Islamic Culture and Religious Studies Book - 1

Lesson 8 : Foundation of Tawheed

You must be quite familiar with the life of Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) and the reconstruction of the Holy Ka'abah. Let us look at one aspect of this amazing project.

Prophet Is'maeel (a.s.) was still a youth when both his father and he travelled to the holy city of Mecca to re-build the House of Allah (S.W.T.). He had made a promise that he would help his father to revive the school of Tawheed. With this intention, they both started the work of building the holy place.

Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) and Is'maeel (a.s.) worked hard and carried many heavy sacks of sand to and fro to make the bricks. Some people from the tribes living nearby helped them build up the walls. Finally, when the Holy Ka'abah was completed, Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) raised his hands in supplication and recited aloud:

"Yaa Rabbi (O my Lord)! The house of Tawheed is now ready for mankind so that they may worship and attend to Your call of worship! O my Lord! Accept this humble deed from Your weak servant and may this place of worship remain safe and pure from any impurity, let it become the foundation of Tawheed.

"O my Lord! Create from my offspring, lovers of Tawheed who can serve You only! Send prophets in guidance to mankind. Show them the path of true knowledge and wisdom."

DA'WAH TO ALL

Later, Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) climbed on top of the Mountain of Abu Qubays and called out aloud to all the people: "O people of Hejaz! O people! Come and embrace the call of Tawheed at this central point of Tawheed! Get rid of shirk, humiliation and idol-worshipping!"

WHY VISIT THE HOLY KA'ABAH?

Since the early days, the Holy Ka'abah has been a place of worship and a means for people to meet in the way of Allah (S.W.T.) breaking all boundaries of race, colour and social status. Unique Characteristics of the Holy House

  1. The Holy Ka'abah is a place of worship.

  2. Muslims' spirits and hearts become united as they share religious values. Although they come from different ethnic background, under the fort of Tawheed, they are able to solve the social and political problems in the global Muslim world. This sacred place gives Muslims an opportunity to learn, share and exchange ideas.

  3. The Ka'abah therefore becomes the uniting factor for Muslims. It enables them to stand against the Kuffar and Mushrikeen and to be actively involved in creating awareness in the Muslim societies. It provides an opportunity to raise the banner of Islam and Tawheed. As the central point of QIBLAH, where Muslims all over the world face during their Salaat, it acts as a banner for Islam all over the world. All prophets have visited the Holy Ka'abah for pilgrimage and every Muslim tries to go for pilgrimage even if it is once in their lifetime.

  4. This holy place re-kindles the spirits of Muslims towards the truth of the message of Islam.

A Holy Verse The Qur'an says:

"And when Ibrahim and Is'maeel raised the foundations of the house, (Ibrahim prayed): 'Our Lord accept from us (this duty); surely Thou art the hearing, the knowing. Our Lord! And make us both submissive to Thee and (raise) from our offspring a nation submitting to Thee, and show us our ways of worship and turn to us (mercifully), surely Thou art the oft-returning (to mercy), the merciful." Sura Baqara, Verses 127 & 128

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT…

  1. Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) was a man of God - a Prophet sent by Allah (S.W.T.) to convey the message of TAWHEED.
  2. He was able to spread this message of truth with the help of his son Is'maeel (a.s.).
  3. Prophets enlightened people towards knowing Tawheed of Allah (S.W.T.).
  4. After the re-building of the Holy Ka'abah; love, co-operation, spirit of brotherhood and good counsel spread in the Muslim ummah.

Think and Answer

  1. In his time, what was the most important role Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) played?
  2. What was the prayer of Prophet Ibrahim (a.s.) after laying the foundation of the Holy Ka'abah?
  3. Why does a Muslim visit this sacred place?

Introduction to Chapter Four

In The Name Of Allah (S.W.T.), the Beneficent, the Merciful

THE HOLY PROPHET (S.A.W.W.) OF ISLAM HIS SEERAH AND STAGES OF DIVINE PROPAGATION

Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (s.a.w.w.) who was the son of Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib is indeed the perfect and the most beloved of all prophets of Islam. At the age of forty years, he received the first divine revelation of prophethood of Islam.

The final message and completion of Islam came through him. During his lifetime, he played a very important role in combating shirk i.e. idol worshipping and all the other faces of polytheism.

In this chapter, we will study the message of the last and final Messenger. It will be necessary for us to closely study the seerah of the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.w.). From his life and personality, we can learn how he resisted all sorts of kufr and how his excellent manners brought even the polytheists to the belief in One God.

Because of this very akhlaq, he is referred to as the 'BEST EXAMPLE' for mankind in the Holy Qur'an.

Lesson 9 : Da'awah For The Near Ones To Islam

By the 3rd year of Be'that (Prophethood), the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) had spent all his time just trying to revive the light of Islam. There were several ways he used to do this. Initially, it was necessary for him to hold small group meetings because the time had not yet come to spread the message of Islam to all. The people of Mecca were not aware of the Prophet (s.a.w.w.)'s real objectives yet.

During the early stages of da'awah, there were about 40 Muslims who showed loyalty, co-operation and supported his divine call. These people stood firm behind him all through their lives.

Gradually, Islam established itself in the form of these trustworthy and sincere individuals. In the meantime, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) tried to gain the trust of the general public and through his perfect conduct, he succeeded so well that he became famously known as SADIQ (TRUTHFUL) and AMEEN (TRUSTWORTHY).

