The Master of Memorizers: Abu Hurayrah

He is the honorable Companion Abu Hurayrah, May Allaah Be Pleased with him. Before embracing Islam, he was called ‘Abd Shams (slave of the sun). After he embraced Islam, the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, called him ‘Abdul-Rahmaan (Slave of The Most-Merciful) and gave him the nickname of Abu Hurayrah (the father of a kitten). There is a humorous reason behind this nickname. ‘Abdul-Rahmaan, May Allaah Be Pleased with him, was famous for being humane to animals and he had a kitten that he was kind to and he took care of it. It used to accompany him everywhere. Therefore, he was called Abu Hurayrah. The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, used to address him using this nickname. It was narrated in a Hadeeth that the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said to him: “Come here, O Abu Hurayrah!” [Al-Bukhaari]

Abu Hurayrah, May Allaah Be Pleased with him, was born in the tribe of Daws, an Arabian tribe. He reverted to Islam in the year of conquering Khaybar in 7 A.H. After embracing Islam, he used to accompany the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and sit with him for long periods of time learning from him.

Abu Hurayrah, May Allaah Be Pleased with him, tried many times to invite his mother to Islam, but she refused.

One day, he invited her to Islam, but she refused and said bad words about the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Consequently, Abu Hurayrah, May Allaah Be Pleased with him, went to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, weeping and said, “O Messenger of Allaah!I called my mother to Islam but she turned down my call. I called her today but she said things about you that I hated to hear. Supplicate Allaah to Guide the mother of Abu Hurayrah.” The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, “O Allaah! Guide the mother of Abu Hurayrah to the right path.” I left, feeling optimistic because of the supplication of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam.

When I came near the door it was closed from within. My mother heard the sound of my footsteps, and said, “O Abu Hurayrah! Wait! ” I heard the sound of water. She took a bath and put on a shirt and was too hasty to put on her head cover, then opened the door and said, “O Abu Hurayrah! I testify that there is none worthy of worship but Allaah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.” Abu Hurayrah added, “I went back to the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, shedding tears of joy. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Be happy, for Allaah has answered your supplication and guided the mother of Abu Hurayrah to the right path.’ The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, praised Allaah, and lauded Him, and said good words.

I said, ‘O Messenger of Allaah! Supplicate Allaah for me and my mother to be loved by His believing slaves and for us to love them too.’ The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, ‘O Allaah! Make this slave of Yours and his mother (i.e. Abu Hurayrah and his mother) loved by Your believing slaves and make them love Your believing slaves.’ This supplication has been answered by Allaah The Almighty so much that any believer who heard about me loved me.” [Muslim]

Abu Hurayrah, May Allaah Be Pleased with him, used to like fighting in the Cause of Allaah. He joined the battles, attended sessions of knowledge and accompanied the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He was the most attached Companion to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. Compared to other Companions, Abu Hurayrah, May Allaah Be Pleased with him, memorized the highest number of narrated Hadeeths from the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. One of the Companions said about him, “Abu Hurayrah narrated a lot of Hadeeths and the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar did not narrate like him.” He used to reply to this saying, “My brothers among the Ansaar were busy with farming their lands and my brothers among the Muhaajiroon were busy with trading. I used to serve the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, in return for what would fill my stomach. So, I witness any situation if they are absent and memorize if they forget. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, ‘Whoever will spread his upper garment until I finish my speech and then fold it, (i.e. wrap it over his body), he will never forget anything he had heard from me.’ So, I spread the garment which I was wearing, and by Him Who sent Muhammad with the Truth (i.e. Allaah), ever since, I have never forgotten whatever I heard from him (the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).” [Muslim] He also said, “Had it not been for two revealed verses in the Book of Allaah, I would never have narrated anything. Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Indeed, those who conceal what We Sent down of clear proofs and guidance after We Made it clear for the people in the Scripture - those are cursed by Allaah and cursed by those who curse,* Except for those who repent and correct themselves and make evident [what they concealed]. Those - I Will Accept their repentance, and I Am The Accepting of repentance, The Merciful.} [Quran 2:159-160]”

Abu Hurayrah, May Allaah Be Pleased with him, had an excellent memory and he was able to quickly memorize and did not forget. Ash-Shaafi‘i, May Allaah Have Mercy upon him, said about him, “He is the person who memorized the most Hadeeth in his time.” Abu Hurayrah, May Allaah Be Pleased with him, said about himself, “No one knows the Hadeeths of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, more than me except Abdullaah ibn ‘Amr, for he used to write them and I did not.”

He liked knowledge and his students used to visit him until there would be no space left in his home. He was highly esteemed for his knowledge. One day, he stretched out his legs and said, “We entered the home of the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, until we filled the home while he was reclining on his side. When he saw us he bent his legs and said, ‘After me, there will be people coming to you seeking knowledge. So, welcome, greet and teach them.’” [Ibn Maajah]

Abu Hurayrah, May Allaah Be Pleased with him, was extremely poor and he used to tie a stone on his stomach due to extreme hunger. Abu Hurayrah, May Allaah Be Pleased with him, said:

By Allaah! I used to lay (asleep) on the ground on my liver (abdomen) because of hunger, and (sometimes) I would bind a stone over my belly because of hunger. One day, I sat by the way where people used to walk. When Abu Bakr, May Allaah be pleased with him, passed by, I asked him about a verse in the Noble Quran and my only purpose in asking him was that he might satisfy my hunger, but he passed by and did not do so. Then ‘Umar, May Allaah be pleased with him, passed by and I asked him about a verse in the Noble Quran, and my only purpose in asking him was that he might satisfy my hunger, but he passed by without doing so. Finally, Abul-Qaasim (the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) passed by and knew from my face (that I was hungry). He said, “O Abu Hurayrah!” I replied, “Yes, O Messenger of Allaah!” He said to me, “Follow me.” He left and I followed him. Then he entered the house and I asked permission to enter and was admitted. He found milk in a bowl and said, “From where is this milk?” They said, “It has been granted to you by such-and-such man (or by such and such family).” He said, "O Abu Hirr!" I said, "Yes, O Messenger of Allaah!” He said, “Go and call the people of Suffah to me.” The people of Suffah were the guests of Islam who had no families, nor money, nor anybody to depend upon, and whenever an object of charity was brought to the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, he would send it to them and would not take anything from it, and whenever any present was given to him, he used to send some for them and take some of it for himself. This made me sad, as I hoped to have a little of this milk in order to have strength for the rest of the day. When the people came I gave them some of this milk. I was wondering what would remain of that milk for me, but anyway, I could only obey Allaah and His Messenger, so I went to the people of Suffah and called them, and they came and asked for the Prophet's, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, permission to enter. They were admitted and took their seats in the house. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, “O Abu-Hirr!” I said, “Yes, O Messenger of Allaah!” He said, “Take it and give it to them." So I took the bowl (of milk) and started giving it to each man who drank his fill and returned it to me until finally the whole group had drunk their fill. I then placed the bowl between the hands of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and there was still milk remaining, so he raised his head, looked at me, smiled and said. "O Abu Hirr!" I replied, “Yes, O Messenger of Allaah!” He said, “(Only) you and I remain." I said, "You have said the truth, O Messenger of Allaah." He said, "Sit down and drink." I sat down and drank. He said, "Drink," and I drank. He kept on telling me repeatedly to drink, until I said, "No. By Allaah Who Sent you with the truth, I have no space for it (in my stomach).” He said, “Hand it over to me.” When I gave him the bowl, he drank the remaining milk. [Al-Bukhaari]

Allaah The Almighty honored Abu Hurayrah because of his faith and sincerity to Allaah and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. He married the lady whom he used to work for before he accepted Islam. In this regard, he said, “I was raised as an orphan, I migrated as a poor man and I was a hired worker for Busrah bint Ghazwaan in return for my food. I used to serve them when they camped and walked holding the reins of their riding animals if they moved. All praise is due to Allaah Who made religion a means for rectifying and made Abu Hurayrah Imaam.”

