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The subject -matter of Quran could be divided into three major themes: Unity of God, God raised Prophets for human guidance, and the certainty of Hereafter. Muslims believe in the same universal God that Jews and Christians believe in and respect and honor all biblical prophets. Islam is the last of Abrahamic faiths preached by Muhammad.
The Quran as the last testament completes and corrects earlier scriptures of Torah and bible. Islam requires orthopraxy alongside great emphasis on orthodoxy for human salvation. Please consider the prayer "Peace and blessings of God upon him" for all of prophets in the following descriptions.
I. Monotheism, or belief in one supreme God, the ever-living ultimate Reality perfect in power, wisdom, and goodness. He is unique and exalted above al He creates and His greatness cannot be compared to His creation. He is the only deserving of worship and the ultimate purpose of all creation is to submit to Him.
Muslims often refer to God as Allah, which is a generic name for God, related to Aramaic and Hebrew names for God. It affirms that He is one singular God with no partners or equals. The name Allah cannot be pluralized or limited to a specific gender. He is not confined by space or time and He is the only One who is in control and provides for His creation.
God is transcendental yet near to believers, and responds to their call: "And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me [by obedience] and believe in Me that they may be [rightly] guided." (Al Baqarah 2:186)
The Quran negates that Jesus is either God or son of God, as clearly and emphatically stated in the following verses. "That He may warn those who say, "Allah has begotten a son": "No knowledge have they of such a thing, nor had their fathers. It is a grievous thing that issues from their mouths as a saying. What they say is nothing but falsehood!" (Al Kahf 18:4-5)
God created man as his representative, "Khalifa" on earth as stated in the following verses: "Behold, thy Lord said to the angels. "I will create a Khalifa on earth." (Al Baqarah2: 30). God bestowed enumerable blessings to humans: "If ye would count up the favors of Allah, never would ye be able to number them: for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful."(An Nahal 16:18).
He subjugated the heavens and earth at the disposal of humans. "And He has subjected to you, as from Him, all that is in the heavens and on earth: Behold, in that are Signs indeed for those who reflect." (Al Jathia 45:13) God created means of sustenance for humans and all creatures: " And We have provided therein means of subsistence -- for you and for those for whose sustenance ye are not responsible."(Al Hijr 54:20)
God granted humans a free will to choose between good and evil, and a degree of autonomy. But all that is granted as an Amana, Trust, and every human is answerable in how he conducts himself. This accountability will be taken in the Hereafter.
God is free of any gender connotations: Allah is a generic name, and Muslims use it in preference to any other name for Him.
According to Qur'an, men and women came from one source: "O mankind, reverence your Guardian Lord, who created you from a single source. Created, of like nature, his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women -fear Allah, through whom you demand your mutual rights and reverence the wombs that bore you: for Allah ever watches over you." (Al Nisa 4: 1).
II. God raised prophets throughout the history of humankind among various tribes and nations to guide them righteously. They were selected by God, and they spoke with the Almighty. The first prophet was Adam and the last one was Muhammad. The following is a brief account of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad taken from IslamReligion.com
After creation of Adam, God told angels to prostrate to him: "And remember when We said to the angels, "Prostrate before Adam"; so they prostrated, except for Satan. He refused and was arrogant and became one of the disbelievers." (Al Baqarah 2:34).
Adam was honored. "And remember when your Lord said to the angels: 'I am going to create a human (Adam) from sounding clay of altered black smooth mud. So when I have fashioned him and breathed into him soul created by Me, then you fall down prostrate to him" (Sad 38:71-72).
God honored the first human, Adam in countless ways. Allah blew His soul into him. He fashioned him with His own hands and He ordered the angels to bow down before him. "And God said to angels:
Prostate to Adam, and they prostrated except Satan. (Al Araf 7: 11)
While worship is reserved for God alone, this prostration by the Angels to Adam was assign of respect and honor.
Adam and his descendants were to be caretakers on earth, so God taught Adam what he needed to know to perform his duty. God mentions: "He taught Adam all the names of everything" (Al Baqarah 2: 31). God gave Adam the ability to identify names of everything. God taught him language, speech, and imbued Adam with insatiable need for and love of knowledge. Angels were given no specific knowledge or freedom of will, their sole purpose being to worship and praise God. Adam, on the other hand, was given the ability to reason and make choices, identify objects and their purpose, in order to prepare Adam for his role on earth.
Adam was the first human God chose as His prophet. His wife Eve was created as female and companion, and ease his loneliness and bring tranquility to him, such as in the following verses: "And one of His signs is that He created for you spouses from among yourselves so that you may find comfort in them. And He has placed between you compassion and mercy. Surely in this are signs for people who reflect." (Al Rum 30: 21).
Eve is Hawwa in Arabic; it comes from the root hay, meaning something living. The traditions of Prophet Muhammad relate that Eve was created while Adam was sleeping from his shortest left rib. The Prophet used the story of her creation for imploring people to be gentle and kind to women, according to Al Bukhari.
God said to Adam: "O Adam! Live with your wife in Paradise and eat from wherever you please, but do not approach this tree, or else you will be wrongdoers." (Al Baqarah 2: 19). Their minds became filled with thoughts of the tree, one day they decided to eat from it.
Satan was there to tempt them: "Then Satan tempted them in order to expose what was hidden of their nakedness. He said, "Your Lord has forbidden this tree to you only to prevent you from becoming angels or immortals."(Al Araf 7:20).
They both ate of the forbidden fruit and lost their status as inhabitants of paradise, and were sent to earth which was meant to be their future abode. The test was to show them that they had free will. It is at this point that the Jewish and Christian traditions differ greatly from Islam. At no point words of the Qur'an or sayings of the Prophet indicate that Satan came to Adam and Eve in the form of a snake or serpent. Islam in no way indicates that Eve was weaker of the two, or she tempted Adam to disobey God.
Eating the fruit of the tree was a mistake committed by both Adam and Eve. They bore equal responsibility. Islam rejects the concept of Original Sin and the idea that all humans are born sinners due to the actions of Adam and Eve. God tells us in the Qur'an: "And no bearer of burdens shall bear another's burden."(Fatir 35:18).
Every human being is responsible for his or her actions, and is born pure and free from sin. Adam and Eve committed a mistake, then both repented sincerely and God in His infinite wisdom forgave them.
"Then they both ate of the tree, and so their private parts appeared to them, and they began to stick on themselves the leaves from Paradise for their covering. Thus did Adam disobey his Lord, so he went astray. Then his lord chose him, and turned to him with forgiveness and gave him guidance." (Taha 20:121-122).
Mankind continues to commit mistakes and often goes wrong. And if God does not forgive us and have mercy on us, it is we who will surely be among the losers: "Our Lord! We have wronged ourselves. If you forgive us not and bestow not upon us Your Mercy, we shall certainly be of the losers." (Al Araf 7:23).
This experience was an essential lesson, and demonstrated that humans have free will. It is important to understand that although God knows the outcome of events before they happen and allows them.
He does not force them upon us. Mankind has free will and is free to disobey God. But there are consequences. God praises those who obey His commands, and promises them great rewards, and condemn those who disobey Him and warns them against doing so. Adam and Eve left paradise and began their life on earth. God prepared them in many ways. He gave them the experience of struggling against the whispering and schemes of Satan. Adam took up his position as a caretaker of the earth and a Prophet of God.
Adam as a Prophet of God was responsible for teaching his wife and his offspring how to worship God and seek His forgiveness. Adam established the laws of God and set about to support his family and learn how to subdue and care for the earth.
Adam and Eve's first children, Cain and his sister were twins; and Abel and his sister, another set of twins soon followed. Cain ploughed the earthy while Abel raised lived livestock. Time passed and the occasion came for the sons to get married. The companions of the Prophet including Abbas and Ibn Masud related saying of the Prophet that intermarriage between a male from one set to female from another set was the practice among Adam's offspring to fill earth according to God's plan.
However, Cain was not pleased with the partner chosen for him. Cain began to envy his brother Able, and refused to obey the command of his father Adam. God commanded each son to offer a sacrifice. Cain offered his worst grain, but Abel offered his best livestock.
The Qur'an described: "And (O Muhammad) recall to them the story of the two sons of Adam (Abel and Cain) in truth; when each offered a sacrifice to God, it was accepted from the one but not from the other. The latter said to the former, 'I will surely kill you. "(Al Maida 5:27).
And relate to them (O Muhammad) the true story of Adam's two sons: when they offered an offering, and it was accepted from one of them, but it was not accepted from the other. He Said,
"I will kill you." He Said, "God accepts only from the righteous. If you extend your hand to kill me, I will not extend my hand to kill you; for I fear God, Lord of the Worlds. I would rather you bear my sin and your sin, and you become among the inmates of the Fire. Such is the reward for the evildoers. Then His soul prompted him to kill his brother, so he killed him, and became one of the losers (Al Maida 5:27-30).
Then God sent a raven digging the ground, to show him how to cover his brother's corpse. He said, "Woe to me! I was unable to be like this raven, and bury my brother's corpse." So he became full of regrets" (Al Maida 5:31).
Adam was devastated; he lost both his first and second sons. Patiently, Adam prayed and continued to care for the earth. He taught his children and grandchildren about God. He told them of his encounter with Satan and advised them to beware of Satan's tricks and schemes.
The accounts of flood in the Jewish and Christian traditions acknowledge Noah as being the righteous man in a world under the weight of sin and disbelief. The Quran and sayings of Prophet Muhammad teach us that Prophet Noah was a beacon of hope among the descendants of Adam at a time when sin and lawlessness had overtaken the people.
A chapter of the Quran is named after Noah, but accounts of his stories are interspersed throughout it. Humankind was one community who believed in one God but confusion and deviation had crept in. Noah was a calm and patient man and called his people to return to the worship of one true God. He was an exceptional speaker who called people to leave the worship of idols, and hear his warning of a terrible punishment for those who worshipped those idols and statues. The Quran tells us: "Indeed, We sent Noah to his people. He declared, "O my people! Worship Allah ËąaloneËş. You have no god other than Him. Will you not then fear ËąHimËş?"(Al Muminun 23:23).
Noah narrated stories about the mysteries of life and the wonders of the universe. He described how the day which gives sunlight and activity, followed the night that gives coolness and rest. poke of God, the Divine Creator who owned heaven and earth, and pointed out the width and beauty of the earth. Noah explained that the creation of the world was for the wellbeing of mankind; but that man also had an obligation to understand this direct his worship to God, not to false deities. When Noah began to speak of the punishment that waited idolaters, his people became resentful and angry.
How idolatry began. Prophet Muhammad informed that there were ten generations between Prophets Adam and Noah. Prophet Noah himself lived over a century. There were generations between them that remembered the law taught by Adam, but with time people forgot and Satan came whispering to them and putting thoughts into their minds in his sly cunning way. Satan inspired the good people to make statues of the righteous men. Satan said in this way they would the righteous men. Many years later, the devious Satan appeared among the people again, this time suggesting that they worship the idols directly.
The above account in detail is given in an authentic narration by Ibn Abbass, a close companion of the Prophet in Sahih Bukhari. Since this was mankind's first deviation from the correct worship of God as taught by Adam, God in His infinite kindness and mercy , fulfilled His promise to Adam to send messengers as guidance to mankind, God sent Noah, the first of His messengers. Abu Huraairah narrated that the Prophet said, "On the day of judgement, the people will come to Noah and say, "O Noah, you are first of the Messengers sent to earth, and God called you a thankful slave.'" (Saheeh Al-Bukhari).
Worshipping anything other than God has grave consequences, the least of which is a lack of freedom; for Satan enslaves man, destroys his mind and renders him unable to distinguish between right and wrong. When Noah warned his people of the torment that waited them if they did not give up their idolatry, his warning fell on mostly on deaf ears. Noah explained Sata, deceit, but his people turned away and refused to listen. Noah warned them day and night; he announced his message in public and he spoke quietly to people privately; yet all, but a few denied his words.
Noah cried out to God: "He said: "O my Lord! Verily I have called my people night and day, secretly and openly to accept (the doctrine of Islamic monotheism), but all my calling added nothing but to their flight from the truth. Verily! Every time I called unto them that You might forgive them, they thrust their fingers into theirs ears, covered themselves with garments, and persisted in their refusal), and magnified themselves in pride."(Nuh 71:5-7).
But the chiefs of his people said, "We surely see that you are clearly misguided." (Al Araf 7:60) Noah continued to appeal to his people, day after day, and year after year. For 950 years, he endured their taunts and mockery. Noah's people became divided into two groups. His words spoke to the heart of the weal, poor and oppressed, but the wealthy influential people distrusted those words and could think only of the possible erosion of their power and status. A war of words began between Noah and disbelievers. They accused Noah of being nothing but nothing special. Noah agreed with their observation and said that indeed he was only a human being, but one who brought a clear warning. And God the Almighty told us: "We sent Noah to his people, He said ' I am to you a clear warner. That you shall worship none but God. I fear for you the agony of a painful Day.
"The notables who disbelieved among his people said, 'We see in you nothing but a man like us, and we see that only the worst among us have followed you, those of immature judgment. And we see that you have no advantage over us. In fact, we think you are liars. (Hud 11: 25-26)
He said, "O my people, Have you considered? If I stand on clear evidence from my Lord, and He has given me a mercy from Himself, but you were blind to it, can we compel you to accept it, even though you dislike it? O my people! I ask of you no money for it. My reward lies only with God. And I am not about to dismiss those who believed; they will surely meet their Lord. And I see that you are ignorant people. O my people! Who will support me against God, if I dismiss them? Will you not give a thought? I do not say to you that I possess the treasures of God, nor do I know the future, nor do I say that I am an angel. Nor do I say of those who are despicable in your eyes that God will never give them any good. God is Aware of what lies in their souls. If I did, I would be one of the wrongdoers." They said, "O Noah, you have argued with us, and argued a great deal. Now bring upon us what you threaten us with, if you are truthful."(Hud11: 27-31).
The disagreements continued until the disbelievers had run out of the arguments. They mocked Noah and the believers, but Noah continued to deliver his message. Finally, he could bear no more and turned to God with heartfelt supplication. Noah did not run out of patience; he remained a patient, kind and gentleman. But he had come to realize that the disbelievers would do nothing but spread corruption and disbelief throughout the land. They would mislead and corrupt the believers and deliver a legacy of disbelief to their children.
Finally in desperation Noah prayed to God, ""My Lord! Leave not one of the disbelievers on the earth! If You leave them, they will mislead Your slaves, and they will beget none but wicked disbelievers."(Nuh 71: 26-27).
God instructed Noah to build an ark, and passed judgement on the disbelievers by causing the historic flood. "And construct the ship under Our Eyes and with Our inspiration and address Me not on behalf of those who did wrong; they are surely to be drowned." (Hud 11: 37).
Noah chose a place outside the city and far away from the sea to build his ark. The disbelievers mocked and laughed, made comments about the ship's location as far away from any water source. The disbelievers had no comprehension of the power and magnificence of God, so they could not understand why Noah would build a ship on top of a hill and far away from the ocean.
They called him crazy and laughed out loud. The ship began to take shape and when it was finished, Noah patiently waited for the command by God. "Until when our command came, and the lowlands gushed forth, overflowing, We said: Load it with two of each kind of animal (male and female), and embark your family, except against whom the Word has already gone forth, and those who believe.' And none believed him except a few." (Hud 11: 40).
When the water started to gush from the earth and fall from the sky, God instructed Noah to enter the ark with his family and the believers. God also commanded Noah to take a pair (male and female) of every animal, bird and insect with him. The disbelievers watched him incredulously, asking what he intended to do with all the animals.
Noah's wife did not join him, for she had never believed in the message that Noah had been preaching; nor did his oldest son, who preferred to flee to a high mountain. Islamic scholars hold different opinions about the number of people on the ark, but the highest estimate is 80. As the believers and animals entered the ark, the water gushed from every crack in the earth, and rain fell from the sky in quantities never seen before. Hour after hour the water levels rose, and the seas and rivers invaded the land.
Noah continued to appeal to his people and they became divided into two groups. His words spoke to the heart of the weak, poor and oppressed, but the wealthy influential people distrusted those words and could think only of the possible erosion of their power and status. A war of words began between Noah and disbelievers. They accused NOahj of being nothing but any other human, of being nothing special. Noah agreed with this obsrrvation and said that, indeed, he was only a human being, but one who brought a clear warning. And God, the Almighty told us: "Indeed we sent Noah to his people, he said, 'I have come to you as a plain warner that you worship none but God, surely, I fear for you the torment of a painful day.' The chiefs of the disbelievers among his people said; 'We see you but a man like ourselves, nor do we see any follow you but the meanest among us and they too followed without thinking. And we do not see in you any merit above us in fact we think you are liars." (Hud 11: 25-27).
Noah had built the ark according to God's instructions, from planks and nails, and it kept the believers safe from the deluge of rain and from the water gushing out of the earth. Then the earth's interior moved in unusual ways, and the bottom of the oceans rose in sudden bursts causing waves to flood the earth. These waves, as big as mountains, submerged everything; they lifted up the ark, making it appear as fragile as a matchbox tossed in the ocean. This construction, made of wood, became a ship of safety and security, for its passengers had true belief and trust in God.
From his secure place on the ark, Noah could see one of his sons overwhelmed by the water. Noah cried out to his son, imploring him to come aboard the ark and to leave the non-believers to their fate. The son, however, was thinking in terms of this world, and not with heartfelt trust in God. He replied that he would take himself to a mountain, never imagining that waves could swallow a mountain. Noah pleaded with his son saying "nothing can save you on this day except the mercy of God". The son refused, and he drowned.