Then the Divine call came down from the heavens and Allah (S.W.T.) said to him:

"Awaken the hearts of the people towards the Almighty Creator Allah (S.W.T.) and Islam, and protect them from the severe punishment of the hereafter. It is time for you to spread the heavenly message with compassion, gentleness, humility and wisdom."

Soon after, our Holy Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w.) undertook his first invitation. With the help of his cousin (and future son-in-law) - Imam Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (a.s.), he organised a meal and invited the close members of his family to join him.

Da'watul Dhul-Ashira - The First Invitation.

40 people arrived for the special meal. The Holy Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.w.) showed them warm hospitality and said, "Ali and I express sincere thanks to you for having accepted our invitation and may you enjoy this humble meal…"

It was a blessed meal indeed! After everyone had eaten, the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) began to speak about his mission. However, as soon as Abu Lahab - one of his uncles - realised what he was saying, he created an awful scene and prevented the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) from talking any more. Chaos broke out and everyone left without hearing the important message.

Let us try to reflect on what went on in that first meeting:

  1. Did the behaviour of Abu Lahab in any way discourage the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) from spreading the message of Islam?

  2. Did it stop him from guiding the people? And did he despair and lose hope in Allah (S.W.T.)?

  3. What were the ways of the Prophet (s.a.w.w.)'s Islamic work? What strategies did he use in guiding people? What course of action did he use to put the love of truth in people's hearts?

When we ponder on these issues, we appreciate the fact that the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.w.) never gave up on his divine mission. He exercised a lot of patience in order to perform his duties. This was for the sake of saving humanity from the darkness of ignorance and to bring them into the light of Truth and success. The Second Invitation

Trusting in Allah (S.W.T.), the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) waited for a few days and then called the same people again for a second meal. He was equally kind and hospitable this time around. After the simple but wonderful meal, he began to speak. This time the people listened. He said:

"Dear guests! What I am about to say may not be acceptable to your ears, if you wish to listen to my counsel you may do so. If you do not wish to do so, the choice is yours and you can follow your own path. But I request you all to heed what I am about to say.

"I remind you that I am a gift and a blessing for you, a guide for you and I will become your salvation in the hereafter, so think about what I say.

"O people, if I were to tell you that there was an army of enemies just behind this mountain, would you take my word and believe me? Or would you run away like renegades? What steps would you take?"

All those gathered replied: "O Muhammad! We trust that what you utter is nothing but the truth."

It was now time for the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) to make his announcement, giving glad tidings to the guests and conveying the pure message of Islam. He continued, "I wish nothing but goodness and happiness for you. I do not and have never uttered a single lie. O people! Remember death is not the end of our long journey, life after death is another continuous life in another world.

"O people, I am a Prophet sent by Allah (S.W.T.), blessed by Him as a mercy for the whole universe. I shoulder a heavy and a great responsibility to spread this divine MESSAGE OF ISLAM, and I desire that you should follow this path. Come and join this sacred course to Allah (S.W.T.)…"

There was absolute silence in the room as the stunned people looked at the Prophet (s.a.w.w.). It was then that a young man stood up from the crowd and exclaimed, "O Prophet of Allah (S.W.T.), I believe in the ways of Tawheed, Ma'ad, and have full trust in your prophethood and your message of truth."

Do you know who it was? It was no other than Ali Ibn Abi Taalib! Joy illuminated the Prophet (s.a.w.w.)'s face as he asked Ali to confirm what he had said not once or twice but three times!

Then the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) made a second announcement, "Most surely, this is my brother, my inheritor, my leader for you, so take heed and obey him …" He then repeated and said, "This young man is my close brother, and my Wazir, he is none other than Ali Ibn Abi Taalib."

Al Kamil Fi-Tarikh Vol 2 Page 62 Even while some of those gathered were excited and happy at the news, others like Abu Lahab and his followers looked plainly angry and walked out. These became the permanent enemies of the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) and of Islam.

The questions that come up in all our minds at this point is: Why did some express feelings of joy and excitement when Imam Ali (a.s.) was given such a great title and later turn against him?

Did the people who were present fully understand what the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) was saying? Did they appreciate the high and noble status of Imam Ali (a.s.) as given by the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.w.)?

It is important for us to sit and seriously think about what actually transpired in the mind of the people during this great event!

A Holy Verse The Qur'an mentions:

"And warn your nearest relations and be kind to him who follows you of the believers." Sura Shua'ra, Verse 215

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT…

  1. The initial stage of da'awah performed by our Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) was to a few people. Gradually more and more were called to Islam
  2. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) imparted the message of Islam through love, kindness, care, gentleness and showed great patience in this mission.
  3. He enjoined the people towards goodness and imparted the fundamentals of Islam clearly and with certainty.
  4. He also prepared the Ummah, from the beginning, with a spiritual guide and leader.

Think and Answer

  1. Define da'awah in Islam? What were the unique ways of performing da'awah that the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.w.) used?
  2. Why did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) begin his mission with only a handful?
  3. Describe the event of the first and second invitations of the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.w.) and their respective outcomes.
  4. Explain in your own words the content of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.)'s sermon during the latter event? Who replied him and what was this reply? 5. What do you understand by the statement made by the young man?