PART 1

1. LIFE IN ARABIA AND MAKKA BEFORE ISLAM

1.1 ARABIA

Arabia is situated in the Middle East. It is a country made up of barren hills, valleys and deserts. The climate is hot and dry. In Arabia there is little or no rain. Due to this there is also very little vegetation. There is not a single river to be found in the country. However, there are underground springs (Oasis) found in the desert.

Arabia is made up of many provinces and cities. The most important cities of Arabia are Makkatul Mukarramah, Madinatul Munawwarah, Ta'if and Jeddah. The date-palm is the main tree of Arabia. Yemen is a very fertile place where wheat, coffee and fruits are found in abundance. Animals such as camels, horses, sheep and goats are common. The camel is the chief means of transport and is known as the "ship of the desert."

1.2 THE PEOPLE OF ARABIA

The people of Arabia are called Arabs. The Arabs speak the language of Arabic.

Most Arabs live in towns and villages. They are merchants by trade. They bargain and sell their cloth, sweet-smelling oils and perfumes at good profits to the travellers and pilgrims who come to their city. They also trade in dates, raisins and hides.

Other Arabs live in tents in the deserts. The desert Arabs are called "Bedouins." Unlike the Meccans, they spoke pure Arabic. They are very harsh and fierce by nature. They had to be fierce and also courageous to survive the tough conditions in the desert. They often experienced powerful sandstorms. They spent the whole day under the scorching sun and spent the cold dark lonely nights under the stars. The desert Arabs were a proud people. They had a high sense of honour and were loyal to their tribes. As far as their food and water supplies were concerned, they depended much upon the rain. The Bedouins moved all the time from place to place to look for new pastures for feeding their animals.

1.3 THE QURAISH

The Arabs were divided into many tribes and clans. No king or governor ruled them. In Makkatul Mukarramah, the Quraish were the chief tribe. The Quraish had complete control of the Holy Kaaba. The leaders and members of the Quraish were responsible for the welfare of the pilgrims who came to Makkatul Mukarramah every year for pilgrimage. The Quraish were made up of a number of families of whom the Banu Hashim was the most famous.

1.4 RELIGION OF THE EARLY ARABS

The Arabs worshipped many idols. These idols were made up of wood, stone and metals. They had different sizes and shapes. Some were shaped like men. Some took the form of vultures, women and horses.

In the Holy Kaaba there were almost 365 idols belonging to the different tribes. "Hubal", "Laat", and "Uzza" were 3 of the famous idols which the Arabs prayed to. The Meccans believed that these idols had the powers to make them rich, cure them of the plague, grant them a son and to also marry them to beautiful ladies.

Arabs also prayed to the sun and the stars. Most of the Arabs believed in ghosts, devils and evil spirits. There were also many fortune-tellers amongst them.

1.5 BAD DEEDS OF THE ARABS

There were no laws in Arabia to protect the people. The Arabs did as they pleased. They did many bad deeds.
A. The father used to bury his daughter alive. He felt that having a daughter in the family was a burden.
B. Wives, widows and orphans were not treated kindly.
C. The Arabs used to gamble and drink.
D. They charged a lot of interest on the money that they lent.
E. They kept slaves to do their work. These slaves were treated worse than animals.
F. Before the coming of Islam, the Arabs fought about 132 battles with each other over small matters. These battles were called "Tribal Wars." Many lives were lost during these tribal wars.

1.6 GOOD DEEDS OF THE ARABS

The Arabs were also very kind and generous towards others. They were honest people. Arabs loved to be free. They were fearless. Most of them were very brave and loved hunting. The Arabs also had a very good memory. They were very intelligent.

2. THE HOLY KAABA IS SAVED FROM DESTRUCTION

Yemen is not very far away from Makkatul Mukarramah. The ruler of Yemen was a Christian man called Abraha. Abraha wanted to destroy the House of Almighty Allah, the Holy Kaaba.

The year in which this incident took place was 571 A.C. It was also called "The Year of the Elephant." It was also in this year that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was born.

