birthdays organized under the name ‘’ We remember our Prophet’’. Behind that work is the process of normalizing the birthday concept, which is one of the traps of modernism and capitalism.
Our young people, especially those who live in cities, are drawn into the trap of the shirks who are not used to birthday celebration events.
Shortly and precisely…..
We know that our supreme creator, who has created us and the universe, is Allah, as indicated by the Qur’an. We believed in it. In addition, we believed that our only leader, our role model, our Prophet, who showed us how to understand and live the Qur’an is Hz. Mohammad /SAV). Nothing else can fill our hearts. That’s it!
Now I want to give a brief summary of what we can do in history when we take Allah and His messenger as guides.
Imagine a time and place where people from different countries, cultures, religions and circles work together to make new discoveries, learn more about the world, and develop new inventions, and freely share all this information with the world. A world where science is a common language for the whole world and where this language is used for the benefit of everyone. A world where progress is based on sharing ideas and working collaboratively. There was such a time and place. This place that was almost forgotten, unfortunately, was a long time ago.
The inventions and extraordinary facts of the Islamic Civilization lead us to that world and introduce us to the men and woman who form the foundations of modern science, technology and medicine, and help us understand our world. These people brought the sciences and cultures of the civilisations before them to the modern world by working under the ‘’ Islamic Culture and Civilization Hypernym’’, making new contributions on the past knowledge and continuing these achievements. These important developments took place in the ‘’ Middle Ages ‘’, The Dark Age of the West. Although there was almost no development at the time, this ‘’ golden age ‘’ was known as an important period in the Islamic Civilization from Spain to China.
Generally we were made to think that humans lived in the dark ages a thousand years ago. But the Islamic Civilization, which we do not recognize and the people on the street know little about, has still made wonderful inventions and advances that affect our daily life since the 7th century.
Those who lived in the Islamic Civilization did not ignore the discoveries of Egypt, China, India, Greece and the Romans. Because the Prophet pointed out a target to Muslims by saying ‘’ Knowledge is the los property of a believer, he must take it wherever he finds it.’’ Muslims spent the next millennium adding new developments and ideas to these discoveries.
The explorers drew detailed maps, including the first world map showing America, and sailed on the high seas.
Engineers in the Islamic Civilization have designed interesting machines, such as a mechanical elephant water clock, which is controlled by a secret water system and powered by falling metal balls.
New foods like apricots, oranges and rice spread far and wide, and farmers used pumps to irrigate crops and windmills to grind crops.
Through books translated from Arabic to Latin, the shared knowledge has helped to develop in Europe.
A woman named Fatima al-Fihriyya founded the worlds first university, where you can still study today, and those who graduated from it have made significant advances in chemistry, physics and mathematics.
Doctors treated all kinds of diseases and fractures, performed eye operations, and after surgery, they stitched using suture (sewing ropes made of animal intestines that can dissolve in the body).
Architects were building domes larger than ever and designing different arches and tile patterns.
Astronomers have mapped the stars and given them the names we still use today. One astronomer even mentioned a galaxy now called Andromeda, while others tried to predict the phases of the moon and eclipses of the moon and the sun.
In order to ignore the Islamic Civilization, where men woman from different beliefs and cultures work together to make thousands of new discoveries and change the world, a person must be seriously ignorant or malicious. The Islamic Civilization, spread across three continents from Spain to North Africa, the Middle East to Indonesia and China, has contributed to the advancement of many other branches such as science, mathematics, medicine, technology and agriculture.
Let’s give small examples. For example, Abbas Kasim Ibn Firnas made the first scientific attempt to fly by attaching a large cloak that served as a kind of wing to laths. Mimar Sinan who lived in the 16th century in Turkey is still famous for designing the highest and widest dome roofs.
Al-Jazari’s Elephant Water Clock is one of the incredible mechanical tools created during the Golden Age.
We told you….Fatima al-Fihriyya founded Karaviyin 1150 years ago in Morocco which is still the oldest and most modern university in the world. Karaviyin was well equipped with astronomy instruments, astrolabes, sun, sand and water clocks, which all were hight-tech equipment for their time. Students would calculate the time in a room supported by the muvakkid (formerly person attached to a mosque whose chief duty was to determine the time for Azan)
In the 10th century, doctors in the Islamic Civilization worked with materials similar to some surgical instruments today which are still used.
The Muslim scholar Al-Idrisi drew a map of Europe, Asia and North Africa long before Christopher Columbus discovered America.
Think about our cell phones….Ibnü’l Heysem’s light experiments in the dark room (camera obscura in Latin) paved the way for modern digital cameras. Of course, the youth using TikTok cannot be aware of them. The intellectual team, whose brothers are the sisters of those young people, are also unaware of this; In the 9th century, an Abyssinian and his goats saw their energy increase after eating a certain fruit, and after boiling them instead of eating them, coffee came to be. Later, with the increasing demand, Yemen’s Mokka Port has become an important trade centre.
Jabir bin Hayyan, for example! How can we get a name on the agenda of our young people who have perfected the distillation technique in the production of perfumes, gasoline, plastics and many other products that are still used today?
Does Netflix shoot the series of all these real heroes?
Don Quixote’s ‘’ Windmills ‘’ were a familiar sight in Islamic Civilization five hundred years before it even appeared in Europe.
Maryam Al-Icliyel-Astrolabe was very talented at making precise astrolabes. These were very useful tools used to find directions, indicate time, determine the positions of the sun and stars, and track them. We’re kind of talking about today’s navigation tools.
At the beginning of the 9thcentury, prominent scientists a scholars of the entire Islamic civilization gathered in ‘’ Science Houses ‘’ called Dar’ül Hikme to make researches, negotiations and new discoveries.
Zhenghe sailed in the 1400s as the Muslim admiral of the Chinese navy with the largest wooden ships the world has ever seen.
The reason for all these developments was that everyone in the Muslim world wanted to learn new things and share their inventions. The hunger for knowledge led to the opening of a school in 622 inside a mosque in Medina, which is today in Saudi Arabia; the Suffa School!
Traveling teachers of ‘’ Wise People ‘’ called Ahl Al-ilm, would spread knowledge to Muslim cities and towns. In the late 9th century, almost all mosques had a primary school for boys and girls. In the late 10th century, according to Ibn Havkal, a traveling geographer, there were around 300 primary school teachers teaching different subjects in the city of Palermo in Muslim Sicily, where children started school at the age of six. Each Muslim school had arched corridors leading to a courtyard o a courtyard for lessons given outside, places of worship for students, a fountain for ablutions before prayer, and living rooms. Students often learned their lessons by repetition and by rote. Currently, most Muslim students still memorize 6666 verses of the Qur’an. Wealthy families would hire private teachers to help their children get a better education. The first madrasa, which is a sperate school from the mosque, was built in Baghdad in 1066, which has now been ruined by American bombs. There were four different Muslim schools; normal (primary) schools, reading houses (high schools), Hadith schools (religious schools), and medical schools. Most schools had libraries full of Arabic books on advanced subjects such as chemistry, physics an astronomy. In the Islamic Civilization, provided with books, pocket money and accommodation. Funds from structures called foundations were used to build schools, pay teachers’ salaries, and provide food for students. In the 15th century, the Ottomans revolutionized schools and established a kind of learning centre called Islamic-ottoman social complex (campus). Inside each complex were facilities such as a mosque, school, hospital and refectory. The pursuit of advanced education by Muslim scholars has led to the spread of universities and led to a revival of learning throughout Europe. In Arabic, Jamiah means university and jami means mosque. Many scientists who grew up in the first Islamic Civilization have established a link between faith and learning. The larges university in the south was in Timbuktu Mali, in west Africa, with about 25000 students by the 12th century. Mali which is a French colony today!
Some schools build adjacent to mosques during the Islamic Civilization of the middle ages are considered the oldest universities in the world. Like today’s university students, university students in the Islamic Civilization took entrance exams, participated in study groups, an had to pass the final exams to graduate.
European students came to study at universities in Muslim cities. A thousand years ago, in Baghdad, Darulhikme, the ‘’ Science House’’ was founded, which was boasted as the foremost intellectual place of the time. Over time, Persian, Indian and Greek inscribed drawings accumulated in the Science Houses are one of the largest collections of knowledge in the worldand have been further expanded with new discoveries by scientists. Which were under the rule of the caliphs for four generations. The Academy of Science in this century gathered the best scientists from all over the Muslim world under one roof.
Research and discoveries in the House of wisdom form the basis of what we know today. The House of wisdom had a library full of books on various scientific topics written in various languages. This centre of intellectualism has made Baghdad a centre of art, science and literary studies and has played an important role in the dissemination of knowledge in these fields. The Science Houses were open to men and women of all religions. Caliph Memun brought hundreds of books and manuscripts from other parts of the Islamic Civilization to the Science House. It expanded the library by adding a separate annex or department for each branch of science. Because of the large number of academics who wanted to come here, he had to constantly expand his research centres.
It is said that Caliph Mamun encouraged translators and scholars to contribute to the Science House and paid them as much gold as the weight of each book they completed. He established an astronomy centre in Baghdad called Marsad Feleki and opened learning centres all over the Islamic Civilization. Famous academicians would come together every day for translation, reading and writing studies in various languages such as Arabic, Persian, Greek and Syriac, and for scientific conferences and symposiums. Famous translators would translate works of other civilizations so that scholars could read, discuss and learn new information. The name of the ruler Caliph Mamun who is keen on knowledge, the legacy of his deserved memory, lives in crater called ‘’ Almanon ‘’ on the moon.
In addition, other cities in the Islamic Civilization established their own science house under the leadership of Baghdad in the 9th and 10th centuries. The word ‘’ algebra ‘’ comes from the book Al-jabr W’al-muqabala written by Harizmi, an academic at the Science House in the early 9th century. The Benu Musa brothers who were mathematicians, inventors of machines and confusing mechanisms, the father of algebra ‘’ Harismi’’ and Kindi, a philosopher, mathematician and inventor of the code breaking method, were among the most famous intellectuals of the Science House.
Some libraries had domed roofs, numerous rooms filled with books, and gardens with lakes and streams in them. At that time, Baghdad had 26 libraries and over 100 sahaf ( second hand book stores). In the 12th century, a street in Marrakech, Morocco had 100 bookstores and libraries, 50 on each side. During the Islamic Civilization, hundreds of libraries were opened allowing readers to reach thousands of books.
In most Muslim towns, there were bookstores where everyone could come to and buy books, eat, drink and share their ideas. In the 13th century, there were more than 100.000 books in the library of the Zaytuna Mosque in Tunisia.
A reference to today’s non-reading Muslims!
Fehmi Demirbağ
2020 – Istanbul
JAHİLİYYA ( time of ignorance )
A time when humanity and its values were lost, when brutality, horror, ignorance and cruelty reigned; was a dark age when girls were buried alive. No one had any assurance of life except the ones who were cruel.
Humanity was praying whether there was a hope, a light, a salvation or a miracle.
Mecca was a strange place where a nation lived in tribal and nomadic deserts in Arabia, under the pressure of tribal chiefs, and far from humanity, unrecognized by the rights of law and a land of brutal humanity persecution, slavery reigned, and awaited its savior.
Not only Arabs and Arabia, but also people all over the world, suffering from the darkness of cruelty, misery and ignorance, overwhelmed with spiritual and spiritual troubles; humanity was now waiting for its savior.
With extremely low number of literate people, generosity and hospitality like a cliff, keeping promises, protecting those who took refuge, even if they were enemies, as well as some good qualities such as courage, were promising for humanity. But it is also a system dominated by extremely ugly practices, such as robbery, superiority of the rich, contempt of the poor, fondness for drinking and gambling, the adoration of tribalism and bloodshed. A period of depression in which drinking, gambling, interest and adultery have penetrated all parts of society!
Worst of all, it is a brutal and arbitrary order in which slavery maintains its most brutal rules, which does not give human value, especially to women, and where men abuse women as much as they want. Since Adam, known as the beginning of humanity, the blessed town that is mentioned with the prophet Abraham and the Kaaba he built; it is importance that has made Mecca the centre of idolatry.
Feuds and border disputes were also one of the biggest causes that disrupted peace and trust. An order that accepted the superiority of the strong and powerful, not the righteous, they were ignorant and helpless enough to worship their own idols, and cruel enough to buy and sell people for money.
When they asked Hz. Umar about an incident that he could not forget during the period of ignorance he said:
‘’ Before we set out on a journey, we used to make and bake an idol from dough for worship on the road. We used to worship him when we needed him. And when we were hungry, we sat down and ate the idol.’’
Even this event alone is enough to explain the deplorable state of the Arab Nation living in this geography before Islam. The mentality that prevailed in terms of faith fed a complete anarchic order.
The Qur’an summarizes the events that took place in this region most clearly as this dark period, called the ‘’ JAHLIYYA ‘’, ‘’Because of the evil people committed themselves, mischief spread all over the land and sea.’’
Our Prophet, who was sent by the Almighty Allah to disperse these dark periods, was sent as a savior not only to the Arabian Peninsula, but also all of humanity, with his good morals and confident personality, with his influence that will last until the apocalypse.
Of course, we cannot limit this period, called ‘’ Ignorance ‘’ only to the Arabian Peninsula. If we look up and look back to this age to evaluate it, we see that the same negativity applied to the whole world.
At the time of the birth of Islam, there were powerful political organizations in Asia, such as the Gokturks, India, China, Japan and the Sassanids. Especially Gokturks had great sovereignty over trade routes.
Although Christianity, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Manicheism and Judaism were accepted in the Gokturk state, which is the most important representative of Central Asian Turkishness, the belief of the Tengry is dominant. In short according to the belief of the Tengry, Allah was the creator of the universe. He was one and eternal. The biggest reason why more than one religion has been adopted in that geography is its location. Tapo Kagan, one of the khagans of the Gokturk State at that time, wanted to make a profit by establishing good relations with china, like his older brother, when he goes into administration. In this quest, the difficult conditions that China was in at that time were in his favor.
About then thousand Turkish merchants settled in China and later these merchants gradually began to take over the Chines economy. However, as a contrary situation, they started to degenerate under the influence of Chinese culture. Due to this intimate relationship with China, Chinese culture spread and Turkish gentlemen showed interest in this culture. Tapo Khan became a Buddhist and mobilized to protect this religion. However, this religion, which did not fit the lifestyle of the Turkish people, was not accepted by them. For this reason, Tapo Kagan began to be not as valued by the public as much as before. Although there were many religions in their geography, the Gokturks were able to adopt only the Tengrism, which was the most suitable for their lives.
This religious distinction in the geography of course caused some problems. Because in those times, people were generally very devoted people and this religious distinction was a big problem for them. China had brought its princesses into the Gokturk State in order to cause intrigues, and caused the state to collapse inside. We can say that this interest of Gokturk merchants in Chinese culture was not welcomed by other members of the state, so there was a political disobedience within it. Maybe some groups made minor uprisings, but their forces could not prevent this desire of the head of state – as well as all kinds of ideas and political conflicts that this desire brought about.
If we turn to India from Turkish lands and make an evaluation within there, People of various races, languages and cultures lived together in India since the earliest times. The religion adopted was Hinduism. Although Buddhism emerged later, it was not widely spread and adopted. Hinduism is a religion based on the Caste System. The origin of the word caste means race or ancestry. Caste System is the system in which people in the society are classified according to certain criteria. In the Caste System, people were divided into four main groups.
Brahmins (Clergy), Ksatriyas (ruling family and soldiers), Vaisyas (Merchants, farmers, craftsmen) and Sudras (workers). In fact this caste system is the traditional structure of the world order that is dominated by different names all over the world today. Aristocrats, bourgeois and workers! Administrators, bureaucrats and masses of the people! The Caste System divided the society into closed classes, and each class developed its own language. Due to the Caste System, Indian society has never been able to be a single whole and achieve political unity. Of course, social problems are inevitable in a society where the people were divided into classes and there was no political unity.
The differences and pressures between unequal classes are immense. While society is a habitable place for the highest Brahmins, it can be miserable for lower people. Of course, this system also has an order of life in itself. Isn’t chaos an order of disorder?
This system has been implemented in a considerable period. The source of social problems is due to the rigidity of the system. So this system is more than a nominal distinction. Lack of political unity in India is another problem. A country without political unity is like a jigsaw puzzle that has not been done. Although the pieces have a story, no one hangs them on their walls until they come together and become a picture.
Let’s talk about China. We continue to take a glance at the world of ignorance. Political unity in China was provided by the Sui Dynasty at the time of the birth of Islam. During the Sui Dynasty, the Chinese had relations with the Gokturks. Until Tapo Kagan died, the pressure of the Gokturks on the Chines continued. China, under this influence, later put a dualism among the Turkish tribes, which was its classical policy, against the Gokturk attacks and provoked the Turkish princes against each other. Upon this, the Gokturks were divided into two as Eastern and Western Gokturks in 582. In these years China tried to chinesize the Turks. During the time of Shipi Kagan (609-619), the Eastern Turks regained their old power. The taxes paid to china each year were cut. The Chinese emperor was defeated. One of the main reasons why the Chinese and the Turks came face to face in this way, is the sovereignty of the Silk Road. Agriculture is one of the important activities in large and fertile lands. China, which had received the most important economic gain from the Silk Road, of course, has plotted for this fertile land.
While organizing there intrigues, conflicts have not been missing China, which had been subjected to political antagonisms and conflicts within itself. Even though it slowly overcame his troubled situation before such conspiracies, it could not get rid of the social turmoil. It also remained vulnerable due to Gokturk pressure. It has also faced economic difficulties with the cut taxes. It remained poor. In other words the Gokturks left China in a difficult situation in many aspects; this is the main apparent cause of confusion.
It's time to talk about one of Asia’s countries, Japan. During the birth of Islam, the Yamato family was dominant in Japan. Japan did not have a strong central administration at that time and was under the influence of China. For this reason, Japan opened the doors of the feudal system. Feudalism is a social, economic and political order based on inequality. Japan was the country with the worst situation in its own geography. The reason is, that it was not politically strong and not developed economically. Of course, being a country that is not developed in many ways and lives under the name of another state, which can be described as colonialism, will bring trouble and confusion.
This lack of centralized administration has prolonged the development of Japan – no matter how advanced it is now - and made it miserable for a while. Anyway, in a country whose basis is based on inequality, there are class chaos or rights problems within the society.
If we are to talk about Europe…. There was no political unity in Europe at the time of the birth of Islam. After the tribes’ migration and the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the central kingdoms in Europe began to lose their power. Instead, the feudal system emerged with the gaining power of the nobility. Feudalism divided society into classes, because it is based on social inequality. In addition to these, the Scholastic – Dogmatic religious thought that prevailed in Europe, increased the dominance of the church. As a result, the Popes, who saw themselves in the power of social and political administration with the powers they claimed to have received from God, excommunicated those who opposed the church.
The church grew richer and stronger day by day. This development, in addition to being stable in science and development, has caused the death of many people because of opposing the Church, such as the Inquisition Courts, the Pope punishing a country with its king. Reasons such as this class distinction, the lack of political unity and the strengthening of the Church, had created political and social problems in Europe. As a result of the Church’s effectiveness in this way, scientific and social developments had declined. Although the casualties caused had a bad thought about the Church and the desire to seek their right, nobody spoke up to prevent the loss of life. This caused the Church to find more power in itself and the situation to worsen.
Byzantium was among the important Near Eastern states at that time. Byzantine Empire survived alone after the collapse of the Western Roman Empire. Byzantium, lived its heyday with Justinian, could not regain its old power after his death. It was one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, although it was worn down when Heraclius was its head during the birth of Islam. There were problems with Egypt because of Christianity. In addition, the northern parts of Africa were under Byzantine rule and Egypt was under great pressure due to Byzantine and Sassanid rivalry. At that time, Byzantium belonged to the Orthodox sect of Christianity. At the time of the birth of Islam, there was no political unity in Europe except for the places held by Byzantium. Both sides were extremely worn out in the Byzantine and Sassanid rivalry.
The Sassanid State, experiencing throne fights and political turmoil, was in a great struggle with Byzantium. These two states, which raided each other for a long time, still accorded equality to each other so that they could live side by side.
The Byzantine and Sassanid States, which shared world rule as two rivals between the IV and VII. Centuries, were the two states that guided the world history. There were military, political and diplomatic relations between these two states, and deep hostility was behind the particularly gentle diplomatic rhetoric.
We continue our trip to Europe. If we talk about the Franks…After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, the communities living in those geographies established their own states. These are the Franks in France, the Visigoths in Spain and the Ostrogoths in Italy. The rule of the Franks was based on military power. They had advanced in mining work due to the construction of weapons and equipment. It was a tribe that generally lived on plunder. Normally the Visigoths and Ostrogoths were members of the Goths tribe. Later, upon the separation of this tribe, they were divided into two. Thousands of people died because of the wars between these three.
This separation of the remaining society was an obstacle to reunification and regaining its former power. Losses of live caused the weakening of society and new discussions and chaos due to the desire of other states to dominate them.
While was the general state of the world in the period of Jahliyya, let’s take a little detailed look at the situation of the Arabs now. In the period of Jahliyya, Arabs were aware that there was a creator. In this context, they did not deny Allah, the Arabas of Jahliyya used the word Allah to express the supreme mâbud and creator, apart from the names of Gods and idols. This usage shows us that the Arabs of the period of Jahliyya had belief in Allah. However, there were few people called hanifs (revert) in the period of Jahliyya.
Hanifs (reverts) were people who adhered to the religion of Abraham, believed in Allah and refused to belief. In this context, the common belief among Arabs in the period of Jahliyya was to worship idols. They believed that idols helped them in the world. The idols they worshipped were generally made of stone, wood and various metals. Sometimes they gave their food the shape of an idol and worshipped it. The number of temples where idols were found was quite high in the period of Jahliyya. One of the most important shrines was the Kaaba. There were hundreds of idols to worship in and around it.
The Arabs had a monotheistic belief in the period of the Prophet Abraham. One of the foundations of Abraham’s belief in one god was circumambulation of the Kaaba, that is, going around. For this reason, Arabs had respected the Kaaba in all periods of history. Another reason was that the Kaaba revived the commercial life of the city during the pilgrimage period.
Those who fulfilled the pilgrimage duty I Mecca would take one of the stones there, put it somewhere in the area they went to, because of their respect for the Kaaba. They would also walk around this stone as they did around the Kaaba. Thus, over time, worshipping other stones that they liked, namely idolatry, became widespread among Arabs, and the interior of the Kaaba, which was considered sacred, was filled with idols that they considered to be so.
The Arabs believed that the nature surrounding them, was filled with forces that were superior to that of humans, but that could be used to their own benefit in special ways. These forces were the Jinn and they regarded these Jinn as daughters of Allah. They believed that the Jinn could do good or evil; for this reason, it was necessary to earn their love, respect them and worship their idols.
It was considered that each Jinn had a specific place and dwelled inside rocks, trees and idols. Each tribe or several tribal groups had a special Goblin, a rock, a tree, or an idol. Near these places a certain community lived and performed religious duty. Idols join a blood kinship with the tribe of their worshippers through a ritual based on sacrifice, and thus become the guardians of this tribe. In other words, the Arabs accepted idols not as Allah, but as a means of approaching Allah and conveying their prayers and requests to him.
Each tribe worshipped its particular idol, but recognized the might of the gods of other tribes in their respective regions. The places of the great idols do not change; when they migrate into the tribe, they are revered by their successors.
Apart from that, each family adopted and idol and put in in their own house and used it as an intermediary in their prayers. When a member of that family leaves, before he gets on his animal, he rubs his face on this idol in his house, which would be his last job before leaving. When he returned from the journey, that idol would rub his hand on his face again, which was the first job he did without seeing his family. Idols were consulted when difficult decisions had to be made. Consultation with idols was mostly done by drawing fortune arrows in front of idols. If one of the ‘’ Yes ‘’ or ‘’ No ‘’ arrows came out, the job to be done was decided.
According to the Arabs, the Jinn among the idols would talk to the oracles and tell the oracles whatever happened in the sky. Each prophet was trying to figure out everything he was asked, but sometimes he had a special expertise. Since the Arabs thought that oracles knew everything, they would consult them as well as the direction of the arrows. They gave importance to their mediation and their decisions in the conflicts between them, and they followed their advice as they were accepted as healers in their illnesses. Apart from these, they asked their opinions on issues they could not get out of, made them interpret when they had dreams, and wanted to learn from them what would happen to them in the future.
Still, it could not be said that Arabs had full respect for idols. Although they were happy when it came to their affairs and their prayers coincidentally fit their wishes, they would also have insulted or even cursed idols, when they disagreed. Many times they acted whatever their interests or situation required. For example, they ate their idols made of dates and milk in times of famine.
Jews and a small group of Christians lived in the Arabian Peninsula. Jews generally lived in Medina. Christianity, on the other hand, was a common belief among the Gassanians and the Hireans in the north of the Arabian Peninsula.
We have to understand the longing for peace of a society that lives with tribalism, where human rights are put in the background and woman are not valued at all.
Humanity had always experienced dark periods when they got out of the prophets’ messages. The last period of Jahliyya of humanity lasted from Prophet Jesus to Prophet Mohammad. With Mohammad becoming a prophet, this period started to disappear slowly. People had entered a process of final enlightenment with Islam. Before the enlightenment brought by Islam, Arab society was blindly attached to its traditions and lived in a bigoted way.
Contrary to other Arabian regions, tribal life prevails in the Hejaz, as no king was ruled until the time of the Prophet Mohammad, and the nationalization phase had not yet been completed. Each tribe was like a separate state from other and was led by people called ‘’ Sheikhs ‘’. The only institution that could be called the government was the institution called ‘’ Mele ‘’ which was formed with the participation of sheikhs, but did not have executive power and took decisions as advisory.
Although there was urbanization in some regions, the majority of society was nomadic. Except for the Yemen region, the whole peninsula consisted of valleys, barren lands and deserts that were not suitable for agriculture, which was the reason why Arabs lead a nomadic life and mostly dealt with trade.
In the period when urbanization was extremely low, the information consisted almost entirely of information developed by the experiments, traditions and methods that emerged from the difficulties of this nomadic life.
Although it could not be claimed that the cultures and civilizations of the states established in other regions, did not affect the Hejaz at all, they had little influence due to geographical conditions, and the Bedouin culture always kept its world closed to external influences. Therefore, it is not possible to speak of a high cultural presence in the pre – Islamic Hijaz, although it has a rich poetry language. Those who benefited from this culture were mostly clergymen, merchants and privileged people. Literacy, too, was something that was known almost exclusively to the merchants or the influential and noble people. The rest of the population were almost illiterate. The fact that the Prophet Mohammad at the time of the birth of Islam considered the teaching of writing to then Medinan youths as a condition for salvation by each of the Meccans who were held captive in the Battle of Badr, clearly states this fact.
Although the literacy rate is almost nonexistent, it can be said that the Arabs of the period o Jahliyya formed a verbal knowledge in which they transferred their knowledge and experience in certain areas. Genealogy, a tradition of history mixed with legends, prophecies about the water and weather conditions and the health of themselves and their animals, the ability to trace could be shown among the ‘’ Science of the Jahliyyah ‘’.
Since there was no concept like ‘’ Human Rights ‘’ in the Arabs of the period of ignorance, slavery was one of the most common practices. People would buy, sell and torture their slaves as they wished. They was their property, after all. People’s possession of slaves was like owning an item. Besides knowledge was not something produced and reached. Hearing was the most obvious method of acquiring knowledge. Therefore, the masses were illiterate. In such society woman naturally weren’t given any value. Women were different from slaves. They were doing whatever they wanted to do to women and a woman could’ve never spoken out. In this period, as if the gender discrimination was not enough, there was also a distinction between tribes. The powerful tribe would always be more advantageous because the strong in terms of money always won in this period and this geography. The concepts of right and law were only the right of the strong. The law of the superior could be mentioned. Generally, there was a ‘’ vice Versa ‘’ logic.
If we need to examine the woman alone in the period of ignorance, it would be very correct to compare her to an object. Items have certain owners. Owners can treat their item as they wish. He can completely give of lend his belongings to anyone he wants. Women were just like that. Whatever a woman’s husband said, she had to do it. She had to go to whomever he gave her. They didn’t have a say. This distorted practice was valid in England until the beginning of this century. Husbands could easily sell their wives in human markets. It was a common practice in pedophilia and cannibalism in Europe of the pleasant recent time. So we shouldn’t understand ignorance as illiteracy. Not being able to empathize, being far from compassion, selfishness, and shamelessness are the greatest acts of ignorance.
Not having the right to speak was valid on any issue. When a man wanted to marry another woman, they could not make a sound. When a man wanted to divorce his wife, they could not make a sound. If the woman wanted to divorce, the man would be offered some money. Apart from that, if the husband did not divorce his wife, the woman would have to continue to depend on her husband. Women were in a very humiliating situation during this period.
Women of middle and lower tribes were since their birth treated as second-class people. While a person was happy and held a festivity when they had a boy, when a girl was born he was embarrassed and regretted it as if she had committed a crime. Especially in the lower classes, the value of the woman in husband’s eyes was no more than an item he owned. During this period, the Arab man did not sit in the same room with a woman who was menstruating, did not eat with her, and even the woman was temporarily banished from the house. The main purpose of marriage, was to increase the number of sons in the family, and thus to be stronger against enemies, rather than love.
Since the marriage that binds men and women to each other in the period of ignorance did not have a religious characteristic, the woman was accepted as a member of the family only after giving a child to her husband. For this reason, when a woman died without giving birth, no one would come to that family for her condolences, as she was not considered a family member. They gave great importance to woman who gave birth to good children and they pointed to them in their poems. If a childless woman was sentenced to payment, her family had to pay for the payment instead of her husband, since she was not a family member anymore.
A girl who came into marriage did not have the slightest say in choosing her spouse. Fathers would decide on their daughters’ place and give their daughters to any man they wanted, regardless of his request, regardless of whether the suitor was old or bad-tempered. The main criterion here was the wealth of the suitor or the position of his tribe in society.
Arabs were forbidden to marry their own mothers, daughters and aunts, but they were not prohibited from marrying their stepmothers. Moreover, even their stepmother did not want to! These very ugly marriages made with the ambition of inheritance were common. When the stepmother died, the eldest son of the house could marry her mother, if he did not want to marry, he could either give her to someone else in return for the money, or his other brothers could marry their maternity. The woman’s only chance was that she could escape as fast as possible to her family. And again, as accustom of this period, it was not considered harmful for a woman and her daughter to be married to the same person.
It was also very difficult for a divorced woman to remarry. The man, who wanted to prevent his wife from marrying someone else, would marry her again and then divorce her when the ‘’ period of delay ‘’ (the time required for a woman to remarry) was completed. The woman could not marry for another year, as the period of delay would begin again. After the death of her husband, the woman would be in a period of delay a full year and would’ve mourned. They could not get the slightest share of the deceased husband’s legacy either.
In Arab society, where lineage and tribes were very important; when men wanted to have a noble child, they would send their wives to have sexual relations with the men of the noble tribes and take the born child into their own lineage.
The situation of the concubines living in the cities was much worse. Concubines could be bought and sold like a commodity, or their owners would lead them to prostitution and take away the money they earned in this way. In the desert there was greater respect for the honour of woman than in the city.
Although not common, there was also the custom of burying girls alive among Arabs. The reason for this was the fear that their daughters might one day marry someone they did not accept and tarnish the family’s honour, or because of the financial concerns, or because girls were not considered worthy of being raised. Nomadic Arabs of the let camels or sheep herd their daughters, whom they wanted to live. They would bury their daughters they wanted to kill in the sand pit as soon as they were born, or when they were six years old, they would dress her in beautiful clothes and throw them into the pit they had prepared before in the desert and cover it with sand.
Sometimes children were born crippled or ugly, and sometimes people would bury their daughters while they were still alive, just to protect their honour. In other words, most people wanted to get rid of girls.
As in today’s modern societies, prostitution was one of the most common maladies in Arab society. Women’s trading was like buying and selling an item. This should be expected from a society where women are not valued at all. If a woman’s husband told her that she was going to sleep with a man the woman had no chance to say no, or if a group of men broke into a woman’s house and had sexual intercourse, the woman could not say no either. Swinger, which belongs to modern life now, was common. Some woman, on the other hand, used to hang flag-style fabrics in their houses because they themselves engaged in prostitution.
In the age of Jahliyya, Arab society was divided into three classes: Free, Captives and Mevali. The Free were people with the same rights, who shared the common name of the family community or tribe. They would migrate together, go to wars, and lived a common and equal life in all matters.
The captives consisted of slaves and concubines. Slaves or concubines were either caught in wars of bought from prisoners’ markets. In the Jahliyya, slaves and concubines were bought and sold like goods and things, passed on from one person to another through inheritance, given as gifts or as bride’s prices. Today’s the brothel sector still continues this practice. The punishments for crimes committed by slaves and concubines were half the sentences given to free people. Children born of concubines were also considered slaves or concubines. If their fathers wanted, if there were intelligent and gifted children among these children, they could take them in as their own children.
Slaves or concubines were often treated very cruelly, and they were kept inferior to animals. A slave or a concubine owner could subject them to all kinds of unconditional treatment as he wished. If he wanted, he could beat him until he killed him, cut off his hand, ear, nose, take out his eye, or even kill him. Therefore he would not be responsible to anyone.
Mevali was the middle class between slaves and free people. It generally consisted of freed slaves or concubines. When any slave freed, he would be considered a member of that tribe, becoming a relative. Mevali’s could not be bought and sold like slaves, but they could not marry a free girl or woman.
Wine was a very common drink in Arab society. It was almost a culture. It was seen that people talk a lot about wine. Poets also often spoke about wine, although they also had a large part of the wine literature. It is not surprising that wine is so important, as the Arabs were a delightful nation before Islam. Arabs who were fond of gambling as well as drinking, could not help but gamble. Even at that time, it was considered a shame in the society not to participate in the gambling council. People earned their living by gambling, one of the easiest ways.
Another common activity like gambling was fortune telling. Fortune telling was one of the ordinary things of daily life. One method of fortune telling were the fortune telling arrows, common in almost all of Arab society. People used to think that they could determine with fortune arrows whether a place was dry or not, whether something bad would happen to them or not.
Another common thing was usury. People could put interest o a loan whenever they wanted and increase this interest as much as they wanted. In general, it would increase many times over. Usury was like a profession, or simply a deal, there. It was very normal for people to raise interest rates.
During this period, Arab society also had animal customs. For example, if a camel gave birth to five calves and the fifth was a male, milking the camel that gave birth and riding that camel was considered illicit in their belief. At the same time, if a camel was dedicated to idols by its owner, it would be illicit to use it in the same way.
They also had a different custom for sheep. If the born lamb was a female, they would adopt it, but if it was a male, they would dedicate it to idols and it was considered sacred.
In the framework of what we have told you from this period, it is understood that Arab society was living an age full of darkness and ignorance. We see the reflections of the same ignorant period practices in today’s world. Ignorance continues. Until they accepted Islam, people wen undeserved, not fair and treated slaves and woman like nothing. Drinking and gambling had become customary, crushing the mighty weak. People made money through usury and accepted it as normal. Islam came to them like a light and saved them from this period. Islamic values should be internalized again for the sake of peace of humanity.
During the birth of Islam, the Arabs in the Arabian Peninsula were living in tribes since they could not yet become a nation. The most important regions of the Arabian Peninsula are Hejaz, Najid and Yemen. Yemen has arable land. The Najid region is suitable for animal husbandry. These three places were found on important commercial routes. Of course, when it comes to productive geographies, competition in inevitable. Therefore, border disputes between tribes turned into feuds and feuds turned into wars.
Because these blood feuds in the Arabian Peninsula caused many lives to be lost (some of these casualties were tribal chiefs or people who were valued in the tribe) -tribes have been in trouble. In addition, these cases delayed the establishment of unity in all aspects of the peninsula. In this period when there was no political unity and tribal racism dominated the society, there were frequent wars between tribes for reasons such as blood feuds and border disputes. It was not the legal rules that regulated social life, but the customs and traditions of the ancestors. Those who did not obey these rules are expelled from the tribe, which was synonymous with the loss of life safety, as expulsion from the tribe meant the loss of blood. It is a right to capture the weak and take prisoners according to the desert laws. It is therefore unlikely for such a person to live in the desert without taking refuge in a tribe.
It was only the blood relationship that bound the tribes together and created a lasting bond between them. Being a member of a powerful tribe was a means of boasting against other tribes. Even in marriages, care was taken to ensure equal tribal and family levels, and it was considered a shame to be a member of the lower tribe. All of this caused Arabs to kill people and engage in looting for simple reasons, whenever possible, to prove the power of the tribe and honour its name.
They were the days of persecution and tyranny, when people attacked their brothers when they could not find anyone else to fight. Those who were waiting for the opportunity to shed blood would fight for years, sometimes using a camel as an excuse. People who fell asleep a night, caravans that went on their way to trade, were worried about being subjected to a bloody attack. The blood feuds were not interrupted, those who were strong would not give comfort to the oppressed. Hearts were filled with grudge and hatred, and there was no space for love and affection. It was the Jahliyya. Would mercy be expected from those who worship stone and wood?
When someone from the tribe was injured or killed, the tribes had to seek their rights against that thief or murderer, because there was no institution similar to that the state authority among the groups formed by the family community understanding. When someone killed by an unknown responsible understanding. When someone killed by an unknown person was found in a tribe or clan’ place of residence, and one those affiliated to that clan was suspected, the entire clan would swear revenge. To avenge the killing was primarily the duty of the closest heir of the murdered, but revenge was also a debt of all the individuals that made up the tribe.
According to the blood feud rule, a person’s entire lineage would be responsible for the crime committed. As most of the time the killer was protected by his own clan, avenging the blood spilled often led to bloody wars and clashes that lasted for generations and killed many people again. These wars were stopped four months a year during the visit and umrah to show their respect to the Kaaba. These months, consisting of the months of Zilhicce, Muharrem, Safe and Rebiülevvel were called Illicit Months. Commercial travels an visits to relatives were made during these days, and the famous fairs of the age of Jahliyya were established on these dates. However, those whose hearts were cut off would not respect even these months. They would continue their bloodshed and fighting. These wars during the Illicit months were called the Ficar Wars.
Retribution could undoubtedly be stopped by giving camels as payment. However, the period of Jahliyya was also a period in which the Arabs who sacrificed camels at the graves of heroes, boasted of their heroism. Therefore as agreement is seen as dishonour, they could rather kill the killer themselves. For the high honour which regulated all the affairs of the Bedouin this was the basis of his moral principle.
The blood feuds between family societies among the Arabs resulted in great fights, so the institution of payment was born. When Islam came, the daily murders of the Arabs, due to the tradition of revenge, were quite ordinary.
Of course, Arab society in the period of Jahliyya did not have all bad characteristics. In particular, their hospitality is such that it attracts the attention of every researcher.
Those who examine the characteristics and lifestyles of Arab society in the period of Jahliyya can see that poverty constantly threatens them. It rained very little. The place was dry, plants were almost not existent. Only a few Arabs did not face hunger from time to time. This situation led those who were powerless and fearful of being poor while rich to endure difficulties in order to obtain wealth. This situation caused a feeling of empath in some people. Fears and anxieties were the determining factors.
In light of this thought, Arab history is full of various examples of generosity and bestowal. Among the Arabs, property was a means, not an end. The property was means to save those who were in distress, to help the needy, and to fulfil their holy goals.
The vast, silent desert would devour villages and springs at night. It was easy for those who travelled at night to lose their way. It was the tradition of the Arabs to light fires in high places so that those who lost their way could find their way. The fire represented the invitation to feasts among the Arabs. So they commanded their slaves to continue to kindle the fire and feed their guest with wood and bushes. They would do this in hope that the guest would come to the fire, and they would promise his slaves to forgive their freedom if agues came to see the fire.
According to other customs, if the passenger missed his way and did not see a fire, he were to howl like a dog and the dogs were to answer him so that he were to find the place where the tribe was. The tribes slaughtered sheep to treat the guests, and the dog’s share was unforgettable. The host was very happy with the guest, accommodated him and greeted him with a smile. He would treat the guest as his own child.
Arabs living in the desert had risen to the level that most developed societies aspire to in terms of helping each other. To them, giving was a noble habit. Arabs did not show generosity because they had to perform a task of obey the law. They were extremely generous, simply because they wanted and it gave them pleasure. This generosity would also peak with the arrival of Islam. It was a situation similar to the Hedonism of the Greeks; there is no feeling more enjoyable than doing good! Its effect on today is also indisputable.
Poetry was an art branch highly valued by the Arabs. In fact, the miraculous feature of the Qur’an based on words was a challenge against these superior virtues of Arabs. Just as today’s people gather around a great singer or famous singer, so Arabs gathered around the poets and listened to the odes they read. There were famous fairs such as Ukaz, Micenne and Zu’l-Mecaz. Arabas gathered there for shopping, and poets used those fairs as opportunities to present their new poems.
While the poet was reading his poem, his tribe would stand around him, cheer him on, and take pride in him. At the fairs, the best odes were chosen, inscribed on camel skin, and hung on the Kaaba so that they would not be far from the Gods. The Ukaz fair was the best known fair in the field of poetry. The position of the poet among the Arabs was truly exalted. Poets of the highest rank were found in the eyes of people. When a famous poet emerged from a tribe, guests from other tribes would come to celebrate that tribe. The poet’s tribe rejoiced, made sacrifices and offered food to the people. The women of the tribe also played instruments, danced and sang. Because the poet would defend his tribe with his poetry and language much better than the sword and harbinger of a cavalryman. At the same time, the poet would register events with his poetry, and respond when poets of other tribes taunted his tribe with their poems. The influence of poetry and poets among the Arabs was great. Because when a poet praised an insignificant person, he glorified his value, and when he criticized an honourable person, he would lower his reputation. Poets were the people to be feared as they were the source of pride for the tribe. It was thought that poets, thought to have a knowledge of a science that was impossible for an ordinary person to acquire, were in contact with a number of invisible forces. As a result, he could bestow trouble and evil on the enemy with a curse.
KAABA AND FIL EVENT
I remind you of the fact that the Kaaba, which literally means ‘’ cube shaped object ‘’, is the first mosque on earth. When Adam, the first human being created, was brought down to earth, he was assigned to build a temple in Mecca. The following is stated in the Qur’an:
‘’The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Mecca: Full of blessing and of guidance for all the worlds.’’ (Al-I Imran,96)
It is rumoured that the second one was ‘’ Masjid-I Aqsa’’.
The Mecca Valley was chosen and made sacred together with the first man. The Kaaba remained under the sand for a long time after the flood of Noah. When Prophet Abraham came to Mecca, where he left his wife and son years later, to his son ismael, he said.
‘’My God as orders. We will build a house (bayt). You will help met too!
Ismail carried stones, and Abraham built walls.
This situation is explained this way in the Qur’an: And remember Abraham and Ismail raised the foundations of the House (with this prayer): ‘’Our Lord! Accept (this service) from us: For Thou art the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’’ (El-Bakara, 127) When the construction of the Kaaba was completed, Hz. Ibrahim and Hz. Ismail prayed to Allah as follows:
‘’Our Allah! Make of us Muslims, bowing to Thy (Will), and of our progeny a people Muslim, bowing to Thy (Will); and show us our place for the celebration of (due) rites; and turn unto us (in Mercy); The Thou art the Oft-Relenting, Most Merciful. Our Allah! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own, who shall rehearse Thy Signs to them and instruct them in scripture and wisdom and sanctify them: for Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise.’’ (El-Bakara, 128-129)
After the construction of the Kaaba was finished, Allah ordered the Prophet Abraham to invite all people to pilgrimage: ‘’And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men: they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways’’ (El-Hacc, 27)
After that, visitors from close and distant towns came to the Hejaz region and started to visit Beytullah. The Kaaba became an important religious centre and won the praise of all people.
On the other hand, the Kaaba was also attacked by many polytheists who could not bear the value and holiness it possessed. In the centuries before the famous attack of the ruler of Yemen Abraha, three more pagan rulers of Yemen wanted to destroy the Kaaba. With similar events that resulted in disappointment, the importance of the Kaaba increased its reputation in the eyes of the public. The belief that the Kaaba, Mecca and Quraysh are under divine protection was adopted by the people of Arabia.
After the Prophet Abraham, worship in Beytullah continued in accordance with the principles of oneness until the beginning of paganism. However, with the spread of idolatry in Mecca, many idols were erected in and around the Kaaba by the polytheists. Despite this, the Kaaba has never been devoted to idols and has always been remembered as ‘’Beytullah’’
There were some special duties regarding the Kaaba since the day it was built, which was fulfilled by the Prophet Ismail at first.
Tasks such as the security of the Kaaba and protecting its keys, providing fresh water to the pilgrims and maintaining the Zamzam well, providing food to the poor pilgrims and hosting them were important for the Kaaba. It was considered the greatest honour to fulfil these duties. These services continue without losing their importance until today.
There were 52 mor days to the arrival of the one would bring peace the realms. There was little time left for the sun of guidance to rise to destroy the darkness of ignorance. The flocking of people from all sides and visiting the Kaaba during the pilgrimage season could not be digested and disturbed by some people in the surrounding communities. One of them was Ebrehe Esrem. Abraha was a Christian governor of the Kingdom of Aksum in Yemen and not want Arabs to go to Mecca for pilgrimage every year. He built a great church in ‘’Sana’’ and named Kuleys.
Abraha wrote to the King of Abyssinia that the people could only visit Kuleys for pilgrimage, and that he would not allow those who went to Mecca, and received his support.
He decorated the inside of the church with gold and silver at great expense and decorated the outside with extremely precious stones brought from various places. So much so that there was no other place like the church he built at that time!
Ebrehe, with this ornament and decoration, was supposed to lead the people here. Therefore, he would have broken the enormous attention to the Kaaba!
However, all these expenses and efforts of Abraha were in vain. Many people came from around to see the exceptional decorations and magnificent structure of the church he built. Bu just to see the adornment of that place. On the contrary the influx to the Kaaba continued to increase.
It was also heard by the Arabs that Abraha had a magnificent church built with the intention of breaking the interest love and respect towards the Kaaba. Meanwhile, someone from the Kinane Tribe named Nevfel had set his mind to defile this church. One night, he went and littered the Kulleys with dirt, then fled and returned to his hometown.
This incident infuriated Abraha, who was very angry with the continued interest of people in the Kaaba. When he learned that one of the Arabs was port of this incident, he said ‘’ The Arabs do this because I turned them away from their Kaaba. And I will not level with their Kaaba! ‘’ he swore. Then he prepared to march on Mecca to destroy the Kaaba. He asked the Abyssinian King for his famous elephant named ‘’Mahmud’’. King Najashi fulfilled his wish by sending the elephant maned Mahmud, who was unique in size and strength at that time. Abraha prepared his army and set out for Mecca. Meanwhile, some Arab tribes opposed this great army, but they were not successful and were defeated by Abraha.
When Abraha approached Mecca with his army, he sent a cavalry force as a vanguard. The cavalry was invaded as far as the vicinity of Mecca and seized the herds of the Quraysh and Tihamese, including 200 camels of our Prophet’s grandfather Abdulmuttalib. Meabwhile, Abdulmuttalib was the head of the Quraysh Tribe. Abraha sent the following news to the Qurayshi with an envoy::
‘’I did not come to fight you, but to destroy this temple! If you don’t resist me, I’ll stop spilling your blood. If the head of the Quraysh tribe does not want to fight me, come to me!’’
Qurayshi Head Abduluttalib’s response to the messenger was, ‘’We swear by Allah that we do not want to fight him. Anyway, we cannot afford it. However, this temple is the house of Allah. Only Allah can protect it from collapse. I he does not preserve his holy master, we do not have power and strength to discourage Abraha from this act.’’
After this mutual conversation, Abdulmuttalib arrived with the ambassador to Abraha. Abdulmuttalib stated his request: ‘’Your soldiers bought 200 camels. My desire is the return of my camels’’
Abrehe did not like it very much and said sarcastically, ‘’When I saw you, I thought you were a great man; When I started talking, I realized that you weren’t that great! While I came to demolish the Kaaba, the temple of you and your ancestors, you would not talk about it, but about the 200 camels I bought!’’ he spoke.
Abdulmuttalib, ignoring Abraha’s sarcastic attitude, said, ‘’ I own my camels. The Kaaba also has a owner and protector; of course He will protect it! ‘’ he replied. These words enraged Ebrehe and he said: ‘’ Nobody can protect it against me ! ‘’
Abdulmuttalib said, ‘’ It doesn’t concern me. Here you are and there He is ! ‘’
After these mutual conversations, Abraha gave Abdulmuttalib’s seized camels back. Abdulmuttalib left the camp and came to Mecca and told the Qurayshi what had happened. In addition, he released 200 camels, marking them as sacrifices for Allah.
Abdulmuttalib also advised the people to evacuate Mecca in order to be protected from the evil and cruelty of the Abraha army. He also came to the Kaaba with a few people and clung to the ring of its door, praying ‘’ My Allah ! .. Even a servant protects his house. Protect your own home too! Until tomorrow their strength will not overwhelm yours.
Mecca had been evacuated. The people took shelter in the mountains and in secluded places and waited for what the Abraha army would do. Mecca was sad, Kaaba was sad, Quraysh was sad. It was the morning of the next day.
The preparations for the Ebrehe army was completed in order to march on Mecca and destroy the Kaaba. The army was waiting for a single sign. Meanwhile, the mighty elephant at the head of the army suddenly collapsed to the ground. They tried everything to get the elephant up, but they never succeeded. When they turned towards Yemen, the elephant ran, when they turned towards Damascus, the elephant ran again, when they turned towards the East, the elephant was running in the same way. However, when they turned their faces towards Mecca, the elephant lost its strength and Mahmud collapsed.
In this exciting moment, when no one thought about this gesture of the elephant, he released the birds, called ‘’Ababil’’ in the Qur’an, from the sea to the Ebrehe army. Each of these swallows-like birds carried three stones the size of a chickpea or lentil, one in their mouth and town their feet. Every soldier hit by these stones was instantly struggling to live.