During the caliphate of ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattaab, May Allaah be pleased with him, Abu Hurayrah, May Allaah be pleased with him, was appointed as a ruler of Bahrain. He was also the vice-ruler of Al-Madeenah when Marawaan ibn Al-Hakam was the ruler. However, he used to carry firewood and sell it in the market.

He used to advise people enjoining them to do good and forbidding them from evil. Once, he was passing by the market, and he saw people preoccupied with the worldly life. So, he stood in the middle of the market and shouted, “O people, the inheritance of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is divided while you are here! Why do you not go and take your shares?” They asked him, “Where is that?” He answered, “In the mosque.” The people rushed to the mosque and then returned. He asked them, “Why have you come back?” They said, “O Abu Hurayrah! We entered the mosque and did not see anything that is divided.” He asked them, “What did you see?” They replied, “We saw some people praying, others reciting the Quran and others studying what is lawful and what is unlawful.” Abu Hurayrah, May Allaah be pleased with him, said, “This is the inheritance of Muhammad.”

He did not seek in the worldly life anything but the pleasure of Allaah and the love of His Muslim slaves until his death. When he was dying, he cried of longing for his Lord. When he was asked about the reason for his tears, he said, “because of the little provision and the long journey.” He also said, “O Allaah, I like meeting You, so, like meeting me!” He died in 59 A.H. and it was said in 57 A.H. and his age was 78 years. He was buried at Al-Baqee‘ after spreading knowledge throughout the land and narrating more than 5000 Hadeeths. May Allaah Be Pleased with him!

This is Makkah

Honourable Makkah, the Secure City; Allaah has distinguished it from among all places and made it sacred from the day He created the heavens and the earth.

Allaah commanded Prophet Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, to build the first House on earth for Allaah to be worshipped in at this spot and sent down the Black Stone from Paradise as a manifest sign of the sanctity of His Sacred House.

In Makkah springs the finest water on the surface of the earth, the water of Zamzam, which is food that suffices the hungry and a cure for the sick. It is the water with which the chest and heart of the chosen Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was cleansed in order to prepare him for his mission.

Allaah has made Makkah eternally sacred and secure; He says (what means): “Have they not seen that We made [Makkah] a safe sanctuary, while people are being taken away (i.e. killed and taken captive) all around them?” [Quran 29:67]

Allaah has sent down blessings and mercy upon Makkah, the likes of which have not been bestowed upon any other place or person on earth.

In order to make the matter clear, lest people confuse what is virtuous with what is not and what is sacred with what is not, the Lord sent down the angel Jibreel (Gabriel), may Allaah exalt his mention, to point out the boundaries of the Sacred City, and Prophet Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, placed signs marking its boundaries. Furthermore, Allaah commanded His messenger, Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, to rebuild the structure of the House. This, indeed, is a clear sign and evidence manifesting the sanctity and holiness of this Secure City.

It was with the command of Allaah that Prophet Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, proclaimed to the people the Hajj (pilgrimage) and Allaah took it upon Himself to convey the sound of the call all around the world. Thereafter, the caravan of the honourable prophets, the righteous and those who followed them began to respond and come forth to the Sacred City. Prophet Moosaa (Moses), may Allaah exalt his mention, the one who was honoured by the miracle of Allaah speaking to him, came forth, as came Prophet Yoonus (Jonah), may Allaah exalt his mention, the one who was swallowed by the whale, as well as a multitude of other prophets.

Makkah is the land where the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was born and where his prophethood commenced. It is where he first received revelation; on the  peak of one of its lofty mountains lies the famous Cave Hiraa’ in which the Qur’aan was revealed to him sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.

The honouring and sanctity of Makkah continued with the prophethood of Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam and he sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam conveyed to us that the Ka’bah was to be the direction which the Muslims should face during their prayers, and that a single prayer in the Sacred Mosque was to be equivalent to a hundred thousand in any other mosque.

He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam guided the people to know that shedding blood (i.e., killing) in Makkah is prohibited as is felling trees and hunting, and that picking up lost items from its streets is prohibited, unless certain strict conditions are fulfilled.

The last and final Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam openly announced his love of Makkah and its lofty status in the sight of Allaah when he said, addressing it: “I swear by Allaah! You are the best of the lands of Allaah and you are the most beloved land to Allaah.” [At-Tirmithi & Ahmad]

How could we not glorify Makkah when it is a land that Allaah Almighty has designated and singled out with the qualities of sanctity and of being glorified magnificently? How could we not glorify it when Allaah has made it sacred, magnified the reward of performing good deeds in it, and has made its mention eternal by mentioning it in the Qur’aan? Allaah says: (what means): “That [has been commanded], and whoever honours the sacred ordinances of Allaah — it is best for him in the sight of his Lord” [Quran 22:30]

Allaah also says (what means): “That [is so]. And whoever honours the symbols [i.e. rites] of Allaah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts” [Quran 22: 32]

The sacred ordinances and symbols (rites) of Allaah refers to the Sacred City, the Sacred House of Allaah, and sacred places within them, and it is due to their special qualities that Allaah has distinguished them from all other cities and lands.

Honouring and glorifying the rites of Allaah is accomplished by respecting this city, by realising its status and virtues, and by continually expressing gratitude upon seeing it, as well as by holding the matter of worshipping Allaah within it in high esteem. This is so because the first House of worship ever to be built was in Makkah, and it is towards it that the hearts of the Muslims are directed from all places on earth. How can worship in it not then have such a high status and value?

Allaah made the reward of performing acts of worship in it multiples of that performed elsewhere and made the reward of a single prayer in the sacred mosque equivalent to a hundred thousand prayers in any other mosque. Additionally, fasting, spending in charity and all other acts of virtue in Makkah have a much higher reward than anywhere else in the world, higher than any other act of worship could reach in value.

Sa’d Ibn Abi Waqqaas

We are now in a small town in a narrow valley. There is no vegetation, no livestock, no gardens, and no rivers. Desert after desert separates the town from the rest of the world. During the day, the heat of the sun is unbearable and the nights are still and lonely. Tribes flock to it like animals in the open country flock to a waterhole. No government rules and  there is no religion to guide people, except one which promotes the worship of stone idols. There is no knowledge except that which is confined to priests and soothsayers, and a love for elegant poetry. This is Makkah and these are the Arabs. 

In this town lives a young man who has not yet seen twenty summers. He is short, well built, and has a very heavy crop of hair. People compare him to a young lion. He comes from a rich and noble family. He is very attached to his parents and is particularly fond of his mother. His name is Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqaas, may Allaah be pleased with him. 

One morning at about this time in his life, Abu Bakr, may Allaah be pleased with him, came up and spoke softly to him. He explained that Muhammad Ibn 'Abdullaah, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, (may Allaah exalt his mention) had received Revelation and was sent with the religion of guidance and truth. Abu Bakr, may Allaah be pleased with him, then took him to Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, in one of the valleys of Makkah. Sa'd, may Allaah be pleased with him, was excited and overwhelmed, and responded readily to the invitation to the truth and the religion of One God. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was also greatly pleased when Sa’d, may Allaah be pleased with him, became a Muslim. 