2.1 THE HOLY KAABA

The Holy Kaaba is in Makkatul Mukarramah. It was first built by the Prophet, Sayyiduna Adam (alaihis salaam). Sayyiduna Ibrahim (alaihis salaam) and his son, Sayyiduna Isma'il (alaihis salaam), who were also Ambiya (Prophets) of Almighty Allah, rebuilt the Holy Kaaba.

The Quraish are the descendants (children) of Sayyiduna Ibrahim (alaihis salaam). They made their homes around the Holy Kaaba. It was much later that they forgot the true teachings of Sayyiduna Ibrahim (alaihis salaam) and became idol worshippers.

Sayyiduna Abdul Muttalib (radi Allahu anhu) was the chief of the Quraish. He was also in-charge of the Holy Kaaba. He was the grandfather of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He never prayed to the idols. He prayed to Almighty Allah alone.

2.2 ABRAHA'S PLANS TO DESTROY THE HOLY KAABA

Abraha knew how famous Makkatul Mukarramah was to the traders and to the many people who flocked to the Holy Kaaba to pray to the idols. To turn the people away from the Holy Kaaba, he built a huge and beautiful temple at a place called Sanaa. He then ordered his people not to go to Makkatul Mukarramah, but to pray at the temple that he built. In spite of this, most of the people refused to listen to him. They preferred travelling to Makkatul Mukarramah and praying to the idols at the Holy Kaaba.

Abraha grew very angry. He gathered a large army of soldiers and a mighty force of elephants. He at once set off with his army to Makkatul Mukarramah to destroy the Holy Kaaba. Sayyiduna Abdul Muttalib (radi Allahu anhu), the chief of the Quraish, heard of Abraha's plans. He ordered the people of Makkatul Mukarramah to leave the city and take refuge in the hills where they will be safe. All the Meccans immediately left the city. From the hills, they watched Abraha, who was with his army of soldiers and elephants - ready to destroy the Holy Kaaba. All that Sayyiduna Abdul Muttalib (radi Allahu anhu) could do was to pray to Almighty Allah for His Help.

2.3 ALMIGHTY ALLAH'S HELP

Abraha marched straight into the city of Makkatul Mukarramah with his huge army to destroy the Holy Kaaba. As the army of elephants rushed towards the Holy Kaaba something strange happened. The elephants sat and refused to move!

Suddenly, the sky became black. Hundreds of birds (swallows) with pebbles in their beaks and feet swooped down on the army. They attacked Abraha's men and elephants by striking them with the pebbles at such a high speed that it went through the bodies of the men and the elephants. Most of them were killed instantly. Abraha too was eventually killed. Thus Abraha's plans to destroy the House of Allah, the Holy Kaaba, failed.

This is how Almighty Allah protected His House, the Holy Kaaba, from being destroyed by His enemies.

2.4 SURA FIL - THE ELEPHANT

Surah Fil, "The Elephant", of the Holy Quran tells us about how Almighty Allah destroyed the elephants.

2.5 THE GREATEST EVENT IN HISTORY

A few months after this incident, the greatest event in history was to take place, that is, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

There are many honourable and blessed names in addressing Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). In this book we will address him as "Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)."

3. FAMILY AND BIRTH OF SAYYIDUNA RASOOLULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

3.1 FAMILY OF RASOOLULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam's) father's name is Sayyiduna Abdullah (radi Allahu anhu). His mother's name is Bibi Aminah (radi Allahu anha).

Sayyiduna Abdullah (radi Allahu anhu) was very handsome and very strong. He was one of the sons of Sayyiduna Abdul Muttalib (radi Allahu anhu). Sayyiduna Abdul Muttalib (radi Allahu anhu) was, therefore, the grandfather of the Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

Not long after his Nikah (marriage), Sayyiduna Abdullah (radi Allahu anhu) went on a business trip to Ash Shaam (known as Syria). On his way back to Makkatul Mukarramah, he fell ill and passed away in Madinatul Munawwarah (previously known as Yathrib).

Now that Bibi Aminah (radi Allahu anha) lost her husband, she was especially worried about the child that was to be born. She thought about how the child was to grow up without a father. But, her worries were soon to pass.