"And Noah called out to his son, who had separated himself (apart), 'O my son! Embark with us and be not with the disbelievers.' The son replied, 'I will betake myself to a mountain; it will save me from the water.' Noah said: 'This day there is no saviour from the Decree of God except him on whom He has mercy.' And a wave came in between them so he (the son) was among the drowned." (Quran 11:42-43)
The Flood Ends "O Earth! Swallow up your water, and O sky! Withhold (your rain).' The water was diminished (made to subside) and the Decree (of God) was fulfilled (the destruction of the people of Noah). And it (the ship) rested on Mount Judi, and it was said: 'Away with the people who are wrongdoing." (Hud 11:44)
Unlike Christian and Jewish traditions Islam, does not mention Noah sending a bird (neither a dove nor raven) to search for dry land. Rather, at God's command, the rain stopped and the water ceased to gush from all the cracks in the earth. Calm returned and the sun began to shine. The flood had cleansed the earth of idolatry and disbelievers. Not a single person who had disbelieved in God remained on the earth. The earth swallowed up the water and the ark rested upon Mt. Judi (what is believed to be in present day Turkey).
Noah was a Prophet and leader of men, but he was also a father. He turned to God with sadness and cried, "O my Lord! Verily my son is of my family! And certainly your promise is true and you are the Most Just of the judges." (Hud 11:45)
Noah remembered that God had promised to save his family. Noah did not doubt the word or promises of God, but he wanted to understand. Thus God taught Noah a lesson. When we use the word family, we think of blood ties and relationships, and Noah was imploring God that his son was of his family. God told Noah that his son was definitely not part of his family because he was unrighteous. True family are the righteous believers in God."He said: 'Oh Noah! Surely, he is not of your family; verily, his work is unrighteous, so ask not of Me that of which you have no knowledge! I admonish you, lest you be one of the ignorants.'" (Hud 11:46)
Noah understood. He said; "O my Lord! I seek refuge with You from asking from You that of which I have no knowledge. And unless You forgive me and have Mercy on me, I would indeed be one of the losers." (Hud 11:47)
Noah released the animals, the birds and the insects and they scattered over the earth. Noah and his family (the believers) disembarked, whereupon Noah touched his head to the ground in prostration. At this point the Quran and the narrations of Prophet Muhammad leave the story of Noah. We do not know how his affairs with his people continued, nor do we know what happened to his family. All we can ascertain is that on his deathbed Noah drew his sons close to him and called on them to worship One God: The Creator and Sustianer of the Universe.
Prophet Muhammad said, "When the death of the Messenger of God, Noah, approached, he admonished his sons: 'Indeed I would give you far reaching advice, commanding you to do two things, and warning you against doing two things as well. I charge you to believe that there is no god but God and that if the seven heavens and the seven earths were put on one side of a scale and the words "there is no god but God" were put on the other, the latter would outweigh the former. I warn you against associating partners with God and against pride."(Sahih al Bukhari)
Most of Noah's people rejected his message, but the message survives in the hearts and minds of Muslims to this day. The comforting words, and the hopes of salvation Noah conveyed to his sons while on his deathbed, remain part of a Muslim's belief and confirm his attitude towards God. For the Prophet Muhammad also told us that God undertakes a covenant with the believers: If we do not worship other gods beside God, then He will not refuse us heaven.
The Qur'an tells of him and his unwavering belief in God, first calling his people to reject idolatry and later prove true to various tests that God placed before him. In Islam Abraham is seen as a strict monotheist who calls his people to the worship of God alone. For this belief, he bears great hardship, even disassociating himself from his family and people migrating to various lands.
He fulfills various commandments of God through which he is tested, proving true to each one. Due to strength of his faith, the Qur'an attributes the one and only true religion to be the "Path of Abraham", even though prophets before him called to the same faith. Because of his tireless acts of obedience , he is given the special title of "Khalil" , or beloved servant. Due to excellence of Abraham, God made prophets from his progeny -Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob (Israel),and Moses, all guiding people to the truth. Abraham is estimated to have born 2,166 years before Jesus, in or around the Mesopotamian city of Ur, 200 miles southwest of present-day Baghdad. His father was
Azar, an idol worshipper who descendant from Shem the son of Noah. It seems Azar along with some of his migrated to the city of Haran.
The Qur'an mentions the migration of Abraham , but after he disassociated from his father and tribesmen due to their disbelief. Judeo-Christian scholars have differed when Abraham came to know God, the Qur'an mentions he was young in age and he was one of the prophets to whom, a scripture was revealed" "Verily, This is in the former scriptures. The Scriptures of Abram and Moses." (Ala 87:18-19).
Azar, the father of Abraham was an idol worshipper.. Hence hid first call was directed to him "And mention in the Book (the Qur'an) Abraham, indeed he was a man of truth , a prophet When he said to his father: 'O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not, sees not, and avail you not in anything? O my father! There has come to me of knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me. I will guide you to a Straight Path." (Maryam19:41-43).
The reply from his father was rejection, an obvious reply by a person much younger, a challenge made against years of tradition and norm. "He (the father) said: 'Do you reject my gods, O Abraham? If you do not stop, I will indeed stone you. So get away from me safely before I punish you.'"(Maryam 19: 46).
After incessant attempts calling his father to leave worship of false idols, Abraham turned to his people seeking to warn others, addressing them with the same simple logic. "And recite to them the story of Abraham. When he said to his father and his people: "What do you worship?" They said: "We worship idols, and to them we are ever devoted." He said: "Do they hear you, when you call (on them)? Or do they benefit you or do they harm (you)?" They said: "Nay, but we found our fathers doing so." He said: "Do you observe that which you have been worshipping, you and your ancient fathers? Verily! They are enemies to me, save the Lord of all that exists; Who has created me, and it is He Who guides me; And it is He Who feeds me and gives me to drink. And when I am ill, it is He who cures me; And Who will cause me to die, and then will bring me to life (again)." (Al Shu'ra 26:69-81).
In furthering his call that the only deity which deserved worship was God, he struck another example for his people to ponder. The Qur'an tells of Abraham: "When the night grew dark on upon him, he beheld a star, and said, 'This is my Lord!' But when it set, he said: 'I love not the things that set.. Abraham put forth to them the example of the stars, a creation truly incomprehensible to humans at the time. But in setting of the stars, Abraham saw their inability to appear as they desired, but only at night: "And when he saw the moon rising up, he exclaimed: 'This is my Lord.' But when it set: 'unless my Lord guides me, I surely shall become one of the folks who are astray," (Al Anam 6:76-77).
Then as culminating example, he struck an example of something even bigger, one without which life itself was an impossibility: '"And when the sun rising, he cried: 'this is my Lord! This is greater!' But when the sun set, he said, 'O my people! Surely I am free from that which you associate with God. Verily I have turned my face towards Him who has created the heavens and the earth, away from idolatry, and I am not of those who associate others with God.'"(Al Anam 6: 78-79).
Abraham message was simple: "Worship God, and keep your duty to Him that is better for you if you did but know. You worship instead of God only idols and you only a lie. Those whom you worship instead of God own no provisions for you. So seek your provision from God, and worship him, and give tanks to him, (for) to Him you will be brought back."(Al Ankabut 29:16-17).
He openly questioned their adherence to mere traditions of their forefathers. Abraham said, "Verily you and your forefathers were in evident error."(Al Anbiya 21:54). He was challenged and mocked: "They said, 'bring you to us the truth, or you are some jester. He said, 'Your Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth, the One who created them, and I bear witness to that.'"(Al Anbiya 21:55).
Then the time came when Abraham planned a bold and decisive action against idolatry. He hinted at the plan: Abraham was invited but he excused himself and they left without him, and it became his opportunity. He said "By God, I will have a plan for your statues after you have gone away." (Al Anbiya 21:57). As the temple was deserted, Abraham made his way to the idols, and broke them into pieces, except for the biggest one: "Then turned to their gods and said, 'Will you not eat? What ails you that you speak not?' (Al Saffat 37: 91-92).
Then he attacked them, striking with his right hand." The Qur'an tells us, "So he reduced them into pieces, except for their biggest that they may return to it. They said, "Who did this to our gods? He is certainly one of the wrongdoers.'"(Al Anbiya 21:58-64).
Abraham mocked at them in disbelief: "He said, 'But this, their chief has done it. So question them, if they can speak!" When Abraham so challenged them, they were cast into confusion and said: "Indeed you know well these speak not." Abraham pressed his case, "He said, 'Worship you you that which you yourselves carve when God has created you and what you make."(Al Anbiya 21: 67)
Because Abraham's reasoning was unanswerable, their response was rage and fury and they condemned Abraham to be burned alive. "Build for him a building and fling him in the red hot fire." (Al Saffat 37: 97). The townspeople all helped in gathering the wood for the fire, and it was the Largest fire. The young Abraham submitted to the fate by the Lord of the Worlds. He did not lose faith, the trial made him even stronger. Abraham did not flinch in the face of fiery death at this tender age.
Abraham proved true to the trials he faced. His belief in the true God was tested here and he proved that he was even prepared to surrender his existence to the call of God. for he had a great mission ahead of him, God had not willed that to be the fate of Abraham, for he had a great mission ahead for him God saved Abraham as a sign for him and also for his people: "We (God) said: 'O fire, be cool and safe for Abraham.' And they had sought to harm him, but We made them the worst losers.'"(Al Anbiya 21: 69-70).
After years of ceaseless calling and faced with rejection of his people, God commanded Abraham to disassociate from his family and people. He along with believers- his nephew Lot and Sarah, his wife migrated to the land of Canaan, or greater Syria. It was here that God chose to bless him with progeny. "We (God) bestowed upon him Isaac, and (a grandson) Jacob. Each one We made righteous." (AlAnbiya 21:72)
"And that was Our Proof which We gave Abraham against his people. We raise whom We will in degrees. Certainly your Lord is All Wise, All Knowing. And We bestowed upon him Isaac and Jacob, each of them We guided, and before him, We guided Noah, and among his progeny David, Solomon, Job, Joseph, Moses, and Aaron. Thus do We reward the good doers. And Zachariah, and John and Jesus and Elias, each one of them was of the righteous.
And Ishmael and Elisha, and Jonah and Lot, and each one of them We preferred above the worlds (of men and jinn). And also some of their fathers and their progeny and their brethren, We chose them, and We guided them to a Straight Path. This is the Guidance of God with which He guides whomsoever He will of His slaves. But if they had joined in worship others with God, all that they used to do would have been of no benefit to them. They are those whom We gave the Book, the Understanding, and Prophethood." (Al Anam 6:83-89)
Prophets are chosen for the guidance of their nation. "And We made them leaders, guiding (humankind) by Our Command, and We inspired in them the doing of good deeds, performing prayers, and the giving of Zakat and of Us (Alone) they were worshippers." (Al Anbiya 21:73) Abraham stayed in Canaan for several years, going from city to city preaching and inviting people to God until a famine forced them to leave and migrate to Egypt. After they had returned to Palestine, Sarah and Abraham continued to be childless, despite divine promises that he would be granted a child. As the gifting of a handmaid by a barren woman to her husband in order to produce offspring seems to be a common practice of that day, Sarah suggested to Abraham that he take Hagar as his concubine. Any offspring born to a concubine would be claimed by the concubine's former mistress and be treated exactly the same as a child born to her, including matters of inheritance. While in Palestine, Hagar bore him a son, Ishmael.
Abraham in Mecca. When Ishmael was still nursing, God yet again chose to test the faith of his beloved Abraham and commanded him to take Hagar and Ishmael to a barren valley of Bakka 700 miles southeast of Hebron. In later times it would be called Mecca. Indeed it was a great test, for he and his family had longed for such a time for offspring, and when their eyes were filled with the joy of an heir, the commandment was enacted to take him to a distant land, one known for its barrenness and hardship.
So Abraham, after having sojourned with Hagar and Ishmael, left them there with a skin of water and lather bag full of dates. As Abraham began walking away leaving them behind, Hagar became anxious as to what was happening. Abraham did not look back. Hagar called him, " O Abraham, where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person whose company we could enjoy, nor is there anything here? Abraham hurried his pace. Hagar asked, "Has God asked you to do so?' Suddenly Abraham stopped, turned back and said," Yes!' Feeling a degree of comfort in this answer, Hagar asked, "O Abraham, to whom are you leaving us?' 'I am leaving you to God's care, 'Abraham replied. Hagar submitted to her lord, 'I am satisfied to be with God!'.
While she traced her way to little Ishmael, Abraham proceeded until he reached a narrow pass in the mountain where they would not be able to him. He stopped there and invoked God in prayer: "Our Lord, I have settled some of my offspring in a valley of no vegetation, by Your Sacred House, our Lord, so that they may perform the prayers. So make the hearts of some people incline towards them, and provide them with fruits, that they may be thankful."(Ibrahim 14:37).
Soon, the water and dates were gone and Hagar's desperation increased. Unable to quench her thirst or to breastfeed her little baby, Hagar began searching for water. Leaving Ishmael under a tree, she began climbing the rocky incline of a nearby hill. 'Maybe there is a caravan passing by,' she thought to herself. She ran between the two hills of Safa and Marwa seven times looking for signs of water or help, later personified by all Muslims in the Hajj pilgrimage. Fatigued and distraught, she heard a voice, but could not locate its source. Then, looking down in the valley, she saw an angel, who is identified as Gabriel in Islamic sources standing next to Ishmael. The angel dug into the ground with his heel next to the baby, and water came gushing out. It was a miracle! Hagar tried to make a basin around it to keep it from flowing out, and filled her skin. She was assured by the angel that this was according to God's scheme of things. This well, called Zamzam, is flowing to this day in the city if Mecca in the Arabian Peninsula. It was not long afterwards that the tribe of Jurham, moving from southern Arabia, stopped by the valley of Mecca after seeing the unusual sight of a bird flying in its direction, which could only mean the presence of water. They eventually settled in Mecca and Ishmael grew up among them.
Abraham had a vision sacrificing His Son Ishmael. It had been close to ten years since Abraham had left his wife and baby in Mecca in the care of God. After a two month journey, he was surprised to find Mecca a lot different than how he had left it. The joy of reunion was soon interrupted by a vision which was to be the ultimate test of his faith. God commanded Abraham through a dream to sacrifice his son, the son he had after years of prayers and had just met him after a decade of separation.
Although Isaac's name is explicitly mention as the one who was to be sacrificed in Genesis 22:2, we learn from other Biblical contexts that it is clear interpolation, and the one to be slaughtered was Ishmael.
In the verses of Genesis 22, God commands Abraham to sacrifice his only son. As all scholars of Islam, Judaism and Christianity agree, Ishmael was born before Isaac. From this, it would not be fit to call Isaac the only son of Abraham.
It is true that Judeo-Christian scholars often argue that since Ishmael was born to a concubine, he is not a legitimate son. However, according to Judaism itself, the gifting of concubines from barren wives to their husbands in order to produce offspring was a common, valid and acceptable occurrence, and the child produced by the concubine would be claimed by the wife of the father, enjoying all rights as her, the wife's own child, including inheritance. Furthermore, they would receive a double the share of other children.
In addition to this, it is inferred in the Bible that Sarah herself would regard a child born to Hagar as a rightful heir. Knowing that Abraham had been promised that his seed would fill the land between the Nile and the Euphrates from his own body, she offered Hagar to Abraham that she be the means to fulfill this prophecy.
From this, we understand that Sarah believed that a child born to Hagar would be a fulfillment of the prophecy given to Abraham, and as if he was born to her own self. Thus, according to this fact alone, Ishmael is not illegitimate, but a rightful heir.
There are many other reasons which prove that it was Ishmael and not Isaac who was to be sacrificed. "So We gave him the good news of a forbearing son. And when (his son) was old enough to help in his daily affairs, (Abraham) said: O my dear son, I have seen in a dream that I must sacrifice you. So look, what think you? He said: O my father! Do that which you are commanded. God willing, you shall find me of the patient." (Al Saffat 37:101-102)
Indeed if a person was told by their father that they were to be killed due to a dream, it would not be taken in the best of manners. One may doubt the dream as well as the sanity of the person, but Ishmael knew the station of his father. The pious son of a pious father was committed to submit to God. Abraham took his son to the place where he was to be sacrificed and laid him face down. For this reason, God has described them in the most beautiful of words, painting a picture of the essence of submission; one which brings tears to the eyes: "And when they both submitted (to the command of God), and he (Abraham) laid him (Ishmael) face down upon his forehead (in order to be sacrificed)." (Al Saffat 37:103)
Just as Abraham's knife was poised to descend, a voice stopped him. "We called to him: O Abraham: You have indeed fulfilled the vision. Lo! Thus do We reward the good. Lo! That verily was a clear test." (Al Saffat 37:104-106). Ishmael was ransomed with a ram, ' -then We redeemed him with a momentous sacrifice.' (Al Saffat 37:107).
It is this epitome of submission and trust in God which hundreds of millions of Muslims reenact every year during the days of Hajj, a day called Yawm-un-Nahr - The Day of Sacrifice, or Eid-ul-Adhaa - or the Celebration of Sacrifice.
Abraham and Ishmael build the Kaaba. After a separation of several years, the father and son met again. It was on this journey that the two built the Kaaba on God's command as a permanent sanctuary , a place for the worship of God. It was at this place, the same barren desert where Abraham had left Hagar and Ishmael earlier that he supplicated to God to make it a place where they would establish the prayer, free from idol worship. "Recall that Abraham said, "O my Lord, make this land peaceful, and keep me and my sons from worshiping idols. My Lord, they have led many people astray. Whoever follows me belongs with me; and whoever disobeys me-You are Forgiving and Merciful. Our Lord, I have settled some of my offspring in a valley of no vegetation, by Your Sacred House, our Lord, so that they may perform the prayers. So make the hearts of some people incline towards them, and provide them with fruits, that they may be thankful. Our Lord, You know what we conceal and what we reveal. And nothing is hidden from God, on earth or in the heaven. Praise be to God, Who has given me, in my old age, Ishmael and Isaac. My Lord is the Hearer of Prayers. My Lord, make me one who performs the prayer, and from my offspring. Our Lord, accept my supplication. Our Lord, forgive me, and my parents, and the believers, on the Day the Reckoning takes place." (Ibrahim 14: 35-41).
