LESSONS FOR EVERY SENSIBLE PERSON Imtiaz Ahmad M. Sc., M. Phil. (London) Madina Munawwara Author Imtiaz Ahmad Citizenship American Degrees M. Sc., M. Phil (London) Experience: * Head of Physics Department. Government Degree College Islamabad, Pakistan. * Principal Islamic Schools in America. * General Manager, Mercy International.U. S. A. * Founder of Tawheed center of Farmington Hills, Michigan and Tawheed Center of Detroit, Michigan, U. S. A. * Consultant, Arabian Advanced Systems, Saudi Arabia. Author‟s Address: P.O.Box: 4321, Madinah Munawwarah, Saudi Arabia E-Mail: [email protected] Web site: www.imtiazahmad.com First Edition : July, 2003 AL-WAHEED PRINTERS Makkah Mukarrama - P.O.Box: 9421 Tel. 00966-2-5441072 - Fax: 5448375 © Imtiaz Ahmad, ‏2001 King Fahd National Library Cataloging-in-Publication Data Ahmad, Imtiaz Speeches for an inquiring mind - 5th ed. - Al-Madinah Al- Munawarah 162 Pages - 17 × 25 cm ISBN: 9960-39-777-7 1- Islamic Law 1- Title 210 dc 3691 / 22 Legal Deposit No. 3691 / 22 ISBN: 9960-39-777-7 2 C O N T E N T S AUTHOR‟S REMARKS ................................................................. 4 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................... 5 1- VIRTUES OF MADINA............................................................. 7 2- GLIMPSES OF THE LIVES OF THE RIGHTLY GUIDED CALIPHS ................................................................................. 10 3- ABU BAKR SIDDIQUE (RU) (11H-13H) ............................... 10 4- OMAR FAROOQ (RU) (13H-23H) .......................................... 15 5- OSMAN BIN AFFAN (RU) (24H-35H) ................................... 24 6- ALI (RU) (35H-40H) ................................................................ 27 7- BATTLE OF UHUD ................................................................. 31 8- BATTLE OF AHZAB ............................................................... 41 9- FORMER JEWISH TRIBES AROUND MADINA ................. 51 10- BANU NADIR ........................................................................ 52 11- BANU QURAIZA ................................................................... 55 12- MASJID QUBA AND MASJID DIRAR ................................ 60 13- MASJID QIBLATAIN ............................................................ 64 14- CONSPIRACIES .................................................................... 68 15- A FEW OTHER NOTABLE SITES ....................................... 73 16- MASJID AL-EJABAH............................................................ 73 17- MASJID ABI ZAR .................................................................. 73 18- MASJID AL-GHAMAMA ................................................... 74 19- MASJID AL-JUMAH ........................................................... 74 20- JANNAT-TUL-BAQEE ........................................................ 74 3 INTRODUCTION The visitor of the city of Madina is a very valuable person. Allah (SWT), through His Grand Mercy, has chosen him/her for this visit. Each individual spends lot of time, money and effort to avail this opportunity. Finally, the dream comes true and the visitor finds himself breathing in the spiritual climate of Madina. Performing salat in congregation in the Prophet‟s Mosque and recitation of Quran are the main activities. Most of the people also try to visit some places of historical and religious importance. It is observed that these trips have some routine activities. For example, the visitors make dua for the martyrs of the Battle of Uhud and try to offer two rakat salat in masajid at the site of the Battle of Ahzab. I feel some homework should be done before making a trip to these sites, since basic knowledge of such events will enhance the spirituality of the visit. For example, Allah (SWT) has devoted one full Surah in the Quran, Al-Ahzab, to teach us lessons from the Battle of Ahzab. Lessons to be learnt from the Battle of Uhud are scattered in Surah Al-Imran. The effort of this booklet is to summarize these lessons without going into much detail so that an average reader has the time and desire to benefit from these lessons. I feel that with this homework the visit to these sites will become much more valuable. The readers will appreciate the contribution and sacrifices of their forefathers. The visit will touch their hearts and they will carry these spiritual experiences with them to their homelands with a lasting effect on their lifestyles. In this booklet you will also come across a few conspiracies, which are very strange and cruel. You will see that a few very cruel people live in all ages. You will also be introduced to some of the former Jewish neighbors of Madina and their strengths and weaknesses. It