Surah Al-Fatiha

Surah Al-Fatiha

Asalam-O-Aleykum People of the World “Duniya”,

This is a Tafseer (a transalation) of one of the MOST POWERFUL Surahs in the Glorious Qur'an. We the Muslims recite this (should recite this) every single day. Yet how many of us actually know what we are saying to Our Lord? InshAllah expand your knowledge of the Beautiful Islam to get nearer to Your Creator and the returns from HIM s.w.t. are unmeasurable.


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بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

(1. In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.)


الْحَمْدُ للَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَـلَمِينَ

(2. All praise and thanks be to Allah, the Lord of existence.)


Allah says, `My servant has praised Me.' When the servant says,

الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ

(3. The Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.)


Allah says, `My servant has glorified Me.' When he says,

مَـلِكِ يَوْمِ الدِّينِ

(4. The Owner of the Day of Recompense.)


Allah says, `My servant has glorified Me,' or `My servant has related all matters to Me.' When he says,

إِيَّاكَ نَعْبُدُ وَإِيَّاكَ نَسْتَعِينُ

(5. You (alone) we worship, and You (alone) we ask for help.)


Allah says, `This is between Me and My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he sought.' When he says,

اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ - صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلاَ الضَّآلِّينَ

(6. Guide us to the straight path.) (7. The way of those on whom You have granted Your grace, not (the way) of those who earned Your anger, nor of those who went astray),


Allah swt says, `This is for My servant, and My servant shall acquire what he asked for.').''

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(Biography) of Prophet Muhammed

Birth Of Rasul'Allah (s.a.w.)

The prophesies and divine events that were taking place in Arabia were sure signs of the coming of our Prophet Rasulullah The Christian priest according to their Gospel (Injeel) and the Jewish Rabbis according to their book (Tauraat) declared that 'The last of all Nabees' will be born in Arabia. Hazrat Ebrahim (A.S) had also asked Allah to raise a prophet among the Arabs.

Hazrat Abdul Muttalib and his son Hazrat Haarith (R.A) began a desperate search for the well of 'Zam Zam'. There are two little hills, 'Safa and Marwah', now absorbed in the city of Makkah, and close to the well of 'Zam Zam'. Here Hazrat Hajira (R.A), mother of the infant Hazrat Isma'eel(A.S.) prayed for water in the parched desert, and in her eager quest between these hills, she found her prayer answered and she saw the 'Zam Zam' spring. She built walls round it to make it a well. In due course this well was covered up with silt and now, it was Hazrat Abdul Muttalib's intention to uncover it.

Hazrat Abdul Muttalib, the care-taker of the Ka'bah had to also contend with the attack by Abrah-bin-Saba, the governor of Yemen who intended to destroy the Ka'bah. Abrah had an army of 'The Elephants'. But Allah sent flights of birds which rained down stones on this army and destroyed the attackers and Abrah failed in his intention. The Quraan makes mention of this fact in Sura 'Feel' (The Elephants). This was the year that Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was born and it was called the 'Year of the Elephants'.

After this event, when Hazrat Abdul Muttalib visited Zaid-bin-Zeeyazun, the then ruler of Yemen, he was told by his ruler that the prophet for whom the world was waiting will be born in the family of Hazrat Abdul Muttalib.

Just before the birth of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) , Hazrat Abdullah the father of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was sent by Hazrat Abdul Muttalib on a trade mission to Syria (Shaam). On his return journey, Hazrat Abdullah fell ill and passed away at Madinah.

Thus Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was born on Monday 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal (22 April 571 A.D.) in the family of Banu Hashim. His mother Hazrat Bibi Aamina (R.A). was from Banu Zuhra family. The genealogy of this tribe shows that it is directly linked with Hazrat Isma'eel (A.S.)

When Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was born, many divine events took place. A bright star was seen by a Jew in Madinah. A sacred fire burning continuously for a thousand years in Persia (Iran) was extinguished. A bright light arose in Makkah and this was seen as far as Syria. An angel had appeared in the dream of Hazrat Bibi Aaminah(R.A.) and told her that the boy that was to be born to her should be named 'Muhammed' (The Praise One).

