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Marriage After A Hard Battle

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) settled in Madinah, he put relations among the different communities living in the city on a proper basis. There were the Muslims who were composed of two main groups: The Muhajirin who had migrated from Makkah, and the Ansar, or the Arabs who lived there but responded to the Prophet’s call and adopted Islam. Their numbers were always on the increase as more and more of their tribesmen and women adopted Islam every day. There were also the Arabs who retained their idolatrous beliefs and did not accept Islam. Their numbers might have been considerable to start with, but dwindled into insignificance as time passed. There was also the Jewish community which consisted of several tribes. The Prophet ordered a charter to be written down, organizing relations between all these groups. This became the first written constitution in the history of mankind. It established a pluralist society where different communities could live in peace and with mutual respect.

However, relations with the Jews did not run very smoothly, with one tribe after another violating this constitution or coming into open alliance with the enemies of the Muslim state. The result was the evacuation from Madinah of the three major Jewish tribes, one after another. By the end of the fifth year of the Prophet’s settlement there, Madinah became a largely Muslim city, with a small number of hypocrites pretending to be Muslim when they were truly unbelievers and a handful of others who remained idolaters. Now the Jews concentrated in the city of Khaybar, to the north of Madinah, from where they engaged in trying to forge a new alliance of forces. The Prophet moved quickly to forestall these efforts. He laid siege to Khaybar and its forts fell to him, one after another. He then made a peace agreement with the Jews, allowing them to stay and farm the land in return for half its produce.

When the battle was over, Safiyyah was brought to the Prophet. She, like many others of her people, was taken captive and faced a life of slavery. She was a young woman. Some reports suggest that she was only 17, but, most probably, this is inaccurate. She had been married twice before, with the second marriage taking place only a few months earlier. Her second husband, Kinanah ibn Al-Rabie, was killed during the battle. He was one of the main Jewish chiefs, exceedingly hostile to Islam and the Prophet. He had worked hard to stem the tide of Islam.

Thus, both Safiyyah’s father and husband were killed by the Muslims. Now she was being brought to face the Prophet because in her position the Muslims felt that he should be the one to decide her fate. As it happened, it was Bilal who led her, and another Jewish woman, through a yard where there were many bodies of people who were killed in the battle. The other woman wailed loudly, but Safiyyah adopted a dignified attitude. When the Prophet realized what had happened, he remonstrated with Bilal, saying: “Has mercy departed from your heart? How can you lead two women across a place where they would pass by the bodies of their killed people?”

What fate awaited Safiyyah? The Prophet looked at her and then offered her two alternatives: Either he would send her back to her people, or she would be set free and marry her. She chose the latter. He, therefore, assigned her to Umm Sulaym, to look after her and prepare her for the impending marriage. She needed to complete her waiting period first.

– By Adil Salahi

The Man Behind The Armor: Salah-ad-Din Al-Ayyubi

He defied the odds in an era of darkness. He set aside the criticism of those who called him crazy for wanting to do the seemingly impossible: uniting the Ummah, standing up to the Crusaders, and returning honor where it belonged. He was respected by both his friends and foes and is perhaps one of the few men whose name evokes feelings of honor and pride in the minds of so many people in every era and place.

He had the Crusaders chasing their tails in the battles of Alexandria, Hittin, Acre, Tyre, Beirut, Nablus, Haifa, Tiberius, Gaza, ‘Asqalan, Jerusalem, and dozens of other cities and towns across Sham and North Africa. He is popularly known as Salah-ad-Din the warrior.

But, who was the man behind the armor? How was he as a person, and as a Muslim? What personality does it take to carry out such heroic feats and achieve such a status?

In Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah (13/5-6), Ibn Kathir said that at the time of his death, Salah-ad-Din hardly had any money in his possession, and this was because:

“…of the immense amount of gifts and charity and kindness that he used to show the leaders and ministers under his command, and even to his enemies.

“He was very simple in his clothing, food, drink, and transportation. He would only wear cotton, linen, and wool. It is not known that he ever approached anything forbidden or discouraged, especially after Allah blessed him with his kingdom. Rather, his greatest concern and goal was to aid Islam.”

