PART 2

11. RASOOLULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM) IS ALMIGHTY ALLAH'S MESSENGER

11.1 THE CAVE OF HIRA

There is a mountain called "Jabl-e-Noor" not very far away from Makkatul Mukarramah. It is about 2 miles away from the city. In Jabl-e-Noor there is a cave called "Hira."

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) used to spend a great deal of his time in the Cave of Hira in meditation (thinking deeply) and praying to Almighty Allah. He also used to keep fast. Sometimes he would spend many days in the Cave of Hira. During these long absences, his wife, Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) would send him food which would last him quite a few days.

11.2 FIRST REVELATION - FIRST WORDS OF THE HOLY QURAN

One night, in the month of Ramadaan, while he was in the Cave of Hira praying to Almighty Allah, an Angel came before him. The Angel was Sayyiduna Jibra'el (alaihis salaam).

"Read," said the Angel.

"I am not a reader," replied Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

The Angel hugged and squeezed him, and left him. The Angel again said, "Read." Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) gave the same reply.

The Angel hugged him even harder for the third time and released him saying :- "Read in the name of your Rabb who created, Created man from a clot of blood Read, your Rabb is most generous Who taught by pen and thought man which he knew not." (Surah Al-Alaq: Verses 1-5)
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) recited the words and felt as though the words were written on his heart. It was the words which Almighty Allah had given to him.

The verses which Sayyiduna Jibra'el (alaihis salaam) had brought were the first words of the Holy Quran. It is called "Wahi" or "Revelation."

The Angel then said: "O Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam)! You are a Messenger of Allah." Sayyiduna Jibra'el (alaihis salaam) then left.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was 40 years old when his Prophethood was announced.

12. REVELATIONS FROM ALMIGHTY ALLAH

12.1 WIFE COMFORTS HIM

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) quickly left the Cave of Hira and made his way home.

He told his wife all that had happened to him in the Cave of Hira. Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) had faith in his character and comforted him saying that Almighty Allah will help him.

She told him: "O Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), you are a good person. You are kind to the slaves and the poor. You love the orphans and comfort the widows. You always speak the truth and you keep your promises. Allah loves such people. Surely, Allah will protect you. He will never let any harm come to you."

12.2 WARAQA BIN NAUFAL

Waraqa bin Naufal was a Christian and had knowledge about the Bible. He was also the cousin of Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha).

Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) was full of concern for her husband, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). She went to Waraqa bin Naufal for advice. After she explained to him what had happened, he assured her that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was the chosen Prophet of Allah. He also told her that the Angel that spoke to him was Sayyiduna Jibra'el (alaihis salaam) who visited previous Ambiya of Allah.

She returned to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and told him what her cousin, Waraqa bin Naufal, had said.

12.3 SECOND REVELATION

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) continued going to the Cave of Hira to pray to Almighty Allah. He did not receive any more revelations from Sayyiduna Jibra'el (alaihis salaam). He became worried.

After a very long period of time, Sayyiduna Jibra'el (alaihis salaam) appeared before Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) for the second time. The Angel brought the second revelation from Almighty Allah: "O you wrapped up in mantle, arise and warn! Glorify Allah and keep your garments pure and clean..." (Surah Mudassir)
Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was now reassured that he had been chosen for an important mission by Almighty Allah. His duty was to spread the message of Islam.

When he returned home, he told his wife: "O Khadijah, the time for slumber and rest has passed. Jibra'el has asked me to warn men and call them to Almighty Allah and His worship. But whom shall I call? And who will listen to me?"

Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) comforted him. She immediately accepted Islam. She was the first woman to accept to Islam.

12.4 MORE REVELATIONS

From then onwards, and till the time that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) left this world, Sayyiduna Jibra'el (alaihis salaam) appeared often. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) received many more revelations in beautiful Arabic which he was told to recite aloud, and which he then did recited to his followers. They, in turn, learnt the verses of the Holy Quran by heart. They also wrote them down.

Thus, Almighty Allah revealed to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that He had chosen him to be His last Messenger. Through him, Allah would teach His Deen, Islam, to mankind. The revelations he would receive would be Almighty Allah's message to all the people of the world.

