Muhammad A to Z
Almost everyone on the earth today is discussing Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon
him. People want to know, "Who was he exactly?" "What did he teach?" "Why was he
loved so much by some and hated so much by others?" "Did he live up to his
claims?" "Was he a holy man? "Was he a prophet of God?" "What is the truth about
this man - Muhammad?"
How can we discover the truth and be totally honest in our judgment?
We will begin with the very simple historical evidences, facts as narrated by
thousands of people, many of whom knew him personally. The following is based on
books, manuscripts, texts and actual eyewitness accounts, too numerous list
herein, yet all have been preserved in original form throughout the centuries by
both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Muhammad ibn (son of) Abdullah ibn (son of) Abdul Mutalib, was born in the year
570 C.E. (Christian Era) in Makkah, Felix Arabia (today: Saudi Arabia) and he
died in 633 C.E. in Yathrib (today: Madinah, Saudi Arabia).
A. His names: When he was born, his grandfather, Abdul Mutalib, gave him the
name Muhammad. And it means "praised one" or "praising one." He was later called
"As-Saddiq" (the Truthful) by all of those who knew of his truthful and honest
nature. He always said only the truth. He was also called "Al - Alamin" (the
Trustworthy) due to his integrity and always upholding any trust given to him.
When the tribes were battling against each other, both sides would entrust him
with their possessions during the fighting, even if it might be against some of
his own tribesmen, because they knew he would always uphold any trust given to
him. All of his names indicated the very nature of a man who was praised for his
honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. He was also well known for advocating
the reconciliation of kinship and relationships. He ordered his followers to
always honor the "ties of the wombs" (siblings and other close relatives).
This fits right in with the prophecy mentioned in the Bible in the Book of John
in chapters 14 and 16, as the coming of a prophet known as the "Spirit of Truth"
or "Comforter" or "Advocate."
B. Born as a descendent of Abraham, peace be upon him, through his first born
son, Ishmail (Ismail in Arabic), peace be upon him, to the noble tribe of the
Quraish who were the leaders of Makkah in those days. Muhammad's blood line
traces directly back to Abraham, peace be upon him.
This could certainly point to fulfillment of Old Testament (Torah) prophecies in
Deuteronomy (chapter 18:15) of a prophet, like unto Moses from "their brethren."
C. He insisted on keeping the Commandments of Almighty God, just as his great
grandfathers and prophets of old had done in the past (peace be upon them). Here
is a statement from Muhammad, peace be upon him, while the Quran was being
revealed to him by the angel Gabriel;
"Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from: Join not anything
in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your PARENTS; do not kill your
children because of poverty - (Allah) provide sustenance for you and for them;
do not come near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual intercourse,
etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, and kill not anyone whom Allah has
forbidden, except for a just cause. This He has commanded you that you may
understand."
[Holy Quran 6:151]
D. Muhammad, peace be upon him, lived in total commitment to the belief that God
(Allah in Arabic) was truly One God, and as such, He was to be worshipped alone,
without any other "gods" beside Him. This is the very first commandment in the
Old Testament (Exodus chapter 20 and Deuteronomy, chapter 5) and in the New
Testament as well (Mark, chapter 12, verse 29).
E. Muhammad, peace be upon him, ordered his followers to obey Allah Almighty,
following the true Commandments as were revealed to him by the angel Gabriel
from Almighty Allah. Read below, one of many similar statements from the Quran:
Surely, Allah Commands absolute justice and steadfast commitment to performing
your duties to Almighty Allah, in total sincerity and giving help to relatives:
and He forbids evil, and disobedience and all that is prohibited by Allah (such
as; illegal sexual acts, disobedience of PARENTS, polytheism, to tell lies, to
give false witness, to kill a life without right, etc.), and (He Forbids) any
evil (i.e. all that is prohibited by God's Law, such as: polytheism of every
kind, disbelief and every kind of evil deeds, etc.), and all kinds of
oppression, He admonishes you, that you may take heed.
[Holy Quran 16:90]
F. Muhammad, peace be upon him, never fell into the common practice of his
tribesmen to worship statues, idols or man-made "gods." He forbid his followers
to ever engage in worship outside of the One True God (Allah) of Adam, Abraham,
Moses and all the prophets, peace be upon them all.
And the people of the Scripture Jews and Christians did not differed amongst
themselves until after there came to them clear evidence.
And they were commanded only to worship Allah, and worship none but Him Alone
(no gods beside God), and perform prayers and give charity: and that is the
right religion.
[Holy Quran 98:4-5]
He despised false worship to any man-made gods or images or anything in creation
as a god. He hated all of the complexities and degradation to which it leads.