While the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was delighted with Sa’d's acceptance of Islam, others including his mother were not. Sa’d, may Allaah be pleased with him, relates: "When my mother heard the news of my acceptance of Islam, she flew into a rage. She came up to me and said: "'O Sa'd ! What is this religion that you have embraced, which has taken you away from the religion of your mother and father? By God, either you forsake your new religion, or I would not eat or drink until I die. Your heart would be broken with grief for me, and remorse would consume you on account of the deed which you have done, and people would censure you forever more.' "‘Do not do (such a thing), my mother,' I said, 'for I would not give up my religion for anything.' "

However, she went on with her threat. For days, she neither ate nor drank and became emaciated and weak. Hour after hour, I went to her asking whether I should bring her some food or something to drink, but she persistently refused, insisting that she would neither eat nor drink until she died or I abandoned my religion. I said to her: "'Yaa Ummah! (O mother) In spite of my strong love for you, my love for Allaah and His Messenger, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is indeed stronger. By Allaah, if you had a thousand souls and one soul after another were to depart, I would not abandon my religion for anything.' 

When she saw that I was determined she relented unwillingly and ate and drank." 

It was concerning Sa'd 's relationship with his mother and her attempt to force him to renounce his faith that the words of the 

Quran were revealed (which mean): 

"And We have enjoined upon man (care) for his parents. His mother carried him, (increasing her) in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the (final) destination. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in (this) world with appropriate kindness and follow the way of those who turn back to me (in repentance). Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do." [Quran 31:14-15] 

In these early days of Islam, the Muslims were careful not to arouse the sensibilities of the Quraysh. They would often go out together in groups to the glens outside Makkah where they could pray together without being seen. However, one day, a number of idolaters came upon them while they were praying and rudely interrupted them with ridicule. The Muslims felt they could not suffer these indignities passively and they came to blows with the idolaters. Sa'd Ibn Abi Waqqaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, struck one of the disbelievers with the jawbone of a camel and wounded him. This was the first bloodshed in the conflict between Islam and Kufr (disbelief) -- a conflict that was later to escalate and test the patience and courage of the Muslims. 

Sa'd, may Allaah be pleased with him, was a cousin of Aaminah Bint Wahb, and thus a maternal uncle of our Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. Sa'd , may Allaah be pleased with him, belonged to Bani Zuhrah, and for this reason, he is sometimes referred to as Sa'd of Zuhrah, to distinguish him from several others whose first name was Sa'd . The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is said to have been pleased with this family relationship to Sa'd . Once as he, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, was sitting with his Companions, he saw Sa'd approaching him and said: "This is my maternal uncle. Let a man see his maternal uncle!" (Make way for my uncle.) 

Sa'd, may Allaah be pleased with him, distinguished himself in many encounters that took place during the life of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, and after. Sa'd , may Allaah be pleased with him, is known as the first Companion to have shot an arrow in the defense of Islam. During the Battle of Badr, Sa'd fought alongside his brother ‘Umayr, may Allaah be pleased with him. ‘Umayr, may Allaah be pleased with him, was a mere lad in his early teens, and had begged to be allowed to accompany the Muslim army. Sa'd returned alone to Al-Madeenah, for `Umayr was one among the fourteen Muslim martyrs who fell that day. 

At the Battle of Uhud, Sa'd, may Allaah be pleased with him, was especially chosen as one of the best archers along with Zayd and Sa’ib, may Allaah be pleased with them. In that landmark battle, when the Muslim archers kept in reserve abandoned their positions in the eagerness for booty, Sa'd , may Allaah be pleased with him, remained steadfast, and fought vigorously in defense of the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam. To urge him during these perilous moments, the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, said: "Shoot, Sa'd … May my father and mother be sacrificed for you!" 

On this occasion, ‘Ali Ibn Abi Taalib, may Allaah be pleased with him, said that he had not heard the Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, promising such a great ransom to anyone except Sa'd, may Allaah be pleased with him. The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, is also known to have prayed for Sa'd:  "O Lord, direct his aim and respond to his prayer."

Sa'd, may Allaah be pleased with him, was one of the companions of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who was blessed with great wealth. Just as he was known for his bravery, so he was known for his generosity. Sa'd, may Allaah be pleased with him, is mainly renowned as the commander-in-chief of the strong Muslim army which 'Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, dispatched to confront the Persians at Qaadisiyah. 'Umar, may Allaah be pleased with him, wanted nothing less than an end to Sasanian power which for centuries had dominated the region.

Just how ferocious the battle was, could be imagined when it is known that some 30,000 persons on both sides fell in the course of four days' fighting. In one day alone, some 2000 Muslims and about 10,000 Persians lost their lives. 

The Battle of Qaadisiyah is one of the major decisive battles of world history. It sealed the fate of the Sasanian Empire, just as the Battle of Yarmook had sealed the fate of the Byzantine Empire in the West. Two years after Qaadisiyah, Sa'd, may Allaah be pleased with him, went on to take the Sasanian capital. The taking of Ctesiphon was accomplished after a brilliant crossing of the TigrisRiver while it was in flood. Sa'd, may Allaah be pleased with him, has thus gone down in the annals of history as the hero of Qaadisiyah and the conqueror of Ctesiphon. 

He lived until he was almost 80 years old. He was blessed with much influence and wealth but as the time of death approached in the year 54 AH, he asked his son to open a box in which he had kept a coarse woolen shirt (Jubbah) and said: 

"Shroud me in this, for in this (Jubbah) I met the polytheists on the day of Badr and in it I desire to meet Allaah the Almighty."

The covenant of 'Umar

When `Umar Ibnul-Khatab (the second Caliph) entered Jerusalem at the head of a Muslim army in 638CE, he entered the city on foot, as a gesture of humility. There was no bloodshed. On the contrary, those who wanted to leave were allowed to do so with all their possessions and were guaranteed a safe passage. While those who wanted to stay were granted protection for their lives, their property, and their places of worship.

`Umar declined the offer made by Patriarch Sophronius, chief magistrate of the surrendered city, to pray one of the fi¬ve daily prayers in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, lest in years to come Muslims might try to turn it into a mosque in his memory.

“In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.

This is an assurance of peace and protection given by the servant of Allah Omar, Commander of the Believers to the people of Ilia’ (Jerusalem). He gave them an assurance of protection for their lives, property, churches and crosses as well as the sick and healthy and all its religious community.

Their churches shall not be occupied, demolished nor taken away wholly or in part. None of their crosses nor property shall be seized. They shall not be coerced in their religion nor shall any of them be injured.

The people of Ilia shall pay Jizia tax (head tax on non- Muslims living under the protection of Muslim rule; paid for utilizing the benefits of citizenship and as exemption from military service) as inhabitants of cities do.

He whoever gets out shall be guaranteed safety for his life and property until he reaches his safe haven. He whoever stays shall (also) be safe, in which case he shall pay as much tax as the people of Ilia’ do.

Should any of the people of Ilia wish to move together with their property along with the Romans and to clear out of their churches and crosses, they shall be guaranteed safety for their lives, churches and crosses, until they have reached their safe haven.

He whoever chooses to stay may do so and he shall pay as much tax as the people of Ilia’ do. He whoever wishes to move along with the Roman, may do so, and whoever wishes to return back home to his kinsfolk, may do so.

Nothing shall be taken from them until their crops have been harvested. To the contents of this covenant here are given the Covenant of Allah, the guarantees of His Messenger, the Caliphs and the Believers, provided they (the people of Ilia’) pay their due Jizia tax.