13. ISLAMIC MOVEMENT BEGINS PRIVATELY

13.1 THE ISLAMIC MOVEMENT

The revelations that were received by Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) marked the beginning of the "Islamic Movement." The aim of the Islamic Movement is to invite the people to Islam and establish the Laws of Almighty Allah on earth.

The first step of the Islamic Movement began when Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) invited his close friends and relatives to Islam.

13.2 SAYYIDUNA ALI (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) ACCEPTS ISLAM

Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was the son Abu Taalib. He was a little boy when he accepted Islam. He spent much of his time in the house and in the company of uncle, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He listened to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and Bibi Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) reciting the Holy Quran. He saw them performing their Salaah.

One day, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) invited him to accept Islam. He did not accept Islam immediately for he felt the need to consult his father, Abu Taalib, about this.

But, the next morning, he rushed to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and accepted Islam. He said: "Allah created me without consulting my father, Abu Taalib. Why then, should I consult him in order to worship Allah?"

13.3 OTHER EARLY MUSLIMS

(a) Sayyadah Khadijah (radi Allahu anha) was the first person to accept Islam.

(b) Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) was the first boy to accept Islam.

(c) Sayyiduna Zaid bin Harith (radi Allahu Anhu) was the first freed male slave to accept Islam.

(d) Sayyadah Umme-Aiman (radi Allahu anha) was the first freed female slave to accept Islam.

(e) Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) was a close friend of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He was the first male adult to accept Islam. He was a trader and a very popular man in Makkatul Mukarramah. Many other Arabs also accepted Islam through Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu).

(f) Sayyiduna 'Uthman bin Affan, Sayyiduna Saad bin Abi Waqqas, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Talhah bin Ubaidullah, Abu Dharr, Zubair bin Awwan, Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah, Arqam bin Abi Arqam, Suhaib Al-rumi, Abdullah bin Ma'sud, Khabbab bin al-Arat, 'Uthman bin Maz'un, Jafer bin Abi Taalib and Nu'aim bin Abdullah (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in) also accepted Islam during the early stages.

(g) Among the women were also Sayyadah Fathima bint Al-Khabbab, Sayyadah Asma bint Abu Bakr, Sayyadah Fathima bint Al-Mujallil, Sayyadah Fukaiha bint Yasar, Sayyadah Asma bint Umais, Sayyadah Asma bint Salamah, Sayyadah Ramlah bint Abu Auf and Sayyadah Umaina bint Khalaf (radi Allahu anhumul ajma'in).

The Muslims used to meet in Sayyiduna Arqam (radi Allahu anhu's) house. This house was the centre of religious training for the early Muslims. They also met outside the city of Makkatul Mukarramah where they prayed to Almighty Allah. As the Islamic Movement was still in its early stages, they did not wish to attract too much attention from the general public.

13.4 SAHABA AND SAHABIYAH

A Muslim who saw Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and believed in him with love and Imaan is called a Sahabi. The plural for Sahabi (many Sahabi) is Sahaba. If it is a Muslim woman she is called a Sahabiyah.

13.5 END OF FIRST STAGE

During the first stage of the Islamic Movement the message of Islam was spread very secretly to build up support. The people who were closest to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and knew him best started believing in Islam. It continued for 3 years in this manner. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), through his excellent personality and character, won the hearts of the new Muslims, young and old. It was through the poor people that Islam was built up during it's early years.

14. ISLAMIC MOVEMENT BECOMES PUBLIC

While Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was busy propagating the message of Islam secretly, he now given the command by Almighty Allah to invite all the Meccans to Islam. Almighty Allah instructed him: "Proclaim what you have been ordered and turn away from the Mushriks (idol-worshippers)." (Surah Hijr: Verse 94)
This was the second stage of the Islamic Movement.

14.1 THE QURAISH AND THE DINNER

In order to win the support of the leaders of the Quraish and important members of the tribe, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) decided to invite them to a dinner. He hoped to propagate the message of Islam to them.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) instructed Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) to prepare a meal with a leg of mutton and a cup of milk. He then invited about 40 members of the Quraish to the dinner. Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) wondered how so many guests would partake of such a little meal.