With great joy Hazrat Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) took the infant Prophet (s.a.w.) to the Ka'bah and thanked Allah for giving him this Divine grandson.

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Childhood

As a boy, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was cared for and suckled for seven days by Thuwaybah, the freed slave of Abu-Lahab-ibn-Abdul Muttalib, incidentally, Hazrat Hamza (R.A.) was also suckled by Thuwaybah. and because of this good fortune, Hazrart Hamza (R.A.) became Rasulullah (s.a.w.)'s foster brother. Hazrat Abdul Muttalib was so overjoyed with the birth of his grandson that after seven days he offered an 'Aqeeqah', and invited all the people of Quraish for a feast. This tradition of the 'Aqeeqah' was common among the Arabs since they believed that by this sacrifice, all the evil and other omens will keep away from the person in the name of whom the 'Aqeeqah' is offered.

On the eighth day after his birth , Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was given in the care of Hazrat Bibi Haleemah (R.A) a lady of the Banu S'aad tribe. It was the practice of the Arabs to send their children away to the country-side so that they would grow up strong and healthy and learn the refined language of the Bedouin tribe which was considered superior to that of the city language. Hazrat Bibi Haleemah (R.A) found that since Rasulullah (s.a.w.) had joined her family, there was 'barkat' (blessing) and a great deal of prosperity in her home. Thus Rasulullah (s.a.w.) grew up with the children of Hazrat Bibi Haleemah (R.A), and he often went out with them to tend the sheep and goats.

After every six months, Hazrat Bibi Haleemah (R.A.) brought Rasulullah (s.a.w.) back to Makkah to his mother Hazrat Bibi Aaminah (R.A.) and to his grandfather Abdul Muttalib.

It was while Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was in the care of Hazrat Bibi Haleemah (R.A.) that her children reported to her one day that two persons, dressed in white, had taken Rasulullah (s.a.w.) away. When Hazrat Bibi Halemah (R.A.) found him, he was pale and weak. He explained that the two persons had split open his chest and taken out something from his heart. On inspecting his body, Hazrat Bibi Haleemah (R.A.) found no signs of injury. This incident so upset her that she brought Rasulullah (s.a.w.) back to Makkah to Bibi Aaminah (R.A.).

According to 'Saheeh Muslim.' Hazrat Anas-bin -Maalik (R.A.) reports that one day while Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was playing with some boys, Hazrat Jibra'eel (A.S) appeared before Rasulullah (s.a.w.) and split open his chest and removed a black spot from his heart and thereafter placed faith and wisdom in it. He then washed the heart in the water of 'Zam Zam' and replaced it in Rasulullah (s.a.w.) 's Chest.

When Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was six years old, Hazrat Bibi Aaminah (R.A.) took him to her people in Madinah. On the return journey to Makkah, she was taken ill and passed away at Abwa and Muhammed (s.a.w.) was brought back by a slave girl Umm-e-Aiyman. Hazrat Abdul Muttalib then took care of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) for two years. When Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was eight years old, Hazrat Abdul Muttalib also passed away. Then his uncle Abu Talib looked after him. At a young age Rasulullah (s.a.w.) used to go into the desert to watch the flocks of his uncle. As a young boy he was truthful, well mannered and honest. He never wasted his time playing games. He always helped other people.

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Youth

As a youth, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) kept himself aloof from all pleasures and entertainment which the youth of his age would enjoy and laugh at. The greatness of his character had no equal in Makkah. He was very shy.

His noble character was respected by all in Makkah and he had no enemies of all. Once, a war (Harb-ul-Fujjar) broke out between the tribes of Quraish and Banu Qays. Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was with his uncle Abu Taalib who was the chief of the Banu Hashim tribe, i.e. of the Quraish. Rasulullah (s.a.w.) 's duty was to pick up the arrows shot by the enemies and give it to the Quraish fighters, but he himself was not directly involved in the fighting.

