The Prophet Muhammad; the Biography
The Prophet Muhammad; the Biography
After declaring his prophethood, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spent a month in seclusion, praying and reflecting to prepare for his mission. His absence worried his family and the people of Mecca, who were used to seeing him at the Kaaba.
Allah then commanded him to first warn his closest relatives. The Prophet ﷺ hosted a large meal, inviting around 40-45 family members. Standing on Safa Hill, he addressed them: “Sons of Hashim, children of Abdul Muttalib! I bring you a message from Allah. If I told you an army was coming behind this mountain, would you believe me?”
They replied, “Yes—you’ve never lied to us.”
He continued, “Then believe me now: I am Allah’s messenger, sent to guide you to success in this life and the next. Follow me!”
Most listened quietly, but his uncle Abu Lahab angrily interrupted, “Did you call us here for this? Shame on you!” The Prophet ﷺ remained calm, and Allah later revealed Quranic verses (Chapter 111, Al-Masad) condemning Abu Lahab and his wife to Hell for their rejection.
Amid the tension, young Ali (the Prophet’s cousin) stood up and declared, “I believe in you and will support you always!” The Prophet ﷺ returned home, continuing his prayers and mission with renewed resolve.
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Khadija (R), the wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, was the very first person to believe in his message. Her faith was not blind—she carefully studied his life and character. Before accepting Islam, she consulted religious scholars like Waraqa ibn Nawfal (a Christian monk familiar with scriptures) to confirm the truth of the Prophet’s ﷺ mission.
When the Prophet ﷺ began receiving revelations through the angel Jibril, Khadija (R) wanted to confirm their divine origin. She asked the Prophet ﷺ to tell her when Jibril appeared. When he did, she requested the Prophet ﷺ to sit on her right leg, then her left leg, and finally her lap while she removed her headscarf. Each time, the Prophet ﷺ confirmed Jibril’s presence—until her final request, when Jibril vanished.
Khadija (R) then declared, “Rejoice! This is truly an angel, not a devil. Angels avoid impropriety, and he left when I uncovered myself. Be steadfast—Allah will never abandon you!” This test reassured her that the revelations were divine.
Khadija (R) dedicated her wealth to supporting the Prophet ﷺ and Islam. She was also the first person to pray alongside him after accepting his message. Her faith never wavered, earning her the title Siddiqa (“the truthful one”). Scholars explain that her actions were not out of doubt but to witness the truth firsthand, reflecting her deep wisdom and certainty.
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Ali (R), the cousin of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, grew up in the Prophet’s household. When Ali’s father, Abu Talib, faced financial hardship, the Prophet ﷺ and his uncle Abbas offered to care for Abu Talib’s children. The Prophet ﷺ took Ali under his wing, fostering a close bond that shaped Ali’s life.
As a young boy (around 8–13 years old), Ali noticed the Prophet ﷺ and Khadija (R) praying. Curious, he asked about their actions. The Prophet ﷺ explained, “This is Allah’s religion. Worship Him alone, not idols like Lata or Uzzah.” After a night of reflection, Ali accepted Islam, becoming the first male believer. Though he initially kept his faith private, his devotion never wavered.
Ali’s father, Abu Talib, discovered their prayers but chose not to convert. Still, he vowed to protect the Prophet ﷺ, saying, “Stay with Muhammad—he guides you only to goodness.” He even encouraged Ali’s brother Ja’far to join them in prayer, showing quiet support for their faith.
Though Ali was the first to accept Islam, Abu Bakr (R) later became the first public male convert, earning the title As-Siddiq (“the truthful one”).
Ali learned directly from the Prophet ﷺ, becoming a symbol of courage and knowledge. He later married the Prophet’s daughter Fatima (R), deepening their familial bond.
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Abu Bakr (R) holds a revered place in Islamic history as the first man outside the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ immediate family to embrace Islam. Known for his unwavering faith, he earned titles like As-Siddiq (“the Truthful”) and Al-Atiq (“the Freed One”). His original name, Abd al-Kaaba, was changed by the Prophet ﷺ to Abdullah, symbolizing his devotion to Allah alone.
Abu Bakr (R) shared a lifelong friendship with the Prophet ﷺ. When the Quraysh accused the Prophet ﷺ of rejecting idol worship, Abu Bakr (R) sought clarity. The Prophet ﷺ declared, “I am Allah’s Messenger, calling you to the truth.” Without hesitation, Abu Bakr (R) accepted Islam, becoming its first public male convert. The Prophet ﷺ later praised him: “Everyone doubted me except Abu Bakr—he stood by me without delay.”
A wealthy merchant, Abu Bakr (R) was respected for his generosity, wisdom, and deep knowledge of Arab tribes and their histories. Though three years younger than the Prophet ﷺ, their bond was unbreakable. His father, Abu Quhafa, shared distant ancestry with the Prophet’s ﷺ family, reinforcing their connection. Inspired by a priest’s warning and divine dreams, Abu Bakr (R) dedicated himself to Islam’s mission.
Abu Bakr (R) tirelessly spread Islam, convincing many prominent figures to embrace the faith. Among them were Uthman ibn Affan, Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam, and Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas—key companions who shaped Islam’s early community. His home became a hub for teachings, and his efforts strengthened the Muslim Ummah.
Abu Bakr (R) risked his wealth and safety to free enslaved Muslims, like Bilal (R). His steadfastness during persecution and his role as the Prophet’s ﷺ closest advisor solidified his legacy. After the Prophet’s ﷺ passing, he became the first caliph, guiding the community with humility and wisdom.
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Uthman ibn Affan (R) was among the first to embrace Islam, proudly calling himself “the fourth person to accept the faith.” His journey began with a heartfelt desire to marry Ruqayya (R), the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ daughter, who was initially engaged to Utbah, son of Abu Lahab. Uthman regretted not proposing earlier and confided in his aunt, Sa’ada, a wise woman skilled in astrology.
She reassured him: “Allah has destined you for greatness. You will marry Ruqayya, the daughter of Allah’s true Messenger, Muhammad ﷺ. Leave idol worship and follow him.”
Confused but curious, Uthman met Abu Bakr (R), who explained, “Idols are powerless stones. Muhammad ﷺ is Allah’s Prophet, guiding us to truth.” Together, they visited the Prophet ﷺ, who invited Uthman to Islam. Moved by the message, Uthman immediately declared his faith, pledging to worship Allah alone.
Soon after, Utbah abandoned his marriage to Ruqayya (R) due to his family’s opposition to Islam. The Prophet ﷺ blessed Uthman’s union with Ruqayya (R), and after her passing, he married her sister, Umm Kulthum (R). These marriages reflected the Prophet’s deep trust and love for Uthman.
Despite early persecution, Uthman’s wealth and dedication later became pillars of support for the Muslim community. He funded critical efforts, like equipping the army before key battles, and his humility and generosity earned him the title Dhun-Nurayn (“Possessor of Two Lights”) for marrying two of the Prophet’s daughters.