is very important to learn lessons from the lives of the rightly guided Caliphs since they are guiding light for us. Hence glimpses of their lives or given. The past history of a nation is important to teach people it's strengths and weakness and causes of their successes and failures. The visitors of Makkah are always busy in fulfilling the obligations of Hajj and Umra with their soft hearts. It will be very beneficial if they can have a quick review of some of the historical events, which took place in this sacred land. Very few visitors of Makkah try to buy Islamic history books. Those who buy do not find time to read the big books. I have tried to give a bird's eye view of some historical events, which took place in and around Makkah. I feel it will enhance the spirituality of the visitors. 4 As an appendix, stories of two new or reverted Muslims who embraced Islam in saudi arabia are given. It will show the social, psychological and cultural difficulties involved in making Dawah and consequently will provide some skills to make a fruitful Dawah. I am grateful to Mr. jaafri, Mr. Zani and Mr. Azmi in preparing this book and humbly pray that Allah (SWT) accept our this joint efforts. IMTIAZ AHMAD O sensible people, it is fantastic to have intellectual pursuits. However, if one cannot see the truth (or learn good moral lessons from it), it reduces to a useless intellectual exercise. (Iqbal) VIRTUES OF MADINA Prophet Mohammed (SAS) made a supplication at the time of his migration from Makkah. He said, “O Allah (SWT), You have brought me out of Your most beloved city. Please take me to Your most favorite city in this world. Allah (SWT) granted his dua and he (SAS) migrated to Madina Munawarah. Hence Madina is the best city in this world. Note that the Prophet (SAS) chose to return to Madina to live rest of his life even after the conquest of Makkah. Whenever the Prophet (SAS) used to reach near Madina during a journey, he used to somewhat speed up and used to remove his cover from his face to let the soothing air of Madina embrace his face. He said that even the dust of Madina has healing effect. That is why another name of Madina is Shafiah or healer of diseases. He (SAS) instructed his companions to wish for death in Madina since he (SAS) will be the intercessor and witness on the Day of Judgment for those buried in Madina. Caliph Omer (RU) used to make dua, “O Allah, make me a martyr and make me die in the city of Your Prophet (SAS).” Allah (SWT) fulfilled his both wishes. Prophet Mohammed (SAS) made this dua, “O Allah, Ibrahim (AS) is Your worshiper and friend. He made supplication for the peace and prosperity of the residents of Makkah.I am Your worshipper and Prophet too. I request You to double Your blessings for the residents of Madina as compared to Makkah. Please make our weighing and measuring of various items full of blessings too.” Madina helps a person to get rid of his sins just like a furnace removes the impurities of silver. As mentioned in Sahihain, if a person eats seven Ajwa dates of Madina in his breakfast, no poison or magic will harm this person. 5 Masjid Nabawi and Masjid Quba of Madina are based on ultimate piety. The minber of Masjid Nabawi will be step to enter Paradise. The area between the minber and the Prophet‟s grave is one of the gardens of Paradise. The Uhud Mountain is a mountain of Paradise and Prophet (SAS) loved this mountain. The Prophet (SAS) will intercede and witness those buried in Baqee cemetery in Madina. All cities were conquered by the Muslim by sword. Madina is the only city conquered by the teachings and blessings of Quran.Dajjal will not be able to enter the heart of the city of Madina. The Prophet (SAS) said, “Iman will return back to Madina just like the snake returns back to his hole.” The Prophet (SAS) said, “Show respect to the residents of Madina. I not only migrated to Madina but also my grave will be in Madina and I shall rise on the Day of Judgment from the city of Madina. You should honor the rights of the residents of Madina since they are my neighbors. Try to overlook their mistakes and shortcomings. If a person will honor the rights of my neighbors, I shall intercede and witness for that person on the Day of Judgment. If a person ignores the rights of my neighbors, he will be made to drink washing of the wounds on the Day of Judgment. The details of the Prophet‟s Mosque can be seen in my book „Reminders for People of Understanding‟. However a few general comments are given below: 1- There was no mehrab in Masjid Nabawi at the time of Prophet (SAS) and his four Caliphs. Omar bin Abdul Aziz constructed a mehrab in 91H. 2- There were no minarets in Masjid Nabawi at the time of Prophet (SAS) and his four Caliphs. Omar bin Abdul Aziz built four minarets at the four corners of this Masjid in 91 H. 3- Initially there was no minber or pulpit and the Prophet (SAS) delivered sermon by leaning against trunk of a tree in the mosque. During 8 H, a wooden pulpit was made consisting of three steps. 