Later, Bibi Aminah (radi Allahu anha) had many beautiful dreams about the baby that was to be born. These dreams gave her peace and comfort. The Malaa'ikah (Angels) which she saw in her dream told her that her baby was a very great Prophet of Almighty Allah.

3.2 BIRTH OF SAYYIDUNA RASOOLULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

On Monday, the 12th of Rabi-ul-Awwal (20 April 571 A.C.), Bibi Aminah (radi Allahu anha) gave birth to a baby boy, who was named "Muhammad" (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He was born in the city of Makkatul Mukarramah.

At the time of his birth, many wonderful miracles took place around him and in other parts of the world. The birth of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and the events surrounding his birth is a very historic ocassion.

3.3 BIRTH CELEBRATIONS

When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was born, his grandfather was overjoyed. His grandfather took Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), who was only a week old, to the Holy Kaaba and thanked Almighty Allah. He also prepared a great feast for his grandson and invited all the Quraish leaders and to celebrate the birth of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). They all attended the birth celebration of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

3.4 "THE PRAISED ONE"

His grandfather, Sayyiduna Abdul Muttalib (radi Allahu anhu), named him "Muhammad" which means "The Praised One." Sayyiduna Abdul Muttalib (radi Allahu anhu) said: "I desire (wish) that he be praised in the Heavens for the Sake of Allah and in the earth for the sake of creation." His mother, Bibi Aminah (radi Allahu anha) kept his name "Ahmad."

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) belonged to the Banu Hashim family of the Quraish tribe.

4. LIFE IN THE DESERT

It was the custom of some of the mothers of the chief tribes, like the Quraish, to send their new-born children to the desert villages to be raised up by the nurses. Children who lived in these desert villages grew up very healthy and strong.

The Banu Saad tribe, who lived in the desert, provided the best nurses. The ladies from this tribe would come to Makkatul Mukarramah every year and look for families who wanted to send their little children with them.

4.1 WAITING FOR THE NURSES

Bibi Aminah (radi Allahu anha) wanted to send her child, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), to live in a desert village where he will grow up strong and healthy. There, he will learn to speak pure Arabic. On the other hand, she knew that she could not afford to pay a lot of money for a good nurse.

While Bibi Aamina (radi Allahu anha) waited for the nurses to come to Makkatul Mukarramah from the desert villages, Abu Lahab's maid, Suwaiba, took care of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) for a few days.

The day arrived when the nurses of the tribe of Banu Saad came to Makkatul Mukarramah. They took the babies of the rich Meccan families, but refused to take Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). They knew that they would not receive a large sum of money for taking care of him.

4.2 BIBI HALIMA (RADI ALLAHU ANHA) - THE NURSE

Bibi Halima (radi Allahu anha) was one of the nurses of the Banu Saad. She came to Makkatul Mukarramah with her husband. They were very poor. She was not in good health. She had hardly enough milk for her own child. Their camel and donkey were lean and weak. No rich Quraish woman would give her child to Bibi Halima (radi Allahu anha) their because she looked so weak.

Bibi Halima (radi Allahu anha) and her husband did not want to leave the city of Makkatul Mukarramah without a child to take care of. When they heard about the child, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), they immediately went to Bibi Aminah (radi Allahu anha). They told Bibi Aminah (radi Allahu anha) that they wished to take care of her child. Bibi Aminah (radi Allahu anha) saw that they were very kind and loving. She sent Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) to live with them in the desert.

4.3 LIFE IN THE DESERT

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) now lived with Bibi Halima (radi Allahu anha) and her family in the desert.

How fortunate they were! The moment that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) entered their home, Almighty Allah blessed Bibi Halima (radi Allahu anha) and her family with everything. Her sheep grew fat and gave her more milk. Her flocks began to increase. She also gathered a better harvest. The family loved Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) very much and took good care of him. They also knew that all the blessings that they received was because of the Barakah (blessings) of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was 2 years old, Bibi Halima (radi Allahu anha) took him back to his mother in the city of Makkatul Mukarramah. His mother was very pleased to see him growing strong and healthy so she sent him back to stay in the desert. Bibi Halima (radi Allahu anha) was overjoyed to take care of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

Thus, he spent full 5 years with Bibi Halima (radi Allahu anha). She was the foster-mother of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

4.4 STRANGE HAPPENINGS

When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was a little older, he used to accompany Bibi Halima (radi Allahu anha's) children to the fields. They tended the herds of animals in the fields. The children noticed strange happenings wherever they accompanied Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). They used to notice the stones making Salaams to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). They also noticed the trees bending down towards him in respect.