Rasulullah (s.a.w.) took great interest in trade at a very early age and he was encouraged by Abu Taalib who took him along on trading missions to the surrounding countries. At first, he went with his uncle on business trips at the age of twelve but later he started trading on his own. The people of Makkah respected him. He believed in one Allah. He was loving and kind. He always kept his promise. He lived a simple life and hated pride.

Rasulullah (s.a.w.) refrained from any sinful acts. He developed a sense of helpfulness and sympathy. He helped to revive an institution which was called Half-ul-Fudul (Pledge of Virtues), where members pledged them self to: (1) to keep peace among various tribes (2) to protect travellers from attacks on their journeys (3) to help the poor and needy (4) to protect the weak from their oppressors. Killing, stealing and harassing visitors was discouraged while love and brotherhood was encouraged.

Once, Abdul-ibn-Abi-Al Hamsar had business transaction with Rasulullah (s.a.w.) and they met in the street. The trader asked Rasulullah (s.a.w.) to wait there for him and he would return shortly to continue the business. Rasulullah (s.a.w.) waited there for three days for the man to return, but when the man did so, he realised that Rasulullah (s.a.w.) kept his promise and had waited patiently for him.

Not only in Makkah, but throughout Arabia, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) 's name became a house-hold word. His piety, good manners, honesty and trustworthiness made him so famous that he was given the titles of 'As-Saadiq' (The Truthful) and 'Al-Ameen' (The Trustworthy). His honesty led the people of Makkah to leave their goods and valuables in trust with him.

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Building of The Ka'bah

Since the time of Hazrat Ibraheem (A.S.), Makkah was known as the 'City of Peace'. The Ka'bah, known as Baitullah (House of Allah) was built by Hazrat Ibra'heem (A.S.) and his elder son Hazrat Isma'eel (A.S.) They established the rites and usage of the sacred city and the Ka'bah.

The Ka'bah was the center of Arabia where the various tribes, chiefs, individuals and others met for trade, socialising, circumambulation (Tawaaf), religion and other business. It was a neutral meeting place for the warring tribes where they laid down their arms annually for the 'pilgrimage'. It was the duty of everyone to maintain the Ka'bah and care for the black stone (Hajre-Aswad) Which was in the Ka'bah.

During the islamic era, it was stated in a Hadith that Hazrat Ibn-Abbas reported that Rasulullah (s.a.w.) had said : 'The Hajre Aswad had descended from Jannah (Paradise), having being whiter than milk. The sins of man caused it to be become black'.

Once the Ka'bah caught alight and it was very badly damaged. The Quraish decided to rebuild it. Waleed-bin-Mugheera started the project. The people of Makkah bought a wrecked ship on the shores of Jeddah, and, using camels, carted its timber to Makkah to use for the roof of the Ka'bah.

Then came the touchy issue of re-placing the Black stone (Hajre-Aswad) in its original place. Each leader of his tribe wanted the honour to do this sacred task. Daggers were drawn and chaos would have been widespread but, a wise old man Abu Ummayyah-bin-Mugheera made a suggestion that the first person seen entering the Ka'bah should be asked to decide the issue. Incidentally, the first person to enter the Ka'bah in the morning was Rasulullah (s.a.w.). A pleased shout of 'Al Ameen!' filled the Ka'bah as the people of Makkah had full confidence in his piety, justice and arbitration. Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was not at all nervous at this task of settling a serious dispute of a warring nation. He ordered a sheet and spread it on the floor and put the Black Stone (Hajre Aswad) on it. He then asked each leader of the various tribes to hold the edges of the sheet and pick it up. When the sheet was level to the height where the Hajre Aswad was to be placed, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) picked up the Black Stone with his own hands and placed it in its corner.

The diplomatic manner in which this dangerous situation was handled by Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was acclaimed by all in Makkah. A major disaster was averted and it was an accepted fact that had there been no solution found, the war which would have been sparked off would have been one of the bloodiest and disastrous of all the wars that had been fought during the barbaric and illiterate age. At the time of this incident, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was twenty three years old.