Now, years later Abraham in reunion with his son Ishmael to establish the honored House of God , the center of worship to which direction people would turn their face when offering prayers and mahe it a site of pilgrimage. There are many beautiful verses about the Kaaba and its purpose. "We showed Abraham the location of the House: Do not associate anything with Me; and purify My House for those who circle around, and those who stand to pray, and those who kneel and prostrate. And announce the pilgrimage to humanity. They will come to you on foot, and on every transport. They will come from every distant point." (Al Hajj 22: 26-27).
"And We made the House a focal point for the people, and a sanctuary. Use the shrine of Abraham as a place of prayer. And We commissioned Abraham and Ishmael, "Sanctify My House for those who circle around it, and those who seclude themselves in it, and those who kneel and prostrate." (Al Baqarah 2: 125).
"The first House (of worship) appointed for men was that at Bakka: Full of blessing and of guidance for all kinds of beings. In it are Signs Manifest; (for example), the Station of Abraham; whoever enters it attains security; Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah,- those who can afford the journey; but if any deny faith, Allah stands not in need of any of His creatures." (Al Imran 3: 96-97).
A Hadith said, "Indeed this place has been made sacred by God the day He created the heavens and the earth, and it will remain so until the Day of Judgment." (narrated by Al Bukhari and Muslim)./
The prayer of Abraham. Indeed , the building of a sanctuary to be held by all later generations was one of the best forms of worship men of God could do. Abraham prayed: "Our Lord! Accept from us. Lo! You, only You are the Hearer, the Knower, Our Lord! And make us Muslims (submissive to You) and of our seed a Muslim nation submissive to You and show us our ways of worship, and forgive us. You, only You are the Forgiving, the Merciful, Our Lord (Al Baqara 2: 127-128). " And remember when Abraham said, "My Lord, make this city (Mecca) a place of security, and provide its people with fruits, such of them as believe in God and the Last Day (Al Baqara 2:126).
Abraham also prayed that a prophet be raised from the progeny of Ishmael, who would be inhabitants of this land, as the progeny of Isaac would inhabit the lands of Canaan. "And raise up in their midst a Messenger from among them who shall purify tem of their sins. Lo! You, only You are the Mighty, The Wise." (Al Baqara 2, 129).
Abraham's prayers were answered several thousand years later when God raised Propht Muhammad among the Arabs, and Mecca was chosen to be a sanctuary and House of worship of the One True God. Through the establishment of this house was the guarantee that God , the God to Whom he called and for Whom he made endless sacrifices, would be worshipped forever, without association of any other God with him. Indeed it was one of the greatest of favors upon any humankind.
Abraham & the Hajj Plgrimage. Every year, Muslims from around the world gather from all walks of life in answer to the prayer of Abraham and the call to Pilgrimage. This rite is called Hajj, and it commemorates many events of God's beloved servant Abraham and his family. After circling the Kaaba, a Muslim prays behind the Station of Abraham, the stone on which Abraham stood to build the Kaaba. After the prayers, a Muslim drinks from the same well, called Zamzam, which flowed in answer to the prayer of Abraham and Hagar, providing sustenance for Ishmael and Hagar, and was the cause for the inhabitation of the land.
The rite of walking between Safaa and Marwah commemorates Hagar's desperate search for water when she and her baby were alone in Mecca. The sacrifice of an animal in Mina during Hajj, and by Muslims around the world in their own lands, is after the example of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son for God's sake.
Lastly, the stoning of the pillars at Mina exemplifies Abraham's rejection of satanic temptations to prevent him from sacrificing Ishmael. The Beloved servant of God about whom God said, "I will make you a leader to the nations" returned to Palestine and died there.
Both the Old Testament and New Testament describe him as the person who led Israelites out of bondage in Egypt, communicated with God, and received the Ten Commandments.
In Islam, Moses is respected and honored as a Prophet and Messenger. God mentions him more than 120 times and his story ranges several chapters. It is the longest and most detailed story of a prophet in the Qur'an and is discussed in elaborate detail.
Islam teaches that all prophets came to their people with the same proclamation, " O my people, worship God you have no other God but Him" (Hud 11:50). Moses called the children of Israel to worship God alone and he laid down the laws prescribed in the Torah. "We have revealed the Torah, wherein is guidance and light. The submissive prophets ruled the Jews according to it, so did the rabbis and the scholars, as they were required to protect God's Book, and were witnesses to it. So do not fear people, but fear Me. And do not sell My revelations for a cheap price. Those who do
not rule according to what revealed by God, are the unbelievers." (Al Maida 5:44).
Quran is the book of guidance for all mankind. It contains historical information and asks us to reflect and contemplate on the stories of prophets to learn from their trials, tribulations and triumphs. "We recite cto you some of the news of Moses and Pharaoh in truth. Verily, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening a group among them, killing their sons, and letting their females live. Verily, he was of those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrant."(Al Qasas 28: 3-4).
Moses was born into one of the most politically charged times in history. The Pharaoh of Egypt was the dominant power figure in the land. He was so incredibly powerful that he referred to himself as a god. "He said, "I am your lord, most high." (Al Naziat 79: 24).
Pharaoh effortlessly exerted his authority and influence over all the people in Egypt. He used the strategy of divide and conquer. The Jews, the children of Israel, were put at the lowest level of Egyptian society, and they were the slaves and servants. Moses' family was from amongst the children of Israel.
Egypt at the time was the known world's superpower. The ultimate power rested in the hands of very few. Pharaoh and his trusted ministers directed matters as if lives of the population were of little or no consequence.
According to Islamic scholar Ibn Kathir the children of Israel talked vaguely about one of their nation's sons arising to wrest the throne of Egypt from Pharaoh. True to character, Pharaoh reacts arrogantly and gives the order that all male children born to the children of Israel be killed. Pharaoh becomes so fanatical he sends spies or security agents to seek out pregnant women. If any woman gives birth to a male child, he was immediately put to death. When Moses' mother becomes pregnant with the child destined to lead the children of Israel out of bondage, she conceals her pregnancy. However, God had a different plan.
"And We wished to do a favor to those who were weak (and oppressed) in the land, and to make them rulers and to make them the inheritors. And to establish them in the land, and We let Pharah and Haman and their hosts receive from them that which they feared." (Al Qasas 28:5-6).
"And We inspired the mother of Moses saying, suckle him, but when you fear for him, then cast him into the river and fear not, nor grieve. Verily! We shall bring him back to you, and shall make him one of (Our) Messengers." (Al Qasas 28:2-7).
Moses mother made a waterproof basket, and put her tiny baby inside, and cast him into the river. Ibn Kathir narrates that as the basket touched the river, the raging current became calm and gentle, sweeping the basket downstream. Moses sister was instructed by her mother to slip silently through the reeds and follow the basket in journey.
"Then the household of Pharaoh picked him up, that he might become for an enemy and a cause of grief. Verily Pharaoh, Haman and their hosts were sinners. And the wife of Pharaoh said; 'A comfort of the eye for me and for you. Kill him not, perhaps he maybe of a benefit to us, or we may adopt him as a son.' And they perceived not (the result of that)."(Al Qasas 28:8-9)
Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh in contrast to her arrogant, proud husband husband was a righteous, merciful woman. God .opened her heart and she looked at the tiny baby and felt overcome by her love for him. The royal couple was unable to conceive a child and this baby awakened her maternal instincts. Asiya clutched him to to her chest and asked her husband to accept the child into family.
Asiya summoned wet nurses to the palace, but the tiny child refused to suckle. This was a cause of great distress and the royal palace was in turmoil, the women of the household were fussing over Asiya and her new baby therefore no one noticed the presence of Moses' sister amongst the servants. She summoned all her courage and stepped forward offering a solution. She said she knew of a woman who would suckle the child affectionately. Why would the royal household take the advice of an unknown child, if not to fulfil God's plan.
Moses' sister was ordered to rush and fetch the woman. "And We had already forbidden (other) foster suckling mothers for him, until she came up and said: "Shall I direct you to a household who will rear him for you, and sincerely they will look after him in a good manner?" So did We restore him to his mother, that she might be delighted, and that she might not grieve, and that she might know that the Promise of God is true. But most of them know not." (Al Qasas 28:12-13).
"And when he reached his maturity, and became established, We gave him wisdom and knowledge. Thus do We reward the virtuous." (Al Qasas 28:14).
"Once Moses entered the city at a time of unawareness of its people, and found there two men fighting-one of his party, and the other of his foes. The man of his party asked him for help against his foe, so Moses struck with his fist, and killed him. Moses said, 'This is of Satan's doing, verily he is a plain misleading enemy. Moses said, 'My Lord, Verily, I have wronged myself, so forgive me.' So He forgave him. Verily, He is often- Forgiving, the Most Merciful. He said, 'My Lord, for that with which You have favored me, I will never be a helper for the criminals.'"(Al Qasas 28: 15-17).
"So he became afraid, looking about in the city, when behold, the man who had sought his help the day before, called for his help. Moses said to him: 'Verily, you are a plain misleader!' Then when he decided to seize the man who was an enemy to both of them, the man said: 'O Moses! Is it your intention to kill me as you killed a man yesterday? Your aim is nothing but to become a tyrant in the land, and not to be one of those who do right."( Al Qasas 28: 18-19).
And there came a man running, from the farthest end of the city. He said: 'O Moses! Verily, the chiefs are taking counsel together about you, to kill you, so escape. Truly, I am to you of those who give sincere advice. So he escaped from there, looking in a state of fear. He said, 'My Lord! Save me from the people who are polytheists and wrong-doers).'"(Al Qasas 28: 20:-21).
Moses immediately left the confines of the city "And when he went towards the land of Midian, he said: "It may be that my Lord guides me to the Right Way." Midian is the desert-land between Syria and Egypt.
Moses migrated to Midian and got married. And when he arrived at the water of Madian he found there a group of men watering their flocks, and besides them he found two women who were keeping back. "Moses asked: What is the matter with you? They said: We cannot water until the shepherds take their flocks. And our father is a very old man. So he watered their flocks for them, then he turned back to shade, and said, 'My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good You bestow on me!' Then there came to him one of the two women, walking shyly, she said, 'Verily, my father calls you that he may reward you for having watered our flocks for us.' The old man is considered the Prophet Shuaib by some historic authorities. So when Moses narrated the story to him, he said: 'Fear you not. You have escaped from the people who are polytheists, disbelievers, and wrong-doers.' And one of the two women said, 'O my father! Hire him! Verily, the best of men for you to hire is the strong, the trustworthy.' He said: 'I intend to wed one of these two daughters of mine to you, on condition that you serve me for eight years, but if you complete ten years, it will be a favor from you. But I intend not to place you under a difficulty. If Allâh wills, you will find me one of the righteous. 'Moses said 'That is settled between me and you whichever of the two terms I fulfill, there will be no injustice to me, and Allâh is surety over what we say.'"(Al Qasas 28:22-28)
God Spoke with Moses and Assigned duty for Pharaoh Moses had fulfilled the term, and after that while was travelling through the desert with his family, he saw a fire in the direction of Mount. He said to his family: "Wait, I have seen a fire; perhaps I may bring to you from there some information, or a burning fire-brand that you may warm yourselves."
Unbeknownst to Moses, he was about to participate in one of history's most amazing conversations. He walked towards the fire, and as he did, he heard a voice. "Blessed is whosoever is in the fire, and whosoever is round about it! And far removed is God from every imperfection, the Lord of all that exists. "O Moses! Verily! I am your Lord- (Taha 20:12)
God spoke to Moses. He asked Moses to remove his shoes for he would be standing on sacred valley of Tuwa.. God revealed to Moses that he had been chosen for a special mission and bid him listen to what was about to be said.
"Verily, I am Allah, There is no god but I, so serve thou Me only and establish regular prayer for celebrating My praise. The Hour is coming - My design is to keep it hidden for every soul to receive its reward by the measure of its Endeavor. Therefore let not such as believe not therein but follow their own lusts divert thee therefrom, lest you perish." (Taha 20:14-16)
At this time, Moses must have been mesmerized. Moses was holding a rod in his right hand. God asked him what was about. Moses answered, "This is my rod; on it I lean; with it I beat down fodder for my flocks, and in it I find other uses." (Taha 20:18).
Moses was about to embark on a difficult mission and it was important that he began with complete trust that God would protect him, knowing that there was absolutely no reason for him to be fearful. "And throw your stick!" But when he saw it moving as if it were a snake, he turned in flight, and looked not back. (It was said): "O Moses! Draw near, and fear not. Verily, you are of those who are secure". (Al Qasas 28:31)
God then instructed Moses to put his hand inside his cloak, He revealed to him another sign of his magnificence and omnipotence. Signs, which Moses would need in his coming mission, proof for those who are disobedient and rebellious. "Insert your hand into the opening of your garment, it will come out white without disease, and draw your hand close to your side to be free from fear, These are two signs from your Lord to Pharaoh and his chiefs. Verily, they are the people who are rebellious, and disobedient towards God." (Al Qasas 28:32)
God intended to send Moses to Pharaoh that he feared most, and Moses thought would surely put him to death. His heart constricted on fear but God reassured him. On a dark night, in the shadow of Mount Tur, God conferred Prophethood on Moses. His first command to him was go to Pharaoh. "Go To Pharaoh! Verily! He has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience, and has behaved as an arrogant tyrant)." (Taha 20:24)
Moses fled Egypt in fear for his life; he had spent 10 years in a country outside the jurisdiction of Pharaoh. Now God was telling him that he must face his biggest fear. He must face the corrupt Pharaoh; the man Moses was sure would want to see him executed. Moses once again felt the fear that had sustained him during his long journey across the desert. He responded to God's words. "My Lord! I have killed a man among them, and I fear that they will kill me." (Al Qasas 28:33)
Moses was afraid but understood that God was completely able to provide him with all the support he needed for a mission that appeared to be virtually impossible. "Moses prayed, "O my Lord! Open for me my chest. And ease my task for me; and make loose the knot from my tongue, that they understand my speech, and appoint for me a helper from my family, Aaron, my brother; increase my strength with him, and let him share my task, and we may glorify You much, and remember You much, Verily! You are of us ever a Well-Seer."(Taha 20:25-35).
God granted his request. "Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, verily, he has transgressed all bounds in disbelief and disobedience and behaved as an arrogant tyrant. And speak to him kindly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear God." They said, "Our Lord! Verily! We fear lest he should hasten to punish us or lest he should transgress all bounds against us." God said: "Fear not, Verily! I am with you both, Hearing and Seeing. So go you both to him, and say, "Verily, we are Messengers of your Lord, so let the children of Israel go with us, and torment them not; indeed, we have come with a sign from your Lord! And peace will be upon him who follows the guidance! Truly, it has been revealed to us that the torment will be for him who denies and turns away'" (Taha 20:43- 48).
Ibn Kathir narrates that Moses and Aaron went together to Pharaoh and delivered their message. Moses spoke to Pharaoh about God, His mercy and His Paradise and about the obligation of humankind to worship God Alone.
Quran narrates several conversations between Moses and Pharaoh. One of the most detailed accounts is in chapter 26 which is entitled 'The Poets'. Moses spoke kindly to Pharaoh about God, His Mercy, and His Paradise, but Pharaoh reacted disdainfully and arrogantly. He reminded Moses of his past crime and asked Moses to be grateful that he was raised in the palace amongst luxuries and wealth. Moses excused himself by saying he committed the crime of killing an innocent man when he was ignorant and pointed out that he was raised in the palace only because he was unable to live with his own family due to Pharaoh's indiscriminate killing of baby boys.
Pharaoh began by mocking Moses, then accusing him of being ungrateful and finally he threatened him. During this historical period, many people in Egypt practiced magic. There were even schools teaching classes in magic and illusion. Pharaoh jumped to the wrong conclusion, he thought that the manifest signs Moses was able to show by the permission of God were magic tricks and illusions.
When Moses threw his stick and it became a serpent, slithering and sliding along the ground, and when he withdrew his hand from his cloak and it strongly shone bright and white, Pharaoh presumed that Moses has learned the art of illusion.
Ibn Kathir narrates the Pharaoh detained Moses and Aaron while he sent couriers throughout Egypt to summon all the magicians to the palace. Pharaoh promised the magicians prestige and money in return for their tricks.
Pharaoh was confident that his magicians were unbeatable. He had long been using them to influence the hearts and minds of the people. Pharaoh used their conjuring tricks and illusions to dominate and control his subjects. Moses was able to set the day for the contest and he chose a customary festival day. The streets would be crowded with people and the power and strength of God would be visible to all. There would be maximum exposure to the truth of the words that, there is none worthy of worship except God alone.
"O Moses! Have you come to drive us out from our land with your magic? We can also show you magic to match it, so set an appointment between us and you, which neither we nor you shall forget to keep in a fair place.' Moses said, 'Let the encounter be on the day (of the Festival) of Adornment, and let the people assemble at forenoon.'" (Taha 20:56-59)
Moses asked the magicians to perform first. It is narrated that there were up to 70 magicians lined up in a row. The magicians threw their sticks and ropes in the name of the Pharaoh and the ground became a seething sea of serpents, writhing and slithering. The crowd looked on in amazement. Moses was afraid, but he was steadfast, secure in the knowledge that God would protect him and make his task easy. God covered him with tranquility and directed Moses to throw his stick.
