The Farewell Sermon of Prophet Muhammad(pbuh)

Explanation:
Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) delivered his last sermon
(Khutbah) on the ninth of Dhul Hijjah (12 th and last month of the Islamic year), 10 years after Hijrah (migration from Makkah to Madinah) in the Uranah Valley of mount Arafat. His words were quite clear and concise and were directed to the entire humanity. After praising, and thanking Allah he said:

“O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds.

ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury (interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd’al Muttalib (Prophet’s uncle) shall henceforth be waived…

Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has
lost all hope that he will ever be able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women , but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say
your five daily prayers (Salah) , fast during the month of
Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a black has any superiority over white except by piety (taqwa) and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood . Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and
answer your deeds. So beware, do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW FAITH WILL BE BORN.

Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to
others and those to others again; and may the last ones
understand my words better than those who listen to me
directly. Be my witness, O ALLAH, that I have conveyed your message to your people”.
-----------------------------

References:
1. Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361
2. Sahih Muslim, Hadith 98.
3. Jamia al-Tirmidhi Hadith nos. 1628, 2046, 2085.
4. Imam Ahmed bin Hanbal, Masnad, Hadith no. 19774.

What Is Islam, Iman, Qadr, Ihsan & Qiyamah?

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Ask me (about matters pertaining to religion), but they (the Companions of the Holy Prophet) were too much overawed out of profound respect for him to ask him (anything). In the meanwhile a man came there, and sat near his knees and said: Messenger of Allah, what al-lslam is? -to which he (the Holy Prophet) replied: You must not associate anything with Allah, and establish prayer, pay the poor-rate (Zakat) and observe (the fasts) of Ramadan. He said: You (have) told the truth. He (again) said: Messenger of Allah, what al-Iman (the faith) is? He (the Holy Prophet) said: That you affirm your faith in Allah, His angels, His Books, His meeting, His Apostles, and that you believe in Resurrection and that you believe in Qadr (Divine Decree) in all its entirety, He (the inquirer) said: You (have) told the truth. He (again) said: Messenger of Allah, what al-Ihsan is? Upon this he (the Holy Prophet) said: (Al-Ihsan implies) that you fear Allah as if you are seeing Him, and though you see Him not, verily He is seeing you. He (the inquirer) said: You (have) told the truth. He (the inquirer) said: When there would be the hour/ (of Doom)/Qiyamah ? (Upon this) he (the Holy Prophet said: The one who is being asked about it is no better informed than the inquirer himself. I, however, narrate some of its signs (and these are): when you see a slave (woman) giving birth to her master -that is one of the signs of (Doom) ; when you see barefooted, naked, deaf and dumb (ignorant and foolish persons) as the rulers of the earth -that is one of the signs of the Doom. And when you see the shepherds of black camels exult in buildings -that is one of the signs of Doom. The (Doom) is one of the five things (wrapped) in the unseen. No one knows them except Allah. Then (the Holy Prophet) recited (the following verse):" Verily Allah! with Him alone is the knowledge of the hour and He it is Who sends down the rain and knows that which is in the wombs and no person knows whatsoever he shall earn on morrow and a person knows not in whatsoever land he shall die. Verily Allah is Knowing, Aware. He (the narrator, Abu Huraira) said: Then the person stood up an (made his way). The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) said: Bring him back to me. He was searched for, but they (the Companions of the Holy Prophet) could not find him. The Messenger of Allah (may peace be upon him) thereupon said: He was Gabriel and he wanted to teach you (things pertaining to religion) when you did not ask (them yourselves).

Source: Sahih Muslim
Volume: The Book of Faith (Kitab Al-Iman)
Chapter 2, Hadith no. 6.

