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Who Is Muhammad And How Did He Become A prophet And Messenger Of God

Who is Muhammad?

Muhammad [PBUH] was born in Makkah in the year 570, at a time when Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. Since his father died before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity, and sincerity, so he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative. Muhammad [peace be upon him] was of a deeply religious nature and had long detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the ‘Mountain of Light’ near Makkah.

How did he become a prophet and messenger of God?

At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad [pbuh] received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation continued for twenty-three years and is known as the Qur’an. As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecutions, which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijra, ‘migration’, in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.

After several years, the Prophet [peace be upon him] and his followers were able to return to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet [pbuh] died at the age of 63, the more significant part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his death, Islam had spread to Spain in the west and as far east as China.

What is the Ka’aba?

The Ka’aba is the place of worship that God commanded Abraham and Ishmael to build over four thousand years ago. The building was constructed of stone on what many believe was the original site of a sanctuary established by Adam. God commanded Abraham to summon all mankind to visit this place, and when pilgrims go there today they say ‘At thy service, O Lord’, in response to Abraham’s summons.

How did the spread of Islam affect the world?

Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its doctrine — Islam calls for faith in only One God worthy of worship. It also repeatedly instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation. Within a few years, great civilizations and universities were flourishing, for according to the Prophet [pbuh], ‘seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim man and woman’. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought with old brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history. Many crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and also the concept of the zero [vital to the advancement of mathematics], were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam. Sophisticated instruments which were to make possible the European voyages of discovery were developed, including the astrolabe, the quadrant, and good navigational maps.

Historical Background Of Sa’i Between Safa and Marwah

Ibn ‘Abbas said: ‘Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) brought Hajar, his wife, and her son Isma’il (peace be upon them), whom she was still nursing, and left them at (the site of) the House of Allah under a tree above the Zamzam. Makkah at that time was a place where there was neither water nor any dweller. He left a bag of dates and a container of water for them. Then Ibrahim (peace be upon him) turned to go away. Isma’il’s mother said to him, “O Ibrahim! Where are you going? And who are you leaving us to in this valley without a companion or a thing?” She repeated this several times but he did not respond. At last, she asked him, “Has Allah commanded you to do so?” He answered, “Yes.” Thereupon she said, “Then He will not let us perish!” (Bukhari) In another narration, we
read: “She asked him, ‘Who are you leaving us to?’ He answered, ‘To Allah’ where she responded, ‘I am satisfied,’ and turned back.”

Ibrahim left and when he reached a mountain pass where he could no longer see them, he turned his face toward the Kaaba and with his hands raised, supplicated, “O Our Lord! I have made of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation by your Sacred House; Our Lord, that they may establish regular prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, and feed them with fruits, so that they may give thanks!” (Qur’an 14.37)

Hajar sat under the tree with her baby next to her. She drank from her water container hanging nearby, and nursed her baby, until all the water she had was gone, and her milk dried out. Her son grew hungrier and hungrier. She could hardly bear to look at him. She went and stood at Safa – the hill nearest to her. She looked down the valley to see if someone was around to help. She could see no one. So, she climbed down Safa and reached the valley. She struggled hard, crossed the valley, and reached Marwah. She stood on Marwah and looked around. Still, she could see no one around. She repeated this seven times. Ibn ‘Abbas added, “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: ‘It is (to commemorate this walk) that pilgrims walk between Safa and Marwah.”‘

Fiqh-us-Sunnah
Fiqh 5.85

Glossary Of Hajj Related Terms

Adhan: The call to prayer (salat); is usually issued from the minaret of a mosque.

Arafat: A desert location approximately nine miles east of Makkah where the pilgrim spends the 9th of Zul Hijjah as a rite of Hajj. The waqfa is performed at Arafat.

Ayyam ut Tashreeq: The 11th, 12th, and 13th days of the month of Zul Hijjah. On these days, the pilgrim performs Rummy in Mina.

Dum: Also known as khaffarah. This is the atonement required of a pilgrim for a willful violation of a prohibition or obligation whilst in the state of Ihram.

Eid ul-Adha: The festival of sacrifice performed on the 10th day of Zul-Hijjah. An animal such as a sheep or goat has been sacrificed as a commemoration of Prophet Ibrahim’s (PBUH) willingness to sacrifice his son Ishmael for God.

Ezaar: Lower cloth of Ihram.