Moses stick transformed into a huge serpent and quickly devoured all the illusionary serpents that covered the ground. The crowd rose up like a great wave, cheering and shouting for Moses. The magicians were astounded. They were well skilled in the art of magic and illusion, for they were the best magicians in the world at the time, but their conjuring was nothing but a trick. The magicians knew that Moses' serpent was real. They collectively fell in prostration declaring their belief in the Lord of Moses and Aaron.
"And the magicians fell down prostrating. Saying: "We believe in the Lord of mankind, jinn, and all that exists, the Lord of Moses and Aaron. Pharaoh said, 'You have believed in him before I give you leave. Surely, he indeed is your chief, who has taught you magic! So verily, you shall come to know. Verily, I will cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides, and I will crucify you all." They said, "No harm! Surely, to our Lord we are to return. 'Verily! We hope that our Lord will forgive us our sins, as we are the first of the believers in Moses and in the Monotheism which he has brought from
God."(Taha 20: 70-75).
The magicians began that day as disbelievers, corrupt and interested only in riches and fame; however, within a few hours they had recognized the truth. They saw with their own eyes the omnipotence of God and repented for their errant ways. God is the most merciful, and He forgives those who turn to Him with sincere and humble repentance.
Pharaoh was angry. His kingdom of fear was built by oppressing the people and holding their hearts and minds captive. All the people of Egypt from the ministers and magicians to the lowly slaves and servants were afraid of Pharaoh's power and anger but Moses had exposed a weak spot. Pharaoh worried that his kingdom was about to unravel, however he was surrounded by sycophants and parasites who urged him on to greater tyranny.
Pharaoh's security and intelligence officers began to spread rumors. They said Moses and some magicians had secretly organized for Moses to win the competition. The lifeless bodies of the slain magicians were hung in public places to further terrorize the people. Due to their association with Moses the children of Israel, became the scapegoats. They complained to Moses that they were ill- treated when he was born and now he had caused them to be oppressed once again.
Pharaoh ordered more killing, pillaging and raping. He imprisoned anyone who spoke out against this oppression, and Moses was powerless, he could not interfere. He counselled patience and watched silently. The children of Israel complained to Moses, and he was put into a very difficult situation. As he contended with Pharaoh's plots and plans, his people were turning against him and one of his own was working with the Egyptian powerbrokers.
Pharaoh summoned Moses to the palace. Ibn Kathir narrates that Pharaoh wanted Moses killed and that he was supported by all his ministers and government officials, except one. This man, believed to be a relative of Pharaoh's, was a believer in the Oneness of God, although until this moment he had kept his belief secret.
"And a believing man of Pharaoh's family, who hid his faith said, 'Would you kill a man because he says, My Lord is God, and he (Moses) has come to you with clear signs from your Lord? And if he is a liar, upon him will be the sin of his lie; but if he is telling the truth, then some of that calamity wherewith he threatens you will befall on you.'" (Ghafir 40:28)
The believing man spoke eloquently; he warned his people that they would suffer a day of disaster like those days that had afflicted people in the past. He reminded them that God had sent clear signs with Moses, but his words fell on deaf ears. Pharaoh and many of his ministers threatened to kill the believing man but God kept him safe, and under His protection. "So God saved him from the evils that they plotted against him, while an evil torment encompassed Pharaoh's people."(Ghafir 40: 45)
God commanded Moses to warn the Pharaoh that he and the Egyptians would suffer a severe punishment if the children of Israel were not set free. God afflicted Egypt with a severe drought. Even the lush, green, and fertile Nile valleys began to wither and die. The crops failed and the people began to suffer but Pharaoh remained arrogant therefore
God sent a huge flood to devastate the land. The people, including the chief ministers appealed to Moses. "O Moses! Invoke your Lord for us because of His Promise to you. If you will remove the punishment from us, we indeed shall believe in you, and we shall let the children of Israel go with you." (Al Araf 7:134)
The land returned to normal and the crops once again began to grow, but still the children of Israel were enslaved. God sent a plague of locusts that swallowed up everything in their path. The people rushed to Moses begging for his help. The locusts departed but still the children of Israel remained enslaved. After that there was a plague of lice, spreading disease amongst the people, followed by a plague of frogs that harassed and terrified the people in their homes and beds. Each time one of God's punishments descended the people begged Moses to implore his Lord for relief; each time they promised to free the enslaved children of Israel and each time, they failed to fulfil that promise.
Then the final sign of God's anger was revealed, the water of the Nile turned to blood. For the children of Israel the water remained pure and clear but for all others it appeared as thick red blood. Even after this most devastating series of signs of God's displeasure, the children of Israel remained enslaved. "And indeed We punished the people of Pharaoh with years of drought and shortness of fruits and crops, that they might remember and take heed. But whenever good came to them, they said 'Ours is this.' And if evil afflicted them, they ascribed it to evil omens connected with Moses and those with him. Be informed! Verily, their evil omens are with God but most of them know not. They said Moses, "Whatever, signs, you may bring to us, and to work with your sorcery on us, we shall never believe in you. So We sent on them: the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood, as a succession of signs, yet they remained arrogant, and they were of those people who were criminals, polytheists and sinners." when the punishment fell on them they said, "O Moses! Invoke your Lord for us because of His Promise to you. If you will remove the punishment from us, we indeed shall believe in you, and we shall let the Children of Israel go with you. But when We removed the punishment from them to a fixed term, which they had to reach, behold! They broke their word! So We took retribution from them. We drowned them in the sea, because they belied Our signs, and were heedless about them. (Al Iraf 7: 130-136)
Pharaoh was angry. His kingdom of fear was built by oppressing the people and holding their hearts and minds captive. All the people of Egypt from the ministers and magicians to the lowly slaves and servants were afraid of Pharaoh's power and anger but Moses had exposed a weak spot. Pharaoh worried that his kingdom was about to unravel, however he was surrounded by sycophants and parasites who urged him on to greater tyranny.
Pharaoh's security and intelligence officers began to spread rumors. They said Moses and some magicians had secretly organized for Moses to win the competition. The lifeless bodies of the slain magicians were hung in public places to further terrorize the people. Due to their association with Moses the children of Israel, became the scapegoats. They complained to Moses that they were ill-treated when he was born and now he had caused them to be oppressed once again.
Pharaoh summoned Moses to the palace. Ibn Kathir narrates that Pharaoh wanted Moses killed and that he was supported by all his ministers and government officials, except one. This man, believed to be a relative of Pharaoh's, was a believer in the Oneness of God, although until this moment he had kept his belief secret. And a believing man of Pharaoh's family, who hid his faith said, "Would you kill a man because he says, My Lord is God, and he (Moses) has come to you with clear signs (proofs) from your Lord? And if he is a liar, upon him will be (the sin of) his lie; but if he is telling the truth, then some of that calamity wherewith he threatens you will befall on you. The believing man spoke eloquently; he warned his people that they would suffer a day of disaster like those days that had afflicted people in the past. He reminded them that God had sent clear signs with Moses, but his words fell on deaf ears. Pharaoh and many of his ministers threatened to kill the believing man but God kept him safe, and under His protection. "So God saved him from the evils that they plotted (against him), while an evil torment encompassed Pharaoh's people." (Ghafir 40: 28-48)
God commanded Moses to warn the Pharaoh that he and the Egyptians would suffer a severe punishment if the children of Israel were not set free. If the torture, oppression, and harassment did not stop, the signs of God's wrath would descend upon them. Pharaoh's response was to call all the people of Egypt including the children of Israel to a large gathering. He informed them that he was their Lord, he pointed out that Moses was no more than a lowly slave with no power, strength or might. Moses strength however came directly from God. The people however believed and obeyed Pharaoh: the signs of God's power began to descend.
God afflicted Egypt with a severe drought. Even the lush, green, and fertile Nile valleys began to wither and die. The crops failed and the people began to suffer but Pharaoh remained arrogant therefore God sent a huge flood to devastate the land. The people, including the chief ministers appealed to Moses.
"And indeed We punished the people of Pharaoh with years of drought and shortness of fruits and crops that they might take heed. But whenever good came to them, they said 'Ours is this.' and if evil afflicted them, they ascribed it to evil omens connected with Moses and those with him. Be informed! Verily, their evil omens are with Allah but most of them know not. They said, Moses whatever proofs, lessons you may bring to us, to work with your sorcery on us, we shall never believe in you.' So We sent on them the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood in succession as manifest signs,yet they remained arrogant, and they were of those people who were polytheists and sinners..
And when the punishment fell on them they said, O Moses Invoke your Lord for us because of His Promise to you. If you will remove the punishment from us, we indeed shall believe in you, and we shall let the Children of Israel go with you. But when We removed the punishment from them to a fixed term, which they had to reach, behold! They broke their word!
"O Moses! Invoke your Lord for us because of His Promise to you. If you will remove the punishment from us, we indeed shall believe in you, and we shall let the children of Israel go with you." (Al Araf 7:134)
And indeed We punished the people of Pharaoh with years of drought and shortness of fruits, that they might remember and take heed. But whenever good came to them, they said, "Ours is this." And if evil afflicted them, they ascribed it to evil omens connected with Moses and those with him. Be informed! Verily, their evil omens are with God but most of them know not.
They said Moses, "Whatever, signs, you may bring to us, and to work with your sorcery on us, we shall never believe in you."So We sent on them: the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood, as a succession of signs, yet they remained arrogant, and they were of those people who were criminals, polytheists and sinners.
And when the punishment fell on them they said, "O Moses! Invoke your Lord for us because of His Promise to you. If you will remove the punishment from us, we indeed shall believe in you, and we shall let the Children of Israel go with you." But when We removed the punishment from them to a fixed term, which they had to reach, behold! They broke their word!
So We took retribution from them. We drowned them in the sea, because they belied Our signs, and were heedless about them. (Al Araf 7: 130-136)
Pharaoh and the majority of the people of Egypt refused to believe the signs. Repeatedly God sent his punishments and the people appealed to Moses, promising to worship God alone and free the Children of Israel but time and time again, they broke their promises. Finally, God withdrew His mercy and gave the order for Moses to lead his people out of Egypt.
But when We removed the punishment from them to a fixed term, which they had to reach, behold! They broke their word! So We took retribution from them. We drowned them in the sea, because they belied Our signs, and were heedless about them. (Al Araf 7:130-136)
Pharaoh's army marched into the desert. It was not long before the children of Israel could look back into the distance and see the dust raised by the approaching army. It was also not long before those in the front ranks of the children of Israel had reached the edge of the Red Sea.
The Children of Israel were trapped. In front of them was the Red Sea; to their back was the avenging army. Fear and panic began to spread through their ranks. They appealed to Moses. Moses had been walking at the back of his fleeing people; he could see the army getting closer and closer. He made his way through the ranks to the edge of the sea. He walked amongst his people allaying their fears and reminding them to keep the faith to continue trusting that God would not let them down.
Moses stood at the edge of the Red Sea and looked out toward the horizon. Ibn Kathir narrates that Joshua turned to Moses and said, "In front of us is this impassable barrier, the sea, and behind us the enemy; surely death cannot be avoided!" Moses did not panic; he stood silently and waited for God to keep His promise, to free the children of Israel.
At that moment, as panic swept over the children of Israel, God inspired Moses to strike the sea with his stick. He did as he was commanded. A fierce wind began to blow, the sea began to swirl and spin, and suddenly it parted to reveal a pathway; the bottom of the sea became dry enough for the people to walk across it.
Moses began to direct the people across the dry corridor in the middle of the sea. He waited until the last person had commenced walking across the sea before he turned back to look at the approaching army and then followed his people across the seabed. As they reached the other side, the panic and fear began to overwhelm the children of Israel. They once again began to beg and plead for Moses to close the corridor. Moses refused, God's plan was already in motion, and he was confident that the Children of Israel would be safe even though Pharaoh's army had followed them into the dry seabed corridor.
And We took the children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh with his hosts followed them in oppression and enmity, till when drowning overtook him, he said, "None has the right to be worshipped but He, in whom the children of Israel believe, and I am one of the Muslims (those who submit to God's Will)."
Now you believe while you refused to believe before and you were one of the evildoers! So this day We shall deliver your dead body out from the sea that you maybe a sign to those who come after you! And verily, many among humankind are heedless of our Signs. (Taha10:90-92)
Death of Pharaoh Ibn Kathir describes the death of Pharaoh
"The curtain fell on Pharaoh's tyranny, and the waves threw his corpse up to the western seashore. The Egyptians saw him and knew that the god whom they worshipped and obeyed was a mere man who could not keep death away from his own neck." When Pharaoh had power, wealth, good health and strength he refused to acknowledge God but when he saw death approaching he cried out to God with fear and horror. If humankind remembers God in times of ease, God will remember the even the lowliest of human beings in times of distress.
"We took the Children of Israel across the sea: Pharaoh and his hosts followed them in insolence and spite. At length, when overwhelmed with the flood, he said: "I believe that there is no god except Him Whom the Children of Israel believe in: I am of those who submit to Allah."
It was said to him, 'Ah now!, But a little while before, you were in rebellion- and you did mischief and violence. This day shall We save thee in the body, that you may be a sign to those who come after you. But verily many among mankind are heedless of Our Signs!"(Al Araf 7: 90-92)
They left under the cover of darkness, carrying their meagre possessions headed across the desert towards the Red Sea. When they reached the sea, the Pharaoh's army was pursuing them closely, the people of Moses could see the dust stirred up by the approaching army. They looked at the sea in front of them and felt trapped. By the will and permission of God, Moses struck the sea with his staff and the sea parted revealing a pathway. The Children of Israel walked across the seabed. When the last person had safely crossed, the sea fell back into place and drowned the army of Egypt including the tyrannical Pharaoh.
God had favored the Children of Israel. They were led safely out of Egypt and they had witnessed the drowning of their cruel ruler Pharaoh. When they needed water, God commanded Moses to strike a rock, which sent forth twelve springs of water for the twelve different tribes so that there was no dispute. God also sent clouds to protect them from the scorching sun and to relieve their hunger He sent a special delicious food called manna, and quail. Sadly, in spite of God's generosity many of the children of Israel complained and wanted the food they were used to eating in Egypt, onions, garlic, beans and lentils.
Moses admonished his people and reminded them that they had just left a life of degradation and humiliation. He asked why they whined for the worst bounties when God was providing them with the best. Moses said, "Would you exchange that which is better for that which is lower? Go you down to any town and you shall find what you want!" (Al Baqarah 2: 61). God was providing bounties and making life easy for the children of Israel while they made their way to the Promised land, but they were a broken people, unable to stay away from sin and corruption.
The Children of Israel were a people oppressed and humiliated over a long period. Several generations had lived under the yoke of the Pharaoh. They had become a belligerent people. Always expecting the worst, always longing for a slice of the good things of this world, their sense of honor and self-confidence had been eroded. During their journey out of Egypt to the Promised Land, there was ample opportunity for their character flaws to become obvious. The Children of Israel were ungrateful to God, despite His care and attention to them. They were incapable of behaving submissively and accepting the will of God.
When the Children of Israel came across a people worshipping idols, their eagerness to be like those people they perceived to be happy became manifest and they asked Moses to let them have an idol, completely forgetting the miracles of God they had just witnessed. When God provided them with delicious food which was till then unknown to them, they complained, wanting the inferior food they were used to. When Moses directed them to march into a town and overthrow the Canaanites they refused, mostly out of fear and thus disobeyed the command of God.
"He (Moses) said, "O my Lord! I have power only over myself and my brother, so separate us from the people who are rebellious and disobedient to God!" God said, "Therefore it (this holy land) is forbidden to them for forty years; in distraction they will wander through the land. So be not sorrowful over the people who are rebellious and disobedient to God." (Al Maida 5:20-26)
The 'days of wandering' began. Each day was like the one before it. The people travelled with no destination in mind. Eventually they entered the Sinai; Moses recognized it as the place where he had spoken to God before his great journey into Egypt had begun. God ordered Moses to fast, as purification, for thirty days, and then added ten more days. After the fast was completed, Moses was ready to once again communicate with God.
"And We appointed for Moses thirty nights and added to the period ten more, and he completed the term, appointed by his Lord, of forty nights. And Moses said to his brother Aaron, "Take my place among my people, act in the Right Way (by ordering the people to obey God and to worship Him Alone) and follow not the way of the mischief makers." And when Moses came at the time and place appointed by Us, and his Lord spoke to him, he said, "O my Lord! Show me yourself that I may look upon You." God said, "You cannot see Me, but look upon the mountain, if it stands still in its place then you shall see Me." So when his Lord appeared to the mountain He made it collapse into dust, and Moses fell down unconscious. Then when he recovered his senses he said, "Far removed are you from every imperfection, I turn to You in repentance and I am the first of the believers." God said, "O Moses, I have chosen you above men by My Messages, and by My speaking to you. So hold that which I have given you and be among the grateful." (Al Araf 7:142-144)
God gave Moses two stone tablets, written upon them were the Ten commandments. These commandments form the basis of the Jewish law, the Torah, and they are standards of morality still set by the Christian churches. Ibn Kathir and the early scholars of Islam state that the Ten Commandments are reiterated in two verses from the Quran.
"Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited you from, Join not anything in worship with Him; be good and dutiful to your parents; kill not your children because of poverty- We provide sustenance for you and for them; come not near to shameful sins whether committed openly or secretly; and kill not anyone whom God has forbidden, except for a just cause. This He has commanded you that you may understand. And come not near to the orphan's property, except to improve it, until he or she attains the age of full strength; and give full measure and full weight with justice. We burden not any person but that which he can bear. And whenever you give your word (i.e. judge between men or give evidences) say the truth even if a near relative is concerned, and fulfil the Covenant of God. This He commands you that you may remember." (Al Anam 6:151-152)
Moses had been absent for forty days. His people had become restless, they were like children, complaining and acting impulsively. Ibn Kathir describes their descent into the unforgiveable sin of idolatry. "As-Samiri, a man who was inclined towards evil, suggested that they find themselves another guide, as Moses had broken his promise."
He said to them, 'In order to find true guidance, you need a god, and I shall provide one for you.' So he collected all their gold jewelry, and melted it down. During the casting, he threw in a handful of dust, acting like a magician to impress the ignorant. From the molten metal, he fashioned a golden calf. It was hollow, and when wind passed through it, it produced a sound." (Al Baqarah 2:51-52)
It was as if they had succeeded in making a living God. Moses' brother Aaron had been afraid to stand up to the people but when he saw the idol and realized what a grave sin was being committed he spoke up. He reminded the people to worship God Alone and he warned them of dire consequences for their actions both from Moses on his return and from God Himself. Those who remained true to their belief in One God separated themselves from the idol worshippers. When Moses returned to his people he saw them singing and dancing around the golden calf. He was furious.
Moses could not believe his eyes, even though God had just warned him that a severe punishment was about to befall his people for worshipping the golden calf. Moses heart was filled with shame and anger. His own people had witnessed the power and majesty of God yet they acted belligerently and without fear of God's punishment.
"God said, "Verily! We have tried your people in your absence, and As-Samiri has led them astray." Then Moses returned to his people in a state of anger and sorrow. He said, "O my people! Did not your Lord promise you a fair promise? Did then the promise seem to you long in coming? Or did you desire the Wrath should descend from your Lord on you, so you broke your promise to me (disbelieving in God and worshipping the calf)?" (Taha 20:83-86)
Moses turned to his brother Aaron; he was angry and grabbed him by the beard, at the same time he pulled Aaron towards him by the head. He bellowed at his brother demanding that Aaron explain why he disobeyed the instructions he had given him, and why he allowed As Samiri to beguile the Children of Israel. Aaron explained that the people did not listen to him, and were about to kill him. He appealed to Moses not to let the idolaters separate them. Aaron was not as strong and as forceful as his brother and he feared that he would not be able to control the Children of Israel so he waited for his brother Moses to return. God's promise is true and His punishment was swift. Moses confronted As Samiri and sent him into exile. "Moses said, go away! And verily, your punishment in this life will be that you will say, 'Touch me not' (you will live alone exiled away from humankind); and verily (for a future torment), you have a promise that will not fail. And look at your god, to which you have been devoted. We will certainly burn it, and scatter its particles in the sea." (Taha 20:85-98)
The punishment imposed upon the idol worshippers was severe. "Remember when Moses said to his people: "O my people! Verily, you have wronged yourselves by worshipping the calf. So turn in repentance to your Creator and kill yourselves (the innocent kill the wrong doers among you), that will be better for you in the Sight of your Creator." Then He accepted your repentance. Truly, He is the One who accepts repentance, the Most Merciful." (Al Baqarah 2:54)
God is the Most Merciful and is forgiving. After the Children of Israel had purged themselves and killed the idol worshippers among them, God accepted their repentance. Even after their continuous belligerence and stubbornness, the Children of Israel once again felt God's favor upon them. Moses then chose 70 men from amongst the most pious elders of the Children of Israel.
He returned with them to Mount Tur. They were a delegation intending to apologize to God for their behavior. They stood back while Moses moved into a low-lying cloud to speak with God while the elders waited. When he came back to them, instead of feeling repentant and apologizing the elders informed Moses that they would not truly follow him until they had seen God with their own eyes. "O Moses! We shall never believe in you till we see God plainly."
The ground shook and the seventy men were struck by a lightning bolt. They fell to the ground dead. Moses was astounded. He immediately wondered what he would say to the Children of Israel. These seventy men were the best of people; Moses felt that now the Children of Israel had no hope. He turned to God.
"O my Lord, if it had been Your Will, You could have destroyed them and me before; would You destroy us for the deeds of the foolish ones among us? It is only Your trial by which You lead astray whom You will, and keep guided whom You will. You are our Protector, so forgive us and have Mercy on us, for You are the best of those who forgive. And ordain for us good in this world, and in the Hereafter. Certainly we have turned unto You." (Al Araf 7:155-157)
God is indeed the Most Merciful and His mercy embraces all things. When Moses beseeched God He raised up the seventy dead elders. For many years the Children of Israel wandered about in the desert and wastelands. Prophet Moses suffered greatly at their hands. He endured mutiny, belligerence, ignorance, and idolatry; they even inflicted personal harm upon him. He suffered purely for the sake of pleasing God. After many years Prophet Aaron died, so Moses was finally without his greatest supporter. Still he remained steadfast; still he remained in the wilderness never quite reaching the Promised land. Moses died, still surrounded by the belligerent Children of Israel. Still surrounded by people who refused to see the miracles before their eyes, yet God in His Mercy continued to give them chance after chance.
The Quran contains inspirational stories of prophets, and righteous men and women. The life of Moses is discussed frequently and his story teaches us that God is merciful, trustworthy, and caring. Allah, the Most Forgiving, has not left us alone; He has provided us with His guidance and light.
"Indeed, in their stories, there is a lesson for men of understanding. It (the Quran) is not a forged statement but a confirmation of God's existing Books of the Torah, the Gospel and other Scriptures of God and a detailed explanation of everything, a guide, and a Mercy for the people who believe." (Yusuf 12: 111)
According to old testament Moses lived 120 years, and he was 80 years when he confronted Pharaoh. Narrated/Authority of Abu Huraira that Allah's Messenger said: Once the Death Angel came to Moses and said to him: Respond to the order of your Lord. The Prophet said: Moses hit the angel over his eye and gouged it out. The Prophet added: The angel returned to Allah, the Exalted, and complained: You sent me to a slave who does not want death. Rather he has gouged out my eye.
The Prophet said: Allah set the angels eye right and said: Go back to My slave and ask him: Do you want life? If you wish to live long, put your hand on the back of an ox. The more hair you grasp in your hand, the more years you will live. At this Moses said: Then what will happen? The angel said: Then you have to die. Moses said: It is better to die now. Then he invoked Allah:
O Lord! Let me die near the Holy Land of Palestine by a shot of a stone. (This is sound hadith and reported by Muslim).
Throughout this description, we have learned about Moses' tremendous strength of character, and his ability to persevere even in dire circumstances. Moses followed God's commandments with valor and determination, and beyond this all, he possessed a character of great importance, the character of sincerity. Moses was sincere in all his efforts. No matter what he did, he acted with the express purpose of pleasing God. When determination is coupled with sincerity a person's character can become extraordinary.
The Islamic view of Jesus is between the two extremes of Judaism and Christianity. The Jews reject Jesus as a prophet and call him imposter, while Christians consider him son of God and worship as such. Islam considers Jesus to be one of the greatest and most forbearing of the prophets of God, in addition to other great prophets discussed above.
The message of God to humanity is to worship Him and live according to His guidance which was revealed to Adam who passed it on to his children. All the subsequent revelations to Noah, Abraham, Moses and finally to Mohammad were in conformity with that message. Islam as a final message views any contradictions among revealed religions are man-made and introduced into these religions. The position of Jesus is no exception.
Although Islam does not describe a detailed life-story of Jesus, it highlights important aspects of his birth, his mission, and finally his ascension to heaven as discussed in the following. Jesus was born of a virgin mother. Muslims like Christians believe that Mary, the mother of Jesus was a chaste, virgin woman who miraculously gave birth to Jesus. The birth of Jesus in itself was a miracle in that he had no father. The Qur'an describes the birth of Jesus as follow s:
"And mention in the Qur'an Mary, when she withdrew from her people to an eastern location. She screened herself away from them, and We sent to her Our spirit, and He appeared to her as an immaculate human. She said, 'I take refuge from you in the Most Merciful, should you be righteous' He said, I am only the messenger of your Lord, to give you the gift of a pure son.' She said, 'How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, and I was never unchaste?' He said, 'Thus said your Lord, `It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign for humanity, and a mercy from Us. It is a matter already decided by God.'"(Maryam 19: 16-21)
This fact, however, does not necessitate that Jesus is divine in essence or spirit, or is worthy of worship, for Adam's existence was more miraculous than that of Jesus. If this miraculous birth was a proof that Jesus was God incarnate or His son, then Adam would have more right of this divinity than Jesus. Rather both are prophets, who were inspired with revelations from God Almighty, and both were servants to Him living according to His commandments.
"Indeed, the likeness of Jesus with God is as the likeness of Adam, He created him of dust, then He said to him, 'Be!' and he was.'"(Al Imran 3:59). Miracles of Jesus. Muslims like Christians believe Jesus performed miracles. These miracles were performed by the will and permission of God, who has power and control over all things.
"When God will say, "O Jesus son of Mary, recall My favor upon you and upon your mother, how I supported you with the Holy Spirit. You spoke to the people from the crib, and in maturity. How I taught you the Scripture and wisdom, and the Torah and the Gospel. And recall that you molded from clay the shape of a bird, by My leave, and then you breathed into it, and it became a bird, by My leave. And you healed the blind and the leprous, by My leave; and you revived the dead, by My leave. And recall that I restrained the Children of Israel from you when you brought them the clear miracles. But those who disbelieved among them said, `This is nothing but obvious sorcery.'" (Al Maida 5: 110).
God sent all prophets with miracles specific to the nation they were sent to prove veracity of their message. These miracles were not performed by their own accord. They were manifested in their hands by God's will. The miracles performed by Jesus were no different. The Jews were well advanced in the field of medicine, and the miracles performed by Jesus were of this nature that proved the truth of his message to convince them.
Jesus's divinity. Muslims believe in the absolute Oneness of God, who is supreme free of human limitations, needs and wants. He has no partners in His Divinity. He is the creator of everything and is completely separate from His creation, and all worship is to be directed to Him alone.
This message was brought by al l prophets of God, including Jesus. Jesus never claimed any qualities of divinity, nor did he claim to be worshipped. He did not say that he was the "son" of God, or part of divinity. He was only a servant of God sent to the Jews to bring them back to the true religion. The verses of Quran discuss this aspect of Jesus. They say that he was taken as an object of worship as a result of lies people invented against him.
"They have disbelieved those who say, God is the Messiah the son of Mary. But the Messiah himself said, 'O Children of Israel worship God, my Lord and your Lord. Whoever associates others with God, God has forbidden him Paradise, and his dwelling is the Fire. The wrongdoers have no saviors."(Al Maida 5:72)
And the following regarding trinity: "They disbelieve those who say, God is the third of three. But there is no deity except the One God. If they do not refrain from what they say, a painful torment will befall those among them who disbelieve. Will they not repent to God and ask His forgiveness? God is Forgiving and Merciful." (Al Maida5: 73-75).
The following admonition: "The Messiah son of Mary was only a messenger, before whom other Messengers had passed away, and his mother was a woman of truth. They both used to eat food. Note how We make clear the revelations to them; then note how deluded they are." (Al Maida 5: 75).
"O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger of Allah and His Word, "Be!" and he was' which He bestowed on Mary and a spirit created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! it is better for you. For Allah is the only One God, Glory be to Him Far Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belong all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs." (Al Nisa 4: 171).
Mission of Jesus. The Qur'an clearly affirms that Jesus was a prophet. Profits are the best of creation chosen by God to receive His revelation and guide humankind based on this revelation. Jesus was no different than this.
God chose Jesus as a prophet sent to the Jews who had deviated from the teaching of Moses. "And remember when Jesus son of Mary said, "O children of Israel, And remember when Jesus, son of Mary, said: "O Children of Israel! I am the Messenger of Allah unto you confirming the Torah which came before me, and giving glad tidings of a Messenger to come after me, whose name shall be Ahmed . But when Ahmed came to them with clear proofs, they said: "This is plain magic."(Saf 61:6).
Crucifixion of Jesus. Quran clarifies that Jesus was not crucified, but seemed that way to the Jews, and God raised him to the Heavens.
"And for their saying, 'We have killed the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, the Messenger of God.' In fact, they did not kill him, nor did they crucify him, but it appeared to them as if they did. Indeed, those who differ about him are in doubt about it. They have no knowledge of it, except the following of assumptions. Certainly, they did not kill him. Rather, God raised him up to Himself. God is Mighty and Wise. (Al Nisa 4:157-158).
As such, Islam denies that Jesus came to this earth for sacrificing himself for the sins committed by Adam and Eve and freeing humankind from this burden. Islam advocates that every person is responsible for the results of its action. God does not need the blood sacrifice of Jesus to expatiate humankind. God has the power to forgive anybody; His mercy extends to all creatures. The door to forgiveness is open to anyone who seeks it.
Muslims like Christians believe in the return of Jesus, the Messiah to earth, although his role and reason for return differ from what the Christians propose. He will return to earth to prove his mortality, and refute false beliefs held about him. He will live a normal life, marry, and die as any other human. "There is none from the People of the Scripture but will believe in him before his death, and on the Day of Resurrection he will be a witness against them."(Al Nisa 4:159).
Jesus will also fight the false Christ, who will people that he is God, and will appear just before he returns. Jesus will defeat the antichrist, and people will accept the true religion of God.
Muhammad was born in the year 570 of the Christian era in Mecca, a city in the present day Saudi Arabia. His father Abdullah was ac great-great-grandson of Qusayy, the founder of Mecca who belonged to the Hashimite family of Quraish. His mother Ameena descended from the the family of brother of Qusay. Abdullah was on a caravan from Syria, and stopped on an oasis to the north of Mecca, and fell ill there and died several months before the birth of his son.
It was customary to send the sons of Quraish into desert in the care of a wet-nurse, and Muhammad was taken care by his nursing mom Halima until he was four or five years. with his Bedouin family, and tended to the sheep of famiy.
When he was six, his mother took him to Yathrib, where his father had died , and she died on the journey back home. Muhammad now was under the care of his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib, chief of the Hashimite clan. When he was eight years old, his grandfather died and came unider the care of his uncle Abu Talib, the new chief of Hashimites. Muhammad tended sheep, and when he was nine was taken by his uncle to Syria to learn the art of trade.
He was now a merchant and continued to create a reputation for himself. He soon came to the attention of a twice widowed named Khadija. She was impressed by what she heard of Muhammad, and was known as al-Ameen, the trust-worthy, she employed him to take her merchandise to Syria.
Impressed by his personal charm, she sent a proposal for marriage. At this time Muhammad was twenty-five and she was forty. Khadija presented her husband with a young slave named Zayd. Muhammad feed Zayd, but Zayd affection for him was so great that he chose to remain with his benefactor for the rest of his life.
Khadija had six children by Muhammad, five girls and one boy named Qasim who died before his second birthday.
Muhammad was by now was well established, respected by his community, and admired for his generosity and good sense, and his future seemed assured. Yet his spirit was uneasy , and became increasingly so as he approached his middle life. He was one of the few who felt disgust at idolatry, which had prevailed for centuries, and he was one who longed for the religion of Abraham. Such seekers of truth were known as Hunafa. They did not form a community, but each sought the truth by the light of own inner consciousness. Muhammad was one of them.
It was during this time that he began to have pleasant dreams. He felt increasing need for solitude, and this led him to seek seclusion and meditation in the rocky hills surrounding Mecca. He would retreat there for days, taking provisions with him and return to his for more provisions. He was undergoing preparation for the enormous task to be placed on him, the task of prophethood and conveying the true religion of God to his people and the rest of humanity.
It came on a night in the month of Ramadan on Laylatul Qadar, the Night of Decree when he was in the cave on the Mount Hira. He was startled by the Angel Gabriel who seized him in a close embrace.
A single word of command burst upon him. "Iqra -Read. " He replied, 'I am not able to read. ' The command was issued twice mare, each time with the same response from the Prophet. Finally he was overwhelmed by the angel. Gabriel released him with the first 'recitation' of the Qur'an revealed to him.
"Read in the name of your Lord who created - created man from a clot. Read for your Lord is Most Bountiful, who teaches by the pen, teaches man which he knew not. " ( Al Alaq 96:1-5). Prophet Muhammad was 40 years old at this time, had reached the age of maturity and the impact of this experience melted him away. He ran to the arms of his wife to get consolation. As he descended from the hill, the great voice cried out: 'Muhammad thou are the messenger of God, and I am Gabriel.' He looked around and everywhere the angel filled the horizon. He hastened home and cried to Khadija, "cover me, cover me.' She laid him down, and as soon as he recovered, he told her what had happened. She held him close and consoled him. "Never, by God, God will disgrace you. You keep good relations with your relatives, help the poor, serve your guests generously, and assist those hit with calamities." (Saheeh al-Bukhari).
The first person on the face of earth to believe in him was wife Khadeeja, his close confident. As soon as he recovered, she took her husband to her uncle Waraqa, a biblical scholar. Waraqa listened to him closely and recognized from the biblical prophecies that he was an awaited prophet. He confirmed what appeared in the cave was indeed the angel Gabriel, the angel of revelation. "This is the keeper of secrets (Gabriel) that came to Moses", he said.
The Prophet continued to receive revelations for the remainder of his life, memorized and written down by his companions on pieces of sheepskin and whatever was at hand.
The words to Muhammad by Gabriel, called the Qur'an or Recitation are held sacred by Muslims, and are never confused with those he uttered himself. The former are the Quran that Gabriel uttered orally to the Prophet and constitute the sacred book known as Al-Qur'an or the Recitation, the recitation by a man who knew not how to read.
