Methods adopted by the polytheists in fighting the Da'wah

The polytheists unanimously agreed to fight the Da‘wah (Islamic call), which was exposing the vices of their reality, insulting their gods, and belittling their opinions, thoughts and conceptions about Allah The Almighty, life, man and the universe. Hence, they adopted several methods to put an end to the Da‘wah and silence it or at least limit its spread.

First: The Quraysh attempted to stop Abu Taalib from protecting and supporting the Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ).

The people of the Quraysh went to Abu Taalib and said, “Your nephew has harmed us in our gatherings and our mosque, so forbid him from doing so.” Therefore, Abu Taalib addressed the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) saying, “Your cousins allege that you harm them in their gatherings and mosque, so stop doing so.” The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) looked to the sky and said: “Do you see the sun?” “Yes,” was the answer. He then said: “It is impossible for me to stop promoting this issue [and in another narration, ‘…to stop spreading what I have been sent with’] just as it is impossible for you to kindle a flame from it [the sun].” Thereupon, Abu Taalib said, “By Allah, my nephew has never lied, so leave in peace.”

Later on, the Quraysh tried repeatedly to exert pressure on the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) through his family but failed.

The protection provided for the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) by his uncle Abu Taalib and his determination to continue supporting him were circulated, and this truly troubled the Quraysh. Hence, they went to Abu Taalib once again accompanied by ‘Imaarah bin Al-Waleed bin Al-Mugheerah, and said, “O Abu Taalib! We have brought you the smartest and most handsome young man of the Quraysh so that you may make use of his blood money [if he happens to be killed] and strength, and take him as a son in exchange for your nephew, who has run counter to your religion, brought about social discord, and found fault with your way of life, so that we can kill him and rid you of his endless troubles; just man for man.” Abu Taalib's reply was, “This is really an unfair bargain. You give me your son to bring him up and I give you my son to kill him! By Allah, this is something incredible!”

Indeed, one stands astonished before the chivalry of Abu Taalib with the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ). He linked his fate with that of his nephew Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) and even utilized his position as the leader of the Banu Haashim in joining the Banu Haashim and the Banu Al-Muttalib [both Muslims and polytheists] in a single allegiance to sacrifice their lives in defense of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ). Abu Taalib provided his nephew with unconditional protection. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) made use of these pre-Islamic traditions in serving Islam. When Abu Taalib saw that the Quraysh were antagonizing the Banu Haashim and the Banu Al-Muttalib, he called them to join him in his stand regarding protecting the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ). Hence, they all responded to him, with the exception of the enemy of Allah, Abu Lahab.

Abu Taalib praised his people for their courageous and sympathetic stand, referring to the virtues of Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) and his status among them to strengthen their determination and encourage them to continue supporting him.

When Abu Jahl tried to violate this protection given to the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) Hamzah, may Allah be pleased with him, confronted him, wounding him in the head saying, “Do you insult Muhammad while I am following his religion! Try to revenge yourself on me if you dare!”

It was a unique phenomenon to see the polytheists protecting the one who insulted their gods and belittled their opinions and beliefs. Furthermore, they, in the name of these traditions, were ready to sacrifice their souls and engage in wars in defense of Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ).

When Abu Taalib feared that the Arab demagogues could defeat him and his people, he composed a poem seeking refuge with the sanctity of Makkah and his status in it. In this poem, he ingratiated himself with the nobles among his people, yet, he insisted that he would never let Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) down even if the price was his own life.

Abu Taalib sought refuge with Al-Masjid Al-Haraam and all the sanctuaries in it swearing that he would never let Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) down even if blood flowed and battles grew fierce with the other clans of the Quraysh. He also censured the leaders of the Banu ‘Abd Manaaf, who forsook him, by their names. Those leaders included ‘Utbah bin Rabee‘ah, Abu Sufyaan bin Harb, and Al-Mut‘im bin ‘Adiyy, the leader of the Banu Nawfal.

It was a great victory for the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) to win his uncle over to his side. The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) succeeded in making use of tribal traditions to win the protection of his clan against any assault. He was given freedom of movement and thought, which indicates that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) fully understood his reality. This is a very important lesson for Islamic callers to deal with their environment and societies, and to make use of laws and traditions in serving the Religion of Allah The Almighty.

Second: The attempt to defame the call of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ).

The Makkan polytheists attempted to defame the call of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‎‎‘alayhi wa sallam and hence, the Quraysh organized a propaganda war against him with the aim of defaming him. This war was led by Al-Waleed bin Al-Mugheerah, who met a group of the Quraysh when the Hajj season was due. He was a ‎man of some standing, and he addressed them in these ‎words, “The time of the Hajj season has come round ‎again, and representatives of the Arabs will come to you, and ‎they must have heard about this fellow of yours. Therefore, agree upon ‎one opinion without dispute so that none will belie the ‎other.”

They replied, “Give us your opinion about him.” ‎

He said, “No, you speak and I will listen.”

They said, “He is a ‎soothsayer.”

He said, “By Allah, he is not, for he has not the ‎unintelligent murmuring and rhymed speech of the soothsayers.” ‎

“Then he is possessed,” they proposed.

“No, he is not that,” he ‎said, “We have seen possessed people, and there is no ‎choking, spasmodic movements or whispering [in Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention )].”

“Then he is ‎a poet,” they said.

“No, he is no poet, for we know poetry in all ‎its forms and meters.”

“Then he is a sorcerer.”

“No, we have ‎seen sorcerers and their sorcery, and there is no blowing and ‎no knots.”

“Then what are we to say, O Abu ‘Abd Shams?” ‎they asked.

He replied, “By Allah, his speech is sweet, his ‎root is as a palm-tree whose branches are fruitful, and ‎everything you have said would be known to be false. The ‎nearest thing to the truth is your saying that he is a sorcerer ‎who has brought a message by which he separates a man ‎from his father, or from his brother, or from his wife or from ‎his family.”‏ ‏‎

Allah The Almighty revealed the following verses about Al-Waleed (which mean): {Leave Me with the one I created alone. And to whom I granted extensive wealth. And children present [with him]. And spread [everything] before him, easing [his life]. Then he desires that I should add more. No! Indeed, he has been toward Our verses obstinate. I will cover him with an arduous torment. Indeed, he thought and deliberated. So may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. Then may he be destroyed [for] how he deliberated. Then he considered [again]; Then he frowned and scowled; Then he turned back and was arrogant. And said, “This is not but magic imitated [from others]. This is not but the word of a human being.” I will drive him into Hell.} [Quran 74:11-26]

This story shows that the propaganda war that was waged against the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) was not conducted haphazardly; rather, the leaders of the disbelievers ran this war precisely and in accordance with the same rules that are adopted in psychological and ideological war in modern times. These rules include choosing the suitable time (they chose the time when people gather during the Hajj season), agreement and avoiding discrepancy in addition to many other rules that guarantee that their campaign would be organized, influential and fruitful. In addition to choosing the right time, they chose the right place to reach all the delegations that would come to Makkah.

This tradition also shows the greatness of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) and his ability to affect his audience through the Quran. Al-Waleed bin Al-Mugheerah was one of the key leaders of the Quraysh, yet the Quran affected him, and he acknowledged its greatness despite the fact that it is natural for such a leader to be arrogant and haughty. However, he did so in response to the call of reason.