Ibn Kathir continued:
“He was very strict in praying on time in the jama’ah (congregation). It is said that he never missed a single prayer in jama’ah for a great part of his life, even during the illness that killed him. The imam would enter and lead him in prayer, and he would struggle to get up and pray despite his weakness.”

“He loved to hear the recitation of the Qur’an and the reading of hadith and knowledge. He was constant and habitual in listening to ahadith being read to him, to the point that he would hear a section read to him while he was standing between the ranks of soldiers!”
Ibn Kathir also mentioned: “He had a soft heart, and was easily swayed to tears when he would hear ahadith.

“And Salah-ad-Din was from the bravest of people, and the strongest of them in body and heart despite the illnesses and sickness his body suffered from. This was most evident during the Siege of Acre, where despite the massive numbers of the enemy, he only increased in power and bravery.”

He also said:
“He was generous, well-rounded, always laughing and smiling. He would never slack off in any good that he did. He was extremely patient when doing good and worshipping Allah.”

In ‘Siyar A’lam An-Nubala” (15/436), it’s mentioned that Al-Muwaffaq Abdul Latif said:
“I went to Salah-ad-Din while he was in Jerusalem, and I saw a king who filled eyes with amazement and hearts with love, whether they were near or far. The first night I spent with him, I found his gatherings filled with scholars engaged in knowledge. He would listen intently and participate in their discussions. He would learn how to build walls and dig trenches, and he would then do this himself, carrying the rocks on his own shoulders.”
Al-’Imad said in ‘As-Siyar’ (15/440):

“He would only wear what was permissible to wear, such as linen and cotton. His gatherings were free of vain talk, and they were only attended by the most virtuous of people. He loved to hear ahadith being read with their chains of narration. He was forbearing, honest, pious, pure, and trustworthy. He would contain himself and not become angry. He would never turn back someone in need or embarrass someone who spoke in front of him. He was extremely kind and charitable and I never saw him praying except in jama’ah.”

Adh-Dhahabi said about his death: “And I never saw a king whose death people were sad for except him. This is because he was loved by everyone: he was loved by the righteous and the wicked, the Muslim and the Kafir.” This was Salah-ad-Din Al-Ayyubi. This was the man behind the armor. This was his lifestyle and character, and it was nothing other than this that served as the platform for the amazing feats across the lands that we remember him for today.

Such lifestyle and character is something you will find common between all legends of Islam, whether scholars, leaders, or martyrs. You always find them paying great attention to the daily recitation of the Qur’an, studying the Shariah, giving lots of charity, avoiding useless talk, and living simple lives free of luxury and excessive comfort. This is really the way to success. There is no way you can dream of defending Shariah if you don’t even have the willpower to implement it in your daily life.

What is interesting is Salah-ad-Din wasn’t always like this. Adh-Dhahabi mentions in ‘As-Siyar’ (15/434 and 436):

“Since his time as a ruler, he abandoned alcohol and worldly pleasures.”
“He used to drink alcohol, and then repented from it.”

That’s right. Salah-ad-Din Al-Ayyubi – this righteous man who singlehandedly changed the course of history – loved to drink and indulge in worldly pleasures. But he repented and transformed his life. This small fact teaches us a mighty lesson: not everyone is born in a life of righteousness. The great people we love and admire were not born with virtue. It also gives us hope that no matter how insignificant or lost we think we are, we can become someone truly great In Sha Allah.

Man Without His Front Two Teeth

His name was Abu Ubaida ibn al-Jarrah and he was the ninth person to accept Islam. Participating in all of the battles led by Prophet Muhammad, during the first two caliphates he was the commander of an army in Syria and Iraq.

An incident occurred at the battle of Uhud which explains the title of this article.
Abu Bakr said, “The Prophet was injured in the battle of Uhud. A couple of links from his own helmet had pierced through his forehead, which was bleeding. I ran towards him, and then suddenly, what I should see but a friend
running towards him from the east. He raced him before me and I saw that it was the self-sacrificing Abu `Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrah.