For the first few years of his mission, the Prophet preached to his family and his intimate friends. The first woman to convert was his wife Khadija, the first child his fist cousin Ali and the first bondsman his former slave Zayd. His friend Abu Bakr was the first adult male to convert.
Then he was commanded by God to preach openly and speak against idolatry. At first the elders of Quraish ignored this little group, and treated Muhammad as a sad case of self-deception, but when it was attracting more attention among the poor and the dispossessed, it was considered as subversive and considered a threat to their religion and prosperity of Mecca.
But they wanted to maintain a semblance of unity. Abu Talib the head of Hashimites became conscious and gave call for the safety of his clan. Mohammad responded, "O my uncle, even if they set against me the sun on my right and the moon on my left, I will not abstain my purpose until God grants me success or until I die." Abu Talib answered with a sigh, "O my brother' s son, I will not forsake you."
Tensions in the city increased gradually, as Muhammad's influence spread and undermined the hegemony and influence of the elders of Quraish and brought their tensions into the open. At the end of third year, the Prophet received the command to "arise and warn" and he began to preach in public, and pointed to the wretched folly of idolatry in the face of manifest power of God, and attest to His oneness. It was then that he began to speak against their gods that Quraish became captive hostile, persecuting his poorest disciples, mocking and insulting him. Strong in his inspiration, thev Prophet went on warning and pleading, while Quraish did all they could do to ridicule his teaching and deject his followers.
The Flight to Abyssinia. The converts from the first four years were most humble folk unable to defend themselves against oppression, and they endured persecution. The Prophet advised all who could emigrate, at least temporarily, to Abyssinia (now Ethiopia) where they could be under the protection of a Christian King called Negus. About eighty coverts fled there in 614 CE. This further infuriated the polytheist Meccans and they sent envoys to extradite Muslims. A gear debate was held in the court and Muslims won the day- first, by demonstrating that they worshipped the same God as the Christians , and then reciting a Quranic passage from the Virgin Mary whereupon the Negus wept and said, "Truly this has come from the same source as that which Jesus brought."
Still the Muslims grew in number with time. At the season of pilgrimage, the Meccans posted men on all roads to warn visitors against the madman who was preaching. They tried a compromise with the Prophet, offering to accept his religion, if he would modify so as to make room for their gods in intercession with God. They even tried to make him their king if he would give up attacking idolatry. Conversion of Umar ibn al-Khattab. Infuriated by the increasing success of the new religion, a formidable young man swore to kill Muhammad, regardless of consequences. He was told to look into the affairs of his own family, for his sister and her husband had become Muslims. He burst into their home, and found them reading the Chapter Taha. When his sister acknowledged that they had indeed embraced Islam, he stuck her harsh blow. Ashamed that he struck his sister, he wanted to see what they were reading. She insisted he has to make ablution before handing it. As he read the verses, he underwent a sudden and total transformation. The words of Qur'an changed him and he went directly to the Prophet and accepted Islam.
A black slave named Bilal was pegged down naked under the scorching sun with a heavy stone on his chest and left to die of thirst. He was taunted by the pagans to renounce his religion, but his only reply was Ahad! Ahad! (God is one, God is one). It was in this state that Abu Bakr found him and ransomed for an exorbitant fee. He was nursed back to health in Muhammad's home, and became one of the closest and best-loved of the companions. Bilal became the caller to prayer, and given charge of the treasury.
Abu Jahl boycotted Hashim tribe and outlawed Muhammad. Abu Jahl imposed boycott on Hashim tribe, outlawed Muhammad for three years, and it failed. Meanwhile, a group of 12 men from from the tribes of Khazraj and Aws from Yathrib, now Medina met with the Prophet, and made a pledge, called first and second pledge of Aqaba in 622. It was a pledge of War, involving involving protecting the person of the Prophet, by arms if necessary, as stated in the following verses :
"Permission is given to those who are fought against, and God is Able to give them victory. Those who were unjustly evicted from their homes, merely for saying, 'Our Lord is God'. For were it not that God repels people by means of others: monasteries, churches, synagogues, and mosques-where the name of God is mentioned much-would have been demolished. God supports whoever supports Him. God is Strong and Mighty." (Al Hajj 22: 39-40).
Plot to Murder the Prophet/ The Hijrah, 23 September 622 C.E. The leaders of Quraish finally decided that Muhammad must die. Abu Jahl proposed a simple plan. Young men should be chosen from different clans, each one to strike a mortal blow, so Muhammad's blood would be upon all of them. Meanwhile, the Prophet, with a few intimates had been awaiting the divine command to join other Muslims in Yathrib. At last the command came. He gave his cloak to Ali, asking him to lie down on the bed so that anyone looking in might think Muhammad lay there. The slayers were to strike as he came out of the house, whether in the night or early morning. He knew they would not injure Ali.
The assassins were already surrounding the house, when Muhammad slipped out unseen. He went to Abu Bakr's house and called on him, and they both went together to a cavern in desert hill hiding there until the hue and cry was past. Abu Bakr's son and daughter and his herdsman brought them food and tidings after nightfall. Once the search party came near to them in their hiding place, they could hear their words. Abu Bakr was afraid and said, "O messenger of God, were one of them to look down towards his feet, he would see us!" The Prophet replied: "What do you think of the two people with whom God is the Third? Do not be sad, for God is with us." When the search party had departed , Abu Bakr had the riding camels and the guide brought to the cave at night, and they set out on the long ride to Yathrib.
After traveling for many days the fugitives reached a suburb of Yathrib called Qubaa, where people had been waiting for the Prophet. The Prophet stayed there for a few days, and built the first mosque. By that Ali reached them. The Prophet, his companions from Mecca, and the "Helpers" of Qubaa led him to Medina where they had been awaiting eagerly his arrival.
"The inhabitants of Medina never saw a brighter day in their history", Anas, a close companion of the Prophet said. "I was present the day he entered Media and I have never seen a day better or brighter than the day on which he came to us in Medina, and I was present the day he died, and I have never a day worse or darker the day on which he died." (Ahmed).
Every house in Yathrib wished that the Prophet would stay with them, and some tried to lead his camel to their home. The Prophet stopped them and said, "Leave her for she is under (Divine) Command."
The camel passed many houses and then halted and knelt at the land of Banu Najjar. The Prophet did not descend until the camel rose and went back to its original place and knelt again. He was pleased with its choice for Banu Najjar were his maternal uncles. A certain individual Abu Ayyub stepped forward and took him to his house.
The first task the Prophet undertook in Medina was to build a mosque. The Prophet sent for the two boys who owned the date-store, and asked for the price of the yard. They wanted to make it a gift, but the Prophet refused, and paid them its price. He built a mosque there, and took part in its erection. While working, he was heard saying: "O God, There is no goodness except that of the Hereafter, so please forgive the Helpers and the Emigrants."(Sahih Al-Bkhari).
The mosque served as a place for worship for Muslims. The prayer which was previously an individual act performed in secret now became a public affair, one which epitomizes a Muslim society. The mosque was a symbol of the Islamic society. It was a place of worship, a school where Muslims would enlighten themselves about the truths if the religion, a meeting place whether the differences of various warring parties would be resolved, and an administration building from which all matters concerning the society would emanate, a true example of how Islam incorporates all aspects of life into the religion. All these tasks were undertaken in a place built upon the trunks of date-palm trunks roofed with its leaves.
When the first and most important task was complete, he also made houses on both sides of the mosque for his family, also from the same materials. The Prophet's Mosque and house in Medina stands today in that very place. The Hijrah had been completed. It was 23 September 622, and the Islamic era, the Muslim calendar, begins the day on which this event took place.. And from this day on Yathrib had a new name, a name of glory: Madinat-un-Nabi, the City of the Prophet, in brief, Medina.
Such was the Hijrah, the emigration from Mecca to Yathrib. The thirteen years of humiliation, of persecution, of limited success, and of prophecy still unfulfilled were over. Change of Qibla. Qibla is the direction towards which Muslim pray. And Muslims so far prayed facing the direction of Jerusam. The Prophet longed for the Qibla to be changed to Kaaba, the mosque and place of worship on earth that was rebuilt by Abraham. It was in the second after migration that the Prophet received the command to change Qibla from Jerusalem to Kaaba in Mecca.
The first expedition of Muslims/The Campaign of Badr. The Meccan Quraish were enraged at the success of Muslims migrating to Medina, and persecuted Muslims who stayed behind in Mecca. They tried to make secret alliances with polytheist in Medina. It was at time that the Prophet sent small expeditions to track Meccan disbelievers led either by him or someone else. Also God had given Muslims the permission to take arms against polytheists.
Other expeditions were sent to intercept caravans from Syria. One was by Meccan chief Abu Sufyan He sent an urgent message to prepare an army to encounter Muslims. Abu Sufyan managed to escape Muslims by taking an alternate route. The Meccan army, numbering about a thousand men persisted at Badr. Both immigrants and Helpers stood strong and confirmed their devotion to the Prophet Muslims numbered a little over 300 made their way to Badr. They had only 70 camels and three horses between them, so the men rode by turns.
Preceding the day of battle, the Prophet spent the whole night in prayer and supplication. The battle was fought on 17 Ramadan, in the second year of Hijra.824 C.E. The Muslims gained an advantage in the duels, and some notaries of the Quraish were killed. The enraged Quraish fell upon the Muslims in order to exterminate them once and for all. The Muslims kept a strategic defensive position, which in turn produced heavy losses for the Meccans. The Prophet was beseeching Lord. At this point, he received a revelation promising the help of God . "I will help you with a thousand of the angels, one behind other in succession."(Al Anfal 8: 9).
Upon hearing the good news, the prophet ordered the Muslims to take an offensive. The great army of Quraish was overwhelmed by the zeal, valor, and faith of Muslims, and after facing great losses they could do nothing but flee. The Muslims were left in the field with a few doomed Meccans, among them the arch-enemy of Islam, Abu Jahl. The Quraish were defeated and Abu Jahl was killed. The promise of God came true: "The multitude will be defeated, and they will turn their backs." (Al Qamar 54:45).
In this one of the most decisive battles in human history, the total casualties were only between seventy and eighty. Mecca reeled under the shock, where AbuSufyan was left the dominant figure in the city, and he knew better than anyone else that the matter could not be allowed to rest there.
The Battle on Mt. Uhud. The following year an army of three thousand men came from Mecca to destroy Yathrib. The Prophet's first idea to defend the city, a plan strongly approved by Ibn Ubayy, the leader of the Hypocrites, but the men who had fought at Badr, believing that God would help them against any odds, thought it a shame that they should linger behind walls. The Prophet gave way to them, and set out with an army of one thousand towards the Mt. Uhud, where the enemy was encamped. Ibn Ubayy withdrew his men, who were a third of the army. Despite heavy odds, the battle would have even greater victory for the Muslims, but for the disobedience of a band of fifty archers whom the Prophet had set to guard a pass against the enemy cavalry. Seeing their comrades victorious, these men left their post, fearing to lose their share of the spoils. The cavalry of Quraish rode through the gap and fell on the exultant Muslims. The Prophet himself was wounded and the cry arose that he was slain; until someone recognized him and shouted he was he was still living. The Muslims rallied round the Prophet and retreated leaving many dead on the hillside.
The field belonged to Meccans, and the women of Quraish moved through the slain and mutilating the Muslims dead. Hamza, the Prophet's young uncle and childhood friend was among the latter, and the abominable Hind, Abu Sufyan's wife, who had a particular grudge and offered a reward to the man who killed him, ate his liver, plucked from the warm body.
On the following day, the Prophet sallied the remained army, seeing that the Quraish might hear he was in the field and so might be deterred from attacking the city. The stratagem succeeded, thanks to a friendly Bedouin.
The suffering at Uhud, lowered the prestige of Muslims with the Arab tribes and with the Jews of Yathrib. Tribes that inclined towards Muslims, now inclined toward the Quraish. The followers of Prophet were attacked and murdered when they went abroad in small companies. One of his envoys, named Khubaith was captured and sold to the Quraish, who tortured to death publicly in Mecca .
Expulsion of Bani Nadir, the Jewish tribe. Despite treaty with Muslims, the Jews now hardly concealed their hostility, and started alliances with Quraish and the hypocrites. Some even attempted to assassinate the Prophet, and he was obliged to take punitive measures against them. The tribe of Bani Nadir was besieged in their strong towers, subdued and forced to emigrate, as divinely ordered. "It is He Who got out the Unbelievers among the People of the Book from their homes at the first gathering (of the forces). Little did ye think that they would get out: And they thought that their fortresses would defend them from Allah! But the (Wrath of) Allah came to them from quarters from which they little expected (it), and cast terror into their hearts, so that they destroyed their dwellings by their own hands and the hands of the Believers, take warning, then, O ye with eyes (to see)! And had it not been that Allah had decreed banishment for them, He would certainly have punished them in this world: And in the Hereafter they shall (certainly) have the Punishment of the Fire.
That is because they resisted Allah and His Messenger: and if any one resists Allah, verily Allah is severe in Punishment. Whether you cut down (O ye Muslim!) The tender palm-trees, or ye left them standing on their roots, it was by leave of Allah, and in order that He might cover with shame the rebellious transgresses. (Al Hashr 51:2-5).
The War of the Trench. Using his great skills, Abu Sufyan, the leader of Quraish set out forming a confederacy of Bedouin tribes , some opposed to the Muslims, others merely eager to plunder. At the same time he began quietly to sound out the Jews in Media opposed to Muslims. In the fifth year of Hijra, corresponding with 627 C.E. he set out with 10,000 men, the greatest army ever seen in the Hejaz.
Medina could raise at most 3,000 to oppose him. The Prophet presided over a council of war, and no one suggested going out to meet the enemy. The question was how to defend the city. At this point, Salman the Persian, a former slave, who had one of the closest companion suggested digging of a deep ditch around the city, and the Prophet appreciated it and joined in digging the ditch.
The work was barely finished when the confederate army appeared on the horizon, the news came that Bani Quraida, a Jewish tribe had defected to the enemy. The case was desperate. The Prophet had brought every available person to the ditch. The enemy was met with a hail of arrows as they came to the unexpected ditch. The never crossed it, but remained in position for three or four weeks, and exchanged arrows and insults with the defenders. The weather turned severe with a tremendous downpour, which proved too much for the confederates. They had come for an easy plunder, but saw nothing from squatting in a muddy ditch besides their beasts dying for a lack of fodder. The army disintegrated and Abu Sufyan had to withdraw. The game was over, he had lost.
On the day of return from the trench the Prophet ordered war on Bani Quraida, who conscious of their guilt had already taken to towers for refuge. After a siege of about a month, they surrendered unconditionally, and begged to be judged by a member of their alliance, Sad ibn Muad of Aws tribe. He was dying from wounds at Uhud and condemned to death.
Treaty of Hudaibiyya.
In the same year, the Prophet had a vision of entering Mecca unopposed and he determined to go for the pilgrimage. He was accompanied by fourteen hundred men, and as they drew near, he was warned that the Quraish had sworn they would prevent their entry into the sanctuary. At this, the prophet ordered to stop at Hudaibiyya, a location 24 kilometers outside the sanctuary and signed a treaty in January 628. The pact allowed the Prophet and his followers to return on a peaceful pilgrimage next year. The agreement relieved the tensions between the two groups, and affirmed peace for 10 years. This treaty was a significant victory for Muslims.
It was during the return journey that the Surah titled "Victory"was revealed, beginning with following verses: "We have granted you a conspicuous victory. That God may forgive you your sin, past and to come, and complete His favors upon you, and guide you in a straight path. And help you with an unwavering support. It is He who sent down tranquility into the hearts of the believers, to add faith to their faith. To God belong the forces of the heavens and the earth. God is Knowing and Wise. He will admit the believers, male and female, into Gardens beneath which rivers flow, to abide therein forever, and He will remit their sins. That, with God, is a great triumph." (Al Fath 48:1-5).
The Truce proved in fact to be greatest victory. Two years later, when the Meccans broke the truce, the Prophet marched against them with an army of 10,000 with the conquest of Mecca. In the seventh year of Hijra, the Prophet led a campaign against the Jews of Khyber, their stronghold. They agreed to become tenants of the Muslims.
In the year the Prophet's vision was fulfilled, he visited Mecca unopposed, and in accordance with the terms of treaty, the idolaters evacuated the city and watched Muslims from the surrounding areas. A tribe allied with the Quraish broke the truce by attacking a tribe in alliance with the Prophet. They sent Abu Sufyan to Medina to renew the existing treaty, but Abu Sufyan reached late and could not renew the treaty.
The Prophet summoned all Muslims to march on Mecca. The Quraish were overawed and sent their cavalry for defense, which was routed. The Prophet entered the city, ordered all idols destroyed, and declared a general amnesty. The whole population of Mecca hastened to swear allegiance and the Prophet said, "Truth has come, darkness has vanished." The Muslim call to prayer was heard in Mecca. Quranic verses revealed on the occasion: "When comes the Help of Allah, and Victory, and you see the people enter Allah´s Religion in crowds, Celebrate the praises of thy Lord, and pray for His Forgiveness: For He is Oft-Returning (in Grace and Mercy)." (Al Nasr 110:1-4).
A tribe at Hunain wanted to regain Kaaba, and the Prophet led twelve thousand men against them. The Prophet's troops were ambushed in a deep ravine, and it was with great difficulty that they were rallied. His faithful bodyguard stood with him, and a large booty came with victory. The tribe of Taif allied with Hunain was besieged, and brought under control. The Prophet appointed a governor at Taif, and returned to Medina.