ATTRIBUTES OF OUR BELOVED PROPHET MUHAMMAD (Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam) FROM THE HOLY QUR’AN

 #I, HIS EXALTED STATUS

1. He is Nur (Sacred Light) (5:15)
2. Allah blesses him (33:56)
3. Mercy for all the worlds (21:107)
4. His name is Muhammad (Meaning the Most Praised One) (47:2)
5. Allah has exalted his Zikr (remembrance) (94:1-4)
6. His exaltation on the Night of Mi’raj: his heavenly ascent (53:8-9)
7. His Station of Praise (Al-Maqam al-Mahmud) (17:79)

#II, THE BELOVED OF ALLAH 

1. If you want to gain the love of Allah, follow him (3:31)
2. Allah addresses him with love and affection (20:1) (36:1) (73:1) (74:1)
3. Allah says: Realize that My Prophetic Messenger himself is with you (49:7)
4. Allah describes him with His Own Attributes of Rauf (Most Kind) and Raheem (Merciful) (9:128)
5. Allah Himself praises him (33:45-47)
6. Possessor of Allah’s Grace (4:113)
7. He is a special favour of Allah (Sub’hanahu wa Ta’ala) (3:164)
8. Allah does not punish people if he is in their midst (8:33)
9. Allegiance to him is allegiance to Allah (48:10)

#III, HE RECEIVED THE HOLY QUR'AN

1. Allah gave him Surah al-Fatiha and the whole Qur’an (15:87)
2. Totally inspired (53:3-4)
3. Allah revealed the Noble Qur’an on his blessed heart (26:192-197)
4. The first revelation he received (96:1)
5. Teaches the Holy Qur’an and Hadith Sharif (Wisdom) and purifies people (62:2)

#IV, AMONG THE PROPHETS ('Alayhimussalam)

1. He is the Final Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) (33:40)
2. Mentioned first among the greatest Prophets (‘Alayhimussalam) (33:7) (4:163)
3. A Prophet whom Allah appointed with proven prophecies (30:1-6) (48:1) (48:27) (61:13)
4. Given the knowledge of the unseen (3:179)
5. Nabi Ibrahim (‘Alayhissalam) prayed for his coming (2:129)
6. Foretold by Nabi ‘Isa (Jesus) (‘Alayhissalam) (61:6)
7. Allah asks all the Prophets to believe in him (3:81)
8. Confirms the previous (Prophetic) Messengers of Allah (37:37)

#V, SERVES ONLY ALLAH (THE GLORIFIED AND THE EXALTED)

1. Worships only Allah (Sub’hanahu wa Ta’ala) (72:19-20)
2. Puts total trust in Allah (Sub’hanahu wa Ta’ala) (9:129)
3. Selflessly labours for Allah, asks for no reward (25:57) (42:23)
4. Rewarded by Allah (68:3) (108:1)

#VI, HIS EXEMPLARY CHARACTER

1. Most examplary character (33:21) (68:4)
2. Sadiq (Truthful) (33:22)
3. Final judge and arbiter (4:65) (24:51)
4. Honoured, Noble (69: 40)
5. Forgiving (7:199)
6. He is Burhan (Clear Proof) (4:174)
7. Brave: Commands Muslims in battle (3:121)

#VII, PREACHES ISLAM

1. Established the correct Message of Islam (6:161-163) (39:11-12)
2. Preacher to all humanity (4:170) (25:1) (34:28)
3. He is Bashir and Nadhir (Bearer of glad tidings and a warner) (5:19)
4. Invites people to Islam (12:108)
5. Even the jinn respond to his call (46:29-31)
6. He brought the truth (17:81) (39:33)
7. He brought a new law (Shari’a) (7:157)
8. A perfect guide to be followed (7:158)
9. He calls you to that which gives you life (8:24)
10. Brings people from the darkness (of Ignorance) to the Light (of Islam) (65:11)
11. His religion prevails over all religion (48:28)

#VIII, HIS BLESSED FAMILY AND COMPANIONS (Rady Allahu 'Anhum)

1. His Family purified by Allah (Sub’hanahu wa Ta’ala) (33:33)
2. His Companions praised by Allah (Sub’hanahu wa Ta’ala) (48:29)
3. His Companions: The Muhajirin and the Ansar (8:74) (9:100) (59:8-9)
4. His Companions pledge allegiance to him (48:18)

#IX, BELIEVE, HONOUR, LOVE, RESPECT AND OBEY HIM

1. Believe, honour and respect him (48:9) (61:11)
2. Love Allah and His Beloved Prophet more than anything else (9:24)
3. He is closer to the believers than their own selves (33:6)
4. Respect him (49:1-3)
5. Obey Allah (Ta’ala) and His Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam)
(3:132) (4:13) (4:59) (4:69) (4:80) (9:71) (24:52) (24:54) (24:56) (33:71) (49:14) (64:12)
6. Follow the Commands of Allah (Sub’hanahu wa Ta’ala)
and of His Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa Sallam) (33:36)
7. Whatever he gives you, take it (59:7)
8. The reward of believing in him (57:28)