He requested that I should give him the honor of removing the links from the helmet. With great care and at the same time with great force, he lost a tooth in the process. Then without bothering about the pain, he must be suffering, again he held on to the other link with his teeth and exerted force. As the other link came out, he lost another tooth as well. Thus two of his teeth were sacrificed, but his beloved Prophet was found relieved and comfortable.

It seemed as if he looked even more handsome and graceful than before with the loss of his two teeth because it was done for the love of the Prophet. All the other companions used to look at him with envious eyes. There the only criterion for judging the worth of a person was the extent to which he was willing to sacrifice himself for the Prophet.”
[Ref: Ghandanfar, Commanders of the Muslim Army]

NB. One of the customs of the Arabs in that era was to have a gap between their front two teeth. It was considered a sign of beauty. The comment in the quote about him looking more beautiful doesn’t relate to this custom of having a gap between one’s front teeth, but more because of the reason, it was done i.e. to help remove the links from the helmet.

A Test Too Hard

They came upon you from above and from below you. Your eyes rolled (with fear) and your hearts leapt up to your throats, and confused thoughts about God passed through your minds. That was a situation when the believers were sorely tested and severely shaken.

The hypocrites and the sick at heart said: “God and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusions.” Some of them said: “People of Yathrib! You cannot withstand (the attack) here, so go back.” And a group of them asked the Prophet’s permission to leave, saying: “Our houses are exposed,” while they were not exposed. They only wanted to run away. (The Confederates Al-Ahzab: 33: 10-13)

The Qur’an is not merely a book to be read and understood: it is a motivating force. Its texts are ready for implementation at every point. It only needs a heart that warms to it in circumstances that enable its resources to be fully tapped. We may read a particular Qur’anic text tens or hundreds of times, then we look at it again when we are facing a particular situation only to discover that it gives us what it had not given before. It provides a straight answer to our complex problem, shows a way that we overlooked, clears our doubts and replaces these with firm and perfect reassurance. Nothing else, old or new, gives us what the Qur’an gives.

The surah begins its discussion of the encounter with the confederate forces by reminding the believers of God’s favors when He repelled the armies that were intent on exterminating them. The first verse in the passage sums up the nature of the event, its beginning and end, before giving any details or explaining any attitudes. Thus, God’s favor is brought into focus so that the Muslims will always remember it. It also makes it clear that as God commands the believers to follow His revelations, place their trust in Him and not yield to the unbelievers or the hypocrites, it is also He who protects those advocating His message and code for human life against aggression: “Believers! Remember the blessings God bestowed on you when hosts came down upon you. We let loose against them a windstorm and hosts that you could not see. Yet God sees all that you do.” (Verse 9)

In this short opening verse we have a picture of the beginning and end of the battle, along with the decisive factors that combine to produce its result: the arrival of the enemy forces; God’s sending strong winds and other troops unseen by the believers; and His support which is dependent on their attitude and action as God is fully aware of all that they do.

The surah then gives details of the situation: “They came upon you from above and from below you. Your eyes rolled (with fear) and your hearts leapt up to your throats, and confused thoughts about God passed through your minds. That was a situation when the believers were sorely tested and severely shaken. The hypocrites and the sick at heart said: ‘God and His Messenger promised us nothing but delusions.’ Some of them said: ‘People of Yathrib! You cannot withstand (the attack) here, so go back.’ And a group of them asked the Prophet’s permission to leave, saying: ‘Our houses are exposed,’ while they were not exposed. They only wanted to run away.”

The verses paint an image of the whole of Madinah in the grip of great alarm and distress, with the idolaters of the Quraysh and Ghatafan allied with the Jews of Qurayzah moving in from all sides. These feelings of alarm and distress affected all of the people, but their reactions and responses differed. Needless to say, people’s thoughts about God, their behavior, and their evaluation of causes and results were much at variance. Therefore, the test was extremely difficult and the distinction between believers and hypocrites was decisive.