The Quraish finally arrived and seated themselves. They began eating. While the guests were taking portions of the meat Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu) noticed, to his amazement, that there was no end to the amount of meat from just a leg of mutton!

The guests had completed the meal and were relaxing. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) called for their attention. He addressed them, saying: "O sons of Abdul Muttalib, I know of no Arab who has come to his people with a nobler message than mine. I have brought you the best of this world and the next. Allah has ordered me to call you to Him. So who of you will stand by me in this matter?"

The guests remained silent. Nobody said anything. Sayyiduna Ali (radi Allahu anhu), who was only 13 years of age, stood up in front of the elders of the Quraish and said, "O Prophet of Allah, I will be your helper."

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was pleased with him. The Quraish burst out laughing when they saw what happened and left. The Meccans were not prepared to accept the message of Islam.

14.2 THE CALL FROM MOUNT SAFFA

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was still determined to pass the message of Allah to the Meccans. He thought about a second plan of winning the attention of the Quraish and the Meccans.

One day, he walked out of the city and climbed on the top of a small hill, Mount Saffa. He stood on Mount Saffa and called the people to listen to what he had to say. A crowd of people soon gathered.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) said: "O Men of Quraish, if I were to tell you that I see an army ready to attack you on the other side of the mountain, would you believe me?"

They answered: "Yes, why not? We trust you and never found you telling a lie."

He then told them: "Allah has commanded me to warn you that the Day of Judgement is coming. I am Allah's Nabi. Allah is One. Allah alone is God. All your idols and images are not God. Allah alone is the Creator. He gave us life. We shall return to Him after death. Allah will make us alive again, and then He will judge us. So believe in Him alone. Give up your idols and your evil ways and lead a good moral life."

The Meccans were not expecting this. No one had ever heard anything like it before. They loved their idols, and they certainly did not believe in the Day of Judgement.

Abu Lahab, the uncle of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam), was furious. He shouted angrily: "You have wasted our time." Abu Lahab and Abu Jahal, who were prominent people among the Meccans, turned and walked away. The others followed.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) received a command from Almighty Allah. He would obey Almighty Allah no matter what happened. So he started preaching Islam openly. Wherever and whenever he met people, he would tell them about the beautiful message of Islam.

15. PLANS OF THE KUFFAR

The rich and powerful Quraish were very angry with Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). They did not want to hear what he had to say about Almighty Allah and about Islam.

Only a few Meccans listened to his call and became Muslims. Most of the people of Makkatul Mukarramah remained as Kaafirs (disbelievers). They did not accept Islam. The Kuffar, especially the Quraish, began to make plans to stop the Islamic Movement, from spreading.

15.1 REASONS WHY THE QURAISH DID NOT WANT TO ACCEPT ISLAM

The main reasons why the Quraish did not want to accept Islam was because:-
(a) They were not prepared to leave their old customs and habits and begin new lives.
(b) Makkatul Mukarramah was an important commercial trading centre. Their business and their livelihood centred around the idols that they worshipped.
(c) The Quraish were honoured and held high positions. They were afraid of losing their positions if they accepted Islam.

15.2 PLAN ONE - INSULTING POEMS

The Meccan Kuffar, who were famous for their poetry, made up poems insulting Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). These poems were recited against him. In the poems, they called him a liar. But the people knew that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was an honest, truthful, just and a very kind person. It was they who gave him the titles of "Al-Ameen" and "As-Saadiq." The first plan of the Kuffar failed to achieve its objectives.

15.3 PLAN TWO - DEMAND FOR MIRACLES

The Meccan Kuffar then asked Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) to perform miracles. He told them: "All miracles are in Allah's command."

The Holy Quran, is the greatest of miracles, yet, the Meccan Kuffar could not challenge it or produce a verse like that of the Holy Quran. Having failed to meet the challenge of the Holy Quran, the Kuffar became desperate. Islam was spreading fast in the city of Makkatul Mukarramah.