This organized propaganda war failed to besiege the Da‘wah of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ); rather, he succeeded in breaking the siege imposed by the enemies who did not think it was sufficient to alienate the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) from the inhabitants of Makkah and defame him before them. They began receiving those who would come to visit Makkah to poison their minds, and prevent them from even listening to his words so as not to be affected by his call, because the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) was very successful in his Da‘wah and in affecting whoever listened to him.

The Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) would impress whoever sat with him with his demeanor and solemnity, even before he spoke to them. However, when he spoke, he would captivate his audience with his eloquence that was rooted in sound logic, passion that was full of love, purity and a sincere intention to guide the Ummah (Muslim nation) in accordance with the Divine revelation.

There are many examples that prove the success of the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) in breaking the tough siege that the leaders of Makkah tried to impose on him such as his stand with Dhimaad Al-Azdi, ‘Amr bin At-Tufayl Ad-Dawsi, Abu-Tharr and ‘Amr bin ‘Abasah, may Allah be pleased with them.

Calling the Tribes to Islam

Years passed from when the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), had begun calling the people of Makkah to Islam. They met his Da‘wah (call) with stubbornness and harmed him severely, but he endured all the hardships he met with great patience. The Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), wanted to spread his Da‘wah outside Makkah, hoping that he might find people there who would listen to him and realize that he was telling the truth and thus believe in him. He wished that some of the chieftains would believe in his Da‘wah and enable him to spread his guidance and provide protection for his poor and weak followers. Therefore the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), focused his Da‘wah on certain tribes and their chiefs. During the fourth year of his mission, he began going to other tribes and continued calling people in the pilgrimage season to Islam. He took advantage of their gathering in that season and would call them to Islam every year. He would even explain Islam to each tribe separately, saying words to the effect of: “O Banu so–and-so, I am the Messenger of Allah who orders you to worship Him without associating any partner with Him and to give up everything that you worship other than Him. He also orders you to believe in me and protect me until I deliver the message that He has sent me with.” Moreover, whenever he would hear that any honorable or noble person would be visiting Makkah, he would go to him and call him to Islam.

Quraysh would receive the coming tribes with insults for the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), and undermining his Da‘wah while trying to dissuade them from accepting it. His uncle Abu Lahab would follow him and drive people away from him. Among the tribes that the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), called were: Banu ‘Aamir ibn Sa‘sa‘ah, Muhaarib ibn Khasafah, Fazaarah, Ghassaan, Murrah, Haneefah, Sulaym, ‘Abs, Banu Nasr, Kindah, Kalb, Al-Haarith ibn Ka‘b, and ‘Uthrah.

The Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), was a wise man. He would go to these tribes at night so that the disbelievers would not see him. He was magnificent in the way he called people to Islam and would begin his speech with a proper introduction. When calling Banu Kalb, for instance, he started by saying: “O Banu ‘Abdullaah, Allah has chosen a good name for your father!”Despite the fact that people would reject the Da‘wah of the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), he was patient and would seek the reward of Allah. He had a heart of gold, which was clear in a Hadeeth on the authority of the Mother of Believers, ‘Aa’ishah, who said that she asked the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), “Have you encountered a day harder than the day of the Battle of ‘Uhud?" The Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) replied:"Your people made me suffer a lot, and the worst thing I suffered at their hands was what happened to me on the day of Al-‘Aqabah when I presented myself to Ibn ‘Abd- Yaaleel ibn ‘Abd-Kulaal and he did not respond to my request. So I left, overwhelmed with excessive sorrow, and wandered around until I found myself at Qarn Ath-Tha‘aalib where I lifted my head towards the sky to see a cloud shading me unexpectedly. I looked up and saw Jibreel(Gabriel) in it. He called me saying, ‘Allah The Exalted heard what your people said to you and has sent the Angel of the Mountains to you so that you may order him to do whatever you wish to those people.' The Angel of the Mountains called and greeted me, and then said, 'O Muhammad! If you like, I will let Al-’Akhshabayn (i.e. two huge mountains surrounding Makkah) fall on them.'"The Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said: “No, but I hope that Allah will let them beget children who will worship Him alone and will associate nothing with Him.”[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

In the eleventh year of the Mission and during the pilgrimage season, the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) met a group of young men from Yathrib (the former name of Al-Madeenah), from the tribe of Al-Khazraj, who were very sensible. They accepted his Da‘wah and took him with them to Al-Madeenah. Moreover, some other individuals responded to him, such as Tufayl ibn ‘Amr Ad-Dawsi, may Allah be pleased with him and Dhimaad Al-Azdi, may Allah be pleased with him, from Yemen, who went back to their people and called them to Islam.

In fact, Islam always finds a way to sound hearts, while those whose hearts are blocked will continue their deviation in disbelief and stubbornness. This is the Grace of Allah that He grants to whomever He wants. Allah is the Possessor of great bounty.

The belying of Messengers is a norm

“I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people will turn you out.” The Messenger of Allah  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) asked: “Will they drive me out?” Waraqah replied in the affirmative and said, “No man ever came with something similar to what you have brought except he was treated with hostility. If I should remain alive till the day when you will be turned out, then I would support you strongly.” [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

This Hadeeth shows that one of the norms of the nations with their callers to Allah The Almighty is belying and eviction. Allah The Almighty Says (what means) about the people of Prophet Loote (Lot), may Allah exalt his mention: {But the answer of his people was not except that they said, “Expel the family of Lot from your city. Indeed, they are people who keep themselves pure.”} [Quran 27:56]

Allah The Almighty Says about the people of Shu‘ayb, may Allah exalt his mention, (what means): {Said the eminent ones who were arrogant among his people, “We will surely evict you, O Shu'ayb, and those who have believed with you from our city, or you must return to our religion.” He said, “Even if we were unwilling?”} [Quran 7:88]

Also, Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And those who disbelieved said to their Messengers, “We will surely drive you out of our land, or you must return to our religion.” So their Lord inspired to them, “We will surely destroy the wrongdoers.”} [Quran 14:13]

Main Prophets

Noah (Nooh), may Allah exalt his mention

The Holy Books of Judaism, Christianity and Islam speak the same way about Prophet Noah and the great flood. The Quran tells us that he was a Messenger who lived for 950 years. He selflessly dedicated his life to preaching to his people the belief in one God, to leave worshiping idols and statues and to be merciful to the weak and the needy. He told them about the signs of God's Power and Mercy and warned them about the urgent punishment of the Day of Judgment, but they were very stubborn and ignored his warnings. Allah punished them with the great flood and saved only the believers who followed the Prophet.

There is a chapter in the Holy Quran about Prophet Noah. His story is detailed in one of the longest chapters of the Quran (HUD: 11), with more details about the flood and the ship including these points:

He asked them to serve Allah and keep their duty unto Him, that He may forgive their sins.

He called them night and day, but they thrust their fingers in their ears and persisted in their refusal.       

He asked them to seek pardon of their ever Forgiving Lord and He will help them with wealth and sons, and will assign unto them gardens and rivers and a good life.