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Manhood

The virtues of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) became so clear that his integrity, loyalty and truthfulness gained great favour with the people of Makkah. He was noted for his honesty. The people of Makkah respected him and called him AL-AMEEN (the trustworthy). The people left their goods with him for safe keeping. But Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was disgusted with the people doing wrong around him and he often went to a cave called Hira. He spent his time there in the remembrance of Allah.

Hazrat Khadeejah-binte-Khuwaylid (R.A.) was a very rich business widow of Makkah and her trade extended to the realms of Syria (Shaam), Iraq and Yemen. She was so overwhelmed with Rasulullah (s.a.w.)'s sublime character that she sent her nephew Qatima to him to find out if Rasulullah (s.a.w.)would accept a post as her trade agent. Rasulullah (s.a.w.) consulted his uncle Abu Taalib and accepted Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.)'s proposition. She arranged a reasonable salary and Rasulullah (s.a.w.) set out on his second journey to Syria (Shaam), accompanied by Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.)'s slave Maysarah and one of her relatives, Khazima-ibn-Hakeem.

When Rasulullah (s.a.w.) 's caravan camped at a site in Syria, Nasturaa, a monk, showed more than ordinary interest in Rasulullah (s.a.w.) and declared that according to their scriptures, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was the expected 'Last of all Nabees'. When Rasulullah (s.a.w.) came back he gave an account for every dirham. Hazrat Bibi Khadeejah (R.A.) was completely won over by his honesty and good manners. The trade mission to Syria proved so profitable that Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.) was overcome with admiration for Rasulullah (s.a.w.). In due course, he made several other trips to Bahrain, Yemen and Syria each time returning with greater profit.

The exemplary character of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was evident in many of his noble deeds. When his uncle Abu Taalib was hard pressed and in difficulty in a famine period, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) requested that he let him take custody of his children. Thus Rasulullah (s.a.w.) took care of Hazrat Ali-ibn-Abu Taalib while Hazrat Abbas (R.A.) cared for Hazrat Jafar-ibn-Abu Taalib.

Zaid-bin Haarith was a slave given to Rasulullah (s.a.w.) by Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.). One day Zaid's father Haarith and his uncle Ka'ab came to Rasulullah (s.a.w.) to request the release of Zaid. Rasulullah (s.a.w.) readily granted Zaid his freedom. But Zaid refused to part from Rasulullah (s.a.w.). Seeing this , Rasulullah (s.a.w.) promptly took Zaid with him to the court-yard of the Ka'bah and proclaimed Zaid as his own son before the people of Makkah.

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Marriage

The trustworthiness, virtue, honesty and truthfulness of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was praised by every tribe and individual in Makkah. His dignified character and sincerity had won the heart of Hazrat Khadeejah-binte-Khuwaylid (R.A.), who was pretty, rich and widowed. Many noblemen of the Quraish desired to marry her. But she declined because she had developed great affection and respect for Rasulullah (s.a.w.) on account of his character.

Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.) sent two of her friends, Aatikah-binte Abdul Muttalib and Nafeesh-binte-Ummayya, with a marriage proposal to Rasulullah (s.a.w.). As a mark of respect, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) consulted his uncle Abu Taalib, and gladly accepted the proposal. Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.) was forty years old and Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was twenty-five.

Abu Taalib gathered all heads of the tribes of Makkah and members of the Banu Hashim family and proceeded to the house of Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.). A large assembly of friends and relatives of Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.), including Umar-bin-Asad and Waraqah-bin-Nawfal awaited them.

Abu Taalib performed the Nikah and delivered the historical Nikah Khutbah (Sermon) which was noted for its praise of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) and of the high regard in which he was held by the elders of Makkah. Abu Taalib offered twenty camels as dowry for Hazrat Khadeejah. Waraqah-bin-Nawfal (R.A.) also delivered a Khutbah (Sermon). Umar-bin-Asad represented Hazrat Khadejjah (R.A.) as her Wakeel (representative) and accepted four hundred misqaal (20 misqaal being equivalent to 4.37 grams of gold), as Mehr (dowry) on behalf of Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.) and gave her away as wife of Rasulullah (s.a.w.). Thus the rite of 'proposal' and 'acceptance' was completed. Rasulullah (s.a.w.) had two sons, Qasim and Abdullah, both of whom passed away in childhood.They had four daughters, Zaynb (R.A.) Umme-kulthum (R.A.) Ruqayya (R.A.) and Faatimah (R.A.).