Witnesses hereto are: Khalid Ibnul-Waleed, AbdurRahman Ibn’Auf, Amr Ibnul-`Aas and Mu’awiya Ibn abi-Sufan. Made and executed in the year 15 AH.

A glimpse on the history of Makkah

History informs us about what happened during specific points in the past as well as events that have taken place over time and gives us information related to this. Such information may be true or false, and every Muslim is obliged to seek the truth and confirm any information he hears so that he may ascertain what is correct from what is fabricated. Moreover, every Muslim should refer to reliable sources in order to obtain definite, authentic and verifiable information.

Makkah is the SacredCity as well as the holiest and the absolutely most honourable place on earth. The most truthful sources from which one can take news about its history are the Noble Qur’aan and the authentic prophetic narrations in this regard, and from these we can ascertain its ancient history as well as how it was prior the message and prophethood of Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam.

After the advent of Islaam, Muslim scholars and historians have endeavoured to record chronicles of Makkah in general history books as well as books concerned with the biographies of the Muslim scholars who lived in it. Some scholars authored books that dealt primarily with its history and the areas surrounding it, one of the most famous being “Chronicles of Makkah and its Ancient Monuments” authored by Abu Al-Waleed Al-Azraqi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, from the third century AH. Another book was “Chronicles of Makkah in Ancient and Contemporary Times” authored by Al-Faakihi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, who also lived during the third century AH, and his book was larger than that written by Al-Azraqi, may Allaah have mercy upon him, but the initial parts of his book were lost over time.

Thereafter, chronicling the affairs and events of Makkah ceased for a period of almost four centuries. It was thereafter resumed and one of the scholars who is considered to be the most prolific author regarding it and its history was Imaam Taqiyyud-Deen Al-Faasi Al-Makki, may Allaah have mercy upon him (775 AH - 832 AH). In his book entitled “The Therapy for those who Harbour Affection for the History of the Sacred City”, Imaam Taqiyyud-Deen, may Allaah have mercy upon him, expressed his amazement at the fact that chronicling the history of Makkah had halted after Imaams Al-Azraqi and Al-Faakihi, may Allaah have mercy upon them.

This incited him to write many publications on the history of Makkah that took different sizes; large, medium and small. One of the largest books he authored was “The Treasured Necklace on the History of the SecureCity” which consisted of eight volumes. Next in size came “The Therapy for those who Harbour Affection for the History of the Sacred City” which consisted of two volumes, which he later summarised in books such as “The Gift for the Honourable on the History of the Sacred City” and others.

Thereafter, many scholars and schools of history arose which contributed to the writing of the history and chronicles of Makkah such as, Aal Fahd and Aal At-Tabari, and this has continued ever since, to include the contemporary.

The establishment of Makkah:

The history and building of Makkah is directly connected to Prophet Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, as he was the first person to settle his family in it when he left his wife Haajar and his son Ismaa’eel, may Allaah exalt his mention, there in compliance with the command of Allaah for him to do so.

Imaam Al-Bukhaari, may Allaah have mercy upon him, reported on the authority of Ibn ‘Abbaas, may Allaah be pleased with him, in the long narration in which the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam informed us that Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, once came with his wife Haajar and his son Ismaa’eel, may Allaah exalt his mention, who was still a suckling infant, from ancient Syria to Makkah. At that time, Makkah had no water and nobody residing in it. Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, took them both under the shade of a tree and left with them a bag of dates and a flask of water, then headed back to ancient Syria. As he was leaving, his wife Haajar called to him, saying: “Where are you going? How can you leave us in this deserted valley that has neither humans nor anything else (in terms of life)?” She repeated this a few times but he did not reply, so she asked: “Did Allaah command you to do this?” Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, replied: “Yes” Thereupon she said: “Then He shall never forsake us”.

Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, walked for a while and then stood upon a small hill, raised his hands in supplication, and said, as Allaah informs us saying (what means): “Our Lord! I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful.” [Quran 14:37]

Allaah blessed Haajar and her son with the well of Zamzam, and then people came from all directions and resided in Makkah. The first tribe to reside there was the tribe of Jurhum among whom Ismaa’eel, may Allaah exalt his mention, grew up and from whom he married.

Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, came many times to Makkah to check upon their condition, and later Allaah commanded him to build the Ka’bah; Allaah says (what means): “And [mention] when Ibraaheem (Abraham) was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ismaa’eel (Ishmael), [saying]: 'Our Lord! Accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.'” [Quran 2:127]

Allaah also says (what means): “And [O Muhammad], when We designated for Ibraaheem (Abraham) the site of the House, [saying] “Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who perform Tawaaf (circumambulation of the Ka’bah) and those who stand [in prayer] and those who bow and prostrate.” [Quran 22:26]

Ibn Katheer, may Allaah have mercy upon him, said commenting upon this verse in his famous book of history entitled “The Beginning and the End” in Volume 1, page 135: “There is no authentic report from the infallible (i.e. Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam) informing us that the House (the Ka’bah) was built before Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, and whoever states that, relying upon this verse (for evidence of that), has no basis for such a claim because what is meant by the verse is that he was simply being informed of where the House was to be built.” In Volume 2 page 227 of the same book, he said: “The verses of the Qur’aan clearly indicate that Ibraaheem was the first person to build it.”

Abu Tharr, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated: “I asked the messenger of Allaah: `O messenger of Allaah! Which mosque was the first built on earth?` He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied: “The Sacred Mosque (in Makkah)” “I then asked: ` Which mosque was built next?` He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam said: “The Aqsaa mosque (in Jerusalem).” “Thereupon, I asked: `What was the period between the building of the two mosques?` He sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam replied: “Forty years.”" [Al-Bukhaari]

These reports clearly highlight the virtue of Prophet Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, and confirm that he was the one who built the two mosques, and that the period between the two was forty years.

Therefore, it becomes evident that the first thing to be established in Makkah was the Sacred Mosque (i.e. the Ka’bah), and that the first water to gush forth from it was Zamzam.

Thereafter, the offspring of Ismaa’eel, may Allaah exalt his mention, multiplied in the area of Hijaaz (the province in which Makkah lies) and its surroundings, and their families succeeded each other in caring for the Sacred House and maintaining it for a long period of time, until the tribe of Khuzaa’ah took over this responsibility. People remained upon the monotheism with which Prophet Ibraaheem, may Allaah exalt his mention, came until the time when, ‘Amr bin Lahy Al-Khuzaa’i introduced idol worshipping in the Ka’bah.

The number of idols then increased in the Ka’bah and this phenomena spread all around the Arabian Peninsula to the extent that the number of idols in the Ka’bah reached three hundred and sixty, as stated by Al-Kalbi in his book “The Idols”.

Due to numerous wars and tribal struggles, the well of Zamzam was buried and people could no longer find it. Qusay bin Kilaab, a great-grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, forcefully took over the custody of caring for the Sacred House and maintaining it from the tribe of Khuzaa’ah, as it had abused its authority. Qusay gathered the scattered families of the Quraysh tribe, relocated them in Makkah, and restored the sanctity of Makkah, which had been lost due to Khuzaa’ah's misuse of  authority and because some of the Quraysh tribe had been placed in the surrounding areas of Makkah in order to protect it.

This marked the beginning of an authority that glorified Makkah and which freely offered all types of services to its visitors, such as food, water and the cleaning and maintaining of the Ka’bah.