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As a young shepherd in Mecca, Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (R) cared for the sheep of Uqbah ibn Abi Mu’it. One day, while grazing the flock, he encountered Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and Abu Bakr (R), who were fleeing persecution. Exhausted and thirsty, they asked for milk.
Abdullah hesitated: “I’m just a caretaker—I can’t give you milk.”
The Prophet ﷺ pointed to a frail, dry goat. Abdullah shrugged, “That one has no milk.”
Undeterred, the Prophet ﷺ gently stroked the goat’s udder, prayed, and miraculously, milk flowed. Abu Bakr (R) caught it in a hollow stone. They drank, then offered it to Abdullah. Afterward, the udder shrank back, as if untouched.
Astonished, Abdullah declared faith on the spot, becoming the sixth person to embrace Islam.
Despite his small stature, the Prophet ﷺ cherished him. Once, companions teased his short legs. The Prophet ﷺ intervened: “On Judgment Day, his legs will weigh heavier than Mount Uhud!” He praised Abdullah’s deep Quranic knowledge: “Learn the Quran as it was revealed—from Ibn Mas’ud.”
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Abu Darr, from the Ghifar tribe near Mecca, heard about Prophet Muhammad’s message and sent his brother, Anis, to investigate. Anis returned and confirmed the Prophet taught worship of one God and truth. Still unsure, Abu Darr traveled to Mecca himself, despite warnings of danger. Arriving secretly, he searched for the Prophet but faced hostility when he asked about him. People attacked him, leaving him injured. He survived by drinking Zamzam water for 30 days, which sustained him miraculously.
One night, while hiding near the Ka’aba, he saw two women praying to idols. He teased them, asking why they didn’t “marry” their gods. When the women left, Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr arrived. Abu Darr greeted the Prophet with “Assalamu Alaika” (Peace be upon you), becoming the first to use this Islamic greeting. The Prophet welcomed him warmly, and Abu Darr embraced Islam immediately.
In another version, Ali noticed Abu Darr as a stranger and quietly took him to the Prophet. After learning about Islam, Abu Darr boldly proclaimed his faith publicly at the Ka’aba, angering the Quraysh. They beat him, but Abbas, the Prophet’s uncle, saved him twice. Later, Abu Bakr hosted Abu Darr, who finally ate his first meal in Mecca.
The Prophet advised Abu Darr to return home and invite his tribe to Islam. Abu Darr’s brother and mother accepted Islam first. Half his tribe followed, and after the Prophet migrated to Medina, the rest of Ghifar and their neighbors, the Aslam tribe, embraced Islam too. The Prophet prayed for Ghifar’s forgiveness and Aslam’s safety.
Abu Darr is remembered as one of Islam’s earliest converts (the fifth, by some accounts). He faced persecution bravely, spread the faith fearlessly, and inspired his tribe to follow the Prophet. His story highlights unwavering faith and dedication to truth.
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Daru Al-Arqam was a small house in Mecca, owned by Arqam ibn Abi Al-Arqam, one of the early Muslims. During the early years of Islam, when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his followers faced severe persecution from the Quraysh tribe, this house became a secret refuge. Located near the Kaaba, it served as a safe space for teaching, worship, and planning.
In the fourth year of his mission, the Prophet moved Islamic activities to Dar Al-Arqam. The house was in a busy area but hidden enough to avoid suspicion. Here, the Prophet taught the Quran, explained Islam’s message, and trained his followers in patience and good character. Despite its modest size (about 8 meters long and 4 meters wide), it became the heart of the early Muslim community.
Daru Al-Arqam was key to spreading Islam discreetly. Many important figures, like Hamza (the Prophet’s uncle) and Mus’ab ibn Umair, embraced Islam there. The house also protected Muslims from attacks. For example, when Umm Jamil (daughter of Khattab) was beaten by enemies trying to find the Prophet’s location, she refused to reveal the secret.
When the Muslim community grew to 40 members—after Umar ibn Al-Khattab accepted Islam—Daru Al-Arqam’s role ended. By then, Islam had gained enough strength to move forward openly. The house remains a symbol of resilience, faith, and the quiet but powerful beginnings of Islam.
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When about 38 people had accepted Islam, Abu Bakr (Siddiq) asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ if they could announce their faith publicly. The Prophet ﷺ initially hesitated, noting their small numbers, but Abu Bakr persisted. Eventually, the Prophet ﷺ agreed. Abu Bakr stood at the Kaaba and delivered Islam’s first public sermon, calling people to Allah and His Messenger.
Angry non-believers attacked Abu Bakr violently, kicking him and hitting him with objects. A man named Utbah struck his face with spiked shoes, badly injuring him. Members of Abu Bakr’s tribe, Banu Taym, rushed to defend him and carried him home, fearing he might die. They swore revenge if he didn’t survive.
When Abu Bakr regained consciousness, his first words were about the Prophet’s safety. His family urged him to eat or drink, but he refused until he saw the Prophet ﷺ. His mother, Umm al-Khair, and Umm Jamil (sister of Umar ibn al-Khattab) helped arrange a meeting. The Prophet ﷺ soon arrived, embraced Abu Bakr, and prayed for him.
Tearfully, Abu Bakr reassured the Prophet ﷺ that his injuries were minor and begged him to pray for his mother’s salvation. The Prophet ﷺ invited Umm al-Khair to Islam, and she accepted, declaring her faith. This event strengthened the early Muslim community, inspiring more people to embrace Islam openly.
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As opposition to Islam grew, the Quraysh leaders pressured Abu Talib, the Prophet’s uncle, to stop him. They argued, “Your nephew insults our gods and ancestors. Either silence him or hand him over!” Though Abu Talib did not accept Islam, he loved Muhammad deeply and tried to calm the Quraysh with gentle words, sending them away temporarily.
When they returned, angry and demanding action, Abu Talib faced a dilemma. He called the Prophet and pleaded, “Do not put me in a situation I cannot handle.” The Prophet replied firmly, “Even if they offer me the sun and moon, I will never abandon my mission. I will continue until I die for this truth.” Moved by his nephew’s resolve, Abu Talib vowed, “Go forward! I will never abandon you,” and composed poetry praising Muhammad’s courage.
The Quraysh then tried to bargain, offering Abu Talib a strong young man in exchange for the Prophet. Abu Talib refused angrily: “Would I trade my own son for yours? No creature abandons its child!” When criticized for not resolving the conflict, he retorted, “You’ve shown me no fairness. Do what you want.”
To protect the Prophet, Abu Talib rallied his clan, Banu Hashim and Banu Muttalib, urging them to shield Muhammad from harm. All agreed except Abu Lahab, who opposed him. Abu Talib praised the Prophet in verses, calling him “the noblest of our clan” and a leader destined for greatness.
Despite pressure, Abu Talib stood by the Prophet until his death, defending him out of love and loyalty, even though he never embraced Islam himself. The Quraysh’s schemes failed, and the Prophet’s mission continued to grow.