Allah The Almighty told Noah, that none of these people will believe except those who have believed already, so build the ship under Our eyes and by Our inspiration. When his people passed by him, they made a mockery of him.

When he finished building the ship, Allah ordered Noah to load therein two of every kind, a pair (the male and female), his household, and those who believed.

And it was said: O earth! Swallow your water and, O sky! be cleared of clouds! And the water was made to subside. And the commandment was fulfilled. And as the ship came to rest upon (the mount) AI-Judi with Noah and the believers, humanity was given another opportunity for a new beginning.

Abraham (Ibraaheem), may Allah exalt his mention

Prophet Abraham is one of the most brilliant personalities in the history of religion, morals; social life and fatherhood.

He really isthe Father of Prophets because Allah The Almighty chose many Prophets from his offspring like Isaac, Jacob, David and their sons, along with Ishmael the forefather of the last Messenger Mohammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon them all.

There are long chapters in the Quran about Prophet 'Abraham. His biography and glorious deeds are mentioned in different places of the Quran.

Abraham thought about the oneness of the Creator from when he was young. He entered into serious debates with the monks of his day, refuting their tendency to worship idols, stars and fire.

He told them that these idols are not worthy or eligible of worship, so they tried to burn him alive. Allah saved him and chose him as a Prophet.

He was a Prophet, model father and a model son. Here are some glimpses about his life mentioned in the Quran:

Abraham was a very obedient son to his disbelieving father, kind and very patient. [Quran 19: 42-47]

“Allah did show' him the kingdom of the heavens and the earth that he might be of those possessing certainty.” [Quran 6: 75]

He debated with His people about the false celestial gods and declared that he cannot worship them because they are not worthy. [Quran 6, 76-79]

Allah The Almighty mentioned him in the Quran as a chosen one: “And mention in the Book (the story of) Abraham. Indeed, he was a man of truth and a Prophet.” [Quran 19:41]

Allah gave him the wisdom and ability to affect others:“And that was Our [conclusive] argument which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise by degrees whom We will. Indeed, your Lord is Wise and Knowing.” [Quran 6:83] 

Moses (Moosa), may Allah exalt his mention

Prophet Moses was a major Prophet and a leader who freed the Children of Israel from the oppression of Pharaoh; he is not only referred to in Judaism and Christianity, but also in Islam. Theta is information about Prophet Moses in the Quran as well as in the Old and the New Testaments.

Prophet Moses is the most frequently mentioned of all Prophets in the Quran; 136 times in thirty-four chapters and he is included in the authenticated sayings of Prophet Mohammad.

The birth of Moses and his entrance to the Pharaoh's palace, his trip to Madyan, selection as a Prophet, dispatch to the Pharaoh to save the Children of Israel, struggle with Pharaoh and the exodus of the Children of Israel from Egypt, revelation of divine commands on Mount Sinai, events in the desert and his leadership of the Children of Israel are all discussed in the Quran.

In the Quran, it is mentioned that Moses was chosen above other men with the mission Allah had entrusted to him. The words that Allah had spoken to him (Quran 7:143),the fact that he was covered with the garment of love from Allah; as well as being reared under Allah's eye [Quran 20:39]; all indicate the preparation of Moses' for Allah's service [Quran 20:41].

In the Quran, Moses is depicted as a Prophet who gives glad tidings about the coming of Prophet Muhammad; the Quran also tells us that the coming of an illiterate Prophet was mentioned in the Old Testament. [Quran 7:157]

In Islamic tradition Moses is called (Kalimullbh) (Whom the Lord spoke to) because Allah spoke to him and revealed His verses to him directly.

 Jesus ('Eesa), may Allah exalt his mention

Jesus in Islam is a Messenger of God who had been sent to guide the Children of Israel (Bani lsraeel) with a new scripture, the Injil (gospel).

The Quran states that Mary gave birth to Jesus without a man having touched her, a miraculous event which occurred by the decree of God.

Allah Says what means: “And mention, [O Mohammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place towards the east... Then We sent to her Our Angel [i.e. Gabriel], and he represented himself to her as a well - proportioned man... He said, "I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you [news of] a pure boy [i.e. son]." She said, "How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and 1 have not been unchaste?" He said, "Thus (it will be]; your Lord says, 'it is easy for Me and We will make hiln a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter (already] decreed.”[Quran 19:16-21].

To aid him in his mission, Jesus was given the ability to perform miracles, with the permission of Allah. According to Islamic texts, Jesus was neither killed nor crucified, but rather he was raised alive up to heaven. Islamic traditions narrate that he will return to earth near the Day of Judgment to restore justice and defeat the Antichrist.

Like all Prophets in Islam, Jesus is considered to have been a Muslim, as he preached for people to adopt the straight path in submission to God's will. Islam rejects that Jesus was God or the son of God, stating that he was an ordinary human being who, like other prophets, had been divinely chosen to spread God's message.

Islamic texts forbid the association of partners with God, emphasizing the notion of God's Divine Oneness. Numerous titles are given to Jesus in the Qur'an, such as al-Masiah, although it does not correspond with the meaning accrued in Christian belief that he is the son of Mary and Gods servant. Jesus is seen in Islam as a 'precursor to Mohammad, and is believed by Muslims to have foretold His coming.

Muhammad, may Allah exalt his mention

Mohammad, the Prophet of Islam, was born in Makkah in the year 570CE. As an orphan, he was raised by his uncle who was from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known to be truthful, honest, generous, and sincere. So much so, that they called him 'The Trustworthy'. Mohammad was very pious, and he had long detested the decadence and idolatry of his society. At the age of 40, Mohammad received his first revelation from Allah through the Angel Gabriel. The revelations of the words of Allah continued for 23 years, and they are collectively known as the Quran.

As soon as he began to recite the Quran and preach the truth which Allah had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered persecution from the society around them. The persecution grew so fierce that in the year 622CE Allah gave them the command to migrate to Madeenah.

After several years, Mohammad and his followers returned to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies who had o6W persecuted them relentlessly. Before Mohammad died, at the age of 61 the greater part of the Arabian Peninsula had become Muslim, and within a century of his death, Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China. Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the truth and clarity of its doctrine.

Prophet Mohammad was a perfect example of an honest, just, merciful, compassionate, truthful, and brave human being. Though he was a man, he was far removed from all evil characteristics and strove solely for the sake of Allah and his reward in the Hereafter. Moreover, in all of his actions and dealings, he was ever mindful and fearful of God.

Allah Says what means:  “O Mankind, the Messenger has come to you with the truth from your Lord, so believe, it is better for you. But if you disbelieve - then indeed, to Allah belongs whatsoever is in the heavens and earth. And ever is Allah Knowing and Wise."[Quran 4:170]

What was the mission of Prophets?

All the messengers of God sent in ancient times came only to admonish man not to commit idolatry and to teach him to worship the one God alone, so that he might accordingly reform his life in this world and share in God’s blessings in the next. But throughout the centuries of human history, the majority of their contemporaries, particularly those highly placed in society, who never showed any willingness to follow these divine messengers, rejected almost all the prophets.

This recurrent event in history is thus described in the Quran: ‘Alas for the servants! They laugh to scorn every apostle that comes to them’ [Quran 36:30].