After ‘Abdul-Muttalib saw a dream in which he saw the exact spot of the buried well of Zamzam, he had the area dug up and restored the well. Thus, the well of Zamzam once again became the source of water to the pilgrims and visitors, as well as to the residents of Makkah.

After this, a grave event took place during the time of ‘Abdul-Muttalib when Abrahah the Ethiopian headed towards Makkah riding a huge elephant in order to demolish the Ka’bah. This is why that year came to be known as “The Year of the Elephant”, during which the Prophet sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam was born.

A city with such a magnificent history is worthy of having such an exalted status and should, therefore, be glorified and honoured. It deserves to occupy a special place in the hearts of its residents, as well as the Muslims in general.

The Prophetic Hijrah: A Turning Point in History

The Arabic noun Hijrah literally refers to the act of abandoning or relinquishing. Hence, the derived word Muhaajir, as mentioned in a Hadeeth, is a person who renounces what Allah The Almighty prohibited. This is not confined to a certain time or place; anyone who abides by the commands of Allah the Almighty and abandons sins, is considered a Muhaajir. 

However, the Hijrah of the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, has a different dimension to it; it refers to his emigration, seeking the satisfaction of Allah The Almighty, despite his attachment to his homeland and affinity to its natural and social environment. That longing for Makkah was also fervently expressed by the Muhaajiroon – those who emigrated with him, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam – particularly during the first melancholy days. 

That was so, because Hijrah required adapting to the new atmosphere of Madeenah, in terms of a differing climate, which caused some of the Muhaajiroon to suffer from fever; as well as economy, since it was agriculture-based here, whereas it was commerce-based back home in Makkah, where they had left behind property and wealth. 

However, Hijrah was a Divine obligation to be obeyed and all difficulties endured in its undertaking. When it began, processions of the Muhaajiroon successively set out to the new land – the abode of emigration. Women also took part in this blessed event, such as Umm Salamah Hind bint Abu Umayyah, may Allaah be pleased with her, who was exposed to great harm at the hands of the disbelievers in Makkah. In an effort to prevent her from Hijrah, they had pulled her newborn from her until his hand was dislocated; but she persisted and succeeded in emigrating, despite the danger and hardship. 

Another woman was Asmaa' bint Abu Bakr, may Allaah be pleased with her, who immortalized her name in history, earning the title, Thaat An-Nitaaqayn (the one with two waistbands), because she tore her waistband in half, in order to carry provisions for the two pursued emigrants, i.e., the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, and Abu Bakr, may Allaah be pleased with him. Later, the sporadic Hijrah of women continued until it became an obligation; Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {O you who have believed, when the believing women come to you as emigrants, examine them.} [Quran 60:10] 

The commandment was general for all believers, as Quranic verses were intermittently revealed, pointing out the merits for performing the Hijrah; this occurred since the beginning of emigration,well until the year 8 AH, when it was revoked after the conquest of Makkah. This was in accordance with the declaration of the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam: "There is no Hijrah after the conquest of Makkah; but, [there is] Jihaad and good intention [to perform good deeds]. So, when you are commanded to set forth [for Jihad], you must immediately." 

As for Madeenah being the destination of Hijrah, Allah The Almighty Himself had specified it, revealing it to the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, who said: "I have seen in my vision that I am migrating from Makkah to a land with palm-trees. At first, I thought it was Al-Yamaamah or Hajar, but it was Madeenah (Yathrib)." 

It would later become clear that this city, already burgeoning with faith, had required the mass arrival of Muslims, to safeguard it from the lurking enemies among Quraysh, the Jews and the Bedouins, against whom Jihaad was ordained. Thus, Allah The Almighty revealed motivational verses for emigrants, Saying (what means):

• {Indeed, those who have believed and those who have emigrated and fought in the cause of Allah - those expect the mercy of Allah.} [Quran 2:218] 

• {And those who emigrated for [the cause of] Allah after they had been wronged - We will surely settle them in this world in a good place.} [Quran 16:41] 

• {And whoever emigrates for the cause of Allah will find on the earth many [alternative] locations and abundance.} [Quran 4:100] 

True to His noble Promise, the Muhaajiroon attained great honor in this life, apart from reward from Him. By being the first people to establish a Muslim state, they gained the Pleasure of Allah The Almighty and closeness to Him, as He Says (what means): {And the first forerunners [in the faith] among the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar and those who followed them with good conduct - Allah is pleased with them.} [Quran 9:100] 

Thus, Allah The Almighty memorialized them in the Quran, which is, and will be, recited by Muslims as worship to Him until the end of time.

Hijrah: a norm of the Prophets, may Allah exalt their mention

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was not the first to emigrate for the cause of Allah The Almighty. Many prophets, may Allaah exalt their mention, underwent such a trial. Allah The Almighty informed us that Ibraaheem (Abraham) emigrated from his homeland to Egypt and other countries, preaching Tawheed (monotheism); Ya‘qoob (Jacob) and Yoosuf (Joseph), may Allaah exalt their mention, went from Palestine to Egypt; Loote, may Allaah exalt his mention, abandoned his valley because of its corruption and disregard of his message; and Moosa (Moses), may Allaah exalt his mention, emigrated with his people from Egypt to Sinai in order to escape with their religion from the tyranny of Fir‘awn (Pharaoh). 

Thus, Hijrah is a custom of the prophets, with the emigration of the Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, being the last and most significant in its impact.

Hijrah: A Turning Point in History

The Hijrah brought about the establishment of a Muslim state in Madeenah, that consolidated the society on the basis of solidarity, love, brotherhood, freedom, equality and guaranteeing of rights. 

The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, was the head of government, the commander in chief, the supreme judge and the foremost mentor. He, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, gradually implemented the Islamic Sharee’ah, as it was revealed to him, verse by verse. The Companions would study it and apply it to themselves, after learning its interpretation from the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam. 

Hence, they formed a God-conscious generation that was able to merge the worship of Allah The Almighty with inhabiting this worldly life. They worked under the motto: work for your life as if you will live forever and for your Hereafter as if you will die tomorrow. 

Within a decade, most of the Arabian Peninsula united under this banner of Islam that swathed large areas of land, extending from As-Sind in the east, to the Atlantic in the west, with most of the people embracing Islam and its Sharee‘ah. They formed a flourishing civilization that produced its fruit for many centuries in the fields of legislation, education, cosmography and physics.

Many Benefits of Seeking #Forgiveness

Do you want to have peace of mind, reassurance, and joy?

You should ask for the forgiveness of Allah The Almighty. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And [saying], "Seek Forgiveness of your Lord and repent to Him, [and] He Will Let you enjoy a good provision}[Quran 11: 3]

Do you want to have a strong body and be healthy; free of diseases and disabilities? You should ask for the forgiveness of Allah The Almighty. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {Ask Forgiveness of your Lord and then repent to Him. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in showers and Increase you in strength [added] to your strength.} [Quran 11: 52]

Do you want to drive disasters and accidents away and be safe from Fitnah (trials) and dilemma? You should ask for the forgiveness of Allah The Almighty. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {But Allah would not punish them while you, [O Muhammad], are among them, and Allaah would not punish them while they seek forgiveness.} [Quran 8: 33]

Do you want rain in continuing showers, righteous children, lawful money, and expanded sustenance? Then you should ask for the forgiveness of Allah The Almighty. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And said, 'Ask forgiveness of your Lord. Indeed, He Is ever a Perpetual Forgiver. He will send [rain from] the sky upon you in [continuing] showers. And give you increase in wealth and children and provide for you gardens and provide for you rivers.} [Quran 71: 10- 12]

Do you want your sins to be forgiven, your rewards to be increased, and your rank to be elevated? You should ask for the forgiveness of Allah The Almighty. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): {And say, 'Relieve us of our burdens.' We will [then] forgive your sins for you, and We will Increase the doers of good [in goodness and reward]."} [Quran 2: 58]

Asking for forgiveness is the successful remedy for getting rid of sins. This is why the Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, ordered us to ask for the forgiveness of Allah The Almighty frequently. The Prophet, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “O people! Ask for the forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him as I ask for the forgiveness of Allah and repent to Him one hundred times a day.”