We can see today the whole situation: its elements, feelings, actions and reactions as if it were happening before our eyes. We see it though from the outside: “They came upon you from above and from below you.” We also see people’s reactions to what was unfolding: “Your eyes rolled (with fear) and your hearts leapt up to your throats.” This is a picture of profound fear, anxiety and distress, imparted through people’s expressions and feelings. “Confused thoughts about God passed through your minds.” The surah does not tell us about these thoughts in detail. In fact the adjective “confused” is implied rather than stated in the Arabic text. This gives a more vivid picture of the confusion in people’s feelings and ideas, leaving minds bewildered and perplexed. Such a state of fear and confusion is then further heightened: “That was a situation when the believers were sorely tested and severely shaken.”

A test that left the believers severely shaken must have been truly fearful. Muhammad ibn Maslamah and others said: “During the Moat Encounter our nights were days. The unbelievers took it in turns to confront us, with Abu Sufyan showing up at the head of his troops one day, Khalid ibn Al-Walid with his forces the next day, Amr ibn Al-As the next, Hubayrah ibn Wahb the next, followed by Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl, and lastly by Dirar ibn Al-Khattab. This was very hard for us, and people were really in fear.”

A further description of the state in which the Muslims found themselves is given by Al-Maqrizi in Imta Al-Asma: “The idolaters appeared at dawn, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) mobilized his companions and the two sides engaged in fighting throughout the day and part of the night. Neither the Prophet nor any Muslim could move out of position. The Prophet could not offer any of the Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib and Isha’ prayers. His companions said to him: ‘Messenger of God! We have not prayed.’ He said: ‘Nor have I.’ Then the idolaters withdrew and each side went back to their encampments. On another day, Usayd ibn Hudayr stood guard on the edge of the moat, at the head of 200 Muslims. Mounted forces of idolaters, commanded by Khalid ibn Al-Walid tried to take them unawares, but the two sides were engaged in fighting for sometime. Wahshi, who had killed Hamzah, the Prophet’s uncle, during the Battle of Uhud, stabbed Al-Tufayl ibn Al-Nu’man Al-Ansari with a spear and killed him. On that day, the Prophet said: ‘The idolaters have kept us from our middle prayer of Asr. May God fill their bellies and hearts with fire.'”

Ramadan In History – The Battle Of Badr

In these blessed days, the month of Ramadan, we remember the battle of Badr, which took place in the seventeenth of Ramadan, the second year of Hijrah. The battle plays a great role in the Islamic history as it was to determine the destiny of worshiping Allah on earth, and it was the first of a series of battles later. Muslims were not ready for such a war, they were only three hundreds and thirteen fighters, armed with a few weapons, seventy camels and two horses whereas the disbelievers were nine hundreds and fifty, armed with many weapons, seven hundreds camels, and hundred horses. Yet, Muslims decided to go for the battle with great persistence.

One could wonder how did those Muslims were encouraged to battle in such a critical situation and without hesitation?

It is sincere faith, relying on Allah and entrusting matters to Him. They turned to Allah for aid, implored Him with deep trust that He would never disappoint them. Allah who never break His promise, sent them angels to fight alongside them and it was a great victory.

Achieving victory in war needs preparation, well training and providing weapons, such causes of victory have to be well regarded by Muslims with complete reliance on Allah ,Lord of the Universe. Yet there are other causes that man can not interfere in, but are only caused by the Divine Decree, like weather conditions, rain, snow wind, and cloud; all this has great effect on the warfare Besides, men’s hearts are in the hands of their Creator; that’s faith is an essential key to victory, but it is controlled by Allah [swt]. Faith is the only factor lacked by the West. Muslims have to fill their hearts with faith, turn back to the path of Allah Almighty, and apply His law on earth.

How To Taste The Beauty Of Salah

“Successful indeed Are The Believers, Those Who Humble Themselves in Their Prayers…… These Will Be The Heirs, Who Will inherit Al Firdous : They Will Dwell Therein (for ever).” (23:1-11)

Do You Sometimes Feel That Your Salah (prayer) is Not Quite Having The Effect it is Supposed To Have On You And Your Life?