The practice of ignoring God’s prophets went to the extent of depriving these ancient messengers of their rightful place in the annals of human history. That is why we can find detailed stories of kings and generals in the chronicles of the ages, but we do not find any mention of these prophets. The Prophet of Islam is the only exception. And that is because he received special divine succor. Therefore, for the first time in human history, the determination to repudiate shirk and affirm monotheism became a living movement and reached the stage of practical revolution, turning over a wonderful new page in human history. Now the question arises as to why this movement of rejection of shirk and acceptance of monotheism could not in ancient times culminate in revolution. There were two main reasons for this. One was that it was the age of kingship and the other was that superstitious thinking dominated. These were the two basic factors, which continued to be permanent stumbling blocks for the mission of the prophets. 

The age prior to the advent of the Prophet of Islam was that of sacred kingship. Today is the age of democracy, in which political leaders gain the right to rule through the votes of the people. In ancient times, on the contrary, the king’s interest lay in convincing people that they were God’s representatives, even that they were God’s offspring or that they were the children of the sun and moon. While today the basis of government is secular democracy, in the days of old governments used to thrive on some idolatrous belief or the other. This has been mentioned in the Quran with particular reference to Pharaoh. When Pharaoh confronted Moses he felt threatened by the spiritual powers of God’s messenger. So he assembled his people and sought to reaffirm his position in these words. “I am your Lord, most High.” [Quran 79:24].

Thus it was in the political interest of these kings that such superstitious beliefs should prevail throughout the world. Under their special patronage, right from the rituals of the birth of a baby to the funeral rites, the entire system of life was based on shirk. This idolatrous system remained predominant all over the world for several thousand years. Due to royal patronage, this system had become so powerful that it acted as an effective check against spreading the monotheistic message of the prophets. It was as a result of this that in ancient times the Prophet's mission remained limited solely to the communication of the message; it could not enter upon the vaster stage of practical revolution.

Another obstacle to missionary activity was what may be called the superstitious thinking of the age. In ancient times when scientific discoveries of the modern kind had not yet been made, man was not able to understand the true essence of natural manifestations. He found an astonishing diversity in the objects of nature—sun, moon, stars, mountains, sea, earth, heavens, trees, animals, etc. Thanks to this diversity, the misunderstanding developed in man that there must also be many creators, or that these phenomena must be incarnations of different gods. The many-sidedness of nature thus produced the concept of a multiplicity of deities. Even the sun and the moon, because of their extraordinary character, began to be regarded as gods. It was unthinkable for man to conceive of one God in the face of the burgeoning plurality of nature. 

It was to this reality that Prophet Abraham alluded: “Lord, they (the phenomena of nature) have led many men astray.” [Quran 14:36]

That is, these outstanding manifestations of nature, the sun, the moon etc. led to man’s deception. People began to worship their greatness and hold them in reverence, though they ought to have considered them all to be creatures of God. On the contrary, they deified these creatures and began to worship them. The scientific thinking of the present age has shattered the myth of these objects of creation being gods. A major role has been played too by democratic thought, which ushered in a powerful political revolution throughout the entire world, giving a death blow to such kingship as was based on the idolatrous thinking of ancient times. Now, in the world of today, such kings as ruled in former times do not exist. They have been swept away like straw in the flood of modern democracy. As a consequence of this modern political revolution, idolatrous beliefs and systems have been deprived of effective patronage. It was this system which was the most powerful obstacle to the rejection of shirk and the establishment of monotheism in its place. Now, the possibilities of issuing the call of the prophets are unlimited. All obstacles in the path have been removed forever.

The Miracles of the Prophets - III

The diversity of miracles in accordance with the people of every prophet

It was a great wisdom of Allah The Almighty to make the miracles of the messengers match the field of excellence of those to whom the message was sent. This is to stress the establishment of proof against them and to refute their excuses. Moreover, if the prophet's miracle were from an profession unknown to those whom it has been sent to, they would argue that they do not have command over this field and they could imitate this miracle if they mastered it. Here are some examples for how the messengers' miracles matched the field of excellence of their people:

·        Moosa, may Allah exalt his mention, was sent to a people amongst whom magic was very popular. Therefore, Allah The Almighty gave him a miracle that surpassed the magic powers of all the magicians in his era, as they were unable to produce anything like it. After the magicians saw this miracle, they realized that this was not an act of witchcraft, but a divine miracle their Lord had given His prophet Moosa to support him. Thereafter, they immediately believed and submitted to Allah The Almighty.

·        When Allah The Almighty sent 'Eesa, may Allah exalt his mention, to the children of Israel, the art of medicine was widespread among them. Therefore, the wisdom of Allah The Almighty made many of his miracles similar to the work of physicians. He cured, by the permission of Allah The Almighty, the leper and the congenitally blind, and he gave life to the dead. Leprosy and congenital blindness, not to mention death, are incurable conditions that the physicians of his time were not able to heal. Allah The Almighty gave his prophet 'Eesa, may Allah exalt his mention, the miracle of curing these diseases with a touch and a prayer. This indicated that his method of curing these diseases was certainly not a work of medicine, since doctors may be able to cure leprosy, but only after a long period of treatment, and they can treat accidental blindness, as long as it does not impair the essence of the sight. However, they do not have the power to cure the congenitally blind who have no sight, and this is also applied to the ability to give life to the dead.

·        The same principle goes for our Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), as he,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), was sent to a people of eloquence and fluency, and he,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), was an unlettered man who could neither read nor write. Hence, Allah The Almighty gave him a miracle that matched the Arabs' field of excellence, which was eloquence. His miracle was the Quran, and Allah The Almighty challenged the Arabs to produce the like of it, which they failed to do. Then He challenged them to bring ten Soorahs (chapters) like it and they failed; even when He challenged them to produce only one Soorah like it, they failed. Finally, He informed them that even if all of humankind gathered and the Jinn helped them in an effort to produce something similar of the Quran, all their efforts would be in vain, as it is impossible for them to it. Allah The Almighty Said (what means): {Say, "If mankind and the jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this Quran, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other assistants."}[Quran 17:88}.

The previous examples do not mean that all miracles are of one type, which is the miracles that happened in accordance with the circumstances of every people. There were some miracles that took place upon request from those whom the message was sent. For instance:

 ·        When the disciples asked 'Eesa, may Allah exalt his mention, to ask Allah The Almighty to send down to them a table spread with food, and he responded to their request, whereupon Allah The Almighty fulfilled his supplication.

·        Also when the people of Saalih, may Allah exalt his mention, asked him to bring a she-camel out of the rock, and he asked that from Allah The Almighty and Allah heard and answered his supplication.

·        The Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) had been given some miracles after requests from his people as well, like the miracle of splitting the moon and the miracle of water streaming from between his fingers,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), and so on.

Nevertheless, all miracles have the same purpose, which is supporting the prophets and showing their truthfulness of their messages.

The Miracles of the Prophets - II

Conditions of the miracle

In the light of the pre-mentioned definition, we can conclude the following conditions for the true miracle:

1. The miracle should be from Allah The Almighty, not from anyone else, whether this miracle is a speech like the Quran, or an action like splitting the sea for Moosa, may Allah exalt his mention.