Allah The Almighty is satisfied with the one who asks for His forgiveness as this person acknowledges his sin as if he says, “O Allah! I have made a mistake and I was negligent with Your rights as I wronged myself and the devil tempted me and my soul which is a persistent enjoiner of evil betrayed me. I relied on Your mercy, forgiveness, and forbearance. Now, I come to You while repenting and regretting, so forgive me, remove my sins and mistakes as I do not have any other Lord but You. O Allah! Even if my sins are grave Your Forgiveness is greater and more comprehensive." 

The crucial role of the #heart

#Prophet_Muhammad, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, informed us in a very famous narration, commonly quoted with reference to lawful and unlawful, about the important role of the heart. He, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: “Both lawful and unlawful matters are evident but in between them there are doubtful (suspicious) things and many people have no knowledge about them. So whoever saves himself from these suspicious matters (by staying away from them) saves his religion and his honor. And whoever indulges in these suspicious matters (will eventually) indulge in what is forbidden. This is like (the example of) a shepherd who grazes (his animals) near the Hima (private pasture) of someone else and at any moment he is liable to get in it. (O people!) Beware! Every king has a Hima and the Hima of Allaah on the earth is His illegal (forbidden) matters. Beware! There is a piece of flesh in the body, if it is reformed, the whole body becomes good, but if it gets spoilt the whole body gets spoilt; indeed it is the heart.” [Al-Bukhaari]

He, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said that after explaining that the lawful matters are clear and that the forbidden ones are clear and that between them are obscure areas, not known to many people. However, what protects a person from the forbidden matters and ensures that he remains in the lawful ones is knowledge; but beyond knowledge, it is the state of the heart. If the heart is good, then it makes use of the knowledge and it avoids what is prohibited. If the heart is corrupted, then the knowledge is of no benefit to it and it will indulge in what is prohibited.

The Prophet, sallallaahu 'alayhi wa sallam, during the last (and only) pilgrimage, informed his Companions, may Allaah be pleased with them, and it was an instruction to the entire Muslim nation to come, that people are not favored based on their race or color, but rather based on piety and on how much they are Allaah fearful. After that, he, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, clarified that the place of piety is in one’s heart.”

In these statements and other similar statements, we find stress being placed on the heart - that the heart is the part of the body, which Allaah has favored over all other parts. It is the place of faith, and had there been in the body another part that was nearer to Allaah, piety would have been placed there, because faith is the most valuable thing that a human possesses. It (faith) is the determination ultimately of those who have belief in Allaah - those who have accepted the message and who have chosen Paradise over Hell. It is the distinction of those who have belief and those who have disbelief.

The value of faith is greater than the value of all the things of this world. This is why Prophet Muhammad, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said that for Allaah to guide by your hands a single person to Islam is worth more than anything in this world. For you to help someone to find faith is worth more than any of the things in this world. [Al-Bukhaari]

The heart is the place in which the correctness of deeds is judged. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "Deeds are judged according to the intention." The place of the intention is not on the lips. It is in the heart.

'Umar Ibn Al-Khattaab, may Allaah be pleased with him, narrated that the Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, said: "The reward of deeds depends upon the intention and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended…” [Al-Bukhaari]

Our deeds - what we do externally - are judged ultimately by the states of our hearts. Good deeds are in reference to those that we perceive to be a part and parcel of righteousness. Allaah will inspect the hearts to determine whether they are truly acts of righteousness.

The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, informed us that the first three people who would be cast into the Hell Fire are those who were involved in what everybody considers great acts of righteousness. They are the scholar who taught knowledge; the wealthy person who gave from his wealth in charity and the martyr who gave his life fighting in the path of Allaah.

The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, in an authentic narration, said that some people from among these types of people would be among the first groups of people thrown into Hell because the scholar, when he taught the knowledge that Allaah gave him, did not do so for the sake of Allaah. He taught so that people would praise him, saying what a great scholar he was and how knowledgeable he was. Allaah will Say to him: "You received your praise, what you sought in that world. But there will be nothing for you in the Next." So he will be drawn off on his face and thrown into Hell.

Similarly, the benefactor, who was generous with his wealth. He gave and people praised his generosity, but Allaah will Say: "You did it for the praise and you were praised. You did it for people to appreciate you." So that individual will be drawn off on his face and thrown into Hell. [Muslim]

The martyr - the one whom we all assumed had died in the Path of Allaah. We would think that his place in Paradise is guaranteed. But Allaah will Say: "You fought so people would say, 'How brave this one is! How strong and courageous he was!'" People said it; they praised you, so he will be drawn off on his face and thrown into Hell.’

All is telling us that ultimately, even the highest of deeds can be of no avail if the hearts are sick; if the hearts are corrupt. So the place of the heart should, in our minds, occupy great attention. We have to spend much of our time observing, being aware of the state of our heart.

So there is no other faculty in the human body and existence that a believer should be more concerned about. We have to make sure that this faculty is functioning as Allaah wishes it to function. We should be greatly concerned about it. The Prophet, sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam, often used to supplicate, beginning with: "I seek refuge in You, O Allaah, from knowledge that does not benefit, and from a heart which does not fear." [At-Tirmithi, Abu Daawood, An-Nasaa’i and Ibn Maajah]

The Inherent Differences Between Man and Woman - I

The physical, moral and Sharee‘ah-related differences between man and woman are proven by Divine Decree, the Sharee‘ah, and sound ration.

That is, Allaah The Almighty has created man and woman as twin-halves of the human species: male and female, as confirmed by His Statement (which means): {And that He creates the two mates - the male and female.} [Quran 53:45] Both participate in maintaining the universe, each in his/her field. They share in maintaining it by worshipping Allaah The Almighty, in which there is no difference between men and women in the universalities of religion: Tawheed (Islamic monotheism), creed, articles of faith, submission to Allaah The Almighty, reward and punishment, encouragement and admonition in general, in addition to virtue and chastity. There is also no difference between them in the universality of religious law, as regards to all rights and duties; Allaah The Almighty Says (what means):

• {And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me.} [Quran 51:56]

• {Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer - We will surely cause him to live a good life.} [Quran 16:97]

• {And whoever does righteous deeds, whether male or female, while being a believer - those will enter Paradise and will not be wronged, [even as much as] the speck on a date seed.} [Quran 4:124]

But, Allaah The Almighty decreed that man is different from woman in physique, constitution and appearance. Man is more perfect in nature, disposition and physical power than woman, due to what she suffers of menses, pregnancy, the pains of childbirth, suckling, looking after the affairs of the baby, and raising the future generation of the Ummah (Muslim nation). That is why the woman was created from the rib of Aadam (Adam), may Allaah exalt his mention. She is a complementary part of him, and man is entrusted to take care of her affairs, guard and protect her, and maintain her as well as their offspring.