Faced with a rain of stones, the soldiers were stunned.
Suddenly this place was filled with people and animals that collapsed and fell down. Those who did not get hit by stones started to flee. Ebrehe was among those who barely saved their lives at that time. However, with a stone wound he had received, he died before his wish came true.
Meanwhile, as a reward for not walking on the Kaaba, the elephant named Mahmud also survived. The great creator, after attacking the army with the Ababil bird also made it rain in a flood after him. The flood of rain swept away the dead of the Ebrehe army and poured them into the sea. Our Almighty Allah informs us about this incident in the Qur’an as follows:
‘’ Have you not seen ˹O Prophet˺ how your Lord dealt with the Army of the Elephant? Did He not make their treacherous plan go astray? And He sent against them Flights of Birds, Striking them with stones of baked clay. Then did He make them like an empty field of stalks and straw, (of which the corn) has been eaten up’’
This incident was proof of our Prophet’s prophethood. As a matter of fact, Mecca and Kaaba, his birthplace, beloved homeland and qibla came into being just a short time before the world opened its eyes, and the Kaaba was saved from the destruction of the Abraha army in a wonderful and unseen way.
The mercy and wisdom of Allah, for the sake of the face of his apostle, did not allow this enormous temple to be trampled by the Abraha army and so he did not !
The wondrous events that took place in relation to his prophethood before our Prophet was given the task of prophethood are called ‘’irhasat’’. These events constitute evidence of the prophethood of our Prophet. Scholars have also accepted the Elephant Cas as an ‘’irhasat’’
BEFORE THE BIRTH
Before our Prophet, our one and only leader was born, and during this birth, many signs have merged that he was the last prophet sent by Allah as a guide for humanity to end sin, immorality and ignorance.
We are talking about the servant and messenger of Allah, Prophet Mohammad, who will be the spiritual leader of the world until the Day of Judgement, will be the sole and only leader, will change the spiritual climate of the world in favour of goodness, and thus show that the universe is in the will of Allah, the only creator. He will make the world a field for the hereafter.
He will announce the value of creatures in the world and in the universe by giving the lesson that they are the arts of Allah.
He will show ‘’ the people and the jinn ‘’ the only way to eternal happiness. It will save them from the fear of eternal destruction. It will open the creation wisdom and secrets of the world and the universe and its contents. He will be the head teacher of science.
He will know and inform us the intention of Allah, who created the universe. He will register that the man who has the will to test, is the most honourable of all created. He will warn that those who move away from Allah’s orders and prohibitions will fall to the lowest position of the creatures of this time. It will introduce the creator to the created.
His successful and exemplary life will continue to guide people until doomsday. His sultanate message regarding the revelation continues today.
He is the messenger of Allah. His coming is an occasion of happiness for all creature. With His arrival, people will get rid of the darkness of unbelief and ignorance and attain the light of faith. It will save people from Illusion and heedlessness and be instrumental in their eternal happiness, reaching Paradise and their Allah without a veil.
Let’s start to get to know our Prophet’s appearance. According to Hz. Ali’s description, our Prophet was neither too short nor too tall, but of medium height. Neither curly short nor straight long hair; His hair was between curly and straight. He had a round face, clear white complexion, large black eyes, and long eyelashes.
He was well built and broad shouldered. His chest was hairless from the middle to his stomach. It’s two palms and soles were slightly fleshy. When he walked, he would go smoothly as if he were going downhill. When he looked to his right and left, he would turn with his whole body.
He was most generous, most straightforward, mild tempered, most friendly of all people. Those who suddenly saw him were shocked by their majesty, but those who were in conversation knowing his superior qualities loved him more than anything else.
All creatures were heralded with his birth. If the day comes, that is, if the whole world turns into darkness from ignorance and cruelty as it is today, the only way of salvation and peace will be to pay attention to the issues pointed out by that glorious messenger, to believe and live. According to what Hazrat Khadijah narrated, a Jew who was engaged in trade in Mecca saw that the star, which is a sign of the birth of the Messenger of Allah, was born in one of the Quraysh assemblies she attended:
‘’ The Quraysh community! Has any of you given birth to a child today ? ‘’ She asked, and the people there informed her that there was no one among them who had a child. The Jew said, !! O Quraysh community! Listen to me well, memorize my words. The Prophet of the Ent Times was born today.’’
When the people there dispersed and everyone went to their homes, some of them informed their families about the Jew’s words. Thereupon, Abdulmuttalib became a grandfather. The named the boy Mohammad.
In the morning, people there told the Jew, who asked them a question in the evening, that a child was born las night.
He said: ‘’ Was the boy born before or after I told you? ‘’ They said that the boy was born before he notified them. They took the Jew to the house of the Prophet and when the Jew wanted to see the child, they brought the Prophet. ‘’ By Allah, the prophecy and book have now gone from the hands of the Jews. This is a decree that the decrees of Ishaks sons will not remain, and that their scholars will have no reputation. Arabs will gain great honour and dignity through his Prophethood. ‘’ he said.
The Jews were living with Arabs in Medina. From time to time they would quarrel and bickle with them. When they fired, ‘’Soon the last prophet will appear. We will be with him an destroy you like the people of Ad and Irem ‘’.
On the night the Prophet was born, another Jew saw a star in the sky that he had not seen before. He pointed out this to the birth of a prophet and went up on the roof and said, ‘’ Jewish Community! Ahmet’s star was born tonight’’
According to what is reported by Amine, her mother did not suffer through any of pain that pregnant women suffered while she was pregnant wis our Prophet and did not suffer any prenatal or postnatal pain.
On the night of the Prophet’s birth, fourteen columns of the palace of Kisra, one of the cruel rulers of the world, were destroyed, causing horror and fear in the palace.
The sacred fire of the magi, which had not died out for a thousand years in Istahribat, Iran, was extinguished on the night the Prophet was born.
The waters of the Save lake, which was receded and dried up, and the Semave valley near the Euphrates River in Iraq was filled with water. Nubezan, the Muslim judge of Iran and the clergyman, saw in his dream that some stray camels came to Iran by crossing the Tigris River by bringing a lot of Yuruk horses with them.
When Kisra was informed that these four events took place at the same night, Kisra had them interpreted by the prophets. All the oracles predicted that the Sassanid empire would be ended by the Arabs after fourteen rulers.
Shifa, who was with her mother on the night of our Lord’s birth, witnessed that a light covered her all around that night and later told her son Abdurrahman bin Avf. All these events were the harbinger of a new horizon, a bright future, a blessed guest that will be remedy to all troubles. With the advent of the Master of the Universe to the world, the symbols of cruelty and tyranny were destroyed, and the places that occupied the mind and heart of humanity disappeared. Flood flowing like elated hearts filled the valleys. The earth’s sky finally attained the sun guidance.
The Prophet Mohammad was born in 571 A.D. on Monday, April 20th, in Mecca, located in the Hejaz region in the west of the Arabian Peninsula.. Abdulmuttalib, at the feast he gave in honour of his grandson’s birth, said to those who asked the name of the child: ‘’ I named him Mohammad. I wish that Allah in heaven and the people on earth may remember Him with goodness.’’
His mother called him ‘’Ahmed’’. Mohammad means highly praised by commemorating his superiority and merits. Ahmed means someone who praises our creator with his lofty attributes.
His Date of birth is no known accurately. The reason for this is that a certain calendar was not used among Arabs at that time. According to the generally accepted belief, he was born on a Monday, in April,50 – 55 days after the Elephant Incident.
The father of the Prophet Mohammad is Abdullah bin Abdulmuttalib from the Ban-Hashim branch of the Quraysh, and his mother Amine, the daughter of Wahb bin Abdulmenaf, a member of the Bani-Zuhre branch of the Quraysh tribe. The holy Prophet is the only child born of their marriage.
Abdullah, the father of the Prophet, was a handsome young man who was admired among his peers. There was a beauty and radiance in his face not found in other. It is accepted that this is the ‘’light of prophethood’’ belonging to the Prophet. According to the rumours, while Abdullah’s father (the Prophet’s grandfather) Abdulmuttalib recovered and repaired the Zamzam well, some of the prominent figures of the Quraysh tribe wanted to ridicule and humiliate him. Abdulmuttalib, who had no son other than Harith at that time, was vulnerable to them and made a vow that he would sacrifice one to Allah if he had ten sons. After a while, when his prayer was fulfilled and his ten sons were born, he was reminded of his dedication in a dream, and he used the lottery to determine which of his sons he would sacrifice.
The lot fell for his youngest son, Abdullah, he decided to sacrifice him, mut many people, especially his daughters opposed this decision. Abdulmuttalib, who was looking for a solution to fulfil his dedication, made a lottery draw between Abdullah and ten camels, which were accepted as diet according to the custom of that day, But Abdullah was the lot again. Abdulmuttalib continued the lottery by increasing the number of camels ten by ten, and when the number reached a hundred, he sacrificed 100 camels when finally the camels were drawn. Thus, he saved his beloved son Abdullah. Therefore, the Prophet said, ‘’ I am the son of two sacrifices ‘’, referring to the fact that both his father Abdullah and the son of his great ancestor Hz. Ibrahim, Hz. Ismail. were saved from being sacrificed. Unfortunately, human sacrifice was a customary behaviour in ancient societies.
When Abdullah reached his youth, he refused to accept many marriage proposals and finally got married to Vehb’s daughter, Amine, at his father’s initiative. It is known that Abdullah was eighteen years old at this time. When Abdullah returned from Syria, where he went for trade, he visited Yathrib (Medina) and visited his father’s uncle, Adi bin Neccar. However, he passed away after he got sick and was buried in Medina. When Abdulmuttalib heard about Abdullah’s Illness, he sent his elder son Haris to Medina, but his brother died before he arrived in the city. For this reason, the Prophet was born an orphan.
The Prophet’s mother, Amine, had a good place among the Qurayshi girls. Her father, Vehb, was one the notables of Bani-Zuhre. Abdulmuttalib took his son Abdullah with him and asked Amine’s uncle for Amine’s hand or, according to another rumour, her uncle Vuheyb, and got married after receiving a positive answer. In line with the traditions of the time, the first three days of the marriage took place in Amine’s house. There were various rumours in Islamic sources stating that some extraordinary events took place in the period between Hz. Mohammad’a conception and his birth. According to a rumour, when his mother was pregnant with the Prophet, she had a dream, indicating that she was pregnant with an important person and she was told to give the child the name Mohammad or Ahmed.
HIS CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH
Our Leader stays with his mother Amine for a while after his holy birth, and then, as is customary, he is given to wet nurse. According to the belief of those times, the main reason for giving the children to a wetnurse was to enable the children to grow up in the healthier desert air instead of the city and to enable them to learn correct Arabic at the speaking age. The Prophet was given to Halima bint Abu Zueyb, a member of the Sad bin Bakr branch of the Hevazin tribe, in accordance with this tradition. Halime went to Mecca at that time, which was also a year of famine, with her husband and other desert people, Bedouin women who made a living by nursing her. However, a wealthy family could not find a child, as is often preferred to make their living easier. In addition, when he learned that our Prophet was an orphan, he hesitated to take him. Despite this he decided to take him with him to a wet nurse in order to not return from Mecca empty handed. Finally. Our Lord stays with Halime, who is a wet nurse for two years. He is then brought back to Mecca. Amine, on the other hand, sees that the desert air benefits her child, and according to some rumours, she wants Him to stay with Halime for a while longer since there was an epidemic of plague in Mecca at that time. This time, the Prophet stays with his wetnurse until he is four of five years old. Then He is brought to Mecca and delivered to his mother. The Prophet’s foster father was Haris bin Abduluzza, and his siblings were Abdullah, Uneyse and Sheyma. According to the legend, Halime and Haris live on the the land after taking Mohammad with them; camels and sheep began to give more milk than before. Halime and Haris had witnessed many extraordinary qualities from the very beginning, had an anxiety about not being able to explain what was going on about our Lord, and they started to think that it would be more appropriate to return this wonderful child to his family.
When our master was left to his family, when he was six years old, his mother, Amine, took him to Yathrib with her concubine Umm Ayman. Here, they visited both his father Abdullah’s grave and the members of Beni Neccar, wo are considered uncles from Abdullah’s maternal side. While returning to Mecca after staying in Yathrib for about a month, Amine fell ill at a place called Ebva, which is about 190 km away from Medina, and at a young age reunited with Allah. It is told that Hz. Amine looked at her little baby shortly before her death: ‘’ Every ling thing dies. All that is new becomes old. Every great thing disappears. Surely I will die too, but I will always be remembered. Because I leave my son to the world as a good future. ‘’ Our Prophet, who was orphaned by the unexpected death of His mother, was brought to Mecca by Umm Ayman and handed over to His grandfather Abdulmuttalib. Grandfather Abdulmuttalib was very attentive to Mohammad, the precious memory of his beloved son Abdullah, whom he lost at a young age. He sits at the table with him and eats; from time to time he makes Him sit on his cushion in the shade of the Kaaba wall; He takes him with him while he is chairing the meetings in Darunnedye; With all his actions, he was trying not to make him feel the lack of paternal affection and love.
Darun Nedve is the meeting and consultation place of Makkan polytheists in Mecca, where there are ignorant people. We can also call it the city council or the parliament of the city state of Mecca of the Jahliyye devolution. Daru’n-Nedve in Mecca, where the oligarchy ( a political power in the hands of a small group of people) the administrative council of the city operated somewhat like its government.
Abdulmuttalib, who was over eighty years old, past on to the sweet hereafter shortly after he gave his eight year old grandson into the care of his uncle Abu Talib. Abu Talib was a brother of the Prophet’s father, Abdullah, from his parents. Abu Talib loved his nephew more than his own children, believed that He was auspicious and made a special effort to raise Him well. He used to take Him with him on some of his travels. As a matter of fact, when Prophet Mohammad was nine (or twelve) years old, when His uncle decided to go to Syria for trade, He wanted to go with His uncle. Seeing his nephew’s persistent request on this matter, Abu Talib took Him with him. A while after the caravan set out, he settled in Busra in Syrian territory. A priest named Bahira who lived in a monastery there invited the convoy to dinner. Bahira told Abu Talib that he has signs that little Mohammad is the promised Prophet to be sent in the Bible. He then drew attention to some dangers that could happen to Him and advised Abu Talib to protect Him well. Abu Talib was worried about this and interrupted his travels and returned to Mecca.
It is also known that when the Prophet Mohammad was only ten years old, He worked as a shepherd to help his uncle Abu Talib, who had a large family. During His prophethood, he said referring to this memory, ‘’ There is no prophet that should not herd sheep ‘’. The companions around Him said, ‘’ Did you also herd sheep Messenger of Allah ? ‘’ And the Prophet answered: ‘’ Yes, I also herded the sheep of the Meccans ‘’.
Abu Talib’s wife Fatima bint Asad showed more interest in the Prophet Mohammad than her won children. When our master grew up, He never forgot the goodness of his aunt. He visited her in her house in Medina and slept over from time to time. When His aunt passed away, He was very sad, He shrouded her shirt and led the funeral prayer himself. While telling the people about His sadness for her death, he showed his sense of loyalty by saying: ‘’ I was an orphan child in need of her care. She would feed me even though her own children were hungry. She would comb my hair instead of her own children. She was like my mother. ‘’ After his prophethood, Abu Talib stayed with his nephew and tried to do his best to protect himself, although he did not answer the prophet’s insistent proposals to accept Islam.
Having many sons among Arabs meant having great power and honour. In order to have many sons, it was necessary to marry as many women as possible at an early age. Due to the Arabian climate people reached puberty earlier than the people in our geography.
Our Lord was twenty years old but had not yet got married. He was considered to be late according to Arab traditions and customs. Undoubtedly, the biggest reason why He could not marry was that He was extremely poor. In addition, He was both fatherless and an orphan. He inherited a concubine, five camels, a few sheep, a sword and some silver from His father, which was insufficient for marriage according to the conditions of the time.
With the rise of the social status of the Prophet in the Virtuous Movement, which was a non-governmental organization, during His youth period, He was frequently invited to trade caravans by His relatives and other Quraish people. Once he delivered goods on the caravan of a merchant, who, because of his illness could not go on the expedition and made a successful trade. Young Mohammad had become a sought-after employee among the Qurayshi and started to earn His life easily. The increase in His earnings meant that the possibility of marriage increased.
Prophet Mohammad was in His uncle Abu Talib’s home since he was eight years old. They loved Mohammad and Mohammad loved them. This love was very sincere and powerful.
Young Mohammad was very fond of His uncle Abu Talib’s daughter, Fahite. He was in love with her. There was a strong affection between the two young people. When our Lord began earning His living. He asked His uncle for Fahite’s hand. However belong the Arabs of that time, marriages were based on many social and political reasons. Emotional reasons were not given much importance. Abu Talib also had some thoughts and plans for his daughter Fahite.
At the same time, Hubeyra, the son of His uncle from the Mahzum tribe wanted Fahite. He was a good poet like Abu Talib, he was well placed within the Hubeyra tribe. Poetry was an important status. By marrying his daughter to Hubeyra, Abu Talib would not only gain a good and rich groom, but also strengthen their kinship ties. Like the son of Mahzumogullari, he would win in an ally among the Qurayshi’s whose strength grew day by day.
Although he loved his nephew very much, he did not find him ready for such a marriage yet. But he did not want to offend his nephew,Mohammad, either. Therefore, Abu Talib’s response to Mohammad about his daughter Fahite was highly political.
‘’ Mohammad! My brother’s son! Hubeyra, from Bani-Mahzun, wants Fahite. They had given us a daughter from their daughters before. Those who do generosity should be rewarded by generosity.’’
Abu Talib here meant his mother, Fatima Bint-I Amr, as the daughter given to them by the sons of Mahzum.
Young Mohammad realized that his uncle did not want to give his daughter to Him. He never raised this issue again.
Fahite married Hubeyra. They had a son named Umm Hani. Hz. Mohammad’s feelings for Fahite turned into strong respect after their marriage. The disappointment of the young Mohammad about Fahite and the heartache that arose as a result made his soul a little more sensitive. He did not yet know that, as everything else, this was a necessity of a perfect plan that was fictionalized from time immemorial. If He had married Fahite, it would not have been possible for Him to marry Hz. Khadija later. There is no doubt that Khadija personality would be His greatest support in lifting the burden of that divine mission that would later be put on His back. On the other hand, it was not possible for Fahite to help him lift his heavy burden with her personality. For this reason, it was more appropriate for the young Mohammad to marry Khadija rather than Fahite, in terms of the realization of this divine mission, despite his desire. However, as Allah says ‘’ We made the fate of man dependent on his own efforts ‘’, may also make different conditions a means for testing. Existence, absence, illness and health are always among out test questions.
It is known that frequent wars broke out among Arab tribes for various reasons during the period of Ignorance. So much so that wars were fought even in the forbidden months (Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram, Safer, Rabi al-Awwal) when it was forbidden to shed blood. Since the haram (forbidden by religion/unlawful) took place during the months, these wars were called the Ficars wars. Our Lord had to participate in such a war in his youth. It is a preferred opinion among different narrations on this subject that He participated in the fierce war between the allied Quraysh-Kinane and Kays-Aylan tribes with His uncles but did not actually fight, but protected the belongings of His uncles, also responded to the arrows with a shield. He was about fifteen years old.
When the Prophet Mohammad was twenty years old, he attended the meeting held for the treaty called Hilfu’l-fudul. The meeting was held for the injustice made to the weak and weak people who came to Mecca for pilgrimage and trade, as well as the frequent inter-tribal wars, with the initiative of the Prophet’s uncle Zubayr bin Abdulmuttalib, the richest, oldest and most influential chieftain. It was made under the presidency of Teymi. Those who took part in this movement, which means ‘’ the oath of virtuous people ‘’, which is a non-governmental organization, swore that they would protect everyone who suffered injustice, behave as a single hand until they are given their rights, and would help each other financially. He also praised this alliance after His prophethood and said: ‘’ I had agreed to a treaty made in Temi’s house, which I would not change for beautiful red camels. If I am invited to such a treaty today, I would go without hesitation.’’
Much blood was spilled in the last Ficar battle. The Public order in Mecca was disturbed too much and there was almost no such thing as peace. During this period, the strong crushed the weak mercilessly in Mecca, injustice was still going on. Neither the locals of Mecca nor the tourists and merchants coming to Mecca from outside had property, life and honour. Plundering and looting had become the custom of the Arabs. In short, there was a raging and a rabid dark age in Mecca. Relatives turned to enemies, sisters slaughter each other. As the late Mehmet Akif said, ‘’ someone who had no teeth could be eaten by his brothers ‘’ Theft had become a profession. Whatever was found as property would be stolen. The goods of those who came to Mecca from abroad were sometimes bought cheaply and sometimes seized without paying any money. Even the wives and daughters of those who came from abroad were taken from them by force and were detained in Mecca.
The weak were subjected to all kinds of ill-treatment, they could not find an official or unofficial office to tell their troubles, and they could not resist the wrongdoers. At that time, a camel load belonging to one of Yemen’s Zebid tribe was seized. They went up Mound Abu Kubeys and shouted the cruelty and insulted they suffered to all the people of Mecca and they raised their lungs and asked for help. Zubayr, the prophet’s uncle, brought together the sane notables of Mecca , the families of Hashim, Zuhra and Taim. They gathered at the house of Abdullah bin Taymi, one of the old, wealthy and respected people of Mecca. They founded the hilful-fudul society. The aim of the society was that no one who suffered persecution, be it local or foreign, will be left in Mecca. It was decided to continue this work until the seas run out of water, the mountains of Hira and Sebir disappear and, if necessary, worship in the Kaaba disappears. Our Prophet, as a 20 year old young man, was invited, enrolled, and took an active role in the society that was established with these real feelings and good goals.
In those days, Abu Jahl, the uncle of the prophet of compassion, paid the goods of a foreigner who came to Mecca to sell the goods he produced, and the man did not give his goods at that price. However, because of the fear of Abu Jahl, nobody paid more and bought this property. The man was victimized because he could not sell his property at its valued price. Hearing this, our Lord went to the market, bought the man’s property with its right value and saved the man from suffering despite Abu Jahl. With this incident, our Prophet opposed Abu Jahl for the first time. One day, a foreign merchant who sold a large amount of goods to Abu Jahl two years before and was still suffering because could not get his money, came to the Hilful Fudul community to tell him about his troubles and complained and asked for help. The people there said to the merchant, ‘’ Go to Mohammad – ul Emin and tell Him about your problem.’’ The nickname of our Prophet was now Mohammad ul Emin. ‘’ reliable Mohammad ‘’ When the man told our Prophet about his problem, the Prophet took the merchant with him and went to the house of Abu Jahl. Seeing this, many people from Mecca came there and started to watch what would happen from behind. Everyone wanted to see what Abu Jahl would do the Prophet. Our Lord knocked on the door. Abu Jahl opened the door. Speaking about the situation, the young Mohammad said, ‘’ Bring this man’s money right away.’’ Abu Jahl went in, brought the money and paid the man’s debt. Our Lord took the man from there and left. Those who watched the event from the outside said: ‘’ Woe to you, your glory, your reputation, by doing what the twenty-year-old Mohammad said out of his fear. ‘’ Abu Jahl came out in a whim, and shouted to the people who condemned him ‘’ Know that I am not afraid of Mohammad. When Mohammad knocked on my door, a tremor started in my house, I would not open the door, but I had to open the door because I was afraid that the house would collapse. When Mohammad told me,’’ This man has gotten from you, bring him and give him money’’, I would not give the money, but at that moment I did not know what I was doing. I paid the man’s dept, otherwise I am not afraid of Mohammad.’’ The people dispersed from there. Thus, our Prophet defeated Abu Jahl, whom the people of Mecca thought irresistible, with the permission and help of Allah. Now the people questioned Abu Jahl’a power and came to the conclusion that he was not an invincible person.
The Kaaba has occasionally undergone minor and major repairs throughout history. When the Kaaba was first built, it was open. The falling rains caused damage to the walls from the inside and the outside. The first roof of the Kaaba was built by Qusay b Kılab, one of the grandfathers of the Prophet, while the Kaaba was being rAbuilt. There was a well in the Kaaba. This place is used as a treasure store, gifts coming to the Kaaba were put here. The thieves stole something from this unprotected well at a time when the rainwater destroyed some of the walls of the Kaaba. That’s why the Quraysh decided to rAbuild the Kaaba. This restoration of the Kaaba was made during the youth of our Prophet. During this repair, the timber of the ship belonging to a Greek merchant who had an accident near Jeddah in the Red Sea was purchased by Walid bin Mugire, who was sent to Jeddah for this purpose and used in the construction of the Kaaba. A Greek architect who was there at that time was brought to Mecca to oversee the construction.
There is a stone named Hacer-I Aswad in the Kaaba. It is stated that when its colour was white, it darkened because of people sins, were taken down from heaven, protected on Mount Abu Kubeys during Noah’s Flood, and the Prophet Abraham was put in place during the construction of the Kaaba, and he witnessed those who fulfilled his promise to Allah. During this great restoration, there was a dispute among the families of the Quraysh about replacing the sacred stone ‘’ Hacer-I Aswad ‘’, and when they fought about who would place the stone, they had come to the stage of bloodshed. Abu Umayya bin Mugire, the oldest of Mecca and Quraysh said ‘’ Wait, you won’t get anything by fighting and spilling blood. Accept the arbitration of the first person who will enter Safa tomorrow morning, let’s resolve the dispute as the judge wants, what do you think? ‘’ This offer was accepted. In the morning, while the notables of the Quraysh were waiting for the first person to enter the Safa gate, they were happy when they saw our Prophet. Because they were all saying to Him ‘’ El Emin ‘’. They were sure of His righteousness, honesty and impartiality, and they all trusted Him. When the situation was explained to young Mohammad, he wanted a rug. The rug was brought. While everyone was wondering what to do, young Mohammad knocked down the rug. He put Hagar-I Aswad on the rug. He chose one person from each tribe. He asked these people to hold the rug. Everyone grabbed one end of the rug. In this way, everyone had the common honour to replace Hacer-I Aswad. Those holding the kilim lifted the stone to where it was placed. Young Mohammad placed the stone in its place with his own hands. With such a simple method that no one could think of, fighting was prevented and each tribe attained the honour of being replaced by Hacer-I Aswad. This act of arbitration of our Prophet brought him honour bey the people of Meccan and increased His dignity and credibility among them. He had now become a person with the capacity to lead the nation in the eyes of the people, to produce measures to meet the needs of the people and to lead social events.
The Prophet Mohammad was engaged in trade like many Qurayshis in Mecca. The young Mohammad, who started his business life by helping Abu Talib, who was engaged in fabric and grain trade, continued the trade in the years when His uncle was getting old. It is known that in this period, Prophet Mohammad travelled to various places for trade. In adolescence, it is determined that he went to the Hubashe fair, once of twice to Yemen, as well as to the Musakkar and Deba fairs in Eastern Arabia, and even to Abyssinia. Due to these travels, while learning the necessities of commercial life on one hand, He had the opportunity to get to know the people living in various parts of Arabia closely, to learn their language and dialects, religious, political and social situations on the other.
The Prophet Mohammad, who lived a good life without getting involved in any of the widespread evils of the Jahliyya period and reached the age of twenty-five with the unity of the sources, was named ‘’ Mohammadu’l-Emin’’ or just al-emin because of his chastity, manhood, mercy and righteousness in his business life as well as his integrity and reliability. Kays bin Saib, one of the Meccan merchants, stated that he did a lot of business with the Prophet Mohammad and that he did not find a better partner than him and said: ‘’ When he was going on a commercial journey, I would have transferred some business to Him. When He returned from the trip, He would not retreat to His own home without seeing to it that I would be completely satisfied. On the other hand, if he referred me a job when I went on a trip, He would just ask me if I was in good health and about well-being while everybody was asking me about their work.
OUR PROPHET İS GETTİNG MARRİED
El Emin had reached the age of 25. These were the days when his uncle Abu Talib had a hard time and was financially scarce. Although the economic situation was not very good, Uncle Abu Talib hat a family he was responsible for.
In those days, there was a trade caravan deperting from Mecca. However, it was not yet determined who would lead the caravan. So, Abu Talib confronted young Mohammad and said: ‘’ Oh my brother’s son, my nephew! You know I am a man without property. Our problems are increasing day by day. Unfortunately, every new year comes with new troubles that we will not like. We have neither property nor a trade!’’
While saying these, Abu Talib was also concerned about the possibility of taking a step in to the wrong business. Obviously, he was on the edge of a difficult decision. In fact, it was clear that an offer would come from the course of the word.
‘’ I heard that your tribe arranged a caravan for trade in Damascus. Huveylid’s daughter, Khadija, was also looking for a reliable man to be assigned to this caravan, a partner in her trade. Although I do not like you going to Damascus and fear some jealous and sinister clergy there will do you harm, I am ultimately desperate. You know, if you go to him…..I think he will probably prefer you over others for this job because of his trust, safety and your clean nature’’
For our Prophet, this was a difficult decision to make. Because he was not used to go and present himself to someone else and ask for something. That’s why El Emin’s aunt Atike intervened. Atike was also married to Khadija’s brother. In fact, she was someone who knew both sides very well. It was up to Abu Talib so that our Prophet, who behaved indignantly against everything, would not show himself in this matter.
She had already opened this subject to get the approval of our Master. The Prophet expressed his positive view of the issue by saying ‘’ Whatever you want ‘’ to the offer.
Receiving the positive answer of our Prophet, his uncle went to Khadija. At the same time, his intention in this meeting was to mention the reliability and superior merits of the young Mohammad, and to explain that the wage to be received would not be the same as the other people who aspire to the job.
When Abu Talib started talking about Mohammadul Emin some associations started to develop in Khadija. Because she had listened to the story of someone with these characteristics from her cousin Varaka bin Nevfel for a long time. Since she was little, someone had been told about these features. In fact, she was looking for someone with these qualities for her job, and now she found what she was looking for.
Khadija was about to do the most profitable trade of her life. Abu Talib said, ‘’ Khadija! I got the news that he would pay tow camels for this job; My nephew Moahamma ul Emin and I would like you for twice the same.’’
‘’ Abu Talib! Indeed, you have asked for a very easy and pleasant fee! If you had asked many times more that I would accept it again and give it without hesitation. I would do this if you wanted me to, even for someone I dislike and am distant to; Besides, you demand it for someone I admire very much!’’
The price was agreed and there was no obstacle for the journey. It was a three-month journey. Abu Talib had concerns about. He reminded his nephew, whom he valued as much as his son, of his previous journey and what Priest Bahira had said. That’s why he strictly admonished his nephew to be careful during the journey.
Then finally came the day of departure and the caravan set out with great hopes. A man named Meysere was accompanying our Prophet on his journey. Meysere never left his side and followed our Prophet step by step throughout the journey. Because Khadija assigned him this job.
Khadija, had been married twice before and her two husbands had passed away. She had some property left from these husbands and she was trading with these goods.
Due to her position, she was constantly getting a marriage proposal by the notables and richest people of Mecca. However, she did not persistently accept these offers. She was aware that many of these proposals had the intention of consolidating the capitals and becoming even richer.
In fact, one of those who proposed to her was Abu Jahl. She had refused him too. In any case, she was showing that she was not thinking of marrying anyone.
She was busy with trade. For this, she organized caravans. In one of the caravans she organized, she sent her own goods to different routes for trade. She hired the men necessary for her job, formed partnerships, and was a successful businesswoman who headed one of the international trade companies of that time.
After a long journey, the caravan arrived safely in Damascus. Everyone in the caravan hurriedly made their way to the bazaar for trade. The Prophet went to the bazaar to realize his purpose, to sell the goods he brought at an affordable price, and to return with new loads. He negotiated and made an agreement with a merchant he met. However, the man subsequently asked the Prophet Mohammad to take an oath insistently for his trade. This was not a normal oath either. He stubbornly wanted an oath on Lat and Uzza, who were considered the great idols that day.
However, young Mohammad had never respected these idols in any period of his life and never swore by them. So he reacted to this meaningless request and said to the man:
‘’ I never swear by them; there is nothing as unpleasant to me as they are. ‘’
The Prophet told the man that he would never make an agreement under these conditions and that there would be no agreement unless his terms were accepted.
Meysere watched what was happening from the corner. These events were important for him as he would report what happened to his boss Khadija when he returned.
When the Prophet left the man, the merchant came to Meysere and said;
‘’ Do you know him? Who is this guy? ‘’
Even before leaving Meysere to reply to him, he gave his verdict and then said the following: ‘’ Do not let go of him; certainly, he is expected!
The shopping in Damascus was completed in a short time and the caravan set out again for its return. Everyone was very tired after the long journey and it was time for a break, the most popular part of the journey. They stopped somewhere and took the expected break. Everyone was resting aside. On the other hand, they were calculating the benefits arising from their shopping.
Young Mohammad, on the other hand, enjoyed the shadow of an old tree. After a while, someone appeared, running, coming the place where they took a break. The person who came was none other than Reverend Nastura, who was watching them from afar. The priest came to Meysere and gently questioned:
‘’ Who is sitting in the shade under that tree? !!
‘’ He is Mohammad Inb Abdullah. A young man from the harem!’’, Meysere answered the question asked.
The priest did not like this short answer. Because the person to whom he was looking for the answer to the question asked could not be explained so simply. Inf fact, he asked implying something, while asking. He asked again, acting pathetically as if he didn’t even know him.
‘’ Does he have some redness in his eyes? ‘’
‘’ Yes there is,’’ said Meysere.
The verdict of the answer that the priest was waiting for seemed certain and he swore:
‘’ God be my witness that none other than the messenger has been accommodated under this tree until today. There is no doubt that hi is the prophet mankind has been waiting for. He is also the last of the prophets.’’
Meysere was in awe. He could not make much sense of all these developments. He was just trying to record his notes without missing any details, with the sensitivity of fulfilling the duty his lady Khadija gave him duly. When the priest found what he was looking for so close, he wanted to get to know the traveller better and continued to ask questions about him. He asked Meysere if there was any interesting incident during the trip. Meysere told him about the oath incident that took place in the Damascus Bazaar. Nastura was even more excited by what he heard.
‘’ God be my witness that this is the messenger we have been waiting for. Please take care and watch over him at the cost of your life!’’ he said.
The he turned excitedly to young Mohammad. First he kissed him respectfully on the forehead, and then fell to his feet and said:
‘’ I testify that You are that person God mentions in the Torah.’’
After a while, the caravan set off again. When the Prophet was just 12 years old, he went on a journey to Damascus with his uncle Abu Talib, but returned before reaching Damascus. Because there was a cloud moving with him on it and this cloud caught the attention of Priest Bahira who realized that he was the coming prophet. He warned his uncle not to go to Damascus, but to return to Mecca.
On this second journey, there was also a cloud following our Prophet. The cloud had caught Meysere’s attention. On the way, Meysere saw that two angels shaded our prophet in the form of cloud and stared at them in amazement.
In this geography where the desert climate prevails, a cloud that is in motion in such heat, also following someone…..a cloud that goes where the person goes and stops when he stops is a miracle. In addition, he admired Meysere, whom he witnessed during this journey, to the young Mohammad, and he decided to devote his life to this young man from now on.
They were finally approaching Mecca. It was the hottest time of the day. Hearing the caravan coming, Khadija climbed to a high place and started to watch the caravan approaching from afar. From afar she too saw a cloud shaped like the wings of two angels. This cloud overshadowed Mohammadu’l-Emin. She immediately summoned them to share what she had seen with her friends. It was an extraordinary sight indeed. Everyone who saw it could not hide their astonishment.
El Emin made the best use of the goods the bought in Damascus, and the good he brought with him were sold in Mecca with a lot of value and a good profit was made from the trade. Relics were also delivered with care. The eyes of Khadija, who was watching the caravan’s path, were not on the gain. She was mostly waiting for the news that Meysere would bring.
For Meysere, this journey was very different from the previous ones he had in his life; During the journey, he had neither witnessed any injustice nor did he have any uneasiness along the way. He had traded with very different people before. However this time was completely different.
Khadija started to ask Meysere with great enthusiasm what he had witnessed. Mersere was also excited while telling his wife what had happened. He repeatedly recounted what he had witnessed on the way and praised young Mohammad.
Khadija was actually looking for these stories. She was seeing the person in the stories she had been listening to until now, in the real world. When she learned all this, she immediately. Went to her uncle’s son Varaka bin Nawfel. Varaka was a kind of mentor to Khadija. She had learned about the future Prophet from him before. That’s why she went to Varaka again to ask about what she had heard from Meysere and her opinion about therese events. Varaka said:
‘’ If what you said is true. Khadija, there is no doubt that Mohammad is the prophet of this ummah. I also knew that humanity has an expected Prophet. This time is already is.
Varak had already waited for the last Prophet to come. Khadija was excited by the answer she received. That’s why she wanted to be closer to Mohammad because of his high merits.
The easiest and most intimate way was to marry him. But Khadija’s thoughts were only to herself. She had not yet revealed her thoughts to anyone, and she did not know how to explain it or how to propose.
Her friend Nefise, who knew Khadija closely, noticed Khadija’s thoughtful state and the change in her. So one day she said to Khadija, ‘’ What is happening to you, what is this state of yours, Khadija? I’ve always been with you until today, but I’ve never seen you so thoughtful!’’ She asked.
Khadija was hesitant about telling the matter to her friend Nefise. She paused for a while. She couldn’t answer. But how could she realize her thinking without taking a step? I is necessary to take a step in such good work so that the purpose can be achieved. That’s why she started to tell Nefise what was on her mind.
‘’ Nefise ! There is no doubt that I see superiority in Mohammad, son of Abdullah, that I have not seen in others. He is upright, faithful and sure, of honour and of a pure ancestry! The most auspicious person to come across. On top of that, there is surprise and good news for Him! It is a strange situation….Looking at what Meysere told me…When I listened to what the priest told and witnessed the developments in the bazaar – market…While I was coming from Damascus with the caravan, watching the cloud that overshadowed him, my heart almost jumped; I believed that the expected Nabi of this ummah is none other than Him!’’
Nefise was trying to understand the problem of her friend, and asked:
‘’ Well what does it have to do with you getting so pale and thoughtful for so many days?’’ Khadija had to speak more clearly.
‘’ I hope to join paths by marrying him; but I do not know how to achieve this either.’’
Nefise now understood her friend’s situation.
‘’I’ll take a pulse for you, if you want!’’ Replied her friend. Khadija was excited with this answer.
‘’ If you can do this, Nefise, no delay, do it now’’ she said.
Nefise left Khadija in a hurry and started looking for our Lord in a hurry. He learned where he was in a short time and went to him. First he saluted and then:
‘’ Mohammad’’ she called. Our Prophet started to listen Nefise. ‘’ What prevents you from getting married. Why don’t you marry? , she asked.
Our Prophet did not expect this question.
‘’ I have no way of getting married. ‘’
Indeed, our Prophet did not have enough financial means to get married. Getting married meant responsibility. Unfortunately, many of these responsibilities required being financially well – off. He started to tell Nefise that this situation was not a problem.
‘’ If this situation ceases to be a problem for you and you encounter a value-fortune in terms of beauty, property, honour and equivalence to you, would you not give a positive answer? ‘’
She spoke to His soul in such a way that it was obvious that she was talking about a candidate. Understanding this situation, our Lord said, ‘’ So who is this?’’ he asked curiously.
‘’ Khadija….’’
Our Prophet understood the situation. It was Khadija, who had traded with him just a few days ago and brought his caravan to Damascus. However, marriage was not a situation that could be easily decided as commerce. So he said:
‘’ How is this going to happen?’’
Of course, Nefise’s aim was not how this would work. Her main purpose was to figure out whether this could happen. So she took a sigh of relief after what she heard. Because the answer she heard were considered positive. Young Mohammad did not say that the offer would not be possible, he said how could it be? After that, it was easy for Nefise. ‘’ Leave it to me. I’ll deal with it’’
Our Lord did not answer. Because to her ‘’ silence was acceptable ‘’ she immediately left and returned to Khadija with excitement. She explained what had been discussed one by one, and Khadija sighed with relief.
When the response was positive, Khadija sent another news to our Lord, in which she clearly explained the reasons behind her offer.
‘’ Undoubtedly, I have aspired to you because of the closeness of kinship ties between us, your unique position among your people, your good morals and observance of trust, and the truthfulness of your words. Tell your uncles to step in to run the business!’’ Our Prophet went to his uncle Abu Talib right after this offer. He explained the conversation with Nefise in detail. Of course, his nephew was valuable for Abu Talib. However, Khadija, who received a proposal from him to be ignored. He had a life with dignity and honour. He was one of the most prominent people in Mecca in terms of honour and lineage. Abu Talib understood that his nephew was also keen on this matter. Therefore, he evaluated the offer positively, saying, ‘’ why not ‘’.
With the positive evaluation and acceptance of the offer, the foundations were laid for a happy marriage that would last for many years, together in happy and sad days, in which children would be born, who would continue a good generation after them.
Soon after, our Lord’s uncles Abu Talib, Abbas and Hamza went to ask for Khadija’s hand in marriage. Although the people who were going to marry were willing to do this themselves, the elders had to be asked for their opinions and approval. Not only that, but also the ceremonies that had to be held between families and this happy event had to be announced to everyone. Abu Talib spoke first to ask for the girl’s hand:
‘’ Praise be to Allah who made us a descendant of Abraham and the lineage of Ishmael! Undoubtedly, He is the one who devotes us to the service of the people, honouring us by serving his house, glorifying us with service to the Harem, turning his home into a place where people turn to and breath safety for us, and bring us forward by making judgments about people. As for my brother’s son Mohammad, he is Abdullah’s son Mohammad. Whoever tries to complete with him, Mohammad will surely prevail. Although he does not have a lot of assets in terms of property and belongings, he is superiors to everyone in terms of honour, nobility, bravery, courage, wisdom and virtue. After all property is like a lost shadow; is entrusted and cannot be permanent. However, there are great news about him, innovations that will amaze everyone! He asks for Khadija, your daughter.’’
In response to these words, the girls family had some things to say. For this reason, Khadja’s uncle Amr ibn Ada, gave a speech describing the virtues of Khadija because our mother’s father passed away in the Ficar Wars:
‘’ As you mentioned, praise be to Allah who made us superior to people you mentioned’ There is no doubt that we are the prominent and masters of the Arab. So are you! None of the Arabs can deny your virtue and ignore your points of honour and pride. Be a witness to our common honour and as come from the same roots as you, I wed Khadija, daughter of Howaylid, to Abdullah’s son Mohammad in exchange for the (mentioned) dowry.’’
The generally accepted proceedings had also been completed, now there was only a wedding dinner left. Thus, a difficult but peaceful marriage life of our Prophet and mother Khadija that would last 25 years, began.
On the other hand, there was nothing to say to the joy of Abu Talib, who went through difficult times under the heavy economic conditions of the time; He sincerely praised Allah, who made way and opened such a door for his nephew. Of course, it was not only Abu Talib who rejoiced! The people of mecca approved of this alliance sincerely.
However, that day, nobody’s joy could match that of Hz Khadija. She followed our Prophet so closely that she invited Halima, the mother of her husband’s wet-nurse, who was now an integral part, to their wedding. Thus, she wanted to share the happiness of the orphan. His joy would not detract from his generosity and she would not make him forget what he had to do.
After staying in the house of Uncle Abu Talib for a few days, they would settle in the new house taken from our mother Khadija’s nephew, and so a new life, which lasted 15 years until the revelation, would begin.
Mohammadu L-Emin was an exemplary head of the family from now on. When appropriate, he helped his wife with housework, often taking care of his own needs, and built a happy and exemplary home where mutual respect and love were essential.
Although she had the opportunity to do this, Khadija did not leave the housework to her maids or men in order to serve her husband, but carried out all these herself with great pleasure. She was so devoted to His pleasure, so devoted to Him that she was uncomfortable with the thought that even a strand of his being touched, and she made great efforts not to make any disturbing action towards Him.
THE FİRST REVELATİON
Prophet Mohammad tells us that he received a message from the supreme creator, he was dealing with the revelation as follows:
‘’ one day I was in Hira again, the angel; who said he was Gabriel came and said to me, Mohammad! You are the messenger of Allah.’’ I was standing I got down on my knees.
He said ‘’ Read ‘’
I said ‘’ I cannot read.’’Thereupon the angel grabbed me and choked me until I had no strength and let go. So much so that for a moment I thought I was dying. When I let go, I was relieved and again:
He repeated ‘’ Read ‘’
‘’ I can’t read! ‘’ I said. This situation was repeated once more and the third time the angel said: ‘’ Recite in the name of your Lord who created : created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Read! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, He Who taught (the use of) the pen, Taught man that which he knew not. ‘’ This time I read it too. When I read, the angel left me. When I came out of the cave the angel told me several times:
‘’ Mohammad! Your are the messenger of Allah, and I am Gabriel, the angel of revelation’’.
How should we read this ‘’ read ‘’ message when there is no book sent down to earth yet, this request made against someone who can not read? It was a reference to the concepts of thinking questions and reason, this call to read! Reading in the eyes of revelation to be aware of the power of Allah together with the verses of the universe and creation.
Nobody can deny the importance of reading. Especially you: as a reader, when your eyes are on these lines, you also know that our creator gave us the advice of the doomsday travellers in a journey of the Qur’an with Surah Alak, which is the first Sura to be sent down to earth. Surah Alak; the Surah of Creation.
The first word to refer to the creation is to ‘’ read ‘’. Surah Alak describes the importance of reading and learning, the story of the creation of man, the functionality of the pen, that these are a gift given to all believers by Allah. Believers should obey their Prophet by thinking about these. Otherwise they will suffer torment.
The emphasis on ‘’ Read ‘’ is the magnificent address in Allah’s first address to Gabriel, the Angel of Revelation, and his servant Mohammad. Look, Allah does not address us with Basmalah at the first call. Even to our Prophet who cannot read. And what was he supposed to read anyways our lord of all realms? There was no book sent down to earth yet.
While the Prophet was in the cave of Hira, where he used to spent time alone, on the 27th night of the month of Ramadan ( Sunday-to Monday), just before the dawn broke in, he saw a shape of light on the horizon; He heard this luminous being, which he had never encountered before, calling out to him. Prophet Mohammad tells the event as follows: ‘’ The angel ordered me to read. I told him I could not read. He took me in his arms and squeezed tightly; The ne said ‘’ Read!’’ again, I said, ‘’ I cannot read ‘’. He took me back into his arms, squeezed me tightly, and repeated: ‘’Read!’’ I said I cannot read again. After he took me between his arms for the third time and squeezed me for the last time, he let me go and said:
‘’ Recite in the name of your Lord who created-He created man from a blood clot, Read! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, He Who taught (the use of) the pen, Taught man that which he knew not’’
Read! Read what?
Was there a written text in the hands of the Prophet Mohammad when the address to read speech came? Of course not ! There was no written text given to the Messenger of Allah! Well, since a written text was not given to him, is there anything to discuss about or not that this person can read and write? After that, there is another important point that should draw our attention.
Since he was not given a written text; What was the Messenger of Allah asked to ‘’ Read ‘’ with the warning ‘’ Read!’’?
‘’ Reading ‘’ has two meanings as a word….First, to understand what something is based on ‘’ looking ‘’….Second, ‘’ to evaluate ‘’ what one looks at based on ‘’ seeing ‘’!
‘’ Looking ‘’ is one thing; ‘’ to see ‘’ is a separate thing!
Everyone ‘’looks’’, only some see ! In other words, what is meant by ‘’ seeing ‘’ is to solve the meaning of what you see and to evaluate it…..
You can listen to something, but it takes a strong force of mind, logic, and reasoning to be able to understand and evaluate what you are listening to….Like that, seeing what you look at is a special feature!
What is the system in reading like?
Here, ‘’ reading ‘’ means deciphering and analysing the written texts you look at in one sense, and seeing what you look at and in another sense, evaluating that thing by deriving new meanings from it with a strong logic and reasoning. Since our subject is not to ‘’ read ‘’ a written text; How will we evaluate the meaning of the ‘’ Read ‘’ address made to the Prophet Mohammad ?
Let’s try to explain the subject with an example….Sport commentators or sports critics often emphasize the following issue when evaluating coaches: ‘’ He read the first half of the match very well, accordingly the team played very well in the second half with the tactics he gave.
So ‘’ Reading ‘’ beyond analysing a written text in another sense, is to grasp why, how, where, what we are watching comes from and towards what goal it brings us. In other words, with the address of ‘’ Read ‘’, Hz. Mohammad was asked to read the order, ‘’ system ‘’ created by Allah.
We have to consider the ‘’ Read ‘’ message in relation to two options.
The ‘’ Read ‘’ system belongs exclusively to the Prophet Mohammad, generally it does not concern us; We do not have an obligation to ‘’ read ‘’! In this case, it is unnecessary to try to understand what the Qur’an and the Messenger of Allah say! Our task is to do just what is said, blindly, brainlessly like a trained creature!
Or…..The ‘’ Read ‘’ system is an address made to the entire ummah through the Prophet Mohammad; everyone who believes in Prophet Mohammad is asked to ‘’ Read ‘’
In this case, too, all believers are obliged to ‘’ read ‘’ the life system created by Allah, the order of Allah, and Allah’s plan!
We must think and understand this point very well! Read ! So think ! If you don’t read, if you don’t think……Remember Gabriel squeezing our Prophet…Live will squeeze you just as tightly my friend. Pay attention to the surah. Our creator talks about the pen there. Reading and writing are within the same lines. Also, let me state the name of the surah that descends after the ‘’ creation surah ‘’ time is ‘’ Surah of Al-Qalam’’. So the biggest sign is hidden here; the believer is literate. Reading is important. Reading is also talking to Allah….our Creator….our Almighty Lord. He is talking the dead.
Writing is even more important. Writing is to contact the unborn generations. To read and write; is to be a passenger on a time machine. If you read, you know, if your write you let know.