2. It should be supernatural, otherwise any liar could claim prophethood. By this, magic, sorcery, and the modern inventions are excluded.

3. It should be at the hands of the one who claims prophethood, so as to be a sign for his truthfulness. By this, miracles that happen as a sign of honor, or help, or as a progressive leading to destruction are excluded.

4. It should be associated with the claim of prophethood and accompanied by it, whether in reality, or practically like if it delayed for a few time after prophethood.

5. It should coincide with the goal in request; this is because if it happens without agreement with what its doer wants from it, it would be considered an insult. An example of this is what had happened to Musaylimah the Liar, when he spit in a blind eye to cure it, the other unimpaired eye became blind instead.

6. It should not deny that the one who claims prophethood is, indeed, a prophet . For instance, if a person says that his miracle is to make an inanimate body speak, and that object speaks with words that deny that person's claim of being a prophet, this miracle then proves that he is untruthful in his claim.

The benefits of miracles and the wisdom behind them

There is no doubt that there are many great benefits and extensive insight underlying the   miracles which Allah The Almighty gave his prophets and messengers. Some of those benefits are: 

1.    To manifest the omnipotence of Allah The Almighty: This is due to the fact that performing supernatural actions is usually impossible for ordinary people. When Allah The Almighty gives his messengers the ability to perform such actions, it will be a clear proof of the extent of His power. This will also show that He is the one who has control over the cosmic laws, and it is not the laws themselves that control the universe. Allah The Almighty Said about the creation of 'Eesa (Jesus), may Allah exalt his mention, (what means): {She (Maryam) said, "My Lord, how will I have a child when no man has touched me?" [The angel] said, "Such is Allah; He creates what He wills. When He decrees a matter, He only says to it, 'Be,' and it is.}[Quran 3:47}.

2.     To show the mercy of Allah The Almighty towards His slaves:Allah The Almighty did not only send messengers and reveal to them books that correspond with people's natural disposition for monotheism, but He also supported the messengers with miracles to leave no excuse for those who reject the truth and the religion brought by the prophets. These miracles also encourage people to believe in the prophets and their messages, which would not happen if the prophets were not given miracles.

3.     To show the comprehensive wisdom of Allah The Almighty: When someone wants to send another person to convey an important message, he should provide him with an evidence or indication to prove the authenticity of his message; sending him without such evidence would be injudicious. Then what about a great message, sent from Allah, the most Just of judges? Therefore, Allah The Almighty has never sent a messenger without supporting him with miracles to prove the truthfulness of his message.

4.    To establish proof against the disbelievers and to falsify their excuses: After this, every sane person will be sure that those disbelievers have denied the truth after it became clear and after they saw its evidences, because of their unreasonable contention and obstinacy. So, Allah The Almighty Said, narrating the saying of Moosa (Moses), may Allah exalt his mention, to Fir'awn (the Pharaoh of Egypt), (what means): {[Moses] said, "You have already known that none has sent down these [signs] except the Lord of the heavens and the earth as evidence, and indeed I think, O Pharaoh, that you are destroyed."}[Quran 17:102].

5.     To show the mercy of Allah The Almighty upon His messengers: This is because if He had sent a messenger without supporting him with miracles to prove the truthfulness of his message, he would not have been believed by anyone, and he would have been vulnerable to mockery, ridicule, and disbelief. Thus, granting the prophets such miracles was a mercy from Allah The Almighty, as it becomes easy for them to convince people in a way where they cannot oppose or reject it except if they did that out of infidelity and stubbornness.

The Miracles of the Prophets - I

People's need for miracles

It is essential for humanity to have prophets and messengers to show them the right path, and thus, the people's need for prophets is greater than their need for anything else. The messages of the prophets are the spirit, light, and life of the world, and without them, there would be no goodness in the world. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And is one who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom?}[Quran 6: 122]. This is the similitude of the believer, who was dead in the darkness of ignorance, and Allah The Almighty brought him to life by the spirit of the message and the light of faith, and made for him a light, by which he walks among people, unlike the disbeliever whose heart is dead and who lives a life of darkness. Furthermore, Allah The Almighty named his message a spirit, which if lost, directly ends life itself. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And thus We have revealed to you a spirit of Our command. You did not know what is the Book or [what is] faith, but We have made it a light by which We guide whom We will of Our servants.} [Quran 42: 52].

There is no prophet sent by Allah The Almighty except that his people denied, harmed and heaped accusations and lies upon him. In response to the suspicions of those who turn away from the message of the prophets and dispute by using falsehood, the wisdom of Allah The Almighty required to support His prophets with miracles to prove their truthfulness and to support the divine revelation they came with. This support is a sign of the perfection of His justice, mercy, and love for forgiveness and establishing evidence against people, for Allah The Almighty did not send a messenger unless He gave him a miracle that testifies his truthfulness in what he said. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {We have already sent Our messengers with clear evidences and sent down with them the Scripture and the balance that the people may maintain [their affairs] in justice.} [Quran 56: 25]. Moreover, Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), said: "Every prophet was given miracles because of which people believed, but what I have been given is divine inspiration which Allah has revealed to me. So I hope that my followers will outnumber the followers of the other prophets on the Day of Resurrection." [Al-Bukhari].

Here we are going to discuss the most important benefits and wisdoms of supporting prophets with miracles, but we should first understand what is meant by 'miracle'.

Miracles are supernatural phenomena that Allah The Almighty causes to happen at the hands of His prophets and messengers, (e.g. turning the staff of Moosa, may Allah exalt his mention, into a wriggling snake). Miracles are proofs that are not liable to refutation and invalidation, and prove the truthfulness of the prophets. Some scholars add an extra condition to this above-mentioned definition, which is that the miracle should be for the purpose of challenge to the obstinate deniers. In this sense, some transcendental incidents that happened at the hands of the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), like the flow of water from his fingers, increase in a little quantity of food, hearing pebbles doing Tasbeeh (saying Subhaanallaah) in his hands, trees coming to him, and the trunk's longing for him and so on, are not included under the definition of miracles, as they were not intended for challenge. However, the senior Muslim scholars, like Al-Imaam Ahmad  may  Allaah  have  mercy  upon  him considered 'miracle' a comprehensive term to whatever Allah The Almighty has given his prophets to prove their truthfulness, whether it is intended for challenging the disbelievers or not, and this is the right opinion.

Types of miracles

If we carefully consider the miracles of the prophets, we can find that they fall under three types:

1. Knowledge: It is the prophets' ability to tell people about unseen things or incidents, whether in the past or in the future. An example of this is when 'Eesa, may Allah exalt his mention, informed his people about what they ate and stored in their houses. Another example is when the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), informed us about the previous nations and about the coming events like the signs of the Hour, and the tribulations that his nation will undergo, all of which fall under the category of knowledge(of the unseen).

2. Ability: It is like turning the stick into a snake, curing the blind and the leper, giving life to the dead and splitting the moon.

3. Sufficiency: It is the protection that Alaah The Almighty of his Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), from the people who wanted to harm him. It also includes his Wisaal (fasting all day and night continuously) without affecting his vitality and activeness.