This difference in disposition led to differences between them in physical, mental, intellectual, emotional capabilities, and will-power, and that was reflected in the difference in work, performance, and competence. Additionally, modern day scientists have concluded that there are amazing signs of physiological disparity between the two sexes.

The types of difference between the sexes has accounted for a large set of corresponding Sharee‘ah-stipulated rulings. Allaah, The Exalted in Honor, the Wise, with His Perfect Wisdom, has enjoined difference, disparity and authority between man and woman in some Sharee‘ah-stipulated rulings in tasks and functions that befit each according to his/her physique, constitution, capabilities and performance, and the aptitude of each of them in his/her respective field of human life, in order for life to be integrated and for each party to undertake his/her task in it.

Allaah The Almighty assigned to men rulings that befit their physique, constitution, structure, competence, qualification for performance, patience, endurance and solemnity, and the bulk of their role is outside the home as they endeavor to provide for their household. He did the same with women, to whom He assigned rulings that befit their physique, constitution, structure, competence, qualification for performance and fragile endurance, and the bulk of their job is thus inside the home, looking after the affairs of their household and raising those in it who constitute the next generation of the Ummah.

Allaah The Almighty related from a woman her statement (which means): {“And the male is not like the female.”} [Quran 3:36] Exalted be He, to whom belongs the creation and command, ruling and legislation: {Unquestionably, His is the creation and the command; blessed is Allaah, Lord of the worlds.} [Quran 7:54]

This is the universal norm of Allaah The Almighty in His creation (meaning that whatever Allaah The Almighty wills and decrees for his slaves will inevitably occur), constitution and foundations, and His Legislative norm concerning commands, rulings and laws. Both norms meet to serve the benefits of people, the maintenance of the universe, and the organization of the life of the individual, the home, the community and human society.

The Inherent Differences Between Man and Woman - II

Here is a set of features with which men and women have been characterized:

From among the rulings assigned to men, a mention may be made of the following:

• Men are in charge of the household in general and of preserving, caring and safeguarding virtue, holding back vice and protecting those under their guardianship from evil. They are also in charge of the household in terms of earning a living and spending upon it. In confirmation of this, Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allaah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth. So righteous women are devoutly obedient, guarding in [the husband's] absence what Allaah would have them guard.} [Quran 4:34]

Consider the effect of that responsibility in the word "under" in the Grand Quran as stated by Allaah The Almighty in Soorat At-Tahreem: {Allaah presents an example of those who disbelieved: the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. They were under two of Our righteous servants.} [Quran 66:10]

"Under" in this context tells us that they had no authority over their husbands; rather, it was their husbands who had authority over them. The woman is, therefore, not to be regarded as equal to or above the man in this regard.

• Prophethood and the delivering of Allaah’s message are the domain of men and not women. In confirmation of this, Allaah The Almighty Says (what means): {And We sent not before you [as messengers] except men to whom We revealed from among the people of cities.} [Quran 12:109]

According to scholars of Tafseer (Quranic exegesis), Allaah The Almighty has never sent as a prophet a woman, an angel, a jinn, or a Bedouin.

• As for public guardianship and the jobs done under it like the judiciary, public administration, and so on, and all other forms of guardianship like that in marriage, are also the domain of men.

• Men are specifically assigned, to the exclusion of women, many acts of worship such as the obligatory duty of Jihaad, Jumu‘ah (Friday prayer in the mosque) prayer, congregational prayers (in the mosque), pronouncement of the Athaan and Iqaamah (calls to prayer), and so on. Divorce also is made in the hand of the man and not the woman, and the custody of the children are given to the man and not the woman.

• The man's share of inheritance, blood-money and his witness is twice that of the woman.

These and other rulings assigned exclusively to men explain the meaning of what is mentioned by Allaah The Almighty at the end of the Noble Verse of Divorce in which He Says (what means): {But the men have a degree over them [in responsibility and authority]. And Allaah is Exalted in Might and Wise.} [Quran 2:228]

On the other hand, there are many rulings that Allaah The Almighty assigned to women in acts of worship, social interaction, marriage and its ramifications, judgments, and so on. They are well-known in the Quran and Sunnah as well as in the writings of jurists. Many books, in the past as well as the present, have been dedicated to this purpose in particular.

Some of these pertain to her Hijaab and guarding her virtue.

That Allaah The Almighty has assigned to each sex a set of rulings has three implications:

First, to have faith in and acknowledge the physical, mental and Sharee‘ah-determined distinction between men and women. Each should be satisfied with what has been decreed by Allaah The Almighty for him/her. Perfect justice lies in these distinctions, and through observing them, order is achieved in the life of human society.

Second, it is impermissible for a male or a female Muslim to hope for what was assigned by Allaah The Almighty to the other. To do so would be to be displeased with the decree of Allaah The Almighty and dissatisfied with His command and ordinance. Rather, let each slave ask Allaah The Almighty out of His bounty for that is from Sharee‘ah-recommended politeness and which removes envy, disciplines the believing soul and habituates it to be pleased with what is decreed by Allaah The Almighty.

Allaah The Almighty forbade wishing for what is assigned to others in His statement (which means): {And do not wish for that by which Allaah has made some of you exceed others. For men is a share of what they have earned, and for women is a share of what they have earned. And ask Allaah of His bounty. Indeed Allaah is ever, of all things, Knowing.} [Quran 4:32]

The occasion on which this verse was revealed is what is narrated on the authority of Mujaahid, may Allaah have mercy upon him, that Umm Salamah, may Allaah be pleased with her, said, “O Messenger of Allaah, will men take part in Jihaad and we [women] not do so? Why should we have only half their inheritance?” On that Allaah The Almighty revealed (what means): {And do not wish for that by which Allaah has made some of you exceed others.} [Quran 4:32] [At-Tabari, Ahmad, Al-Haakim and others]

According to At-Tabari, may Allaah have mercy upon him, “Allaah The Almighty means here, 'Desire not that with which Allaah has favored some of you over others'. It is mentioned that it was revealed in connection with some women who wished to be in the same position of men and have what they have, but Allaah The Almighty forbade His slaves to have such false wishes and commanded them to ask Him for His Bounty, as such wishes always draw envy and transgression with no just cause.”

Third, if mere wishing is forbidden as stated by the Quran, then what about those who actually deny the Sharee‘ah-determined distinctions, call for their cancellation, and claim equality, to which they invite in the name of equality between man and woman?

Undoubtedly, this is an atheistic theory for it contradicts the universal norm of Allaah The Almighty that decreed these physical and moral distinctions between men and women and seeks to disregard Islam with its Sharee‘ah-related texts which determine, in many rulings, the differences between the male and the female.

The Inherent Differences Between Man and Woman - III

Should there be equality in all rulings, given the differences in physique and competence, it would be a reversal of Fitrah (natural disposition), and injustice against both the authoritative sex (men) and the other one (women) if not the entire life of human society, for in this case, it would result in deprivation of the fruits obtained from the capacity of being authoritative and, at the same time, the members of the other sex would be obliged to do what is beyond their capacity. Allaah The Almighty forbids that such injustice, even as much as the weight of a mustard seed, should happen in the Sharee‘ah of Allaah, who is the Wisest of judges. This is why these fine rulings ensure that the woman is provided for while she practices motherhood, maintains her house, and raises the future generations of the Ummah (Muslim nation).