With the excitement, anxiety and fear of this fear and honourable mission, the Prophet Mohammad, who’s heart was beating in his throat, came down from Hira and went home hastily. These first verses were actually a challenge to ignorance and darkness. El Emin looked rather tired and pale. That is, before this, ‘’ He did not know what the book was, nor what faith was….When suddenly faced with a supreme task such as prophethood, it was quite natural that his anxieties made his heart tremble. When Hz Khadija saw him in front of her in a hurry she called: ‘’ Father of Kasim! Where have you been? I sent men to look for you’’ and then she greeted him. ‘’ cover me, cover me with a blanked ‘’ the Prophet managed to say. After a little rest, he told his companion Khadija what had happened in Hira and told her he was afraid. Could he fulfil this honourable duty for his Lord, who had given him the greatest and highest authority, the Prophethood, in a manner worthy of Him? Or would he be embarrassed ? Would he be upset? Would he be ashamed? Khadija, who very well understood the anxiety in Mohammad’s face, the fear and the anxiety in his heart, tried to calm him down by recalling the following features:
‘’ Mohammad! Do not be afraid! I swear to Allah that Allah will never embarrass you. Because (1) you take care of your relative, spouse and friend; (2) you help those who cannot afford your job; (3) you give to those who are in need, you earn what no one can; (4) you welcome your guests; (5) you are truthful, very reliable, and (6) have good morals, I swear by Allah, I wholeheartedly believe that you will be the Prophet of this ummah. ‘’
16 nights of the month of Ramadan were over. It was a Monday night, the 17th night of Ramadan. Mount Nur was in a deep and meaningful silence. Everything in that area was quiet and calm with it. It was midnight, and the dawn broke in.
The Prophet Mohammad was going through a very troubled period due the tension of the events in his society being around people who showed behaviour unacceptable to him, the fact that He could not intervene in them, and he could not come up with solutions to the problems of society and people increased this with distress. Prophet Mohammad had two places where he felt a little comfortable. The first is the place where the Hanifs who partially accepted his belief. They didn’t accept the ideology of Abraham and his tribe but turned to Islam. The second was the Hira Cave, where he had been retreating since he was 35 years old. Prophet Mohammad increased his seclusion even more, especially when he approached the age of forty. Sometimes for days, sometimes weeks, he stayed alone in Hira Cave and contemplated. Especially during this period, very strange events happened to Him. He began to see certain things that he could not decide whether was a dream or not, and to hear some beings calling to him. He was greeted, but he could not see the being who was greeting him. While going through this process, Khadija was his biggest supporter. When our Prophet thought about the possibility that he might be a Prophet or a madman, our mother Khadija distanced him from these thoughts and supported him morally. This mood continued until the arrival of the first revelation.
Why did the Messenger of Allah encounter such interesting events before the revelation, had strange dreams, heard voices that he could not understand?
All of these were actually to prepare the messenger of Allah for the event of ‘’The Relevation‘’ which the human body and psychology could not bear under normal conditions.
Despite all these preparations, the Messenger of Allah suffered a lot when the first revelation came. Even in later times, his friends who witnessed the revelation saw how terrifying the incident was.
In fact, the event that took place before the revelation were the result of Allah’s mercy on his last Prophet.
It is known that the Prophet Mohammad was an exemplary person in his society, morally pointed out.
Prophet Mohammad, who had the qualifications to deserve this, also possessed many characteristics generally sought in humans. He was able to manage people with beauty, come up with good solutions to their problems, continue his family life without any problems, and achieve success in his daily affairs.
The reason we remind you of all of this once again is this:
Even though the last messenger of Allah had all these characteristics, why couldn’t he came up a solution that could change society, a way to general salvation that would bring them out of their swamp? Because he lived deprived of the light of Revelation. It was only a revelation that gave meaning and life to all these beauties, and made them useful to society.
Unfortunately, as in every ignorant period, today too the measurements have been turned upside down. Do the feed on Revelation to those who offer people a way to salvation, those who are shown as leaders? This question is not asked. It is being looked at to see if it has some moral and similar characteristics. And see if he speaks well….Everyone with these qualities has his followers.
Moral qualities that exist even in some infidels who lived in the time, before or after our Prophet serve as validity for those who speak in the name of religion today.
No one had a better morality than the messenger of Allah. But it wasn’t enough for him, as human being, to bring light to the darkness alone. And when the revelation illuminated his path, all the beautiful characteristics he had became his greatest supporter in understanding, narrating and living the verses of Allah.
Our mother Khadija believed that Mohammad was a Prophet and that the revelation that came to him came from Allah without questioning. Thus, she became the first person to believe in Prophet Mohammad’s prophethood. Allah supported the Prophet Mohammad with Khadija and relieved his burden a little. Whenever Prophet Mohammad was in trouble, and whenever he faced a difficult situation, both in these early days of his prophethood and in his later years he would share them with his with Khadija, find comfort and ease with her support. His greatest helper after Allah was his wife Khadija. In these early days of his prophethood, he first taught the ablution and prayer that Gabriel taught him and led her to her first prayer.
We’ve mentioned his name before. Our mother Khadija had a cousin named Varaka bin Nevfel. Born and raised in Mecca and perished in Mecca, Varaka abandoned idolatry and became a Christian. He was a knowledgeable person who read the Torah and the Bible and listened to those who knew them. Varaka, who was blind in the last years of his life, also knew Hebrew. He even translated the Bible into Arabic. Let us remind you that the Bible was only translated by Cromwell from Latin to English in 1500s. Khadija would visit Varaka from time to time, ask him questions, and value his opinions and thoughts. She also informed Varaka that Hz. Mohammad was heralded by Prophethood.
Shortly after the revelation, Varaka bin Nawfel heard the claim that Mohammad was a Prophet from Mecca when he came to the Kaaba. Meanwhile, he saw Mohammad who came to the Kaaba to circumambulate and came to him and said: ‘’ Oh my brother’s son! Let me know what you see and hear.’’ Our Prophet told him what had happened. Upon this, Varaka said: ‘’ I swear by Allah that the honour that came to Moses has come to you. You are the Prophet of this ummah. You, too, will be denied like all the prophets before, you will be subjected to suffering and troubles, you will be expelled from your homeland and you will face wars. If I saw you at that time, Allah knows, I will definitely help you ‘’ and approached and kissed him on the forehead.
Not long after, our Prophet came across an incident: The incident of ‘’ The Revolution ‘’, so the cessation of the revelation….It was noticed that our Prophet once again felt great distress and sadness. So much so that the world seemed narrow for him. Meanwhile, Gabriel appeared several times to comfort him.
Our Prophet faced this sadness and uncertainly for exactly forty days. However, everything that happens in the world continues with a series of reason.
With the tiny scales of our minds, we sometimes catch the reasons and wisdom of events, and sometimes it is not possible for us to grasp. Because this event, which we could not even grasp with our human minds even though it had been thoroughly explained, again brought up great distress in our Prophet.
Especially, it is impossible and unlikely for anyone unwise to enter a task that has been mapped out with the pen of wisdom, like prophecy. Therefore, the incitement of revelation, the interruption of revelation, has definitely occurred for many reasons and causes. But we do not have the integrity of all wisdom.
Of course, our Prophet may have been very frightened by the first revelation and his soul was shaken by the weight of the revelation. In this case, this incident took place in order for his soul to find some tranquillity and to prepare for the next revelation.
Again, our Prophet needs to be accustomed to endure the suffering and pain he will encounter during his prophethood.
In addition, wisdom can be sought against revelation in order to make him want and desire more.
After a break of forty days full of worry and distress, the revelation came to our Prophet again.
He himself described the incident of the beginning of the revelation as follows:
‘’ One day while I was walking, I suddenly heard a noise in the sky. When I looked up, I saw the angel (Gabriel) who came to me in Hira, sitting on a dais between the earth and the sky. I dropped to the ground shivering. I went back to my house and said to my wife ‘’ Cover me, cover me !’’ Thereupon the Almighty Allah revealed the expected message:
‘ Oh Prophet hiding beneath a blanket! Arise and scare those who do not believe in you with torment! Talk about the greatness of your God! Keep your dress clean! Continue to disagree with the idolatry scum!’’ Now the revelation has begun to come and it has not been interrupted.
When the revelation began to come again, the troubles in the spirit of our Prophet ceased, and his soul attained peace and tranquillity.
What about our excuses? The first Sura to descent was the Sura of Creation (Alak). Surah Al-Qalam came just after it. So, shouldn’t we question our purpose of creation with the pen anymore?
THE MIRACLES OF THE QURAN
It should be noted that the Qur’an is a unique book sent as a mercy and guide to all humanity, with its verses that encourage both science and thinking, as well as its religious and moral verses, and its explanations to our most fundamental existential questions.
Since it is a book sent to humanity, it addresses them in a language they can understand. It has a plain expression and style. One of the reasons for its uniqueness is this feature.
Because the important thing is not just to explain an issue; the explanation made must be understandable. The verses of the Qur’an appeal to people of all levels with its simple expressions and explanations even in the most difficult issues, and in this aspect, it became a guide that conveys humanity to the truth.
Undoubtedly, the Qur’an is not a science book such as astronomy, physics, chemistry, psychology or sociology book. However, it touches all these and similar areas with such subtleties that it fascinates people who are especially interested in and knowledgeable about these issues.
The Qur’an does not make explanations like a science book, but it makes great claims on some issues that fall within the scope of science. The fact that the gigantic claims of a book that was revealed 1400 years ago have not been disproved in both scientific and philosophical terms until today, and on the contrary, is compatible with the data of modern science, is one of the important proofs that this book is a revelation by Allah.
The Qur’an described the phases that the human / fetus went through in the mother’s womb, fourteen centuries ago, in such a was (Muminun, 23 / 12-14) that it caused embryologists to marvel. The expansion of the universe (Zariyat, 51/47), the separation of the heavens and the earth (Anbiya, 21/30), the infusion of winds (Hijr, 15/22), the water cycle in the world (Tariq, 86/ 11-12) the female and male facts of plants (Yasin, 36/36), the movement of the mountains (Neml, 27/88), the fact that fingerprints are unique (Doomsday, 74/4) are included in the Qur’an.
Even the following verse is a message to our day since it was revealed by itself: ‘’ we will show our verses / proofs both in people’s own realms and throughout the universe, until the fact that the Qur’an is the truth / the word of Allah becomes clear to them in the future.’’ (Fussilet,41/53)
The Qur’an first asked its opponents to ‘’ bring a similar version of the Qur’an’’ (Isra, 17/88), then ‘’ only ten chapters of the Qur’an (Hud, 11/13), then another deduction and asked them to bring ‘’ a copy of a single sura of the Qur’an’’ (Bakara, 2/23) and challenged them. This challenge will last until doomsday.
In the Qur’an, while it is explained that it is very easy for Allah to resurrect people after death, people’s fingertips are especially emphasized. It is extremely wise to emphasize the fingertips in the Surah of doomsday. Because the shapes and details in fingerprints are personal. The fingerprints takes its final shape on the fetus before birth and remains stable for life. That is why fingerprints are considered to be a very important ‘’ identity card ‘’ for everyone and are used as the only fixed and infallible identification method known to people.
There are many verses in the Qur’an that encourage believers to do science and draw attention to the evidence both in our own selves and in the Universe. Some branches of science that can be associated with those highlighted in the verses of the Qur’an can be illustrated as follows:
Astronomy: ‘’ Won’t they look at how we set up and decorated the sky above them? It doesn’t have a single crack either. ‘’ (Qaf surah 6)
Geology: ‘’ Won’t they look at how the mountains were erected)? And don’t they see how the earth spreads? ‘’ (Gasiye Surah 19-20)
Paleontology: ‘’ Travel the earth and see how creation began….’’ (AnkAbut surah 20)
Archeology: ‘’ Don’t they wander around the earth and look at the deaths before them? (Rum surah 9)
Botany: ‘’ He is the one who sends water from the sky. We grew all kinds of plants with it, we produced grains, and we created bunches hanging from the bud of the date palm, some similar and some unlike vineyards, olive and pomegranate gardens. Look at each of them as they bear fruit and ripe. Undoubtedly, there is evidence for a believing society in all this.’’ (An’am Sura 99)
Zoology: ‘’ There are certainly signs you can take from animals.’’ (An-Nahl Sura 66)
Embryology: ‘’ Oh people! If you suspect the resurrection, we indeed created you from the earth, then a drop of water, then from a sperm drop then a lump of flesh, fully formed or unformed; so that we can show you clearly. We keep whatever we wish in the womb for a certain period of time, then we take you out as a baby, and reach you strong age. ‘’ (Hajj Sura 5)
Another uniqueness of the Qur’an is that the explanations on many different subjects are gathered in a single book and that it exhibits a great consistency within itself. Considering the claims made a about the emergence of both the Universe and life throughout history and the explanations made regarding the formations in the Universe from the smallest to the largest, many views that contain contradictions within themselves or are understood to be wrong over time.
When we look at ancient centres of wisdom such as Egypt, the Sumer, Babylon, Persian, Indian and Greek civilizations, and the claims made by the wise men who grew up in these places and the books that have survived to the present day, it has been seen that many claims are wrong over time.
However, the Qur’an has always been justified in its considerable claims that were unknown in its time, and not a single piece of evidence was disproved, those who admire ancient books despite their many erroneous attitudes fall into a deep silence in the face of the consistency and justness of the Qur’an, and nevertheless admire their authors.
Those who voiced these verses without understanding them rather than trying to grasp the meaning of the Qur’an and realize its principles, could not properly appreciate the hundreds of verses of the Qur’an that direct them to examine the Universe.
The Qur’an emphasizes the superiority of scholars, those, who have knowledge and the ability to comprehend, and ask: ‘’ Can those who know and those who do not know be one?’’ Nearly 750 ayats in the Qur’an ( an eighth of the book ) encourage the best use of reason in the search for ultimate reality, to gain knowledge and to make scientific understanding a part of the daily life of society.
He created the seven heavens in unmatched harmony; You cannot see any disorder in Allah’s creation; Come on, turn and take a look. Can you see a flaw or imperfection? Then turn back over and over again and take a look; your sight will come back to you in a daunted and weary way.H’’ (Mülk Sura 3-4)
THE FİRST MUSLIMS
When the Messenger of Allah received the order to warn and wake people, he did not start the task of calling the religion of Allah at once, with all his might. He too was cautious, prudent and sensible. At first he tried to keep his invitation as confidential as possible, and these individual and secret studies continued for three years.
Undoubtedly, the fact that he kept the invitation to Islam secret in these early years is not because of his fear or concern for his own life. He firmly believed that his Lord, who commissioned him with this invitation and chose him as a prophet, was capable of protecting him from others. Had he been ordered to declare the invitation publicity from day one, of course he would have clearly done so. However. Allah had inspired him to continue his duty in secret, and to only open up to those he trusted wholly. This was a measure of the legitimacy of the invitees of Islam in every century to resort to visible reasons and measures, and to prefer publicity or secrecy, depending on the stat of their time. For this reason, our Prophet secretly invited his close friends to Islam, starting with his relatives in the early years.
There were people of all classes among the first Muslims. Just as there were notables; more and more poor, powerless people, and slaves believed, and the number was increasing day by day. Especially our Prophet’s popularity among young people was noteworthy.
Although Islam was tried to be kept secret, the Muslims still could not avoid being watched by the polytheists. The attitude towards this ignorance was gradually heard by the spoken word. ‘’ Mohammad has come up with a new religion! He called the people to his way saying that he is the Prophet of Allah! There were even those who obey him! ‘’ they said.
The society of Mecca was not atheist, they believed in Allah. However, they did not see Allah as the sole authority. They were polytheists because they did not recognize the decree of Allah. They were trying to put partners and intermediaries against his authority. We need to know this concept well. The main reason for the contradiction and conflict with the society in the later stages at the invitations by the Prophet lies in the good understanding of this concept. In fact, the reason for the general uneasiness of today’s societies is that this concept was never understood.
Although they said that they believed in Allah, they only accept his power whenever they wanted to. ‘’ And if you ask them, they will say: ‘’ Who is the creator of the heavens and the earth; and who the sun and the moon commands? Do not doubt that it is Allah!’’
The polytheists acquire intermediaries to approach Allah and use them in their own way! Objects called idols are the most prominent tools in this regard.
‘’ Isn’t it that the purest and sincere of such indebted consciousness is the one dedicated to Allah only! Those who acquire the authority to take refuge in his orders? We serve these just to bring us closer to Allah!’’ (they say)…..(Surah Az-Sumar)
The polytheists seek help from the memory of people who were important to them in past times, form the dead!
‘’ And after Allah, do not beg and pray to beings that neither help you nor protect you from harm! For if you do so, then you will be one of the wrongdoers! ( Yunus 106 )
Tradition and customs are indispensable legal rules for them. In fact, polytheists worship their ancestors in a way!
When they are told to follow what Allah has revealed, they say, ‘’ No, we follow the tradition of our ancestors. ‘’ What if their ancestors never used their minds and never found the right path? ‘’ (Sura al-Baqara)
In the early days, they rejected the first revelations sent down to the Prophet. The polytheists did not like the provisions of the Qur’an.
‘’ And whenever our verses, which are clear proofs of the truth, are read to them, those who are not brave enough to come to us will say: Go, bring us another message, or make changes in it!....’’ (Surah Yunus)
One of their most obvious features is their unreasonable submission to the clergy. One of the important reasons why people become polytheists are the clergies who make a living from religion.
‘’ After Allah, they made their rabbis and priest and of course, the Messiah, son of Mary – to be their Lords. However, they were ordered not to worship any other than a single deity; there is no Allah but Him, and He is exalted and elevated from all that they idolize. (Sura at-Tawba)
Since the polytheists could not understand what happened in the first place and could not grasp it, they would not interfere with the prayer of our Prophet in the Kaaba. Muslims used to hide their prayers; they would keep them secret by watching each other either in their homes or in deserted places. When the polytheists learned the news of the invitation, they did not attach much importance to this issue. They thought that those who are subject to the religion of Islam; were like hanifs who avoided worshipping idols and followed the way of the Prophet Abraham.
This last religion, called Islam, started to spread gradually in Mecca and became popular among the people. The only thing that the Qur’an stipulates on men and women is the establishment of a just society in which the weak will be protected. The first message of the Qur’an is extremely understandable; It is wrong to accumulate wealth to build persona abundance, it is correct go give alms and to spread wealth to society.
On the other hand, Islam was revealed only to those who were open to perception, not dull and rational; and the main goals were kept secret. Muslims did not interfere in the affairs of the polytheist in any way, and they did not criticize or oppose them. Because the polytheist were strongly devoted to their religion and idols. They were a kind of religious community in their own way.
For the Quraysh, the Kaaba was at the centre of holiness. Over time, they had endangered the spirit of unity they had built around this holy place. They abandoned the old social ideal, and began not to think of weak tribes, orphans, the poor and the old, selfishly persecuting them. The situation showed that if they continued their ignorant lives in this way, they would lose all their view of their true position in the world and disappear from history. In this early period, the verses of the Qur’an expressed how much they still owed the Meccans to Allah both through their creation and their survival. They had to try to see the goodness and power of the Creator manifesting itself all over nature and universe. If they could not recreate this benevolent spirit in their own society, they would have thrown themselves out of natural life. As stated in the first verses of the Surah ar-Rahman, there is an invitation to think about people.
‘’Allah; He taught the Qur’an, created man, made him a good statement.
The Sun and Moon are calculated; grass and trees prostrate and stand.
Look at that beautiful sky, he raised it and put its balance so that you would not be overthrown in the scale.
Keep the scale fairly correct, do not disrupt the balance! He spread the earth for creatures,
He has fruits, and palm trees with bunches of buds.
There are grassy grains and fragrant plants; Now what bounties of your Lord would you call a lie?’’
All the other creatures knew the creator and bowed before him, accepting Him as their most important purpose, knowing that he was the source of their existence and that they could not exist without Him. They saw Allah as the one and only fundamental energy that encompasses everything, enables them to move and makes them powerful. He created the balance that keeps everything in right relations with each other, and if the Quraysh could not achieve this balance in their own societies, if they always continued to think of themselves first in their relations with each other, they would move away from the natural system. In order to help the first Muslims accept this divine responsibility, the Prophet Mohammad told them to turn to Him when they pray twice a day just like stars and trees. After this worship, it became one of the five basic principles of the religion of Islam. This apparent movement would make it easier for Muslims to adjust their inner stance and rearrange their lives. This last religion of Allah, invited by the Prophet Mohammad, became known as Islam in time; this meant that every believer had literally surrendered himself to Allah. Muslim means a person who completely surrenders himself to Allah. But the first believers called their religion ‘’ tasakka’’, meaning those who take intelligence as a guide. This is a word that is not easy to translate. Mohammad’s followers wrapped themselves in a cloak of compassion and generosity during worship; To create a caring, compassionate and intelligent soul, they had to use their ‘’ intelligence’’, which made them want to give unconditionally all that they had to other creatures of Allah. While studying the mysteries of creation through reason, Muslims would learn to behave kindly, and this generous attitude meant that they would undergo spiritual growth.
Allah was the perfect example in giving. Muslims were encouraged to reflect on His signs to understand His mercy and greatness towards nature. As a result of this generous intelligence, order and efficiency continued instead of chaos and selfish barbarism. In the beginning of revelation, they would soon realize that if they obeyed his orders, their own lives would be arranged in a similar way.
Muslims were encouraged to think about the signs given to them by Allah, by seeing his mercy in nature. Only human beings have the freedom to choose their belief in Islam and focus their lives on the source of their existence. Man is the most honourable of all creatures, because he uses his will.
The Messenger of Allah chose the house of one of the first Muslims, Arqam, on the slopes of the Safa Hill, as a notification and meeting centre, and left his home and moved there.
There, while teaching Muslims their religion he invited people who were looking for the truth in Islam, read the verses that were sent down and prayed with them. Many people came to learn Islam in this blessed house of Arqam, new Muslims came here secretly and stayed for a while. A handful of Muslims who gathered here, completely freed from their worries about life and death, fell into the lure of that glory.
This house, which is famous as ‘’ Darul -Arqam’’, is also known as ‘’ Darul-Islam ‘’ since it was the first place of Islam spread. Most of the Meccan suras that were sent down to the messenger of Allah were sent down to him here.
It remained a meeting place for a long time after the end of the tree year period of secret notification.
Mohammad’s choice of this house as his residence constituted a basis for the acceptance period of Islam by the first Muslims; The fact that the companions of the Prophet, who were called the Companions of the Prophet were Muslims that were dated as before or after the Prophet ‘’ Aleyhisselam ‘’ entered ‘’Darul Arqam’’.
While our Prophet was preaching Islam, he received a great deal of support from the youth, who constitute the idealist and energetic segment of the society were open to innovation. As a matter of fact, a few of the first Muslims were around the age of 50, some were over 35, and the remaining majority were under 23.
When we think of the life of our Prophet and his Companion for some reason we always imagine mature and old people. When we look at the first Muslims around the Prophet who started his Prophethood when he was forty, we see that most of them were young people.
For example, among those who accepted Islam at a young age; Hz. Ali was 10, Abdullah bin Omar and Ubeyde bin al-Jarrah were 13, Ukbe bin Amir 14, Jabir bin Abdullah and Zeyd bin Harise 15, Abdullah b. Masud, Habbab bin Eret and Zubeyr bin Avvam 16, Talha bin Ubeydullah, Abdurrahman bin Awf, Erkam bin Ebi’l-Arqam, Sa’d bin Ebi Vakkas and Asma bint Abi Bakr 17, Muaz bin Jabel and Musab bin Umayr 18, Abu Musa al-Asari 19, Jaffar bin Abi Talip 22, Uthman b. Huveyris, Osman bin Affan, Abu Ubeyde, Abu Hurayra and Hz. Omar were around 25-31 years old.
Those who were with the Prophet and fought with him were young people. Therefore, the Prophet attached special importance to the youth. We can consider Islam as a youth movement. In addition, we can also consider Islam as a revolutionary movement due to the compliments of slaves and oppressed to our Prophet.
Our Prophet instructed his friends not to kill the polytheists younglings even during wars. He said: ‘’ The old almost do not convert to Islam! Young people are closer to Islam than the elderly. ‘’ We need to remember His special attitude towards young people.
He also said, ‘’ On the Day of Judgement, mankind will not be able to escape his questioning in the presence of his Lord, unless he is questioned about the following five things: Where he consumes his life, where he spends his youth, where he earns and spends his wealth, how much knowledge can he transfer to life.’’
When we look at all the relations of the Prophet with the youth, we see that his entire effort and goal was to create a faithful, devout, moral and chaste youth.
For, our Prophet said, ‘’ On that day when there is no shadow other than the shadow of Allah (Throe), seven classes of people will be shadowed in the shadow of Allah’’. In this hadith, he mentions ‘’ the just ruler ‘’ first, and ‘’ the young man who grows up with his Lord ‘’ in the second place.
In other narrations, ‘’ Allah loves the young man who passes his youth obediently to Allah’’ ‘’ Allah loves the young who repent. ‘’ is commanded.
‘’ For a young person who treats an old person because of his age, Allah prepares people to tend to him. ‘’
Thanks to the warm and sincere interest of the Prophet that encouraged the young people, the young Companions had reached a level of sacrificing their lives, goods and families the way of Allah. As soon as they became Muslims, the oppression, terrible torture, years of hunger and blockade never deterred many people from Mecca, especially their families. As a requirement of the belief and morality they received from the Prophet, they not only risked leaving Mecca, but also leaving the world when the time came.
How the prophet treated children, his mercy and love, is a great example for his ummah and all humanity.
When the Messenger of Allah saw a child, he would stroke his head, hold him, and kiss him. His blessed face was always soft and smiling, especially towards children. He would salute the children, ask them about their condition, if he was on horse, he would take them on his horse and take them to their destination. When he was with the children, he became a child, chatted with them and made jokes ‘’
‘’ Whoever has a child should be a child with it ‘’
The Messenger of Allah once saw the children competing in a race and ran with them. He would share the joy of the children and comfort them.
Zayd’s bird had died and our Prophet went to condolence and consoled him. When Zayd was 3 or 5 years old, he had a little bird he loved very much and named Umayr. Whenever our Prophet saw him, he would call him ‘’ Abu Umayr ‘’, which means ‘’ Father of Umayr ‘’. On day Zayd’s bird died and Zayd was very sad. The Prophet, who heard Zayd’s sorrow, went to the child’s house in those days to condolence him. To cheer Zayd he asked, ‘’ Oh Abu Umayr! What happened to your Nugayr (little sparrow like bird), what did you do with the animal? ‘’ This question made Zayd laugh. The Messenger of Allah took Zayd in his arms, caressed his hair, kissed him and consoled him.
He was the Prophet of Mercy, He was a father, He was a grandfather. His blessed face was never loured against children, he did not condemn, force or reprimand them.
Enes, who grew up with the Prophet, told the following:
‘’ I served the Messenger of Allah for ten years. He never once called me ‘’humph’’. I have never heard him say ‘’ why did you do that ‘’ of ‘’ if you did that ‘’ about a job I did. When I could not do a job well, he was not angry with me, he did not condemn me. I did not even see the face of Messenger of Allah loured. ‘’
The Messenger of Allah respected the personalities of the children and complimented them. Sometimes he praised their clothes and went to visit them when they got sick.
If he heard a crying child in the congregation while he was leading the prayer, he would not be able to bear it, and he would finish the prayer as soon as possible by keeping the recitation short. When the first fruit of the season was presented to him, he would pray for abundance and offer the fruit to the youngest child there.
‘’ Those who don’t show love, affection and mercy to our little ones, and don’t respect our elders are not of us.’’ Gave a summary of how a Muslim should be.
The children of that period, known as the Age of Happiness, were the happiest children of all times. For, they had a Prophet who loved, protected, looked after and valued them.
The children of the age of happiness were the luckiest children of all times. They had memories with the Prophet who joked with them, played games, prayed, caressed their heads and carried them on his back.
When Abdullah bin Umar was a young child, he went on a journey with his father, including the Prophet. Abdullah was on his father’s camel. Abdullah was small, the camel was fast and the camel was always ahead of the convoy. His father often had to get ahead of the convoy and turn the camel back, constantly warning and scolding the child, saying, ‘’ Abdullah, do net get in the way of the convoy, the Messenger of Allah will not be prevented.’’
The Prophet was saddened by the frequent scolding of the child by the father. He said to the father, ‘’ Can you sell that camel to me?’’ Although the father refused to sell and said ‘’ Messenger of Allah, the camel is yours ‘’ our Prophet did not accept it and persuaded the father to sell the camel. Our Prophet called Abdullah:
‘’ Abdullah! The camel is now yours, you can ride it however you want ‘’
At a time when daughters were not regarded as children, the Prophet, when his daughter Fatima came to his side, stood up, kissed her and sat again. When he was going on a expedition, he would see Fatima first, and when he returned, he would first stop to see Fatima.
‘’ Surely you will be called by your names and your fathers’ names on the Day of Judgment. So give your children nice names.’’
The Prophet used to give nicknames to the children he liked and cheered them up by calling them by nicknames. He would change the names of children whose names weren’t beautiful, and he would call them ‘’ my little one’’.
He was sent as a mercy to the realms. His love and compassion was deep enough for all the realms. Believers, those who both believe and live as they believe, should love each other, believers should show love to children, children were entrusted to them.
When the Prophet and Abu Bakr migrated to Medina, children were the first to greet them. The children were playing tambourines and singing songs, unaware that they would receive the best gospel. The children who could not sit still because of joy said, ‘’ Mohammad has come! The Prophet has come! ‘’ They were screaming and running around. Meanwhile the blessed guest came to the children and asked:
‘’ Do you like me?!!
The children enthusiastically said, ‘’ Yes, we love you very much, oh messenger of Allah. ‘’ The Prophet’s face lit up, he smiled.
He gave the greatest good news and the most beautiful gift to the children of his time and of all times, saying, ‘’ I love you too. ‘’
Naturally, the first believers with the Prophet were his family and people around him. His wife Khadija, his cousin Ali, Zeyd who was freed from slavery and adopted by him and his close friend Abu Bakr were the first Muslims. Then their numbers started to increase gradually. Especially Abu Bakr was a mild tempered, knowledgeable person who was loved and respected around him. Many people came to Islam through him.
Muslims began to pray in the way the Prophet taught them. They were hiding that they prayed from those around them. Prayers were performed either in homes with their doors locked or in deserted places. However, even though they tried to keep their religion secret, they could not escape being observed and watched.
Meanwhile, the Prophet on one hand and Abu Bakr on the other hand invited those to Islam, and the number of people who converted to Islam was rapidly increasing. Islam had begun to spread and be spoken about the people in Mecca. The first three years passed by secretly inviting the people to Islam in this way.
It was the fourth year that the invitation entered a new era with the verses sent down:
‘’(first) Warn (and invite) your closest relative
Let down your (compassion). Wing on the believers who follow you.
If they oppose you, say: ‘’ I am away (not responsible) from what you do’’. Trusty (only) in (Allah) who is the absolute victorious and very merciful.’’ (Surah Shuara)
Since the Messenger of Allah was sent not to a town and a tribe like the previous prophets, but to all ages, to all worlds and people, the duty of communicating the Qur’an and calling to Islam was done specifically to his relatives (with this verse) and to all humanity that will come until the Day of Judgment. The private invitation did not delay the general invitation.
Tis divine order was so heavy for the Prophet that he was so worried that he could not leave his house for a period of almost a month. People even came to ask about his illness, thinking he was sick. Finally, he called Ali to his side. Then Ali describes what happened as follows. ‘’ The Messenger of Allah summoned me to his side:
- ‘’ Oh Ali! It was very difficult for me to have Almighty Allah order me to warn my closest relatives. I know well that if I try to open this business to them, I will surely encounter things that I will not like.’’
He was silent for a while, then continued:
‘’ Oh Ali! Make us a sa’ (an old measure of four handfuls) and put meat from the legs of a mutton on it! Prepare milk in a bowl and gather Banu-Abdulmuttalib for me! I will talk to them and get them to what I was ordered to do.
He did what he ordered. Banu-Abdulmuttalib gathered everyone at home. They were about forty people. His uncles Abu Talib, Hamza, Abbas and Abu Lahab were among those who came. The Messenger of Allah ordered me to bring the food I made to him. I brought and put it in front of him. After shredding the meat and putting pieces around the bowl,
‘’Come on eat! Bismillah! ‘’ He said. They all ate from it and were completely satisfied. I swear to Allah that even a single man of them could have eaten the food I served alone. Then;
‘’ Oh Ali! Give them milk too! ‘’ He commanded. I brought them the milk jug. They all guzzled. By Allah, even a single man could drink as much milk as in that bowl alone. The leftovers of the food and milk were as if they had never been eaten or drunk. The Messenger of Allah was going to speak when his uncle Abu Lahab spoke:
‘’ Wonder! Your friend has enchanted you with great magic! Truthfully, we’ve never seen magic like we did today!’’
Then he turned to the Messenger of Allah and said:
‘’ These are your cousins and your uncles. You told them what you wanted. Stop heresy in religion! Know well that your people will not risk resisting all Arab communities for You!
All the Qurayshi tribes and Arabs must imprison you before you can go on them! It is easier for them to do so that to fight against all Arabs. Oh my brother’s son! I have never seen anyone who does evil like you brought!’’
They did not allow the Messenger of Allah to speak and they dispersed. His uncle Abu Lahab’ words were very heavy for the Messenger of Allah. (His uncle, Abu Lahab, was the most opposed to the Prophet with denial and ferocity).
In the morning, the Messenger of Allah called me:
‘’ Oh Ali! That guy got in front of me early and they dispersed before I could speak. Prepare as much food and drink as you did for us the previous evening. The gather them with me!’’
I did what he said. Banu-Abdulmuttalib gathered again. The Prophet called me to bring the food. I brought the food and put I in front of him. Again he shredded the meat and lined it around the plate and said:
‘’ Come on eat! Bismillah!’’. They all ate and drank until they were full. I swear that am could eat and drink all of it. The he started talking:
‘’ Praise be to Allah! I praise him. I also wish him your help. I believe him. I rely on him. Surely, there is no equal to Allah. He is one, he has no partner and no equal.
The Allah I invite you to believe in is such a God and there is no other only him. You will die as if you were asleep, you will be resurrected as if you were awakening, and you will be taken into account for your actions. You will be rewarded for your good deeds and punished for your bad deeds. You are the first thing I warn from people.
I invite you to two words that are easy to say and heavy on the scale, which means that you testify that ‘’ I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is the servant and Messenger of Allah..’’
Oh Banu-Abdulmuttalib! Who among you would agree to assist me?’’
Nobody stood up. I immediately did. I was the youngest of all there. Messenger of Allah commanded:
‘’ You, sit’’ He repeated his question three times. Each time I was standing up. He said, ‘’ Sit down’’ After the third of his questions:
‘’ Oh Messenger of Allah! Even if I am the youngest and weakest of them, I’ll help you!’’ I said. They were all silent. He put his hand on my hand.
‘’ This is my brother and surrogate. Listen to his words and obey! My uncle’s son was the heir to this job. !! He commanded. The guests stood up with a laugh and said to Abu Talib,
‘’ Look, he orders you to listen to your son. Obey! They said. Abu Talib answered them:
‘’ Let him go! His uncle’s son will not do anything but good for him.’’
After the close family was called to Islam, it was time for the whole of Mecca to be openly invited to Islam. The order for this was prompt.
‘’ Now, clearly say what was ordered to you and do not pay attention to the polytheist!
I swear that we know that your chest is seriously constricted by what they say. Praise your Prophet immediately ( say ‘’SubhanAllahi and Bihamdih’’) and be among those who prostrate.
And worship your Lord until death comes to you. (Surah al-Hijr)
The Prophet would finally reveal his prophecy to all the people of Mecca. The Arabs would rise to a hight place to warn other in case of danger and would shout ‘’ Sabahah! Sabahah! Which meant ‘’ we are surrounded by the enemy, the morning time has come, get ready to fight’’
The Prophet climbed on the Safa hill near the Kaaba ‘’ Ya Sabahaha ! Ya Sabahah! ‘’ he started calling out. This was an alarm sign for the Arabs. A danger code in Arab tribes who live in fear of a raid at any moment’ People who heard the call gathered around him. Those who came were curious, ‘’ Oh Mohammad! What happened? They were asking.
The Prophet started to speak:
‘’ Your situation with me is like the man who runs to warn his family when he sees an enemy and shouts Ya Sabahah. Say! I I said, ‘’ There are horsemen at the base of this mountain, you will be raided in the morning’’ Would you believe me?’’
‘’ Yes we would! We haven’t heard you lying until today.’’
‘’ So I warn you with a severe punishment. Almighty Allah has ordered me to warn my relatives of the torment that will happen to them. Unless you say ‘’ La ilahe Illalah’’ I cannot be a benefit to you in this world or in the Hereafter.’’
His uncle Abu Lahab took a stone in his hand to throw it at the Prophet.
‘’ Boo to you! Is that why you gathered us here!’’ Those who were gathered spoke under their breaths and dispersed.
Almighty Allah was revealing to his Messenger that he should not upset his morale.
‘’ We are enough for you against those who make fun of you and the Qur’an and who know another God besides Allah. The will soon know (of the calamities to befall them). ‘’ (Hİjr 95).
ABUSE AND TORTURE
Gradually, the events that characterize the Mecca period of Islamic history begin. All Muslims, especially our Prophet, will be in distress for ten long years. Increasingly!
The first attacks come from the closest ones. Abu Jahl, who was the mind of the enmity of Mohammad, gave the necessary tactic in this regard:
‘’ Keep Mohammad busy with himself!’’
Before taking this name, Abu Jahl was known as Al Hakam and was among the notables of Mecca. He was being called a referee, because he had an impartial and honest personality. Later, he was named Abu Jahl because of his relentless and hostile actions against Islam. The life of Abu Jahl, who had commercial ties and a great wealth, was spent with Islamophobia. In this context, he did various deed to convert Muslims from their religion, threatening those who were dignified to lose this and to bankrupt those who were engaged in trade. He also tried to persecute the weak and lonely people from the path of Islam.
Those who started the practice of hatred against Muslims were Uncle Abu Lahab and his wife Umm Jamil. The Prophet’s daughters Rukia and Umm Gulsum were engaged to Utba and Utaybah the sons of Abu Lahab. Utba was offered to choose any girl from the Quraysh tribe if he divorces his daughter. He accepted the offer and choosed a beautiful girl for his sons. He even gave the news that he divorced his daughter, with the provocation of his father Abu Lahab, by pulling the collar of Prophet Mohammad and spitting in his face. Our Prophet, who could not bear this degree of insult, said to him’’ Perish the two hands of Abu Lahab, and perish him’’ One night, when they were on their way to Damascus for trade and took a break, they were torn apart by a lion who stormed the camp. His last words were ‘’ Didn’t I tell you Mohammad is the truest word of all people?’’
The same initiative comes to the fore for Zaynab, the eldest daughter. Zaynab is married to Abul As. They got married one year before our Prophet became a Prophet. Abul As has a different personality from Utba and Utaybah. He endures all pressure, sneers at all glamorous offers and refuses to leave his wife Zaynab:
He says ‘’ I cannot divorce my wife ‘’ and adds, ‘’ she is the most beautiful woman in the world’’
Bu unfortunately, he would not become a Muslim, as he was worried that he was said to obey his wife’s promise and that he would be seen as a henpecked man.
For our Prophet, the divorce of his daughters was just the beginning of tortures. There were often thrown stones at him by Abu Lahab while leaving his house in the morning. So much sot that the rock behind which he was sheltering at that time will continue to be known in Mecca for centuries. Ironically, they are next-door neighbours. Often, the door of the Prophet and his entry are plastered with feces from the night, along with other perverts of the Quraysh. As soon as he’d opened his door in the morning, the first thing he’d encounter would be the merits of his uncle Abu Lahab and his friends that night. This incident is to be repeated so many times that our Prophet has to separate his house from their houses by building a high wall. They fill sheep excrement into the pot he used for ablution. While praying, they’d throw the same things on the cooking pot while he was cooking in the courtyard of his house. In face of all these attacks, the only thing Prophet Mohammad could do, recalling the relationship between them:
‘’ Oh Banu-Abdimenaf! How is this neighbourhood? ‚‘ it remains just to say.
Umm Jamil, on the other hand, sprinkles thorns on the roads where the Prophet will pass at night. He fuels Abu Lahab’s hatred and anger by using every opportunity. Finally, when he learned that a special place was reserved for him in the Surah ‘’ Tabbat ‘’ and that he was qualified as a ‘’ wood porter ‘’, he took a large stone in his hand and pressed the Kaaba to hit the Prophet, but he could not see Him, and wandered in a dazed way….
They do not recognize any moral code for the sake of inflicting pain on the Prophet Mohammad. They have no conscience anyway. The addressee of Islam is also a person of conscience. Even if Abdallah died during his Prophethood after Kasım, the first born child of our Prophet, and hat no son left, it would be an opportunity for them to be happy. They call the Prophet ‘’ Ebter ‘’ meaning that he was killed, and they even mock the pain of the child. His uncle Abu Lahab, is the leader in this. When he receives the news of the death of little Abdallah, he rushes to other pagans with joy and gives good news: ‘’ Mohammad was without a son today ‘’ and adds, ‘’ Rooted!’’
His Lord, on the other hand, sends down the chapter ‘’ Al Kawther ‘’ to his apostle in sorrow, and comforts him.
Also in those days, a person named Dimad whose job is to read talismanic words to mental patients comes to Mecca. The Quraysh send Dimad to our Prophet: ‘’ Read him too !’’ they say, ‘’Maybe thanks to you he will find healing, gather his mind.’’ Dimad replies, confident of his skill ‘’ Let me read it to him, he will have nothing left!’’ he says. When he went to him, his first words to the Prophet Mohammad, was to say:
‘’ Oh Mohammad! I read to the patients, I heal them. What do you say, should I read something to you? ‘’
‘’ Praise (glory) is unique to Allah only!’’ he says and continues. ‘’ We praise him and ask him for help. Whoever Allah guides to the right path, no one can lead him astray. Whoever diverts him, nobody can direct him to the right path. I testify that there is no God but Allah . He is one, he has no counterparts. Again, I testify that Mohammad is his servant and messenger. Dimas was stunned by these words he heard:
‘’ Can you repeat those words again?’’ he said in wonder and he makes our Prophet repeat them exactly three times. Then he said:
‘’ I have heard the words of many Prophets, magicians and poets. I did not listen to your words like any of them. These words bring people to their deaths. Oh Mohammad! Extend your hand and I will believe in you! ‘’ Supposedly, Dimad, who was sent to turn our Prophet from his path, became one of the first Muslims.
But in those days events like this are like a few drops of water falling on one’s face in a hot desert. The pressure and cruelty applied to our Prophet and the number of those who believed in him increased every day. There was such a person among these oppressors that compared to them, even Uncle Abu Lahab was just. His name will become a symbol of hatred, savagery, ignorance and hatred of religion in history and will become eternal. This person is Abu Jahl. He deeply hated the fact that Khadija, whom he so desired to marry, chose Mohammad ahs her husband instead of him. The fact that our Prophet came face to face with the whole Quraysh tribe because of this religion would be an opportunity for Abu Jahl that he could not find. His hatred and enmity is not only against Him but also against all Muslims. The main reason for his denial is arrogance and jealousy. In the first days when Islam was being communicated openly, it clearly revealed his attitude and arrogance.
In those days, the met our Prophet on a street in Mecca. Our Prophet said: ‘’ Oh Abu’l Hikam I invite you to Allah!’’
Abu Jahl replied ‘’ Mohammad! Wont you stop denigrating our Gods? If you want us to testify tomorrow that you are serving as an ambassador in the sight of Allah, we will testify to you. I swear I would believe you if I knew that what you are telling is true. But something is keeping me from believing in you. Among us, the Banu-Qusay /descendants of the Prophet Mohammad) said ‘’ Hijab ‘’ (keeping the keys of the Kaaba), our honour, we said yes. They said ‘’ Nedved ‘’ (organizing meetings about the administration of Mecca) is their honour, and we said yes to them. Then they daid ‘’ Liva ‘’ (carrying the flag and commanding the army in war) their honour, and we said yes to them. And now they say a Prophet came from us. I swear to Allah that I will not say yes to that either!’’
In short, his arrogance became the curtain of his belief. His arrogance prevented him from seeing the truth of Mohammad. He could not see Mohammad as a Prophet, he always saw Abu Talib’s orphan Mohammad.
This hostility increased day by day and soon reached dimensions that strained the mind and injured the conscience. At that time, attacking Mohammad and Muslims turned into a highly premium behaviour in the Quraysh. Abu Jahl boasted and yelled around:
‘’ Have you seen Mohammad praying by touching the ground (prostration)? I prohibited him from doing this! And I sear on Lat and Uzza if he doesn’t obey my orders, I will press my feet to the back of his neck and rub his face on the ground’’ Soon, he gets the opportunity to fulfil his oath. Our Prophet was praying in the Kaaba. He rushed on him in front curious eyes. Jus as he lifted his food, it was seen that he veiled face with his hands and retreated in terror. His face was white with fear:
‘’ Between him and me,’’ he said. ‘’ A ditch full of fire, giant wings and terrible things appeared!’’ He pushed the limit that fate drew for him and he encountered Hell. Then a revelation telling about this incident descends to our Prophet.
‘’ Have you seen him who prevents, a slave when he prays? Tell me, if he is on the guidance of Allah? Or enjoins piety? Tell me if he (the disbelievers, Abu Jahl denies and turns away? Doesn’t he know that Allah does see? Nay! If he ceases not, we will catch him by the forelock, a lying sinful forelock! The, let him call upon his council. We will call the guards of Hell! Nay! Do not obey him. Fall prostrate and draw near to Allah! (surah Alaq)
Another time, while he was prostrating again, he tried to crush the head of the Prophet with a stone and attempted to kill him. The same event is repeated once more. The conflict between Mohammad and Abu Jahl in these years is not limited to the belief and worship dimension of Islam. It also gains a social character. The Prophet stood before him because of the cruelty of Abu Jahl on homeless and poor people. He demonstrates that he is responsible for the world beyond just a Prophet of the hereafter. In the most difficult period and under the most difficult conditions!
A single Bedouin from the desert sells goods to Abu Jahl and cannot get his money. He is constantly told ‘’ go today, come tomorrow ‘’ and finally the Bedouin, who despaired of getting his due from Abu Jahl, went to the Quraysh who lived in the Kaaba and asked them for help. For a strange Bedouin, who could risk a conflict with the authority of the time, Abu Jahl? Instead of helping, they mocked the Bedouin. By showing our Prophet Mohammad, who was sitting a little further away without spoiling his seriousness:
‘’Here’’ they say, ‘’ only this man can take your rights from Abu Jahl!’’ The poor, unaware of the fraud set against him, toes to our Prophet in hope and tells him about his problem. The Prophet once filtered the Bedouin and the Meccans laughing by nudging each other in the back, saying ‘’ Come behind me ‘’, ‘’ Let’s go and get your money from Abu Jahl!’’ In the face of this situation, the great people of the Quraysh rub their hands and say, ‘’ Today is good fun for us. ‘’ The Prophet Mohammad was in front, the Bedouin was behind Him, and the ‘’ entertainment enthusiasts’’ arrived at the house of Abu Jahl. Our Prophet knocked on the door. Abu Jahl, who opened the door was confuses. Our Prophet said to him only:
‘’ Pay this man’s money!’’ He entered without any answer and soon collects the Bedouins money. This time the turn of confusion comes to the ‘’ grands of the Quraysh ‘’. When they come together, they ask Abu Jahl curiously. ‘’ Why ‘’ they say, ‘’didn’t you doubt the word of Mohammad?’’ Abu Jahl answered the buffs poorly: ‘’ At that time I saw a raging camel beside him. It almost would eat me!’’
None of the tortures that the Meccan polytheists inflicted on our Prophet could prevent him from telling about Islam.
Moreover, his guardian uncle Abu Talib did not oppose what he did and said, but protected him despite all the inhibitions. The polytheists tried other ways every time. Ten of the notables of the polytheists kept telling Abu Talib ‘’ Your nephew denigrated our idols sand our religious beliefs, that we were foolish and that our fathers and grandfathers had gone wrong. Now you either stop him from doing and saying these things or get out of the way. ‘’ They left him in a dilemma in the face of the traditions and customs his tribe on the one hand and his sincere love for his nephew on the other.
‘’ You are one of our elders and dignitaries. We have appealed to you to dissuade your nephew from what he was doing. But you did not do what we wanted. We swear that we can no longer tolerate his denigration of our fathers and grandfathers, accusing us of foolishness, and insulting our Gods. You either discourage him from doing these things, or we will fight him and you until either side is destroyed. ‘’ They were at the ultimatum.
The old uncle was aware that he was facing a dangerous situation. He did not want to be abandoned by his tribe. But he couldn’t give up on his nephew either. So what could he do? After mediating, he called our Prophet and pleadingly said: My brother’s son, the notables of my tribe appealed to me and presented to me what you said to them. Please, pity me and yourself! Don’t put on us things that neither of us can handle. Stop saying things our tribe won’t like.’’
The situation was very delicate. In a sense, Abu Talib was the only guardian of his tribe until that day. Was he going to give up his protection too?
Faced with this offer, the Prophet felt sad for a while. Then, in the belief that his true guardian was Allah, his reply to his uncle was as sharp as a sword:
‘’ Know that, oh uncle! If they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand, I will not give up this religion and this message. Either Allah will make this religion prevail, or I will die for this cause.’’
Of course, Abu Jahl is not the only one who chooses to torture the Prophet and make him suffer. Weak and inferior personalities, who have no other measure of value other than taking a stand for all cruel and power, make themselves evident in those days. All Muslims, especially the Prophet Mohammad, are targets for them. The only thing that they dare and haven’t tried for now is to attempt to kill our Prophet. Their respect / fear of Abu Talib and their fear of starting a vendetta in the Quraysh stop them. But just that! However, apart from that, there are days like that for ten years that our Prophet said, ‘’ While nobody was frightened for the same reason, I was scared because I was in the way of Allah. While no one was tormented for the same reason, I was tormented for Allah’s sake. Thirty days and night passed when neither I nor Bilal had anything but a little something that a living person could eat.’’