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One day, Abu Jahl insulted and harmed the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ near the Ka’aba. The Prophet remained calm, but a servant later told Hamza, the Prophet’s brave uncle, about the incident. Hamza, known for his strength and pride, was furious. He stormed to the Ka’aba, confronted Abu Jahl, and struck him with his bow, declaring, “I follow Muhammad’s religion! Dare to challenge me now?”
Abu Jahl’s tribe wanted to retaliate, but he stopped them, fearing Hamza’s wrath. Later, Hamza felt conflicted: “Why did I join this faith? Am I abandoning my ancestors’ ways?” Troubled, he prayed, “Allah, if this path is right, strengthen my heart. If not, guide me.”
The next day, he met the Prophet ﷺ, who explained Islam’s truth. Hamza’s doubts vanished, and he declared, “I bear witness you are Allah’s Messenger!” His faith grew firm, and he vowed to defend Islam.
Hamza’s conversion shocked the Quraysh. His strength and courage made them hesitate to harm the Prophet openly. A Quranic verse (48:26) later highlighted how Allah strengthened the believers’ hearts through Hamza’s faith.
Hamza praised Allah in poetry:
“I praise You, Lord, for guiding me to Islam—
A mercy to hearts, a light in the dark.
Muhammad’s message conquers falsehood,
Truth prevails, by Allah’s will!”
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After Hamza’s conversion to Islam, the leaders of the Quraysh grew more worried about the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ growing influence and the powerful Quranic revelations. They decided to negotiate with him to stop his message. They chose Utbah, a respected elder, to offer the Prophet ﷺ worldly temptations in exchange for silence.
Utbah met the Prophet ﷺ and said, “Nephew, you come from a noble family. Why risk dividing our people by insulting our gods and traditions? If you seek wealth, we’ll make you the richest. If you want power, we’ll make you our leader. If you’re unwell, we’ll find you the best healers.”
The Prophet ﷺ listened patiently, then asked, “Have you finished?” When Utbah agreed, the Prophet ﷺ recited verses from Surah Fussilat (Chapter 41 of the Quran), warning of God’s punishment for those who reject the truth, like the ancient tribes of Aad and Thamud.
As the Prophet ﷺ spoke, Utbah was deeply moved. When the Prophet ﷺ mentioned divine punishment, Utbah panicked and covered his mouth, pleading, “Stop! Enough!” But the Prophet ﷺ continued until he finished, then said, “Now, the choice is yours.”
Utbah returned to the Quraysh shaken, refusing to speak to them at first. When pressured, he admitted, “His words were unlike poetry, magic, or lies. They carry truth. If we ignore him, disaster may strike us like it did past nations.”
The Quraysh mocked him, accusing him of being “enchanted” by the Prophet’s ﷺ words. Angry, Utbah vowed never to confront the Prophet ﷺ again, warning, “His message is powerful. If it succeeds, the Arabs will thrive. But if we oppose him, we’ll regret it.”
The Quraysh dismissed his advice, stubbornly clinging to their pride and rejecting the truth. After Utbah’s failed attempt to negotiate with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the leaders of the Quraysh grew even more stubborn. Despite sensing the power of his message, they refused to accept it out of pride and greed. They gathered near the Kaaba and called the Prophet ﷺ to confront him again, hoping to trap him in arguments.
They accused the Prophet ﷺ of causing division, insulting their ancestors, and mocking their gods and traditions. They repeated their old offers: “If you want wealth, we’ll make you rich! If you want power, we’ll follow you as our leader!”
The Prophet ﷺ calmly replied, “I am not here for wealth or power. Allah sent me as a Messenger to warn you and share glad tidings. Accept the truth, and you’ll prosper in this life and the next. Reject it, and Allah will judge between us.”
Though saddened by their stubbornness, the Prophet ﷺ remained patient. He left the gathering, deep in thought about how to guide people who rejected truth out of arrogance. The Quraysh, blinded by pride, vowed to destroy him or die trying.
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Nadr ibn Al-Harith, a fierce opponent of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, admitted the Quran’s uniqueness. He told the Quraysh, “Muhammad’s message isn’t magic, poetry, or madness—it’s something extraordinary. We need a new strategy!” To distract people from the Prophet’s teachings, Nadr would interrupt his sermons with fantastical tales of Persian kings, learned during his travels. The Quran later criticized this tactic in Surah Al-Qalam. The Quraysh sent Nadr and Uqbah to Medina to consult Jewish scholars about the Prophet’s claims. The Jewish priests proposed three questions to test him:
1. Who were the ancient “Sleepers of the Cave”?
2. Who was the king who travelled east and west?
3. What is the soul?
They declared, “If he answers these, he’s a true prophet. If not, he’s a fraud.”
When the Quraysh posed these questions, the Prophet ﷺ said, “I’ll answer tomorrow,” but forgot to say Insha Allah (“If Allah wills”). For 15 days, no revelation came, and the disbelievers mocked him. Finally, Angel Gabriel brought answers:
1. The Sleepers of the Cave (Ashabul Kahf) were righteous youths who hid in a cave to escape persecution (story in Surah Al-Kahf).
2. The traveler was Dhul-Qarnayn, a just king who ruled vast lands.
3. About the soul, Allah revealed: “Say, ‘Its nature is known only to my Lord…’” (Quran 17:85).
The Prophet’s ﷺ answers silenced critics, but envy drove the Quraysh to escalate their hostility. When intellectual arguments failed, the Quraysh turned to violence. They harassed Muslims praying near the Kaaba and targeted those learning the Quran. To protect believers, Allah instructed the Prophet ﷺ to recite prayers quietly, balancing safety with worship.
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During Islam’s early days, the Companions wanted to share the Quran’s message openly. They proposed reciting it near the Ka’aba, where critics gathered. Though risky, Abdullah ibn Mas’ud volunteered, saying, “Let me do it—Allah will protect me.”
At dawn, he stood near the Maqam Ibrahim (Abraham’s Station) and began reciting Surah Ar-Rahman (“The Most Merciful”). The Quraysh, hearing the Quran’s verses, recognized it as Muhammad’s teachings. Angered, they attacked him, striking his face as he continued reciting. Despite the violence, Ibn Mas’ud finished the chapter and returned to the Companions, his face bruised.
When they expressed concern, he said, “Their cruelty means nothing now. I’d do it again tomorrow!” His courage marked him as the first person to publicly recite the Quran in Islam’s history, defying persecution to spread Allah’s words.
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The Quran’s profound words deeply affected even the Prophet’s strongest enemies. Three Quraysh leaders—Abu Jahl, Abu Sufyan, and Akhnas—secretly listened to the Prophet reciting it at night. Each went alone, but all three ended up meeting by chance afterward. Worried their followers might doubt their loyalty, they agreed not to return. Yet, the next two nights, they returned again, drawn by curiosity. After the third night, they finally discussed what they’d heard.