Hajj: Hajj is one of the five pillars or central duties of Islam. It is a set of acts of worship to be performed in and around Makkah at least once in a lifetime by every Muslim satisfying certain conditions. There are three types of Hajj (see below).

Hajj ul Ifrad: The type of Hajj where the pilgrim pronounces his niyyah (i.e.intention) to perform only Hajj at Miqat while changing into Ihram.

Hajj ul Qiran: The type of Hajj where the pilgrim pronounces his intention to perform both Umra and Hajj together with the same Ihram at Miqat.

Hajj ut Tamattu: The type of Hajj where the pilgrim pronounces his intention to perform only Umra at Miqat when changing into Ihram. A second niyyah, and a second change into Ihram follow on the 8th of Zul Hijjah for the performance of the remaining rites of Hajj.

Hajar ul Aswad: The sacred Black Stone built into the southeast corner of the Kaaba at a height of approximately four feet. The stone does not belong to the geology of the region and is a part of the original construction of the Kaaba by Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH). The Black Stone was personally installed in the wall of the Kaaba by the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) himself during its reconstruction following its destruction by a flash flood. The Prophet (PBUH) also kissed it during his Last (Farewell) Hajj. Thus, touching and kissing (Istilam) of Hajar ul Aswad during Umra and Hajj is considered sunnah.

Halq: The complete shaving of the head by the male pilgrim on the 10th of Zul Hijjah. This is the last thing he does before getting out of the state of Ihram. See Taqseer also. For female pilgrims, the requirements of Halq and Taqseer are satisfied if they trim their hair by approximately half an inch.

Haram ash Shareef: The mosque around the Kabah in Makkah, as well as the mosque in Medina. The latter, also known as Al-Masjid un Nabawi, contains within its premises the grave of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

Hateem: The area adjacent to the Kabah on its west side, is enclosed by a low semi-circular wall. Tradition has it that Hajar (wife of Prophet Ibrahim [pbuh]) is buried in this enclosure. It is highly recommended that the pilgrim should offer salat us sunnah and supplications to Allah in this area. However, this is not a part of the official rites of Hajj.

Idtiba: The mode of Ihram used during Tawaf ul Qudoom. The male pilgrim drapes one end of the top part of his Ihram over his left shoulder back-to-front. The other end goes across his back, under his right arm, across his front, and is finally draped over his left shoulder. Idtiba is not observed in any other type of Tawaf. Also, when the pilgrim offers salat us sunnah after Tawaf ul Qudoom or an obligatory salat during this Tawaf, he must cover both his shoulders. In other words, Idtiba is practiced only while actually performing Tawaf ul Qudoom. Female pilgrims wear no Ihram so that the question of Idtiba for them does not arise.

Ihram: The distinctive garb of the male pilgrim worn during Umra or Hajj. It consists of two pieces of white, plain, and unsewn cloth. One of the pieces (ezaar) is wrapped around the midriff to cover his body from just above his navel to his ankles, and the other (reda) is draped around his shoulders to cover the upper body. For ladies, their ordinary, and unpretentious clothes of daily wear constitute their Ihram.

Istilam: The act of kissing Hajar ul Aswad at the beginning and the end of every circumambulation (circuit) of the Kaaba during Tawaf. If it is not possible physically to kiss Hajar ul Aswad for any reason, the pilgrim may extend his hand to touch the Sacred Stone and then kiss his own hand. If even that is not possible, he may raise his hand towards Hajar ul Aswad and, thereafter, kiss his own hand.

Jamraat: The three stone pillars in Mina symbolically represent the locations where the devil (shaitan) attempted to tempt Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) away from the path of Allah. The pilgrim symbolically stones these pillars on the 10th through to the 13th of Zul Hijjah in commemoration of the rejection of the devil by Prophet Ibrahim, and of his steadfastness to the cause of Allah. The Jamraat are located within a few hundred feet of one another in a line and are named as follows:

Jamrat ul Kubra: The last stone pillar in the line. This is also called Jamrat ul Uqabah.

Jamrat ul Oola: The first stone pillar in the line.

Jamrat ul Wusta: The second (middle) stone pillar in the line.

Kaaba: A cubic structure originally built by Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) and his eldest son Ishmael. It is now housed within the Haram ash Shareef in Makkah. During Hajj, the essential rite of Tawaf is performed around the Ka’bah. Every day, millions of Muslims perform prayers (salat) facing the direction of the Ka’bah.