15.4 PLAN THREE - INFLUENCING ABU TAALIB

The Kuffar then tried to settle the matter with his uncle, Abu Taalib. They approached Abu Taalib and pleaded with him to ask Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) to stop attacking their idols.

They said: "O Abu Taalib, you are old and we hold you in high esteem. We had asked you to restrain your nephew but you did nothing. By god, we cannot tolerate any longer that our fathers be denounced, we should be called fools and careless and our gods insulted. Either you must stop him or we will fight both of you, until one of us perishes."

Having said this, they left Abu Taalib's house. Abu Taalib asked Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) to visit him. Abu Taalib told him not to go against the powerful Quraish and to stop attacking their idols. Abu Taalib said: "Son of my brother, your people came to me and threatened me with dire consequences if you continue to preach your religion. Spare my life and yours and do not impose on me a burden greater than I can bear."

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) replied: "I love you, O my uncle, but in this matter, even if they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left, I shall not stop preaching Islam until Allah has made me victorious or I will sacrifice my life in it."

Abu Taalib realized that his nephew would not surrender to the Meccan Kuffar. He loved his nephew promised Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) his support. He announced his support for his nephew to the Banu Hashim and Banu Muttalib. Abu Taalib also asked them to protect Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). They agreed to abide by Abu Taalib's decisions.

The Meccan Kuffar were disappointed. Now that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) received the support from his uncle, the Banu Hashim and the Banu Muttalib, they could do nothing to stop him from spreading Islam.

16. THE SUFFERINGS OF THE SAHABA IN MAKKATUL MUKARRAMAH

The Kuffar realised that their plans in stopping Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had failed miserably. They decided to now use force against the Muslims. They decided to punish the Muslims. This was their fourth plan.

Among the early Sahaba, there were all kinds of people, rich and poor, young and old, men and women. Many were humble and weak people who had no one to protect them. Some were the slaves of rich Kuffar chiefs. These slaves were persecuted and tortured by their masters for their beliefs.

16.1 SAHABA WHO WERE TORTURED BY THE KUFFAR

The first Sahabi to suffer at the hands of the Kuffar of Makkatul Mukarramah was Sayyiduna Saad bin Waqqaas (radi Allahu anhu). He was attacked by the Kuffar while he was defending the Muslims who were praying in the outskirts of Makkatul Mukarramah. He was badly injured.

Sayyiduna Bilal bin Rabah (radi Allahu anhu), an Abyssinian slave, was tortured by his cruel master, Ummaya bin Khalaf, for accepting Islam. Ummaya made him lie on burning sand under the hot sun with a heavy stone laid on his chest. His master ordered him to give up Islam. Sayyiduna Bilal (radi Allahu anhu) kept on saying: "Ahad! Ahad! One Allah! One Allah!" Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) later bought him from Ummaya and gave him his freedom.

Sayyadah Zinnirah (radi Allahu anha) was an old lady and a slave of Abu Jahl. Abu Jahl was the chief enemy of Islam. He used to whip her every day. One day, he poked her eyes with a sharp spear. She became blind. The next morning, a great miracle happened. She gained her eyesight. Almighty Allah made her see once again.

Sayyiduna Yasir (radi Allahu anhu), his wife, Sayyadah Sumayyah (radi Allahu anha), and their son were also tortured by the Kuffar for their beliefs. Sayyiduna Yasir (radi Allahu anhu) was made to lie on burning coals. Boiling water was poured on him. Once, when Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) saw him suffering, he comforted him, saying: "Be patient Yasir. Allah has promised you Jannah (Heaven)." They were tortured to such an extent that he and his wife passed away. His wife was killed by Abu Jahl.

Sayyiduna 'Uthman bin Affan (radi Allahu anhu) was shut up in a dark room and beaten up by his relatives for accepting Islam. Sayyiduna Musaab bin Umair (radi Allahu anhu) was another Sahabi who was turned out of his house by his mother when she found out that he accepted Islam.

16.2 SHAHEED

A Muslim who passes away in the Path of Allah is called a "Shaheed." Almighty Allah has promised the Shuhada (pl. of Shaheed) His special Favour, and they enter Jannah (Heaven) as soon as they pass away. For this reason, Muslims are glad to give their lives for the sake of Allah and for the Cause of Islam.