Abu Sufyan and Akhnas admitted parts of the Quran felt undeniably true, though some meanings eluded them. But Abu Jahl stubbornly refused to accept it. He confessed privately that pride and rivalry with the Prophet’s clan, Banu Qusayy—who held honorific roles like managing the Kaaba and leading community gatherings—made him reject the message, even though he knew it was true.
In time, their paths diverged. Abu Jahl died opposing Islam in the Battle of Badr. Abu Sufyan later embraced Islam during Mecca’s conquest, while Akhnas is said by some to have also accepted the faith.
This story shows how envy and arrogance can blind people to truth. Even today, some critics attack Islam without honest debate, fearing its enduring message—just as the Quran’s enemies did long ago.
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the chapter Al-Ghafir of the Quran, he recited it near the Kaaba. A respected Quraysh leader, Waleed ibn Al-Mughira, listened and was deeply moved. He admitted to his tribe, the Banu Makhzum, that Muhammad’s words were unlike anything he had ever heard—rich in beauty, depth, and power, far surpassing poetry or ordinary speech. Fearing Waleed’s influence, the Quraysh worried his admiration might lead others to accept Islam.
Abu Jahl, a staunch opponent of the Prophet, pressured Waleed to discredit Muhammad ﷺ. Reluctantly, Waleed met with Quraysh leaders to agree on a false claim. They debated calling him a poet, a madman, or a fortune-teller, but Waleed dismissed these as lies. Finally, they settled on accusing him of sorcery, claiming his teachings caused family divisions.
The Quran responded strongly, condemning Waleed’s arrogance and plots. It warned of severe punishment for those who rejected the truth and dismissed the Quran as “mere magic” or “human speech.” Despite their efforts, the Quraysh’s accusations spread the Prophet’s message further. Pilgrims visiting Mecca heard of him, and his fame grew across Arabia, proving their schemes futile. The truth of Islam continued to rise, undiminished by their opposition.
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The Story of Bilal
When the Quraysh’s efforts to stop Islam’s spread failed, they turned to violence. Abu Jahl led this cruelty, targeting Muslims—especially the weak and enslaved. Among them was Bilal (رضي الله عنه), a poor, devoted slave who embraced Islam. His owner, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, brutally tortured him to force him to abandon his faith.
Bilal was thrown onto scorching desert sand, a heavy stone placed on his chest. Umayyah whipped him under the blazing sun, demanding he renounce Allah and worship idols like Lata and Uzza. But Bilal, enduring unbearable pain, repeatedly cried “Ahad! Ahad!” (“Allah is One!”). Witnesses described how his tormentors dragged him through Mecca’s streets with ropes, yet he kept proclaiming Allah’s Oneness, even when thirst left him voiceless.
A man named Waraqah ibn Nawfal passed by and praised Bilal’s faith, warning Umayyah against killing him. Eventually, Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه), the Prophet’s close companion, intervened. He confronted Umayyah: “How long will you torture this man?” When Umayyah mocked Abu Bakr for “corrupting” Bilal, Abu Bakr offered a trade: a stronger enslaved man in exchange for Bilal’s freedom. Umayyah agreed, and Abu Bakr paid a ransom (some accounts say five or seven ooqiya of silver) to free him.
The Prophet ﷺ later praised Abu Bakr’s act. Bilal, now liberated, became one of Islam’s most beloved figures—a symbol of unshakable faith. His cries of “Ahad!” echoed through history, a testament to resilience against oppression.
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Khabbab ibn Al-Arat was a slave in Makkah, known for his skill as a blacksmith. Captured as a child and sold to a wealthy woman, Umm Anmar, he grew disillusioned with idol worship. When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ began preaching Islam, Khabbab eagerly embraced the belief in one God (Tawheed). This angered his owner, who tortured him harshly for his faith.
One day, Umm Anmar fell ill and was told to treat her head with a hot iron rod—ironically, forcing Khabbab to inflict pain on her, much like she had done to him. Despite this, Khabbab remained steadfast. When questioned by Quraysh leaders about abandoning idols for Islam, he boldly declared his faith, leading to even worse punishments. He was stripped, laid on burning sand, and crushed with stones, yet he refused to renounce the Prophet ﷺ or Islam.
Witnessing Khabbab’s suffering, the Prophet ﷺ wept and prayed for him. When Khabbab asked why the Prophet did not pray for their torment to end, Muhammad ﷺ reminded him of past believers who endured even greater cruelty without losing faith. He assured Khabbab that Islam would eventually triumph, bringing peace and justice.
Inspired, Khabbab deepened his study of the Quran and became a teacher, sharing its message despite ongoing persecution. Others, like Suhayb, Amir, and Abu Fuqaiha, also endured brutal treatment from the Quraysh, yet their faith remained unbroken.
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The Yasir family—Yasir, his wife Sumayya, and their son Ammar—were among the first to embrace Islam in Mecca, facing brutal persecution for their beliefs. Originally from Yemen, Yasir settled in Mecca, marrying Sumayya, a freed slave. Their son Ammar, deeply moved by the Quran’s teachings, secretly shared its message with his parents, leading the entire family to convert.
When the Quraysh tribe discovered their faith, they subjected the family to relentless torture. Ammar was beaten, burned on scorching sand, and nearly drowned, forcing him to briefly praise idols—a moment he deeply regretted. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ comforted him, reminding him that God forgives those coerced into denying their faith.
Sumayya, despite witnessing her son’s suffering, refused to abandon Islam. When Abu Jahl, a fierce enemy of Islam, stabbed her with a spear, she became the first martyr in Islamic history. Yasir, too, died under torture, leaving Ammar as the sole survivor.
The Prophet ﷺ assured the family they would be rewarded in heaven for their steadfastness. Years later, when Abu Jahl was killed in battle, the Prophet ﷺ reminded Ammar, “God has punished the one who killed your mother.”
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Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه), known for his deep compassion, dedicated himself to freeing enslaved Muslims who faced brutal persecution for their faith. Among them was Labiba, a woman tortured nearly to death by the Quraysh for embracing Islam. Abu Bakr paid for her freedom, rescuing her from further harm.
Another freed slave was Cinnira, a woman blinded by her oppressors as punishment for her faith. They falsely claimed her blindness was caused by the “anger” of their idols. But Cinnira prayed to Allah, and miraculously, her sight was restored the next day. When her enemies accused her of sorcery instead of acknowledging the miracle, Abu Bakr intervened and liberated her.
He also freed others like Umm Unais, Nahdia, and Hamama, prioritizing those most vulnerable—often the poor, elderly, or disabled. His father, Abu Quhafa, questioned why he didn’t free stronger slaves who could “benefit” him more. Abu Bakr replied firmly: “I seek only Allah’s pleasure, not worldly gain.”
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As persecution against Muslims in Makkah intensified, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ advised his followers to migrate to Ethiopia, a land ruled by a just Christian king named Negus. This migration, the first in Islamic history, occurred in the fifth year of the Prophet’s mission. Sixteen Muslims—including men, women, and prominent figures like Uthman ibn Affan, his wife Ruqayya (the Prophet’s daughter), Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam, and Abdullah ibn Mas’ud—secretly left Makkah to seek safety and religious freedom.