In the face of all inhumane oppression and persecution, the only human shelter he had was our mother, Khadija, his wife. Khadija strengthened him, eased his burden and believed that he was telling the absolute truth.
During the process every Muslim paid the price of being a Muslim to different degrees. There was no one who could protect himself from the oppression and torment of the Mecca years. For the poor, who were not slaves or of the Quraysh, and therefore did not have a lineage that could defend themselves the pressure and persecution they experienced was far beyond their tolerance. What was experienced literally turned into a show of torture and sadism. For ten years, many people were either maimed, blinded or killed because of they were Muslim. Bu sadistic pagans, in all their cruelty, were not aware of something. The truth gets stronger as it is persecuted. It is like the transformation of iron into steel. The destiny of Islam will become clear at this point.
Those days of suffering. It would not be possible not to mention the Yasir family in order to tell those days of suffering The Yasir family are not slaves but also not a member of the Quraysh. In other words, they have no relatives to protect and watch over them in Mecca. They are not rich either. Although they knew that the Mecca administration would not like it, they became Muslims and this also was publicly known. This whole situation made the Yasir family an ideal target for pagan sadists. The troublemaker of his family, which consists of the old father Yasir, mother Sumayyah and their young sons Ammar and Abdallah, was Abu Jahl. The family were laid on their backs on the rocks of Mecca in the hottest time of the afternoon, and every kind of torture that comes to mind was applied to them. Old Yasir, who saw our Prophet coming to them could not stand and asked when he was in pain.’’ Messenger of Allah! Will the days always be tormented like this ?’’ Our Prophet was saddened by his despair that he could not do anything.
‘’ Be patient, Yasir family!’’ He could only say. The he turned to Allah: ‘’ Allah forgive the Yasir family, you must forgive it already!’’ At the end of the torture process, Yasir was shot dead by Abu Jahl. The son Abdallah! It was time for mother Sumayyah. Sumayyah was an old woman.
‘’ You became a Muslim because you fell in love with Mohammad!’’ Abu Jahl made a slander saying. Physical torture, insult and humiliation were practiced together by the pagans. In the end, Abu Jahl who was so blended by anger, ordered this old woman to be tied to a camel from one foot and to another camel from the other. Camels were whipped in opposite directions. The old woman’s bones began to crack, her body was about to crumble. Bu the sadist Abu Jahl did not wait any longer, with the enthusiasm of the image before him, he stabbed and shattered her whole body. So she also became a martyr. She became the first woman martyr of Islam.
When the faithful woman left the world, she says her las words: ‘’ I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Mohammad is the servant and Messenger of Allah ‘’
Last is Ammar, the last member of the family. He was taken to the rocks of Mecca called ‘’ Ramda ‘’ during the hottest hours of the day. He was pun on an iron shirt and kept under the scorching sun until his body fat melted. Eventually, he didn’t know what he was saying. The same thing happened for days. Sometimes his back was burned with fire. The wounds left by the fire did not heal until he died. Another torture method applied to him was placing heavy pieces of rock on his chest under the sun. Sometimes he was immersed in water until he nearly drowned. When this torture was done, the Prophet came to him. The young man, Ammar sobbed weakly. Ammar’s condition hurt him. He rubbed away Ammar’s tears and whispered ‘’ If unbelievers want you to sink you in water again and tell you that you have returned to their idols again, tell them what they want, get rid of them!’’ A few days later, Ammar used the permission given to him. The news was heard quickly in Mecca. Muslims were upset. They came to Prophet Mohammad and said ‘’ Messenger of Allah! Ammar has renounced his religion’ – ‘’ NO1 Ammar is full of faith from head to toe! Faith has penetrated his flesh and blood!’’ After a while Ammar himself came. He cried again, but this time not because of pain, but guilt and regret…..Our Prophet wiped his tears.
‘’ Messenger of Allah’ They did not let me go unless they cursed you and said their idols were superior to your religion!’’ The Prophet asked ‘’ How was your heart when you said what they wanted?’’ ‘’ My devotion to Allah, you and my religion was even stronger than iron ‘’
‘’ Then there is nothing to be afraid of for you! Ammar ! If you fall into the same situation again, you can save yourself in the same way!’’ What happened to Ammar caused the verset to revealed and Allah opened a door for Muslims who have faced same conditions form that day to doomsday.
‘’Whoever disbelieves in Allah and opens his heart to unbelief after he has believed, except for those who are forced to turn from religion although his heart is full of faith, there is a wrath from Allah and a great punishment on them.’’(Surat an-Nahl)
That day, the last words of the prophet to Ammar, son of Yasir, ‘’Allah damn those who murdered your mother!’’ This prayer was accepted on the day of Badr!
Another symbol of Islam that had been subjected to torture by the oppressors of Mecca was Bilal, son of Rebah. He was one of the twelve slaves of Umayya, son of Khalit, one of the most arrogant aristocrats of Mecca. His duty, on the other hand was to be the guardian of the private idol of the Umayya and he was one of the seven people who would not conceal their Islam but reveal it in those days. Moreover, he was heard talking back and against about the idols in the Kaaba, and one day he laid the idols face down and did not deny what he did he received by the expert torture team of the Quraysh from his owner Umayya. He is a worthless black slave anyway’’ said Umayya, ‘’take him with you. Whatever you do! ‘’ Bilal was left at the mercy of Abu Jahl.
That is what Jahl never had! The price of his frankness would be dire for Bilal. Like Ammar, heavy pieces of rock were loaded on the rocks of Ramda under the hot sun, and after he was dehydrated for one day and one night, he was pun in an iron shirt and his body fat was melted. With a rope around his neck, he was handed over to the children, and he was pulled under the rain of ridicule, insults, spit and stones. However. None of these discouraged Bilal. He resisted the words offered to him, to believe in idols and deny Prophet Mohammad. The Meccan sadists seemed to go crazy with their ambitions, when the torture reached its limit, Bilal never exposed his pain. Even so much would not please the cruel sadists. Bu he was also a human being, when he could not hold back anymore and shouts ‘’Ehad!’’ (Allah is One) Only this way hits his fire inside. The cliffs of Batha and Ramda rang with the shouts of ‘’Ehad’’ by the slave Bilal. The torture lasted for weeks and months. There were days when all the slaves who were tortured by their owners or Abu Jahl’s expert team because they were Muslims, based on the permission given by our Prophet, said what the tortures want, except Bilal! Even though those slaves were among them, Bilal was also among them, and when it was night and the torturers got tired and the work was left for the next day, every pitiful person had a family member who visited them, gave a few sips of water and put a wet cloth on his back. Nevertheless none of it consoled Bilal. Bilal also spent his evenings alone. Finally, the pain of the black slave Bilal ends happily. Together with the six slaves who were tortured at the hands of the Mecca pagans, Bilal, son of Rebah, was bought by Abubakr from his owner, son of Halef, Umayya and freed. Apart from his preference for Islam and his torture for months, he gave Bilal a great reward. He gave him freedom. The bargaining between Abubakr and Umayya follows an interesting course. Umayya asked for ten gold coins for Bilal, from Abubakr and accepted. After the work was done Umayya said,
He said ‘’ If you had bargained, I would have left this black slave for one gold piece.’’ In his own way, he tries to regret Abu Bakr’s sensitivity. But Abu Bakr’s answered laughing: ‘’Worry about yourself’’ If you wanted a hundred gold pieces for him, I would have sacrificed it, I would !’’
During this period, Abu Bakr spent most of his wealth to liberate the tortured Muslim slaves. These were a total of seven men and women. For this cause, he even came face to face with his father Abu Quhafa. Abu Quhafa was still heathen and was far from understanding the true reason for what his son did. Since he could not think of spending a huge fortune just for the sake of Allah and the Muslim brotherhood, he scolded his son:
‘’I see’’ he said, ‘’you keep freeing some weak, useless slaves. At least, free the strong men who will be useful when you need them, will take your side and strengthen you in difficult times!’’
‘’Beloved Father!’’ Abu Bakr replied, ‘’ I want to gain the consent of my Lord, not to strengthen myself with this!’’ Father Abu Quhafa did not understand again, he just scoffed.
The way in which the news of Bilal’s liberation by Abu Bakr was given among Muslims is an evidence of how effective our Prophet’s revolution was in transforming the established social order and prevailing inequality judgements from the very first years. Muslims said to each other,’’ Abu Bakr freed Bilal!’’
One of the most brutal tortures of the Mecca oppressors was to Habbab, the son of the freed slave Ered. Habbab was a blacksmith slave. He was also punished with wearing an iron shirt on the Ramda rocks, which was the standard method at that time, and left him under the hot sun. His naked body was dragged through thorns. One day burning coals were laid on the ground and Habbab was laid on them. Years later he will tell this incident ‘’ I Sear to Allah that that day, those embers were extinguished only by the fat of my flesh that flowed from my back!’’.
Habbab carried the lumps, which were the scars of those torturing days on his back until he died. His former owner, Umm Enmar, with the confidence of knowing that there will be no one to protect Habbab, scattered his head with iron heated in the fire.
The oppressors did not discriminate between men and woman in torture. Especially for the slave woman, a big share falls from this downpour of persecution. One of them was Zinnire.
Zinnire, a concubine of Byzantine origin, was one of the first female believers, and the strangled her until she was thought dead. Abu Jahl caused this oppressed person to go blind with this torture. The he said in an ignorantly brazen manner, ‘’ Yous see ?’’ , ‘’ Lat and Uzza blinded you!’’ Zinnire spoke with faith even in such a moment. ‘’NO!’’ she replied. ‘’ Your idols cannot do anything. They cannot do any harm of benefit. This is a decision made in the heavens. If He wills it may Lord is the One who will return my sight to me!’’ Ultimately, Zinnire was bought by Abu Bakr and liberated.
‘’ Lubayna’’ was a female concubine. She also was tortured by Omar, who did not yet believed. He beat Lubayna to death and mocked her when he got tired. ‘’I’m sorry.’’ He would say. ‘’ I just took a break because I was tired. Let me rest a little and I’ll come to continue. ‘’ Abu Bakr also came to the rescue of Lubayna.
One of the women who lost their eyes due to torture was Guzeyye. Unlike the others, she was a free woman. She belonged to the Devs tribe. Being a Muslim at an early date, she hit her religion and spoke about Islam by mingling with the Quraysh women under the pretext of trade. But after a while, her actions were determined and she was handed over to Abu Jahl. She was exiled from Mecca after being subjected to severe torture. She took refuge in her own tribe, Devs. But that would mean things get worse for Guzeyye. With the desire to befriend the rulers of Quraysh, the Devs also began to torture this woman. Guzeyye was blinded by her own tribe. Nevertheless, she was not daunted and continued to explain Islam with all her will. In the end, the winner was Guzeyye. Years later, at the end of her work, the entire Devs tribe will finally accept Islam.
One of those who were tortured was Suhayb, son of Sinan, one of the freedmen of Byzantine origin, lost his memory and became unable to understand what he said.
Abu Fuqayha was dragged on the stones by a rope from his foot and taken do Ramda to be tortured. During the torture, his Maser, Umayya pointing to a ‘’Cual ‘’ bu passing by: ‘’Tell me that this insect is your lord and I’ll leave you.’’ ‘’My Lord is Allah,’’ said Abu Fuqayha, with the dignity and honor of Islam. ‘’It is He who also created me and created you. He also created the cual beetle. ‘’ Umayya went mad. However Umayya thought that he was dead and left Abu Fuqayha. Abu Bakr saved him.
However, even Abu Bakr was on such a level that he was not in position to protect himself from oppression and torment. Hawfel, son of Huveylid, one the troublemakers of Mecca, called the ‘’Lion of the Quraysh’’, and Talha, son of Ubeydullah, were tied together with a rope to prevent them from praying. Nobody dared face them for the fear of Nevfel. This condition gave them a title that would continue for life. They were called ‘’ Karineyn ‘’ meaning two inseparable friends’’ Talha is persecuted even by her own family. As if his own brother Osman wasnt enough, even his mother Saba, with her hands tied around his neck, recited curses and maledictions to his own son next to the Kaaba and humiliated him.
Avvam’s son Zubayr was tortured by his uncle. Uncle Nevfel, as the last method tied his nephew up with a rope and wrapped him up and hung him up on a wall. Then he set the the haystack on fire, and Zubayr felt as if he would suffocate with smoke. He hung on the wall in the burnt straw until the end of the day. When this torture ended, his skin had turned pitch black from the smoke, and his eyes were bloody.
Osman was also punished by his own uncle. In one way or another, everybody would fall prey to the torment of the oppressors. But all this could not lead the heathens to their desired result. Muslims’ courage, efforts and beliefs never weakened except for the momentary jolts. On the contrary, they got stronger. The Mecca heathens began to feel helpless in the face of this glorious resistance. One proof of this fact could be the recitation of the Qur’an in the Kaaba by Abdullah, son of Masud in those days. Abdullah was a small man. Moreover. He did not have strong relatives to protect him. He wanted to have the honor of being a Muslim who reads the Qur’an openly for the first time in the Kaaba. His friends tried to dissuade him, but to no avail. One morning, he stood in front of the Kaaban and began to read the Surah ‘’Rahman’’ slowly. The pagans were firs surprised. They could not understand what was being read. A challenge to this extent is not what they could think of. The they realized what was happening and with all their might they fumbled upon Abdullah the son of Masud. On the other hand, he read as much as he could while being kicked. When he returned to his Muslim friends, his face and eyes were covered with blood. ‘’I wish you listened to us!’’ they said. Bu Abdullah was happy with his condition. ‘’ Those heathens never looked so weak and pitiful to me as today.’’ ‘’I’ll go tomorrow and repeat the same thing.’’ But this time his friends got ahead of him, they wouldn’t let him go. After so much torture and persecution, let’s put aside actions such as psychological pressure and mockery. Such word and deeds have become an insignificant part of Muslims’ daily lives.
At this point, a question may necessarily come to the human mind. How could Allah allow all this? How can he let a handful of people who sincerely believe in him suffer all kinds of cruelty and torture, be mutilated or even die at the hands of sadistic heathens?
The first answer to these and similar questions is that this world is a test venue. Secondly, it should be known that the reward for Muslims for practicing their religion will be given in the hereafter. The specific answer to the issue is the fact that we pointed out above: The right gets stronger as it is punched, if the attacks and pressures targeting a new social formation fail to eliminate it, it ultimately makes it stronger. Mecca Muslims also grew stronger thanks to the oppression and attacks they have experienced during this decade, and their religion became more valuable to them than all their assets, including their lives. Then they took care of it accordingly. The truth of Islam, which has been presented for about 1400 years, owes its existence to these few hundred people. But a very special few hundred people’ To a handful of people who are the symbols of faith, renunciation and sacrifice.
The interpretation of this era of bur prophets history, including the tortures differ immensely. Although he was one of the most affected by those tortures, both physically and spiritually. One of those whose back was burned, Habbab, son of Ered, pleaded with our Prophet during this most severe persecution.
‘’Messenger of Allah’’ He said, ‘’I beg of you, pray to our Lord, so this distress goes away and brings the Muslims to rule!” Our prophet got up from where he sat. The colour of hıs face was changing. He was angry. He frowningly answered, “The faithful communities before you were tortured so much that their bodies were cut in half with saws or they were tortured with iron combs. But they still didn’t renounce their religion. Fear Allah and be patient. Allah will achieve this task. So much so that a person would ride his camel alone and fear nothing but Allah, and the wolf that would attack his sheep. But you are impatient.”
What is interesting about the answer of our prophet is the target he pointed it to. What he emphasizes is not just a Muslim achievement, sovereignty or a political victory; but the social peace to be achieved. With this answer, he explains both the cause and the result of the persecution of the people who suffered from torment. Our prophet teaches what to be wary of. Both for themselves and all Muslims who will live until Judgment Day.
Ordeal and Boycott
Hamza was one of our Prophet’s uncles. He became a Muslim in the 6th year of the Mecca Period. One day, while the prophet was sitting on the Safa Hill, Abu Jahl passed by. He insulted the prophet. Our prophet did not respond at all.
Hamza went hunting that day. On his return, a concubine told the incident to Hamza. Hamza had not yet become a Muslim. He could not bear to be insulted by his nephew, and without removing his weapon, he immediately went to the Quraysh’s meeting place. “Are you insulting my brother’s son?” He hit Abu Jahl on the head with his bow. Hamza did not speak out of fear that Hamza might have become a Muslim, too. Hamza, who took revenge from Abu Jahl for insulting the prophet, went to him and tried to comfort him. When our prophet said that he would only be pleased if he believed, and he recited the Kalima shahadah and became a Muslim. Hamza was an extremely brave, strong person. Omar became a Muslim three days after him. With these two becoming Muslims, the Muslims found great morale.
Hamza’s acceptance of İslam made the Muslims happy, but the polytheists were alarmed. The notables of Quraysh immediately gathered in Darun-Nevde. “They are growing stronger and stronger. If we don’t take care of them quickly, there will be dangers that we cannot prevent in the future.” They said, “We must find a solution for this.” Various proposals were made. Abu Jahl said, “There is no other way out then to kill Mohammad. Let’s give an amount of camels and gold to those who finish this task.” Omar stood up and said that only the son of Hattab could do this. Omar set out with the intention of killing our prophet with the applause of the Quraysh. On the way, while bearing his weapons, he met Nuaym, son of Abdullah. In the face of his hasty behaviour, Nuaym asked, “Where are you going, Omar?”
“To destroy the body of Mohammed who caused the separation between Arabs.”, Omar replied. “O Omar, you have attempted a very difficult task. Muslims are circling around Mohammad like a swarm of bees, they will not bring you closer to him. If we accept what you want to do, the sons of Hashim will not keep you alive.”, they said. Omar got angry at those words. “Or are you of them, too?”, he snapped. “Look at your relatives before I do.” Uncle Said and your sister Fatima became Muslims.”, Nuaym said.
Omar never thought it impossible that this answer was true. But in order to dispel the suspicion he had fallen into, he changed his way and reached the house of his brother-in-law, Said bin Zayd. Meanwhile, the Quran was being read inside. Omar heard what was being read in front of the door. Omar yelled, “What is it that you are reading?” “Nothing here,” replied his brother-in-law. “What I heard was true,” he said furiously at his brother-in-law. He intervened and slapped his sister hard enough to make her bleed. His hurt sister Fatima said, “O Omar, fear Allah. My husband and I became Muslims, we are proud of this and we are not afraid of you. We will not renounce our religion even if you kill us.” She recited the Kalima Shahada afterwards. This state and words of his sister with blood on her face shook Omar, his heart began to soften, he almost regretted what he had done. He sat down right where he stood. He said in a low voice, “Bring that thing you just read, let me see it.” His sister gave the page of the Quran to him. Omar started to read the page with great interest.
“Whatever is in the heavens and on the earth, they all glorify Allah. He is the only victorious and wise one. He is the sovereign of the heaves and the earth, he both gives and takes life. He is capable of all things. He comes before anything else. His existence is obvious, his true nature is hidden to mankind. He knows everything.” (Surat-al Hadid)
Omar fell into deep thought after reading these verses. The high meaning of the Word of Allah was in his heart. He thought, “Everything that is in the heavens and on the earth is Allah, our idols have no meaning.” He said, “Take me to the messenger of Allah.” At that time, or prophet was in the house of Arqam in the district of Safa.
Seeing that Omar came towards them with a weapon, the Muslims were alarmed. Hamza only said, “If he comes with good intentions, or with bad, it won’t matter. No need to worry. They grabbed two people from Omar’s surroundings and took them to the presence of the prophet. Omar knelt down in front of the Messenger of Allah and recited the Kalima Shahadah. Those who were there shouted out, “Allahu Akbar!” The Safa Hill was filled with their voices. Omar asked, “How many people are we?” They said, “We’re forty with you.” “So, what are we waiting for? Let’s leave and go to the Harem-I Sharif.”, Omar said. All Muslims collectively went to the Kaaba happily and hopefully.
The Quraysh were curiously awaiting the news of Mohammad’s death in Darun-Nevde. When they saw that the Muslims were advancing toward the Harem-I Sharif in masses, they said with pleasure, “Here, Omar brought them all to use.”
When Omar approached the Quraysh he said, “Let those who know me and those who don’t know; I am Omar, the son of Hattab. I became a Muslim.” The Quraysh were stunned. Each one swung to the side. That day, for the first time, the Muslims prayed in the Harem-I Sharif.
The spread of Islam gained speed with the conversion of Hamza and Omar. While the number of Muslims reached only forty in the first six years, the number exceeded to three-hundred a year later, ninety of them immigrating to Abyssinia. Mecca became and uninhabitable city for Muslims as a result of all the torment of the polytheists, which increased day by day, had taken away the opportunity to perform their religious worship with a peace of mind.
The polytheists had no intention of giving up their brutal and merciless behaviour. Therefore, the prophet said to the Muslims one day, “At least scatter around the earth. Allah will bring you together again.” When the companions asked, “Oh Messenger of Allah, where shall we go?”, he pointed with his hand to Abyssinia and said, “You better go to the land of Abyssinia. No one is persecuted by their ruler. That is the land of truth. I hope that Allah will give you relief there.”
Upon the permission and advice of our prophet, first a group of fifteen Muslims, ten men and five women, left their homes, vineyards and gardens, their parents, relatives and neighbours in order to protect their religion and beliefs, leaving their place, they set off in secret. They arrived in Abyssinia over the Red Sea and were welcomed by the Abyssinian Najashi (ruler)
The prophet’s preference for Abyssinia was based on several reasons. First of all, it was a place well known to the Meccans, because it has had commercial relations with this country since ancient times. The second reason why this country was preferred was that the Abyssinian Najashi was a righteous ruler. Of course, Najashi, who was famous for his justice, would not be unfair to this oppressed community. Another reason was that the people of Abyssinia were religious, and they were Christian. Since they were religious, their attitude and behaviour towards Muslims would be different from the polytheists’ actions and behaviours against the People of Islam.
As a matter of fact, the aforementioned Companions, who left Mecca without a trace, were really welcomed by the Abyssinian Najashi and his people. After they settled there, they did not encounter any obstacles or difficulties in performing their worship and living their religious beliefs. Along with all these things, this incident resulted in some more important results. In this way, Islam was spread around. Due to the existence of this high aim behind the migration, the polytheists were worried that a handful of Muslims who migrated took refuge in Abyssinia, and were alarmed. They didn’t stop terrorizing the Muslims, even in this distant land.
The Meccan polytheists did everything in their power to extinguish the glory of Islam. They tried all kinds of ridicule, insult and torment. All these ruthless practices could not prevent the spreading of Islam and the increasing number of Muslims day by day. Six years have passed since the arrival of Mohammad and the seventh year had begun. Some of the Muslims found safety by emigrating to the country of Abyssinia, and Islam began to be heard among other Arab tribes. The Quraysh, who thought it was necessary to end this process before it was too late, reached an agreement between themselves to kill our prophet again.
The polytheists had made an agreement, and this agreement was soon heard by Abu Talib. Being worried about his nephew, Abu Talib called the Bani-Hashim to a meeting. Whether they were Muslim or not, some of them agreed to protect our prophet with belief and some kinship. The polytheists who heard about the meeting held by the Bani-Hashim also held a new meeting in a separate place. At the meeting, they agreed to continue until Mohammad was handed over to be killed.
-Bani Hashim will not be given girls, and girls will not be taken from them.
- All kinds of trading activities will be stopped
- We will not sit with them, fight with them or talk with them
- Requests for peace will never be accepted and no pity will be shown
They wrote the agreed to indentions on a piece of paper, sealed them and hung them in the Kaaba in order not to break their promise. Although Abu Talib warned that they should give up the agreement and not break their ties and that this may cause bloody wars between the tribes. A period of difficulties, which would last for years, was beginning for the Hashemites.
After this decision, all the Muslims scattered here and there were united with the Hashemites in the district of Abu Talib. Although Abu Lahab was of the Hashemites, he was with the polytheists and left the neighbourhood. Our prophet moved from Arqam’s house to Abu Talib’s neighbourhood. Muslims were besieged here for three years.
The Muslims suffered a lot these three years under siege. Unable to get enough food, they ate tree leaves out of hunger. Some young children died of malnutrition. Abu Jahl was controlling those who entered and exited the neighbourhood day and night, and did not allow food to be smuggled in. Except for the brave ones like Hamza and Omar, nobody could go out to the market and do their shopping. Sad Ibn Abi Vaqqas had wet a piece of leather he had found once, had roasted it over a fire and eaten it. The cries of hungry women and children were heard outside the neighbourhood. Muslims were trying to obtain their annual food and other needs only in four months. (Qadah, Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab) in which bloodshed is forbidden. The prophet was able to invite and convey his duty to those who came to Mecca from outside only during these months. The Muslims endured unbearable hardship during this three year boycott. However, the Quraysh did not get any good results from this.
This tragic situation of the Muslims started to disturb some people. One of them named Zuhair said, “Oh Quraysh community, what we are doing is not humane. While we are taking advantage of every opportunity, it is incompatible that a branch of our tribe may hunger. This decision must be broken. I swear that I will not leave unless this cruel contract is torn.” Although Abu Jahl wanted to silence Zuhair, the others supported him.
The boycott imposed on Bani Hashim was about to complete its third year. The prophet came to his uncle Abu Talib and said, “Oh Uncle! Allah, my lord, has infested the woodworm on the piece of paper that the Quraysh hung on the Kaaba. Apart from the name of Allah, it did not leave any written indentions. It gnawed them all.”
“Did your Lord tell you this?”
“Yes!”
“Oh my brother’s son! Is what you tell true?”
Yes, I swear it is true!”
Abu Talib told his brothers of the news. They asked, “What is your opinion on this matter?”
“I swear he never lied to me. Let’s go to the Quraysh people dressed in our best way and report this news.” They all prepared and went to the Kaaba. The notables of the Quraysh were sitting next to the Kaaba.
When they saw Abu Talib and those with him, they thought that they had to accept our Prophet to surrender them, and they immediately took the delegation to their assembly. Abu Talib said, “Oh Quraysh community! My brother’s son, who has never lied, informed me of the agreements you made and that Allah made a woodworm eat the piece of paper. Come on, bring the paper on which you wrote the agreement! If what he said turns out to be true, we will not hand him over to you until the last of us dies! But give up what you are doing! If what he said does notturn out to be true, I will hand my brother’s son over to you. Treat him as you wish.”
The polytheists accepted the offer. The indention had been brought. Just as out prophet had said, everything was gnawed by worms, expect for the name of Allah. Nevertheless, the polytheists refrained from fulfilling their promise and said, “This is magic!” But the number of those who thought that they were doing injustice the Bani Hashim was increasing day by day.
The tenth year of the prophethood had begun. The boycott applied had begun to be ruthless to most people. A few of the Quraysh who were close to the Bani Hashim agreed and criticized the agreement during a meeting and declared that they would not comply from now on. The boycott which had already been weakened, could not continue after this initiative. The Bani Hashim also mingled with the people again.
The Muslims were happy that they had survived the boycott. They tried to forget their troubles and heal their wounds. But their joy did not last long. About eight months after the boycott was lifted, they faced two great misfortunes. In the month Shawwal, the tenth anniversary of the Mecca Period, Abu Talib and our mother Khadija died within three days.
Abu Talib did not become a Muslim. However, he was deeply devoted to our prophet. He loved him very much, so that was protecting him against the evil that would come from the polytheists by enduring every sacrifice. Even while he was dying, he had bequeathed the Bani Hashim to “remain loyal to him, make every sacrifice in his name and to not break his vow.”
Khadija was his confidant, a compassionate life partner. Khadija was consoling him and supporting him with all her existence.
The prophet was saddened by the death of two people he loved and supported so close after each other. For this reason, this year was called Am-al Huzun. (the year of sadness)
The polytheists did not have much of an affair with our prophet himself. After Abu Talib’s they began to do all kinds of evil to our prophet. Once, while praying in the Kaaba, with the encouragement of Abu Jahl, Uqba, son of Abu Muayt, brought the intestines of a newly cut camel and put it on the prophet’s head while he was prostrating and our prophet could not raise his head from prostration. His daughter Fatima cleaned his clothes, pointed to the polytheists who laughed at the prophet after he completed his prayer and said, “My Allah, I am referring this group from the Quraysh to you.”, and counted their names one by one. All of these notorious polytheists whose names were mentioned by our prophet’s daughter were killed in the Battle of Badr and their carcasses were thrown into the Kalib Well. The persecution of the Quraysh was now intolerable. For this reason, our prophet went to Taif with his adopted son Zayd, who was the son of Harith. He would invite the people of Taif to get rid of their idols and surrender to Allah. In Taif there was a tribe called Sakiyf and they were also polytheists. Our prophet tried to explain the Islam to them for ten days and met with the notables. As no one was a Muslim, they mocked, “Has there been anyone left to the prophecy other than you? Get out of our country and go wherever you want to go!” They expelled the Messenger of Allah from their rounds and insulted him. When leaving Taif, they lined up children and people on both sides of the road and had them throw stones. The prophet’s feet were bruised by the thrown stones and his shoes were filled with blood. While the prophet almost could’t walk anymore and wanted to sit because of the pain, they continued to throw stones. His son Zayd, who was shielding the prophet was badly injured. On that day the prophet experienced the worst bodily distress he encountered throughout his life. Somehow, he was finally able to escape from the pursuit of the rabble by taking shelter in the vineyard of Rabia’s sons Utba and Shayba. Here, in the shade of a gazebo, he raised his hands and said this prayer,
“My Lord, I only admit to you that my strength has been weakened, my despair, and that I have been hated and despised in the eyes of the people. Oh, you are the most merciful, the Lord of the wretched ones who everybody sees as weak. You are so compassionate to me that you will not fall into the hands of a divine, grumpy and brazen enemy, or even a friend of my relative whom I have given the reins of my life.
Oh Lord! If you are not angry with me, I will never mind my troubles, but your forgiveness is too broad to show them either.
Oh Lord! I seek refuge in your glory, which enlightens the darkness and balances the affairs of religion and the world, from suffering your wrath and being deprived of your consent. I beg your forgiveness until you consent. All strength and might is only with you!”
As can be seen, despite all the torment and suffering, he did not curse the people. Gabriel came to him in a place called Kam, two mansions away from Mecca.
“Oh Messenger of Allah, Allah has heard what his people told you, saw what they had done, sent you this angel of the Mountains. Whatever you wish about your tribe, you can command this angel.” After the angel who was placed under the command of the mountains greeted him, he said, “Oh Mohammad, I’m ready for your command. If you want those two steep mountains to fall over them and crush the polytheists to death, order me.”
“They don’t know! No, I do not want them to be crushed and destroyed, but my Lord to create a generation from their lineage who do not associate anything with them and worship Allah alone.”
Rabia’s sons saw the miserable condition of our prophet. Through the Christian slave Addas, they sent him a bunch of grapes. When the prophet started eating the grapes by saying Bismillah, Addas said with amazement, “The people of this region do not say such words, they do not mention the name of Allah.” Our prophet asked him where he was from.
“I am from Nineveh. I am Christian.”, Addas replied. Our prophet smiled and said, “So you are from the homeland of my brother Jonah.” “How do you know about Jonah?”, Addas asked our prophet. “Jonah is my brother, he was a prophet like me.”, said our prophet. Later, the prophet explained Islam to Addas. Addas also became a Muslim then. Our prophet did not neglect his duty of prophethood even in the hardest and most troubled moments, and he tried to be instrumental in the guidance of the people.
It was time to return to Mecca. It was impossible for the Prophet to enter Mecca without protection. Essentially, he went from Mecca to Taif because his life was in danger. For this reason, on his return, he went up to the Hira Mountain and sent a message to Mutim, son of Adiyy, one of the prominent elders of the Quraysh. Only in this way could he enter Mecca at night under his auspices. He returned home after his circumambulation of the Kaaba and praying in Harem-I Sharif for two rak’ahs. According to Arab traditions, anyone was obliged to protect his patron. Because of this, Mutim and his children took up arms and surrounded the four corners of the Kaaba. Thus, they ensured that the prophet could enter Mecca, circumambulate freely and go home.
Unfortunately, Mutim died as a polytheist in the battle of Badr. Our prophet did not forget this favour of Mutim. Our prophet said to his son Jubayr who came to Medina for the rescue of the Badr prisoners, “If your old father had been alive, I would have donated all to him if he wanted these bad people from me.”
Calling to Islam
Our prophet was the target of the people of Taif’s attacks and insults in a ruthless and cruel way. When he returned to Mecca, he faced even more severe opposition and persecution from the polytheists. Despite of this, he did not abstain from telling people the truth of faith or Islam for even a moment. On the contrary, when he returned from Taif he expanded the calling of Islam, and this time he began calling the tribes together.
The rapid development of an idea, of a case, is undoubtedly proportional to the multiplicity of those that are steady and levelly interconnected. Considering this fact, our prophet started wandering among the Arab tribesthat had stayed around Mecca during the pilgrimage season to both invite them to faith and use it as a force against the Quraysh polytheists. Each of the notables of the tribes he met made separate excuses and turned away from accepting Islam. Although those who expressed their wish to become Muslims emerged among them, they were prevented from joining the Islamic side. Some tribes that were invited to Islam did not respond to the invitation and also insulted our prophet.
The polytheists went to the places where our Prophet went and followed him like a shadow. Undoubtedly, the negative propagandas of the polytheists based on lies and slander played a big role in the tribal members’ staying away from Islam.
Our prophet never neglected to visit the Okaz, mijannah and Majaz fairs, which were established every year in certain seasons, meeting with the tribes who came here, reading the Quran to his people and inviting them to Islam. While he was wandering among the people for this holy purpose, Abu Lahab was traveling as well and was saying, “Mohammad renounced his ancestors’ religion, he is inventing lies, do not be fooled by him!” This way, he was trying to prevent the people from contracting the prophet.
While the prophet was traveling among the tribes and conveying, he was meeting with and talking only the leaders and notables of the tribes, explained Islam to them. Because the tribesmen had an unwavering devotion to their leaders. The acceptation of Islam by their leaders meant that all of them were on the side of the believers. In this regard, our prophet was following the method that could obtain results in a short time.
The eleventh year of the prophetic mission was the time of Hajj. Many pilgrims had come to Mecca from various parts of the peninsula. Among them were some people from Medina. While the prophet was wandering among the tribes during the pilgrimage season and invited them to Islam, he came across a convoy of six people from Medina near Aqaba. “Who are you?”, he asked. They replied, “We are from the Khazraj tribe.” “Are you one of the neighbours and allies of the Jews?”, he asked. They said yes, so our prophet said, “Sit down, and let’s have a little chat.” Our sire called them to believe in the existence and oneness of Allah. He talked about monotheism. He stated that they should be purified from all kinds of idols that occupy their hearts, minds and lives. He said the best people are the ones that benefit other people the most. He read a part from Surah Ibrahim and invited them to Islam. There was an ongoing hostility and conflict between the Jews living in Medina and the Khazraj and Aws tribes, which were derived from two brothers.
The Jews were people of the book and had knowledge; whereas the people of Aws and Khazraj were practicing idolatry and worship idols. Whenever they fought with the Jews, the Jews kept telling them, “The expected prophet is about to come. When he comes, we will follow him, we will exterminate you like the tribes of Irem and Ad!”
When the prophet invited them to Islam, they glanced at each other and said, “By Allah, this must be the prophet that the Jews informed us about! Don’t let the Jews surpass us in believing him!” They believed immediately by speaking it and recited the kalima shahadah in the presence of the prophet.
“As our people have hatred and animosity to each other, there are also evil and animosity between them and another tribe. It is hoped that Allah will gather them together thanks to you. We will immediately return and invite them to what you have shown us. If Allah brings them together with this religion, there will be no dearer and honourable person than you!”
The people of Medina who accepted the prophet’s invitation and were blessed with Allah’s glory were six people. These people were respected and loved by their tribes. For this reason, when they returned to Medina, told their relatives about our prophet and called them to Islam, Islam suddenly resonated in Medina. The call of Allah and his messenger surrounded the city’s horizon. In a short time it seemed that there was almost no house in the in the city where our prophet and Islam were not mentioned. The eternal light, whose shine reached Medina, would suddenly shine here, and soon after that would make the city the centre of the Islamic State.
In the eleventh year of the prophethood, six people of Medina who were blessed with Islam in the Aqaba region promised our prophet that they would meet at the same place one year later. A year after their first meeting and when the pilgrimage season came again, a group of twelve people from Medina, including those six came to Mecca. One night in the small and narrow valet called Aqaba, they secretly met with our prophet and talked to him. At the end of this meeting, they agreed on a decision together.
They would never practice idolatry in any way. There would be no robbery. There would be no adultery. There would be no child slaughtering. There would be no slander. There would be no interpose for fortunate things. They swore allegiance to our sire on these matters. They would be unconditionally attached to him under all circumstances.
Thereupon, our prophet addressed them as follows:
“Allah has vouched for the wages and rewards of those who keep their promises of you, and has prepared the heavens for them! Whoever commits one of these a matter of humanity and is punished in the world because of it, it will be atonement for him! And whoever does one of them as human nature, if Allah hides and does not reveal that thing he does, then his work is left to Allah. If he wills, he can forgive or punish.”
In addition, these Muslims also made a promise to our sire. “It is our priority to obey both in hardship and in times of prosperity and joy. You yourself will have a choice over us, and we will not disobey you in any of your god actions.” The things that those in the first Aqaba Pledge promised not to do are the elements that form the basis of a peaceful social life.
Islam, which came to bring humanity to peace and happiness and to place social life based on this therefore mentioned peace, would of course accept these issues as indispensable principles and take a firm word from its devotees in this regard. The Muslims from Medina returned to their homeland after the negotiations. They continued to be heard and spread the light and voice of Islam among their tribes there.
After a while, the Muslims of Medina asked our sire to send them a mentor to teach them the rules and practices of Islam. Our prophet fulfilled their wishes immediately by sending Musab Bin Umayr, a young companion, one of the leaders of the Quraysh, who was very polite and civilized by nature and was very handsome. Another companion who was assigned to teach the Quran to the people with Musab Bin Umayr was Abdullah Ibn Mektum, who was blind. Like Bilal al-Habashi, he was one of the first muezzins of Islam.
Now it’s time to talk about an incident concerning this companion.
One day, our prophet talked to many Quraysh notables such as Walid Bin Mughire, Utba Bin Rebia and Umayya bin Khalaf, who were known for their severe animosity to both Islam and Muslims and talked to them about belief and the truths of the Quran. From time to time, to nourish the attentions of the interlocutors and to make them listen he would ask, “What do you think, isn’t it beautiful?” At that time, Abdullah Ibn Ummi Mektum, son of Khadija’s uncle, who was impoverished, but morally strong, called out; unaware of whom our prophet was talking to. “O Messenger of Allah! Guide me, teach me the Quran; teach me the things Allah has taught you.”, he said. Since he could not realize that our prophet gave all of his attention to the notables of the Quraysh to explain Islam to them, he kept repeating this desire several times. Our prophet was bothered and uncomfortable with this situation for a moment. He didn’t really care about him. He could always come and learn everything about Islam from him. However, he might not have the opportunity to find the notables of the Quraysh polytheists altogether again. Their acceptance of Islam or their renunciation of hostility meant that the Quraysh became Muslims altogether. For this reason, our Sire was disturbed by the desire to be distracted. The revelation came just as the prophet was about to finish his speech to the notables of the Quraysh, He closed his eyes and fell asleep. Surah Abasa had been sent to us.
He turned away, grimacing. How would you know, maybe he would be purified of his sins. Or he would take advice and that would benefit him. As for anyone who does not need advice, turn to him. You are not responsible for him staying in the mess of denial and rebellion. Don’t neglect anyone who comes running to you and fears of Allah. Beware! That the Quran is a reminder. Whoever wishes may take advice from it.
Of course, those who do not want to remove the idyllic beliefs from their hearts with holy water, who do not wish to listen to the Quran, and who do not think to benefit from it, did not enter Islam and did not clean their souls did not impose any responsibility on our prophet. Because his task was only to declare Islam properly. However, turning away from a Muslim who expressed his desire to learn the truth, not teaching him the truths that he did not know, and not responding to his wishes required such warning. After this situation and warning, whenever our sire saw Abdullah Bin Ummi Mektum, he would offer him and ask him if he needed anything. “Oh he who caused my Lord to warn me!”, he would compliment him.
***
Asad Bin Zurara was something like a leader of the Muslims of Medina. For this reason, when his teacher Musab, who was a young companion, came to Medina, he started to stay in his house. This house was now a central place for the Muslims to meet. Young Musab, who had learned his lesson from our prophet himself, was a companion who could utilize time and conditions and use opportunities very well. He directed all his efforts to the spread of Islam in Medina. He was talking and explaining Islam to them carefully. Many people in Medina became Muslims, but there were also some obstacles to the rapid development of Islam. Sad Bin Muaz, the leader of the Aws tribe, and Usaid Bin Hudair, who was also among the leaders, had not yet become Muslims. This situation was also affecting the public negatively.
Sad Bin Muaz was the son of Assad Bin Zuare’s aunt. One day, Musab and Assad were sitting by a well in the garden of a house, and were chatting. Around them, there were some Muslims too. Meanwhile, with his spear in his hand, Usaid Bin Hudair came up to them. “What for have you come to us? You are cheating and aggravating some unintelligent, weak people! If you don’t want to be in your life, leave now!”, he said.
“Stop now, sit down! Listen to our words, understand our purpose! If you like them, accept; if not then you may prevent it.”, our prophet responded gently. Usaid said, “You were right!”, when he sat down next to them, stabbing his spear into the ground. Musab gave a speech to him about Islam and read from the Quran. Usaid’s anger subsided, and unable to hold back, he spoke, “What beautiful words!” And he asked, “What shall I do to embrace this religion, he asked. Later, he became a Muslim by reciting the kalima shahadah. He directly went to Muaz.
Sad Bin Muaz said, “By Allah, you did not satisfy me with this information.” Uncomfortable with what Usaid had said, he came directly to Musab and Assad. “O Assad! If there weren’t kinship between you and us, I could not have patience and endure the ugly deeds you our tribe in!”, he shouted wrathfully. Musab said to him, “Let’s stop for a moment! Sit and listen! Understand! If you like it, accept, if you don’t, we will renounce you the job that you see as difficult.”, he answered gently. Upon him , Muaz sat down and started to listen to Musab’s words. Musab told him what the religion of Islam meant and read from the beginning of Surah Zuhruf. Muaz’s face suddenly changed while listening. His expression softened. What he was listening to were things he hadn’t heard of before. “What were you doing when you embraced his religion?”, he asked. Musab told him about the principles and manners of the religion of Islam. There, he testified and became a Muslim too. Then, he went back to his tribe. “O community! How do you know me?”, he asked them. They said, “You are our great supreme.” Upon this, Muaz said, “If so, you should also believe in the Messenger of Allah” and added, “May it be haram for me to talk with your men and women unless they believe, too!” Upon this sentence, there was no one left a polytheist in his tribe that day.
Musab was not alone anymore in announcing and evangelizing the Islam in Medina. The leaders of the Aws and Khazraj tribes were also with him. They were trying to evangelize Islam with their utmost efforts. Again, the centre of Islam was the home of Assad Bin Zurara. Musab and Sad Bin Muaz were working hand in hand by inviting people to the true religion. During the pilgrimage season of this year, the teacher of the Quran, Musab, came to Mecca with seventy-five Muslims, of whom were women from the Aws and Khazraj tribes, both to inform our prophet about the Islamic development in Medina and to practice pilgrimage. Representing them, a group came to the prophet, who was sitting in the Masjid al-Haram with his uncle Abbas.
“Oh Messenger of Allah! We are quite crowded. We have made a pledge to take you with us, to help you, to sacrifice our lives for your sake, to spare and protect yourself from the things we protect ourselves. Where should we meet to talk about this more broadly?” Our prophet chose to meet them again in Aqaba.
This meeting would be at midnight and would not be announced to anyone. They would even come to Aqaba in small groups when leaving their places and to avoid getting attention. Our sire came here with his uncle Abbas, who had not become a Muslim yet. The goal of Abbas was to not leave his nephew alone in this important matter, and to see and hear the promises made. Abbas made a speech addressing the Muslims of Medina, stating that if they were confident in protecting the Messenger of Allah, they should lead of, otherwise they should give up on this already.
Yet, the Muslims of Medina wanted the Messenger himself to talk. “Oh Messenger of Allah! You should talk too!”, they said. “Take from us what you desire for yourself and your Lord.” Zurara, who was the leader of the Muslims of Medina, got permission to speak from the Messenger of Allah. “Every invitation has a way. That way is either easy or difficult. The invitation you make today, is a difficult one people tend to hardly accept. You invited us to abandon our religion and to embrace yours. This was a hard and difficult thing. Still, we accepted this invitation. However, all of these were not things people would like at all. But we accepted them by acknowledging them with our languages, affirming them in our hearts, and reaching out or hands! We swear allegiance to you, knowing and believing what you were taught from Allah! We swear allegiance to our prophet and your Lord! Allah’s glory is on our hands! We will withhold and protect you from the things we protect ourselves, our children and women from. If we break this covenant, let us be miserable people who break the covenant of Allah! Oh Messenger of Allah! Take from us what you desire!”
Our sire read some verses from the Quran to them first. After calling them to Allah and encouraging them to Islam, he listed the points he wanted for himself and his Lord as follows:
“The condition I will give you for the Almighty is this: worship Him without putting anything in his place. You should pray and practice charity. What I want for myself is this: testify that I am the prophet of Allah; protect me from the things you protect yourselves, your women and your children from.” Meanwhile, Abdullah Bin Rawaha said, “O Messenger of Allah! What if we do these things in the way you say them?”, he asked. “There is a heaven!”, answered our sire. When he received this answer, Abdullah Bin Rawaha said, “Then this is a lucrative and profitable deal!”
Our prophet repeatedly said, “You will perform prayers, give alms by witnessing that here is no other god than Allah and that I am the messenger of Allah; that you will obey my every word in joyous and bad times, you will obey my orders completely; that you will help the needy both in hardship and in wealth; You should pledge allegiance to Allah, that you will only speak the truth for Allah, command good and forbid evil, in the way of Allah, without fear of reproaching by any reprimand, you must give me a firm promise!”
After that, our prophet said to them, “Choose twelve from among you who will be the representatives of their people at my side in every matter!” The Muslims of Medina elected nine representatives from the Khazraj tribe and three representatives from the Aws, all of whom were prominent, important people of Medina and were all literate. Our prophet said to them, “The Apostles are the vouchers of your people, and I am the voucher of the Meccan refugees, just as the Apostles were the vouchers of the people of Jesus, son of Mary.”
In addition, our lord appointed Zurara as the president of the twelve elected representatives after they were elected. They talked to the communities they represented, explained the importance of allegiance, and prepared them to promise loyalty to the Messenger of Allah. After that , our Lord extended his blessed hands. The people of Medina swore their allegiance one by one. This was an oath between the Mecca and MedinaMuslims. The allegiance had taken place in the dark of the night, in a secluded place, no one could see but the summoned ones. However, as soon as the allegiance was over, a voice said, “O people of the Quraysh! Mohammad, and the people of Medina, who have lost their ancestral religion, gathered and agreed to fight with you!”
Who was this voice that broke the darkness and silence of the night and were did it come from? Everyone was surrounded by curiosity and worry. Our Lord ordered, “Go back to your mansion immediately!” “Oh Messenger of Allah! If you want, as soon as the morning comes, we will sheath our swords and march on the people of Mina, we will put them to a fight!”, said one of them. “No, no! We have not yet been commanded to do so. Return t your places, all of you.” The Muslims were still in charge of using the weapon of patience. Thereupon, the people of Medina returned to their residence.
In the morning, the Quraysh polytheists, who had sensed the situation, started to investigate in order to find out exactly what was found by them as yet uncertain. They asked the people of Medina, who were heathens like them. However, since they were not aware of such an issue, they swore, “No such thing happened. We don’t know of such a thing.” The Muslims of Medina, on the other hand, did not speak a single word, thinking that the right way was silence.
This time, the Quraysh polytheists went to Selul, one of the elders of Medina and asked him. Likewise, he said, “This is a difficult job! There was never such a thing. They must be empty words!” My people did not consult me on such a thing. They would not do anything without consulting me while in Yathrib. (Medina) Thereupon, the Quraysh polytheists concluded that the heathens of Medina did not have any knowledge on this matter.
If our prophet had not said, “Do not announce this to anyone other than you.”, and if the Muslims of Medina did not hide this matter from the polytheists, of course this incident would have been announced to the Meccan polytheists and a great incident would probably have happened to the Muslims there. Perhaps a major obstacle would arise for Islam. When the pilgrimage season ended, the Muslims of Medina set out to return to their homelands. Shortly after the Muslims of Medina left Mecca, the polytheists somehow learned that such an agreement had taken place. They immediately followed the Muslims. However, the people of Medina had already moved away from that area. They were only able to catch two people. One of them somehow escaped from their hands, but they tortured the other Muslims they caught. The Muslims of Medina, who returned to their homeland, were now looking forward to the immigrants and were following the way of our prophet. The agreements made between the prophet and the Muslims of Medina opened a brand-new safe field for Muslims. Here, they would be able to freely express their beliefs, practice their religion freely, and live their belief without fear and hesitation. Because the two powerful Medina, Aws and Khazraj, welcomed them and made promises that they would protect themselves and not withdraw their help under any circumstances. It already seemed that the glory of Islam would shine inall its light in Medina. While the polytheists were worried that the Muslims would migrate to this safe place, our prophet was making an effort to make this new land, which was rapidly becoming Islamized, become an Islamic centre as soon as possible.