In the 9 th year of Hijra, the Prophet led an army against a tribe in Syria. Despite great distance and hot weather they reached the oasis of Tabook but learnt that the enemy had not gathered. They returned to Mecca after converting several tribes to Islam. In the 10 th year after Hijra, the Prophet with about 90,000 Muslims from all over Arabia set out to perform the pilgrimage for the last time. Called the farewell pilgrimage, he preached from the plain of Arafat to the crowd of pilgrims. He reminded them of duties enjoined by Islam and that one day they will meet their Lord who will judge them according to their work. At the end of his speech he asked them: "Have I not conveyed the Message?" And from that great multitude of men who were a few years before were idolaters the shout went: "O God! Yes!" The Prophet responded: "O God! You be witness!" Islam had been established, and his work was done, and he was ready to lay his burden and depart.
The Prophet returned to Medina, there was still work to be done, but one day he was seized by a painful illness. He came to the mosque wrapped up in a blanket and there were those who saw signs of death in his face. He asked, "Is there anyone among you whom I have caused to be flogged unjustly, here is my back. Strike me in your turn. If I have damaged the reputation of any among you, may he do likewise to me."
He had said once: "What have I to do with this world? I and this world are a rider and a tree beneath which he shelters. Then he goes on his way and leaves it behind him." And now he said: "There is a slave among the slaves of God who has been offered the choice between this world and that which is with Him, and the slave has chosen that which is with God."
On 12 Rabī'ul-Awwal in the eleventh year of the Hijrah,that was 8 June 632 at age 62 the Prophet entered the mosque for the last time. Abu Bakr was leading the prayer, and he motioned to him to continue. As he watched the people, his face became radiant. 'I never saw the Prophet's face more beautiful than it was at that hour,' said his companion Anas. Returning to Aisha's apartment he laid his head on her lap. He opened his eyes and she heard him murmur:
'With the highest companion in Paradise ...' These were his last words.
When, later in the day, the rumor grew that he was dead. Umar threatened those who spread the rumor with dire punishment, declaring it a crime to think that the Messenger of God could die. He was storming at the people in that strain when Abu Bakr came into the mosque and overheard him. Abu Bakr went to the chamber of his daughter Aisha, where the Prophet lay. Having ascertained the fact, and kissed the dead-man's forehead, he went back into the mosque. The people were still listening to Umar, who was saying that the rumor was a wicked lie, that the Prophet, who was their life-blood, could not be dead. Abu Bakr went up to Umar and tried to stop him by a whispered word. Then, finding he would pay no heed, Abu Bakr called to the people, who, recognizing his voice, left Umar and came crowding round him. He first gave praise to God, and then said those words which epitomize the creed of Islam: "O People! Lo!
As for him who used to worship Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. But as for him who used to worship God, God is alive and dies not."He then recited the verse of the Quran: "Muhammad is no more than a messenger. Messengers have passed on before him. If he dies or gets killed, will you turn on your heels? He who turns on his heels will not harm God in any way. And God will reward the appreciative." (Al Imran 3:144)
Of all religions, Islam provides the most graphic details of what comes after death, and lies beyond. Islam views death ac natural threshold to the next stage of existence. The following description is taken from Islam Religion written by Imam Kamil Mufti and Abdurrahman Mahdi.
Islamic doctrine holds that human existence continues after the death of the human body in the form of spiritual and physical resurrection. The only way in which man can come to know anything of the unseen world is through divine revelation. "And with God are the keys of the unseen, none knows but He. And He knows whatever there is in (or on) the earth and in the sea: not a leaf falls, but He knows it. There is not a grain in the darkness of the earth, nor anything fresh or dry, but is written in a Clear Record."(Al Anam6:59).
While what has come down to us in the Torah, the psalms, the Gospel - the scriptures revealed to early prophets, all speak of a Hereafter, it is only through God's Final Revelation to humanity, the Holy Qur'an as revealed to His Final Prophet, Muhammad, peace and blessings of God on him, that we learn most about the Hereafter. And as the Qur'an is and will forever remain, preserved and uncorrupted by human hands. The insight it gives us into the world of the unseen is, for the believers, as factual, real and true as anything that can be learnt through any scientific endeavor (and with zero margin of error!). "We have neglected nothing in the Book; then unto their Lord they will be gathered." (Al Anam 6:38).
Coupled with the Question of what happens after we die, is the question: Why we are here? For if there is indeed no greater purpose to life (that is, greater than simple living life itself), the question of what happens after death becomes academic, if not pointless. It is only if one first accepts that our intelligent design, our creation, necessitates an intelligence and designer behind it, a Creator who will judge us for what we do, that life on earth carries any significant meaning. "Then did you think that We created you in vain and that to Us you would not be returned? Therefore exalted be God, the Sovereign, the Truth; no deity is there save Him, Lord of the Supreme Throne." (Al Muminun 23:115-116)
In the absence of anything else, a discerning person would be forced to conclude that life on earth is full of injustice, cruelty and oppression; that the law of the jungle, survival of the fittest is what is paramount, we accept that our death is limited to mere physiological termination, or that life is merely a product of blind, selfish evolution? Surely, there is more to death, and so to life than this.
Journey of the soul after death is truly amazing. The sheer depth of knowledge we have concerning this journey is truly amazing. Its precision and detail is a manifest sign that Muhammad was truly God's last messenger to humanity; the revelation he received and then communicated to us from his Lord Almighty is as unambiguous in its description of the afterlife is as comprehensive. Our glimpse into this knowledge will begin will begin with a brief exploration of the journey of the believing soul from the moment of death to its final resting place in Paradise.
When a believer is about to depart, angels with white faces come down from the heavens and say: "O peaceful soul come out to forgiveness from God and His pleasure"(Hadith narrated by Hakim and others).He believer will look forward to meeting his Creator, as the Prophet explained: "When the time of the death of a believer approaches, he receives the good news of God's pleasure is with him and His blessings upon him, and so at that time nothing is dearer to him than what lies ahead of him. He therefore loves meeting God, and God loves meeting him." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
The soul peacefully passes out of the body like a drop of water which emerges from a water-skin, and the angels take hold of it:
The angels gently extract it, saying: "Do not fear and do not grieve, but receive good tidings of the Paradise which you were promised. We were your allies in this worldly life and [are so] in the Hereafter, and you will have therein whatever your souls desire, and you will have therein whatever you request [or wish], as a hospitality from the Forgiving and Merciful." (Fussilat 41:30-32)
Once extracted from the body, the angels wrap the soul in a shroud smelling of musk and ascend up to the heavens. As the Gates of Heaven open for the soul, the angels greet it: "A good soul has come from the earth, may God bless you and the body you used to dwell in." ...introducing it with the best names it was called with in this life. God commands his "book" to be recorded, and the soul is returned back to earth. The soul then remains in a place of limbo in its grave, called the Barzakh, awaiting the Day of Judgment. Two fearsome, dread-inspiring angels called Munkar and Nakeer visit the soul to ask it about its religion, God, and prophet. The believing soul sits upright in its grave as God grants it the strength to answer the angels with full faith and certainty. Munkar and Nakeer: "What is your religion?" Believing soul: "Islam."
Munkar and Nakeer: "Who is your Lord?" Believing soul: "Allah."
Munkar and Nakeer: "Who is your Prophet?" (or "What do you say about this man?") Believing soul: "Muhammad." Munkar and Nakeer: "How did you come to know these things?" Believing soul: "I read the Book of Allah (i.e. the Quran) and I believed." Then, when the soul passes the test, a voice from the heavens will call out: "My slave has spoken the truth, supply him with furnishings from Paradise, clothe him from Paradise, and open a gate for him to Paradise."
The believer's grave is made roomy and spacious and filled with light. He is shown what would have been his abode in Hell - had he been a wicked sinner - before a portal is opened for him every morning and evening showing him his actual home in Paradise. Excited and full of joyful anticipation, the believer will keep asking: 'When will the Hour (of Resurrection) come?! He will keep on saying until he is told to calm down.
The Day of Judgment. "That Day, a man shall flee from his brother; from his mother and his father; from his wife and his children. For on that Day, every man will have enough to make him indifferent to others." (Abasa80:34-37)
The Hour of Resurrection will be a terrifying, overwhelming event. Yet, despite its trauma, the believer will be ecstatic, just as Prophet Muhammad,`` may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, related from his Lord: God says, "By My Glory and Majesty, I will not give My slave two securities and two terrors. If he feels secure from Me in the world. I will instill fear in him on the Day when I gather My slaves together; and if he fears Me in the world, I will make him feel safe on the Day when I gather My slaves together."
"Unquestionably, for the allies of God there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve: those who believed and used to fear God (in this life); for them are good tidings in the worldly life and in the Hereafter. No change is there in the words of God. Indeed in that is the great success." (Yunus 10:62-64)
When all humans ever created are gathered to stand naked and uncircumcised on a great plain under the ferocious scorching heat of the Sun, an elite group of pious men and women will be shaded under the Throne of God. The Prophet Muhammad foretold just who these fortunate souls will be, on that Day when no other shade will avail: 1.A just ruler who did not abuse his power, but established divinely revealed justice among people. 2 ·A young man grew up worshipping his Lord, and controlled his desires to remain chaste. 3. Those whose hearts were attached to the Mosques, longing to return every time they left them. 4. Those who loved one another for God's sake.
God will bring the believer close to Him, shelter him, cover him, and ask him about his sins. After acknowledging his sins he will believe he is doomed, but God will say: "I concealed it for you in the world, and I forgive it for you this Day. "He will be rebuked for his shortcomings, but will then be handed his record of good deeds in his right hand.
"Then as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will be judged with an easy account and return to his people in happiness." (Inshiqaq 84:7-8)
Happy to look at his record, he will announce his joy: "So as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will say, 'Here, read my record! Indeed, I was certain that I would be meeting my account.' So he will be in a pleasant life - in an elevated Garden, its [fruit] to be picked hanging near. [He will be told], 'Eat and drink in satisfaction for what you put forth in the days past.'" (Al Haqqah 69:19-24)
The record of good deeds will then be weighed, literally, to determine whether it outweighs the person's record of bad deeds, and so that reward or punishment be meted out accordingly. "And We place the scales of justice for the Day of Resurrection, so no soul will be treated unjustly at all. And if there is [any deed even] the weight of a mustard seed, We will bring it forth. And sufficient are We to take account." (Al Anbiya 21:47)
"So whoever worked even an atom's weight of good will see (the good fruits of his labor)." (Al Zalzalah 99:7) "The heaviest thing that will be placed in a person's Balance on the Day of Resurrection [after the testimony of Faith] is good manners, and God hates the obscene, immoral person." (Al-Tirmidhi)
The believers will quench their thirst from a special reservoir dedicated to the Prophet Muhammad. Whoever drinks from it shall never experience thirst again. Its beauty, immenseness, and sweet, fine taste have been described in detail by the Prophet. The believers in Islam - both the sinful amongst them and the pious - as well as the hypocrites will be left in the great plain after the unbelievers are driven to Hell. A long bridge traversing the Hellfire and engulfed in darkness will separate them from Paradise. The faithful will take strength and comfort in their swift crossing over the roaring fires of Hell and in the 'light' that God will place in front of them, guiding them to their eternal home:
"On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right, and it will be said, 'Your good tidings today are of gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein you will abide eternally.' Indeed in that is the great success." (Al Hadid 57:12)
Finally, after crossing the bridge, the faithful will be purified before they are entered into Paradise. All scores between believers will be settled so that no one man nurses a grudge against another. Believers ushered into Paradise.The believers will be ushered on towards the grand eight gates of Paradise. There, they will receive a joyous angelic reception and be congratulated on account of their safe arrival and salvation from Hell.
"But those who feared their Lord will be driven to Paradise in groups until, when they reach it while its gates have been opened and its keepers say, 'Peace be upon you; you have become pure; so enter it to abide eternally therein." (Al Zumar 39:73) (It will be said to the pious): "O (you) the one in (complete) rest and satisfaction! Come back to your Lord, Well-pleased and well-pleasing unto Him! Enter you then among My honored slaves. Enter you My Paradise!" (Al Fajr 89:27-30)
The best of the Muslims will enter Paradise first. The most righteous of them will ascend to the highest levels."But whoever comes to God as a believer (in His Oneness, etc.) and has done righteous good deeds; for such are the high ranks (in the Hereafter)." (Taha 20:75) "And the foremost 'in faith' will be the foremost 'in Paradise'. They are the ones nearest 'to God', in the Gardens of Bliss." (Al Waq'ia 56:10-12)
The Quranic description of Paradise gives us a vision of just what a fantastic place it is. An eternal home that will fulfill all our wholesome desires, seduce all our senses, grant us everything we could possibly want and much more besides. God describes His Paradise as having earth made of is fine musk powder, soil of saffron, bricks of gold and silver, and pebbles of pearls and rubies. Beneath the gardens of Paradise are flowing rivers of sparkling water, sweet milk, clear honey, and non-intoxicating wine. The tents on their banks are domes of hollow pearls. The whole space is filled with sparkling light, sweet-smelling plants and fragrances that can be savored from afar. There are lofty palaces, huge mansions, grapevines, date palms, pomegranate trees, lotus and acacia trees whose trunks of made of gold. Ripe, abundant fruit of all kinds: berries, citrus, drupes, grapes, melons, pomes; all kinds of fruit, tropical and exotic; anything the faithful could possibly desire!
"...And therein is whatever each soul desires and delights the eyes..." (Al Zuhhruf 43:71) Each believer will have a most beautiful, pious and pure spouse, wearing exquisite clothing; And there will be so much more in a new world of eternal, radiant joy. "And no soul knows what has been hidden for them of comfort for eyes as reward for what they used to do." (Al Sajdah 32:17)
As well as physical delights, Paradise will also give its residents a state of emotional and psychological bliss, as the Prophet said: "Whoever enters Paradise is blessed with a life of joy; he will never feel miserable, his clothes will never wear out, and his youth shall never fade away. The people will hear a divine call: 'I grant you that you will be healthy and never fall sick, you will live and never die, you will be young and never age, you will be joyful and never feel miserable.'" (Saheeh Muslim)
Ultimately, the thing that will most delight the eyes will be the Countenance of God Himself. For the true believer, to see this blessed vision of God is to have won the ultimate prize."[Some] faces, that Day, will be radiant, looking at their Lord." (Al Qiyamah 75:22-23)
This is the Paradise, the eternal home and final destination of the righteous believer. May God, Most High, make us worthy of it.
As death approaches the wicked disbeliever is made to feel something of the heat of the Hellfire. This taste of what is to come causes him to plead for a second chance on earth to do the good he knew he should have done. Alas! His pleading will be in vain.
"Until, when death comes to one of them, he says: 'O my Lord. Send me back to life (on earth) in order that I may do good deeds in the things that I neglected.' By no means! It is only an utterance that he says. And before them is a barrier (preventing them from returning: the life of the grave) until the Day (of Resurrection) they are resurrected." (Al Muminun 23:99-100) Divine wrath and punishment is conveyed to the wicked soul by hideously ugly, dark angels who sit far away from it:
"They will receive glad tidings of boiling water, wound discharge, and multiple, similar torments." (Ibn Majah, Ibn Katheer) The disbelieving soul will not look forward to meeting its Lord God, as the Prophet explained: "When the time of the death of a disbeliever approaches, he receives the evil news of God's torment and His Requital, whereupon nothing is more hateful to him than what is before him. Therefore, he hates the meeting with God, and God too, hates the meeting with him." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari)
The Prophet also said: "Whoever loves to meet God, God loves to meet him, and whoever hates to meet God, God hates to meet him." (Saheeh Al-Bukhari) The Angel of Death sits at the head of the disbeliever in his grave and says: "Wicked soul, come out to the displeasure of Allah" as he snatches the soul out of the body. "And if you could but see when the wrongdoers are in the overwhelming pangs of death while the angels extend their hands, saying, 'Save yourselves! Today you will be awarded the punishment of extreme humiliation for what you used to say against God other than the truth, and that you were, toward His verses, being arrogant." (Al Ana'm 6:93).
"And if you could not see when the angels take the souls of those who disbelieved... striking their faces and their backs and saying, 'Taste the punishment of the Blazing Fire.'" (Al Anfal 8:50) The evil soul leaves the body with great difficulty, drawn out by the angels as a thronged skewer is dragged through wet wool. The Angel of Death then seizes the soul and puts it in a sack woven from hair which gives off a putrid stench, as foul and offensive as the most foul-smelling rotting corpse found on earth. The angels then take the soul up past another company of angels who inquire: "Who is this wicked soul?" They would reply: "So and so, the son of so and so?" - using the very worst of names that he was ever called during his time on earth. Then, when he is brought to the lowest heaven, a request is made that its gate be opened for him, but the request is denied. Whilst the Prophet was describing these events, when he reached this point, he recited: "The gates of heaven will not be opened for them and they will not enter paradise until a camel can pass through the eye of a needle." (Al Araf 7:40)
God will say: "Record his book in Sijjeen in the lowest earth." ...and his soul is cast down. At this juncture, the Prophet, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, recited: "He who assigns partners to Allah is as if he had fallen down from heaven and been snatched up by the birds, or made to fall by the wind in a place far distant." (Al Hajj 22:31)
The wicked soul is then restored to its body and the two fearsome, dread-inspiring angels, Munkar and Nakeer, come to it for its interrogation. After making him sit up, they ask: Munkar and Nakeer: "Who is your Lord?" Disbelieving soul: "Alas, alas, I do not know." Munkar and Nakeer: "What is your religion?" Disbelieving soul: "Alas, alas, I do not know." Munkar and Nakeer: "What do you say about this man (Muhammad) sent to you?" Disbelieving soul: "Alas, alas I do not know."