One day, while Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was in the field with the children, two strangers - dressed all in white like Angels - appeared out of nowhere. They laid down Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) on the ground. They then opened his chest and filled his heart with the Nur (Light) of Allah. They closed his chest again, and disappeared.

Bibi Aminah (radi Allahu anha's) children noticed this event and ran home to tell their parents.

5. SAD CHILDHOOD

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was now almost 6 years old. After spending all these years in the desert and in the home of his foster-mother, Bibi Halima (radi Allahu anha) decided to take Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) back to the city. He was soon home with his mother in Makkatul Mukarramah.

His mother then decided to take him to Madinatul Munawwarah (Yathrib) to visit his relatives and to show him his father's grave. They set out for Yathrib with, Umm-e-Aiman, their servant. From this we learn that it is Sunnah to visit the grave of parents and other Awliya Allah.

5.1 BIBI AMINAH (RADI ALLAHU ANHA) PASSES AWAY

After visiting the places in Madinatul Munawwarah they made preparations to return home. On their way home, Bibi Aamina (radi Allahu anha) fell very ill. She did not recover from her illness, but passed away at a place called Al Abwa, not far from Madinatul Munawwarah. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was now an orphan. The servant, Umm-e-Aiman, took him home to his grandfather.

5.2 GRANDFATHER PASSES AWAY

Sayyiduna Abdul Muttalib (radi Allahu anhu) now takes care of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He loved his grandson very much and paid special attention to him. When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was 8 years old, his grandfather passed away at the age of 82. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was now very lonely and very sad.

5.3 UNDER THE CARE OF ABU TAALIB

His uncle, Abu Taalib, took him to his house. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) grew up under the care of his loving uncle, Abu Taalib. He loved his uncle very much. He stayed close to him all the time. He listened to him and respected him.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had a loving nature. Everyone in Makkatul Mukarramah and the traders who came to the city liked him. He did not fight with the other children and was always fair. He never used bad languages. He always spoke the truth.

There were no schools in Arabia at that time. Few people could read or write. There was no need for Abu Taalib to send his nephew to school because Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was a born Prophet of Almighty Allah. Almighty Allah educated him directly. So Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not go to school. Yet, he became the greatest teacher in the history of the world!

6. JOURNEY TO ASH SHAAM

Abu Taalib was a merchant. But, he was not a very successful merchant. He had many children of his own and was not wealthy. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) worked very hard to help his uncle in whatever small way he could.

6.1 JOURNEY TO ASH SHAAM

When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was 12 years old, Abu Taalib decided to go on a business trip to Ash Shaam (Syria).

As a nation of traders, the Arabs often took caravans of goods to other places. These "caravans" were made of camels and donkeys which were used to carry the goods that the Arabs traded with.

Abu Taalib joined one of these caravans hoping to sell his goods in another country. Fearing the roads to be dangerous, Abu Taalib decided against taking his nephew on the long trip. But, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) pleaded with his uncle to take him to Ash Shaam. Abu Taalib finally agreed.

This was Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam's) first trip to Ash Shaam. Uncle and nephew travelled together with the caravan until they reached the city of Basra, which was south of Ash Shaam.

6.2 MEETING WITH BAHIRA

Unnoticed by the Arabs, a very learned Christian Priest by the name of Bahira was observing the caravan as it came into the city of Basra. He at once approached the travellers and invited the men of the Quraish tribe to be guests at his home. He quickly made preparations for them to partake in a meal.

While they were partaking in the meals provided, Bahira kept on staring at Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Bahira saw how noble looking he was, in spite of his youth, and how polite and humble he was. He spoke to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He discovered certain signs in Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that indicated that he was going to be the last and Final Prophet of Almighty Allah.