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Search for Truth

When Rasulullah (s.a.w.) reached the age of thirty-three, he developed a tendency to be alone and in deep thought. In the years that followed, he began to experience a Divine feeling and was drawn more towards the contemplation of the Great Creator, Allah. There was an ever-present light and brilliance 'Noor' around him which gladdened his heart.

Rasulullah (s.a.w.) resented the worship of idols and he denounced 'polytheism' (worship of more than one God). He abstained from eating food that had been offerings to the idols.

As Rasulullah (s.a.w.)'s age neared forty years, he desired to be lonely and in solitude grew ever stronger. He avoided all worldly contacts and began to retire to the quite of the cave of Hira which was about five kilometers from Makkah. The cave was only three meters by two meters in size. During his visits to the cave he took with him only a meagre supply of bread and water.

He was always engaged in prayer and contemplation of the Greatness of Allah. He had Divine dreams of things to come. Seven years passed in this manner and during the last six months of the seven years the Divine dream persisted in such a regular pattern, that they became a part of his life.

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Prophethood

When Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was forty years old, an angel appeared in the cave of Hira (Jabl-e-Noor) and commanded him to 'Read' Rasulullah (s.a.w.) replied that he could not. At this, the angel firmly embraced Rasulullah (s.a.w.) and released him. He again commanded him to 'Read' and again Rasulullah (s.a.w.) replied that he couldn't. He was embraced again and released. For the third time the angel commanded him to 'Read' and again Rasulullah (s.a.w.) replied that he could not read. The angel then said:

'Read, in the name of Allah who created (everything). He created man from a clot of blood. Read, your Lord is Great who taught you but virtue of the pen that which you did not know'. The angel then disappeared.

This Divine incident so affected Rasulullah (s.a.w.) that he hurried home where he asked his beloved wife Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.) to cover him with a blanket. When he had calmed down sufficiently, he related the incident to Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.) who comforted him with words of praise, wisdom and encouragement.

When Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said he was afraid for his life, Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.) consoled him with the words: 'No, no. On the contrary, you should feel happy. Allah will never forsake you because you have been loving, helpful, truthful, and you possess the sublime character which no other man possesses, and you are 'JUST'.

Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.) took Rasulullah (s.a.w.) to her cousin Waraqah-bin-Nawfal, who at once confirmed the signs of prophethood and he stressed that Rasulullah (s.a.w.) would be persecuted by his own people. Inspite of this warning Rasulullah (s.a.w.) continued to visit the Cave of Hira (Jabl-e-Noor).

After this granting of apostleship, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) began to preach Islam. The first man to become a Muslim was his closest friend Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) and first women was his beloved wife Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.. Others who became Muslims willingly were Hazrat Ali-ibn-Abu Taalib (R.A.) the young cousin of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) , and Hazrat Zaid-bin-Harith (R.A.) the freed slave of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) .

The influence of Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) was so strong that all his associates embraced Islam at his request. Among them were Hazrat Uthmaan-ibn-Affan (R.A.), and Hazrat Abdul Rahmaan-bin-Auf (R.A.), and Hazrat Zubayr-bin-Awwam (R.A.).

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Preaching

At first Rasulullah (s.a.w.) began to preach secretly and quietly among his relatives and friends. The sincere support of his dearest friends and companion Hazrat Abu Bakar (R.A.) was a pillar of strength for him in his efforts.