It is worth mentioning that nobody possesses the perfection of these three qualities except for Allah The Almighty. Therefore, He, The Almighty, commanded his Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), to announce his freedom from claiming to possess it. He, The Almighty, Says (what means): {Say, [O Muhammad], "I do not tell you that I have the depositories [containing the provision] of Allah or that I know the unseen, nor do I tell you that I am an angel. I only follow what is revealed to me."} [Quran 6: 50]. Thus, the Prophet,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), declared that he neither knows the Unseen, nor possesses the treasures of earth, nor is he an angel who is in no need of food, drink and money. In a word, prophets attain from these three supernormal qualities as much as Allah The Almighty give them, in such a manner that they know what Allah The Almighty taught them, and have the power to do what He enables them to do, and dispense by what He enriches them with.

The need for Prophets- II

Present attitude towards the Messengers:

As people in the past used to argue with the Messengers may Allah exalt their mention, reject their teachings and turn away from them, mankind today - when they have reached the pinnacle of material advancement, penetrated the depths of the oceans, gone far into space, split the atom and discovered many of the natural forces which exist in this universe - are even more in conflict with the Messengers, more emphatically rejecting their teachings and turning away from them even more. Mankind's attitude today towards the Messengers and their teachings is like that of wild donkeys when they see a lion; they flee from it without paying heed to anything else. Allah, The Most Exalted, Says (what means):

“Then what is [the matter] with them that they are, from the reminder, turning away. As if they were alarmed donkeys. Fleeing from a lion?”[Quran 74: 49-51]

Mankind today - more than before - refuses to submit to the Messengers, may Allah exalt their mention, and their teachings because they are too proud of their knowledge and are too arrogant to follow men who lived centuries before them, as Allah, The Most Exalted, Says (what means):

“That is because their messengers used to come to them with clear evidences, but they said: ‘Shall human beings guide us?’ and disbelieved and turned away. And Allah dispensed [with them]; and Allah is Free of need and Praiseworthy.” [Quran 64: 6]

Today, Satan whispers into human minds, calling them to rebel against Allah and His Sharee’ah (Law) and to reject the teachings of the Messengers may Allah exalt their mention, on the ground that the Sharee’ah places restrictions on their minds, is an obstacle against progress and that it causes civilization and progress to stagnate. The nations nowadays have set up systems, laws and legislations based on the rejection of the teachings of the Messengers may Allah exalt their mention. Some nations even made atheism the basis of their constitutions - known as secularism.

The impact of man-made systems

Is it right to say that mankind has now reached a level where they no longer have any need for the Messengers may Allah exalt their mention, and their teachings? Is mankind now able to guide itself without any reference to the teachings of the Messengers may Allah exalt their mention?

To answer is that, we need to look no further than the state of those nations which we call ‘advanced and civilized’, such as America, Britain, France, Russia and China, to see the extent of the misery which prevails in those countries. We do not deny that they have reached a high level of material advancement, but with regard to the matters which the Messengers may Allah exalt their mention, and their teachings came to reform, they have gone far astray. No one can deny that distress, psychological pain and complexes are nowadays the hallmark of the civilized world. Man, in the civilized world of today, has lost his humanity, he has lost himself. Hence, the youths are rebelling against values, morals, customs and laws. They have started to reject the life they are living in and to follow everyone who comes under the spotlight in the east or the west, any philosopher or dervish who waves a banner at them, any way which they think will bring them happiness.

The western world has turned into a world whose structure is being undermined by various crimes such as drug addiction, alcoholism, rape, incest, robbery, etc. The pillars of the major nations have been shaken by scandals, and what is still hidden is worse than what is known. Those who are known as ‘civilized peoples’ nowadays are destroying themselves with their own hands. Their civilization is killing them. Their civilization is producing poisons which spread amongst them, killing people and dividing societies. Those ‘civilized peoples’ are like a huge bird that wants to fly high in the sky, but it has only one wing.

Ibn Taymiyyah, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “The Message is essential for mankind; they cannot do without it. They need it above all other things. The Message is the soul, light and life of the world. How could there be any prosperity or guidance for the world without its soul, life and light? This world is engulfed with darkness, unless the sun of the Message shines upon it. If the sun of the Message does not shine in a person's heart and fill it with life, then he too is in darkness and he is dead. Allah, The Most Exalted, Says (what means): “… Is one who was dead and We gave him life and made for him light by which to walk among the people like one who is in darkness, never to emerge therefrom?” [Quran 6: 122]

This is the description of the believer who was dead in the darkness of ignorance, then Allah revived him with the spirit of the Message and the light of faith and gave him light by which to walk among people. But the disbeliever is dead at heart, walking in darkness.”

Finally, we need to follow the teachings of the Messengers may Allah exalt their mention, in order to reform our hearts, enlighten our souls and guide our minds.

We need to follow the teachings of the Messengers may Allah exalt their mention, in order to give direction to our lives, to connect us to life and to the Creator of life.

We need to follow the teachings of the Messengers may Allah exalt their mention, so that we do not go astray or deviate and fall into the fetid swamp.

The need for Prophets- I

Prophets were sent to illuminate the way for mankind

Allah sent the Messengers, may Allah exalt their mention, to mankind throughout the ages so that mankind might be guided to the truth and be purified of sins. Those who were enlightened by the Messengers of Allah, found the way to the Divine Presence and attained the highest rank of humanity. The Messengers led mankind to the knowledge of Allah. Through them, He was deeply felt by the ‘innermost senses’ of people. The ‘innermost sense’ of man, whether we call it heart or soul, or ‘conscience‘, is so great that through it man can ‘grasp’ Allah with all His Greatness and other Attributes. Allah cannot be contained by the heavens and earth. Minds cannot comprehend Him. Philosophical thoughts are by no means sufficient to reach Him. It is only through his soul or heart that a man can realize the Existence of Allah. Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is the last and greatest of these Prophets, and he left us the Quran and Sunnah (Prophet’s Tradition) so that we can, by following them, live in accordance with the purpose for which all the Prophets were sent.

The prophets were sent to guide people to the service of Allah

Allah Says (what means): “And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.”[Quran 51:56]

We have not been created to eat, drink and reproduce; these are natural facts of our life, and natural needs. The main purpose for our creation is to recognize Allah and realize servitude to Him. For this reason, all the Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, were sent to show us the way to achieve servitude to Allah, as He, The Most Exalted, Declares (what means):

“And We sent not before you any messenger except that We revealed to him that, "There is no deity except Me, so worship Me." [Quran21:25]

“And We certainly sent into every nation a messenger, [saying], ‘Worship Allah and avoid false deities.’ And among them were those whom Allah guided, and among them were those upon whom error was [deservedly] decreed. So proceed through the earth and observe how was the end of the deniers.” [Quran 16:36]

The Prophets taught people the Laws of Allah

Another purpose for sending the Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, is to communicate to people the Divine Commandments - obligations prohibitions. Had it not been for the Prophets, we could not have known these Divine Commandments. This function of the Prophets is called ‘Messengership’, concerning which Almighty Allah Says (what means): “… Those who convey the messages of Allah and fear Him and do not fear anyone but Allah.” [Quran33:39]

The mission of the Messengers, may Allah exalt their mention, was to enlighten all of humanity concerning every dimension of their life. So, any neglect in delivering the Message of Allah would be an unforgivable fault for it would amount to leaving humanity in darkness. For this reason, Messenger Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) was continually in search of unadulterated minds and hearts to which he  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) could impart the Message of Allah.