Many other Sahaba and Sahabiyah also suffered from such cruelties. But the love for Almighty Allah and for Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was greater than anything else. In fact, their faith grew even stronger under such treatment. They gave up their lives, but they never gave up Islam. May Allah bless them all with Jannah and give them a great reward.

Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran: "Those who persecute (or draw into temptation) the Believers, men and women, and do not turn in repentance, will have the penalty of Hell: they will have the Penalty of the Burning Fire. For those who believe and do righteous deeds, Will be Gardens beneath which Rivers flow: that is the great Salvation, (the fulfilment of all desires)." (Surah Buruj: Verses 10-11)

17. KUFFAR PERSECUTE RASOOLULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

Although the Muslims were being tortured and persecuted, the Meccan Kuffar were furious at seeing the number of Muslims grow. They knew that Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was responsible for all this, but they could not kill him. He was under the protection of Abu Taalib.

The Kuffar adopted different methods of tormenting and teasing him. Abu Lahab and Abu Jahl followed him wherever he went and said bad things about him.

Abu Lahab's wife, Umm Jamil, was even worse than her husband. In the dark nights she scattered branches covered with thorns in the street where Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) walked. When he returned home at night, he would step on them, and his blessed feet would bleed.

Once Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was praying at the Holy Kaaba. Abu Jahl carried with him the stinking intestines of a camel. While Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was in Sajdah, he threw it on the blessed back and blessed head of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). All the Kuffar who were present there mocked him and laughed at him with joy. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) went home and his loving daughter, Sayyadah Bibi Fathima (radi Allahu anha) helped him wash off the dirt.

At another time, a Kaafir tried to choke Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) to death while he was praying. Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu) saw this and immediately came to his rescue. He freed him from the Kaafir.

One day, some Kuffar found him alone. They began beating him until he lost consciousness. The sons of the Kuffar used to throw dirt on him. A wicked Kaafir lady used to throw dirt on him as he passed by her house on the way to the Holy Kaaba.

These things made Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) very sad. But he was even sadder because the Kuffar would not accept the message of Islam. Still, he never said anything to them in anger. Instead, he prayed to Almighty Allah to give him patience to bear the sufferings that they inflicted upon him. He asked Almighty Allah to guide the Kuffar to see the truth.

18. SAYYIDUNA HAMZAH (RADI ALLAHU ANHU) ACCEPTS ISLAM

Abu Jahl, the greatest enemy of Islam, used to tease and insult Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

One day, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was near Mount Saffa. Abu Jahl happened to pass by. He saw Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and insulted him very harshly. But Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not answer him back.

Sayyiduna Hamza (radi Allahu anhu) was the uncle of Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He did not accept Islam at this stage. He was the most courageous and bravest man amongst the Quraish. He had just returned from a hunting trip. A woman slave told him what happened to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

Sayyiduna Hamza (radi Allahu anhu) became angry and went to look for Abu Jahl. He found Abu Jahl and his friends sitting near the Holy Kaaba. He lifted his bow and struck Abu Jahl on his head, and said: "Would you dare to insult and abuse him (the Prophet) when I follow his religion and say what he says!" Abu Jahl kept quiet.

Sayyiduna Hamza (radi Allahu anhu) went to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) to console him that he had avenged what Abu Jahl had done. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) replied, "Uncle, this does not please me. Your acceptance of Islam will please me."

Suddenly, Sayyiduna Hamza (radi Allahu anhu) was filled with the desire to accept Islam. He at once became a Muslim. The Muslims were very happy now that Sayyiduna Hamzah (radi Allahu anhu) accepted Islam. The Quraish were put at a great loss.

19. KUFFAR MAKE AN OFFER TO RASOOLULLAH (SALLAL LAAHU ALAIHI WASALLAM)

Many Kuffar did not understand why Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was against their idols. They had all kinds of wrong ideas about him.

Thus far, all the plans of the Kuffar had failed. They held a meeting. In this meeting they decided to send Utbah bin Rabiah, one of the leaders of the Quraish, to make a bargain with Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

Utbah went to Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). He offered him wealth, property and the position of King. Utbah even told him that he could marry the most beautiful woman in Arabia.

Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) did not say anything. He listened quietly to Utbah. When Utbah had finished making his offers, Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) recited some verses of Surah Fusilaat of the Holy Quran to him. Utbah was so struck with the words of the Holy Quran that he went back to the Quraish and told them to leave Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) alone.

Utba said: "I have heard a lecture the like of which I had never heard before. I will swear to God, O Quraish, that it is neither poetry, nor spells, nor witchcraft. Take my advice and leave this man alone."

The Quraish scolded Utba for being influenced by Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam). They also realised that their plans in bribing Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) had failed.

The Kuffar then thought of another idea. They promised Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) that they will worship Almighty Allah if he prayed to their idols. He refused.

The Kuffar were furious. They began thinking of other ways to stop him and from Islam spreading.

20. MUSLIMS MIGRATE TO ABYSSINIA

Life in Makkatul Mukarramah became unbearable for the Muslims. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was concerned for their safety and advised the Muslims to make Hijrah to the land of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) in Africa.

"Hijrah" means to migrate from one's own country if one does not have freedom of religion there.

This happened 5 years after the first revelation. Sayyiduna Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) was 45 years old.

20.1 FIRST BATCH OF MUSLIMS

The first batch of Muslims that left Makkatul Mukarramah for Abyssinia by ship were 11 men and 4 women.

The King of Abyssinia, Najjashi (Negus), was a very noble and just person. He was a Christian. He did not object to the Muslims living in his country. The Muslims were able to live peacefully and practise Islam.

When the persecution of the Muslims in Makkatul Mukarramah became more serious, many more Muslims left Makkatul Mukarramah and settled in Abyssinia.

20.2 KUFFAR TRY TO GET MUSLIMS BACK

When the Kuffar heard about the migration of Muslims to Abyssinia, they became enraged. The Quraish sent a delegation consisting of Amr ibnul As and Abdullah bin Abi Rabiah to Abyssinia to get the Muslims back.

They went to the court of Negus. They told Negus that the Muslims were following a new religion and that they were trying to stop them. They told him to expel them from Abyssinia.

Negus was a very just man. He called for the Muslims and asked them to explain the whole matter to him.

20.3 SAYYIDUNA JAFER (RADI ALLAHU ANHU'S) SPEECH

Sayyiduna Jafer bin Abu Taalib (radi Allahu anhu), the son of Abu Taalib, addressed Negus and all those present.

He said: "O King, we were in a state of ignorance and immorality, worshipping stones and idols, eating dead animals, committing all sorts of injustices, breaking natural ties, treating guests badly and the strong among us exploited the weak.

"Then Almighty Allah sent us a Prophet, one of our people, whose truthfulness and illustrious qualities were well known to us. He called us to worship Allah alone and to give up the idols, the stones, which we and our ancestors used to worship. He commanded us to speak the truth, to honour our promises, to be helpful to our relations, to be good to our neighbours, to abstain from bloodshed, to avoid fornication. He commanded us not to give false witness, not to eat up an orphans property or falsely accuse a married woman. He ordered us not to associate anyone with Almighty Allah.

"He commanded us to hold prayers. We believed in him and what he brought to us from Almighty Allah and we follow him in what he has asked us to do and forbade us not to do.

"Thereupon, our people attacked us, treated us badly and tried to take us back to the worship of idols. They made life difficult for us in Makkatul Mukarramah and we came to your country to seek protection to live in justice and peace."

Sayyiduna Jafer (radi Allahu anhu) then read Surah Maryam of the Holy Quran. It was about Nabi Isa (alaihis salaam). Negus understood the verses of the Holy Quran and wept while listening to the Holy Quran. Even the Bishops wept till their scrolls were wet with tears.

Negus sent the delegation of Quraish away saying that he will protect the Muslims and will allow them to live in peace in his country. Negus treated the Muslims with honour and pledged his protection for them. The Muslims were very happy.

The Kuffar returned home to Makkatul Mukarramah and broke the terrible news to the Quraish.

Thus, the plans of the Kuffar failed once again.