This is in direct obedience to the second commandment in the above mentioned
verses, "Thou shalt not make any graven images."
G. Muhammad, peace be upon him, always held the Name of God (Allah) in the
highest of reverence and never took God's Name in vain or for any vainglorious
purpose.
He forbid his followers for ever doing anything like this and encouraged them to
use names such as "Servant of Almighty God" (Abdullah).
H. Muhammad, peace be upon him, upheld the proper worship and ceremonies of his
grandfathers, Abraham and Ishmail, peace be upon them. Here is something from
the second chapter of the Quran. Read closely;
"Recall when Abraham's Lord (Allah) tested him with Commands, that he fulfilled.
Allah said, "Surely, I am going to make you a leader (prophet) of mankind.
(Abraham said) "And my offspring, too." (Allah) said, "My Covenant (prophethood,
etc.) does not include wrong-doers (thalimun).
"And recall when (Allah) made the House (ka'bah in Bakkah, which later was
called "Makkah") a place of resort for mankind and a place of safety. And it is
your place of prayer, and (Allah) commanded Abraham and Ishmail to purify (God's
House at Makkah) for those who are circling it, or staying there or bowing or
prostrating themselves (there, in worship).
"And when Abraham said, 'My Lord, make this city (Makkah) a place of security
and provide its people with fruits, for them that believe in Allah Almighty and
the Last Day.' (Allah) answered, "As for him who doesn't believe, I shall leave
him in contentment for a while, then I shall compel him t the torment of the
Fire, and worst indeed is that destination!"
"And when Abraham and Ishmail were raising the foundations of the Sacred House
(Ka'bah in Makkah), saying, 'Our Lord! Accept from us. Certainly! You are the
All-Hearer, the All-Knower.'"
"Our Lord! And make us submissive unto You and of our offspring a nation
submissive unto You, and show us our Manasik (all the ceremonies of pilgrimage -
Hajj and 'Umrah, etc.), and accept our repentance. Truly, You are the One Who
accepts repentance, the Most Merciful.
"Our Lord! Send amongst them a Messenger of their own (and indeed Allah answered
by sending Muhammad Peace be upon him ), who shall recite unto them Your Verses
and instruct them in the Book (this Qur'an) and full knowledge of (Allah's) Laws
and jurisprudence, and sanctify them. Verily! You are the All-Mighty, the
All-Wise."
And who turns away from the religion of Abraham (Monotheism) except him who
fools himself? Truly, (Allah) chose him in this world and verily, in the
Hereafter he will be among the righteous.
When his Lord said to him, "Submit ("Islam" means "submission")!" He said, "I
have submitted myself ("Muslim" means "one who submits") to the Lord of all that
exists."
And this (submission to Allah) was ordered by Abraham upon his sons and by
Jacob; saying, "O my sons! Allah has chosen for you the (true) religion; then
die not except in the Faith of Submission (like those in true submission to
God's Will)."
[Holy Quran 2:124-132]
I. Muhammad, peace be upon him, performed these same ceremonies in worship to
what we find the prophets doing before him, bowing to toward the ground and
prostrating (falling on the face) while praying and worshipping. He would face
Jerusalem for his devotionals and commanded his followers to do the same (until
Allah sent down the angel Gabriel with revelation to change the direction
(qibal) mentioned in Quran).
J. Muhammad, peace be upon him, advocated rights for all members of the family
and especially ties to the parents, both mother and father, also rights for
infant girls, orphaned girls and certainly for wives, as well.
It is known from the Quran, Muhammad, peace be upon him, ordered his followers
to be kind and respectful to their parents. They were told not to even say,
"Ooh" to them while caring for them in their old age. Read from the Quran:
And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful
to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say
not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of
honor. [Holy Quran 17:23]
K. Muhammad, peace be upon him, was the defender of the orphans and even the
newborn children. He ordered the care of orphans and feeding of the poor as the
means to enter Paradise and if anyone held back the rights of those who were
destitute, they could forget about ever seeing Paradise. He also forbid the
killing of new born girls, as was a custom of ignorance according to primitive
Arab traditions. This is referred to in the Quran; when, on the Day of Judgment
those who practiced the evil deed of terminating the life of their own infant
daughters, will have it exposed, the Quran says:
"And when the female (infant) buried alive (as the pagan Arabs used to do) is
going to be asked; about what sin could she (as an infant) have possibly
committed." [Holy Quran 81:8]
Those who spend their wealth (in Allah's Cause) by night and day, in secret and
in public, they shall have their reward with their Lord. On them shall be no
fear, nor shall they grieve. [Holy Quran 2:274]
L. Muhammad, peace be upon him, ordered men not to "inherit women against their
will," and not to marry them accept by mutual consent and never to touch their
wealth or inheritance in order to improve their own financial conditions.