4- The various columns or pillars in the old Prophet‟s Mosque are at the same spot where they were at the time of the Prophet (SAS). Many columns have great significance. 5- The houses for the rightly guided Caliphs were as follows: Abu Bakr‟s (RU) house was adjacent to the west wall of the Prophet‟s Mosque and it was in line with the present Bab Siddique. Abu Bakr (RU) had another house on the eastern side of the mosque which was on the street leading from Bab Jibreel to Baqee. Abu Bakr (RU) was in this house during his last days and died here too. 6 Omar‟s (RU) house was between Bab Rhmah and Bab Siddique. During Salat-ul-Juma the rows of worshipers used to extend into Omar‟s (RU) house. Osman (RU) had two houses. The large house was just outside present Bab Baqee. Osman (RU) became martyr in the northern part of this house. He had a smaller house near the northeastern corner of his large house. Ali‟s (RU) house was just north of the Sacred Chamber or Aisha‟s (RU) hut. There was mehrab tahajjud in the southern wall of Ali‟s (RU) house. GLIMPSES OF THE LIVES OF THE RIGHTLY GUIDED CALIPHS The visitor of Madina should carry with them some reminders from lives of the rightly guided caliphs since they are the guiding light for us. ABU BAKR SIDDIQUE (RU) (11H-13H) Allah (SWT) says in An-Nisa # 69‏               ‏     And whoso obey Allah and the Messenger, then they will be in the company of those on whom Allah has bestowed His Grace, of the Prophet, the siddiqun, the martyrs, and the righteous. And how excellent these companions are! According to scholars a siddique is the one who accepts Islam right away without any hesitation or reservation. Such was the case of Abu Bakr (RU). That is why he is called siddique. Note that the level of siddique is even higher than a martyr as indicated by the above verse. Disbelievers tortured new Muslims every day. For example, disbelievers used to lay Khabbab (RU) on burning flames and put stones on top of him so that he can not move. As mentioned in Ibn Hisham, Abu Bakr (RU) bought Bilal (RU), Amer bin Fohaira (RU) and Khabbab bin Arath (RU) and freed them from slavery. Similarly Zinnera (RUH), Nahdia (RUH), Umm Abais (RUH) were lady slaves who embraced Islam. Idolators tortured them in many ways. Abu Bakr (RU) bought them all and freed them from slavery. Abu Bakr (RU) had very clear understanding of Quran.When Prophet Mohammed (SAS) died, many Companions including Omar (RU) got confused. Abu Bakr (RU) recited Al Imran #144 7                  ‏           Muhammad (SAS) is no more than a messenger, and indeed messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; and Allah will give reward to those who are grateful. It made the situation very clear in the minds of all the Companions. When Abu Bakr (RU) wanted to fight against those who refused to pay Zakat, many Companions objected. They said, “Do you wish to kill those who pray, fast and perform Haj?” Abu Bakr (RU) replied, “Those who refuse to pay Zakat are out of the fold of Islam.” Abu Bakr (RU) crushed such unislamic trends. It is a reminder for us who are not careful in paying Zakat fully or partially. It is mentioned in Ibn Aseer that Abu Bakr (RU) asked, “What new items I have accumulated since I have become a caliph?” He was told about the following three items. a- A camel which is used to fetch water. b- A slave who looks after the children and also sharpens the swords of the Muslims. c- One piece of cloth worth less than a present Saudi riyal. He ordered to deliver these items to the next caliph after his death. When Omar (RU) received these items, he could not help crying and he was continuously saying, “O Abu Bakr(RU), you have made the task of your successor very difficult by your extraordinary example. There is a reminder for those who hold public office and then accumulate illegal foreign bank balances. Abu Bakr (RU) compiled the Quran in the form of a book, since many Huffaz became martyrs in various battles. Doors of the houses of many Companions used to open into Masjid Nabawi. As mentioned in Bukhari, Prophet (SAS) ordered that all these doors be closed except the door of the house of Abu Bakr (RU). This was the prediction that Abu Bakr (RU) will be first caliph. The exact location of the house of Abu Bakr (RU) can still be seen in Masjid Nabawi. If you walk westward from the Minber, this house was near the fifth column from the Minber in line with the present Bab Siddique. When