The Negus welcomed them, allowing the Muslims to live peacefully without fear of oppression. This migration marked a critical step in preserving the early Muslim community.
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One day, Umar resolved to kill the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ after hearing Abu Jahl offer a reward for his assassination. Armed with a sword, he set out but met Nu’aim, a secret Muslim, who diverted him by revealing that Umar’s own sister, Fatima, and her husband, Saeed, had already embraced Islam. Enraged, Umar rushed to their home.
Inside, Fatima and Saeed were quietly studying the Quran with Khabbab, a Muslim teacher, who hid when Umar burst in. Hearing Quran recitation, Umar demanded answers. When they denied it, he attacked Saeed. Fatima bravely defended her husband, and Umar struck her, drawing blood. Shocked by her injury, Umar’s anger turned to guilt. He asked to see the scripture they were reading.
Fearful, Fatima insisted he purify himself first. Umar washed, then read verses from Surah Taha. The Quran’s beauty overwhelmed him. “What noble words!” he exclaimed. Deeply moved, he declared his faith in Islam, marking a profound transformation from enemy to believer.
This moment changed Umar’s life. Once a symbol of opposition, he became one of Islam’s strongest supporters, his conversion a turning point for the early Muslim community.
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As Islam grew stronger in Mecca, the Quraysh leaders plotted to crush it. When assassination attempts failed, they imposed a harsh siege on the Prophet’s clan, Banu Hashim, and their allies, Banu Muttalib. For three years, these families were trapped in a valley outside Mecca, cut off from all trade, food, and contact. The Quraysh vowed to starve them until they handed over Muhammad ﷺ.
Life in the valley became dire. Families survived on leaves and scraps smuggled in secretly. Hunger left mouths ulcerated, and children cried from pain. Despite this, the believers held firm. Abu Talib, the Prophet’s uncle, tirelessly protected him, shifting his sleeping spot nightly to avoid assassins.
The Quraysh had sealed their siege agreement in a document stored inside the Ka’aba. But the Prophet ﷺ later revealed that God had sent termites to destroy the pact—leaving only His name intact. When the Quraysh opened the box, they found it true: the paper was devoured except for “Allah.” Yet stubbornly, they dismissed it as “sorcery” and refused to end the siege.
Abu Talib confronted them: “Why cling to lies when truth is clear?” He then led the besieged families to pray at the Ka’aba, pleading, “O Allah, help us against those who oppress us!”
Though the siege eventually lifted, the Quraysh’s hatred remained.
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After years in Ethiopia, some Muslims heard rumours that Mecca had softened toward Islam. Hoping for peace, they returned—only to discover the Quraysh’s hostility had worsened. Most hid or sought protection, but Uthman ibn Mazoon, a devout believer, chose a different path. Though granted safety by Walid ibn Mughira, a Quraysh leader, Uthman soon rejected this privilege, declaring, “I rely only on Allah’s protection.”
In Mecca’s mosque, Walid publicly withdrew his guardianship over Uthman. A poet named Labid mocked the Muslims, singing, “All blessings fade.” Uthman retorted, “Paradise’s joy is eternal!” This sparked a quarrel with a Quraysh man, who slapped Uthman so hard his eye swelled. Walid, watching, scolded him: “This injury is your fault!” But Uthman stood firm: “Allah’s protection is greater than yours.”
Meanwhile, Abu Talib, the Prophet’s uncle, sheltered another Muslim, Abu Salamah. When the Quraysh tribe Banu Makhzum protested, Abu Talib defended his choice: “He is my nephew. Would I abandon family?” Surprisingly, Abu Lahab—usually an enemy of Islam—supported Abu Talib, silencing the critics.
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As persecution in Makkah persisted, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ urged believers to migrate again to Ethiopia, ruled by the just Christian king Negus. This second group included 83 men and 11 women, among them Uthman ibn Affan, the Prophet’s son-in-law. Uthman worried, asking, “Why aren’t you migrating?” The Prophet ﷺ reassured him: “Your journey is for Allah and His Messenger. You’ll earn double reward.”
In Ethiopia, the Muslims lived peacefully, worshipping freely. But when the Quraysh learned of their safety, they plotted. They sent two envoys, Amr ibn Al-Aas and Umarah ibn Al-Walid, with lavish gifts to persuade Negus to expel the Muslims. The envoys claimed, “These people abandoned our faith and spread chaos. Return them to us—we know them best.”
Negus, wise and fair, refused: “I won’t betray those who sought my protection. Bring them here. I’ll judge after hearing both sides.”
The Muslims, alerted to the crisis, gathered to plan. They agreed to speak truthfully about Islam. Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet’s cousin, volunteered to represent them.
When the Muslim refugees, led by Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, stood before Emperor Negus of Ethiopia, they greeted him with “Peace” (Salam) but refused to bow. The king asked why, and they replied, “We bow only to Allah, our Creator.”
Negus then questioned their faith. Ja’far explained: “We were once lost—worshipping idols, harming others, and living in darkness. Then Allah sent a prophet from among us, a man known for his honesty. He taught us to worship One God, pray, give to the poor, and live with truth, kindness, and justice. But our people tortured us for abandoning idols, so we fled to your land for safety.”
Moved, Negus asked to hear their scripture. Ja’far recited verses from the Quran’s Chapter of Mary (Maryam), describing the miraculous birth of Jesus and his mother’s purity. Tears filled the king’s eyes, and his Christian bishops wept too. “These words and the teachings of Jesus come from the same divine light!” Negus declared.
Turning to the Quraysh envoys, he demanded: “Do these people owe you anything? Are any of them your slaves?” When they said no, he refused their request: “I will never betray them. Leave my court.”
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The Prophet ﷺ sent a letter to Negus, the Christian king of Ethiopia, explaining Islam’s core beliefs. He affirmed that Jesus (Isa) was a prophet and servant of God—created by Allah’s command, like Adam—not divine. He invited Negus to worship Allah alone and follow His guidance.
Deeply moved, Negus wrote back:
“To Muhammad, Messenger of Allah: Peace, mercy, and blessings be upon you. I testify there is no god but Allah, who guided me through your message. By the Lord of heaven and earth, your description of Jesus aligns with the truth I know. I believe you are Allah’s true Prophet. I pledge allegiance to Him through your cousin Ja’far, who delivered your message. If you wish, I will send my son to serve you or come myself.”
Negus secretly embraced Islam, becoming the first foreign ruler to accept the Prophet’s call. He protected the Muslim refugees in his kingdom and ensured their safety until they returned to Arabia years later.
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At this time, a traveller from Erash sold camels to Abu Jahl, a fierce enemy of Islam, but was denied payment. Desperate, he sought help at the Kaaba. Mockingly, the Quraysh pointed him to the Prophet ﷺ, expecting no resolution. To their surprise, the Prophet ﷺ confronted Abu Jahl directly. When the Prophet ﷺ knocked on his door, Abu Jahl trembled—later claiming he saw a gigantic, terrifying camel looming behind Muhammad ﷺ. Fearful, Abu Jahl immediately paid the debt. Though the Quraysh mocked him for yielding, Abu Jahl admitted, “Had I refused, that beast would have devoured me!” This divine vision underscored the Prophet’s ﷺ moral authority, even in the face of hatred.