May Allaah have mercy upon the prominent scholar, Mahmood Muhammad Shaakir, who commented on the previously-mentioned statement of At-Tabari, may Allaah have mercy upon him, saying,

This is merely a type of false wishing and longing which the people of this age are contentiously involved in and misunderstand, and the only way to be saved from it is to have a sincere intention, a correct understanding of the nature of humankind, as well as to separate baseless false wishes from necessity, and to release oneself from the bond of blind imitation of the prevailing nations and from the captivity of the corrupt society which has dragged the nations of today into great turmoil.

However, some of the people of our religion, may Allaah guide them and mend their affairs, have been led astray, while assuming the mode of reform, and have confused what might reform their corruption by means of endeavor, thought and wisdom, with what would corrupt them. People have become radically excessive, and the resentful advocates of falsehood among them who are in charge of the press today have increased. Thus, tongues have spoken confused words, minds have fallen into chaos, and many people have slipped along with those advocates, to the extent that we have come to see some seemingly learned people who are of those of religious knowledge, say about this issue words from which every religious person should disassociate himself.

There is a huge difference between the state in which the life of the Ummah, with its men and women, is correct and pure from evil, disfigurement and ignorance, and the state in which the Ummah eliminates all the barriers between men and women and thus reduces itself to no more than false wishes that bring about envy and transgression with no just cause. Let me repeat the words of Abu Ja‘far, may Allaah have mercy upon him, “O Allaah, guide us to the straight path at a time in which the tongue has betrayed the mind. Let those who oppose the command of Allaah, and reject His fate in them beware lest a calamity would befall them and obliterate their remaining traces on earth as it obliterated the traces of those who were before them.”

Thus, this principle confirms the physical, moral and Sharee‘ah-recognized distinctions between man and woman.

The forthcoming principles will be established on this first one, since they would discuss the distinctions between them concerning adornment and Hijaab.

Safety tips for #Muslim #women

As Muslims and their institutions become targets of harassment in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attack, Muslim women, especially those who dress Islamically, have become major targets.

Reports of Muslim women being yelled at, threatened, having their Hijabs pulled off and having guns pointed at them have surfaced. It is necessary that the whole community rallies to defend Muslim women. But sisters also have to take personal precautions when they go outside. Like it or not, they will be targets.

Here are some safety tips for sisters:

1. Always be aware of your surroundings

This applies whether you are traveling alone or in groups. Don’t just focus inwardly on your thoughts if you are alone, or your friends if you are together. Keep one eye out for your environment, looking out for suspicious characters, possible danger, etc.

Also, don’t assume that because your area has been "safe" thus far, that it will continue to be so.

2. Travel in groups

"There is safety in numbers" is not just a cliche. It’s true. Make a point of traveling together with other sisters, whether it’s on public transportation, on campus, in cars, etc.

3. Change the route you normally travel by

If you’ve taken the same bus, train or highway to get to work or school, change your route. Even if it takes you a little longer, your safety is more important. By changing your route, you can avert possible attacks or harassment from those who know your schedule, method and route of travel well. Please note though that you should avoid short cuts that take you through unfamiliar or unsafe areas.

4. Look confident

Walk with a straight posture and your arms swinging by your sides. Avoid slouching or walking like a victim. This makes you an easy target for attackers.

5. When riding by public transportation choose the right seat

If you are riding by bus or train, do not sit on the window seat as you may be "blocked in" by a potential assailant. Always select the seat next to the aisle so that you can quickly leave if necessary.

If you are taking public transportation alone after peak hours, sit as close to the driver as possible and/or choose the section of the bus/train that is most crowded. Try to get a seat near the exit as well.

6. If you are driving alone

Don’t think that if you are in a car, you’re safe. Windows should be up and doors locked even when driving to avoid unwanted passengers at intersections. When you are walking to your car, always have your keys ready, so that you can quickly get into your car.

But don’t just get in right away. Always check your car before entering, especially the back, for any intruders.

7. Never leave your car door unlocked

Even if it means for one minute to drop something off in the mailbox that’s a few feet away. Attackers have been known to lie in wait for such an opportunity.

8. Be careful in parking lots

Always be alert in parking lots, especially when it's dark. Ask someone to escort you to your car. Between cars and inside cars, it's easy for someone to hide and wait until an unalert person comes along.

9. If you are traveling by taxi

Always check the identification of the driver (usually located near the visor) and ensure that it matches the driver. Once inside, don't sit behind the driver as it may be easy for the driver to lock the rear passenger door. Always choose the adjacent seat .

In addition, avoid flagging taxis. Always order taxis so the driver can be traced if something happens.

10. Don’t use the walkman

If you’re used to listening to your walkman while outside, drop this habit, especially in isolated areas. With your walkman on, you cannot hear the approach of a possible attacker.

11. Note "safe houses" along your route

Mentally note houses at intervals on each route you take that can be used as "safe houses" if you are attacked, such as shops or houses that you know to be occupied by a friend or acquaintance.

12. When you make a call from a phone booth

After dialing the number you wish to call always turn around so that you have your back to the phone and may see who or what is coming your way. You will then be able to tell the person to whom you are speaking that you may be in trouble and you may be able to use the weight of the phone as a weapon. The door of a telephone box could be used to wedge in the limbs of the attacker.

13. Do not open the door of your home without checking

DO NOT open the door to your home without first checking from a window, peephole or by asking and verifying who it is. Instruct children to do the same.

14. Report any suspicious activity around your home

If you see people loitering on the streets near your house, call the police on a non emergency number and report it.

15. Invest in a cell phone

This is an invaluable safety device. Keep it with you at all times and keep emergency numbers on it. Also, keep it next to your bed before you go to bed at night. Cell phones were first popularized by women as a security device, business people came later.

16. Parking tips

Avoid parking in areas that are not well lit. Where possible, park close to a school or work entrance or in a parking garage that has an attendant.

If you see a suspicious person approaching or hanging around near your parked car, turn around and go back to an area where there are other people. Try to get an escort to your car through the campus or job security or local police.

17. Tell others about your whereabouts

Parents, spouses and friends should know where you are going and when you will be back, so that your absence will be noticed. Arrange a call in system with a friend if you live alone, whereby you call when you arrive home.

18. Trust your instincts

If you are walking somewhere and feel strange or scared, don’t ignore this feeling. Take extra precautions by walking a little faster to get to a more populated or well-lit area or change the route you’ve been driving on.

19. If you think you are being followed, change your route and activity.

You can cross the street, change directions, or enter a populated building or store. Do whatever is necessary to avoid being alone with the person who is following you. Inform a police officer or security official about the

follower.

20. Attract attention if you are in a dangerous situation.

Get others’ to pay attention to what's happening to you if you are under attack or being harassed. You can alert others by honking a car horn or loudly describing what is happening.

21. NEVER admit that you are alone

If someone calls your home and asks if you are alone, NEVER admit it. Ask who the caller is. If they refuse to identify themselves, calmly hangup. Keep the radio on in the house so that callers will get the impression that others are in the home too. Instruct children to do the same when they pick up the phone.

22. Obscene phone calls

If you receive an obscene call or a crank call, do not talk to the caller. Hang up if the caller doesn’t say anything, or as soon as s/he shouts obscenities. Hang up the phone calmly and do not slam it down. Note down the date and time of the calls. If they are persistent, inform local police.

23. If you are a student

Avoid studying in isolated classrooms in parts of the college campus that are not regularly patrolled by the school’s security officers.

24. In large buildings take the elevator, not the stairwell

Stairwells are usually quiet and dark. Most people take the elevator. But if someone creepy gets on, don’t hesitate to get off at the same time. Or, if someone is already on the elevator who you feel strange about, do not get on and wait for the next elevator. 

By Samana Siddiqui