A very sensitive period was taking place in Mecca. The polytheists, who heard that Allah’s messenger made an agreement with the people of Medina, increased their cruelty and torment against Muslims. Now the situation had become a matter of life or death. Life in Mecca was a torment for Muslims; even the water drunk, and the air breathed was burning in their throats. The Muslims presented these distressing and painful situations to our prophet and asked for permission to migrate. First, our Lord stated such permission had not been given to him yet. However, a few days passed after this announcement and he happily announced to the Muslims that he was allowed to migrate.
“I was shown and informed that the land where you will emigrate to is a city of date palms between two Mountain Ranges. Those who want to leave Mecca should go there and unite with their Muslim brothers from Medina. Almighty Allah made them your brothers and made Medina a homeland where you can find safety and peace. Migration is not an escape but a quest. Our religion is to be saved from threats and dangers that come to the point of complete destruction and to seek an environment suitable for its survival. Religion is not a discourse and requires to be lived. If the conditions of the place become impossible for this, it is necessary to move away from there and to migrate as a requirement of religion. The Quran does not consider people in difficult situations excused and blames them if they do not migrate. Exposed to difficult conditions, Muslims are now obliged and responsible to seek a suitable place to practice their religion.”
After the given permission, our prophet thought carefully about the migration movement, which was the “effort to find a suitable place to practice their religion and spread it to other people.” He strictly advised Muslims to be cautious when they migrated. He advised them to set out in small groups in order not to attract the attention of the polytheists.
The Muslims made their way to Medina, one by one or in small groups, without drawing the attention of the polytheists who would prevent their actions. Realizing the situation, the Meccan polytheists were refusing to believe anything they saw. They used all kinds of things without getting sick and tired of turning people against the religion of Islam. So much so that when necessary, they separated women from their husbands and opposed to their emigrating with their husbands. Some were put in prison. But they did not want to kill anyone in case it could cause an outbreak of civil war.
Apart from that, they were trying to discourage the Muslims from migrating with all kinds of abuses and tortures imaginable. But the Muslims had made their final decision and would migrate to Medina at any cost. As a matter of fact, they continued their migration by overcoming every obstacle, and were already being welcomed by bright horizons. They were freed from the circle of oppression and persecution and spread their wings toward freedom.
While other Muslims were emigrating in secret, Omar sheathed his sword. He took his bow, arrows and spear and went to the Kaaba. Of course, he walked around the Kaaba seven times. He courageously called out to the leaders of the polytheists who were there, “Look! I migrate in the way of Allah to protect my religion! If anyone wants to leave his wife a widow, make their mother cry, and leave their children as orphans, let them be right here!” After this speech, he set out for Medina in the middle of the day with nearly twenty Muslims. None of the polytheists had the courage to fall behind them.
Thus, within a few months, most of the Muslims left Mecca with confused feelings of sadness and hope to settle in Medina. There were those who were too poor to be able to supply roads with our prophet, Abu Bakr and Ali, those who were not able to travel, and those who had been imprisoned by the polytheists.
Our prophet also intended to emigrate. However, he was waiting for the permission of his Lord regarding this issue. When Abu Bakr declared his desire to migrate to Medina, he said, “Patience! Hopefully, Allah will bestow on you a friend!”
The Aws and Khazraj tribes welcomed the Muslims who migrated to Medina prominently. They made room for, and hosted them. Married immigrants were the guests of Sad Bin Hayseme, the single Companion residing in Quba. When the Quraysh polytheists saw that the migrating Muslims were being protected by the Muslims of Medina that they were given help and were united and strengthened with them, they became very alarmed. Especially when they thought that our prophet would emigrate and take them over one day, that he could fight against them and even cut the trade routs to Damascus when necessary, their anxiety increased. The danger was growing for them. They decided to meet at Daran Nadwa to discuss this situation immediately and take the necessary measures. We mentioned that Daran Nadwa was the council building built by our prophet’s ancestor, Qusai Ibn Kilab, whose gate overlooks the Kaaba. The notables of the Quraysh always gathered here to talk and engage in their important work.
They met at Daran Nadwa in the morning after their decision. Meanwhile, they saw a neatly dressed old man standing in the door. “Who are you?”, they asked. “I am an old man from Najid.”, replied the man. “I heard that a meeting such as this would be held. I wanted to join in and share my opinion. I want to express my views on the measures I deem appropriate or not!” The Quraysh said, “Yes, come in!” and took him in. There were about a hundred Quraysh people at the meeting. In order to prevent anyone from knowing about the decision to be taken, only Abu Lahab, the enemy of Islam, was taken from the sons of Hashim. “What measure should we take with Mohammad?”, they said and began their meeting.
Some had put forward an idea. “Let’s get him chained and imprisoned.” The old man from Najid said, “No! This idea of yours is not appropriate. If you imprison him, his friends who hear of it will walk over you to get him back. They’ll take him from you. With his suggestion and propaganda, they will prevail over you in this business! Think of something else!” Upon this, some of them said, “Let’s drive him out of our country, from among us! I don’t care what happens to him afterwards.”
The old man from Najid took the floor again and said, “No, your opinion is not appropriate! Can’t you see the beauty of his word, the sweetness, and the things he brings and conveys to dominate people’s hearts? If you banish him from among the Arab tribes and dominate them. Then he can attack you and do whatever he wants to you. So think of something else!” Upon the prolongation of the debates, the archenemy of Islam, Abu Jahl spoke, “I thought of a measure you could’ve never thought about!” “What is it?”, they asked. Abu Jahl said with an angry determination, “There is no way but to kill him! For this, we choose a brave and strongyoung man from each tribe among us. Then we give each of them a sword. All of them hit and kill him. So, we get rid of him. Thus, it is not clear who killed him. In this case, the Hashemites cannot fight with all the tribes and they are compelled to consent to the accord. The old man from Najid said, “This is a good idea and the most appropriate solution!”
The old man was the devil incarnate. The Quraysh polytheists had made a definite decision to kill our prophet, and they were continuing their activities intensely to accomplish this. It was in this environment that Allah ordered the messenger to migrate.
Our prophet used to visit Abu Bakr’s house every morning or evening. On that day he received the order of the migration, he wrapped his head in the heat of the noon and at an unusual hour arrived at his friend Abu Bakr’s house. Abu Bakr was surprised when he was informed that the prophet had arrived and said, “The messenger of Allah never comes this hour. There is definitely meaning in his coming!” Then he took our prophet in and let him sit on a cushion. “O messenger of Allah! I hope all is well?”, he asked curiously. Our prophet said, “Almighty Allah allowed me to leave Mecca and migrate to Medina.” Abu Bakr asked his friend, “Will I be honoured with your company?” When our prophet said, “Yes.”, Abu Bakr’s heart filled with hope and his eyes filled with tears of joy.
The two comrades made an agreement with Abdullah Bin Urayqith who was still a polytheist, yet reliable and known for keeping his word, to guide them to Medina. They handed over two camels to him. Three nights later they agreed to meet at the foot of Mount Sevres.
The polytheists, on the other hand, were deeply occupied with Allah’s messenger. Gabriel, the angel of revelation, came to our prophet and informed him about the decisions of the polytheists and explained the precaution he would take as follows:
“Don’t sleep tonight in your own bed!” Thereupon, our prophet called Hz Ali to his side. “Lie in my bed instead tonight. Cover yourself with my green blanket too! Do not be afraid, no harm will reach you!”, he said. He also ordered Ali to stay in Mecca until he gave the relics delivered to him to their owners. The people of Mecca trusted our prophet, whom they had nicknamed Mohammadu’l Emin, and handed over their most precious things to him because they were afraid not being able to hide them. The notables of the Quraysh had many precious belongings in their care when they decided to die. However, despite this decision, by ordering Ali to give the relics to their owners, he once again demonstrated his greatness and loyalty.
Two hundred polytheists chosen from each tribe in accordance with their plan, gathered aroundwith swords in front of our prophet when one third of the night passed. There were also notorious leaders and ringleaders such as Abu Jahl, Abu Lahab and Umayya Bin Halef among them. The murderers were waiting for the night to pass, the sun to rise and for our prophet to leave his house. For, according to tradition, murdering a man in his own house was considered the most vulgar cowardice. Our lord left his house while the murderers surrounded it. He threw a handful of soil at them and read the first eight verses of the Surah Yasin. None of them could see him, so he passed between them and left.
Someone came to them after a while. “What are you waiting here for?”, he asked the crowd. When they said, “We are waiting for Mohammad.”, he said, “It has been a long time since Mohammad left his house.” And almost mocked the ravenous murderers. The polytheists stared at each other. They saw that they were covered in dust. They were taken back. They immediately looked inside the house. When he saw that someone was sleeping inside, wrapped in a blanket, they said, “There’s Mohammad, sleeping!” They continued to wait, until it got very dark.
In the morning, when they saw that his cousin Ali got up from the bed instead of our prophet, they were all surprised, and then asked Ali, “Where is Mohammad?” Hz Ali said, “I don’t know!” When he had replied, they didn’t know what to do.
Once upon a time, those cursers were setting you a trap to hold you and kill you or drive you out by force. While they were setting this trap, Allah was responded to it. Allah is the best at responding to those cursers. (Surat Anfal)
Leaving his house, our prophet went directly to Abu Bakr’s house. Expedition material was prepared for them and some food was placed in a repertoire. Then, the prophet and Abu Bakr came out of the small door behind the house and headed towards the Sevres Mountain, which is about an hour away from Mecca. They reached the cave in the mountain. The cave was desolate. Abu Bakr entered first. He cleaned up and blocked the holes in the cave. He put his foot in the single last hole that had remained. Then he invited the prophet to come in, who entered and later slept with his head on his dear companion’s knee.
After a while, by order of Allah, a spider came and stretched its web over the entry of the cave, and a couple of pigeons came and built a nest there. These animals had begun to keep watch to protect the two men against all of Quraysh.
The polytheists who could not find our prophet in his house were angry. They immediately started to search every part of Mecca. They arrived at Abu Bakr’s house. When they could not find him, they were completely vexed. When they could not find our prophet in Mecca, they called the clerk. “We will give a hundred camels to whoever brings Mohammad and Abu Bakr to us, or kills them.” No matter how many thieves, murderers and desperate people were among them, when they heard this announcement, they took some swords and some staffs and left Mecca and started hurrying around.
The searches found the traces of our prophet and Abu Bakr after a while. They came following and leaned on to the foothills of the Sevres Mountain. One of the scouts said, “They didn’t get past that cave! The trail cuts here!” Some of them came to the entry of the cave with Umayya Bin Halef, one of the leaders of the polytheists. Meanwhile, the prophet and Abu Bakr saw them, but the polytheists could not see the two of them.
Abu Bakr was very alarmed. “Even if they kill me, do not grieve. I am finally an individual. But, if they cause you harm or loss, it will cause the destruction of the whole ummah!” Our prophet comforted his friend, saying, “Do not be sad, Allah is with us.” Again. Abu Bakr anxiously said, “If one of them looks at his feet, he’ll see us!” “Oh, Abu Bakr.”, our prophet said. “What do you think will be the outcome? Do you think we will be caught?” Then he prayed to his Lord for the relief of Abu Bakr.
Our Lord indicates this event in the Quran with the following verse.
If you do not help him (the messenger), (remember that) Allah himself helped him when the unbelievers expelled him (from Mecca). Nevertheless, He does not spare his grace. It was such a time that the messenger of Allah (only) consisted of the second of the two (only Abu Bakr was by his side) At that time they were in the cave (at the top of the Sevres Mountain). Then the prophet said to his friend, ‘Do not be sad, Allah is with us no doubt.’ Allah sent down peace (to his heart) upon him (his friend), reassured him (his followers) with the (spiritual)armies who could not see and deceived the word (curses) of the unbelievers. The word of Allah (the word of oneness) is very grand. Allah is mighty, the only wise one. Surat at-Tawba
The polytheists got very close to the Sevres cave. They said, “Let’s check that cave.” Our prophet and his friend heard their conversations. Someone came to the cave’s entry. But he turned back without feeling the need to go in and look. The others asked, “Why didn’t you go in and look?” “I saw two wild pigeons nesting at the cave’s entry of the cave. I could never imagine they were there!” While they were arguing, the fierce polytheist Umayya called out to his friends in anger. “Why are you walking around in the cave? Can’t you see the spider spinning a web there?”
In the face of this situation, the polytheists moved away from the cave. Thus, Allah, with a spider and two wild pigeons appointed as guards, had protected his messenger against the tyrants of the Quraysh. It was for the precaution that the prophet, who entered the cave of Sevres on Thursday night with his friend, his in the cave for three days and three nights. In this process, the polytheists would realize that they had moved away from the vicinity of Mecca and loosened their pursuit to a degree. Indeed, it did. During the time they were hiding in the cave, Abu Bakr’s son, Abdullah, walked around the Quraysh during the day as he received instructions, after learning what they were talking about and what they thought, he would come at night and inform our prophet about what was happening. He was spending the night with them there and was returning to Mecca before the light completely surrounded him. On the other hand, Abu Bakr’s slave (Slavery was not completely forbidden yet), Amir Bin Fuhaira, was herding his sheep in that neighbourhood, both removing the traces of Abdullah and bringing milk to them.The Quraysh weren’t as worried about finding the two friends anymore. Meanwhile, Abdullah Bin Uraiqith, who was hired as a guide as previously agreed, appeared at the foot of the Sevres Mountain on Monday at dawn, although he was with his own camel, along with the two camels delivered to him. A sheep was slaughtered, and its meat cooked as rations for the road for the prophet and his companions. Abu Bakr’s daughter Asma put it in a pouch and brought it to the cave with a bottle of water. It was finally time to leave the cave.
Our prophet was leaving the blessed city where he was born and raised. He heartbrokenly looked back at Mecca from afar. “By Allah, you are the best of places created by Allah, the most beloved one in the sight of Allah!” There is no dearer, more beautiful homeland to me than you! If I hadn’t been forced out, I would never leave you, I wouldn’t settle down anywhere else than you!”, he expressed his love for Mecca. And his Lord sent down a revelation that would comfort him.
Of course, Allah, who made it obligatory upon the message of the Quran, will return you to the place (Mecca) you will want to return to it again! Surat al-Qasas
In order to make it difficult for the enemy to follow and to confuse them, a different path was taken towards Medina, instead of the way that everyone followed. First, they went south to Tihamah, near the red sea. Then they turned north. They rode through the desert, right by the beach. On Tuesday, they rode their camels without resting until noon. On that afternoon they stayed in a canopy to rest a little. Our prophet took to rest. The troublesome journey of four people was continuing as different events took place. Then news that the Quraysh promised a hundred camels to whoever captured our prophet had motivated many people. Suraqa Bin Malik, one of the Kinane Tribe, who was also a good trail finder, was eager for the prize and followed our prophet. Suraqa, who acted on a notice, soon found traces of the passengers. With his galloping horse, he was getting closer to our prophet and his companions. There was little distance between them. Abu Bakr was alarmed when he saw Suraqa coming towards them. Our prophet said to his friend, “Do not worry, Allah is with us.” Just as he had in the cave. Then he turned and looked at Suraqa. Suraqa’s horse suddenly sank into the sand. When it escaped, they kept following our prophet. But again, the horse’s legs sank into the sand. Then it was that he realized, that no one could help him out of there.
“O Mohammad!”, he begged. “Pray, let me be saved! I will never touch you! I will never tell anyone where you are!” Our prophet prayed to his Lord. The Lord accepted his prayer and saved Suraqa from that difficult situation. Prayer has only one rank, and that is to the supreme creator Allah.
Suraqa came to our prophet with respect. He introduced himself and asked for an assurance with the conviction that Islam would prevail everywhere in the future. Our prophet gave him a charter written by Abu Bakr. Suraqa, who received the assurance said, “O prophet of Allah! Order me, let me do whatever you want me to!” Our prophet said, “Go, make it so that no one else comes!” Having received this instruction from our prophet, Suraqa immediately went back. He said to the followers of the Quraysh who were behind him. “I searched everywhere; I could not find anyone. Let’s look the other way.”
Look at the manifestation of fate that Suraqa, who rode his horse to capture or kill the prophet at the beginning of the day, now tries to protect him from enemies at the end of the day! The same Suraqa would later become a Muslim after the Battle of Huneyn.
After Suraqa returned, the prophet began to travel across the hot deserts again with his people. Medina was on the horizon at last. Buraida and his team, whom he met on the way and who believed, also joined the convoy.
MEDİNA
I try to keep my narration short. Otherwise, heaps of books are not enough to talk about our prophet and his experiences. I try not to give this book an academic identity with references and footnotes. Let me state that I base my work on Ahl al-Sunnah.
The Muslims of Medina heard with great hope and joy that our prophet would come to Medina from Mecca. For this reason, they went to Harra after the morning prayer every day and waited for his arrival with excitement and impatience until noon. Again, one day they had waited for a long time, and when they saw that he did not come and that the heat around them was severe, they returned to their homes.
Meanwhile, a Jew, who had been working on the roof of his house, saw that a few people in white were coming, breaking through the heat, mirages, and mists of the desert. He knew that the Muslims had been eagerly awaiting their prophet for days. He could not contain himself and said to the Muslims, “O Arab society! Here comes the blessing you have been waiting for!”, and so he gave good news to the Muslims. The miracle caused joy and celebration on the streets of Medina. The city suddenly took on a festive atmosphere. Because the Messenger of Allah, who offered peace and happiness to humanity, was coming! The Muslims immediately rushed there with joy. Songs were sung with enthusiasm.
The full moon rose over us,
From the valley of Wada
Thanks were needed for all of us
For the invitation of Allah
You are the moon,
You are the sun.
You are the light of the Thurayya.
O rasul!
O beloved!
O chosen messenger from among us
Who came to us by blessed invitation
You have brought honour to this city
Welcome, beloved.
The greeters, met our prophet and his companions while they were resting in the shade of a palm tree. They greeted the prophet, whom they had been waiting for with excitement and impatience for days. Our prophet, together with his companions and those who greeted him, continued his way to the village of Quba, which was to the East of Mecca. He would stay there or a while.
Ali, who stayed in Mecca with the order of the prophet to return the precious belongings and relics of the Quraysh to their rightful owners, fulfilled this duty and after the prophet was still in Quba, Ali came and met them. His feet were sore from walking. The prophet embraced him in tears, prayed for his feet to heal and anointed him with his hand.
The prophet stayed there for over ten days. During this period, he built the Quba Masjid himself and performed prayers in this mosque. The Muslims, who observed these efforts and activities of him, worked tirelessly with enthusiasm. Until the mosque was built and finished, the prophet did not stop working for even a moment and was not treated differently from the other Muslims. The first mosque built for the Islamic community was the Quba Mosque.
There is a mosque whose foundation was laid from the first day on piety; it is worthier of the standing forth (for prayer) therein. In it are men who love to be purified; and Allah loveth those who make themselves pure. Surah At-Tawba/ Ayah 108
Our prophet left for Medina on a Friday after he had resided in Quba. He was on his camel names Qaswa. Abu Bakr, a hundred people of Banu Najjar, and many Medina Muslims had followed him by his side. The scenery was as pleasing and promising as it was thought-provoking. Hundreds of people, the symbol of renunciation and sacrifice, surrounded the messenger of Allah, who was left alone in Mecca now! There was takbir in their words and an unlimited submission in their hearts. They had been looking forward to the path of this honourable man, who offered them true faith and Islam, the source of the happiness of the world and the hereafter. Now they were living with the unique feeling of having met Him.
When the prophet arrived at Ranuna, the time for Friday prayer started. The prophet went down to the Friday Masjid in the middle of the Ranuna valley and performed the Friday prayer there. This was the first prayer that the prophet performed in Medina. Our prophet lead to sermons here consecutively. After praising Allah in his sermon, he called out to the Muslims.
“O people, advance (good works) for yourselves.
By Allah, one of you may be stricken on the head, and questioned for their uncared-for flock.
Then Allah almighty will question him. But how? He has nor translator nor interpreter. He himself will say, ‘Did not my messenger come to inform you?’
I graced you and bestowed property upon you. What did you bestow on yourself?
Whoever that is will look around himself, but see naught.
He will look forward and see nothing but hell! If he can’t find blessed work to do, let him save himself with good words. So, he will be rewarded seven-hundred times more. Let Allah’s greeting, mercy and abundance be upon you.”
In another even the prophet (pbuh) delivered a speech, saying,
“Praise be to Allah. I praise Allah and ask his help. We sought his refuge to protect us from our bad deeds. Allah’s will cannot be changed. Ad no one may guide one away from it. I testify that there is no god but Allah. He is one and has no second.
The best word is that of Allah. Whoever’s heart is blessed by Allah and is brought to Islam, will find salvation if he recommends the Quran to others.
The book of Allah is the most comprehensible. Love that which Allah loves. Do not tire from Allah’s word and his reminders. And may you not be troubled by his word. Because Kelamullah (the Quran) chooses the nicest, the best of everything. It mentions the prophets, who do the best deeds and are the selected of Allah’s servants, explains what is halal, and what haram. Pray to Allah and accept his oneness.
Do good deeds and reflect it in your speech. Certainly, you’ll need to know that Allah is angered by those, who don’t hold their promises. May Allah’s peace be upon you.”
After performing the Friday prayer in Ranuna near Medina, the Prophet saddled his camel and got on it again. While the prophet was advancing, the owners of every house and grabbed the bridle of his camel and said, “O Resulallah! Come to us!”
On the other hand, our prophet said among his blessed smiles, “Reach kindness! Give way to the camel! Allah ordered its destination.” The blessed animal was advancing by itself, looking left and right. The camel Qasvah, which had a halter around its neck walked slowly and let itself sink to an empty space on the ground. Our prophet did not immediately get off. The camel soon stood up, moved forward a little, then suddenly turned back to where it had first sat. It sat down there again and did not get up anymore. It laid its neck to the floor and started to bellow quietly. The attention was now on Qasvah. When Qasvah sank to the floor for the second time and did not get up, the prophet got off the camel and said, “Inshaallah, this is our destination.”
Our prophet asked those who surrounded him, “Which of our relatives live closer to this house?” Abu Ayyub al-Ansari from Banu Najjar came forward with joy and excitement. He said, “O messenger of God! My home is closer! Here, this is my house, and this is the door.” Then he said, “If you give me permission, I will carry your luggage there.” He unloaded Qasvah’s saddle and carried everything to his house excitedly.
This was Ayyub Sultan, whose grave is now in Istanbul.
The prophet got up and went to Ayyub al-Ansar’s house among the cheers of the people. Thus, the honour of hosting our prophet was given to this blessed companion! The prophet stayed in this humble home for seven months. During this time, the Muslims of Medinacompeted in carrying food to this house and fulfilling the needs of the prophet. When the prophet migrated to Medina, the Muslims did not have a specific history. They accepted the prophet’s migration as the beginning and started to use the Hijri Calendar.
Thus, considering the lunar year as correct and the date of the hijra as the beginning thereupon, the Muslims prepared a special calendar for themselves. With the migration of our prophet, the city of Medina became an “Islamic Centre”. At that time, as now, Medina was one of the important cities of the Arabian Peninsula. Its land, which is a valley, is quite wide. The valley is completely surrounded by mountains. Its climate is light, its land fertile. The weather is nice, the water is cool and quite abundant. It has more humidity than Mecca. The city was called Yathrib until the migration. However, since this word means “mischief”, the prophet did not like this name and changed it to “Medina”. From then on, the city was called Medina among the Muslims.
In addition to Muslims, Jews and Christians also lived in Medina. In this aspect, it was a crowded city. Its population at that time was estimated to be around ten thousand. The Muslims here belonged to the Aws and Khazraj tribes. The Arabs were in contradictions, quarrels and clashes between these two tribes, which came from two brothers. With our prophet’s help, these tribes’ fights turned into conversations. The disappointment and resentment disappeared completely. The Jews here belonged to three tribes: Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Qurayza and Badu Nadir. Christians were the least in the city. They could not tolerate the rapid spread of Islam and left Medina after a short time. These Christians, who fought on the side of the polytheists against the Muslims in the battle of Uhud, later took refuge in Byzantium. In terms of political life, Medina was at a primitive level at that time. Tribal life was still common. Just like in the polytheistic Arab tribes, each Jewish tribe had formed an independent communityon its own. They didn’t accept any authority other than their own chieftains. Concepts such as justice, freedom, equality, or brotherhood could only partially be included among the powerful. Social life was deprived by these laws. Judges were selected when necessary, and the personal opinions of these judges took on the duties of law and; accordingly, judgments and decisions were made. The number of literate people was very small. Many serious issues to be settled were waiting for the prophet.
Abdullah Ibn Salam, a descendant of the prophet Joseph, was one of the prominent scholars of Medina’s Jews. He came to visit our prophet one day and asked him some questions. When Ibn Salam’s questions (which he asked about the Torah) were answered accordingly by our prophet. Ibn Salam recited the Kalima Shahadah, and thus, became a Muslim. Then he said, “O Messenger of Allah! The Jewish nation is a slanderous, lying nation. When they hear that I am a Muslim, they’ll invent all kinds of lies and slander. Before they can hear that I’m a Muslim, please ask them about me and have them ratify the situation.”
The prophet hid him and invited some of the Jewish notables to this house and said to them, “O Jewish community! You know very well that I am a prophet sent down by Allah and came with the true religion. Become Muslims!”
The Jews arrogantly replied, “We do not know that you are a prophet.” Then our prophet asked, “There is someone named Abdullah Ibn Salam among you. What kind of a person is he?” The Jews said, “He is a good son of a good father. Both he and his father are the most virtuous, the most knowledgeable among us.” Our prophet asked, “If Abdullah Ibn Salam became a Muslim, what would you say?” The Jews said, “Never! Abdullah Ibn Salam could never be a Muslim!” Thereupon, our prophet, addressing Abdullah Ibn Salam called him. “Ibn Salam! Come!” Abdullah came out of his hiding spot and declared that he was a Muslim. And he said to the Jews, “O Jewish community! Fear Allah! Accept whatever comes to you. You too know that he is the messenger of Allah, whose name and attribute you find written in the Torah, thereby he invited them to Islam. The Jews said to Abdullah, whom they had just praised, “You are lying! You are an evil man!” They started to denigrate him with all kinds of flaws and misdemeanours in order to lower his value. Turning to our prophet, Abdullah said, “Oh Messenger of Allah! This is what I was afraid of! Didn’t I inform you that they were a cruel, lying, sinful and slandering nation? Here, it happened like I said!” The prophet drove the restless and anxious Jews out of his presence. Abdullah Ibn Salam went to his house. With his invitation, the whole household became Muslim. Later, some prominent Jews tried to dissuade Abdullah Ibn Salam from Islam with all sorts of tricks, but they failed.
After a while, along with Abdullah, many Jewish scholars sincerely accepted Islam and persevered in it. Other Jewish scholars who did not believe, on the other hand, said, “Our evil ones are subjects to Mohammad If they were auspicious, they would not have abandoned their ancestral religion!”
The revelation sent down upon this states the following:
They are not (all) the same; among the People of the Scripture is a community standing (in obedience), reciting the verses of Allah during the night and prostrating (in prayer).
The polytheists, who saw that our prophet and Muslims affiliated to him attained a life of freedom and peace in Medina, were completely disturbed and worried. They had also started to fear that the number of Muslims would increase each passing day. They didn’t want to leave them in peace in Medina either. They wanted to keep the people away from the prophet, just as they had in Mecca. To this end, they sent two letters after another, in the form of a memorandum, full of threats to whoever had promised to protect the prophet. In the letters, it was stated that Ansar was asked to give up this protection and support, otherwise he needed to content with all kinds of trouble.
However, these two memorandums of the Quraysh polytheists had no negative effect on the Muslims of Medina. Rather, it was met with harsh replies. The Meccan polytheists also understood that they could not turn anyone against the Messenger of Allah in Medina with scares and threats. Our prophet too became aware of these letters sent to the people of Medina. For this reason, Medina was always on guard and cautious. The prophet told the Muslims to be careful and cautious in possibility of an attack at any moment.
That why there were nights when they didn’t even sleep at all. The situation of the Muslims in Medina was very sensitive. Because they were targeted by the polytheist Arab tribes, by migrating here. Of course, it was necessary to be alert at all times in this situation. The Muslims were gathering immediately when they heard the slightest noise. The Meccan polytheists did not only send these threatening letters to discourage the Muslims of Medina from protecting the prophet. They also resorted to economic measures. In addition, they were planning to bring mischief and unrest to the Muslims by making some of the hypocrites and Jews in Medina join them. Despite all of this, the Muslins of Medina did not run into any contradiction and did not refrain from embracing our prophet, living Islam, and keeping it alive.
However, the immigrants were not used to the climate, traditions and working conditions of Medina. They had to socialize with the Muslims of Medina called Ansar, because they hadn’t brought anything with them. Our prophet gathered the Ansar and the Muhajir five months after the migration to Medina. He made ninety of his brothers and sisters, forty-five from each side into Muslims. This fraternity organization established by the prophet was based on the principal of the material and spiritual assistance of heirship, thus aiming to relieve the grief and sorrow of the immigrants due to their departure, to entrust them to the people of Medina and to give them strength and support.
According to this fraternity organization, the head of each of the families of Medina would take a family of Meccan Muslims in, share their property with them, work and earn money together. Our prophet had not brought any of them together randomly. By examining the situations of those who were going to gather together, he made those he found suitable brothers to each other. For example, there was complete harmony between Salman the Persian and Abu’d-Derda, Ammar and Hadhaifa, Musab and Abu Ayyub in terms of character, interest, and emotion.
Thanks to this brotherhood, the care and accommodation problems of the immigrants who had left everything behind except for their love to Allah and His messenger, were also solved. Each of the Ansar had harboured one of the Muhajirs at home, worked and ate together. Such a practice had no been seen on earth. The desires of today’s irreligious communists could not even overshadow this practice. This practice would stand head and shoulders above blood and lineage bonds. It was a brotherhood of religion. The Muslims of Medina shared everything with these stranger, grieving Muslims who grieved for their homeland. When a Muslim from Medina died, his muhajir counterpart would be his heir
Again, thanks to this brotherhood, a great social solidarity was provided. The immigrant Muslims survived the trouble. Every Muslim of Medina was giving half of his property to the Muslims from Mecca. The most unique situation in history happened: They enjoyed showing the highest degree of hospitality, generosity, gratitude and humanity towards their fellow immigrants. The Companions, the friends of our prophet, showed how precious people they are, whether they be Ansar or Muhajir. And this practice of brotherhood is the most important example to be shown to humanity until doomsday. It is also the clearest example of the uneasiness by other ideologies.
History has witnessed many migrations. It has never seen such a heart-to-heart, bonding, and sincere embrace between the locals and outsiders. And unfortunately, it could not see such a thing again. From this sincere fusion, a magnificent force was born. This was such a force that in short time all of Arabia would have to submit to the love of those people with all they had. Of course, the immigrants did not sit idly by. “Our Ansar brothers gave us property and provided us care.”, they said. Each of them used their efforts trying not to burden anyone, as much as possible.
The most vivid example of this is the answer Sa’ad Ibn ar-Rabi was given by Abdurrahman Bin Awf, who was one of the ten Companions who were given the tidings of paradise. Rabi, who was assigned as a brother to him told Abdurrahman said, “I am the richest of the Muslims of Medina. I reserved half of my property for you!” The answer given by the great Companion, Abdurrahman, was as exemplary as the offer made: “May Allah benefit you with all your wealth. I don’t need it. The greatest favour you will do me is to show me the way to the bazaar where you shop.” The next morning, Abdurrahman was taken to the Qaynuqa bazaar and started trading and selling oils and cheeses. Since he was honoured with the prayer of our prophet about “the multiplication and abundance of his wealth” too, he soon earned a considerable amount and became one of the most important merchants of Medina in a short time. Many Meccan Muslims like Abdurrahman found a job of their own in Medina and were living peacefully with their work on their hands.
The issue that they gave particular importance to, was their avoidance of the rightful due. This spiritual brotherhood established is a unique image of honour that cannot be found again in the history of any other nation. The solidarity, help, philanthropy that occurred as a result of this brotherhood had a very important effect in terms of coinciding with the period of Islam’s spreading. Minds that do not perceive the spirit of Islam claim that it became widespread by the sword, but they could never see this institution of brotherhood. It can be said without hesitation. The spread of Islam’s glory to all the world within twenty-five years, the complete conquest of Iran and the compulsion of the Eastern Roman Empire were all the result of this religious brotherhood.
Our prophet made Muslims brothers to each other. At that time, Ali showed up. He said, “Yo made the sahabas (companions) brothers to each other; You did not form a brotherhood between me and anyone!” Our prophet said to Ali, “O Ali! You are my brother in this world and in the hereafter.”
The Muslims were deprived of a place in Medina where they could pray in congregation and meet when necessary and discuss their issues. A masjid was required a centre for these important tasks. As a result of restless work, the construction of the temple Masjid an-Nabawi was completed in a short time. Far from all kinds of ornaments, this holy shrine, whose four walls were made of adobe, had no ceiling. Since the Kaaba had not been designated as qibla yet, the Masjid’s qibla was towards Jerusalem. It was rectangular in shape and had three doors and a mihrab.
Instead of the mihrab, palm trunks were lined up in rows. It has no pulpit (minbar). There was only a palm tree for our prophet to lean against while he was preaching the sermon. The Masjid an-Nabawi finally took its present shape by being repaired throughout time. The Masjid was not only used for prayer. At the time lessons were taught here and tribal representatives were also accepted like in a government building.
When rooms adjacent to the Masjid were built, our prophet moved in there and out of Ayyub’s house. While in Mecca, the Muslims worshiped secretly, performing their prayers in places where no one could see them. Therefore, it was not possible that they were inviting to prayers openly. The landscape was completely changed in Medina. Along with freedom, Muslims were easily worshipping Allah. Just as Muslims’ religion and conscience were not under pressure, it was out of question that the polytheists should still persecute or insult them.
Masjid an-Nabawi had been built. However, a form of invitation that would gather Muslims at prayer times had not yet been determined. Muslims were coming and waiting for the time of prayer, and when the time came, they prayed. One day, the prophet gathered his Companions and consulted them on the issue of how people should be invited to prayer.
Some of the Companions offered to ring a bell like the Christians, others to sound a bugle like the Jews, others to make a fire at prayer times at a high place like the Zoroastrians. Our prophet did not like any of these offers. Meanwhile, Hz Omar took the floor and asked, “Why don’t you send a man to call the people to prayer?” And our prophet who found Omar’s idea appropriate said to Bilal, “Call the people to prayer!” Thereupon, Bilal on the streets of Medina started to call the Muslims to prayer.
Not long after that, Abdullah Bin Zayd had a dream. In his dream, he was taught today’s form of Adhan. As soon as Abdullah got out in the morning, he came to the prophet. Our prophet said, “I hope this dream is true.”, and approved this form of the invitation.
Abdullah taught the new form of Adhan to Bilal and he recited the Adhan with his strong and loud voice in Medina. However, the polytheists of every period would be disturbed by this and would try to ban it since the beginning.
Our prophet, who immigrated to Medina, had to leave his wife Sawdah, his daughters Umm Kulthum, Fatima and Zainab and his fiancée Aisha in Mecca. When the Masjid an-Nabawi and the house next to it was built, he sent two Companions to Mecca to bring theme there. They could just not bring Zainab, because her non-Muslim husband would not allow her. However, after a while Zainab migrated to Medina, too. And her husband was to become a Muslim later.
Before the qibla was turned towards the Kaaba, a canopy and a porch were built on the northern wall of the Masjid an-Nabawi. It was called “suffa”. The Muslims staying here were named as “Ashab-I Suffa” The concept of a school was first formed here in the history of Islam.
The Companions, who remained in the Masjid, had nothing in Medina, nor their tribes or their relatives. They had a life away from their families, were safe from the greed of the world, and had a completely generous life. They were educated in the knowledge of the Quran and were benefitting from their lessons. They were self-sacrificing and education loving students wo devoted themselves to the madrasah of our prophet for Allah. The teachers determined by the prophet used to teach themselves the Quran. Those who were trained among them were sent to teach the Quran to the Muslim tribes and to enounce the sunnah, which consists of the practices and words of our prophet. They were called “Qurra”. The Suffa was called “Daru-l Qurra” in this respect.
Although they devoted all their work to the Quran and Sunnah, they also participated in armed struggles when necessary. Only those who married would leave the Suffa. However, they were replaced each time. Our prophet was interested in both the education and the livelihoods of the Companions of the Suffa.
These distinguished Companions, who had devoted themselves to the path of Allah, would not miss any advice or speech of the prophet, despite all their troubles and poverty. They were always present there, were memorizing what the prophet said and transferred the said to other companions too. In this regard, the Suffa had many privileged services and efforts in the protection and dissemination of Islamic decrees. This team of education has a great role in the rapid spread of the Quran to all parts of the world in a short time.
During the thirteen-year period of Mecca, the prophet spent his working hours to tell the principles of faith. As a result of this struggle for faith, many people rushed to the call of Islam, which promised happiness in both this world and the hereafter. The number of believers increased rapidly, and the Muslims had become a visible force. However, in this period, any physical response to the enemies of Islam was prohibited. Muslims had only one weapon, and that was patience.
They had come to new religion by migration. The conditions had completely changed. Muslims were now able to freely do whatever was required by their faith. The brotherhood institution that the prophet established as soon as he came to Medina, which did not recognize race, language, class, and geographical differences, realized for the first time in history.
Not only Muslims lived in Medina. There were also Jews, polytheist Arabs, and some Christians in this new land. If we add the endless rivalries and clashes between the Arab tribes and the conflicts between the Jews and Arabs, we can understand the enormous confusion this new region was in. There was also the fact that the Meccan polytheists could march on Medina at any time. The cold war that continued between them could turn into a real war at any moment.
There were such important problems in front of the prophet, and they were waiting to be solved. In this new region, it was necessary to come to terms with non-Muslim elements andto bring a spirit and atmosphere of integration to the society. The first year of the migration was not even over yet. There was a need to determine some legal, military, and political principles.
The prophet gathered the representatives of all the people of Medina in the house of Anas Bin Malik. The aim was to determine some social principles. As a result of the speeches, these principles were determined and put into effect immediately. The written agreements were signed by the different parties. These determined agreements were the constitution of the first Islamic state formed under the presidency of our prophet. Islam could not be without a state, and a just state could not be without Islam either. In fact, this document, which included the determined principles, was not only the constitution of the first Islamic state, but also constituted the first written constitution in the world. With this constitution, the people of Medina formed a separate society from other people and created the first Islamic state with its regime.
In the first articles of the first written constitution of the Islamic State, which consisted of fifty-two articles, it was sated as follows: “This book was prepared by the prophet Mohammad for the believers and the Muslims from Quraysh and Yathrib and those who joined them later, and those who migrated with them. These are a community separate from other people.”
According to this constitution, the people of Medina formed a separate “nation” from other nations, regardless of belief, and had a separate identity. Our prophet immediately established friendship with the tribes around Medina. Especially those settles on the Damascus trade route of the Meccans; and signed agreements with them. Again, the Muslims had to be in contact with the local Jews and others. Therefore, some rights were given to them in the constitution of the state established. Hereunder they too were considered citizens of the new state, like the Muslims. It was written that they were citizens of the new state too, just like the Muslims; that the two tribes in Yathrib constitute a single nation, that crimes will be punished according to the provisions of the religions, when the need arises, both sides (Muslims and Jews) would be called to defend the new state; and that the disputes that may occur in the future will be decided by the Messenger of Allah.
The article on war in this constitutional text s interesting too.
In any war that might happen, the Jews will join the defence of the city of Medina on the condition that they would pay the war expenses. Whether this attack was against Muslims or Jews, they would defend the city together against any attacks from outside, and they would help each other in this regard.
A complete freedom of religion and belief had been granted to Jews and Christians, who too were people of the book. Thus, it was essential to meet on a common ground among the people of the Book against the polytheists. “O People of the Book! Let us come to common terms: that we will worship only Allah, associate nothing with him, nor take another lord apart from Allah. But if they turn away, then say, Bear witness that we have submitted to Allah alone.” (Surah Ali’ Imran- Ayah 64)
The people of the Book, who were protected and helped by the written constitution by our prophet, unfortunately, shortly afterwards, violated the terms of the treaty. With the clause that “Those who are in the state will not be against each other” and that “they will not come to an agreement with each other’s enemies” in the treaty, the Jews rebelled at a sensitive time when Medina was the target of the polytheists’ attacks.
Our prophet was not allowed to go to war in Mecca. According to Islamic law, what was essential between people were the relations within the framework of peace. War was used only in cases of necessity. There could be no other right among the people of God created from the same woman and man.
Islam was gaining strength and expanding day by day in Medina, and the glory of the Quran had begun to surround all souls. Still, the situation of our prophet and the Muslims was not in complete security yet. Medina’s Muslims greeted our prophet enthusiastically, but the hypocrites and Jews harboured enormous hatred and enmity in their hearts. Although the Jews signed an agreement with our prophet, all their actions and manners denied this agreement. The hypocrites (those who claim to be Muslim with their words but denied it with their hearts) were even more dangerous.
In the days before the migration of the prophet, a decorated crown was prepared for Abdullah Bin Ubayy, who was head of the Khazraj tribe. When a head of state was about to wear it in glory, the migration had taken place. As a result of this, the people of Khazraj all became Muslim. Naturally, things like the crown and the sultanate were forgotten. Abdullah Bin Ubeyy followed his people and became a perfect Muslim. But he broke his word with the pain of being deprived of his leadership and formed a group of hypocrites. Ubeyy was secretly beginning discord and disorder. He even went so far as to intervene in the works of our prophet.
Apart from the polytheists who were against Islam, a new class called hypocrites emerged. The Meccan polytheists were constantly trying to provoke the hypocrites and Jews of Medina, and even the tribes around. With patience and endurance against so many enemies at home and abroad, it was not possible to act peacefully. Most of the Muslims wanted to oppose the Quraysh and settle accounts with them. Meanwhile, our prophet was given permission to respond to the hostiles by fighting, only to defend themselves.
Permission to fight back is hereby granted to those being fought, for they have been wronged. And Allah is truly Most Capable of helping them prevail. They are those who have been expelled from their homes for no reason other than proclaiming: “Our Lord is Allah!” Had Allah not repelled the aggression of some people by means of others, destruction would have surely claimed monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques in which Allah’s name is often mentioned. Allah will certainly help those who stand with Him. Allah is truly All*Powerful, Almighty. They are those who, if established in the land by Us, would perform prayers, give alms, encourage what is good and forbid what is evil. And with Allah rests the outcome of all affairs. (Surah Al-Hajj Ayah 39-41)
Despite all their cruelties and all their failures, the Meccan polytheists did not stop harassing our prophet and the Muslims. They continued their secret cooperation with the Jews and the hypocrites in Medina and continued their activities to extinguish the light of Islam and to eliminate our prophet.
Our prophet, who organized Medina in a magnificent way, finally started to take measures against them. Of course the Muslims would not be imprudent while the enemy resorted to all kinds of tricks and traps. First of all, our prophet wanted to apply the economic war method. For this purpose, he found it appropriate to keep the trade route of the Quraysh to Syria under control. Another precaution that Muslims considered, was making peace agreements with the tribes living in the vicinity. Thus, he would have saved them from being a tool for the insidious ambitions of the Meccan polytheists and left the Quraysh alone. For these purposes, he started to send Seriyye around the first year of the migration.
Serriye are the political and military operations that our prophet did not personally participate in,but entrusted to one of his companions and sent under this companion’s command to be carried out by troops. It is necessary to distinguish Seriyye from Gaza-Gazwa.
As it is known, Gazwa are the military operations in which the Messenger of Allah personally participated along with the mujahedeen. These seriyyas were not set out to attack or shed blood anywhere. Indeed, they did not shed a drop of blood (with one exception) and did not plunder any tribe. The main feature of these seriyyas that were set out on the road, was to keep the Quraysh polytheists under economic pressure and be a kind of warning to them. “If you continue your violent politics, we too will know what we’ll do. Your trade route, which is of great importance to you, is in our hands. Pull yourself together!”
Another important task of the seriyyas was to control the surroundings of Medina; to investigate whether there was any danger, what kind of preparations the enemy was making and to receive news.
In the month of Ramadan, seven months after their migration to Medina, our prophet sent his uncle Hamza with a cavalry group consisting of thirty Meccan immigrants to watch the trade caravan on their way from Damascus to Mecca under the guard of three-hundred people from the Quraysh polytheists. There was not a single Muslim from Ansar in the cavalry unit of Muslims. Because they had promised the prophet to protect him only in Medina. For this reason, no one was sent on military campaigns from Ansar until the Battle of Badr. Even though they had encountered each other, while the Quraysh were on their way to Mecca, Hamza returned to Medina with the Muslims who were with him. Our prophet was pleased that there was no collision.
After Hamza’s return to Medina, our prophet sent Ubaydah Bin Harith. Ubaydah encountered two-hundred Quraysh polytheists. Both sides fired arrows at each other. The first arrow among the Muslims was shot by Sad Bin Abi Vaqqas. This was the first arrow shot in the name of Allah. Apart from that, the two sides moved away from each other without any conflict. Meanwhile, two Companions, who became Muslims but could not find an opportunity to join the Muslims, took an advantage of this, left with the polytheists, and joined the muhajids.
It was in the last month of the first year of the migration. Our prophet departed from Medina for the first time, with a force of sixty immigrants, leaving Sad Bin Ubaydah as his deputy. The purpose of our prophet to go to Gaza-Gazwa (holy war) was to confront and intimidate the Quraysh polytheists who attacked and disturbed the people, and at the same time, he wanted to make a deal with the Damra tribe. Hamza was carrying the white flag of our prophet
The prophet did not meet polytheists in this war. However, Banu Damra Ibn Bakr and our prophet made an agreement. According to this agreement, neither the prophet would fight with them, nor they with the prophet. One side would not help the other’s enemy even secretly. As lonf as they did not oppose Islam, they would receive help from the Messenger of Allah, and when the Prophet invited them to help against his enemies, they would come to this invitation.
Our prophet returned to Medina fifteen days later. These friendship agreements with neighbouring tribes had great benefits. Especially the fact that these treaties were made with the tribes on Mecca’s Damascus trade route was an application of the plan to collapse the Quraysh economically. At the beginning of the second year of the migration, our prophet set out from Medina with two hundred refugees. His aim was to intimidate the Quraysh caravan of twenty-five-hundred camels, which was acting under the control of a group of a hundred guards, including the ingrained polytheist Umayya Bin Khalif. Our prophet, who went to Mount Buwath, did not encounter anyone and returned to Medina.
Before long, Kurz, one of the men of the Meccan polytheists, flocked the pastures of Medina with his friends and took away many animals belonging to the Muslims. Upon this raid, our prophet followed the plunderer by appointing Zayd Bin Haritha as his deputy in Medina. He advanced to the Safawan valley of the town of Badr. However, Kurz heard that he was being followed and he ran away from a remote road before that. Thereupon, the prophet returned to Medina.
This gazwa is called the First Gazwa of Badr. Three months after the Gazwa of Safawan, the prophet set out from Medina with a military unit of 150-200 people from immigrant Muslims. There were thirty camels with them and the muhajids were taking turns riding. The aim again was to follow the trade caravan that the Quraysh had sent to Damascus. However, when they came to the Ushayrah plain belonging to Banu-Mudlej, which is nine mansions away from Medina, they heard that the Quraysh caravan passed here two or three days ago.
Our prophet, who was careful about securing the surroundings of Medina in every aspect, signed a treaty of friendship and alliance with the same content with Banu-Mudlej who was ab ally of Banu Damra (with whom he had previously made an agreement). Then he returned to Medina. After a while, our prophet called Abdullah Ibn Jahsh to his presence and ordered that he would go to the Nahla valley under the command of an eight-man Muslim unit. Addressing those who joined the unit, he said, “I will appoint someone to you, who is perhaps not the best of you; but he is the one who endures hunger and thirst the most.” He also gave a letter to Abdullah Bin Jahsh, whom he appointed as the commander. He ordered him to open and read this letter after traveling for two days and act as commanded. The muhajids arrived in the Nahla valley on their camels.
After two days of travel, Abdullah opened and read the letter in accordance. “When you review this letter, walk up to the Nahla valley between Mecca and Taif, watch the Quraysh there and come here and report the news to us.”
The purpose of this sariyya was to observe the movement of the Quraysh and to determine what kind of preparations they were making. But in the meantime, a caravan of the Quraysh loaded with raisins and some food, appeared.
It came and lodged near a place of the muhajids. The muhajids talked among themselves how they should behave in front of them. At first, they could not make a decision because they would not attack. Because they were in contradictions about whether or not they had entered the month of Rajab, during which it is forbidden to shed blood. Finally, when they came to the conclusion that there was only one day before the month of Rajab, they decided that they would seize the caravan with joint decision. At that moment, the headman of the caravan died by an arrow. The muhajids marched on the others. They captured two people and the caravan. The survivors started to flee towards Mecca to inform the Quraysh of the incident. The muhajids returned to Medina. When Abdullah Bin Jahsh, the head of the Sariyya, explained the situation, our prophet said angrily, “I didn’t order to you to fight in the sacred month!” and refrained from taking anything from the spoils. The muhajids who participated in the sariyya were shocked by this act of the prophet. When the other companions did not approve of their actions either, they were demoralized. They tried to explain the situation. “We killed him on the first night of the month of Rajab and the last night of Jumada al-Thani and sheathed our swords hen the month of Rajab started.” Despite all of this, the Messenger of Allah did not take the spoils reserved for him. Because there was a doubt. Hr would diligently avoid suspicious things. The Meccan polytheists also kept harping on this movement and began to gossip. “Mohammad and his friends considered the sacred month to be halal, they shed blood during this month, took property, enslaved men!” These rumors were also heard from Medina. On the other hand, the Jews in Medina also blabbed around. A lucky day had come for all enemies of Islam. After a while, the matter was resolved with a revelation sent down to our prophet.