In another time, a man from the Zubaid tribe brought camels to Mecca but was exploited by Abu Jahl, who pressured others not to bid fairly. Distraught, the man approached the Prophet ﷺ, who inspected the camels and sold them at their true value. The proceeds were given to the man and to widows in need. When the Prophet ﷺ confronted Abu Jahl about his bullying, Abu Jahl meekly promised never to repeat his actions. Later, questioned by his allies about his submission, Abu Jahl claimed he saw two armed guards flanking the Prophet ﷺ—a sign of divine protection that left him paralyzed with fear.
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During his youth, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emerged as a champion of justice in a society rife with conflict. At just 15, he witnessed the Harbul Fijar (War of Rogues), a tribal clash near Mecca. Though he briefly assisted his uncles by gathering arrows, he later reflected that such violence held no value.
A pivotal moment came at 20, when a visiting merchant was cheated by a powerful Meccan, Al-Aas ibn Wa’il. Denied justice, the merchant climbed a hill near the Kaaba and recited a poem exposing the injustice, shaming the city’s leaders. Moved by this outcry, Muhammad’s uncle, Zubayr, rallied tribal leaders to form the Hilf ul-Fudul (Fudul Agreement)—a pact to protect the vulnerable, regardless of tribe or status. Muhammad played a central role in organizing this alliance, which swiftly pressured Al-Aas to return the merchant’s goods.
Years later, the Prophet praised this treaty, saying, “If I were invited to such a pact today, even as a Muslim, I would join.” The agreement’s impact endured: when a man’s daughter was kidnapped, the Fudul leaders confronted the culprit, securing her immediate release.
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During a time of growing conflict in Mecca, the Quraysh tribe mocked the Muslims after Persia defeated Rome. The Quraysh, who worshipped many gods, celebrated Persia’s victory and boasted they would defeat the Muslims next. In response, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ shared verses from the Quran (Surah Ar-Rum 30:1-6), which predicted Rome would rise again within a few years, despite its recent loss.
The prophecy seemed impossible. Even historians later noted that Rome’s collapse seemed likely at the time. The Quraysh laughed at the prediction, but Abu Bakr, a close companion of the Prophet, firmly believed in it. A man named Ubayy ibn Khalaf challenged Abu Bakr to a bet: if Rome won within three years, Ubayy would give him ten camels; if not, Abu Bakr owed him ten. The Prophet ﷺ advised Abu Bakr to extend the bet to ten years and raise the stakes to 100 camels, as the Quran’s wording (“a few years”) meant less than a decade.
The prophecy was revealed in 615 CE. By 622 CE, Ubayy worried Abu Bakr might leave Mecca and reminded him of the bet. Abu Bakr left his son Abdullah to handle it. Later, Ubayy died in the Battle of Uhud (625 CE), but his family still honored the bet.
Meanwhile, the Roman emperor Heraclius launched surprise attacks against Persia, starting in 623 CE. After years of battles, Rome decisively defeated Persia at the Battle of Nineveh in 627 CE. When Rome’s victory was confirmed, Ubayy’s family gave Abu Bakr 100 camels as agreed. Though gambling was later forbidden in Islam, this bet occurred before the prohibition. Abu Bakr donated all the camels to the poor.
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in the 10th year of Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ mission, his uncle Abu Talib, who had raised and protected him since childhood, became seriously ill. The Prophet ﷺ visited him often, deeply saddened by his condition. During one visit, the Prophet ﷺ urged Abu Talib to declare faith in Islam by saying, “There is no god but Allah (La ilaha illa Allah).” However, Quraysh leaders like Abu Jahl interrupted, pressuring Abu Talib to stay loyal to the polytheistic traditions of his ancestors, like Abdul Muttalib. Despite the Prophet’s ﷺ repeated pleas, Abu Talib refused to recite the declaration, claiming he would follow Abdul Muttalib’s path. The Prophet ﷺ later said he would keep praying for Abu Talib’s forgiveness until God forbade him.
After this, two Quranic verses were revealed. One (Surah Tawbah 9:113) states that believers cannot seek forgiveness for polytheists, even if they are family. Another (Surah Al-Qasas 28:56) reminds the Prophet ﷺ that guidance comes only from Allah, not human wishes. Some scholars argue these verses prove Abu Talib died a disbeliever since he never publicly accepted Islam.
Others, however, believe Abu Talib secretly had faith. They point to his lifelong support for the Prophet ﷺ: he defended him against persecution, praised his message in poetry, never criticized Islam, and supported his sons Ali and Ja’far when they embraced Islam. During his final moments, though he refused to say the declaration, he also did not worship other gods or reject monotheism (Tawheed).
Just three days later, his beloved wife Khadija (R.A.) also died, marking the 10th year of his prophethood as the "Year of Sorrow." Khadija was far more than a wife—she was his closest companion, a source of unwavering support, and a wise friend. Her death left the Prophet to console their three grieving daughters alone. He shared with them comforting news: the angel Jibreel had revealed that Khadija would reside in a palace in Paradise.
The Prophet personally carried Khadija’s body to her grave in Mecca’s Jannatul Mualla cemetery, lowering her into the grave himself, as formal funeral prayers were not yet practiced. He cherished her memory deeply, later honouring her by helping her friends and giving charity to the poor in her name.
With Abu Talib gone, the Prophet lost his protector, and the Quraysh tribe grew bolder in their hostility. Once, a man from the Quraysh threw sand on the Prophet’s head. His daughter Fatima (R.A.) tearfully cleaned him, but he reassured her, saying such disrespect had only begun after Abu Talib’s death.
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After losing his uncle Abu Talib and wife Khadija, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced growing hostility. His uncle Abu Lahab, though opposed to Islam, briefly protected him out of family loyalty. When a man named Abu Gytala cursed the Prophet, Abu Lahab defended him, saying, “Leave my nephew alone!” But when the Quraysh tribe questioned Abu Lahab’s actions, he clarified he was only upholding family ties, not supporting Islam.
Soon, the Quraysh leaders tricked Abu Lahab. They asked the Prophet, “Where is your grandfather Abdul Muttalib in the afterlife?” The Prophet replied, “Where his people are.” The Quraysh claimed this meant Abdul Muttalib was in Hell, angering Abu Lahab. He then withdrew his protection, declaring, “If my ancestors are in Hell, I won’t defend you anymore.”
With Abu Lahab’s support gone, the Quraysh grew bolder. Enemies like Abu Jahl and Uqba ibn Abi Muayt harassed the Prophet ﷺ relentlessly. They threw animal guts on him while he prayed and spoiled his food. To pray safely, he often retreated to Hijr Ismail, a sheltered area near the Kaaba.