Having failed his test, the disbeliever's head will be struck with an iron hammer with a force so violent that it would crumble a mountain. The cry will be heard from heaven: "He has lied, so spread out carpets of Hell for him, and open for him a portal into Hell." The floor of his grave is thus set alight with some of Hell's fierce fire, and his grave is made narrow and constricted to the extent that his ribs become intertwined as his body is crushed. Then, an incredibly ugly being, wearing ugly garments and giving off a foul and offensive odor comes to the disbelieving soul and says: "Be grieved with what displeases you, for this is your day which you have been promised." The disbeliever will ask: "Who are you, with your face so ugly and bringing evil?"
The ugly one will reply: "l am your wicked deeds!" The disbeliever is then made to taste bitter remorse as he is shown what would have been his abode in Paradise - had he lived a righteous life - before a portal is opened for him every morning and evening showing him his actual home in Hell. Allah mentions in His Book how the wicked people of Pharaoh are, at this very moment, suffering from such an exposure to Hell from within their graves: "The Fire: they are exposed to it, morning and afternoon, and on the Day when the Hour will be established (it will be said to the angels): '(Now) cause Pharaoh's people to enter the severest torment!'" (Ghafir 40:46)
Overcome with fear and loathing, anxiety and despair, the disbeliever in his grave will keep asking: "My Lord, do not bring the last hour. Do not bring the last hour." The Companion Zaid b. Thabit, narrated how, when the Prophet Muhammad and his Companions were once passing some graves of polytheists, the Prophet's horse bolted and almost unseated him. The Prophet may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, then said: "These people are being tortured in their graves, and were it not that you would stop burying your dead, I would ask God to let you hear the punishment in the grave which I (and this horse) can hear." (Saheeh Muslim)
Hell will receive the faithless with its fury and roar: "And We have prepared for those who deny
the Hour, a Blaze. When it [Hellfire] sees them from a distant place, they will hear its fury and
roaring." (Al Furqan 25:11-12)
When they near it, they will anticipate their shackles and their destiny as fuel: "Indeed, We have prepared for the disbelievers chains and shackles and a blaze." (Al Insan 76:4) "Indeed, with Us are shackles and burning fire." (Al Muzzammil 73:12) Angels will rush at God's command to seize and shackle him: "Seize him and shackle him." (Al Haqqah 69:30) "And We will put shackles on the necks of those who disbelieved." (Saba 34:33) Bound in chains..."A chain whereof the length is seventy cubits." (Al Haqqah 69:32) ...he will be dragged along: "When iron collars will be rounded over their necks, and the chains, they shall be dragged along." ( Ghafir40:71)
While they are being tied down, chained, and dragged to be thrown into Hell, they will hear its rage: "And for those who disbelieved in their Lord is the punishment of Hell, and wretched is the destination. When they are thrown into it, they hear from it a [dreadful] inhaling while it boils up. It almost bursts with rage...." (Al Mulk 67:6-8)
Since they will be driven from the great plain of gathering, naked and hungry, they will beg the inhabitants of Paradise for water: "And the companions of the Fire will call to the companions of Paradise: 'Pour upon us some water, or from whatever God has provided you.' They will say: 'Indeed God has forbidden them both to the disbelievers.'" (Al Araf 7:50)
At the same time the faithful in Paradise will be received with honor, made comfortable, and served with delicious banquets, the disbeliever will dine in Hell: "Then indeed, you, the stray, the deniers, will be eating from trees of zaqqoom and filling your bellies with it." (Al Waqi'ah 56:51-53)
Zaqqoom: a tree whose roots are in the bottom of Hell and which branches into its other levels; its fruit resembles the heads of the devils: "Is that (Paradise) better as hospitality or the tree of zaqqoom? Indeed, We have made it a torment for the wrongdoers. Indeed, it is a tree issuing from the bottom of the Hellfire, its emerging fruits as if it was heads of the devils. And indeed, they will eat from it and fill with it their bellies." (Al Saffat 37:62-66)
The wicked will have other food to eat as well, some that chokes, and some like dry, thorny bushes.
"Nor any food except from the (foul) discharge of wounds; none will eat it except the sinners." (Al Haqqah 69:36-37)
And to wash down their melancholy meals, an extremely cold mix of their own pus, blood, sweat and wound discharge as well as boiling, scolding water which dissolves their intestines: "...and are given to drink scalding water that will sever their intestines." (Muhammad 47:15)
The clothing of the denizens of Hell will be made of fire and pitch: "...but those who disbelieved will have cut out for them garments of fire." (Al Hajj 22:19) "Their garments of liquid pitch and their faces covered by the Fire." (Ibrahim 14:50) Their sandals, bed, and canopies will likewise be made of fire; a punishment encapsulating the entire body, from heedless head to transgressing toe:
"Then pour over his head from the torment of scalding water." (Al Dukhan 44:48) "On the Day the punishment will cover them from above them and from below their feet and it is said: 'Taste what you used to do.'" (Al Ankabut 29:55)
Their punishment in Hell will vary according to their disbelief and other sins. "By no means! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher. And what can make you know what is the Crusher? It is the fire of God, [eternally] fueled, which mounts directed at the hearts. Indeed, it [Hellfire] will be closed down upon them in extended columns." (Humazah 104:5-9) Every time the skin will burn through, it will be replenished with new skin: "Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses - We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted through, We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, God is ever Exalted in Might and Wise." (Al Nisa 4:56)
Worst of all, the punishment will keep increasing: "So taste [the penalty], and never will We increase you except in torment." ( Al Naba 78:30) The psychological effect of this punishing chastisement will be tremendous. A chastisement so severe that its sufferers will cry out for it to be multiplied on those who led them astray: "They will say: 'Our Lord, whoever brought this upon us - increase for him double punishment in the Fire.'" (Sad 38:61)
The daring will make their first attempt to break out, but: "And for them are maces of iron.
Every time they want to get out of it from anguish, they will be returned to it, and [it will be said]: 'Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire!'" (Al Hajj 22:21-22) After failing several times, they will seek assistance from the Great Satan himself. "And Satan will say when the matter has been concluded: 'Indeed, God had promised you the promise of truth. And I promised you, but I betrayed you. But I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me; but blame yourselves. I cannot be called to your aid, nor can you be called to my aid. Indeed, I deny your association of me with God before. Indeed, for the wrongdoers is a painful punishment.'" (Ibrahim 14:22)
Giving up on Satan, they will turn to the angels guarding Hell to get their torment reduced, even if just for a day: "And those in the Fire will say to the keepers of Hell: 'Supplicate your Lord to lighten for us [even] one day from the punishment.'" (Ghafir 40:49).
Awaiting the response for as long as God wills, the guards will come back and ask: "'Did there not come to you your messengers with clear proofs?' They will say, 'Yes.' They (Hell's keepers) will reply: 'Then supplicate yourselves, but the supplication of the disbelievers is nothing but an exercise in futility.'" (Ghafir 40:50)
Losing hope in the reduction of punishment, they will seek death. This time they will turn to the Hell's Chief Keeper, the angel, Malik, pleading to him for forty years: "And they will call: 'O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us!...'" (Al Zukhruf 43:77) His curt rebuttal after a thousand years will be: "...Indeed, you will remain." (Al Zukhruf 43:77)
Eventually, they will return to He Whom they refused to turn to in this world, asking for one last chance: "They will say, 'Our Lord, our wretchedness overcame us, and we were a people astray.
Our Lord, remove us from it, and if we were to return [to evil], we would indeed be wrongdoers.'"(Al Muminun 23:106-107) God's respond will be thus:"Remain despised therein and do not speak to Me." (Al Muninun 23:108)
The pain from this response will be worse than their fiery torment. For the disbeliever will know his stay in Hell will be for an eternity, his omission from Paradise absolute and final: "Indeed, those who disbelieve and commit wrong - never will God forgive them, nor will He guide them to a path except the path of Hell; they will abide therein forever. And that, for God, is easy." (Al Nisa 4:168-169)
The greatest deprivation and sorrow for an unbeliever will be spiritual: he will be veiled from God and will be deprived of seeing Him: "No! Indeed, from their Lord, that Day, they will be partitioned." (Al Mutaffifin 83:15)
Just like they refused to "see" Him in this life, they will be separated from God in the next life. The faithful will jeer at them. "So Today, those who believed are laughing at the disbelievers, on adorned couches, observing. Have the disbelievers [not] been rewarded [this Day] for what they used to do?" (Al Mutaffifin 83:34-36).
Hell will receive the faithless with its fury and roar: "...and We have prepared for those who deny the Hour, a Blaze. When it [Hellfire] sees them from a distant place, they will hear its fury and roaring." (Al Furqan 25:11-12)
When they near it, they will anticipate their shackles and their destiny as fuel: "Indeed, We have prepared for the disbelievers chains and shackles and a blaze." (Quran 76:4) "Indeed, with Us are shackles and burning fire." (Al Muzzammal 73:12) Angels will rush at God's command to seize and shackle him: "Seize him and shackle him." (Al Haqqa 69:30) "...and We will put shackles on the necks of those who disbelieved." (Saba 34:33) Bound in chains..."...a chain whereof the length is seventy cubits." (Al Haqqa 69:32) He will be dragged along: "When iron collars will be rounded over their necks, and the chains, they shall be dragged along." (Quran 40:71)
While they are being tied down, chained, and dragged to be thrown into Hell, they will hear its rage: "And for those who disbelieved in their Lord is the punishment of Hell, and wretched is the destination. When they are thrown into it, they hear from it a [dreadful] inhaling while it boils up. It almost bursts with rage...." (Al Mulk 67:6-8) Since they will be driven from the great plain of gathering, naked and hungry, they will beg the inhabitants of Paradise for water: "And the companions of the Fire will call to the companions of Paradise: 'Pour upon us some water, or from whatever God has provided you.' They will say: 'Indeed God has forbidden them both to the disbelievers.'" (Al Anfal 7:50)
At the same time the faithful in Paradise will be received with honor, made comfortable, and served with delicious banquets, the disbeliever will dine in Hell: "Then indeed, you, the stray, the deniers, will be eating from trees of zaqqoom and filling your bellies with it." (Al Waqi'ah 56:51-53)
Zaqqoom: a tree whose roots are in the bottom of Hell and which branches into its other levels; its fruit resembles the heads of the devils: "Is that (Paradise) better as hospitality or the tree of zaqqoom? Indeed, We have made it a torment for the wrongdoers. Indeed, it is a tree issuing from the bottom of the Hellfire, its emerging fruits as if it was heads of the devils. And indeed, they will eat from it and fill with it their bellies." (Al Saffat 37:62-66)
The wicked will have other food to eat as well, some that chokes,and some like dry, thorny bushes.
"Nor any food except from the (foul) discharge of wounds; none will eat it except the sinners." (Al Haqqa 69:36-37)
And to wash down their melancholy meals, an extremely cold mix of their own pus, blood, sweat and wound discharge[3] as well as boiling, scolding water which dissolves their intestines: "...and are given to drink scalding water that will sever their intestines." Muhammad 47:15) The clothing of the denizens of Hell will be made of fire and pitch: "...but those who disbelieved will have cut out for them garments of fire." (Al Hajj 22:19) "Their garments of liquid pitch and their faces covered by the Fire." (Ibrahim 14:50) Their sandals, bed, and canopies will likewise be made of fire; a punishment encapsulating the entire body, from heedless head to transgressing toe: "Then pour over his head from the torment of scalding water." (Al Dukhan 44:48) "On the Day the punishment will cover them from above them and from below their feet and it is said: 'Taste what you used to do.'" (Al Ankabut 29:55)
Their punishment in Hell will vary according to their disbelief and other sins. "By no means! He will surely be thrown into the Crusher. And what can make you know what is the Crusher? It is the fire of God, [eternally] fueled, which mounts directed at the hearts. Indeed, it [Hellfire] will be closed down upon them. In extended columns." (Al Humazah 104:5-9)
Every time the skin will burn through, it will be replenished with new skin: "Indeed, those who disbelieve in Our verses - We will drive them into a Fire. Every time their skins are roasted through, We will replace them with other skins so they may taste the punishment. Indeed, God is ever Exalted in Might and Wise." (Al Nisa 4:56)
Worst of all, the punishment will keep increasing: "So taste [the penalty], and never will We increase you except in torment." (Al Naba 78:30) The psychological effect of this punishing chastisement will be tremendous. A chastisement so severe that its sufferers will cry out for it to be multiplied on those who led them astray: "They will say: 'Our Lord, whoever brought this upon us - increase for him double punishment in the Fire.'" (Sad 38:61)
The daring will make their first attempt to break out, but: "And for them are maces of iron. Every time they want to get out of it from anguish, they will be returned to it, and [it will be said]: 'Taste the punishment of the Burning Fire!'" (l Hajj 22:21- 22).
After failing several times, they will seek assistance from Iblees, the Great Satan himself. "And Satan will say when the matter has been concluded: 'Indeed, God had promised you the promise of truth. And I promised you, but I betrayed you. But I had no authority over you except that I invited you, and you responded to me. So do not blame me; but blame yourselves. I cannot be called to your aid, nor can you be called to my aid. Indeed, I deny your association of me [with God] before. Indeed, for the wrongdoers is a painful punishment.'" (Ibrahim 14:22)
Giving up on Satan, they will turn to the angels guarding Hell to get their torment reduced, even if just for a day: "And those in the Fire will say to the keepers of Hell: 'Supplicate your Lord to lighten for us [even] one day from the punishment.'" (Ghafir 40:49)
Awaiting the response for as long as God wills, the guards will come back and ask: "'Did there not come to you your messengers with clear proofs?' They will say, 'Yes.' They (Hell's keepers) will reply: 'Then supplicate yourselves, but the supplication of the disbelievers is nothing but (an exercise in) futility.'" (Ghafir 40:50)
Losing hope in the reduction of punishment, they will seek death. This time they will turn to the Hell's Chief Keeper, the angel, Malik, pleading to him for forty years: "And they will call: 'O Malik, let your Lord put an end to us!'" (Al Zukhruf 43:77) His curt rebuttal after a thousand years will be: "Indeed, you will remain." (Al Zukhruf 43:77)
Eventually, they will return to He Whom they refused to turn to in this world, asking for one last chance: "They will say, 'Our Lord, our wretchedness overcame us, and we were a people astray. Our Lord, remove us from it, and if we were to return to evil, we would indeed be wrongdoers.'" (Al Muminun 23:106-107)
God's respond will be thus: "Remain despised therein and do not speak to Me." (Al Muminun 23:108)
The pain from this response will be worse than their fiery torment. For the disbeliever will know his stay in Hell will be for an eternity, his omission from Paradise absolute and final: "Indeed, those who disbelieve and commit wrong - never will God forgive them, nor will He guide them to a path except the path of Hell; they will abide therein forever. And that for God is easy." (Al Nisa 4:168-169)
The greatest deprivation and sorrow for an unbeliever will be spiritual: he will be veiled from God and will be deprived of seeing Him: "No! Indeed, from their Lord, that Day, they will be partitioned." (Al Mutaffifin 83:15)
Just like they refused to "see" Him in this life, they will be separated from God in the next life. The faithful will jeer at them. "So Today, those who believed are laughing at the disbelievers, on adorned couches, observing. Have the disbelievers [not] been rewarded [this Day] for what they used to do?" (Al Mutaffifin 83:34-36)
Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, who passed away in 632, related: "This world is a prison for the believer, but for the disbeliever it is a Paradise. While for the disbeliever, the Hereafter will be a prison, but for the believer, it will be his Paradise."(narrated by Muslim).
Thus, it is from the great mercy and justice of God that he created Heaven and Hell. Knowledge of the Hellfire serves to dissuade man from wrong-doing while a glimpse into the treasures of Paradise incites him towards good deeds and righteousness. Those who deny their Lord, work evil and are unrepentant will enter Hell: a place of real pain and suffering. While the reward for righteousness is the place of unimaginable physical beauty and perfection that is His Paradise.
Often, people testify to the goodness of their own souls by claiming that any good they do is purely and solely out of a genuine love of God or to live by a universal moral and virtuous code, and for that, they do not need any sticks or carrots. But when God speaks to man in the Quran, He does so knowing the fickleness of his soul. The delights of Paradise are real, physical, tangible delights. Man can begin to appreciate just how desirable the perfect, abundant and unending food, clothing and homes of Paradise can be precisely because he is aware of how satisfying and sweet those things can be in this present reality.
"Beautified for men is the love of things they covet: women, children, hordes of gold and silver, branded beautiful horses, cattle and well-tilled land. Such is the pleasure of the present life; but with Allah is the excellent return (to Paradise)." (Al Imran 3:14).
Likewise, man can begin to appreciate just how tortuous and terrifying Hellfire and its furnishings could be precisely because he is aware of how awful a burning by fire can be in this world. So, the journey of the soul after death, as described to us in vivid detail by God and His Prophet, Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, should and must serve as nothing but an incentive to what all of humanity surely and truly recognizes as its noble purpose: the worship and service of its Creator in selfless love, awe and gratitude. After all, "...they were not commanded except that they should worship Allah (alone), being sincere to the upright religion (of Islam)." (Al Bayyinah 98:5).
But, as for those many multitudes amongst mankind who, throughout the ages, neglect their moral duty to their Lord God and their fellow man, let then not forget that: "Every soul will taste death, and you will only be given your [full] compensation on the Day of Resurrection.So whoever is drawn away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, it is indeed he who has succeeded. And what is the life of this world except the enjoyment of delusion." (Al Imran 3:185)
Jesus Cannot Be Son of God Because God Has No “Wife”