They ask you, O prophet, about fighting during the sacred months. Say, “Fighting during these months is a great sin. But hindering others from the Path of Allah, rejecting him, and expelling the worshippers from the sacred mosque is greater a sin in the sight of Allah. For persecution is far worse than killing. And they will not stop fighting you until they turn you away from your faith- if they can. And whoever among you renounces their own faith and dies a disbeliever, their deeds will become void in this life an the hereafter. It is they, who will be the residents of hell. They will be there forever.”(Surah Baqarah Ayah 127)
The Muhajids, who participated in the sariyya, got rid of the boredom and spiritual anguish after this revelation. The prophet accepted the spoils reserved for him. The polytheists sent a salvation price for their captives. Only one of the prisoners went to Mecca. The other prisoner Hakam Bin Khaysan became a Muslim and remained in Medina. When he was captured by the muhajids, the commander Abdullah Bin Jahsh wanted to behead him.
Although, the other Companions prevented this by saying, “No, let’s take him to the Messenger of Allah.” Khaysan was saved from being beheaded. When they returned to Medina, they took him to our prophet. The prophet invited Khaysan to become a Muslim. However, he started to talk in a negative attitude. Omar, enraged by these words, said, “He is not going to be a Muslim, O Messenger of Allah! Let’s behead him!” Our prophet did not accept this offer and invited Khaysan over and over again.
At last Hakam, who couldn’t resist anymore, asked, “What is Islam?” When Mohammad said to him, “Islam is the belief and worship to Allah, who doesn’t have an equal; and it is to witness Mohammad as the servant and messenger of Allah.”, Khaysan recited the kalima shahadah.
The prophet turned to his friends and taught us a lesson that would set an example for all of us, saying, “I had obeyed and killed him, he would have entered hell.” The wish, patience and perseverance of our prophet in the invitation to Islam rescued a person from hell and raised him to an honourable position like a Companion. Our prophet and the Muslims used to perform their prayers in Medina towards Jerusalem which is the “place of the prophets” Our prophet wished sincerely to perform the salaat toward the Kaaba, which is an exceptional monument of the belief of oneness and the first temple of the world, it was the qibla of his grandfather Abraham, too. The Muslims, especially the immigrants had the same desire in their hearts. Because turning toward the Kaaba during the five daily prayers would be a reason for them to remember their homeland, Mecca. The Jews said, “Mohammad and his friends did not even know where their qibla was until we showed them!” These desires grew stronger as their gossips went on. For this reason, our prophet was waiting for Gabriel to bring a revelation about the qibla.
Indeed, We see you, O Prophet, turning your face towards heaven. Now We will make you turn toward a direction during prayer that will please you. So turn your face towards the Sacred Mosque in Mecca—Wherever you are, turn your faces toward it. Those who were given the Scripture certainly know this to be the truth from their Lord. And Allah is never unaware of what he does. (Surah Baqarah – Ayah 144)
The change of the qibla hurt the Jews and they started to gossip and make mischief again! Some of the scholars even came to the Messenger of Allah and said, “Mohammad, what is it that turns you away from your qibla, aren’t you the one who says that you are in Abraham’s nation? If you return to the qibla you have been on until now, it will be subject to you, we will confirm it!”
Surah al-Baqarah was bringing closure to this issue.
Even if you were to bring every proof to the People of the Book, they would not accept your direction of prayer, nor would you accept theirs, nor would any of them accept the direction of prayer of another. And if you were to follow their desires after all the knowledge that has come to you, then you would certainly be one of the wrongdoers.”
The Battle of Badr
It was the second year of the migration. The Quraysh polytheists had prepared a trade caravan. Many men and women from Mecca were partners in the caravan sent to the Damascus market, according to their shares. In return for the sold goods of this large caravan, consisting of a thousand camels and a capital of 50.000 dinars, weapons would be bought to prepare for the war against Muslims. This was the main target of the caravan’s departure. The Quraysh sent 30-40 people as guards under the leadership of Abu Sufyan with the caravan. When our prophet heard about this, he decided to prevent this great caravan led by Abu Sufyan from returning to Mecca.
He prepared to set out for the caravan with more than 300 Companions. The Companions enthusiastically wanted to join the Badr expedition. There were even ones that were drawing lots among them on this issue. There was a great request not only from men but also from women to attend this expedition. The prophet assigned Umm Maktum to lead the prayers instead of him.
Abu Lubabe from Ansar was appointed as a deputy of the city. It was a time of fasting. Om a very hot Saturday, when they left twelve nights behind of the month of Ramadan, he brought takbirs and departed from Medina with the muhajids.
Musab Bin Umayr carried the white flag of our prophet. One of two black flags was in the hands of Ali and the other was in the hands of Saad Bin Muaz from Ansar. The Caravan was welcomed around Badr.
This was strategically important point where the roads to Mecca, Medina and Syria converged. The soldiers of jihad set out from Medina on one of the hottest days of the summer. Moreover, they were fasting because it was the month of Ramadan. Due to this valid excuse, our prophet broke his fast. He ordered the muhajids to break their fast too.
While not far from Medina, the prophet turned sown the young ones by separating them from the army. These eight young muhajids, were greatly saddened by their staying behind. Thereupon, the prophet gave permission to one or two of them to join the army again. Sad Bin Abi Vaqqas said, “Just before the Messenger of Allah rejected our young ones, I saw my brother Umayr trying not to be seen. I asked him; what happened to you, brother? He replied, ‘I am afraid that the Messenger of Allah will see that I am too young and turn me down. However, I hope that Allah will give me a martyrdom.”
When this situation was presented to the Messenger of Allah, the prophet said to him, “Come back.”, Umayr started to cry. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah gave him permission. Since Umayr was short, he could not sheath his sword, so the messenger helped him sheath his sword. Umayr, wanted to fight in the name of Allah and reached the rank of martyrdom.
There were two horses and seventy camels with the Muslims. The camels were ridden in turns. Our prophet did not want to see himself different from the other Muslims in this regard. Our prophet took turns riding the camels with Ali and Abu Mersed. When it was our prophet’s turn to walk, the other two Companions told he prophet, “You get on, we’ll walk instead of you.” Our prophet did not accept this and he replied, “Just as you are not stronger than me walking, I am not more privileged than you in terms of good deeds.” With this act, he applied the principles of justice and equality, ordered by Islam, on his own person above all else. He never asked his companions for something he never did himself.
As the Islamic army was still on its way under the scorching heat before reaching Badr, Abu Sufyan heard about the situation that he had been worried about from the beginning “The Muslims set out to seize the caravan!” While sending an urgent messenger to mecca, he changed the direction of the caravan without stopping at Badr. Before Abu Sufyan, he announced as he reached Mecca, “o Quraysh community! Mohammad and his friends attacked your caravan, your property bu Abu Sufyan! I don’t think you can reach it. For Lat-Menat-Uzza’s sake, help! Help!”
This news caused the Quraysh to be angry. Because almost every family had property on the caravan. The Quraysh gathered in haste. They quickly started preparing. The number of the army of polytheists, which was prepared hastily, reached 950. A hundred of them were on horseback and 700 of them were on camels. This number was three times more than the number of Muslims following the caravan. In addition, the Quraysh army was far superior to the Muslims in terms of weaponry. Those who did not want to join the army of the polytheists, under the pressure of Abu Jahl and other notables, still had to join the army. Despite this, Abu Lahab (the uncle of our prophet) made the excuse that he was sick and sent someone instead of himself and stayed in Mecca. The army of the polytheists prepared to move from Mecca to Badr in between the songs of revenge sung by women. As they were on their way, they received news from Abu Sufyan, who passed his caravan through Badr without any accidents.
“You set out to protect your caravan, your men and possessions on the caravan. They were rescued. Now, go back already!” However, the violent Abu Jahl did not intend to return. He did not consent to the others returning either. “We won’t return until we reach Badr. We will stay there for three days. We will slaughter some camels and eat lots of food. We will drink wine; concubines will sing and entertain us. The Arabs who will gather around us will see and hear us. After that, they will be afraid of us forever. Go ahead!”
Despite all of Abu Jahl’s shrewdness and provocation, there were some who left the army, even if they were just some of them. When the prophet arrived in Zefiran near Safra, he heard that the Quraysh were coming towards them with a great army. Since he did not anticipate that he would face such a move, he could not immediately decide what to do. As they set out, his intention was to intimidate, not to fight. There was no clear preparation for this either. Moreover, according to this information, the army of the polytheists was superior to them both in number and in terms of weaponry.
The prophet asked his friends whether it would be more appropriate to follow the caravan or oppose the army of the polytheists. When Abu Bakr and Omar talked about how it would be more accurate to march on the polytheists and go to war against them, our prophet was pleased with this approach. Mikdat Bin Aswad from Ansar said, “O messenger of Allah! Do what my Lord has ordered you! I swear to Allah, we are not going to say anything like the Israelites said to Moses like: ‘Go against your enemies with your lord.’ We are bound to you by death.”
After the conversations, it was now clear in what context the decision would be made. But it was necessary to get the opinion of other people from Ansar on this issue. Because they promised to protect the prophet and the Muslims within the scope of Medina. Now they were outside of the city. Sad Bin Muaz took the floor on behalf of Ansar.
“O Messenger of Allah! We have believed in you and have approved of you. We have witnessed that what you brought to us is true. We have given you firm promises to listen and obey you in this matter. Either way, Rasulallah do as you know, we are with you. I swear by Allah, who sent you with the true religion, if you point to that sea over there and jump in, we would jump in too. Not even one of us will stay behind. We will not hesitate against the enemy. We won’t go back in the moment of collision. Command us with the blessings of Allah.”
The decision was now final. Despite everything, a handful of mujahideen were going to resist the army of the polytheists. Their number and superiority in weapomry did not intimidate the heroic Companions. In the words of the Quran, they were willing to walk to death. They were counting on Allah’s help. Being aware that they would fight for Allah, they sincerely believed that the believers of the religion would not refuse their requests of help. Their Lord would never leave them alone. Their commander was also master of the universe. Of course such an army would not hesitate to oppose the army of the polytheists and would not be afraid of them at all costs and no undaunted by fighting with them.
“Walk and feel blessed by the grace of Allah. There! I seem already to see the places where the Quraysh will fall one by one.” The speech of the prophet left a profound effect on the mujahideen and increased their excitement many times over. The glorious army began to proceed towards Badr on Friday night at isha time. Our prophet said, “I hope we will get some information at the beginning of the well near that small hill.” And he sent some of his friends there, such as Ali, Zubayr bin Avvam, and Sad Bin Abi Vaqqas.
At that time, the water bearers of the polytheists wee at the beginning of the well with their camels. The Mujahideen captured some of them and brought before our prophet. Our prophet said to them, “Give me information about the Quraysh.” “They’re on the highest, furthest side of the dune.”, they said. Our prophet asked, “How many people are there?” They replied, “Many.” Our prophet asked again, “How many are they by number?” They answered, “We don’t know.” Our prophet asked, “How many camels do they slaughter every day?” They said, “Nine or ten, depends on the day.” Upon this answer, the Messenger of Allah said, “They are between 950 and 1000 people.” He asked again, “Are there notables of the Quraysh?”
When the water bearers of the polytheists listed the names of many notables of the Quraysh one after another, the prophet turned to his friends and said, “Here! Mecca sacrificed its loved ones for you!”
Our prophet arrived in Badr with the mujahideen before the polytheists and descended to a place closest to the well of Badr. He consulted his Companions about where t would be better to pitch the headquarters. Then, the Companion named Hubab Bin Munzir stood up and spoke, “O Messenger of Allah! We are warriors. I consider it feasible to turn off all the water and set up headquarters on a single water source.” And he added, “Is this a place ordered by Allah or is this not a place permissible for us to go forward or retreat? Or was it chosen as a personal opinion, a measure of war?” Our prophet replied, “No! it was chosen as a result of a personal opinion, as a war measure.” Hubab turned to our prophet. “O Messenger of Allah! It is not very accurate to set up headquarters here. Immediately, you shall move away the community from here.”
“We shall go to the beginning of the stream near the place where the Quraysh tribe will stay. I know it there. There is a well where the water is abundant and sweet. Let’s close all the wells except that one. Then, let’s make a well and fill it with water. After, let’s fight the polytheists. As we get thirsty, we drink from our well. They will not find drinking water and will die from thirst.”
The prophet gave importance to consulting, especially the opinions of his friends in worldly affairs. The prophet said, “O Hubab, the right opinion is yours.”, and they went to the well near the place where the Qurayshi polytheists would take their positions. The wells were closed by the order of the prophet. A pool was built and filled with clean water and a bow was placed in it. As soon as the prophet came to Badr, he put his army into order. The army carefully checked its ranks. Then he appointed a commander for each group. The Muslim forces were divided into three sections: Immigrants, the ones from Aws and the ones from Khazraj.
They were gathered under their own flags they had unfurled. Musab Bin Umayr carried the flag of the immigrants, Sad Bin Muaz carried the flag of the Aws and Hubab Bin Munzir carried the flag of the Khazraj tribe. After all of this, our prophet gave instructions to his army. “Do not leave your places, stay there without moving. Do not start the war until I order you to. Do not waste your arrows before the enemy approaches you. Shoot your arrows when the enemy attacks your shield. When the enemy is hit, throw stones at them. If they get closer, then use your spears. Swords will be used in the end in one-on-one combat with the enemy.” Each of the mujahideen made piles of stones where they stood. For Muslims who would fight a defensive war, this would be very useful. The enemy was deprived of this. Because they were attacking. Therefore, they could only carry and throw a couple of stones during the attack.
It was the night before the war.
Our prophet spent the whole night worshiping his Lord. “Allah! Keep your promise to me. If this handful of Muslim mujahideen, there will be nobody left to worship you on earth.” Our prophet was repeating the same invocation at all times in his prayers. The mujahideen, who heard this prayer, were tingling with excitement. Finally, the army of the polytheists came to Badr. The scenery was very thought provoking and exemplary. Most of those who were to fight each other were relatives. Brothers would fight their brothers, fathers their sons and uncles their nephews. The prophet carefully checked his army one last time. Everything was neat and organized as he wanted. However, the enemy was superior in number and weaponry. It looked like there were not going to be equivalent in their struggle. However, the mujahideen never lost their hopes and wholeheartedly believed that the war would end in their favour despite of everything.
According to the rules of war, people would fight in one-on-one combats first. Hadrem, who had come forward to excite the polytheists, opposed the rules and fired an arrow toward the mujahideen. The arrow hit Mihja, a Muslim immigrant, and there the Islamic army gave its first martyr on the battlefield. Meanwhile, the sons of Rabia from the army of the polytheists; Sheyba and Walid, son of Utba, came froward and asked the soldiers to appear before them. Our prophet did not want Ansar to fight the polytheists in this battle. The first ones to appear were from Ansar. The polytheists asked, “Who are you?” They replied, “We are from Ansar.” The polytheists said to the mujahideen from Ansar, “We have no business with you. We will fight with the sons of Abdulmutallab.” Then, they addressed our prophet, “O Mohammad! Confront us with whoever is equal to your people.”
Thereupon, the prophet ordered the youth of Ansar to return to their ranks. Then he ordered, “Get up, Ubey, Hamza, Ali!” The three heroic Companions, who took orders from our prophet, immediately got up and appeared. Utba could not recognize them because they were masked. He said mockingly, “Introduce yourselves and let us know if we are equal, if you are, we will fight you.” When the three heroic Companions said their names and reputation the polytheists said, “yes, you are our honourable equivalents.” And unsheathed their swords. Ubaydah Bin Harith would fight against Utba Bin Rabia, Hamza with Shayba Bin Rabia and Ali with Walid Bin Utba. Even though both sides were ready to strike, some of them with a sword in hand, some of them with a bow and arrow, they were all focused on the combats. The one-on-one combats had started. Hamza and Ali knocked down their enemies and killed them with a single strike. Then they rushed to the aid of Ubaydah. After killing off Utba, they took Ubaydah and brought him to the presence of our prophet. Ubaydah, who had wounded feet and was covered in blood, was martyred on the way back from Badr and was buried there. The polytheists, who saw their men killed one by one, were terrified a great deal, and were suddenly confused about what to do. Abu Jahl was trying to comfort and gather them together. The Mujahideen, who regarded fighting in the way of Allah the greatest honour, were not unable to contain themselves from excitement. They wanted to go to war as soon as possible and show the polytheists their place. They had to give an account of all the cruelty they had done. The Messenger of Allah wanted to help from Allah for his friends.
“Allah! They are walking and are barefoot. Give them mounts (horses and camels), Oh Allah! They are hungry, feed them, Oh Allah! They are poor, give them from your property and make them rich with your grace. Oh Allah! Keep your promise to me. My Allah! If you destroy this handful of mujahideen, there will be no one left to worship you one earth.” The scene was quite exemplary.
While Musab Bin Umayr was the flag-bearer of the Mujahideen on the side of the Muslims, his brother Ibn Umayr was the fist flag-bearer of the polytheist army. There was something even weirder. Abu Bakr, who was the life companion of Allah’s messenger, was on the side of the Muslims with his son Abdullah, while his other son Abdurrahman was among the Qurayshi polytheists. When Abdurrahman, who was famous for his courage and precise archery skills, stepped forward and asked for a soldier, Abu Bakr stood up. He asked permission from the prophet to fight against his son. But our prophet said, “Don’t you know you’re my eyes and ears.” He did not allow him and made Abu Bakr stay near him.
Abdurrahman replied, “There is nothing left between us but a horse and a sword.”
Finally, at Friday-morning, the two armies attacked each other with all their might. Our prophet gave speeches encouraging the mujahideen to fight in the name of Allah and heralded the way of those who were martyred would be heaven. “Victory is ours.”, he’d say and always pay attention to keep the efforts and hopes of the mujahideen in the same vitality. From time to time, he was increasing their courage by getting ahead of the army and actively showing his own courage.
Thereafter Ali describes the moment. “When they became violent on the day of Badr, we turned to the Messenger of Allah. On that day, he was the most courageous and heroic of the people. There was no one close to him in the ranks of the polytheists.”
While the battle continued with all its intensity, the prophet took a handful of fine sand from the ground, threw it on the polytheist army and prayed, “May their faces be black with ash, Allah! Fill their hearts with fear, make them tremble.” On one hand, the prophet wandered among the mujahideen and made speeches that increased their love and enthusiasm for the jihad, and on the other hand, he turned towards the Qibla and prayed to his Lord. As stated in Surah Al-I Imran, Allah’s help came to the rescue of the believers.
Indeed, Allah made you victorious at Badr when you were vastly outnumbered. So be mindful of Allah, so you may be grateful. Remember, O prophet, when you said to the believers, ‘It is not enough that your Lord will send down a reinforcement of three thousandangels for your aid?’(Surah Ali Imran Ayah 123-124)
Especially Hamzah and Ali attacked the polytheists heroically and bravely and whichever enemy they attacked; they were slashing through. Hamzah was killing all enemies who came to him with two swords in both his hands. Since killing Abu Jahl, the great enemy of the Muslims would be a source of pride, each of the mujahideen wanted to find and kill him. Abu Jahl was courageous, frightening, stubborn and ingrained enemy of Islam at the age of seventy. He was showing his courage, saying, “My mother gave birth to me for this day.” And was encouraging his soldiers. When the Mahzum sons saw that many polytheists were killed, they surrounded Abu Jahl. They would protect him at all costs. The war was going on violently. When Abdurrahman Bin Awf looked left and right on the battlefield, he saw two young men from Ansar. One of them approached him and asked, “O Uncle! Do you know Abu Jahl?” Abdurrahman Bin Awf’s eyes caught sight of Abu Jahl, who wandered among the polytheists and was guarded by the sons of Mahzum. He said to the young boys who had asked, “Here is the Abu Jahl you were looking for.” Both heroic warriors immediately unsheathed their swords and walked towards Abu Jahl. Before the youths caught up with Abu Jahl, Jemuh from Ansar, who had been watching since the beginning, had an opportunity and struck a sword through Abu Jahl’s foot. Ikrimah, the son of Abu Jahl, injured Jemuh’s hand and arm with his sword.
He didn’t even realize the state of his hand due to the severity of the impact. Then he clasped his hand behind his back and continued to fight. When the arm gave him too much trouble, he stepped on it with his foot and ripped it from his shoulder. After Jemuh’s injury, Muaz and Muawwiz who were two brothers also reached Abu Jahl. They lunged at him and nocked him down with two sword blows. They left, thinking he had died. Abu Jahl, the Pharaoh of this Ummah died within blasphemy by drowning in vile.
After the assassination of Abu Jahl, there were not many people left in the polytheist army to resist the Muslims. Meanwhile, when the polytheist Umayyah Bin Khalaf was killed by Bilal Al Habashi, who he had tortured in Mecca, the Qurayshi army began to disintegrate. The polytheist soldiers started to back away. Those who escaped were saved at that moment. Those who were captured were taken prisoner. As a result of the fierce struggle that continued for a few hours, the Islamic Army commanded by our prophet had a brilliant success. Fourteen mujahideen had been martyred. The number of polytheists they had killed was around seventy. They had also captured nearly as many. Of those who were killed, twenty-four were notables of the Quraysh. The mujahideen buried the bodies of the notables in a pit, according to the prophet’s orders. Then the prophet performed their funeral prayers of the martyrs in Badr.
With this brilliant victory, the clouds of doubt and hesitation also shattered. The courage of the Muslims had increased even more. Our prophet immediately issued two messengers and asked that this glorious victory be announced to Medina as soon as possible. One of the messengers delivered this magnificent gospel to the Muslims in the upper and lower parts of the city. The Qurayshi army, which was severely defeated, left behind many goods and seventy prisoners. Among the captives were the prophet’s uncle Abbas, Ukayl Bin Abu Talib and Nawfel Bin Abdulmutallab who were from his cousins and Rebi, the husband of his daughter Zaynab. Again, the brother of Musab Bin Umayr and the flag-bearer of the polytheist army were among the captives. Umayr was assigned to tie their hands so the prisoners would not escape. Abbas’s hands were tied very tightly. Therefore, he began to moan in pain through the night. The prophet, who heard this could not sleep. When they asked him, “Why aren’t you sleeping?”, he replied, “Because of Abbas moaning.” Some of the Companions who did not want the prophet to be upset, untied Abbas’s hands. Our prophet who noticed that Abbas’s moans had stopped, asked, “Why do I not hear Abbas anymore?” The Companions said, “We untied him.” Thereupon, our prophet slept after he ordered, “Untie all the prisoners.”
Three days after the war ended, he distributed the war spoils equally among the Muslims. The prophet took Abu Jahl’s camel from among the spoils. Zulfiqar, the sword of a cruel man named Munebbih Bin Hajjaj fell into the share of the prophet too. Our prophet gave Zulfiqar to Ali as a gift. There was no revelation by Allah yet about what action was to be taken against the captives. For this reason, it was necessary to decide about them by voting.
It was one of the good qualities of the prophet that he consulted his friends on all matters. In the advisory assembly, everyone would express their opinions freely and openly. After the speeches on this subject, our prophet accepted the view of Abu Bakr. He ordered the prisoners to be released in return for dirhams.
It was decided by the prophet that the prisoners who could not afford their ransom, but knew to read and wite, would be released on the condition that they teach ten children from the Ansar to write. In this way, the number of literate people in Medina increased. Therefore, this decision taken about the captives, brought the following verses of Surah Anfal.
It is not fit for a prophet that he should take captives until he has thoroughly subdued the land. You believers settled with the fleeting gains of this world, while Allah’s aim for you is the hereafter. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. Had it not been for a prior decree from Allah, you would have certainly been disciplined with a tremendous punishment for whatever ransom you have taken. Now enjoy what you have taken, for its lawful and good. And be mindful of Allah. Surely Allah is all-forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surah Anfal, Ayah 67-69)
Our prophet came to Medina with the mujahideen one day before the captives. One day later, he distributed the prisoners who came to Medina among his companions and said, “Advise each other about the captives.” Abbas, the uncle of the prophet, who was among the captives, was a very rich person. The prophet said, “O Abbas! Pay the ransom for yourself and your brothers’ sons! Because you are wealthy.”
When he was coming to Badr with the polytheists, Abbas had brought eight-hundred dirhams of gold to spend for the soldiers. During the war, this too was taken away and added to the spoils. Therefore, Abbas offered, “At least, consider those golds taken away from me during the war as a ransom.” Our prophet said, “No, it is property that you carry against us to spend and which Allah ultimately grant us. We can’t give it back to you.” Abbas said, “I have no money apart from it! Mohammad, will you make your uncle beg?” Upon this, our prophet asked, “O Abbas, where are those gold coins?” Abbas said in surprise, “Which coins?”
The prophet said, “You know, the coins you handed over to Umm Fadl, your wife, on the day you were to leave Mecca! When you handed them over, there was nobody there but the both of you. You told your wife, ‘I don’t know what will happen to me in this wat. If I suffer a disaster and cannot return, this much is for you, this much for Fadl and this much for Abdullah; that much is for Obaidullah and that much is for Kusem.’ Here are those coins!”
Abbas asked in astonishment, “Who informed you about this?” Our prophet replied, “Allah did.”
Upon this speech, Abbas recited the shahadah and became a Muslim. After paying the ransom, he returned to Mecca. When Abbas returned, he kept it secret that he had become a Muslim. During his stay in Mecca, he wrote down the attitudes and behaviours of the polytheists to our prophet and helped the Muslims in Mecca.
Rebi, Zaynab’s husband, was among the captives of Badr. Zaynab took off her necklace as a ransom and sent it to Medina. The necklace was given to Zaynab by her mother Khadija when she got married. The Companions released the prisoner and turned his price back due to this situation upsetting the prophet.
The victory of Badr echoed positive and negative energy both inside and outside Medina and created an important agenda. Most importantly, the Jews and heathens in Medina were daunted. Some of the Jews said, “This is the person whose characteristics we read about in books. We can no longer stand up to him. He will always win.” They too became Muslims.
Some also seemed to have believed out of their fear. However, they did not hesitate to cause mischief. The Abyssinian Najashi was among those who heard about the success and victory of our Prophet. He said to the immigrant Muslims in this country, “Allah helped his messenger in Badr. Therefore, I praise him.” And so, shared his satisfaction.
Whike there was a festive atmosphere among the Muslims in Medina, the polytheists in Mecca had begun to mourn in a state of complete shock. Thus, the Muslims had intimidated the surrounding tribes in Badr. The prophet’s uncle Abu Lahab stayed in Mecca, and only one someone else to Badr. When the Qurayshi army was defeated by the Islamic army and returned to Mecca, Abu Lahab summoned Abu Sufyan Bin Harith and said, “O my brother’s son, what happened to the people?”
“When we encountered that community, we were defeated. They killed some of us and captured others. But I cannot censure the people for this. For we encountered a regimental cavalry on dapple grey horses which were impossible to resist.” Then, Abbas’s wife Umm Fadl and her slave Abu Rafi were also there. Abu Rafi said, “The cavalry you saw were angels.” Abu Lahab got angry and started beating him. Umm Fadl said, “You beat this desperate slave because his master is not here.” And cracked Abu Lahab’s head open with a tent pole. After a short time, he became seriously ill from the sorrow and grief of losing the battle and became bedridden. A week later, he gave his last breath to account for the severe enmity he inflicted on the Messenger of Allah and the Muslims and became part of the polytheists who died. Nobody wanted to approach his dead body, as they were afraid that his illness could be caught. His sons kept his dead body there for two or three days. His carcass began to reek in the house. It was unlikely for anyone to approach the dead body. They neither touched nor washed it. They sprinkled some water on it from afar. Then they dragged the body away and buried him somewhere northern of Mecca. They covered him with stones. The deaths of those who are enemies of Islam have always been exemplary throughout history and will continue to be a lesson until doomsday.
The Battle of Uhud
In the third year of the migration, the anger of the Quraysh, their feelings of hatred and revenge increased. Utba’s daughter Hind, who lost her relatives in the battle of Badr, said, “I will not be relieved unless I take revenge on Mohammad and his friends. Unless I can see that the revenge of my loved ones is taken, there is no happiness in my life!” Abu Sufyan and others took similar oaths. The goods of the caravan bought by Abu Sufyan were standing en masse in Darun Nadwa. The notables of the polytheists decided to prepare a strong army with the remaining profit after giving everyone their share. According to them, the Muslims killed the Quraysh elders. It was necessary to avenge them. Those whose relatives were killed in Badr were walking among the tribes dressed in black, and poets were encouraging the polytheists to a new war by chanting war elegies. With the participation of some Arab tribes outside of Mecca, the idolator Quraysh prepared a 3000 men strong military force. This force included seven-hundred armoured men, two-hundred horsemen and camel cavalries. There were fourteen women among them, mainly Abu Sufyan’s wife Hind. Hind, who had lost her father and some of her other relatives in Badr, had a heart filled with hate and revenge. Calls of vengeance filled the streets of Mecca.
Uncle Abbas wrote a letter to his nephew Mohammad and informed him of the war preparations of the Quraysh. The Prophet made those near him read the letter and sent messengers to Mecca to keep the news secret. The news brought by the messengers exactly matched what his uncle had reported in the letter. The enemy had prepared a great army and had already set out for Medina. Upon this, he established a war council and discussed the issue with his companions in detail. The Prophet was of the opinion that he would not meet the enemy outside the city but defend the city from within. However, the youths, who were influenced by the praising verses about the veterans who participated in the battle of Badr, were in favour of attacking the enemy outside. They wanted to one-on-one combat with the enemy. The messenger of Allah did not reject the wishes of his companions, sheathed his sword, and put on his armour to confront the enemy.
The head of the polytheists, Abdullah Sulal retreated with his 300 men strong force, claiming that the defence was not made in the city. Of course, his aim was not to fight. He wanted to weaken the Muslims against their enemies. Thus, the number of the Muslim army fell from a thousand to seven hundred. The unbelievers infiltrated the only open area of Medina and established their headquarters on the slopes of Mount Uhud only on Saturday morning. With his back to the mountain, he took a stand against the enemy who occupied the barren land on the other side of the mountain. The polytheists wanted to plunder the city after defeating the Muslims army as a battlefield. Just as in Badr, the Prophet placed the Islamic army in order and protected the passages and breaches through which the enemy could infiltrate and siege with archers. He placed the archery unit of fifty who were under the command of Abdullah Bin Jumayr to wait by the valley of the mountain on the left of the army. He warned, “Whether the enemy is defeated or not, don’t leave your places.” On Saturday, the 27th of March, 625, the war officially began with one-on-one combat. Ali, Hamzah and other heroes of Islam killed their enemies one by one. The war became more and more violent. Thanks to the precautions taken by our Prophet, the glorious commander, and the plans he had implemented, the Muslims won against the polytheists at the first try.
Hamzah. The uncle of the Prophet destroyed the enemy, swinging sword, roaring like a lion. Other Muslims were also doing their best. Although the polytheists fought with their best efforts, they could not save themselves from being defeated. Even the women, who gave morale to the soldiers by playing tambourines, started to climb the mountain slope in fear and fled. Despite of this, the war was not yet over. The enemy needed to be cleared away to a point of no return. Here, the Muslims forgot the subtlety and aspect of the combat tactic. They left their swords and started to collect their share of the square. The fifty archers who were waiting in the valley behind the army also forgot the exact order of our Prophet, despite the insistence of their commander. They left their places, saying, “Our brothers have prevailed, why should we wait?” They too, struggled for the spoils. Meanwhile, Khalid Bin Walid, the commander of the two hundred men strong enemy cavalry unit, who was waiting for an opportunity and watched the archers on the hill, took action to turn the situation in his favour. He easily seized the passage where a small number of the Islamic army’s archers stayed and started attacking them from behind. Seeing this, the polytheists turned back. They started to attack again. Thus, the Muslims were unfortunately caught between two fights. Because they busied themselves with worldly things, they distanced themselves from our Prophet, violated his commands and therefore fell into hardship and despair.
At this moment, Hamzah was killed with a spear by Abu Sufyan’s wife Hind’s slave Washy. Musab, the first mentor of Islam, was among those who were martyred at that time. When Musab was martyred because he resembled our Prophet, the person who martyred him shouted that he had killed the messenger of Allah. This situation caused the Muslims to disperse even more. However, it was soon realized that our Prophet was alive. The friends of our Prophet, who were on the slopes of Mount Uhud, witnessed great conflicts. The Muslims were hurrying around him, using their own bodies as shields if necessary. Our Prophet gave an arrow to Sad Bin Abi Vaqqas and said, “May my mother and father be sacrificed for you, Sad; Shoot your arrow!” He was praying to Allah for Sad’s arrow to hit the target. As the polytheists attacked to kill the Messenger of Allah, the Muslims formed a tough line of defence around him. When the enemy realized that they could not break this line, they had to retreat. So, the war came to an equal point. The Messenger of Allah climbed towards Uhud and rested for a while in the cave, which is still visited today. The Prophet’s tooth was broken, and his cheek was injured. His daughter Fatima treated him. The Qurayshi polytheists had done such horrific things in this war that it is perhaps rare in history. Muslims gave seventy martyrs in this war. The enemies, especially the women, were cutting of the ears and noses of the fallen Muslims. Abu Sufyan’s wife Hind and some other polytheists wore necklaces made from the organs of the martyred Muslims. In addition, Hind had been disgusting enough to pull out Hamzah’s lungs and bite into them. Abu Sufyan left Uhud in the opinion that he would return after a while to attack Medina and would complete the work he started. Our Prophet also estimated such a situation and decided to follow the enemy the very next day after the war, despite seventy casualties and so many wounded. Our Prophet, with a cavalry unit of seventy people, travelled for eight kilometres and followed the polytheists. Then he stayed there and waited for three days. He gave the enemy a warning that they were not tired from the war by lighting fires at night with his companions. Unable to risk a new combat, Abu Sufyan returned to Mecca and gave up attacking Medina. As a result of the courageous pursuit of the Prophet, the enemy was frightened, and the superiority was the Muslims’ once again. Regarding the martyrs of Uhud, our Prophet said, “When your brothers were killed in the battle of Uhud, Allah put their souls into some green birds. They go to heavenly rivers, drink from them, and eat heavenly fruits. Then these birds perch on the golden lampions suspended in the shadow of the Ash. When martyred souls reach such a happy end.”, they said, “Who will inform our brothers in the world about our state in paradise, so they know that and do not abstain of jihad?” The fallen of Islam were buried in pairs. There was a moment that filled everyone’s eyes with tears. Hamzah was buried with his robe. Musab, the first teacher appointed by our Prophet to teach Islam to the people of Medina before the Migration, was buried too and his cloak was too short. When his cloak covered the top half of his body, the lower half of his body stayed naked and when his cloak covered the lower half of his body, the top half of his body stayed naked. Our prophet ordered the companions to cover up the lower half of Musab and put the fragrant herbs called izhir on the upper half.
Among the believers are men who have proven what they pledged to Allah. ( Surah Al-Ahzab Ayah 23 )
Disasters
A delegation from the Adal and Al-Qarah tribes came to Medina a few months after the Battle of Uhud. This delegation, which met with our Prophet, said that there were people who converted to Islam in their own tribes and wanted mentors who would teach them the rules and principles of Islam. The Prophet, who was convinced that they were sincere, sent a group of six people with them. However, the main intention of these people was to take these six people to Mecca and hand them over to the Meccans whose relatives were killed in the Battle of Uhud and receive the award promised to them.
When they came to a place called Raji near Mecca, they betrayed the mentors by explaining their main purpose. In particular, they wanted to take the head of the group. Asim bin Thabit, to Sad, daughter of Sulafe. They would receive a prize of a hundred camels for this. This woman had vowed to drink wine from Asim’s skull, who had killed her two sons in the Battle of Uhud. Asim, who was the inspiration for Asim’s Generation that later would be used, was murdered. These oppressors also sought help from the Huzayl tribe to arrest Muslim mentors and take them to Mecca. The mentors fought heroically with them. Four of them were martyred, while the other two were arrested and taken to Mecca to be sold. Desine’s sons Zayd and Khubyab bin Adi, who were taken to Mecca, were sold to the polytheists. Abu Sufyan said to Zayd, who was brought to the Kaaba to be slaughtered, “Tell the truth, provided that you return to your family safely; Don’t you want Mohammad to be in your place and me to kill him instead of you right now?” Zayd answered, “Never! I could not even bear sitting in my and knowing that even a single hair on the Prophet’s head was harmed!” The head of the Quraysh who was once again surprised by Zayd’s loyalty to the Messenger of Allah said, “I have never seen anyone loved by his friends as much as Mohammad.” Khubyab bin Adi, who would be killed later, was sold to the family of Uqba, son of Harith, whom he killed in the Battle of Uhud. Khubyab bin Adi prayed two rak’ahs with permission before he was killed. The tradititon of Muslims to be executed to pray two rak’ahs before their execution started with his example. The polytheists kept talking about this event. Allah sent down the verses of Surat al-Baqarah regarding the situation of the hypocrites and the mentors who had been martyred.
There are some hypocrites who impress you with their views regarding worldly affairs and openly call upon Allah to witness what is in their hearts, yet they are your worst adversaries. And when they leave you, they strive throughout the land to spread mischief and destroy crops and kill cattle. Allah does not like mischief. When they are told to fear Allah, pride carries them off to sin. Hell will be their proper place. What an evil creature they be! And those who would dedicate their lives to Allah’s pleasure. And Allah is Ever Gracious to His servants.
(Surah Al-Baqarah Ayah 204-207)
Unfortunately, before the shock of the Raji disaster was over, another similar disaster took place in the same days. Abu Bara, the head of the Banu-Amir living in the Najid region, had come to Medina. This man, who was invited to Islam by the Prophet, but made another. “O Mohammad! I see your religion. If you send to my hometown Najid, I hope my people will convert to your religion.” The Prophet stated that he was worried that the people of Najid would do harm to the invitees due to the recent disaster and said that he could not put his friends in such a danger. Abu Bara had promised that he would take the mentors to be sent under his protection and that, thanks to the assurance he would give them, no one could touch them in his country.
The prophet sent a teaching staff of seventy people from his friends to Najid upon the insurance given by Abu Bara. He also gave a letter that was written for Abu Bara’s nephew Amir ibn Tufayl to al-Mundhir bin Amr whom he appointed the president. All of these inviters, who made up the teacher’s committee, were scholars trained in Suffa. The delegation that set out had come to the place called Bi’r Al-Mauna. Here, the head of the group Munzir sent the letter delivered to them by the Prophet to Amir bin Tufayl, with one of his friends. And he had asked his tribe for help in ambushing and massacring other Muslims in the delegation. The Banu-Amir, who regarded their chief Abu Bara, did not heed his call to murder. In the face of this situation, Amir summoned other tribal troops in the vicinity for help. And he ambushed the distinguished teachers’ committee with the soldiers he collected from them.
He brutally slaughtered all the mentors who tried to resist. Before the incident, two people had moved away from the committee to let their camels graze. These two Muslims could not get rid of the anger of the oppressors. One was killed, the other captured. This prisoner, who was later released, delivered the bitter news to Medina. On his way back to Medina, he met two men from Banu-Amir. He took the opportunity and killed these two people because they were from the tribe that had ambushed and killed his friends. However, these two people met with the Prophet before and received assurances from him. Therefore, their debts were paid. Jews and hypocrites rejoiced in all these disasters, as they did in all misfortunes that befell Muslims. The Nadir tribe was another Jewish tribe like Qurayza and Qaynuqa. It was one of the three Jewish tribes who escaped from the region and settled around Medina during the occupation of Jerusalem by Titus in 70 AD. They were claiming that their lineage came from the prophet Aaron. They were superior to other Jewish tribes. The Banu-Nadir tribe, wo joined the Constitution of Medina, which was prepared after the Migration, as an ally of the Aws tribe, lived outside the city and constituted the most crowded group among the Jews. The Jews of Banu-Nadir who did not take place in any actions against the Messenger of Allah before, were very angry at the expulsion of the Qaynuqa tribe from the city after the Battle of Badr and they were also angry about the murder of their famous poet Qa’b bin Ashraf who uttered provocative poems and engaged in destructive activities against Muslims. Despite of this, they made a new agreement with the Prophet out of fear. But later, during the preparations for the Battle of Uhud, they gave Abu Sufyan the information he wanted about the Muslims. With the courage they received from the Islamic army’s failure to gain full advantage in the battle of Uhud, they accepted the offer of the polytheists to kill our Prophet and intended to break their promise. The events that led to the expulsion of the Nadir tribe from Medina were based upon reasonable grounds.
While Amr Damri, one of the survivors of the seventy invitees being trapped and murdered in Bi’ru Maune, returned to Medina to inform the Prophet about the incident, but killed two people who had become Muslims from the Amir tribe, whom he thought were among those who attacked him on the way. The prophet asked them to participate in the ransom in accordance with the existing agreement so that the ransoms of those killed in the face of a mistake could be paid. While they were preparing the part that fell to their share, our Prophet sat by a wall and began to wait for them. However, the Nadir tribe took advantage of this and tried to kill him by rolling a large stone on him. In addition, they wrote a letter to him on the proposal they received from the Quraysh to kill our Prophet and wanted him to come with three of his friends, even discuss with three rabbis if they would accept Islam. And they prepared an assassination team. The Prophet learned that in both cases, the Nadir Jews attempted to kill him. Thereupon, he sent news and informed them to leave Medina within ten days, otherwise those who were caught would be killed. Although the Jews first started preparations to leave the city, they declared that they would not leave their places and were ready for war after they received the news that support would come from others. Our Prophet who completed the war preparations and set off, first went to Qurayza, one of the other Jewish tribes, and made a neutrality agreement with them. He then besieged the place where the Nadir tribe was located. Fifteen days later, the Jews of Nadir, who felt uncomfortable due to the severity of the siege demanded to leave Medina with as many goods they could load on their camels, when the help they expected did not come. When their demands were accepted, some of them went to the Syrian side with six hundred camels, and the lesser others went to Khaybar and settled there. The Nadir Jews who settled in Khaybar soon became a threat again, and a source of unrest. As a result, they became the organizers of the battle of the trench.
Battle of the Trench (Battle of Khandaq)
It was the fifth year of the migration.
The Qurayshi polytheists were successful in the battle of Uhud, but they could not break the strength of the Muslims as much as they had hopes. On the contrary, the Muslims strengthened their unity and solidarity in Medina and became stronger militarily. The Jewish tribe of Nadir, constantly causing problems, was exiled; with expeditions to the east and north precise victories were achieved, and the power and efficiency of the Muslim grew day by day. As a result, the caravan routes of the Meccan polytheists towards Egypt, Syria and Iraq were completely shut down. That the Muslims became a dominant force in the region, rapidly increased the number of those who joined Islam. The process allowed Muslims to take important steps towards organizing and settling their social lives. The Jews, who were anxious in the face of this visible strengthening of Islam and were one of the main enemies of the Muslims, accelerated their hostile actions as much as they could. Especially the Nadir tribe, which had recently been expelled from Medina, was constantly making propaganda against Islam everywhere. They were looking for the opportunity to make a decisive blow to Muslims in order to prevent Islam from gaining strength. As a result of these efforts, the Jews started to seek ways of uniting with the Quraysh and other polytheist tribes by reaching a consensus among them. A delegation consisting of Jews came to the Meccan polytheists and, after provocations, they offered to attack the Muslims who were their common enemies, and to abolish Allah’s Messenger and therefore, Islam. The Meccan polytheists who had people still suffering from Badr among them and had fallen into an economic impasse because of the cut-off trade routes, welcomed this offer. After the Jews agreed with the Quraysh, they went to Najid and called the Banu Sulaym and Banu Ghatafan tribes to contribute to this cooperation. They persuaded the Ghatafan tribe to fight against the Muslims for Khaybar’s annual dates. They then incited other Arab tribes for the war by telling them that idolatry was superior to Islam, but that idolatry would come to an end if the Muslims were not fought. At the end of this plan, they persuaded some Arab tribes to fight with them. The Quraysh, who started the preparations, equipped an army of four thousand men, including three hundred horses and fifteen hundred camels. When the forces of the Jews and other Arab tribes were added to this, an army of approximately ten thousand people had been formed. This great army headed to Medina hoping to make a final and lethal blow to Islam. The Arabian Peninsula had not witnessed such a large army until then. As soon as our Prophet heard about the initiative of this evil alliance, he immediately convened a war council. He exchanged views in the assembly on what measures should be taken against the enemy and what kind of fighting tactic should be followed. The majority of the Companions were of the opinion that it would be appropriate to defend Medina from within. When Salman-I Farsi stated, “When a city is surrounded by superior forces in our land, a ditch is always dug around the city and is defended in this way.”, and our prophet accepted this idea and with this, ordered to prepare a defence plan. The protection of the city would be based on the ditch to be dug in the direction of the enemy. The others side of the city was surrounded by mountains and palm trees anyway. Without wasting any time, the Prophet went exploring with his notable friends and determined the places that needed to be dug one by one. After determining the places open to enemy attack, all Muslims gathered and started digging ditches and trenches with all their efforts. Since it was winter, working was difficult and tiring. Nevertheless, the Muslims were working with great enthusiasm, and they were always reading verse like, “We have sworn allegiance to continue to fight by Mohammad’s side as long as we shall live.” The prophet, too, was digging and carrying soil with his friends who worked enthusiastically and recited these couplets in one voice: “If it were not for the grace and guidance of Allah, we would neither be guided, nor would we give alms or worship. Our Lord, give us peace and tranquillity. If we met the enemy, give us stamina. Those who attack us cause mischief and are after malice. But we are resistingthem.” On the other hand, the polytheists made various excuses to not have to work. At the end of two weeks of diligent work, the necessary places around Medina were surrounded by ditches, and with the soil dug out of them bulwarks were formed. As soon as the digging was finished, all the Muslims who could fight had gathered. The number of Muslim mujahideen was only three thousand and they had thirty-six horses. The mujahideen had taken place behind the bulwarks in groups. The army under the command of Abu Sufyan came from the west of Medina, and the Najid tribe from the East to Medina. The unreligious Quraysh walked from the north of Medina to Mount Uhud. Seeing that the surroundings were empty, they approached the place they had previously taken in the Battle of Uhud. Here, they united with other forces and started to proceed decisively on the Uhud-Medina road. Finally, they came across the tents of the Messenger of Allah that were seen behind the ditches and took their place in front of them. When the polytheists could not see the Muslims anywhere, they started attacking Medina furiously. But they faced a situation they never expected. As soon as they got to the ditches the Muslims had dug, they were astonished. At that time, such a sheltered defence system was unknown to the Arabs. This different defence method of the Prophet once again left the polytheists in astonishment. Some of them rode their horses along the ditches, looking for a passage to cross. But they never managed to cross it because the trench was dug so deep. Meanwhile, the Muslims who took cover behind the ditch started to besiege the enemy with stones and arrows. The enemy cavalry was helpless. The polytheists remained behind the ditch with the same desperation, for almost amonth. There was no actual war between the two sides. There was no serious action other than shooting arrows on the battlefront. From time to time the Muslims were extending the defence period of the city by greeting the enemy in the bulwarks. Meanwhile, the rumour spread that the Jewish Qurayza tribe who had an agreement with the Muslims, broke the agreement and prepared to raid Medina on Monday night. This news caused great concern among the Muslims, who were considerably weaker than the allied armies. Our Prophet sent someone to the Qurayza tribe to clarify the situation. It was understood that the Qurayzans really had broken the deal. The Quran explains the coming of the enemy and the severity of the situation in the Surah Azhab as follows:
Remember when they came at you from the east and west, when your eyes grew wild in horror and your hearts jumped into your throats, and you were entertaining conflicting thoughts about Allah.(Surah Al-Azhab Ayah 10)
In the face of the situation, arrangements were made in accordance with the new situation that emerged, immediately. Security measures were further increased in the city and within the framework of the defence line. The Muslim army began to go out to patrol to prevent the enemy from making a sudden attack at night. As soon as the night came, all the patrol officers were dispersing to their places of duty and our prophet was waiting at the weakest point of the defence line. The difficulties of the war were felt more severely as the nights were cold but despite of this, the Muslims were performing their duties with faith and patience. The polytheists, who tried to take advantage of the situation, did not stand idly by trying to deceive people with some incentives and deceptive words. The Quran pointed out in the Surah al-Azhab, that the polytheists and those with a disease in their hearts say, “Allah and His Messenger have promised us nothing but delusion!”
During the siege, the polytheists did not get any successful results. The continuation of the siege was affecting the Muslims who were waiting in the trenches until the morning very badly. The fact that all ties to the outside of the city were cut off caused the food shortage to begin. The polytheists, who were taking strength from this situation increased their unwarranted speeches that would cause mischief. The Quran describes the situation of the Muslims in the Surah al-Azhab. Then and there the believers were put to the test and were violently shaken. The Muslims who were accustomed to battle, started to get bored of waiting without doing anything against the enemy. The severity of the season further affected this situation. Especially those who went out at night and patrolled in the cold were badly off. They could not even find anything to feed their animals. The resistance of the Muslims was slowly breaking. On the other hand, the attack of the enemy was increasing. Even though they made successful attacks from different directions, they returned desperately when they couldn’t cross the ditch. At a time when the siege was extremely violent, the polytheists decided to cross the ditch at all costs. They put forward a number of people who gained fame for their great warfare and heroism. One of them, Amir bin Abdived, and those with him, managed to overcome the ditch, albeit with great difficulty. Amir rode his horse and asked the Muslims for a warrior to fight against him. Since Amir was a very skilled gunslinger and agile cavalry who had been in many wars and disperse many troops thanks to his bravery, who would dare fight him? As a matter of fact, none of the Muslims could answer his request. Only Ali asked permission from the Prophet to oppose Amir. However, the Messenger of Allah did not allow it. Amir leapt forward again andshouted angrily at the Muslims, “Isn’t there anyone gallant among you who can appear on the battlefield? Where is the heaven that you say your deeds will go to?” When the Muslims were silent again, Ali asked for the second time. The Messenger of Allah took off his armour and put it on Ali, unsheathed his sword and grided it to Ali’s waist. Then he opened his hands and prayed, “My Lord! My uncle Ubaydah was martyred in Badr, Hamzah died in Uhud. Ali is my brother and my uncle’s son. Protect him, don’t leave me alone. You are the best of inheritors.” And the Prophet send off Ali. Ali, who bravely stood before Amir, introduced himself. Amir did want to fight him, claiming that Ali was too young and that he was acquainted to Ali’s father. But Ali stated that he wanted to fight and kill him. Ali offered him to either become a Muslim, quit the war or fight for himself. Amir, who rejected the first two offers, chose to fight.
