Seerah Lesson 7

§The First Muslims

§Abu Lahab

 

The next few revelations instructed the Prophet (sw) to do more Ibadah (worship) and pray at night. It was Angel Jibrael that would bring the WAHY= revelation. Wahy came in three ways, either through the angel, in a dream or it would come like a ringing bell.
When we invite other people to Islam it is called DA’WAH = Invitation. At this time the Prophet (sw) was teaching the early Muslims whatever the Angel Jibrael revealed to him secretly.

The Prophet Muhammad (sw) received Wahy for a total of 20 years. Angel Jibrael would come to the Prophet     once a year in Ramadan to listen to    him read the Qur’aan correctly.

The Prophet (sw) was unlettered, which means he could not read or write. So he (sw) would memorise each verse (Ayat) or chapter (Surah) that was revealed to Him.                                                    This is also a miraculous thing and proves He (sw) did not make up the words of the Qur’aan.

The first few Surahs are called ‘Makkan’ Surahs as they were revealed in Makkah.

Prophet Muhammad (sw) would share these revelations with his closest family and friends. They said the Shahadah when accepting Islam:

‘I bear witness that there is no God except for Allah and Muhammad is his messenger’.

The first Muslim convert was a woman. Alhamdulilah! It was his wife Khadija (rd). The one that loved him and supported him all the time.

Then it was his adopted son Zayd, and his cousin Ali (rd). Ali (rd) was just a child at the time, about 11-13 years old.

Ali (rd) had a close relationship with the Prophet (sw) as Ali’s father Abu Talib raised them together. Later Ali (rd) then lived with the Prophet (sw).

The next person to accept Islam was the Prophet’s best friend Abu Bakr (rd). All these people accepted Islam the first day they received the message.

Abu Bakr then invited others to Islam, such as Uthman Ibn Af’aan, Zubayr Ibn Awaam, Sa’ad and Talha

 

Soon after the secret preaching, Allah commanded the Prophet (sw):

‘And warn your tribe of near kindred’. (26:214)

Allah told the Prophet (sw) to now give the message of Islam to his whole family and tribe.

Including his uncles, who were the powerful leaders of Makkah

.

He (sw) invited all his family to a meeting. He then presented Islam to them. Before the Prophet could continue Abu Lahab interrupted and shouted,

‘I swear by Allah this is evil. You must stop him before others do.’

Abu Lahab

did not like what the Prophet was teaching as it went against their forefathers beliefs. They did not want to believe in one God or an after life.

Abu Lahab was an evil man and never changed. Later when the Prophet tried to talk to the people on Mount Safa

again he was rude and interrupted.

A whole Surah is named after him where him and his wife, who would throw rubbish on the Prophet.

Both of them are promised hell fire. But they weren't scared or sorry.

It is called Surah Lahab or sometimes it’s called Surah Masad.

 

SURAH LAHAB:

 

May both the hands of Abu Lahab be destroyed – and they are destroyed!

His wealth did not benefit him in the least, nor did whatever he earned.

He will soon enter the flaming fire.

And so will his wife; carrying a bundle of on her head.

A rope made from palm fibre around her neck!’

 

 

 

Seerah Lesson 6

 

§ Cave Hira

§ First revelation

 

§ Waraqah Ibn Nawfal

 

 

 

 

The Prophet (sw) would stay in a cave on Mount Noor, called cave Hira to think and meditate.  Everyone in Makkah was doing wrong, they were not good people. Nor did they have morals or One being that they turned to. The Prophet (sw) wanted to get away from all this and spend time worshipping Allah alone.

He (sw) would stay in that cave for days, weeks even at a time and he would only come back for food etc.

It was in this small dark cave, whilst the Prophet (sw) was alone and meditating something incredible happened. It was the year 610, and in the special month of Ramadan.  A creature made of light

appeared and commanded

‘Read’, ‘Iqra!’

Surah Alaq- A Clot

‘Read in the name of your Lord, who created humans from a clinging clot. Read for your Lord is Generous. He is the one who taught people with the pen. He taught them things they did not know before….’  (96-1-5)

The angel then left the Prophet (sw) who was in a state of shock, he was afraid and rushed home to his wife Khadija (rd). He shouted ‘cover me’ ‘cover me’.

He (sw) said ‘What is happening to me.

I fear for myself!’

But his wife comforted him and reminded him he was a good person and Allah would not cause him pain.

Khadija (rd) said to her husband, ‘You have nothing to fear. God will never let you suffer because you are kind to your family, you speak the truth, you help those in need, you are generous to your guests and you support justice.’

 

Khadija went to her cousin

Waraqah Ibn Nawfal for advice.

 He was an old man and a good   Christian and she told him what had happened to Prophet Muhammad (sw).

 

He instantly realised Muhammad (sw) was a Prophet as the Christians and Hanifs at the time were waiting for a Prophet to come.

He told Khadija (rd) that the creature made of light was Angel Jibrael and he was the same angel that came to Musa (as) and the other prophets. And he told Muhammad told (sw) that he was the Prophet for these people.

He also warned Muhammad (sw) later near the Kabah that people would call him a liar, and treat him badly and even attack him. He said if God keeps me alive I will support you.

The Prophet’s mission had just begun at this special moment in Ramadan. The Prophet (sw) was 40 at the time.

 

 

Seerah Lesson 21: Battle of Badr

Seerah Lesson 20: Events leading to Badr

Seerah Lesson 5: Children of the Prophet, Zayd bin Thabit