O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and
you should not treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the
Mahr you have given them, unless they commit open illegal sexual intercourse.
And live with them honorably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a
thing and Allah brings through it a great deal of good. [Holy Quran 4:19]
We also notice from this verse, He forbid the common practice of wife-beating
and abuse, (his own wife said he never once hit her).
He never once engaged in sex outside of marriage, nor did he ever approve of it,
even though it was very common at the time. His only relationships with women
were in legitimate, contractual marriages with proper witnesses according to
law. His relationship to Ayesha was only that of marriage. He did not marry her
the first time her father offered her hand to him in marriage. He married her
only after she reached the age of puberty and could decide for herself. Their
relationship is described in every detail by Ayesha herself in the most loving
and respectful manner as a match truly made in heaven. Ayesha is considered as
one of the highest scholars of Islam and lived out her entire life only having
been married to Muhammad, peace be upon him. She never desired any other man,
nor did she ever utter a single negative statement against Muhammad, peace be
upon him.
M. Muhammad, peace be upon him, ordered men to "provide and protect" women,
whether it was their own mother, sister, wife or daughter or even those of
others, whether they were Muslims or not.
"Men are the protectors and maintainers of women, because Allah has made one of
them to excel the other, and because they spend (to support the women) from
their means. Therefore the righteous women are devoutly obedient (to Allah and
to their husbands), and guard in the husband's absence what Allah orders them to
guard (e.g. their chastity, their husband's property, etc.).
As to those women on whose part you see ill-conduct, admonish them, refuse to
share their beds, startle them (set forth a clear example or parable for them,
to make clear the point of what is going on before divorcing them) so if they
return to proper obedience (to Allah and their husbands), do not annoy them any
further. Surely, Allah is Ever Most High, Most Great." [Holy Quran 4:34]
N. Muhammad, peace be upon him, prohibited killing of children for fear of
poverty and also forbade killing any innocent people.
Say (O Muhammad SAW): "Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you
from: Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your
parents; kill not your children because of poverty - We provide sustenance for
you and for them; come not near to Al-Fawahish (shameful sins, illegal sexual
intercourse, etc.) whether committed openly or secretly, and kill not anyone
whom Allah has forbidden, except for a just cause (according to Law). This He
has commanded you that you may understand. [Holy Quran 6:151]
O. Muhammad, peace be upon him, never committed adultery, and he required his
followers to engage only in lawful marriage relationships with women, and forbid
sex outside of Almighty God's Ordinance.
Satan (the devil) threatens you with poverty and orders you to commit Fahsha
(evil deeds, illegal sexual intercourse, sins etc.); whereas Allah promises you
Forgiveness from Himself and Bounty, and Allah is All-Sufficient for His
creatures' needs, All-Knower. [Holy Quran 2:268]
Say (O Muhammad SAW): "(But) the things that my Lord has indeed forbidden are
Al-Fawahish (great evil sins, every kind of unlawful sexual intercourse, etc.)
whether committed openly or secretly, sins (of all kinds), unrighteous
oppression, joining partners (in worship) with Allah for which He has given no
authority, and saying things about Allah of which you have no knowledge." [Holy
Quran 7:33]
And come not near to the unlawful sexual intercourse. Verily, it is a Fahishah
[i.e. anything that transgresses its limits (a great sin)], and an evil way
(that leads one to Hell unless Allah forgives him). [Holy Quran 17:32]
The adulterer marries not but an adulteress or a Mushrikah and the adulteress
none marries her except an adulterer or a Muskrik [and that means that the man
who agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a Mushrikah (female
polytheist, pagan or idolatress) or a prostitute, then surely he is either an
adulterer, or a Mushrik (polytheist, pagan or idolater, etc.) And the woman who
agrees to marry (have a sexual relation with) a Mushrik (polytheist, pagan or
idolater) or an adulterer, then she is either a prostitute or a Mushrikah
(female polytheist, pagan, or idolatress, etc.)]. Such a thing is forbidden to
the believers (of Islamic Monotheism).
[Holy Quran 24:3]
Verily, those who like that (the crime of) illegal sexual intercourse should be
propagated among those who believe, they will have a painful torment in this
world and in the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you know not.