#X, WAGED JIHAD AMIDST PERSECUTION

1. Non-believers plot to kill him (8:30)
2. His persecution (22:39-40)
3. Commanded to fight alone for Allah (Sub’hanahu wa Ta’ala) (4:84)
4. He led Muslims in prayer while in battle (4:102)
5. Allah asks him to seek peace (8:61)
6. Allah helped him in Jihad (33:9)
7. Allah made him victorious (110:1)

#XI, HIS MIRACLES

1. Living miracle: The Holy Qur’an (2:23) (17:88) (52:34)
2. Human miracle: he was the wasila (means) through whom people’s hearts were transformed (5:83)
3. Heavenly miracle: Isra’ and Mi’raj (his heavenly ascent) (17:1) (53:8-18)
4. Historic miracle: Hijra; escaped while surrounded (9:40)
5. The miracle of the Battle of Badr: Victory against all odds (3:123-125)
6. The splitting of the moon (54:1-2)

#XII, INTERCESSOR (SHAFI')

1. Allah appointed him as an intercessor to plead for people’s forgiveness (3:159) (4:64) (60:12)
2. An accepted intercessor (19:87) (20:109)
3. His supplication a relief for hearts (9:103)

Note: All the references are from the holy Qur'an. Kindly share it to get reward on the day of resurrection, in'sha'Allah.

-courtesy: Siddiq Osman Noormuhammad

Why To Say In’sha’Allah For Every Righteous Deed?

During the time of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), non-Muslims of Quraish were so upset to see how Islam was spreading so fast. They wanted a block to it. So the Elite of Quraish sat together and were devising the means to prove that Muhammad (pbuh) is a liar & not the messenger of God.  They formulated a plan and sent two guys, Uqba bin Abi Mu’it and Nazr bin-Haaris to eminent Jewish scholars/rabbis. They told them that there is a man claiming prophet-hood. He is saying no God but Allah. We need to put this guy in a corner so that he can never argue back. Tell us some questions which we can ask Muhammad (pbuh) to prove him liar. Jewish scholars told them to ask just three questions to him to prove his prophet-hood. 

[Why would Jewish scholars know such powerful information only what prophets know? 

It is because Allah says in Qur'an in Surah Baqara verse 146, ''Those whom We gave the book know it like they know their own children, yet a group of them hide the truth knowingly'']

The three questions were:

1. What is up with the youth? The youth that came in the past! There is something very amazing about them!
2. Who was the person who reached the East to West of the Earth? What he has done & what was his story?
3. What is Ruh (Soul or Spirit)?

If he(Muhammad) tells you correctly about these things, then he is the prophet, so follow him, but if he does not tell you, then he is a man who is making things up, so deal with him as you see fit.

They all gathered up and were very happy to find that they have good questions to prove that Muhammad (pbuh) is not the prophet. They asked Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to come forward and told him that they have three questions for him. The prophet didn’t answer the question instantly. Instead he said ''Tomorrow, I will answer'' and he didn’t say In’sha’Allah (If Allah Wills). Indeed it was one of the signs of prophet not to reply in haste without any revelation from God. Next day Prophet couldn’t answer the questions. Jibreel/Gabriel doesn’t descend with the revelation. How embarrassing is that? The same thing happened for 2^nd day, 3^rd day, 4^th day up to the 15^th day. On the 15^th day, Jibreel/Gabriel came and passed Muhammad (pbuh) with the answers and stories in support. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) answered all the questions correctly, more people joined Islam and the Eeman of Sahaba/companions really went very high.

The answer to the first question was the story of ''Ashabi Kahf'' or ''The people of the cave''. Allah tells the story in Surah Al kahf,Chapter 18; Verse no, 9-26.

The beauty of Surah Al Kalf is that in the first few verses as if Allah summarizes or gives the overview of the whole story. Allah then goes in the detail of the story and answers what the Jewish scholars wanted, step by step. Then He tells the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) next time say In’sha’Allah. 