The first attack came from Amir. The blow of his sword shattered Ali’s shield, causing him to injure his head. When it was Ali’s turn to attack, Amir’s lifeless body rolled to the ground after Ali’s sword blow. While the Muslims joyfully brought takbir, the polytheists were once again deeply disappointed. A few more uproars took place there. The situation was in contradict of the polytheist. The Muslim’s morale had risen. Abu Sufyan, as always hopelessly returned to his camp. The next day, the Qurayza tribe also chose its ranks and joined the opposing army. Thus, when the allies gained strength, they became more courageous and began to increase their attacks. Stones were thrown and arrows were shot, and so the fight continued until the evening. When it turned dark, the polytheists retreated to their camps. The thought of a general aggression continued to raise concern among the Muslims. Meanwhile, an important event happened that would change the outcome of the war. Nuaym Sakafi, who was a Muslim while in the ranks of the enemy, secretly joined the Prophet’s ranks. This situation was a good occasion to destroy the peace between the polytheists and the Qurayza and the polytheists. Since it was not known that Nuaym had become a Muslim, he easily went to Kaab bin Assad, the leader of the Qurayza. There were other Jewish leaders next to the Kaaba. He told them that he wanted to do a favour to the Jews and told them the tribes of Quraysh and Ghatafan had tired of the war. And he said, “If they suffer more trouble, they will leave you. Then you cannot resist the Islamic army. I suggest that you take a few hostages from the notables of the Quraysh and Ghatafan tribes to prevent this danger.” The Jews were very pleased with this news. Nuaym left and came to Abu Sufyan’s camp. He told Sufyan that the people of Qurayza regretted breaking their agreement with the Muslims had secretly renewed it and that they even considered taking hostages of a few of the leaders of Quraysh and Ghatafan to hand them over to the Muslims to pardon their crimes. This news made Abu Sufyan suspicious of the Qurayzans. He immediately sent a message to the leader of the Qurayza that the siege was too long, the next day, this situation should be ended with a general attack. In response to the news, the people of Qurayza reported that they could not trust them, unless they were given a pledge from a few of the notables of Quraysh and Ghatafan heard this reply, they did not pledge to the Qurayza tribe but agreed with Nuaym, they left the allies and left them to their own fate. The siege was still going on, but it had lost its former violence. Allah’s help to the Muslims happened with a strong wind this time. It was a cold, freezing wind. It blew sand and dust into the enemy’s eyes. The wind preoccupied them with their own troubles. It was tearing the leather walls of the tents, demounting the pillars, burying the masts in the sand, putting out the fires, confusing the camels and horses. Nobody could come to anyone’s call for help. The polytheists were constantly hearing takbirs and shots rising from the opposite front of their camps. Great fear burdened their hearts and they fell into a deadly panic. The Quran later explained this event to the believers with the following verses in Surah al-Azhab:
O believers! Remember Allah’s favour upon you when enemy forces came to besiege you in Medina, so we sent against them a bitter wind and forces one could not see. And Allah is All-seeing of what you do. (Ayah 9)
And Allah drove back the disbelievers in their rage, completely empty-handed. And Allah spared the believers from fighting. For Allah is All-Powerful, Almighty. (Ayah 25)
The storm that continued throughout the night had calmed down a bit in the morning. Abu Sufyan gave the order to withdraw when the Qurayza tribe excused themselves by saying that they’d left the army. The polytheists started to turn back quickly again, in hopelessness and distress arising from their failures. While the Quraysh army was on its way to Mecca and the Ghatafan tribes towards Najid, the Muslims came out of the defence line and reached the enemy camp.
They confiscated what they had left as the enemy hastily and nervously. With this loot obtained, the famine caused by the siege was eliminated. Our Prophet said to the Muslims, “O Mujahideen of Islam! Be sure that this victory is an immortal success for you. From now on, the Quraysh tribe will not attack you, but you will attack them.” With these words, the Prophet was telling us that all the power of the polytheists was exhausted and that the Muslims’ path to victory were opened forever. The Islamic Army immediately marched on the Qurayza Jews who had betrayed them. They immediately took action and besieged the castle where the Qurayza tribe was located. Our Prophet first invited them to Islam. The Jews did not accept his offer. This time our Prophet said, “Then, leave the castle and surrender by obeying the order of Allah and his Messenger.” The Jews certainly did not accept this offer either. After a month-long siege, the Qurayza tribe asked our Prophet to appoint a referee among them. In response to these proposals of the Jews, the Prophet said, “Choose the person that you want from my Companions as a referee.” They wanted Sad bin Muaz who was one of the famous tribal chiefs in Medina. They said, “We will consent to the verdict of Sad bin Muaz.” Sad bin Muaz had been seriously injured in the Battle of Khandaq. He was brought there on a stretcher to give the judgment that the Jews wanted. He took a firm promise from the Jews that they would agree to his verdict. Both sides started to wait for the verdict to be given with curiosity. Sad determined the verdict to be given to them from their own books. The Jews were petrified in the face of this definitive verdict. Because the punishment in their own book that imposed on those who had created an uproar was obvious.
When you arrive in the city to fight someone, call them to peace. If they accept this and open their doors to you, let them all pay tribute to you and serve you. If they decide to fight, surround them. When you overcome them by the grace of God, kill all their men. Take their women, children and property as spoils! (Deuteronomy/ Repeat of the Law, 10-14)
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
It was March, 628. In a dream, the Prophet walked from Medina to Mecca with about fifteen-hundred Muslims to perform the umrah. When they arrived near the Village of Hudaybiyyah, the Muslims had set up camp there. Although the Meccan polytheists knew that the Muslims came to Mecca to perform umrah, they decided not to let them enter Mecca. For this purpose, they sent a two hundred-men cavalry unit under the command of Khalid bin Walid. Upon this, our Prophet sent Uthman to Mecca as an envoy. The Meccans firstly welcomed Uthman well, but they did not allow Muslims to come to Mecca in spite of Uthman saying it was their purpose to visit the umrah. They reacted harshly to the ambassador and even imprisoned him. Later, news spread among Muslims that Uthman had been martyred. Thereupon, the Prophet decided to fight against the against the polytheists. In response to this decision, they swore allegiance to our Prophet at a place called the “Tree of Rydvan.” The union sent by the polytheists was taken prisoner by the Muslims. Thereupon, the Quraysh agreed to the treaty and sent Suhayl bin Amr as an ambassador for peace. After the discussions, the treaty written by Ali was signed by Suhayl bin Amr on behalf of the Prophet and the Meccans. The duration of the Hudaybiyyah treaty would be ten years. Both previously captured prisoners and those who were recently taken would be mutually released. The Muslims would not be able to visit the Kaaba this year. However, the visit was to be had the following year again. Those who were to visit the next year would stay in Mecca and they wouldn’t have any contact with Muslims. If one of the Quraysh took refuge in Medina, he would be returned even if he was a Muslim. But those who took refuge in Mecca from Medina wouldn’t be returned. Other Arab tribes could join the side of the Muslims, or of the Quraysh if they so wished. With this treaty, the people of Mecca officially accepted the political existence of the Muslims and thus the Islamic State. The participations in Islam accelerated with the formation of an atmosphere of peace.
Indeed, we have granted you a clear triumph, O Prophet. So that Allah may forgive you for your past and future shortcomings, complete his favour upon you and guide you along the straight path. And so Allah will help you tremendously. (Suraj Al-Fath Ayah 1-3)
Thus, the conquest of Mecca that would become reality soon got easier. The Muslims were dissatisfied by that because they could not grasp the wisdom of the peace treaty at first. Surat Al-Fath gave the believers gospel of the victory gates that were opened in Hudaybiyyah. Soon, the gospel started to come true slowly. The neighbouring tribes described the journey of the Messenger of Allah to the Kaaba as a “journey of no return”. But when they saw that the Messenger of Allah returned safely without the slightest injury, they were in a flap. Allah has revealed the state of them in the verses of Surah Al-Fath.
The truth is: you thought that the Messenger and the believers would never return to their families again. And that was appealing to your hearts. You harboured evil thoughts about Allah, and so became a doomed people. And whoever does not believe in Allah and His Messenger, We surely have prepared a blazing fire for them. (Ayah 12-13)
Some of the decisions taken in the peace treaty with the polytheists in Hudaybiyyah appeared to be against the Muslims’ favour. Then, with the descent of the Surah Al-Fath, the great wisdom and gospels about this incident were reported. It turned out later that this return, which was initially thought to be defeat and pain, was a clear victory and conquest as said in Surah al-Baqarah. Perhaps you dislike something which is good for you and like something which is bad. Allah knows, and you do not.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 216)
In the peaceful environment created by this treaty, many people were blessed with Islam, and the number of those who became Muslims exceeded the total number of Muslims up to that time. It is true, maybe the Muslims wouldn’t have been able to perform umrah that year or they would have to live through rather harsh conditions. But the gains after that would be much greater. Because with this treaty, the existence of Islam was officially recognized by the polytheists. After all, the Kaaba would be visited a year later. Those who wanted from the Arab tribes could pass under the protection of the Muslims. This, in fact meant that the Quraysh lost their influence and the invitation to Islam was made easily. One of the reasons why the Messenger of Allah preferred this peace was that there were many people in Mecca that became Muslims at that time, who could not explain this due to the circumstances. If there was a conflict between them and the polytheists, there was a possibility that they would be exposed, and therefore killed. The polytheists, who looked at the conditions of the Hudaybiyyah treaty superficially and rejoiced, unwittingly removed the obstacles that they put in the way of the Muslims with their own hands. And they made the Muslims superior to themselves. The fact that almost every Companion apart from the Prophet saw this treaty as if it was against them and they weren’t to accept, made the polytheists even blinder. And caused that they signed the conditions without hesitation with a feeling of great success. However, the real content of this treaty, whose secrets were initially closed even to believers, began to emerge gradually as the substances were applied. During this period, people like Amr bin As, Khalid bin Walid and Uthman bin Talha, among the notables of the polytheists; became Muslims. When the Messenger of Allah went to Hudaybiyyah, he had set off with fifteen hundred people. And two years later, during the conquest of Mecca, twelve thousand Muslims were with him. So much so that the number of those to become Muslims in those two years from Hudaybiyyah was higher than the number of those who became Muslims as a result of the nineteen-year İslamic invitation before. In the beginning, those who resented our Prophet, were saying, “We were detained from circumambulating Baytullah, our sacrifices were prevented from being slaughtered in the Harem. The Messenger of Allah returned the two people who came to us as Muslims and took refuge. What kind of a conquest is this?” However, our Prophet was describing this treaty as a conquest. “Yes! This treaty is the greatest success. The polytheists consented that you go to their own lands and do their jobs and were asked for you to be safe and in peace. So, they will see and learn from you the Islam they did not want or like until now. Allah will make you victorious, and you will return safely ad profitably from where you came. This is the greatest conquest.”
The Invitation Letters
Our Prophet was trying to duly perform his duty of the tabligh (report) and the Irshad (act of showing the true path) that he received from his lord and to communicate the messages given to him for all humanity by making use of all kinds of methods. Especially he sent the letters to the administrators of states other than the Arabian Peninsula through ambassadors. His invitation letters to Islam are of great importance in terms of Islamic and World history. The Byzantine Empire, Iran Egypt and Abyssinia were important states that had close political and economic relations with the Arabian Peninsula during the rise of Islam’s glory over Medina. After the treaty of Hudaybiyyah made with the Meccan polytheists in the 6th year of the migration, our Prophet made efforts to expand the tabligh (report) area of Islam with letters he sent to these great states and some Arab tribesmen.
Letter to Najashi
Five years after he started his duty of tabligh, our Prophet offered his companions who were tired of the torture of the Meccan polytheists to take shelter in Abyssinia. Of the neighbouring countries at that time, only Abyssinia was out of turmoil and conflict. While the Companions took refuge in Abyssinia, a letter was sent to Najashi by the Prophet. One more letter was sent to him at that time. Among the first refugees were Jafar, the son of the Prophet’s uncle, his daughter Rubayya and her husband Uthman. Our Prophet addressed them as follows in the letter he sent to Najashi Ashama;
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. From Mohammad, Messenger of Allah, to the Negus (king) of Abyssinia (Ethiopia). Peace be upon him who follows true guidance. Salutations, I entertain Allah’s praise, there is no God but him. The Sovereign, the Holy, The Source and Giver of Peace, the Guardian of Faith, the Preserver of safety. I bear witness that Jesus, son of Mary, is the spirit of Allah and that his word which he cast into Mary, the virgin, the good, the pure, so that she could conceive him. Allah created him from His spirit and His breath as He created Adam. I call you to Allah alone with no associate and to His obedience and to follow me and to believe in that which came to me, for I am the Messenger of Allah. I invite you to listen, and to accept my advice. I have despatched my cousin, Jafar with a group of Muslims, to you. Do be generous to them and give up haughtiness. Peace be upon him who follows true guidance.
After the admission of Muslims to Abyssinia, the Meccan polytheists sent a delegation of ambassadors with gifts to expel the refugees from here. They asked Najashi who had the Christians exiled, saying that those who took refuge in his country were idle young people who abandoned the nation’s religion and invented a new one. The King who strongly opposed to betraying and reneging on the promise on the subject of the refuge, had the Muslims brought before him to listen to them. Jafar, the cousin of the Prophet, said that they were among the ignorant until Allah chose one of them as a Messenger and that they learned to worship Allah, who is the only god, to give alms, to fast, and to learn good deeds from Mohammad. Upon the request of Najashi, he read the beginning of the Surah Maryam from the Quran, which describes the birth of the Prophet Jesus as a divine miracle. Najashi and the priests around him listened to these verses, and despite of having copies of the Bible in front of them started to cry when these verses were unexpectedly confirmed by the Quran. Expressing that the message that came to Mohammad came from the same source as the message that came to Jesus, the king allowed Muslims to live in peace and tranquillity in his country. Later, by sending a letter to the Prophet through his son, he informed him that he had joined Islam. When Najashi died, our Prophet performed his funeral prayer in Medina.
Letter to Muqawqis
Egypt, where the Meccans had commercial relations, was a country that had been Christianized under the Byzantine rule. The city pf Alexandria was the capital of both political and religious administration. Due to the religious differences in Byzantium, the Christian indigenous people of Egypt, the Copts, did not recognize the Patriarch appointed by the Byzantine Emperor and chose a local patriarch. The Iranians who invaded Egypt when Islam started to spread, expelled the Greek patriarch and put their own leader in power. The invitation letter of the Messenger of Allah to Islam was also delivered to Muqawqis.
In the name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. From Mohammad, servant of Allah and His Messenger, to Muqawqis, vicegerent of Egypt. Peace be upon him who follows true guidance. Thereafter, I invite you to accept Islam. If you want security, accept. If you do, Allah, the sublime, shall reward you doubly. But if you refuse to do so, you will bear the burden of the transgression of all the Copts. Say, “O Mohammad, people of the scripture (Jews and Christians), come to a word that is just between you and us, that we worship no one but Allah, and that we associate no equals with him, and that none of us shall take others as lords beside Allah.” Then, if they turn away, say, “Bear witness that we are Muslims.”
Muqawqis sent gifts to the Prophet, although he politely denied the probability of a prophet from Arabia being chosen.
Letter to Heraclius
We know that the Prophet felt close to Byzantium in his war against Iran, and that he told in the verses of the Quran that the Byzantine were defeated in the beginning but would be victorious in less than ten years.
The Messenger of Allah sent an envoy to Heraclius after Byzantium’s victory at Nineveh. The letter that the Companion named Dihyah delivered to Heraclius in Jerusalem surprised the emperor.
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Bestower of all Mercy; from Mohammad, servant and messenger of Allah, to Heraclius, the Great emperor of the Romans. Peace upon him who follows true guidance. Furthermore, I invite you to peace. If you submit then you will find safety and Allah will double your reward. If you turn away, you will bear the Arians’ sins. O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), come to a word that is just between you and us, that we worship no one but Allah, and that we associate no equals with Him, and that none of us shall take others as lords beside Allah. Then, if they turn away, say, “Bear witness that we are Muslims.”
The Emperor, surprised by the invitation he never expected, gathered the Meccan merchants who were in Byzantium and were not yet Muslims to get information about Islam and its Prophet. At that time, the people in the Byzantine Empire were in uneasiness both in political and religious spheres. Under these circumstances, Heraclius gave the answer, “My people are extremely opposed to abandoning their Christianity. Otherwise, I would immediately accept Islam.”
Letter to Chosroes
Zoroastrianism, which showed great respect and greatness to fire, was the official religion of Iran, which kept the northern, eastern and southern regions of the Arabic Peninsula under its rule. Our Prophet sent an envoy to the Iranian Emperor Chosroes and invited him to Islam.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. From Mohammad, the Messenger of Allah, to Chosroes, King of Persia. Peace be upon him who follows true guidance, believes in Allah and His messenger and testifies that there is no associate and that Mohammad is his servant and Messenger. I invite you to accept the true religion of Allah. I am the Messenger of Allah sent to all people in order to refuse a fear of Allah in every living person, and that the charge may be proved against those who reject the truth. Accept Islam as your religion so that you may live securely, otherwise, you will be responsible for all the sins of the Magians.
Chosroes, who did not find the letter worthy of the imperial glory was angry and took the letter from the hands of his translator, and tore it without finishing to read. He wrote and ordered his governor in Yemen to send special officers to bring the Messenger of Allah to the Imperial court immediately. When Chosroes’ insulting attitude reached the Prophet, our Prophet contented with saying, “May Allah tear his sovereignty to complete rupture.” When the officials of the Yemen governor came to Medina and delivered Chosroes’ letter, the Prophet promised that he would prepare the answer the next day. The next day, he said to them, “Tonight my Lord (Allah) got your mater killed by the hand of Sheroe.” The incoming officials took note of the date and returned to Yemen. Indeed, the Emperor had been killed by his son Sheroe. When the news of the assassination reached Yemen, Iran’s governor Bazan and his men immediately entered Islam and spread this miracle of the Messenger of Allah among the people. Our Prophet appointed Bazan as the governor of Yemen. After his death, our Prophet appointed his son to the same position. Thus, Yemen was taken without any military campaign.
Letter to the Ghassani Ruler
Some of the Arab tribes in northern Arabia linked to Byzantium and some of them linked to Iran. They had an autonomous rule and were in the ranks of the states that were subject to the wars between Byzantium and Iran. Some of them were nomadic. The strongest of these were the Ghassans, who lived in Damascus and were connected to Byzantium. The Christian religion was very common in this region. In the days following the defeat of the Iranians to Byzantium in Nineveh, the Messenger of Allah sent a letter to the neighbouring rulers, inviting them to Islam. One of those letters was to the ruler of Ghassan.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful. From Mohammad, Messenger of Allah to Al-Harith bin Abi Shamir. Peace be upon him who follows true guidance, believes in it, and regards it as true. I invite you to believe in Allah alone with no associate, hereafter your kingdom will remain yours.
Though al-Harith, who thought that his feelings of Christianity were harmed by this letter of the Messenger of Allah, threatened to organize an attack on Medina, he couldn’t realize his attempt because he couldn’t get help from the Byzantine Emperor. The letters were concluded with the verse in Surah Al-I Imran from the Quran.
O people of the scripture (Jews and Christians), come to a word that is just between you and us, that we worship no one but Allah, and that we associate no equals with him, and that none of us shall take lords beside Allah. Then, if they turn away, say, “Bear witness that we are Muslims.” (Al-Quran 3:64)
It was the eighth year of the Hijrah. Our Prophet sent Harith bin Umayr to the Ghassan, who was the commander of Bushra to present an invitation to Islam, but this Companion was killed by the Ghassanians. However, even the enemy countries couldn’t touch each other’s ambassadors, in accordance with the understanding to not kill the messenger. Our Prophet was very fond of his friends. Especially if something happened to one of them, he would be very uncomfortable because of this. For this reason, he could never stand by when one of his Companions was brutally killed. He immediately prepared an army of three thousand people. The commander of the Army was Zayd bin Haritha. If he was to be martyred in rhe war, Jafar bin Abu Thalib would replace him. The enemy would first be invited to Islam and if they did not accept the religion and didn’t consent to the jizya, would fight to the death against these murderers who killed the ambassador. Our Prophet saw the army of 100.000 that consisted of Christian Arabs under Byzantian support. The commanders of the Islamic army discussed the great numbers of the opposing army. They even discussed sending messengers to the Prophet because they wanted to return. However, more people wanted to fight, and the two armies met inexorably. When Zayd bin Haritha was martyred, Jafar took the flag, and his right hand was cut off; then he held it in his left hand. When his left hand was cut off too, he still did not leg of the flag. He clasped it with the remaining stubs of both hands, pressing it to his chest. Finally, he was also martyred. After Jafar was killed, he was called “Jafar the Flyer”. After that, Abdullah bin Rawaha, the poet of the companions took the flag by following the order of our beloved Prophet. The things that our Prophet had said were becoming reality. Rawaha also collided with the infidels while reciting poems and fell in the war. Meanwhiek a general collapse in the military was about to occur, upon the request of almost all of the soldiers, Khalid Bin Walid took command. Everyone knew he was a high military genius and that he had superior strategic knowledge. He had participated in this war as a soldier. After the war was thought until the evening of that day, Khalid changed the positions of the Muslim soldiers. He took those on the right side to the left, those in the back to the front until the next morning. So he wanted to give the impression that new support forces were advancing on the enemy. On the other hand, he was slowly retracting the army to protect the Islamic army from being defeated and completely slaughtered. In fact, in an attack before his return, Khalid inflicted a great deal of loss on the enemy and gained plenty of spoils.
In this way, he brought the Islamic army safely back to Medina. Our Prophet saw this war in Medina, and told the Muslims every phase from the pulpit. After explaining the martyrdom to the commanders, when it came to Khalid, he said, “Finally, he took a sword from the swords of Allah.” And after that he gave the title of “Sayf Allah” (the sword of god) When Khalid bin Walid said, “Nine swords were shattered in my hands in the war.”, he emphasized how violent it was. Our Prophet loved all his companions without making any distinctions. He was very fond of all these three martyred commanders and his uncle’s son Jafar, one of the Abyssinian refugees. For a while, he cried after the martyrs. They were tears of compassions and mercy, not screams of anger. He also prohibited other Muslims from crying like that.
The Battle of Khaybar
It was the seventh year of the hijra (migration). The Jews who previously lived in Medina were expelled from there for their betrayals and assassinations. The Jews who were motivated with grudge and revenge took refuge directly with their kinsmen who were in Khaybar and began for opportunities to harm the Muslims. Now they had one goal; to put an end to the life of the Prophet, and to eliminate Islam. The Jews of Khaybar started preparing other Jewish tribes in the vicinity and especially a large number of elected warriors they brought from Ghatafan in Khaybar. While they were making these preparations, our Prophet became aware of the situation of the Jews thanks to the importance he gave to information. He sent three Companions, the first of them being Abdullah bin Rewaha to learn what was happening in Khaybar. And so, they quickly arrived there. It was a wealthy city with eight castles, fertile lands, vineyards, and gardens. Abdullah and his friends carefully examined the situation of the Jews and their preparations for three days. Then they told the Prophet what they saw. Our Prophet ordered them to prepare for a war against the Jews. They decided to advance Khaybar in order to prevent them from attacking Medina. When the Jews in Medina heard of this decision, they flurried. To spoil the spiritually of the Muslims, they said, “We swear, ıf you had seen the fortresses in Khaybar and the valiant warriors there, you would have never stepped foot there. The armoured guards protect the fortresses that have high bastions on the top of the mountains. Thousands of soldiers from all around came to help them. Is it even possible for you to conquer Khaybar?” The Muslims on the other hand said, “Allah promised the messenger that he would conquer Khaybar.”, to make sure that there was never a case that would require then to fear the Jews. The determination of the Muslims frightened the Jews. Abdullah bin Ubaydah, the head of the polytheists said, “Mohammad is coming to you with only little force. There is nothing to be afraid of, but be cautious and fill your fortresses with your goods. Meet them out by the castle.” And he sent a message to Khaybar. The believers completed their preparations in a short time. The Muslims said their goodbyes and gathered around the Prophet. They had become two hundred cavalries and one thousand and four hundred infantries. Meanwhile, some women asked for permission from our Prophet to prepare food for the soldiers and to treat the casualties. With the permission given to them, twenty female mujahideen, especially Umm Salama, who was the wife of the Prophet, joined the other mujahideen.
Ali was carrying the sacred flag of our Prophet and Umar was commanding the right-hand commandery of the Prophet. Our Prophet prayed, “My Allah, I seek refuge in you from worrying about the future, being troubled about the past, from weakness, from miserliness, cowardice and being weighed down by debt.” And he prayed to his Lord, “O my Allah, Lord of the Heavens and those he protects. O my Allah, the Lord of the Earth and all that is on it. Oh my Allah, the Lord of devils and those distorted. O my Allah, the Lord of the winds and of everything hurled. We wish from you the well-being of this town, the well-being of the people living here and the well-being of everything else. We take refuge in you from the evil forces in this town, the evil people and everything else that may be bad.”
Finally, the army of Allah came close to one of the strongest fortresses in Khaybar, called Natat, and established their headquarters. It was evening. The Prophet would never raid in the morning and would first invite his opponents to Islam. If they did not accept the offer, he would start the battle. None of the Jews understood that the Islamic army was coming. After the glorious commander lead the morning prayers, he finished his preparations and got the mujahideen moving. Meanwhile, when the Jews who left the castle to deal with their vineyards, gardens and fields encountered the unexpected situation, were shocked. They began to flee, saying,” We swear that this is Mohammad’s army!” The commander who saw what situation they were in said, “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar; Khaybar has fallen!” The Prophet offered the Jews either to become Muslims or to surrender and pay taxes. Or they would fight them and shed their blood. The Jews responded to this offer of the Islamic army by shooting their arrows. Until the evening of that day, the war continued. About fifty Companions were injured by the arrows shot. In the evening, they decided to search for a new headquarter. The Muslims’ headquarters were transferred to another designated place, and the wounded were treated there. The next day, they fought in Natat until the evening. The siege had lasted for five days. The Jews have always remained on the defence. Since the Prophet was suffering from a severe headache in those days, he couldn’t be found between the mujahideen for two days. The message of this situation was important. The Prophet was also a human being. Unless his Lord wished, there was nothing he could do in the face of the events. At that moment the Jews gathered their courage, opened the fortress gates and attacked. One-to-one combat had begun now, the war had escalated. The next day, there were violent clashes in front of Khaybar. But the castle could not be conquered. A day later the Prophet dressed Ali in his armour and girded Ali with his sword. And he gave the white flag of Islam to him. “He said to him, “Fight util Allah grants you victor. Don’t turn around.” Ali said with complete devotion, “O messenger of Allah! May my life be sacrificed for you. I will fight them until they join Islam.” “If Allah guides one of them because of you, it is better than having many camels and giving alms to all of them in the way of Allah.”, said our Prophet.
While Ali, the lion of Allah, advanced the Jewish castle with the flag in his hand, the Companions followed him. At the time they were approaching the castle and the flag was planted at the bottom of a stone, the gate of the castle of Natat had opened. The Jews’ assault troops came out. These were the chosen soldiers of Khaybar. Each of them was clad in chain mail and double armour. One of them walked towards Ali and crossed him to fight. The Jew attacked quickly, while the sound of steel was filling the square, Zulfiqar descended like a lightning bolt and separated his opponent’s head from his body. Voices rose to the skies. “Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar!” They called him Khaydar, which meant lion. Ali was the lion of this war. He made everyone who crossed him taste death. The fight was going on with all its violence. Soon after they began to collide inside the castle. There was nobody left to confront the Muslims. The flag of Islam was planted in the castle. Thus, their strongest fortress was conquered. Meanwhile, four hundred Muslims from the Daws tribe had arrived to help our Prophet. After that, they continued fighting fiercely to conquer the other fortresses. When the seven castles of Khaybar that remained were captured one after the other, the Jews had become helpless and sent a delegation to demand peace. Our Prophet accepted this offer. He was the Prophet of the religion of peace. The blood of the Jews who fought the Muslims in this war would not be shed. The Jews who left Khaybar could only take their children and load of necessary household items with them. All remaining goods that could or could not be transported; weapons like swords, shields, bows and arrows, all of their clothes, golds, fabrics and also treasures; all their animals, the horses, camels, sheep; in short all of what they had was left to the Muslim. Anything that should be left to the Muslims would not be hidden under any circumstances. Those who hid anything would be excluded from the security and protection of Allah and his messenger. The loot obtained from the Jews was innumerable. Khaybar’s fertile lands and date palms were completely left to the Islamic army. After the conquest, the Jews made an offer to our Prophet and said, “O Mohammad, we will leave Khaybar. However, we are very knowing of agriculture in terms of fields, vineyards and gardens. If you want, rent these fertile lands to us. Let us work and give you half of the harvest!” Our Prophet and his friends did not have time for agricultural labour. They were trying to spread Islam day and night and were working for the jihad. Our Prophet was pleased with this offer and said, “With the condition that you will leave whenever we want you to.” The Jews accepted this condition and started to cultivate the fields.
The Conquest of Mecca
Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem and Istanbul. The most important cities in history. Especially Mecca. Mecca is the city where our Prophet, who was sent as a mercy to the realms, was born and spent his youth and childhood. The city is where both the first and the last word of the book of Allah, it was revealed that the city was the centre of belief of oneness beginning with Adam, and the Kaaba is also located there. Mohammad-ul Emin, after he was given the task of Prophethood, firstly invited the Meccans to the religion of Allah, but they did not accept and tortured everyone who had become a Muslim. They even went so far that they decided to kill our Prophet, but the trap they set up had come to nothing with the message of Gabriel. While moving away from his homeland, the messenger of Allah said, “O city, I would not have abandoned you if I had not been evicted.
After the migration, the people of Mecca did not waste time, they did their best to destroy the Prophet and the Muslims. Their efforts were vain. They were defeated in Badr. They didn’t get what they hoped for in Uhud, either. They came to Medina and were defeated in the battle of the trench. And eventually they had to sign the Hudaybiyyah treaty. Contrary to what they had expected, Islam started to grow day by day. The polytheists, on the other hand, were annoyed by this. So they slowly began to violate the treaty. It was only a year and a half after the treaty when the polytheists provoked the Banu Bakr tribe that were subordinate to them and attacked the Khuza tribe, which was Muslim. Some of the polytheists also participated in this incident. When they attacked the Khuza tribe, they were praying. With a brutal massacre, they were all martyred.
Immediately after this incident, a delegation from Mecca told our Prophet that they had come to their senses later, it was a little too late and the treaty was broken bilaterally. Our Prophet wanted Mecca to be conquered without bloodshed, and was very careful. This sensitivity of him was valid for both sides. He did not want casualties, both f his own soldiers and those of the Meccans. The only wish of the Prophet was that the leaders of the Quraysh understood the reality of Islam. When they approached Mecca, he encountered his uncle Abbas in a place called Juhfe. Abbas was migrating to Medina as a Muslim. His family was also with him. The Prophet was happy when he saw them and he said, “Just as I am the last of the Prophets, you are also the last of the immigrants.”
Abbas sent his family to Medina and joined the Prophet’s army. He set out to conquer Mecca, which he had abandoned the day before. When the Meccans saw an army of ten thousand companions in front of them at an unexpected time, they were shocked and could do nothing. Everyone was waiting for what would happen now. When the messenger of Allah entered Mecca, he bowed his head in thanks to his Lord for the conquest.
The muhajirs and Ansar were all on the side of the Prophet. The Prophet entered the Masjid al-Haram, headed towards the Hajar al-Aswad and greeted it. Then he circumambulated the Kaaba. They were three hundred and sixty idols in and around the Kaaba. He touched them one by one with bow in his hand and said, “Truth has come, superstition has disappeared. Superstition is always doomed to disappear.” When the Prophet finished his circumambulation and came to the door of the Kaaba, he sent for Uthman bin Talha who was the key keeper, made him open the Kaaba and entered. First, he pushed the idols aside and broke a dove-shaped idol made of wood with his bare hands. Then he saw some pictures of angels painted on the walls. Somewhere else on the wall, he saw a painting of Ibrahim and Ismail drawing fortune arrows and said, “I swear to Allah those two never used arrows to draw for luck or decisions.” He had all these paintings taken from the walls and had the Kaaba cleared from all the idols. It was the 20th of the month of Ramadan. It was time for the noon prayer. He ordered Bilal to recite the adhan and then performed the prayer. One of the most important events that took place after invading Mecca was the conquest of the hearts as a result of the Prophet’s superior moral values. Everyone gathered around the Kaaba in fear and wonder. They were wondering how the Prophet would act from now on. Muslim soldiers were present, along with thousands of Meccan polytheists who had not accepted Islam yet. According to the law of war at that time, our Prophet could order the killing of all the people of Mecca, seize their assets, regard them as spoils for the Muslims and distribute them between them. Our Prophet got out of the Kaaba and called out to the people, “You should know that everything that belongs to the days of ignorance, such as blood and property cases and matters of pride have been eliminated. Allah made you stop boasting about your ancestors. All Muslims are brothers. You were all created from dust. And the most precious of you in the sight of Allah is the most pious. In battle, the strong and the weak take equal amounts of loot. Being o the right or left of the battlefront makes no difference. Muslims are strictly venerable. And they must be protected. Muslims must be one against their enemies and act in unison. You should know well, neither a Muslim is killed for an unbeliever, nor those who are committed are killed during the period of their commitment. Then he read the following verse.
O humanity! Indeed, we created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may get to know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you. God is truly All-Knowing, All-Aware. (Surah Al-Hujurat Ayah 13)
He asked the Meccans who were anxiously waiting, “O Qurayshi community, what do you think I will do about you now?” The Quraysh did not find the will to speak to ask for mercy that they did not deserve at all, and they bowed their heads in shame. “You are the son of a noble father. A noble person. We expect good from you.” Our Prophet gave an answer that the Meccans certainly did not expect. They made life miserable for the Muslims. The Muslims had so much revenge to take from them for justified reasons. However, what the Prophet said was the most unique decisions in human history. “I will tell you what Joseph said to his brothers. There are no taunts and reproofs for you today. Go, you’re free!” After this general amnesty, everyone, men and women; came to the Prophet and swore allegiance to him. Thus, the conquest of Mecca was fully completed by the conquest of the hearts. Abu Sufyan and others who were pardoned by the Prophet, became known as Talqa-i. So they were freed and released. Allah’s promise of power to the Muslims came true with the conquest of Mecca. Mecca came under the control of the Muslims. And the polytheists were defeated forever. With the conquest of Mecca, a great military force was formed in the Arabian Peninsula that no tribes could resist. After a while, almost all of the Arabian Peninsula had become Muslim. This conquest had many religious, political and social benefits to Mecca. History has never seen such a glorious conquest ever again.
The Battle of Hunayn
When the conquest took place, the idols in both the Kaaba and the people’s hearts were destroyed. But there will always be people or communities that will be hostile to Islam. Our Prophet had not left Mecca yet, however news came that the Hawazin and Thaqif tribes had gathered to fight the Muslims. Our Prophet verified the received information. He was not doing anything without being absolutely sure. The number of the unbelievers’ soldiers reached twenty thousand including those from the surrounding tribes. Upon this, the army in Mecca prepared and set out to fight. The Islamic army reached Hunayn with ten thousand people after a five-day journey. When the messenger of Allah conquered Mecca, he broke the idols in the Kaaba.
The Hawazin and Thaqif tribes were alarmed that they couldn’t accept the breaking of the Uzza, which was like their idol Lat, and they gathered a large army against the Muslims and set up a camp between Mecca and Taif. Thereupon, the messenger of Allah advanced upon them with an army of ten thousand people. This war had an aspect that set an example. Because the Muslims were proud of the multiplicity of their armies. Let’s hear those days from the Companion named Abu Abdurrahman.
“We kept going on a day that was very hot and bright. And we stopped in the shade of the trees. When the sun reached the highest point, I put on my armour, got on my horse and went to the Messenger of Allah. I greeted him. The Messenger of Allah asked, ‘Is it time to move?’ He wanted Bilal to bring him a saddle at the bottom of the tree, to saddle his mule. Bilal brought the saddle. The messenger got on his mule and we got on our horses. Against the enemy, he organized us into ranks that night. He was on a grey mule. He wore two layers of chain mail and a helmet. In the twilight, we started to descend into the Hunayn valley in the fighting order. However, the vanguard units fell into an ambush set up by the Hawazin fighters and dispersed. There were arrows shot from everywhere. The Hawazins came to the place where the Prophet was, chasing the Muslim warriors who had dispersed and retreated. He said, ‘O people, where are you going, come towards me, I am the Prophet of Allah. I am Mohammad Bin Abdullah!’ Camels were hurrying around, and the soldiers were running away as far as they could. There was no one left beside the Prophet except the immigrants who migrated with him from Mecca and the Muslims of Medina. He wanted to spurn his grey mule and advance upon the Hawazins. His uncle Abbas, who did not leave his side and Abu Sufyan, who was a Muslim, were trying to slow him down and prevent him from advancing the enemy. When he saw that they didn’t return despite his calling, he asked Abbas, who had a strong voice, to speak. Abbas started to call out as the Prophet had told him. ‘O Companions who swore allegiance under the tree of Semure! Where are you?’ Finally, the Muslims who heard the call, answered, ‘We are at your command!’ and rallied back. So much so that those who were unable to turn their camels, dismounted them and ran with their swords and shields in the direction of the call. With all this anger, the Muslims, who came from everywhere, started to pounce on the Hawazins. Until a few days before, Abu Sufyan, who was one of the most violent enemies of the Prophet, dismounted his horse and was fighting with his sword next to Mohammad.”
Now, let’s listen to Abu Sufyan.
“Allah knows that I wanted to die in front of the messenger of Allah. At that time, Abbas was holding the bridle of the Prophet’s mule. When I went to the other side and held the mule’s bridle, the Messenger of Allah asked, ‘Who is this?’ I lifted my helmet. Abbas said, ‘O Rasulullah! He is the son of my uncle. Abu Sufyan.’ The messenger of Allah said, ‘I am pleased. May Allah forgive his enmity.’ I leaned over and kissed his foot in the stirrup.”
The Muslims had finally gathered and had started to attack the Hawazins with their swords. When the war escalated, the mujahideen were taking shelter in Rasulullah and were protected by him. Only the bravest could fight by his side. The Prophet got of his mule and began to pray. “Oh my Allah! Send us help! I wish you’d fulfil your promise. O Allah, surely you do not want them to win over us.” Then he took a handful of soil from the ground and hurled it in the faces of the polytheists. “Let their faces be black with ash! Let them be defeated!” A miracle happened and, and there was nobody who didn’t get dust in their face in Hawazin. The Quran explains this situation in the Surat At-Tawbah.
Indeed Allah has given you believers victory on many battlefields, even at the battle of Hunayn when you took pride in your great numbers, but they proved to be of no advantage to you. The earth, despite its vastness, seemed to close in on you, then you turned back in retreat. Then Allah sent down his reassurance upon his Messenger and the believers, and sent down forces you could not see, and punished those who disbelieved. Such was the punishment of the disbelievers. (Surat At-Tawbah, Ayat 25-26)
After the polytheists were defeated in Hunayn in the eighth year of the hijra, a delegation of the Hawazin tribe came and reported that they had converted to Islam. After them, a delegation of the Thaqif tribe wanted to come and convert to Islam. However, they put forward some conditions on being a Muslim. Two of their conditions were not to pray and not to give alms. They wanted Al-Lat, their idol, to not be broken until three years later, to not cause panic amongst the people. Our Prophet stated that these conditions and idolatry could not be accepted. Then they shortened the period when Al-Lat could not be destroyed to two years, then one year, then three months and finally a few weeks. When this bargain failed, they surrendered faithfully. But they wanted Al-Lat to be destroyed by the messenger of Allah himself. Thus, they first destroyed the idols in their hearts, then the idols in the square and converted to Islam with absolute faith. This shows that people are not obliged to accord with the measure of themselves. The desires of people for them to be real Muslims. They are obliged to believe and to yield as Allah and his Messenger had reported. The Surat At-Tawbah says:
Then afterwards Allah will turn in grace to whoever he wills. And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Surat At-Tawbah, Ayat 27)
The Battle of Hunayn is full of exemplary events. Finally, the enemy soldiers scattered and retreated, and their women, children, and goods were seized by the Muslims. Our Prophet ordered all prisoners to be clothed with fabrics from Mecca. The seized property and prisoners were to be distributed among the warriors. The Prophet delayed the distribution, thinking that the Hawazins would come to make a deal. But when no one came, he distributed the prisoners. It was not long before the representatives of Hawazin came to the presence of the Prophet. They reported that they converted to Islam and the rest of the Hawazins were also Muslims. They requested that their property and prisoners be returned. “O Messenger of Allah, we are a rooted tribe. As you know, we suffered a big misfortune.” They were asking for forgiveness. “Be gracious to us just as Allah has bestowed grace on you.” Our Prophet said to them, “I delayed the distribution until I realized you wouldn’t come. But you are too late. The prisoners were distributed among the mujahideen. You see, there are many mujahideen with me. It’s very difficult to make them give up all their rights. Now choose one of two options: either your prisoners or your properties.” They said, “You let us choose between our property and our wives and children. Our wives and children are dearer to us than our goods. Our Prophet ordered the Muslims to gather and said to them, “Your brothers came to us, as Muslims who felt remorse and had repented. Hereupon I found it appropriate to give their captives to them. Whoever of you wishes to retrieve their captives, do so. And whoever does not want to, let him release his captives, in exchange I will give him six camels from the first spoils Allah will give us. Give back their women and children.”
All of the Muslims donated their captives graciously. Here, the Muslims were trying to please Allah and his Messenger. However, there were some people in whose hearts Islam didn’t fully settle yet. And they were not even aware. An exemplary event was about to happen. When the Prophet completed his job of returning the prisoners to their families, he mounted his mule to go to the staging area. Some of the Bedouins who participated in the Battle of Hunayn came running after the Prophet. They started to intimidate the Prophet, saying, “O Messenger of Allah, give us our rightful share of our sheep and camels.” They were tugging at his clothes. They even went so far that the Prophet’s tunic tore and remained in their hands. Our Prophet said about this exemplary event, “O people, give me my tunic, are you afraid that I will not distribute the spoils that Allah has bestowed upon you? I swear to Allah, even if the spoils were as many as Tihamah’s trees. I would divide them among you, and you would find me neither stingy, nor cowardly nor a liar.” The spoils were meticulously distributed among the mujahideen. One fifth of the spoils was reserved to be used for the service of Islam as was revealed in the Quran. Some of Mecca’s notables had truly become Muslims. Others seemed to become Muslims just out of fear or did not even convert. The remaining fifth of the share was distributed to those who participated in the war to bring these people closer to Islam. These were about forty people. This situation was misunderstood by some Muslims in Medina and caused discontent. There were debates especially among the young Companions of Medina. “He does not give the spoils to those who fight, but to do who do not!” “He gives everything to the Quraysh but not to us!” “When the time of war comes, we are his companions, but when it comes to dividing the spoils, he keeps his tribe ahead!”
These seditious allegations finally reached our Prophet. He wanted the Muslims for Medina to gather together. “O Ansar community, what is the reason for these unwarranted and heavy words? Why do you feel resentment towards me in your hearts?” Some of the notables said, “O Messenger of Allah, our notables did not day anything. But some of our youths said these things.” Our Prophet called out the community in a sorry state, “O Ansar community, did I not come to you when you were disoriented? Didn’t Allah’s guidance reach you through me? Didn’t Allah make you rich because of me when you were poor? When you were enemies to each other, had not Allah bonded your hearts together because of me? Didn’t Allah gather you together through me when you were disbanded?” The community was shamefully trying to propitiate the Messenger of Allah.
“O Messenger of Allah, you found us in darkness. Allah has brought us to the light thanks to you. Allah saved us from hell thanks to you. You found us in loss and heresy. Allah has guided us along the path of light because of you. We have accepted Allah as our Lord, Islam as our religion, and you as our Prophet. Now do to us whatever you want.”
Our Prophet asked, “O Ansar community, why don’t you answer my questions as I want you to?” “How else shall we answer you, O Messenger of Allah?”, they asked. The Messenger of Allah was upset. He collected his words. “I swear to Allah, if you had said ‘You came to us abandoned, we helped you. You came to us as one who was driven from his homeland, we sheltered you. You came to us as one who was poor, we treated you as one of ourselves and tended to you.’ You would surely have been truthful and believed by me. O Ansar community, I have referred you to the Islam to which you are firmly attached and to the superior rewards that have been prepared for you in the hereafter. Why do you feel anger and sadness within you because I haven’t given worldly foods to some people who newly had become Muslim or are at the point of becoming Muslim in order to bring them to Islam and accustom them to it? O Ansar community, while some people go with the camels and sheep they took, don’t you consent to return to your homeland with the Prophet of Allah?” The Ansar community called out enthusiastically, “You are noble, the others are common.”“Surely you will see that the others are regarded as superior after me. Endure it until you reach Allah and his Prophet.” “We will be patient.” “Our meeting place on the Day of Judgment is the lake side. I will send news to Bahrain for the Bahraini revenue to be allocated to you. It is superior to your conquest.” “O Messenger of Allah, with you here, we don’t need the world.”
“I swear to Allah in whose hands lays my existence, if it were not for the virtue of migration, I would have wanted to be from Ansar. O my Allah, have mercy on the sons of Ansar.” The Muslims of Medina started to cry in embarrassment. Their tears wet their beards. The Prophet cried with them. After that, the Prophet returned to Medina on a Friday.
The Battle of Tabuk
It was the ninth year of the migration. Christian Arabs wrote to the Greek ruler Heraclius. “The man who claimed prophethood here, died. And the Muslims are experiences of famine and poverty. If you want to incorporate them into your religion, now is the time.” Thereupon, an army of forty thousand people was readied by Byzantium and set out. The news of the army reached our Prophet after a while. There was no enemy more terrible in the eyes of the Muslims than the Greeks. They were learning about their numbers, war horses, and military preparations from merchants who came and went to their homeland. Exaggerated narratives were turning into terrible things in their imaginations. After the news were confirmed, the Messenger of Allah gave the necessary instructions to the mujahideen to prepare for the war to fight the Greeks. Previously, when going to a war, he would not explain his goal, but used language that would make one think he wanted to goto the Battle of Tabuk. He declared the distance of the place they were to go, that it was a time of famine and hardship, and the numbers of the enemy, so that the people could be fully prepared. News was also sent to Mecca and other Muslim tribes to prepare for war. As war preparations began, the famine was prevailing. It was a time when the heat was most severe, and the dates were beginning to ripen. Instead of sitting in the shade of fruit trees, people had to leave for war in this weather.
Of course, the day dawned on the hypocrites too, who were waiting for an opportunity to turn the situation into unrest. The hypocrites were trying to deter the Muslims, saying, “The road is long, the weather is hot. The state of your crops is obvious.” They even said, “It is madness to fight them.”, to not go to battle. Because hypocrites always act according to their interests, not beliefs. Even some new Muslims did not want to participate in the battle, believing the hypocrites. The hypocrites, who appeared to be Muslims, but had not abandoned their old beliefs, were doing their best to prevent the battle.
There was disclosure for them in the Surat At-Tawbah.
Those who stayed away, rejoiced in their staying behind the messenger of Allah, they hated to strive and fight their properties and their lives in the cause of Allah, and they said: “March not forth in the heat.” Say: ”The fire of hell is much more intense in heat.”, if only they could understand. So let them laugh a little and (they will) cry much as a recompense of they used to earn. (Surat At-Tawbah, Ayat 81-82)
Our Prophet was encouraging them to brace them for the war and he wanted those in good standing to help the army with food and mounts. Thereupon, rich Muslims started to help them financially, expecting rewards from Allah. A race had begun in this regard. Despite all the resistance of the hypocrites, the Prophet gathered an army of approximately thirty thousand people and set out with the effort and help of his sincere Companions. The army went as far as Tabuk. They stayed there for ten days. When the enemy did not come to the battlefield, the two armies did not face each other.
However, some Byzantine towns, such as Eyle and Ezru, spontaneously came under the sovereignty of the Islamic state. Thus, they won a victory by default. Verses about the behaviour of the Muslims and hypocrites regarding the expedition to Tabuk were revealed. With the verses sent down, the believers were confronted with the necessary warnings. These warnings were given in Surat At-Tawbah, the last chapter of the Quran.
O believers! What is the matter with you, that when you are asked to match forth in the cause of Allah, you cling firmly to your land? Do you prefer the life of this worlds over the Hereafter? The enjoyment of this worldly life is insignificant compared to that of the hereafter. If you do not march forth, he will afflict you with a painful torment and replace you with other people. You are not harming Him in the least. And Allah is Most Capable of everything. It does not matter if you believers do not support him, for Allah did in fact support him when the disbelievers drove him out of Mecca and he was only one of two. While they both were in the cave, he reassured his Companion, “Do not worry, Allah is certainly with us.” So Allah sent down His serenity upon the Prophet, supported him with forces you believers did noy see, and made the word of the disbelievers lowest, while the word of Allah stayed supreme. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise. O believers! March forth whether it is easy or difficult for you, and strive with your wealth and your lives in the name of Allah. That is best for you, if only you knew.
(Surah At-Tawbah, Ayat 38-41)
While the Prophet was in Tabuk, he wrote a letter and sent to the Greek emperor. The Muslims stayed in Tabuk for about twenty nights. Then the order was given to return to the army. The return of the army to Medina had coincided with the month of Ramadan.