He asked Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) to lift up his shirt. When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) lifted up his shirt for Bahira, Bahira saw the Seal of Prophethood on young Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam's) back. Bahira and kissed the Seal. Bahira had also noticed that a cloud always followed Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and sheltered him from the hot sun.

This Christian Priest advised Abu Taalib to return to Makkatul Mukarramah and to keep a watchful eye on Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He told Abu Taalib to also guard Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) from the Jews, who will attempt to kill him if they found out who he was.

After trading in Basra and making good profits, the caravan returned to Makkatul Mukarramah.

7. RASOOLULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM'S) PARTICIPATION IN THE AFFAIRS OF HIS SOCIETY

7.1 HARBUL FIJR

The Arab tribes fought with each other all the time. When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was 15 years old, he witnessed a war fought between the Quraish and Hawazeen tribes. This war lasted for 4 years and was known as "Harbul Fijr" or "Unholy War."

As Abu Taalib was from the Quraish, he had to partake in the war to defend his tribe. During this war, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) never harmed or killed anyone. He used to pick up the stray arrows shot by the enemy and hand them to his uncle, Abu Taalib. In fact, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not see the sense of the Arabs fighting each other. He wanted to stop the wars and the killings.

7.2 HALFIL FUDHUL

The leaders of the tribes decided that all these petty wars between themselves had to come to an end. A society called the "Halfil Fudhul" or "Alliance of Charity" was formed to bring an end to the wars. This society was to also help the widows and the orphans.

The Quraish made peace treaties with the other Arab tribes. The treaty stated that they will live in peace with everyone and help the poor and the needy.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) gladly accepted this treaty. He worked very hard to help the poor, the needy, the orphans and those who were in debt.

The treaty turned out to be very successful. No more fighting took place between the tribes. Makkatul Mukarramah was once again a city of peace. It became an important business centre with the result that the Quraish were becoming very prosperous.

8. RASOOLULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) AS A MERCHANT

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was now 20 years old. He felt it necessary to make his own living and relieve the burden from his uncle, Abu Taalib.

8.1 "AL AMEEN" AND "AS SAADIQ"

He had become a successful merchant; not so much because he liked his work, but because he was honest in his dealings and could be trusted. He never overpriced his goods, nor weighed his goods incorrectly so as to cheat others.

He earned the reputation of being the most honest and fair merchant of the city of Makkatul Mukarramah. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) soon earned the title of "Al Ameen" (The Trustworthy) and "As Saadiq" (The Truthful) from the people of Makkatul Mukarramah.

8.2 WORKS FOR BIBI KHADIJAH (RADI ALLAHU ANHA)

In the course of managing his business affairs and helping his uncle, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) received an offer from a wealthy widow, Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha). She wanted him to look after her business. Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) was a very noble lady. Khuwailid was her father. Her mother was Fathima bin Zaidah.

She heard how respected and honest Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was. She hoped that in employing him, her business will be a success. She also promised to give Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) a double share in the profits. He gladly accepted her business offer.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) worked very hard to make the business a success. Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) had given him the management of all her caravans. He spent his time travelling across deserts and through oases to distant lands selling the goods.

8.3 SECOND TRIP TO ASH SHAAM

On one ocassion, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) set out for Ash Shaam (Syria) to sell Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha's) goods. Her male servant, Maysara, accompanied him. This was Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam's) second business trip to Ash Shaam.

His trip to Ash Shaam was very successful. He sold all the goods that he had taken on the caravan. He then bought what was required and was soon on his way to Makkatul Mukarramah.

Through his intelligence, skill and honesty he made huge profits for Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha). It was almost double what anyone had earned for her in the past. She, in turn, was very pleased.

During the journey, Maysara noticed that a cloud provided Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) with shade wherever he went.

8.4 PHYSICAL FEATURES OF RASOOLULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was a handsome man of medium built - neither very tall nor short. He had a large head, very black thick hair, a wide forehead, heavy eye brows and large dark eyes with long eye lashes. He had a fine nose, well placed teeth, a thick beard, a long handsome neck and a wide chest and shoulders. His skin was light coloured. He walked steadily with firm steps. His appearance had a mask of deep thought and contemplation. His eyes gave a feeling of the authority of a commander.