Have You Ever Considered That Perhaps it is Because We Are Not Giving it its Due Justice?

It Seems We Have Lost (or were never taught) That Ability To *connect* in Salah That Makes All The Difference in its Effect On Us.

Consider The Following Examples Of Those Who Came Before Us :

The Muslims Once Head Out With The Prophet (peace be upon him) On Way To Battle. During The Trip The Prophet Ordered Two Companions, One Of The Ansaar And One Of The Muhaajireen, To Stand Guard Over Them. As They Did The Muhaajer Decided To Rest While The Ansaari Chose To Stand in Prayer. Along Came A Nonbeliever And Cast An Arrow Striking The Ansari in The Chest.

The Ansari Pulled Out The Arrow And Continued in Prayer. The Non-Believer Struck Him With A Second Arrow. Again the Ansari removed it and continued His Prayer. A Third Arrow Was Cast But Now The Ansari Could No Longer Stand And Finally Fell Bleeding into His Rukuu And Sujood. The Aggressor Fled As The Muhaajer Rushed To His Brother’s Aid, “ Subhanallah !

Why Didn’t You Alert Me From The First Arrow ”

The Ansari Replied, “ I Was in The Middle Of A (beautiful) Sura And Didn’t Wish To interrupt My Recitation Of it.”

Imam Bukhari Was Once Stung By A Wasp 17 Times While Standing in Prayer. When He Finished, He Felt Some Discomfort And Asked if Anyone Was Aware Of What Caused it.

Ibn-Azzubair Stood Firm And Unflinching in His Prayer While Catapults Fired Upon The Ground He Stood On.

It was said that when Ali washed in preparation for prayer, He Always Went Pale And Trembled With Anxiety As He Thought Of Himself About To Stand Before His Lord.

Another companion needed an amputation. He requested that it be performed while he was engaged in Salah.

An entire wall collapsed in the mosque that one companion was praying in, but he was too engrossed to realize what happened till his prayer was completed.

How did they attain that level of pleasure and inner peace that Salah is meant to inspire? Is it possible for us to reach that level too? How can we make our Salah effective on our being like it should? This is what we hope to learn.

The Same Old Battle

None but the unbelievers dispute God’s revelations. Let it not deceive you that they seem to be able to do as they please on earth. Before their time the people of Noah rejected the truth, as did other groups and communities after them. Each of these communities schemed against the messenger sent to them, aiming to lay their hands on him. With false argument they strove to refute the truth, but then I took them to task. How awesome was My punishment! Thus your Lord’s word shall come true against the unbelievers: they will be the dwellers in the fire of hell.

(The Forgiving, Ghafir; 40: 4-6)

The opening of the surah established the truth of God’s oneness and His divine attributes. The surah now makes clear that this truth is accepted by all creatures. It is, in fact, firmly rooted in their nature and directly related to the nature of the universe. Only the unbelievers dispute these signs and argue about God’s revelations. Thus they are a class apart, choosing to be at odds with the universe and all other creatures within it.

“None but the unbelievers dispute God’s revelations.”

Throughout the entire expanse of the universe, only the unbelievers stand apart, deviating from the true path. In relation to the whole universe, they are weaker and less significant than an ant in relation to planet earth. When they stand on their own disputing God’s revelations and denying His signs, the rest of the universe declares its acceptance of Him and recognizes His oneness, deriving its strength from Him. With their odd attitude, the unbelievers’ fate is sealed, no matter how powerful, affluent and mighty they may appear to be: “Let it not deceive you that they seem to be able to do as they please on earth.”

They may be able to move about, gather wealth, enjoy their power and revel in easy living. However, they are ultimately doomed. The battle, if there could ever be a battle between them and the Creator of the universe, will lead to its inevitable end.