In one brutal attack, the Prophet was beaten until he collapsed. His loyal companion Abu Bakr rushed to his aid, shouting, “Would you kill a man just for saying ‘Allah is my Lord’?”
One day, while the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was praying, a group of Quraysh leaders mocked him. Abu Jahl, a fierce enemy of Islam, taunted, “Who will throw the leftover guts of a slaughtered animal on Muhammad’s back while he prays?” Uqba ibn Abi Mu’it, known for his cruelty, took the guts and dumped them on the Prophet’s back as he bowed in prayer. The Quraysh laughed, but the Prophet ﷺ remained calmly in prostration, unable to move.
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (R), who witnessed the scene, felt helpless. When news reached the Prophet’s daughter Fatimah (R), she rushed to her father’s side. Though young, she bravely removed the filth from his back and confronted the Quraysh.
After finishing his prayer, the Prophet ﷺ raised his hands and prayed to Allah, naming his tormentors: “O Allah, punish Abu Jahl, Utba, Waleed, Shaybah, Umayyah, Uqba…” (He also mentioned a seventh name he later forgot).
Years later, at the Battle of Badr, every person the Prophet named in that prayer was killed. Their bodies were thrown into a well, fulfilling the Prophet’s supplication.
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After enduring years of rejection and hostility in Mecca, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ journeyed to Taif in the 10th year of his prophethood, hoping its people—the Thaqeef tribe—might accept his message. He was accompanied by his loyal companion Zayd ibn Haritha.
In Taif, the Prophet ﷺ met three prominent brothers from the tribe’s leadership. He explained Islam and asked for their support. Instead, they mocked him. One sneered, “If Allah sent you as a prophet, I’d tear down the Ka’aba’s covering!” Another dismissed him, asking, “Did Allah find no one else to choose?” The third refused to engage, doubting his truthfulness.
Undeterred, the Prophet ﷺ spent days appealing to other leaders and townspeople, but all rejected him. Worse, they incited the crowds—children, slaves, and simple-minded individuals—to chase and stone him. The Prophet ﷺ and Zayd fled through the streets as rocks struck their bodies. The Prophet’s legs bled heavily, his head was injured, and he collapsed multiple times from pain. Zayd tried shielding him, but the mob’s cruelty was relentless.
Exhausted and wounded, the Prophet ﷺ took refuge in a vineyard owned by two Meccan nobles hostile to Islam. There, under a grapevine, he prayed to Allah: “O Allah, to You I complain of my weakness. You are the Most Merciful. Protect me from harm until Your pleasure is achieved.”
Despite the hatred he faced, a small act of kindness emerged. A enslaved Christian gardener named Addas, moved by the Prophet’s dignity, offered him grapes. When the Prophet ﷺ thanked Allah before eating, Addas recognized his faith and embraced Islam.
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After enduring rejection and violence in Taif, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced another challenge: returning to Mecca, where he was also unwelcome. Exhausted and wounded, he prayed for strength. Angel Jibreel appeared, telling him Allah had sent the Angel of the Mountains, who offered to crush Taif with two peaks. But the Prophet ﷺ refused, saying, “I hope Allah will raise from their descendants people who worship Him alone.”
With no safe path home, the Prophet ﷺ and Zayd sought protection from Mecca’s leaders. Most refused, fearing backlash. Finally, Mut’im ibn Adiyy, a non-Muslim chief, agreed to shield them. The next day, Mut’im and his sons escorted the Prophet ﷺ to the Kaaba, allowing him to pray there. When asked if Mut’im had converted, he clarified, “I only granted him safety.” The Quraysh reluctantly honored this protection.
Though Mut’im never accepted Islam, the Prophet ﷺ remembered his kindness. Years later, after Mut’im’s death, the Prophet said he would have freed prisoners of war if Mut’im had asked.
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When the leaders of Mecca demanded proof of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ prophethood, Allah revealed one of Islam’s greatest miracles: the moon splitting into two halves. This event, described in the Quran (Surah Al-Qamar 54:1-2), occurred as a divine sign to challenge the skeptics.
The Prophet ﷺ pointed to the moon, and it visibly divided into two distinct parts, with the mountain of Hira appearing between them. Everyone present—believers and disbelievers alike—witnessed this astonishing sight. The Quran later reminded them: “The Hour has drawn near, and the moon has split. Yet whenever they see a sign, they turn away, saying, ‘This is just magic!’”
The Quraysh reacted with disbelief. Some called it sorcery, arguing, “Muhammad has bewitched us!” Others questioned, “Can magic trick an entire city at once?” But none could deny what they saw. The believers’ faith deepened, while the skeptics doubled down on their rejection, refusing to accept the truth even when faced with undeniable evidence.
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One night, during a time of great hardship for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Allah blessed him with a miraculous journey to strengthen his heart. This event, known as Isra and Mi'raj, occurred on the 27th night of the Islamic month of Rajab, 11 years after the Prophet began preaching Islam.
While resting at his cousin Umm Hani’s home in Mecca, the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) visited the Prophet ﷺ. Jibreel cleansed the Prophet’s heart with sacred Zamzam water, filling it with wisdom and faith. He then brought a heavenly creature named Buraq—swift as lightning, larger than a donkey but smaller than a horse—to carry the Prophet ﷺ on his journey.
In an instant, Buraq transported the Prophet ﷺ to Jerusalem. Along the way, he saw visions of past prophets like Moses and Abraham, and visited holy sites like Hebron and Bethlehem. In Jerusalem, at the Al-Aqsa Mosque (called Bayt al-Muqaddas), all the prophets of history gathered. The Prophet ﷺ led them in prayer, symbolizing his role as the final messenger for all humanity.
From Jerusalem, Jibreel guided the Prophet ﷺ through the seven heavens. In each heaven, he met prophets like Adam, Jesus, and John the Baptist, who welcomed him. He witnessed the wonders of Paradise and the trials of Hell. Finally, he reached the highest level, where Allah spoke directly to him, commanding Muslims to pray 50 times daily. On his return, Prophet Moses advised him to ask Allah to reduce the prayers, as it would be difficult for people. After repeated requests, Allah mercifully lowered it to five daily prayers—still rewarded as 50. This became one of Islam’s five pillars.
After his miraculous Journey, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ returned to Mecca. The Quraysh, hearing of this extraordinary event, mocked him and demanded proof. Abu Jahl and other leaders gathered, questioning, “How could you visit Jerusalem and return in one night?” The Prophet ﷺ calmly described Jerusalem’s landmarks in precise detail—its gates, buildings, and surroundings—which were verified by those who had visited the city. Still, the Quraysh dismissed it as sorcery.
To further test him, they asked about a caravan traveling from Syria to Mecca. The Prophet ﷺ shared specifics: a stray camel with black-and-white sacks, a missing water pot, and their exact location. He predicted, “They’ll arrive Wednesday.” Though delayed by some hours, the caravan appeared as described, confirming his account. The Quraysh, however, stubbornly cried, “This is just magic!”