Farewell
On the return of the Tabuk campaign, the Messenger of Allah, knowing that the Arabs of Jahliyye would perform their hajj in the month of Dhu-al Qa’dah, waited until the farewell pilgrimage in order to not be included in this practice. And he commanded that the first pilgrimage be fulfilled under the direction of his comrade Abu Bakr in the ninth year of the migration. In the sermon that our Prophet read while fulfilling the Farewell Pilgrimage in the month of Dhu-al Hijjah, it was written, “Time; It has returned to the way it was on the day when Allah created the earth and the heavens.”, to explain that he had removed these customs and ensured that the pilgrimage was fulfilled in the month of al-Hijjah until Doomsday. On the other hand, our Prophet did not go on the pilgrimage because the polytheists continued to enter the Harem and some men and women walked around the Kaaba naked. The Messenger of Allah notified Ali to notify the verse that was in the Surat at-Tawbah stating that the polytheists would enter the Masjid al-Haram again.
O believers! Indeed, the polytheists are spiritually impure, so they should not approach the Sacred Mosque after this time. If you fear poverty, Allah will enrich you of His bounty, if He wills. Surely, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.(Surat At-Tawbah, Ayat 28)
The tenth year of the Migration had come. Our Prophet, who intended for pilgrimage, would leave Medina with his companions. This pilgrimage, which he made in the last year of his life, went down in history as the “Farewell pilgrimage”. He personally applied the provisions of the hajj. This is the first hajj performed after it was made obligatory. Our Prophet announced that he would go to hajj in the month of al-Qadah. Thereupon, many Companions prepared to make the pilgrimage with him. Those living around Medina also came. After performing four rak’ahs at the noon prayer on Saturday, February 22, he left Madinah with his wives an daughter Fatima, with a large crowd consisting of Immigrants, Ansar and other Arab tribes. He fulfilled his duty of the pilgrimage. While in Arafat, the verse of Surah Maidah, stating that the mission of tabligh (report) was completed, was sent down.
This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favour upon you, and have chosen Islam for you as your religion. (Surah Al-Maidah, Ayat 3)
On the second day of the feast, he delivered a sermon to his companions in Mina. “Learn your pilgrimage from me. Because I do not know; maybe I can not migrate again after this pilgrimage.”, and almost said good-bye to them. He returned to Medina on the 27th of March. Our Prophet had fulfilled his duty of tabligh with the farewell pilgrimage, and more than a hundred thousand companions had witnessed this. Our Prophet bid his last farewell about three months later. During the farewell pilgrimage, our Prophet addressed his Companions on places such as Arafat, Mina and Aqaba and gave short and clear advice. The words our Prophet said in these sermons were all like farewells. The Messenger of Allah, who gave messages to all his ummah in the name of those who were there, asked his Companions at the end of his speech whether he fulfilled his duty that Allah had assigned to him and when he received the answer, “Yes.”, He said, “I performed my duty. O Allah, be my witness!” In the farewell sermon, not only universal messages for all people, but also issues concerning human rights were considered. Therefore, the Farewell sermon should be considered as a true declaration of human rights.
It is noteworthy that he gave great importance to the rightful due, which is one of the two sins that Allah never forgives. The Messenger of Allah also emphasized the basic principles such as his being the last prophet and leaving Allah’s book and his sunnah as a legacy to his ummah while emphasizing the issues that were directly related to the human rights in his sermon, such as the immunity of life and property, the abolition of the interest and blood feuds, individuality of offence, the rights and responsibilities between a husband and a wife, the Muslims’ brotherhood, the Muslims to not fight each other the return of the deposits to their owners. “O people! I don’t know, perhaps I won’t be able to meet you here again after today. May the mercy of Allah be upon those who hear my words and understand it well today. Let those who are here notify those who are not here of my words. Perhaps this person will understand and obey better than the ones here. O people, know that your lord is one. All people came from Adam, and Adam was created from dirt. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, a non-Arab has no superiority over an Arab, a white person has no superiority over a black person and a black person no superiority over a white person. Superiority in the sight of Allah is only through piety.
Know that; your lives and properties are inviolable just as your city that is Mecca, your day is the Arafah and the month is al-Hijjah, is inviolable. All kinds of interest in the era of ignorance have been removed. But your main gain is yours. Do neither injustice, not be subjected to injustice. The first that I remove is the interest of my uncle Abbas. The blood feuds of the era of ignorance have been abolished. The first blood feud that I removed is the blood feud of one of my relatives, Abdulmutallab’s son Amir. O people, I advise you to respect the rights of women and fear Allah in this matter. Women are trusted by Allah to you. Be careful, they have rights over you just as you have rights over them. Their rights over you are that they protect their chastity and honour. And their rights over you, are that you provide them with food and clothing in accordance with tradition. In regard to women, fear Allah and treat them in the best way possible. My Companions, today Satan has lost hope of reigning and gaining influence in your lands forever. But if you follow the devil in things that you underestimate and the things I forbid that will make him happy and encourage him. Listen and think well about my words. A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. The property of a Muslim is not halal for another Muslim without his consent. Never persecute. Everyone is only responsible for their own crimes. A father cannot be held responsible for his son’s crime, and the son not for that of his father’s. Allah has determined each heir’s share of inheritance. Here after it is not halal to make the will to just one heir, and thus to deprive the other heirs of their will. Children cannot be attributed to anyone other than their father. Borrowed things must be returned to their owner. Anything borrowed for benefit must also be returned to their owners. Debts must be paid. The voucher, who undertakes someone’s debt, should too pay that debt. Beware of Allah, your Lord, and worship him. Perform your daily five prayers. Fast during the month of Ramadan, perform the pilgrimage, and give alms of your goods. Obey your rulers as long as they obey the book of Allah, and thus enter your Lord’s paradise. Do not fall into disbelief and perversion after me and don’t behead each other. No prophet will come after me. O believers, I leave you two entities. If you hold on to them, you will never get lost in your way again, and the sunnah and his prophet.” Then the Messenger of Allah said, “O people, they will ask you about me tomorrow. Then what will you say?” The Companions said, “We will witness that you conveyed the religion of Allah, did your duty and gave us advice.” Thereupon the Messenger of Allah raised his finger to the sky, lowered it toward the people and said, “O Lord, be my witness, O Lord, be my witness, O Lord, be my witness.”
Time to Bid Farewell
It was the eleventh year of the migration. Our Prophet, the Messenger of Allah, our only commander and leader, prepared an army to go to the region where the Mutah war had taken place towards the end of the month of Safar. He placed Usama, son of Zayd, a martyr of Mutah, as the commander of the army. However, when he fell ill before his army departed, the army was delayed. Our Prophet got ill in the last days of Safar in the house of his wife Maymunah. He stayed in his wife’s rooms, just as he had in his healthy days. However, his illness was getting more and more severe. From the fifth day of his thirteen-day long illness, he asked permission from his other wives and began to stay in Aisha’s room. He spent his last days in this room where he would be buried. His fever was getting worse. Although he was ill, he was going to the mosque and led the prayers, but even he could not go to the mosque the last three days. The last time he went to the masjid, he had spoken with his friends. He wanted whoever had a right over him to come and get it. He warned them that they had to be sensitive about human rights, that debts should be paid on time, and his grave should not be turned into a temple like some other examples in history. During these three days when he could not go to the mosque, he appointed his dear comrade Abu Bakr as his deputy. During this time, he had gone to prayer only once and led the prayer for his Companions for the last time.
The speech he gave after this prayer was like a farewell.
“O people! I advise you to be beneficent about the Ansar and to be nice to them. They are my real congregation and confidants. Didn’t they host you in their homes once upon a time? Didn’t they even prefer you over themselves in every aspect? O people! Today, the people are increasing day by day in Madinah, whereas those in Ansar are decreasing. If one of you came to power and became someone who has power over good and evil, let him reward the goodness of Ansar and forgive the sins of the imperfect ones. My Companions! I bequeath you to show respect to the first emigrants. Let them behave well to each other. Everything takes place with the permission and will of Allah. Those who try to oppose Allah’s will and permission, will eventually be defeated. Those who want to deceive Allah, are surely deceived themselves. O people! I heard that you were in a flap, thinking about the journey of your Prophet to his Lord. While nay prophet is not eternally among the ummah he was sent to, how can I stay with you forever? Know that I will also meet my Lord and I deserve it better than any of you. Again, know that you will also meet me there. We will all meet at the edge of the Kawthar lake. Those who want to meet me there, shall keep their hands from sins. O people! I also heard that you objected to the commandership of Zayd’s son Usama. Before that, you also opposed his father Zayd’s commandership. I swear by Allah that just as Zayd was worthy of this task and he was one of the most beloved people to me, his son Usama is also one of the beloved people to me. Allah set free a servant between the life and blessings of this world and the life and happiness of the hereafter. That servant chose the one that was in the presence of Allah.” Abu Bakr had started to cry.
The Messenger of Allah addressed him and continued his speech.
“O Abu Bakr, do not cry! Abu Bakr is the most helpful person to me. A friend. If I would’ve chosen someone from my ummah as an adviser, I would have chosen Abu Bakr without a doubt. However, the brotherhood of religion is better than any brotherhood of personal gain. Don’t hold any door open other than Abu Bakr’s door in the masjid.”
The illness of the Prophet lessened a little. He looked at his Companions, who were performing the morning prayers from the room of Aisha. The Companions who noticed the situation, were happy that he showed improvement. However, the Prophet returned to his room and went to bed again. His fever had risen. He was placing his hands in to the water bowl next to him and was constantly reciting the word of tawhid. That same day he passed away peacefully as every other soul and departed this world. He was sixty-three years old.
The news of the death of our Prophet spread around in a short time. This news had a great impact on the Muslims and deeply shattered them. They were so surprised that they forgot that prophets died just as any other people. Whereas just a few days ago, the Messenger of Allah had reminded them of this. However, even Umar, known for his steadfastness, said that the Prophet was not dead, threatening those who believed this news. The one who saved them from confusion was the Prophet’s closest friend, Abu Bakr. When Abu Bakr was in his house, he received the sad news and came directly to the Masjid-I Nabawi. He entered the room where the Prophet was, without looking at the alarmed crowd. He uncovered the Prophet’s face and said in tears, “May my mother and father be sacrificed for you, O Messenger of Allah! You were beautiful when you were alive, you are also beautiful in death.” Then he bent down and kissed the Prophet’s forehead and covered him again. Then he left.
He gave a mind-blowing speech to the Muslims, who were waiting nonplussed. Towards the end of his speech he said, “If there is anyone who worships Mohammad, let them know that he is dead. As for those who worship Allah, let them know that Allah is eternal and never dies.
Then he recited a verse from Surah al-Imran.
Mohammad is no more than a messenger; other messengers have gone before him. If he were to die or be killed, would you regress into disbelief? Those who do so will not harm Allah whatsoever. And Allah will reward those who are grateful. (Surah Al-Imran, Ayat 144)
Abu Bakr’s speech relieved the panic and confusion of the Companions and calmed them. They had accepted that the Prophet had died, albeit bitterly. After the death of the Prophet on a Monday afternoon, his funereal could only be prepared on a Tuesday. Ali washed him, and Abbas and his helped too. After he was enshrouded, his body was put onto the divan. His funeral prayer was performed in small groups without an Imam by the men, then the women and then the children, in the room where the Prophet had passed away. Various ideas were put forward on where the Prophet should be buried. Meanwhile Abu Bakr reminded them of the hadith of our Prophet that stated that the prophets would be buried in the places where they died. Thereupon he was buried in the grave that was dug in Aisha’s room on the night of Tuesday and Wednesday. Our Prophet, who lived a simple life and he spent the financial resources that he obtained in the way of Allah, left a humble legacy behind himself.
“We prophets do not leave a legacy. All kinds of wealth we leave behind in charity.”, he said. When he passed away, he had a white mule, his weapons and some land. He ordered that the income of his land were to be spent on family and the rest were transferred to the state treasury. Shortly before his death, he said that he felt shame to appear before Allah with the reasons why he wanted the remaining seven dirhams of his to be distributed to the poor. SO much so that an armour belonging to him stayed in the hands of a Jews as a bounty in return for his debt.
The spiritual legacy of our Prophet is extremely valuable legacy, as he stated in his farewell sermon. The Islamic religion and civilization shaped around these two basic sources have taken their place in the history of all humanity by making its effect felt in a wide geography for centuries.
Epilogue
Our only commander and only leader; may peace be upon him and upon those who depended on him.
Prophets are people with the highest moral values in history. With their daily life practices, they provide the best examples to both the society they live in and the communities that will come later. Their lives and lifestyles are the most ideal examples for his individuals and societies. Our Prophet had the highest moral values ever since his childhood. Both his childhood and his youth were very different from his peers’. The almighty creator, Allah, protected Mohammad, whom he would appoint as the last prophet from all evil and darkness called “The Era of Ignorance”, in a society where all kinds of evils were extremely widespread since his childhood. This person with superior morality gained the appreciation of his society from his childhood on and was given the nickname “Al Amin/ reliable one” Everyone would trust him, accept his honesty, and hand over their goods to him without hesitation. These words of our mother Khadija to comfort the Prophet after the arrival of the first revelation, clearly reveal his moral condition and his position in his society before the prophethood.
“O Mohammad! Good news to you! No, I swear to Allah that He will never embarrass you. Because you protect and take care of your relatives. You pay the debt of the indebted. You don’t swerve from accuracy. You help the poor and host guests. You meet the needs of others.” The Quran praises the morality of the Prophet in many verses and introduces him to us as a unique person who should be taken as an example, and as the only commander and only leader. And indeed, you are of great morals. (Surah Al-Qalam, Ayat 4)
It is of Allah’s mercy to you, O Prophet, have been lenient with them. Had you been cruel or cold hearted, they would have certainly abandoned you.(Surah Al-Imran, Ayat159)
Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often. (Surah Al-Azhab, Ayat 21)
Our mother Aisha, who was the wife of our prophet described that the morality of our Prophet was the Quran. When the Prophet was offended by someone, he used to be offended because the Quran did not approve of this behaviour. And when he loved a person, he used to love because the Quran approved of this. He didn’t use to take revenge on someone for himself. His angers and likes where for the sake of Allah. He demonstrated vividly how Muslims should be with their words and actions. He was explaining the reason why he was chosen as a messenger by Allah, saying, “I was sent only to complete superior morality.”
Allah had beautified his last prophet which he sent to complete superior morality, by the best temperaments. On the other hand, the Prophet was saying, “My Allah, make my morality beautiful just as you created me. Keep me from bad and unpleasant behaviours. O Allah, direct me to the best morality, you are the only one who will.” And he emphasized that the most virtuous deed is good morality, with these words, “The person who is loved by me most among you and who will be closest to me on the Day of Judgment, is the one whose morals are the most beautiful.” In his opinion; the religion consist of good morals could enter heaven. His following recommendations are very important.
Bad morality consumes good deeds and negates worships. It sends its door to hell. As a matter of fact, when he was told about a woman who fasted during the day and spent the nights praying, but it was ill-mannered and bothered her neighbours with her words, he said, “There is no goodness for her, and she is deserving only of hell.” Sincerity and simplicity are the most prominent qualities of our Prophet. He was extremely humble. He used to dress plainly, ate and drank only as required and lived a humble life. He didn’t use to give a lot of importance to wealth. Our Prophet explained his relationship with the world as follows,
“My relationship with the world is like a passenger who stumbles upon a tree while on the road, takes shelter in the shade of that tree to rest and then goes on his way.”
All the furnishings of his house consisted of a few simple items. There were many days when the Prophet was without food. There wouldn’t be food in his home for months. On such days, the whole family used to be contended with dates. Our Prophet has never shown displeasure to any food. He used to eat, if he wanted; he used to stop if he was full. He loved to clean very much. He used to say, “Cleanliness is half of faith.” He gave importance to clothes and body care. Likewise, he took care of the cleanliness of the place where he lived and the environment and encouraged the believers in this regard. He didn’t like bad-smelling things. He wanted to those who ate onions and garlic to stay away from the mosque until they were rid of their bad breath. He would wash his hands before and after a meal, and he would always start his meal with a Bismillah. He used miswak as a toothbrush, especially after meals. He used to wash and comb his hair and beard. And he used to apply fragrance. He warned Muslims about these things and asked them to pay attention to all kinds of cleaning. He didn’t use to waste time and he would make use of his time. He was busy with family affairs and the society of the day. And he used to sleep little at night and used to warn his Companions in this aspect. When he chose between two things, he would always choose the easier one, if in accordance with Allah’s approval. He used to avoid all sins if possible. He never said bad words or harmed anyone. So much so that Anas Bin Malik, who was in the service of our Prophet for ten years, said that he didn’t even hear the Prophet huff at anything during his time.
He would not be angry with those who did all kinds of evil against him, and always prayed for them. He treated everyone fairly and gave the right to the rightful owner. He attributed the substitution of society to the principle of justice. Justice brings freedom, freedom leads to equality, which ultimately leads to brotherhood. He has always been fair, even to his enemies. As in all matters, his only measure in the matter of justice was the measure that the Quran exhibited. He also advised his Companions to be just. He especially cared that the administrators and superiors were just. He advised the judges not to judge between two people if they were angry. He said that a Muslim should not persecute his Muslim brother. It was a reminder that all humans are equal in the eyes of Allah. He wanted the injustices against women to be protected with self-sacrifice. He had stated that the primary reason for the destruction of the previous ummahs was the departure from justice, and accordingly, the societies that will part from justice would be destroyed.
The deeds of our Prophet were truthful. Accuracy has been his principle at every stage of his life. He hated both lies and liars. He often voiced the rewards that the truthful ones meet. Even his enemies admitted to his truthfulness. Our Prophet used to repeat that a good Muslim should never lie.
One of his most frequently recommended topics to Muslims was accuracy. He used to say that righteousness will lead to goodness, and goodness to heaven; lies will lead to evil and evil will lead to hell. He would regard lying as one of the signs of hypocrisy. He would say that when someone gives a promise, e should keep it. He would remind that person to tell the person to tell the truth, even if it weighs against himself. He said that false testimony is one of the greatest sins. To abide by trust was one of the principles of the Prophet.
He used to say, “Those who break trust are not of us.” He often reminded his Companions that everyone had responsibilities and that they would give account for all of their deeds. While he declared that abiding by trust is one of the bases of faith, he also described keeping secrets as an act of trust and attached special importance to it. Our Prophet was surprisingly patient. Let’s not forget how the Prophet was patient despite of all evils that the polytheists had done by the time he was preaching Islam. Throughout his life, he has been patient with all the tortures, hardships, and inappropriate behaviour against him.
Allah often recommends patience to both the Prophet and the believers in the Quran. Our Prophet showed the best examples of patience during the twenty-three year period of tabligh and educated his companions on this issue. He advised his friends who complained about the torture of the polytheists to be patient, and that their patience would be rewarded in Heaven.
When the Prophet spoke, he spoke clearly. Those who listened could thoroughly understand what he said and even memorized his words. Sometimes he would repeat his words three times so that his words were understood well. He would listen carefully to other people’s words and wouldn’t cut in on them. When everyone was laughing, he only used to smile, and never laughed loudly. He avoided exaggerated behaviour. He used to respond to every salutation. He loved the poor, and would never refuse anyone. When he had some amounts of goods and money, he used to immediately distribute it. He didn’t use to take charity, but accept gifts. He would also give gifts to his Companions. He did not distinguish between the rich or the poor, the young and the old, the master and the slave.
He loved children especially. He used to show great affection to orphans, the helpless and forlorn. He was extremely compassionate. He was merciful to both humans and animals. When someone came to visit him, he used to greet them and give them a warm welcome. He used to behave in a friendly manner. He served his guests in person. He was unique in his generosity. He would be more generous on the month of Ramadan. He used to frequently do his work himself. He would be smiling, soft-spoken and kind. He used to visit patients and attend funerals. He wouldn’t refuse invitations. He had a superior sense of shame. He used to say that shame was part of faith. Our Prophet was extremely brave. He didn’t use to be afraid of his enemies, and he used to show patience to every evil that he encountered in the way of Allah. He persevered by staying where the army was disintegrating. And his courage was enough for his Companions to gather around him again. Even the names of his swords, shields and arrows, horses and camels were names expressing courage and heroism. Our Prophet, whose morality was that of the Quran, was a political and military genius. In this matter, he made the greatest revolution in human history. No leader has ever appeared in history that had so many successes in such a short time. He illuminated the Arab society that was wrapped up in ignorance, worshiped idols that they made with their own hands and wanted everything from these idols, with the glory of Islam as shortly as in twenty-three years. And he created the highest civilization of humanity. He founded this civilization on the principles of love and brotherhood, not on blood and corpses. Because the religion of Islam that was revealed to him, aimed to save humanity from slavery. From all kinds of bondage.
The Prophet made great efforts not to shed blood in his wars. The total number of enemy soldiers killed among the friends of the Prophet who had been martyred in these wars did not even reach four hundred. We can see the helplessness of human ideologies, in which millions of people died and so many were persecuted, even in this example alone. Likewise, he was taking all the necessary measures to prevent bloodshed. His aimwas not to kill people, but to bring true salvation. He invited the members of other religions to Islam first, and if they did not accept, he invited them to come under the domination of Islam. However, if these two offers were not accepted, they would have to fight. He did not hold grudges against those who fought him, often forgiving him. His superior practices often caused the prisoners to accept Islam willingly.
The state he established was a state of heart. Peace be upon him ans upon those who depended on him. Peace and happiness can only be possible by following his path. Today’s humanity has to get to know our Prophet and find his path again. He is the only leader and only commander.
ADVICE TO YOUNG PEOPLE WHO HAVE ACCEPTED THE PROPHET AS THE SOLE LEADER AND COMMANDER
O he who says he is in the spring of his life!
As you know; life consists of eras. However, not all people can reach all of them. Neither you nor anyone else knows how long you will live. What is it to dream while many people have left the world before they could even reach their youth? Especially if you dive into those dreams and neglect your hereafter and forget your eternal life, you are in loss. Think about your hereafter, before it is too late, without further damage, pull yourself together. Give ear to the warnings and reminders that I will give you. Know that these recommendations are important for you to be worthy of the hereafter without ruining our own world. Look for your benefits, don’t pretend to be looking!
1. SET A GOAL
If you don’t have a goal, you might be someone’s target! The purpose of the creation is to serve him who created you and those before you. This world is your place of duty and your constant mission is your servitude. Never forget this duty. Never ever put anything before it. Know that those who do their duty will be rewarded and those who do not will be punished. Your reward is heaven, your punishment hell. Whichever one you want, live according to it. The truth of death is the only truth of life.
2.WHICH RELIGION DO YOU BELONG TO?
Don’t let your youthful excitement stop you from learning your religion. You can not live out the requirements of your religion without learning your religion. If you do not learn; you fall into the trap of enemies of belief and people who play with religion and will be devastated. If you die like this, your hereafter will be devastating. The two main sources of religion are the Quran and the Sunnah. Always read both of these. Take the Quran and read it everyday. Read it in Arabic. If you don’t know how to read Arabic, learn at once. Never neglect learning. Try to understand the words of our Lord, even from the tasfir of the Quran. Learning the Sunnah is learning the Quranic life. Don’t forget, maybe those who deny the sunnah will come your way. Have mercy on them and pray for them to find the true path. Today, there is a word that unruly people do not want societies to know, that word is “taghut”. (false god/tyranny) Learn the meaning of this word well. Don’t forget that all sent messengers rejected all taghuts and warned those who believed in them. Once you know this term, reject it and call others to reject it. Just keep in your mind that to know is fulfilling. If you do not act with what you have learned, you can’t get rid of your punishment. Make true what you have learned.
3. LET YOUR GOAL BE GOODNESS
You know that you will give account of all your actions individually. When the book of deeds is presented to you, you will find all your actions and deeds there. While the world has turned its back on you, the hereafter will be ahead of you. At that time when you return to the world and want to correct your deeds, the life given to you will not be returned to you. So while there is still time, turn to deeds that will please our Lord. Our prayers are the moments where we meet our Lord. Look forward to those moments. Meanwhile, try to stand clean with the advice of our Prophet. Only mature believers maintain wudu.
Try to be useful to people. Stay away from evil. Know the term Salihat! Intended for society and its improvement, these are activities carried out in order to ensure all goodness, improvement, regulation, security and peace. To fight against situations that spoil morality and increase criminal acts, combat ignorance, reduce unemployment, fight environmental pollution, prevent oppression, fight gangs, ensure peace and security, invest in science and technology to reduce diseases, and all good actions intended for all of society such as saving human life, preventing waste and rAbuilding the world, and working for the establishment of a fair and transparent management are the Salihat.
4. REMEMBER YOUR LORD
Our Lord states that everyone returns to him. Never forget the place you will return to and its owner. Wherever you are and whatever you do, fear the wrath of our Lord and seek His approval. Wherever you are, whatever you do, remember Allah and fear Him. Fearing Him means fear of depriving of His consent. Just remember; although you cannot see Him, He sees you all the time. Act with this consciousness.
5. THE ONLY TRUTH IS DEATH
Do not forget about death, that cuts off worldly pleasures and puts an end to all desires. Even if you forget it, it will find you when the time comes. Do not let Satan drag you into bad desires. Just remember, so many young people who dreamed to live ling lives, have now experienced death and are waiting for the day of reckoning. You know that death will take us away one day too; So always wait for that day so that you will be ready when it comes. Prepare for this world as if you will never die and prepare for the hereafter as if you will die tomorrow!
6. KNOW HALAL AND HARAM
After learning about haram and halal, go after what is halal, run from what is haram as if it were a lion. The lion may be your enemy in this world, and if it can catch you, it can kill you. And if you continue to do the forbidden things, the sins will destroy your hereafter. You cannot live abundantly if you have a sinful life. Just remember, when life is lived halal, it gains meaning and taste. Make your life meaningful by avoiding haram and choosing what is halal.
7. MORALS ARE BEAUTİFUL
We are the ummah of the Prophet who was sent to complete good morality, and whose morality is great. He is the best example for us. The Prophet whom our Lord has made well-mannered and whose morality is the Quran, is the constant example of mankind from that time and will be the constant example until doomsday. Try to learn the morality of our leader and live well. Just to let you know; many who followed false examples and leaders, perished. Stay away from false leaders and their teachings. Human ideologies will not contribute to your hereafter.
8. IF YOU WANT TO BE A LEADER, BE A SERVANT FIRST
Care to serve your religion. Strive for this cause day and night. Move with those who are struggling. The days in this race for service will be the sweetest and most fruitful days of your life. On this journey, you will see people in need of service, do not pass them by. Help those who fall. Look after the orphans. Know that being able to serve the religion of the Lord of all realms is one of the greatest honours. Be honourable. You cannot find honour in other ways!
9. LOVE FOR GOD
Love Muslims who are people of the tawhid (monotheism). However, this love should not only be in your words. Let this love shine brightly in your eyes. Remember Muslims with goodness as a lover remembers his beloved with goodness. Like our Lord made Muslims brothers, be good to your brothers. Loving your brothers and sisters is a cause to settle your faith in your heart in this world and enter heaven before doomsday. Declare your love to your friends and family. This is also the request of our Prophet. The ones who love each other for the sake of Allah in this world, will also love each other in the hereafter. Love your brothers of the hereafter while you are still in this world.
10. BE A FRIEND FOR THE SAKE OF ALLAH
Love just for the sake of the Lord of the realms. Be angry for his sake and be an enemy to those who are enemies to him. Never love those that Allah does not love, and those who don’t love Allah. Even if your world is gone, never take their side. You will come across those who created fake relationship and enmities in ignorant societies. They call into the fire as the men of ignorance. Stay away from them and their calling. Approaching them is like approaching hell-fire, loving them is like loving Satan.
11. BE GENEROUS
Our Lord is generous and loves the generous. Stinginess is an illness and is a bad characteristic unbecoming of Muslims. And don’t forget that what you give for Allah and what you spend in his way is not lost. These things are what sent you to the hereafter before. There is an account of what you keep from Allah and His religion. So instead of leaving a lot here, take a lot there.
12. BE LOYAL
Loyalists are with the beautiful people who will have friends in heaven in this world. Righteousness is one of the characteristics of the prophets, and they have called people to be righteous. One attains goodness with righteousness and heaven with goodness. One sins by lying and reaches hell by sinning. Know that the characteristics of those who want to go to heaven and who follow the Prophet, is their loyalty. Be loyal too and be with the faithful so that you can find your way to heaven.
13. BE RELIABLE
Being reliable is one of the characteristics of the prophets. Our Lord, who have the job to whoever was qualified, wished that those whom he gave this duty would be reliable. Remember that the people of Mecca called the Prophet “al-Amin” before he was given the task of prophethood. Being reliable is a very nice quality that cause our Lord’s approval. Against this quality, there is treachery, which is the characteristic of Satan and those who follow his way. Be reliable, don’t be a traitor. Let your words and your acts be one. Know that while the reliable are loved, the traitors are not. While the reliable ones walk with firm steps, the traitors fear even themselves. You too, in this life, walk reliably, on a reliable path, to a reliable end.
14. BE CANDID
What you need most is candour and sincerity. You should be sincere in all your doings at all costs. This is one of the most difficult things. Sincerity means; ignoring all people and acting with the consciousness that there is only one Allah. It is to throw away the idea of doing something so that people see it, hear it and talk about it. And not to take it back. You should know that the chosen prophets of Allah, who did not except anything from people, were sincere. Of course, the last prophet was a person of the highest sincerity. You follow him too. Remember that while Satan and the satanic set traps from all sorts of places, staying safe in the face of his traps depends on your sincere faith. Again, do not forget that the validity of the deeds you will take from this mortal life to the eternal realm depends on your being sincere too. Even if the deeds done with show are as great as mountains, they will not be rewarded more than a corn in the hereafter. Think about these and ask yourself this question ‘how can I be sincere?’ Then go after the answers, comprehending that the answer to this question will be of vital importance. Know that your searching for ways to be sincere is an indication that sincerity is in your heart.
15. BE BRAVE
Be brave in the name of Allah. Do not be afraid that people censure you in this way! When it is time to be thrown into the square in the way of Allah, go to the square and pursue what you will do! Protect yourself from the tricks of those who try to revert you off this path. Refer them and their tricks to our Lord! Know that what is written can never be erased. You should firmly believe that no one can bring you anything other than what He wrote. Nobody can shorten or expand your life span.
16. HAVE A SENSE OF SHAME
Haya (modesty) is an indicator of faith and an attribute of pious Muslims. Haya always leads people to the good and beneficence. It is a completely glorified concept. Know that immodesty always leads to evil. So much so that immodesty is ignominy in this world and torment in the hereafter. Go after all kinds of good deeds and stay away from all kinds of ignominy.
17. BE HARDWORKING
Do not forget that there are some laws that Allah has imposed on his creations. These laws of Allah operate among people regardless of them being a Muslim or unbeliever. One of them is that “Who works hard succeeds.” Allah fives the ones who are working hard rewards many enemies of religion in the world who do not respect Allah, receive the rewards for their work in the world in accordance with this law. However, they have no share of the hereafter. A Muslim will receive the reward of his work, by Allah’s leave, both in this world and the hereafter. So our duty is to work in the name of Allah. As for the opposite of this law it is as follows: Those who do not work cannot succeed.” So work for the construction of the life in this world and the hereafter. Take leisure time out of your life. It is a characteristic of good Muslims to turn away from all kinds of futile things. Stay away from things that are not beneficial for your world and the hereafter. Know that people who achieve their purposes are hard workers. So stop being lazy and try working in useful jobs.
19. REPENT
You will constantly struggle with negativity in your life. Sometimes these negativities will overthrow you and come at you. Know how to fend them off and stand up every time. Hopelessness is a prison. Getting out of there is possible only with hope. Never be desperate towards our Lord. Whatever you do, whatever sins you commit, do not say “My repentance will not be accepted!” Even if you will repent and then corrupt your repentance, turn to Allah again by repenting. Know that we are His servants. No one except Him forgives sins and accepts repentance.
19. PRODUCE
Don’t wait for things to be ready all the time. Ask, “What can I do?”, then think about what you can do and follow it. No one has benefited from those accustomed to wait for everything to be ready throughout their live. Don’t be one of them. Do good deeds that you will be commemorated to. There is no job that people cannot do if they want to.
20. DON’T BE A BURDEN
It is not good to be a problem or a burden to others. Of course, everyone becomes a burden to each other in necessary situations, which is normal. However, some people are always a burden to others. They do not take on any responsibilities, but load them onto others. Don’t be one of those people. Stay away from them. Such people aren’t loved. Trying to remedy troubles and lessening burdens are good features. People with this feature become loved. You should know that to bear the burden of other people is a virtue, but to be a burden to others is not. Join the virtuous.
21. DO NOT STRAY FROM JUSTİCE
You have to give everyone what they deserve. If it our Lord’s command to act justly, the just ones are loved by our Lord. While the Prophet did not deviate from justice in any aspect of his life, what we should do is stand against oppression and oppressors by accepting justice as our principle. Know that the wrongdoers are hostile to justice as well as to the people who are just. Be an enemy to the oppressors, just as you are an enemy of cruelty.
22. BE MERCIFUL
We are the servants of Allah, “the most merciful of the merciful”. In addition to our Lord being forgiving and merciful to believers, his last messenger is the Prophet of mercy sent as a “mercy to the world”. Those who study his life will see that he is indeed that. Old and young, child and grown-up, animal and tree; everyone has witnessed his true mercy. Those who followed in his footsteps also tried to show mercy t all creatures. Know that whoever has mercy is shown mercy, but there is no mercy for the unforgiving. So let mercy not be absent from your heart. Don’t be cold-hearted. Act with mercy under the leadership of our Prophet, who called for salvation.
23. SMIILE
While having a smile on your face is the reflection of a happy heart, being sullen is the reflection of a broken one. So a Muslim should be at peace with his inner self and show this when he meets his Muslim brothers. In addition, it is a good deed to be friendly to our Muslim brothers. Our Prophet advised us not to underestimate this behaviour. But bursting into fits of laughter isn’t what suits you, either. What suits you is to meet other Muslims with a smile on your face and spend time with them. Live your life like this. Know that the Prophet, who was sent as a mercy to the worlds, always had a smile on his face. Take him as an example.
24. BE PATIENT
While the world we came to as our home is a test of patience, from the first moment to the last, one should be patient with everything. There are only three things for mankind. The first is to have patience, the second to be a thankful and the third is to not be a rebel. When things happen to us, we should be patient, if it is a thing to be thankful for, we should be. The life of a Muslim is about patience and gratitude. Rebellion should not be an option for a Muslim. Rebels do not care about patience. They aren’t thankful. Such people cannot be easeful to this world. And they are the people whose uneasiness of themselves will continue in the hereafter. Stay away from rebellion. Be patient and thankful in your life. Live by obeying Allah. Patience also includes resisting, standing upright, decisiveness, not taking steps back, trying to not lose your will to fight, resisting the desires of the soul and lust, resisting the delusions of Satan, and tolerating the faults of your brothers.
25. BE THANKFUL
Don’t be ungrateful, be thankful instead. Too many blessings that you cannot count, always reach you. People may not be able to see them because they are not used to these blessings. However, your duty is to always remember your Lord who offers you gracious benefactions. It is not a characteristic of auspicious people to be conceited for these benefactions, to pull a face, and to dislike them. Know that those who are grateful, while doing what is right, prevent the blessings from slipping away with their thanks. And the blessings given with gratitude increase and become abundant. Otherwise, ingratitude is shown to the blessings, this behaviour will cause the blessing to be lost and the person to be tortured in hell.
26. BE INVITING
You should know that the invitation of Islam cannot be ignored and there can be no invitation without the inviters. Every cause has inciters inviting one to the cause. Try to be inviting in Allah’s name.
A sincere inviter can work for the cause of Islam, even with all kinds of impossibilities. Never underestimate yourself. If faith is the most valuable thing in this world, the person of faith is just as valuable. Treat your Muslim brothers and sisters according to their values. Look after their rights. Look at our history together! Take history classes. See what the believers have done. And tell them proudly. They were proud inviters on the path of Allah. Now it’s our turn. Speak with this consciousness. It depends to our Lord to make your voice heard to all hearts. Our time is a time of invitations. It is time to speak the truth and save our own ummah from a superstitious mentality.
27. FIGHT
You should know that the earth is the field of jihad where tawhid collides with shirk. The soldiers of the tawhid have fought for the victory of it and are continuing to fight. Jihad is an indispensable obligation for us. This task is sometimes done by words, sometimes by good deeds and sometimes by work. Never give up jihad against unbelief within your conditions and possibilities. But don’t listen to all whispers as soon as they happen or do unsuitable deeds in the name of the jihad. Try to learn about the features of the jihad and all the issues associated with it. Don’t be an internet mujahideen saying things you don’t or won’t do. They talk a lot and do little. A strong Muslim is better than a weak Muslim, so exercise for the health of your body. May your body and soul be strong. Protect your mind, spirit and body. The taghut of the earth will not let go of their thrones by listening to our words. What will ruin them is to fight in all realms.
28. NOTHING WORKS WITHOUT A COMMUNITY
It is obvious that you cannot be alone in the occupied Islamic lands. Satan and satanic people are with the lonely, so seek a congregation of the people of tawhid. Stay with a virtuous community. Act with civil organizations. As you fared from the polytheists after you learned tawhid at this time when the intellectual confusion is spread; stay away from people who do not give place to tawhid in their life, who constantly change their minds and who are not of the morality of Islam. Be with those who live as they believe. This road is not one you will walk alone. Whatever you do, join the path of loyal, reliable passengers.
What they said
In the West, there are extremely bigoted and prejudiced thinkers, as well as conscientious scientists. Among these, those who give their due while examining the religion of Islam and its honourable messenger are not few. To give examples from some of the famous thinkers and politicians, we find the following facts. Also, we can take many more examples. We have only covered some of them here.
Let’s start with Michael Hart. He is a scientist who studied Literature at Cornell University, Law at NYU (New York University) and Physics at Adelphi University. He is also and American Astronomical Member. Hart is the author of the book “The World’s Most Influential People”.
He puts our Prophet (pbuh) in the first place. Hart, who puts Jesus in the third place, places Moses in the fifteenth. He prefers to put Umar in the fifty-second row. The ranking of the others can be objected, apart from our Prophet. Of course the Prophets have to be at the top of this list. Hart says that our Prophet (pbuh) established his religion with the revelation and that he dominated Southern Arabia until he died in 632. According to him, our Prophet deserves a higher ranking than Jesus. Because the real author of the bible was not Jesus, but Saint Paul. In Hart’s opinion, this person was the developer of Christian theology. Hart, after describing the magnificent life of the Prophet, finally says: “Because of this unprecedented combination of both religious and political activity, I think Mohammad has deserved to be the most influential person in human history.”
Thomas Carlyle, the author of “Heroes”, said the following about our Prophet in a speech in the 1850s.
“In my opinion, Mohammad was a true prophet. Also, since there is no danger among us that anybody will accept Islam (this speech is taken from a conference for Christians), I want to mention all the good things about him straightforwardly.
One hundred and eighty million people have taken him as a guide for one thousand and two hundred years. How can you think badly about him? I cannot accept anything lie this. He isn’t superstitious, nor poor or scheming. The message he brought to us was true. He was created to be sincere.” Thomas Carlyle, who has been talking at length about our Prophet, concludes his speech with the following sentences: “He blessed everywhere from Delhi to Granada. There was no selfishness in his dark eyes. A hero is like a lightning bolt. And everyone waits, ready to be struck when he comes.” (Heroes, Thomas Carlyle)
Let’s give ear to Karen Armstrong, a Catholic Nun, Jewish Researcher, and winner of many awards.
“When Mohammad passed away on June 8, 632, he had made all tribes Muslim. The veil (hijab) that he commanded was a protocol he brought not to humiliate women, but to glorify them. This act of his was a stance against the western imperialists. He aimed to correct not only his own society, but also human history and wanted to create a just society, and he achieved it. He was very compassionate with children. The children loved him very much, too. Every time he returned to the city, the children would hug him lovingly. He was an intelligent, charismatic leader who changed world history.” (Karen Armstrong, Biography of the Islamic Prophet Mohammad)
Anne Marie Delcambre (Lawyer, participant in the Islamic Encyclopaedia, thinker) describes our Prophet as follows.
“Christian Europe reflects a ddistorted image of our Prophet. The West is biased. All authors of dictionaries or encyclopaedia writing about Mohammad in the West are in a meaningless hostility towards him for different reasons.” (Anne Marie Delcambre, Prophet Mohammad 2001)
Maxime Rodinson (Paris 1915. Member of the French Communist Party, Marxist writer, theorist, scientific researcher on Lebanon-Syria said,
“For the modern Muslim, Mohammad is the man who commands them to be just, honest and good. Those who knew the Prophet Mohammad were devoted to him with great love.
Orientalist Edward W. Lane sees a hookah bowl while walking around the Cairo market. It’s a nice pot. He admires it. He tells the potter, ‘Why didn’t you write your name on it?’ The potter tells him, ‘My name is Ahmed (one of the names of the Prophet), how can I put that name in the fire?’ This is a great love.
Goethe declares him a genius in the exquisite poem he devoted to Mohammad. Let Christians continue to attack him.
Prof. Dr H. Mones: “All of his words an inspiration.”
Jane Pelo: He is a true prophet sent by Allah.”
G’la Faytt: “O glorious Arab, well done. You found the epitome of justice.”
Raymond Leronge: “Despite the fact that fourteen centuries have passed, Mohammad is the only guide of this time. The only messenger of guidance.
V.D. Eratsen (Sociologist): “I am personally a fan of Mohammad.”
Prof. Jules Masserman: “The greatest leader of all time was Mohammad.”
Tolstoy: “Mohammad is extremely worthy of reverence and respect.”
Gibson:” Those who don’t like Mohammad are those who don’t know him well enough.”
Dostoyevsky: “The great Prophet of Islam went up to the rank of the supreme creator and joined him. I believe in miraj (ascension) with all my heart)
B. Smith: “With a glance, it is possible to see all the attributes and heroism of Mohammad. Some of these happened in the early days of his prophethood and some after it. When I see his unique miracles, I consider him the greatest and highest of people in terms of rank. Humanity has not seen and will not see someone like him ever again.”
Prince of Bismarck: “I am so sorry that I could not live in your time. O Mohammad! The Quran is the book of Allah. Humanity has seen one as almighty as you once and will never see anyone like you again. I bow before you with full respect and reverence.”
Goethe: “No one can go further than Mohammad’s principles. Despite all the success that Europe had, all of our laws are incomplete compared to the Islamic civilization. We, the nations of Europe, are the first to step of the ladder where Mohammad reached the last, despite our great opportunities.”
Shebol: “All humanity should boast of Mohammad’s humanity. We Europeans can not reach his truth and values, even after two thousand years.”
Bernard Shaw (Irish Socialist, dramatist): “I’ve read about the life of this amazing person. I see Him as the saviour of humanity. We need to get to know him that way. If he were with us today, he’d handle all the problems at the bat of an eye.
Voltaire: “My Turkish brother. Your religion seems to me a highly respected religion. Your religion is very noble.”
Knematirul: “I’m calling out! Mohammad is a revolutionary incomparably greater than anyone else.”
Arthur Gilman: “You see His greatness in the conquest of Mecca. Despite the persecution inflicted on him in the past, he did not attempt revenge in any way. He could’ve wanted revenge. He also stopped his army from taking revenge.”
Prof. Dr Philip Khuri Hitti: “Science is the greatest aid and gift of the Islamic civilization to the modern world. But it is not only science that brought Europe back to life. Other influences coming from the Islamic civilization gave European life its first light. There is not a single phase in the progress of Europe where we cannot follow the decisive influence of the Islamic culture. Beside the place where influence makes itself felt with all its grandeur are the natural sciences and the mentality of science itself. In the first half of the Middle Ages, no nation in the world served human progress as much as the Muslims. Between the 9th and 12th centuries, works written in Arabic on philosophy, medicine, history, theology, astronomy and geography were above those written in any other language.”
J. H. Lenison said in his book “Emotion as the Basis of Civilization”, “Having ones hands dirty with materials such as meat and oil provides a basis for the reproduction of both pests and microbes. Our Supreme Guide said, ‘If a person goes to bed with smell of meat or oil still on their hands and gets a disease or is harmed by animals and pests, they should not find anyone else guilty.’ It is interesting that he used both the term pest and animal here. Therewith, the microbes are pointed out.
Mohammad (pbuh) is the first person in history to represent and show the enormous power of mass worship. There is no doubt that to a very large extent, the power of Islam stems from the power of prayer performed five times a day.
No matter the measure. Is there anyone greater than Mohammad?”
Lamartine: “Obesity brings along many diseases. As a result of recent studies, it has been determined that high cholesterol levels in obese people cause arteriosclerosis, resulting in high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney and eye damage. The prophet of Islam stated centuries ago how careful we should be about balanced nutrition with his blessed words: “Eating too much is a bad thing.” “There is nothing more harmful than being completely full.”
If aim, means and result are three measures of human genius, who would dare to compare even the greatest personalities of modern history to Mohammad? The most famous of those people only established material forces. Whereas Mohammad mobilized armies, legal systems, empires, tribes, dynasties and millions of people over a third of the world.
The famous English philosopher Thomas Carlyle said, “Mohammad was not disguised by veils of loftiness and splendour like the kings and viziers. He would patch his own cardigan and fix his own shoes. He would go to war, consult with his companions and would give his commands with them. He did so, so that his people would know what kind of a person he was in every aspect. Now tell him whatever you want. No emperor in the world who has a crown and glory has been respected and obeyed as much as this person in a patched up cardigan. His twenty-three year test carries all the necessary elements for a true hero.”
Emile Dermenghem, who wrote about the life of our Prophet, said: “In our century, the experiences and researches made by various scholars have shown that onion and garlic significantly reduce arteriosclerosis, provided that it is cooked. I addition, it has been observed that cooked garlic prevents the increase of lipid-fat in the blood and prevents blood coagulation disorders to some extent, and helps to reduce blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. As a matter of fact, fourteen centuries ago, the Prophet of Islam recommended in a hadith that garlic should be eaten cooked. Truth be told, the past 20 years since the day he saw the angel in the Hira cave have been sufficient enough for him to change the world. He had planted a new seed in the dry sands of Hejaz, such that this sprout would warn Arabia, on one hand it would reach India, and the oceans on the other.”
Shebol, the President of the International Congress of Law, stated in 1927: “Humanity certainly takes pride in Mohammad being human. Because, even though he was an illiterate person, he brought such laws and principles thirteenth centuries ago, that after two thousand years if we Europeans would reach his value and truth we would be the happiest generations”
Epilogue
The bigoted writers and politicians of the West would of course attack our Prophet. For sure, they do not want their society to recognize Islam and its honourable Prophet. Because theu are afraid of that. But surely there are also fair and reasonable people in the Western world. Only they have hidden the truth. This fact should be made known especially to young people.
My friend!
Take these humble advices as helpful warnings from an older brother- the days of your youth are gone. I wish you read all of what is written and benefit from it. May Allah guide you to the truth and make it easier for you to live it. My almighty Allah! Unite the hearts and sould of all Muslims in truth. Keep our hearts and souls close to your religion. O Lord, who sent his religion to make it superior to all religions! Honour us as servants of your religion. O Allah, accept all our property and lives.
Accept them my Allah, accept them my Allah, Accept them my Allah.
With greetings and prayers!
Who is Murat Fehmi Demirbağ?
He was born in Zile / Tokat in 1965. He worked in various press organizations (Milli Gazete, Islam Magazine, TGRT, Akit TV, Channel T, etc.) He worked as a radio program producer and host ( Radio Bravo, Özel FM ). He worked as a theatre actor, advertisement director, graphical designer, manager and instructor (in Printing, Advertisement and Textile Industries).
He founded LASIAD (Association of Industrialists and Businessmen of Laleli) and acted as a consultant for MÜSİAD (Independent Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association). He worked as a reporter for AKPARTİ and was a nomination candidate for first term parliament member.
He is the founder and head consultant of Young Turkey Platform, which received an award from the Prime Ministry.
He published an academical magazine named Tekstil Türkiye. He founded the first and only graphic novel school and founded the brand “Türkçe Tişört”.
He is the chairman of İSAYAD (Association of Istanbul and Anatolia Healthy Life).
He organizes virtue Youth Seminaries awarded by the Prime Ministry and has written two theatre plays. He has written approximately 50 books, including published books and otherwise.
He created the comic series named İyilik Takımı Ertuğrul Herotük and worked on comic books and novels and prepared its cartoons. He published a monthly magazine for children with the same name.
He worked as a producer-director of various advertisement films. He writes in various media organizations.
He gave interviews in many schools with ‘’ virtue Youth Seminaries ‘’made possible by the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and reached thousands of young people with ‘’ Dream Factory ‘’ , ‘’ You can be the Writer of this Book ‘’ , You can become a Writer in 90 Minutes ‘’ seminaries.
Published Books:
1 . One Minute 2. İyi İnsan Olmanın Kodları 3. Aşk Olsun 4. Yeniden
Osmanlı 5. Uyuşma Uyan Kardeşim 6. Ertuğrul ve İyilik Takımı 7 .
İmparatorluğa Veda 8. Uyursan Uyanamazsın 9. USA’ndık 10. İstanbul
Macerası 11. Üniversite Nasıl Kazanılır 12. Erbakan ve Oto Tamir5
Bakım Atölyesi 13. Kasımpaşalı-Ben Bu Oyunu Bozarım 14 . Dünya 5’ten
Büyüktür 15. Endülüs Macerası 16. Hayal Fabrikası 17 . Dan Brown
Müslüman Oldu mu? 18. Bağırsakları Bağırtmasak 19 . Yedi Denizin
Efsanesi 20. 4 cilt Herotürk Çizgiroman 21. Karolin Seni Seviyorum 22.
Korku Masalları 23. Kainat kitabından haberdar mısın? 24. Tarih Yalan Söyler mi?
Dozens more unpublished works!
In addition to numerous Works which are not published yet.
Education: High School – Turhal Industrial Vocational High School
Higher Education: Istanbul University – Faculty of Law – AYO
Marmara University – Faculty of Fine Arts – Graphic Design