the Prophet (SAS) could not lead salat due to his illness, he appointed Abu Bakr (RU) to lead the salat in Masjid Nabawi. Abu Bakr (RU) was a very close friend of Prophet Mohammed (SAS) even before the dawn of Islam. A man is known by the friends he keeps. He embraced Islam the very first day. He had the honor to be with the 8 Prophet (SAS) during his migration from Makkah to Madina. Al- Taubah#40                                ‏            If you help him (Muhammad (SAS)) not, for Allah did indeed help him when the disbelevers drove him out, the second of the two; when they were in the cave, he said to his companion: “Be not sad, surely Allah is with us.” Then Allah sent down His peace upon him, and strengthened him with forces which you saw not, and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, with the Word of Allah that became the uppermost; and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. Abu Bakr (RU) appointed an advisory council for the selection of next caliph. He (RU) did not want to repeat the situation created when the Prophet (SAS) passed away. An interesting dialogue took place between him and members of his advisory council for the selection of his successor. Abu Bakr (RU) asked Abdur Rahman bin Auf (RU), “What do you think about Omar (RU) as my successor?” Abdur Rahman bin Auf (RU) said, “No doubt he is the best person but he is extremely strict and stringent.” Abu Bakr (RU) said, “He is like this since he finds me very soft. When he becomes a caliph, he will automatically become soft.” Then Abu Bakr (RU) asked Osman (RU), “What do you think about Omar (RU) as next caliph?” Osman (RU) said, “All I know is that his inner self is better than even his outer personality. In fact nobody among us is like him.” He also consulted many other Muhajireen and Ansar. As mentioned in Ibn Aseer, Talha bin Abdullah (RU) learnt that Omar (RU) is being seriously considered as next caliph. He went to Abu Bakr (RU) and said, “You know that Omar (RU) is very strict and stringent person. In spite of this you intend to choose him your successor. How would you answer Allah (SWT) on the Day of Judgment about your this action?” Abu Bakr (RU) said, “I shall say to Allah (SWT), O Allah, I have appointed your most obedient servant as caliph for the believers.” At the death of Abu Bakr (RU), Ali (RU) gave a farewell address at the doorstep of Abu Bakr (RU). Ali said, “O Abu Bakr, Allah‟s mercy be showered upon you, Prophet (SAS) loved you. He trusted you with his secrets. You were his advisor. You were the first to accept Islam and you were the most sincere believer and most God fearing person……..” 9 When Ali (RU) finished his address, the people started crying bitterly at this loss and said, “O son-in-law of the Prophet (SAS). You said the truth.” OMAR FAROOQ (RU) (13H-23H) It is mentioned in Ibn-e-Hisham that one lady servant of Omar‟s tribe, Bani Adi embraced Islam. Omar (RU), as a disbeliever, used to beat her daily till he became dead tired. He would say to her, “I am quitting this beating not out of mercy on you. I am quitting it since I am dead tired now.” She was beaten like this daily till Abu Bakr bought her and freed her. Al-Jauzi has written in his book, History of Omar bin Khatab, that one day Omar (RU) hid himself behind the cover of Kabah. The Prophet (SAS) was offering salat there and was reciting Surah Al-Haqqah. Omar (RU) was stun with the eloquence of Quran and he said to himself, “Mohammed (SAS) must be a great poet.” The Prophet then recited. Al-Haqqah # 41 ‏        It is not the word of a poet: little is that you believe! Then Omar (RU) said to himself. It must be wording of a soothsayer (or a foreteller). The Prophet (SAS) recited Al-Haqqah # 42-52.                                                           Nor is it the word of a soothsayer (or a foreteller): little is that you remember! This is the Revelation sent down from the Lord of all universes. And if he (Muhammad (SAS)) had forged a false saying concerning Us (Allah (SWT)), We surely would have seized him by his right hand (or with power and might), And then We certainly would have cut off his life artery (aorta), And none of you could have withheld Us from (punishing) him. And verily, this (Qur’an) is a Reminder for the Pious. And verily, We know that there are some among you that believe and indeed it (this Qur’an) will be an anguish for the disbelievers. And verily, it (this Qur’an) is an absolute truth with certainty. So glorify the Name of your Lord, the Most Great. Omar (RU) said, “This recitation of Quran affected my heart and made me believe that Islam is a true religion.” However, he could not leave the religion of his forefathers and hence continued opposing Islam 10