 

This is the Hikmat/wisdom of Allah (swt). The bottom-line is that every Muslim should say ‘In Sha Allah’ for every righteous deed so as to get blessings and rewards of Allah without any delay. 

One important point to note here is that one should not say In’sha’Allah for Dua/Supplications because we are literally beseeching Allah(swt) without anyone in-between. So one should say Dua before Allah(swt) with firmness in faith without saying In’sha’Allah. Truly Muslims believe that one can’t achieve anything unless and until Allah (swt) wishes it so. It is one of the best practice to say In’sha’Allah before promising anyone (person), making intention for any kind of work etc

Wallahu A'lam 

#Bro. Majed Mahmoud helped me a great deal writing this article. May Allah bless and reward us high...Aaameen
+Leyakat Ali

True Love Story of Zainab bint Muhammad & Abu al-'As ibn Rabi

Zainab (r.a) was the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Abu al-'As ibn Rabi' was loved by the Prophet (pbuh) very much.
One day he went to the Prophet (pbuh) before he had received his mission of Prophethood and said:
"I want to marry your eldest daughter". So the Prophet (pbuh) replied: "I must ask her first". He went to Zainab (r.a) and asked her: "Your cousin came to me and he wishes to marry you, do you accept him as your husband?" Her face turned red with bashfulness and she smiled. So Zainab(r.a) married him, the beginning of a great love story.
They had two children; Ali and Omama. Then Muhammad ibn Abdullahi became a Prophet (pbuh) while Abu al-'As ibn Rabi' was away from Makkah. When he returned he saw Zainab(r.a) had become a Muslim. When he first came back, his wife said "I have great news for you". He stood up and left her. Zainab(r.a) was surprised and followed him as she said, "My father became a Prophet (pbuh) and I have become a Muslim".
He replied, "Why didn't you tell me first?" Hence a big problem began between the two; a problem of religion and belief. She told him, "I wasn't going to disbelieve in my father and his message, he is not a liar, and he is "The Honest and Trustworthy". I'm not the only believer; my mother and my sisters became Muslims, my cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib became a Muslim, your cousin Uthman ibn Affan became a Muslim, and your friend, Abu Bakr, became a Muslim". He replied, "Well, as for me, I don't want people to say, 'he let down his people and his forefathers to please his wife'. And I am not accusing your father of anything". Then he said, "So will you excuse me and understand?" She replied, "Who will excuse and understand you if I don't? I will stay beside you and help you until you reach the truth." And she kept her word for 20 years.
He remained an unbeliever, and then came the migration. Zainab(r.a) went to her father and asked him for the permission to stay with her husband. The Prophet (SAW) replied, "Stay with your husband and children". So Zainab(r.a) stayed in Makkah, until the battle of Badr occurred. Her husband was to fight in the army of Quraish against the Muslims. For Zainab(r.a), it meant that her husband will be fighting her father, a time Zainab(r.a) had always feared. She kept crying out: "O Allah, I fear one day the sun may rise and my children become orphans or I lose my father".
So the battle started, and ended in victory for the Muslims. Abu al-'As ibn Rabi' was captured by the Muslims, and news of this reached Makkah. Zainab(r.a) asked, "What did my father do?" They told her, "The Muslims won". So she prayed to Allah, thanking Him. Then she asked: "What did my husband do?" They said: "He was captured". She said, "I'll send a payment to release him". She didn't own anything of much value, so she took off her mother's necklace, and sent it with her huusbands brother to the Prophet (pbuh).
While the Prophet (pbuh) was sitting, taking payments and releasing captives, he saw Khadeeja's necklace. He held it up and asked: "Whose payment is this?" They said: "Abu Al'As ibn Rabi". He cried and said "This is Khadeeja's necklace". As soon as the Messenger of Allah saw that necklace, he had a feeling of extreme compassion and his heart palpitated for the great memory. The Companions who were present there gazed in amazement having being captivated by the magnificence of the situation.