[Holy Quran 24:19]
O Prophet! When believing women come to you to give you the pledge, that they
will not associate anything in worship with Allah, that they will not steal,
that they will not commit illegal sexual intercourse, that they will not kill
their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging
falsehood (i.e. by making illegal children belonging to their husbands), and
that they will not disobey you in any Ma'ruf (Islamic Monotheism and all that
which Islam ordains) then accept their Bai'a (pledge), and ask Allah to forgive
them, Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. [Holy Quran 60:12]
People committed fornication and adultery in most places around the word in
Muhammad's time, yet he never once did so, and he forbade all of his followers
from this evil practice.
P. Muhammad, peace be upon him, forbade usury and interest on money lending, as
Jesus, peace be upon him, had done centuries before him. It can be easily shown
how usury eats away at wealth and destroys the economic systems throughout
history. Yet, just as in the teachings of the prophets of old, Muhammad, peace
be upon him, held that such practices were most evil and must be avoided in
order to be at peace with the Creator (Allah).
Those who eat usury (deal in interest) will not stand (on the Day of
Resurrection) except like the standing of a person beaten by Satan leading him
to insanity. That is because they say: "Trading is only like usury," whereas
Allah has permitted trading and forbidden usury. So whosoever receives an
admonition from his Lord and stops eating usury shall not be punished for the
past; his case is for Allah (to judge); but whoever returns to dealing in usury,
such are the dwellers of the Fire - they will abide therein.
Allah will destroy Riba (usury) and will give increase for charity, alms, etc.
And Allah likes not the disbelievers, sinners. Truly those who believe, and do
deeds of righteousness, and perform Salat, and give Zakat, they will have their
reward with their Lord. On them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.
O you who believe! Be afraid of Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from
usury, if you are believers.
And if you do not do it, then take a notice of war from Allah and His Messenger
but if you repent, you shall have your capital sums. Deal not unjustly, and you
shall not be dealt with unjustly. [Holy Quran 2:275-279]
Q. Muhammad, peace be upon him, never gambled and did not allow it. Like usury,
gambling takes away wealth but at an even faster pace.
"People ask you (Muhammad) about alcohol and gambling. Say, 'There is great sin
in both of them and (some benefit) for humans, but the sin is greater than any
benefit from them.' And they ask you what they should spend (for charity, etc.).
Say, 'Whatever is above your basic needs.' So, Allah makes it clear to you His
Laws in order for you to give thought."
[Holy Quran 2:219]
Gambling had not been viewed as so evil until the time of Muhammad, peace be
upon. Today, it is well established the damage gambling causes to families and
even mental health. The idea of getting something for nothing is not the proper
way of life prescribed by the teachings of Muhammad, peace be upon him.
R. Muhammad, peace be upon him, never drank alcohol or strong drink, even though
it was a very normal thing for people of his time and place.
"O you believers! Intoxicating drinks, gambling, fortune telling, etc. is the
hated work of the devil. So stay away from all of that horrible stuff, that you
will be successful."
"The devil only wants to create hatred between you with intoxicants (alcoholic
drinks, etc.) and gambling and to keep you from the remembrance of Allah and
from your proper worship (prayers). So, why won't you away from them?"
[Holy Quran 5:90-91]
The Arabs, like most other cultures at his time, drank alcohol without concern
for their health or for their altered behavior while intoxicated. Many of them
were alcoholics.
In today's world there is little need to present long discussions on the evil
and dangers of drinking alcohol. Besides causing diseases and ruining a person's
health, alcohol is often attributed to be the cause of many traffic accidents
resulting in property damage, injuries and deaths. The first order was for the
followers of Muhammad, peace be upon him, to leave off drinking while engaged in
worship, then came stronger orders to leave drinking all together. Thus,
offering a time for the early Muslims to break off from their addiction to
strong drink.
S. Muhammad, peace be upon him, did not engage in gossip or backbiting and he
always turned away from hearing anything related to it.
O you who believe! If a rebellious evil person comes to you with a news, verify
it, lest you harm people in ignorance, and afterwards you become regretful to
what you have done.
[Holy Quran 49:6]
O you who believe! Do not allow one group scoff at another group, it may be that
the latter are better than the former; nor let (some) women scoff at other
women, it may be that the latter are better than the former, nor defame one
another, nor insult one another by nicknames. How bad is it, to insult one's
brother after having Faith. And whosoever does not repent, then such are indeed
wrong-doers.
O you who believe! Avoid much suspicions, indeed some suspicions are sins. And
spy not, neither backbite one another. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of
his dead brother? You would hate it (so hate backbiting) . And fear Allah.
Verily, Allah is the One Who accepts repentance, Most Merciful.