Amid the ridicule, Abu Bakr (R) boldly defended the Prophet ﷺ: “If he says he ascended to the heavens, I believe him! How could I doubt someone who receives revelations from Allah?” His steadfast faith earned him the title Al-Siddiq.
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The two main Arab tribes of Yathrib (later called Medina), Aws and Khazraj, were stuck in a long and bitter feud fueled by battles called Bu’ath. Jewish tribes in the city often stirred conflict between them. During one dispute, a group from the Aws tribe, including a young man named Iyas ibn Mu’adh, went to Mecca for help. There, they met the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who introduced Islam and recited Quranic verses. Iyas was deeply moved and told his companions, “This is better than what we came for!” But the group’s leader, Abu’l-Haizer, ignored him, focused on war, and returned to Yathrib.
The rivalry exploded into the Battle of Bu’ath. At first, Aws lost and retreated. A man named Abu Uzayd, enraged, stabbed himself to rally his tribe, shouting, “If you abandon me, go! If you surrender me, do it!” His dramatic act reignited Aws’s fury. They attacked Khazraj fiercely, burning homes and date farms in revenge.
Amid the chaos, leaders like Sa’ad ibn Mu’adh (from Aws) and Abu Qays ibn Aslat stepped in to stop the violence. Abu Qays confronted Abu Uzayd, asking, “Why fight your own people? You’re letting outsiders profit like foxes feeding on blood!” This made both tribes realize the Jewish tribes had manipulated them into fighting for years, causing massive losses.
Exhausted and regretful, Aws and Khazraj tried to unite by appointing Abdullah ibn Muhammad (from Khazraj) as their king. But the plan failed, leaving the tribes still divided and weakened.
During the Hajj season, a group from the Khazraj tribe of Yathrib (later called Medina) met the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Mecca. They explained how their long feud with the Aws tribe had been worsened by local Jewish tribes, who claimed a prophet would soon unite the Arabs against them. The Prophet ﷺ surprised them by inviting them to Islam first, not the Jews. Realizing this might be the prophet the Jews had warned about, the Khazraj accepted Islam immediately, fearing the Jews would take the lead. They promised to spread Islam in Medina, saying, “We’ve suffered enough from our conflicts. We’ll return to our people, invite them to Allah and His Messenger, and pray He unites us.”
Back in Medina, the Khazraj shared their new faith openly. The Aws tribe did not resist, and talk of the Prophet ﷺ spread in every home. The next year, 12 people from Medina returned to Mecca and met the Prophet ﷺ at Aqaba (a valley near Mina, marked by stone pillars called Jamarat). Here, they made a peaceful pact called the First Aqaba Treaty. They vowed to worship only Allah, avoid adultery, theft, killing children, and lies, and to follow Islamic morals. The Prophet ﷺ assured them, “If you keep these vows, Allah will reward you with Paradise. For those who fail, He may forgive or punish them.”
This agreement marked Islam’s quiet but steady spread into Medina. Though small, it laid the groundwork for unity between the Aws and Khazraj tribes, who had been torn apart by years of Jewish-fuelled wars.
After the First Aqaba Treaty, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sent Mis’ab ibn Umair, a skilled Quran teacher, to Yathrib (Medina) to teach Islam. He stayed with As’ad ibn Zurarah, a local Muslim, and together they began spreading the faith.
One day, they approached two influential leaders of Yathrib: Sa’ad ibn Mu’adh and Usaid ibn Hudair. Sa’ad, wary of new ideas, asked Usaid to confront them. Usaid angrily demanded they leave, but Mis’ab calmly replied, “Hear us out first. If you like what we say, accept it. If not, we’ll go.”
Usaid agreed, set down his spear, and listened. Mis’ab explained Islam’s core beliefs and recited the Quran. Usaid was moved by the beauty of the words and asked, “How do I join this faith?” Mis’ab told him to cleanse himself, declare belief in Allah, and pray. Usaid did so immediately, then urged Sa’ad to meet them, saying, “If Sa’ad accepts Islam, no one in his tribe will oppose you.”
When Sa’ad arrived, he initially scolded As’ad (his relative) but agreed to listen. Mis’ab recited the Quran again, and Sa’ad’s heart softened. He asked the same question as Usaid, followed the same steps, and embraced Islam. Returning to his tribe, Sa’ad declared, “No one in my tribe should speak to me unless they believe in Allah and His Messenger!” Nearly all followed him into Islam, except one man, Amr ibn Thabit, who later converted and died as a martyr in the Battle of Uhud.
With Sa’ad and Usaid’s support, Islam spread rapidly in Yathrib. Mis’ab and As’ad visited homes, teaching the Quran, and soon almost every family—except the Banu Umayyah clan—accepted Islam. This unity prepared the city to welcome the Prophet ﷺ during his migration (Hijra), transforming Yathrib into Medina, the “City of the Prophet.”
In 622 CE, during Hajj, 75 people from Yathrib (later Medina) secretly met the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at Aqaba in Mecca. They included leaders from both the Aws and Khazraj tribes, who had embraced Islam after earlier visits. Their goal was to pledge loyalty to the Prophet ﷺ and invite him to Medina.
The Prophet ﷺ asked them to vow: “We will obey you in good times and bad, give generously even in hardship, promote good, forbid evil, and defend you as we defend our families.” In return, he promised them Paradise. They eagerly agreed, shaking hands to seal the pledge.
The meeting was held secretly at night to avoid detection by Meccan opponents. The Prophet’s uncle, Abbas, warned them: “If you cannot protect him fully, do not make this pledge. Betrayal would harm us all.” The group firmly replied, “We are ready for any sacrifice.”
One leader, Bara’ ibn Ma’roor, raised a concern: “If Islam succeeds, will you abandon us?” The Prophet ﷺ reassured them, “Your enemies are my enemies. Your blood is my blood.” Another leader, Abbas ibn Ubadah, urged the group: “This pledge means war. If you fear losing wealth or leaders, leave now.” They declared, “We care only for Allah’s cause!”
After the pledge, the Prophet ﷺ chose 12 leaders (9 from Khazraj, 3 from Aws) to oversee the community, likening them to the loyal disciples of Prophet Jesus (A). Their role was to ensure unity and enforce the terms of the agreement.
This “Final Aqaba Treaty” was a turning point. It gave the Prophet ﷺ and the persecuted Muslims in Mecca a safe haven in Medina.
After the secret Aqaba Treaty was finalized, a Quraysh spy spotted the Muslims gathering and shouted a false alarm: “Quraysh! Muhammad and his followers are plotting war!” Trying to sabotage the agreement, he claimed the Quraysh knew about the pact. The next morning, the Quraysh confronted the Khazraj delegation, accusing them of betrayal. The Khazraj members who were still polytheists (unaware of the treaty) denied any deal, while the Muslims stayed silent. Confused, the Quraysh eventually left empty-handed. Later, they discovered the truth and chased the departing Medinans, capturing only Sa’ad ibn Ubadah.
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