There were in former times communities that followed the same path. Their fate should make clear to the unbelievers what happens in the end to anyone who tries to stand against the power of the Almighty: “Before their time the people of Noah rejected the truth, as did other groups and communities after them. Each of these communities schemed against the messenger sent to them, aiming to lay their hands on him. With false argument they strove to refute the truth, but then I took them to task. How awesome was My punishment!”

5 Things About Battle Of Badr

The Battle of Badr took place on the seventeenth of Ramadan, two years after Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) Hijrah (emigration) to Madina. Here’s more information about the battle, which was the first armed conflict that the Muslims were ever engaged in.

  1. The Muslims went out of Madina to investigate a caravan that was returning to Makkah from Syria, not intending to engage in battle. The caravan escaped, but its leader Abu Sufyan managed to send word to Makkah, asking for forces to come and protect the caravan.
  2. The Makkan tribes marched with an enormous army of 1,000 men, 100 horses, 700 camels, and luxurious provisions to last for several days, while the Muslims numbered 313 ill-equipped men on 70 camels and a few horses.
  3. Led by the Prophet (PBUH), the Muslims marched forward and at the suggestion of a companion, Hubab Bin Mundhir, encamped south on the nearest water well, restricting the Makkans’ access to water.
  4. The Battle of Badr is one of the few battles explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an: “And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr when you were a weak little force. So fear Allah much that you may be grateful.” Qur’an: 3:123
  5. Many important Makkan leaders were killed or taken prisoner in this battle, the most noteworthy of whom was Abu Jahl, the archenemy of Islam. The Battle of Badr strengthened the Muslims’ status in Arabia as a strong force and consolidated the Muslims’ faith.

(Jihad) Today’s Hadith

Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “None is wounded in Allah’s Cause but will come on the Day of Resurrection with his wound bleeding. The thing that will come out of his wound will be the color of blood, but its smell will be the smell of musk.”

It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace upon him) said: Allah has undertaken to look after the affairs of one who goes out to fight in His way believing in Him and affirming the truth of His Apostles. He is committed to His care that Re will either admit him to Paradise or bring him back to his home from where he set out with a reward or (his share of) booty. By the Being in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad. If a person gets wounded in the way of Allah, he will come on the Day of Judgment with his wound in the same condition as it was when it was first inflicted; its color is the color of blood but its smell will be the smell of musk. By, the Being in Whose Hand is Muhammad’s life, if it were not to be too hard upon the Muslim. I would not lag behind any expedition which is going to fight for the cause of Allah. But I do not have abundant means to provide them (the Mujahids) with riding beasts, nor have they (i. e. all of them) abundant means (to provide themselves with all the means of Jihad) so that they could be left behind. By the Being in Whose Hand is Mubammgls lac, I love to fight in the way of Allah and be killed, to fight and again be killed and to fight again and be killed.

Narrated Abu Huraira:
I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “The example of a Mujahid in Allah’s Cause– and Allah knows better who really strives in His Cause—- is like a person who fasts and prays continuously. Allah guarantees that He will admit the Mujahid in His Cause into Paradise if he is killed, otherwise He will return him to his home safely with rewards and war booty.”

It has been narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira who said: Allah has undertaken to provide for one who leaves his home (only) to fight for His cause and to affirm the truth of His word; Allah will either admit him to Paradise or will bring him back home from where he had come out, with his reward and booty.

Abu Hurairah said: “I heard the Messenger of Allah صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم say: ‘The parable of Mujahid (who strives in the cause of Allah) — and Allah knows best who strives in the cause of Allah — is that of one who fasts and prays Qiyam (continually). Allah has promised Mujahid (who strives in His cause), that He will either cause him to die and admit him to Paradise or, He will bring him back safely with whatever he has earned of reward or spoils of war.” (Sahih)

It was narrated from Abu Sa’eed Al-Khudri that the Prophet said: “The one who fights in the cause of Allah has a guarantee from Allah. Either He will raise him to His forgiveness and mercy, or He will send him back with reward and spoils of war. The likeness of the one who fights in the cause of Allah is that of one who fasts and prays at night without ceasing until he returns.” (Hasan)