The Prophets were examples

To set a good example for other people was another duty of the Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention– a duty which we must also always observe consciously. Each Prophet was sent to his particular people (except for Prophet Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) who was sent to all mankind) to remind them of the need to worship one God, and refrain from associating partners with him. They were not gods, sons or partners of God, but were simply the best of mankind, chosen because of their humility in their behavior, morals, peacefulness and knowledge of Allah

The prophets established the balance between this world and the next

The Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, were sent to establish a balance between this world and the Hereafter, between material and spiritual life, between reason and soul, between this world and the next and between indulgence and abstinence.

At a time when some led an isolated life in monasteries and others drowned in luxury, the Quranic instruction came (which means): “But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and [yet], do not forget your share of the world."[Quran 28:77]

 The Prophets are the witnesses of Allah

One of the reasons why the Prophets were sent is so that mankind will have no argument against Allah in the Hereafter. Regarding this, Almighty Allah Says (what means): “[We sent] messengers as bringers of good tidings and warners so that mankind will have no argument against Allah ...”[Quran 4.165]

People who have followed many so-called guides or leaders, only to be led astray, have reached the truth through the guidance of the Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention. They (Prophets) were the servants of Allah created for a special mission. They were ‘Prophets’ in the wombs of their mothers. Their lives resembled a beautiful theme, being perfectly harmonious and balanced. Their words came out of their mouths so sweet and penetrated into souls; the whole of existence, animate or inanimate, hearkened to them.

If the Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention, had not been sent, man might have had an argument against being punished in the Hereafter. But, as the Quran states (what means):“And never would We punish until We sent a messenger.” [Quran 17:15], Allah would not punish anyone without having in advance sent them Prophets to guide them. After the Prophets, mankind would no longer have any argument against the punishment or reward of Allah.

The Purpose of Messengers

One might ask, is it fair to create an object, and then allow it to function without any rules and regulations and finally call it to account and punish it for breaking rules?

Having created man with the power of thought and free will, Allah, in His infinite wisdom, decided to send prophets and messengers as a guide for mankind. Each prophet was sent to his particular people to remind them of the need to worship the one God and refrain from associating partners with him. They were not gods, sons or partners of God, but were simply the best of mankind, chosen because of their humility in their behavior, morals, peacefulness and knowledge of Allah .

Allah sent a long chain of prophets from the, first days of mankind, from Prophet Aadam (Adam, the grandfather of human beings, may Allah exalt his mention) - and sealed them with Prophet Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), the final prophet. This long chain included the prophets of the people of Israel and the five great Messengers who came with the most important messages: Nuh (Noah), Ibraaheem (Abraham), Moosaa (Moses), ‘Eesaa (Jesus) and Muhammad, may Allah exalt the mention of them all.

Prophets were the leaders of humanity who knew how to worship the one God. They knew about the Hereafter, about good morals and human rights and they guided their people to the same. The Holy Quran tells us that every Messenger addressed to his people saying (what means):

·        {O my people, worship Allah; You have no deity other than Him...}[Quran 7:59]

·        {Indeed, Allah orders justice and good conduct and giving to relatives and forbids immorality and bad conduct and oppression. He admonishes you that perhaps you will be reminded.}[Quran 16:90]

Muhammad,  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ), was the final of these messengers, who brought Allah's message for the whole of mankind from the first day of revelation to the final day of our existence. Because of this we see Muslims from all over the globe, of all colors and races, accepting and respecting all of the Prophets of Allah, as they were all on the same path of worshipping the one true God.

Dhul-Kifl

Is he a Prophet?

Allah the Almighty declared: And (remember) Ishmael and Idris (Enoch) and Dhul-Kifl, all were from among those who observe patience. Surah 21: 85-86

Immediately following Job's story in the Qur'an, Almighty Allah also directed: And remember Our slaves, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, (all) owners of strength (in worshiping Us) and (also) of religious understanding. Verily, We did choose them by granting them (a good thing, - i.e. ) the remembrance of the home in the Hereafter and they used to make the people remember it, and also they used to invite the people to obey Allah and to do good deeds for the Hereafter. And they are in Our Sight, verily, of the chosen and the best! And remember Ishmael, Elisha, and Dhul-Kifl, all are among the best. Surah 38: 45-48

It is obvious from his being mentioned and praised in the Glorious Qur'an along with those other prophets that Dhul-Kifl was a prophet.

However, some of the Qur'anic commentators assumed that he was not a prophet but that he was righteous and strictly just.

The Meaning of Dhul-Kifl

Ibn Jarir narrated that he was not a prophet but he was a righteous man. He supported his people to suffice their needs and administered justice among them. That is why he was called Dhul-Kifl .Dhul-Kifl literally means "possessor of. or giving. a double requital or portion". (Source: A. Yusuf All, The Holy Quran: Translation and Commentary, footnote 2743 to murak 2 1:85.) (Editorm note)

Hud

Description of the People of Ad

The people of Ad lived many years in the windswept hills of an area between Yemen and Oman. They were physically well-built and renowned for their craftsmanship especially in the construction of tall buildings with lofty towers. They were outstanding among all the nations in power and wealth, which, unfortunately, made them arrogant and boastful. Their political power was held in the hand of unjust rulers, against whom no one dared to raise a voice.

They were not ignorant of the existence of Allah, nor did they refuse to worship Him. What they did refuse was to worship Allah alone. They worshiped other gods, also, including idols. This is one sin Allah does not forgive.

Description of Hud

Allah wanted to guide and discipline these people, so He sent A prophet from among them. This prophet was Hud , a noble man who handled his task with great resoluteness and tolerance.

Ibn Jarir reported that he was Hud Ibn Shalikh, Ibn Arfakhshand, Ibn Sam, Ibn Noah . He also reported that Prophet Hud was from a tribe called Ad Ibn Uus Ibn Sam Ibn Noah, who were Arabs living in Al-Ahqaf in Yemen between Oman and Hadramaut, on a land called Ashar stretching out into the sea. The name of their valley was Mughiith.

Some traditions claimed that Hud was the first person who spoke Arabic, while others claimed that Noah was the first. It was also said that Adam was the first.

Commentary - Hud's Appeal to His People

Hud condemned idol worship and admonished his people: "My people, what is the benefit of these stones that you carve with your own hands and worship? In reality it is an insult to the intellect. There is only One Deity worthy of worship and that is Allah. Worship of Him, and Him alone, is compulsory on you.

"He created you, He provides for you and He is the One Who will cause you to die. He gave you wonderful physiques and blessed you in many ways. So believe in Him and do not be blind to His favors, or the same fate that destroyed Noah's people will overtake you."

With such reasoning Hud hoped to instill faith in them, but they refused to accept his message. His people asked him: "Do you desire to be our master with your call? What payment do you want?"

Hud tried to make them understand that he would receive his payment (reward) from Allah; he did not demand anything from them except that they let the light of truth touch their minds and hearts.