After a long silence, the Messenger of Allah stood up and said "People, this man is my in-law, should I release him? And do you accept the return of this necklace to my daughter?" They answered in unison "Yes, Messenger of Allah". The Prophet (pbuh) gave the necklace to Abu Al'As and said to him: "Tell Zainab(r.a) not to give away Khadeeja's necklace".
Then he (SAW) said, "Abu Al'As, Can we speak privately?" He took him aside and said, "Allah has ordered me to separate between a Muslim and a disbeliever, so could you return my daughter to me?" Abu El'Ass reluctantly agreed.
Zainab(r.a) stood on the gates of Makkah waiting for the arrival of Abu Al'As. When he finally came he said, "I am going away". She asked, "Where to?" He replied, "It is not me who is going, it is you. You are going to your father. We must separate because you are a Muslim". She implored him, "Will you become a Muslim and come with me?" But he refused. So Zainab(r.a) took her son and daughter and traveled to Madinah, and for 6 years she refused to remarry, hoping that one day Abu Al'As would come.
After 6 years, he was traveling in a caravan from Makkah to Syria. During the journey, he was intercepted by some of the Prophet's companions. He escaped and asked for Zainab(r.a)'s home. He knocked on her door shortly before the dawn prayer. She opened the door and asked him "Did you become a Muslim?" He whispered "No, I come as a fugitive". She implored him once more "Can you become a Muslim?" Again his answer was a negative.
"Do not worry." She said, Welcome the father of my children.
After the Prophet (pbuh) prayed the dawn prayer in congregation with the people, they heard a voice from the back of the Masjid, "I have freed Abu Al'As ibn Rabi". Zainab(r.a) had granted his freedom.
The Prophet (pbuh) asked, "Have you heard what I heard?" They all said, "Yes, Messenger of Allah". Zainab(r.a) said, "He is the father of my children and I have freed him".
The Prophet(pbuh) stood up and said, "O people, I declare that this man was a very good son-in-law, he never broke his promise, and neither did he tell lies. So if you accept, I will return his money back and let him go. If you refuse it's your decision and I will not blame you for it." The companions agreed, "We will give him his money".
So the Prophet (pbuh) said to Zainab(r.a), "We have freed the one you have freed, O Zainab(r.a)." Then he went to her and told her, ...don't let him get near you {no intercourse}, he is prohibited for you." She replied, "Sure, father, I'll do as you say". She went in and told her husband, "O Abu Al'As, didn't you miss us at all? Won't you become a Muslim and stay with us?" But he refused. Abu Al'As then took the money and returned to Makkah.
Once he returned he stood up and announced, "O people, here is your money. Is there anything left?"
They replied, "No, Abu Al'As, there is nothing left, thanks a lot." So Abu Al'As said, "I testify that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger."
Then he went back to Madinah and ran to the Prophet as he said, "Dear Prophet, you freed me yesterday, and today I say,
أشهدُ أنَّ لا إله إلا الله وأشهدُ أنَّ محمداً عبدهُ ورسوله
(I testify there is no god but Allah and you are His Messenger)
He asked the Prophet (pbuh), "Will you give me the permission to go back to Zainab(r.a)?" The Prophet (pbuh) smiled and said, "Come with me"; he took him to Zainab(r.a)'s house and knocked on her door. The Prophet (pbuh) said, "O Zainab(r.a), your husband came to me and asked if he can return to you". Just like 20 years before, her face turned red with bashfulness and she smiled.
The sad thing was, a year after this incident, Zainab(r.a) died. Abu Al'As shed hot tears because of her death and drove those who were around him to tears.
The Messenger of Allah came with eyes full of tears and a heart full of sorrow.Zainab(r.a)'s death reminded him of the death of his wife, Khadeejah. He told the women, who gathered around Zainab(r.a)'s corpse, "Wash her three times and use camphor in the third wash." He performed funeral prayers on her and followed her final resting place. Abu El'Ass returned to his children, Ali and Omama. Kissing them and wetting them with his tears, he remembered the face of his departed darling. May Allah be pleased with Zainab(r.a), the Prophet's daughter! May He reward her with Paradise for her patience, endurance and struggle!
Abu El'Ass would cry so profusely that the people saw the Prophet (pbuh) himself weeping and calming him down. Abu Al'As would say, "By Allah, I can't stand life anymore without Zainab(r.a)". He died one year after Zainab(r.a)'s death...!!!