Kaffarah: Another name for Dum

Marwah: A rocky hillock located approximately one hundred yards from the Ka’bah inside Al Masjid ul Haram. The pilgrim performs the devotional rite of Sai between the hillocks of Safa and Marwah.

Mahram: The husband, or a male companion of a female pilgrim to whom her marriage is expressly prohibited by the shariah (e.g., father, brother, uncle, nephew, etc.) A woman must be accompanied by a Mahram for Umra and Hajj.

Makam-o-Ibrahim: The stepping stone used by Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) during the original construction of the Ka’bah. The stone carries the imprints of his feet and is housed in a glass enclosure on the north side of the Kabah.

Masjid ul Haram: The mosque around the Kabah is also known as Haram ash Shareef.

Mes’aa: The stretch between Safa and Marwah. See also Sai.

Miqat: An imaginary boundary around Makkah. A prospective pilgrim cannot cross this boundary without first changing into Ihram. This boundary is anchored by different townships and localities in different directions (Zul Hulaifa in the north, Yalamlam in the south-east, Dhat Irq in the north-east, Juhfah in the north-west, Qarn ul Manazil in the east.) The pilgrim changes into Ihram at Miqat and pronounces his intention to perform Umra or Hajj. For people living inside the Miqat permanently, their place of residence is their Miqat.

Mina: A desert location approximately three miles east of Makkah where several rites of Hajj are performed.

Muallim: A knowledgeable professional who can guide the pilgrim during Hajj. Also called a Mutawwif.

Muhrim: A pilgrim in the state of Ihram

Multazam: The part of the Ka’bah between its door and Hajar ul Aswad. This is a specially sacred part of the Ka’bah. It is recommended that, if possible, the pilgrim should touch the Ka’bah at Multazam and offer supplications to Allah. However, this is not a part of the official rites of Hajj.

Mutamatti: One who has performed Hajj ut Tamattu.

Mutawwif: A knowledgeable professional who can guide the pilgrim during Hajj. Also called a Muallim.

Muzdalifah: A desert location approximately midway between Mina and Arafat. The pilgrim spends the night of the 10th of Zul Hijjah here.

Namira: A mosque in Arafat

Niyyah: Intention. All acts of worship are preceded by an appropriate niyyah.

Qarin: One who has performed Hajj ul Qiran

Qasr: The mode of shortened prayers is usually offered when on a journey.

Qibla: The direction (towards the Ka’bah) that Muslims face praying.

Ramal: The ritual where male pilgrims are required to walk briskly with their chests thrust forward and with their shoulders rolling slightly during the first three circuits of Tawaf ul Qudoom. Ladies are not required to practice Ramal

Reda’: The upper cloth of Ihram.

Rummy: The act of symbolically stoning the devil (shaitan) in Mina on the 10th through to the 13th of Zul Hijjah. This commemorates the tradition that Prophet Ibrahim (PBUH) was tempted three times by the devil but rejected all three of the devil’s attempts by stoning him and driving him away. These three locations are symbolized by three stone pillars (jamaraat) in Mina.

Safa: A small hillock approximately half a mile from the Kabah, inside Al-Masjid ul Haram. The pilgrim performs the act of Sai (or ‘running’) between Safa and Marwah.

Sai: The act of walking seven times back and forth between the rocky hillocks of Safa and Marwah. This act retraces the footsteps of Hajar (wife of Prophet Ibrahim), during her desperate search for water to quench the thirst of her infant son Ishmael after they were left in the desert by Prophet Ibrahim (pbuh) in response to a divine vision.

Salat: Obligatory or supererogatory prayers.

Shawt: One complete circumambulation, or circuit, of the Kabah. Each shawt (pl. ashwaat) starts and ends at Hajar ul Aswad. Seven ashwaat constitute one Tawaf.

Talbiyah ra: A recital of the following words by the pilgrim during Umra and Hajj:
Labbaik Allah humma labbaik Labbaik la sharika laka labbaik Innal hamda Wan-ni’mata Laka walmulk Laa sharika lak. Meaning: O my Lord, here I am at Your service, here I am. There is no partner with You, here I am. Truly the praise and the provisions are Yours, and so is the dominion and sovereignty. There is no partner with You.

Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) – The Preceptor Of Love

The Holy Qur’an and the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) are explicit ratifications of the latter’s unique and exalted status amongst the entire mankind. Since many people follow no religion or religion other than Islam, an explanation based on scientific discoveries supported by Qur’an and Prophet’s life will be easier, more convincing, and more logical for them.

I have tried, here in this write-up, to uphold Prophet Mohammad’s position as the most revered apostle of Allah, on this planet, through a common, non-religious, and scientific perspective, since non-believers may find it difficult to accept only Qur’anic testimonies willingly.

Science basically deals with matter and its variable characteristics in different circumstances and while in contact with different solids, liquids, and gases.

The results not only enhance man’s knowledge but leave him awestruck at times, but it is a fact that Divine revelation is the re-affirmation of the fact that celestial knowledge is the most appropriate tool for guiding inherently the limited human intellect.

That’s why Allah despite giving senses and brain to man has regularly, at intervals, selected/appointed his messengers, from the very same people, who were taught by divine revelations and given knowledge about the man’s physical relation to soul and that of soul’s relation to the Almighty and warning about the accountability of performance in this world, in terms of good or bad.

Prophet Muhammad was chosen as the last Messenger of Allah; therefore, his teachings based on revelations sent down to him shall stand true and final for all human beings till the day of resurrection.

Mankind is the superb creation of Allah. The whole universe is so diligently designed that it supports the survival and existence of life and its necessaries. A question can be asked: “What would happen if the rotation axis of the earth is changed”? Scientists believe it is impossible but a close encounter with another body of a planet-size can do it and it will create tectonic upheavals. The surface of the earth would become molten. One would possibly survive it and the biosphere+atmosphere would be transfigured. The only survivors would be bacteria.

The Qur’an says: “You will not find any disorder or haphazardness in the creations of Allah, e.g.: you look at the sky and look at it again and again, you will not find any rifts on its surface or at the end. (67:3)

Lightning and thunder during the rainy season is a common thing to note. Sometimes, it is so strong and loud that one shivers at the thought of its possible devastation.

It is later learned that every minute there are 1,000 cyclones of various magnitudes erupting on the earth and every minute 6,000 flashes of lightning take place in the world.

The temperature at the source of originating point of lightning rises to 54,000 F, which is approximately five times more than the temperature of the sun.

And the lightning path is naturally to the ground and it needs the nearest point i.e. the highest structure to reach the ground, but the clouds conditions are so designed by nature that most of the time the lightning dissipates in the clouds only and once in a while out of 6,000 times of daily lightning, it strikes the earth or some structure on the earth. We just think it as normal but it is not. It is the part of the system that is running for the survival of mankind on the earth.

The Qur’an says: “He it is Who has made the earth subservient to you ( i.e. easy for you to walk, to live and to do agriculture on it); so walk in the path thereof and eat of His provision. And to Him will be the Resurrection. And: “Do you feel secure that He, Who is over the heaven (Allah), will not cause the earth to sink with you, and then it should quake?” (67:15-16)

So fine and delicate an adjustment is not a mere coincidence.

Earthquakes, tsunamis, and landslides, and volcanoes are all fine examples for the believers in the powers of Allah’s grip on everything and they do righteous deeds and always ask His forgiveness for mistakes and reward of paradise in return.

The Qur’an says: “Who has made the earth for you like a bed (spread out); and has opened roads (ways and paths) for you therein, and has sent down water (rain) from the sky. And We have brought forth with it various kinds of vegetation. eat and pasture your cattle (therein); verily, in this are Ayat (proofs and signs) for men of understanding. (20-53-54).

At another place, the Qur’an says: “Allah has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, an asylum for security and benefits (e,g. Haj and Umrah) for mankind…” (5-97)

Further, if we draw a circle with a diameter of 8,039 km, its center will be Makkah, covering old continents with slight margins. If the diameter is made 13,300 km, then Makkah also becomes the center for new continents, covering Australia, North and South America. Thus, the Kaaba, the epicenter of Muslim worship, in Makkah falls exactly in the center point of the arid land of the Earth. (It is an established fact that cannot merely be a coincidence).

The Prophet’s Night Journey: Incidents And Significance

AS far as the issue of the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) night journey (Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi’raj) is concerned, we’d deal with it from the following dimensions:

1. Its time and incidents
As for its exact date, it is still controversial and no consensus has been reached. However, the majority of scholars are in favor of a date between 16-12 months prior to the Prophet’s (PBUH) migration to Madina.