9. MARRIAGE TO BIBI KHADIJAH (RADI ALLAHU ANHA)

9.1 MARRIAGE PROPOSAL

Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha's) male servant, Maysara, told her all about Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam's) successful business dealings. He also told her about the cloud that hung directly above Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam's) blessed head.

Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) was very impressed by what she heard. She sent Maysarah to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) with a marriage proposal. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) first took advice from his uncle, Abu Taalib. When his uncle agreed to the marriage proposal, the Nikah was then performed.

Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) was 40 years old and Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was 25 years old.

9.2 MARRIAGE TO BIBI KHADIJAH (RADI ALLAHU ANHA)

After their Nikah, all of Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha's) wealth belonged to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) also gave him her slave, Sayyiduna Zaid (radi Allahu anhu). Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) gave him his freedom.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) used his wealth to help the poor and the needy. He never forgot the orphans and the widows. He paid off peoples debts and freed many slaves.

At the same time, he never neglected his family. He led a very simple and humble life. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) spent a lot of time remembering Almighty Allah. His foster-mother, Bibi Halima (radi Allahu anha), used to visit him. He treated her with a lot of respect.

9.3 CHILDREN OF RASOOLULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) had 6 children - 2 sons and 4 daughters :

(A) His sons were Sayyiduna Qasim and Sayyiduna Abdullah (radi Allahu anhum). Both of them passed away in infancy. Sayyiduna Abdullah (radi Allahu anhu) was also called "Tahir" and "Tayyib."

(B) His daughters were Sayyadah Zainab, Sayyadah Ruqayyah, Sayyadah Umme Kulthum and Sayyadah Fathima (radi Allahu anhuma).

10. THE HOLY KAABA GETS RE-BUILT

When Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was 35 years old, the leaders of the Quraish decided to re-build the Holy Kaaba. The Holy Kaaba needed repairs and re-building after a sudden flood had damaged and cracked its walls.

10.1 PLACING OF THE HAJR-E-ASWAD

The re-building of the Holy Kaaba began. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) took an active part in helping the Quraish to do repair work to the Holy Kaaba. The walls of the Holy Kaaba were raised much higher this time. Work was almost completed.

Now, it was time to place the Hajr-e-Aswad (Black Stone) on the east side of the Holy Kaaba. The placing of Hajr-e-Aswad was regarded as an act of honour by all the Meccans and to the Quraish, since it was very sacred to all of them.

At the same time, arguments broke out between the different tribes about who should have the honour of placing the Hajr-e-Aswad in its place. This argument almost led to a war between the various tribes of Makkatul Mukarramah.

10.2 RASOOLULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) SOLVES THE PROBLEM

While the leaders of the tribes were locked in argument and trying to work out a solution to the problem, an old man by the name of Shaiba, suggested an idea.

He said: "Let the first man to enter the gate of the Haram next morning decide the matter in dispute amongst us."

The leaders agreed to this idea and returned home. The next morning, they all waited to see who would enter the gate of the Haram. The first man to enter the gate was Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

All the Meccans shouted: "It is Al-Ameen." They knew that he was a fair judge. He would do what was right and bring peace.

They told him what had happened and he agreed to solve the problem.

He said to them: "Give me a cloak."

When the cloak was brought to him, he spread it out on the ground. He placed the Hajr-e-Aswad on it and said: "Let the elders of each clan hold on one edge of the cloak."

The elders of each tribe grabbed on to the edge of the cloak. He told them to raise the Hajr-e-Aswad. They raised the Hajr-e-Aswad to its proper height. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) then lifted the Hajr-e-Aswad with his own blessed hands and placed it in it's corner in the wall of the Holy Kaaba.

The Meccans were very pleased by this action and felt equally honoured. All their disputes came to an end. In fact, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) prevented a war from breaking out between the various tribes.

The re-building of the Holy Kaaba continued and was completed by the Quraish.