Hud's Appeal to His People - Qur'anic

Allah the Almighty states: And to 'Ad (people, We sent) their brother Hud. He said, "0 my people! Worship Allah! You have no other Ilah (god) but Him, Certainly, you do nothing but invent (lies)! 0 my people I ask of you no reward for it (the Message). My reward is only from Him Who created me. Will you not then understand? And 0 my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him, He will send you (from the sky) abundant rain, and add strength to your strength, so do not turn away as Mujrimeen (criminals, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah)."

They said: "0 Hud! No evidence have you brought us, and we shall not leave our gods for your (mere) saying! And we are not believers in you. All that we say is that some of our gods (false deities) have seized you with evil (madness)."

He said: "I call Allah to witness and bear you witness that I am free from that which you ascribe as partners in worship with Him (Allah). So plot against me, all of you, and give me no respite. I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the truth). So if you turn away, still I have conveyed the Message with which I was sent to you. My Lord will make another people succeed you, and you will not harm Him in the least. Surely, my Lord is Guardian over all things." Surah 11: 50-57

Hud (PUBH) Explains the Day of Judgment

Hud tried to speak to them and to explain about Allah's blessings: how Allah the Almighty had made them Noah's successors, how He had given them strength and power, and how He sent them rain to revive the soil.

Hud's people looked about them and found they were the strongest on earth, so they became prouder and more obstinate. Thus they argued a lot with Hud. They asked: "0 Hud! Do you say that after we die and turn into dust, we will be resurrected?" He replied: 'Yes, you will come back on the Day of Judgment and each one of you will be asked about what you did."

A peal of laughter was heard after the last statement. "How strange Hud's claims are!" The disbelievers muttered among themselves. They believed that when man dies his body decays and turns into dust which is swept away by the wind. How could that return to its original state? Then what is the significance of the Day of Judgment? Why do the dead return to life?

All these questions were patiently received by Hud. He then addressed his people concerning the Day of Judgment. He explained that belief in the Day of Judgment is essential to Allah's justice, teaching them the same thing that every prophet taught about it.

Hud explained that justice demands that there be a Day of Judgment because good is not always victorious in life. Sometimes evil overpowers good. Will such crimes go unpunished? If we suppose there is no Day of Judgment, then a great injustice will have prevailed, but Allah has forbidden injustice to be incurred by Himself or His subjects. Therefore, the existence of the Day of Judgment, a day of accounting for our deeds and being rewarded or punished for them, reveals the extent of Allah's justice. Hud spoke to them about all of these things. They listened but disbelieved him.

The Disbelievers' Attitude

Allah recounts his people's attitude towards the Day of Judgment: And the chiefs of his people, whom disbelieved and denied the meeting in the Hereafter, and to who We had given the luxuries and comforts of this life, said: "He is no more than a human being like you, he eats of that which you eat, and drinks of what you drink. If you were to obey a human being like yourselves, then verily! You indeed would be losers. Does he promise you that when you have died and have become dust and bones, you shall come out alive (resurrected)? Far, very far, is that which you are promised. There is nothing but our life of this world! We die and we live! And we are not going to be resurrected! He is only a man who has invented a lie against Allah, but we are not going to believe in him." Surah 23: 33-38

The Disbelievers Question Hud

The chiefs of Hud's people asked: "Is it not strange that Allah chooses one of us to reveal His message to?"

Hud replied: "What is strange in that? Allah wants to guide you to the right way of life, so He sent me to warn you. Noah's flood and his story are not far away from you, so do not forget what happened. All the disbelievers were destroyed, no matter how strong they were."

"Who is going to destroy us, Hud?" the chiefs asked.

"Allah," replied Hud.

The disbelievers among his people answered: "We will be saved by our gods."

Hud clarified to them that the gods they worshipped would be the reason for their destruction, that it is Allah alone Who saves people, and that no other power on earth can benefit or harm anyone.

The conflict between Hud and his people continued. The years passed, and they became prouder, more obstinate, more tyrannical and more defiant of their prophet's message.

Hud Warns His People

Furthermore, they started to accuse Hud of being a crazy lunatic. One day they told him: "We now understand the secret of your madness: you insulted our gods and they harmed you; that is why you have become insane."

Almighty Allah repeated their words in the Qur'an: "0 Hud! No evidence have you brought us, and we shall not leave our gods for your (mere) saying! And we are not believers in you. All that we say is that some of our gods false deities) have seized you with evil (madness). Surah 11: 53-54

Hud had to return their challenge. He had no other way but to turn to Allah alone, no other alternative but to give them a threatening ultimatum. He declared to them: "I call Allah to witness and bear you witness that I am free from that which you ascribe as partners in worship with Him (Allah). So plot against me, all of you and give me no respite. I put my trust in Allah, my Lord and your Lord! There is not a moving (living) creature but He has grasp of its forelock. Verily, my Lord is on the Straight Path (the truth). So if you turn away, still I have conveyed the message with which I was sent to you. My Lord will make another people succeed you, and you will not harm Him." Surah 11: 54-57

The Punishment

Thus Hud renounced them and their gods and affirmed his dependence on Allah Who had created him. Hud realized that punishment would be incurred on the disbelievers among his people. It is one of the laws of life. Allah punishes the disbelievers, no matter how rich, tyrannical, or great they are.

Hud and his people waited for Allah's promise. A drought spread throughout the land, for the sky no longer sent its rain. The sun scorched the desert sands, looking like a disk of fire which settled on people's heads.

Hud's people hastened to him asking: "What is that drought, Hud?"

Hud answered: "Allah is angry with you. If you believe in Him, He will accept you and the rain will fall and you will become even stronger than you are."

They mocked him and became more obstinate, sarcastic and perverse in their unbelief. The drought increased, the trees turned yellow, and plants died.

A day came when they found the sky full of clouds. Hud's people were glad as they came out of their tents crying: "A cloud which will give us rain!"

The weather changed suddenly from burning dry and hot to stinging cold, with wind that shook everything: trees, plants, tents, men and women. The wind increased day after day and night after night.

Hud's people started to flee. They ran to their tents to hide, but the gale became stronger, ripping their tents from their stakes. They hid under cloth covers, but the gale became stronger still and tore away the covers. It slashed clothing and skin. It penetrated the apertures of the body and destroyed it. It hardly touched anything before it was destroyed or killed, its core sucked out to decompose and rot. The storm raged for eight days and seven nights.

Almighty Allah recounts: Then, when they saw it as a dense cloud coming towards their valleys, they said: "This is a cloud bringing us rain!" Nay, but it is that (torment) which you were asking to be hastened! - a wind wherein is a painful torment! Destroying everything by the command of its Lord! Surah 46: 24-25

Allah the Exalted described it thus: And as for 'Ad, - they were destroyed by a furious violent wind which Allah imposed on them for seven nights and eight days in succession, so that you could see men lying overthrown (destroyed) as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees! Surah 69: 6-7

The Believers are Saved

That violent gale did not stop until the entire region was reduced to ruins and its wicked people destroyed, swallowed by the sands of the desert. Only Hud and his followers remained unharmed. They migrated to Hadramaut and lived there in peace, worshiping Allah, their true Lord.