It was during this period that the Prophet (PBUH) was made to undertake a night journey from the Kaaba to Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. Then he was borne to the celestial regions where he witnessed the seven Heavens, met the Prophets (of yore and saw the remarkable signs of divine majesty about which the Qur’an says: “The sight (of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him) turned not aside (right or left) nor it transgressed beyond the limit (ordained for it). Indeed he (Muhammad, peace be upon him) did see of the Great Signs, of his Lord.”(Surah 53: 17-18)

The occurrence of the event at that time was meant to confer honor upon the Prophet (PBUH). It signified something like viands of higher regale in order to console and alleviate the feelings of distress caused to him by the persecution of the pagans at Taif. After the incident of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi’raj, the Prophet (PBUH) told the people about his nocturnal journey, but the Quraysh mocked him and shook their heads in disbelief stating that it was inconceivable and beyond the bounds of reason. When Abu Bakr (Allah be pleased with him) saw the Quraysh accusing the Prophet (PBUH) of falsehood, he said, “What makes you wonder about it? If he said this, then it must be true. By Allah, he tells me that the revelation is sent down to him from Heaven in a flash or in an instant during the day or night and I believe him. This is even more unimaginable and difficult than what seems to astound you.”

2. Real significance of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi’raj
The journey of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi’raj did not occur in a routine or ordinary run of things. It was only to demonstrate the profound phenomena of the Kingdom of Allah in the Heavens and the earth to the Prophet (PBUH) of Islam. More than that, such a prophetic journey of tremendous importance alludes to a number of other significant and complex realities of far-reaching concern to humanity.

The two Qur’anic chapters (Surahs) of Al-Israa’ and An-Najm revealed in connection with this Heavenly journey indicate that Muhammad (peace be upon him) was charged with the office of prophethood for both the Houses of Allah, those in Jerusalem and Makkah, and was sent as the leader of the East and the West or the entire human race until the end of time.

As the inheritor of all the Prophets (peace be upon them all) of old, he represented the fulfillment and consummation of mankind’s religious development. His nightly journey from Makkah to Jerusalem expresses, in a figurative way, that his personality conformed and alluded to the oneness of Al-Masjid Al-Haram at Makkah and Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa at Jerusalem. That all the Prophets (peace be upon them all) arrayed themselves behind him in Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa shows that the doctrine of Islam, preached by him, was final, universal and all-comprehensive, meant for every class and section of human society throughout the ages.

The event is, at the same time, indicative of the comprehensiveness of the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH) and the place accorded to his followers in the great task of humanity’s guidance and the distinctive character of his message.

Frankly speaking, the incident of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi’raj represents a demarcation line between the regional, limited, and variable rules of divine guidance entrusted to the Prophets of old and the global, comprehensive, and abiding principles of faith conferred on the universal leader of the human race. Had the Prophet (peace be upon him) been a sectional or regional guide, a national leader, the savior of any particular race or the restorer of the glory of any particular people, there would have been no need to honor him with the ascension to the Heavens nor would he have been required to perceive the hidden phenomena of the Heavens and the earth. Nor would it have been necessary to create a new link between the celestial and the earthly boundaries of the Divine Kingdom; in that case, the confines of his own land, his surroundings environs, and the times would have been sufficient enough and there would have been no need for him to divert his attention to any other land or country. Neither his ascension to the most sublime regions of the Heavens and to the “Lote-Tree of the Farthest Limit” or even the nocturnal journey to the far-away Jerusalem, then in the grip of the powerful Christian Empire of Byzantium, would have been necessary at all.

The Journey of Al-Israa’ and Al-Mi’raj of the Prophet (PBUH) was a divine proclamation that he had nothing to do with the category of national or political leaders whose endeavors are limited to their own country and nation, for they serve the nations and races to which they belong and a product of their time, they serve the need of a particular juncture. The Prophet (PBUH) of Islam, on the contrary, belonged to the luminous line of the Messengers of Allah (peace be upon them all) who communicate the inspired message of Heaven to the earth. They are links between Allah and His creatures.

3. The prescription of prayer
On this occasion, Allah made 50 prayers a day obligatory for the Prophet (PBUH) and his followers. The Prophet (PBUH) constantly implored Allah for the reduction of the prayers until the Lord was also pleased to limit these to only five times daily. The Lord was also pleased to declare that whoever properly performs these five-times daily prayers would be recompensed for all the 50 daily prayers enjoined earlier.