[Holy Quran 49:11-12]
Certainly, these teachings would be well appreciated in today's world where we
find almost everyone engaging in the worst of gossiping and insulting of others,
even the closest of relatives and loved ones.
T. Muhammad, peace be upon him, was most generous and encouraged others to be
the same way in their dealings with others. He even asked them to forgive the
debts of others with hope of receiving a better reward with their Lord (Allah).
And if the debtor is in a hard time (has no money), then grant him time till it
is easy for him to repay, but if you remit it by way of charity, that is better
for you if you did but know.
And be afraid of the Day when you shall be brought back to Allah. Then every
person shall be paid what he earned, and they shall not be dealt with unjustly.
[Holy Quran 2:280-281]
S. Muhammad, peace be upon him, commanded the payment of charity to the poor and
he was the defender and protector of widows, orphans and the wayfarers.
"Therefore, do not oppress the orphan, nor repulse the beggar." [Holy Quran
93:9-10]
Charity is for the poor, who in Allah's Cause are restricted (from travel), and
cannot move about in the land (for trade or work). The one who knows them not,
thinks that they are rich because of their modesty. You may know them by their
mark, they do not beg of people at all. And whatever you spend in good, surely
Allah knows it well. [Holy Quran 2:273]
U. Muhammad, peace be upon him, taught people how to deal with the most extreme
difficulties and tests the occur to us throughout our lives. He held that only
through patience and a humble attitude would we find true resolution and
understanding of life's complications and disappointments. He the most patient
of all and was exemplary in his own humbleness. All who knew him had to admit to
these virtues.
O you who believe! Seek help in patience and the prayer. Truly! Allah is with
the patient ones. [Holy Quran 2:153]
He explained this life was a test from Allah:
And certainly, Allah shall test you with something of fear, hunger, loss of
wealth, lives and fruits, but give glad tidings to the patient ones. [Holy Quran
2:155]
Who, when afflicted with calamity, say: "Truly! To Allah we belong and truly, to
Him we shall return." [Holy Quran 2:156]
V. Muhammad, peace be upon him, fasted for days at a time to be closer to
Almighty God and away from the narrowness of worldly attractions.
O you who believe! Observing the fasting is prescribed for you as it was
prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious. [Holy Quran 2:183]
W. Muhammad, peace be upon him, called for an end to racism and tribalism from
the beginning to the end of his mission. He was truly the peacemaker for all
times and all people. He
O mankind! (Allah) has created you from a male and a female, and made you into
nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honourable
of you with Allah is that (believer) who is one of the pious. Verily, Allah is
All-Knowing, All-Aware [Holy Quran 49:13]
And in another verse of the Quran:
O mankind! Have piety and be most dutiful to your Lord, Who created you from a
single person (Adam), and from him (Adam) He created his wife (Eve), and from
them both He created many men and women and fear Allah through Whom you demand
your mutual (rights), and (do not cut the relations of) the wombs (kinship).
Surely, Allah is Ever an All-Watcher over you. [Holy Quran 4:1]
X. Regarding keeping up good relationships and bringing people back together
after a falling out, the Quran says:
And if two parties or groups among the believers fall to fighting, then make
peace between them both, but if one of them rebels against the other, then fight
you (all) against the one that which rebels till it complies with the Command of
Allah; then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be
equitable. Verily! Allah loves those who are equitable.
The believers are nothing else than brothers to each other. So make
reconciliation between your brothers, and fear Allah, that you may receive
mercy.
[Holy Quran 49:9-10]
Y. Muhammad, peace be upon him, taught that Jesus, peace be upon him, was the
immaculate conception and miracle birth of Mary, and that she was the best
creation of Almighty God. He insisted even to the Jews of Madinah, that Jesus,
peace be upon him, was the Messiah, the Christ, the one predicted to come in
their Torah (Old Testament). He also taught that Jesus, peace be upon him, did
many miracles by the permission of Almighty God, curing the lepers, restoring
sight to the blind and even bringing a dead man back to life, and he was not
dead, rather Almighty God had raised him up. He also predicted Jesus, peace be
upon him, is going to return again in the Last Days to lead the true believers
in a victory over the evil and unrighteous people, and he will destroy the
Anti-Christ.
Z. Muhammad, peace be upon him, forbade any killing, even when his followers
were being killed, until the orders for retaliation came from Allah. Even then
the limits were clearly spelled out and only those engaged in active combat
against the Muslims or Islam were to be fought in combat. And even then, only
according to very strict rules from Allah.
INsha -Allah you can download the audio of this on my website or my blogspot@ www.skbola.tumblr.com
or skbola.blogspot.com