Soon there was a small group of Muslims comprising of men and women, both young and old, and a few children. His wife Hazrat Khadeejah (R.A.) was the first to accept Islaam. His very close friend Hazrat Abu Bakar bin Kuhafa (R.A.), and slave Hazrat Zaid (R.A.), and his cousin Hazrat Ali (R.A.), and then Hazrat Uthman bin Affan (R.A), Hazrat Talha bin Ubaidullah (R.A.), Hazrat Zubair bin Awaam (R.A.), Hazrat Sa'ad bin Abi Waqass (R.A.) and Hazrat Abdur-rahmaan bin Auf (R.A.) became muslims. The fear of non-believers drove the Muslims to pray secretly in valleys and ravines of the surrounding mountains. For three years they practiced their 'Deen' in secrecy. Gradually, those who were disgusted with the practice of idolatry also came into the fold of Islaam.

In the meantime, during these three years, every group and society in the Quraish were discussing the new religion and scoffing at it in mockery.

The first violent confrontation came when some of the Quraish came upon a few Muslims in a hidden valley and forcibly tried to stop them from praying. Hazrat Saad-bin Waqqaas (R.A.) drew his sword and one of the Quraish was wounded.

Once Abu Taalib found the Muslims in salaat in a valley. He inquired about the new religion and Rasulullah (s.a.w.) invited him to embrace Islam. But Abu Taalib politely declined saying that he did not wish to forsake the religion of his ancestors.

Subsequently, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) was commanded by Allah swt to preach openly. When Rasulullah (s.a.w.) addressed, the tribes of Makkah from the top of Mount Safaa, Abu Lahab of the Quraish cursed Rasulullah (s.a.w.) and it was at this stage that Allah swt revealed Sura 'Lahab'. Twice again Rasulullah (s.a.w.) tried to address his own people, but Abu Lahab again scoffed and sneered at Rasulullah (s.a.w.). However, the sincere people slowly continued to accept Islaam. The poor and weak converts to Islaam, like Hazrat Bilal (R.A.) and others suffered at the hands of the Quraish.

Thereafter, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) preached regularly at the house of Al-Arqam-bin-Abil-Arqam near the foot-hills of the Safaa Mountains. This place of learning was also referred to as 'Dar-ul-Arqam'. With all the hardships no one left Islaam and Rasulullah (s.a.w.) did not stop his mission of Islaam.

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Two Stalwarts of Islam

One day Abu Jahl, a sworn enemy of islam, attacked Rasulullah (s.a.w.) while he was resting near the foot-hills of Safaa. His verbal abuse could not move the determined Rasulullah (s.a.w.) so Abu Jahl hurled a stone and wounded him on his head. Rasulullah (s.a.w.) went home bleeding profusely.

Hazrat Hamza (R.A.) who was the foster brother and uncle of Rasulullah (s.a.w.) had just returned after one of his daily hunting trips in the morning. He was considered one of the bravest and fiery soldiers of Arabia. After his hunt, as was his habit, he went to the Ka'bah for his circumambulation (Tawaaf). When he heard what Abu jahl had done to Rasulullah (s.a.w.) he became so angry that he attacked Abu jahl and made him bleed from his head. Although Hazrat Hamza (R.A.) had as yet not embraced islam, he nevertheless loved his nephew Rasulullah very dearly. On reporting to Rasulullah of his revenge against Abu jahl, Rasulullah (s.a.w.) said although he was very grateful for the kind thoughts he had for him, he would feel very happy indeed if Hazrat Hamzah (R.A.) accepted islam. On hearing this, Hazrat Hamzah (R.A.) immediately became a Muslim.

Hazrat Umar (R.A.) was considered a brave, robust personality of Makkah. He was so temperamental that the people of Makkah would avoid clashing with him in any way. He was one of the Quraish who persecuted the Muslims and was incited in this direction to such an extent that one day. he decided once and for all to assassinate Rasulullah . Abu jahl promised Hazrat Umar (R.A.) a gift of a hundred camels and one thousand silver coins.

On his way to Darul-Arqam with an unsheathed sword, he met Nuaym-bin-Abdullah, who on hearing Hazrat Umar (R.A.)'s intention replied that Hazrat Umar (R.A.) 'should first put his own house in order'. His sister Hazrat Fathima (R.A.) and her husband Hazrat Saeed-bin-Zayd (R.A.) had already embraced Islam.

This rebellion by his own family infuriated Hazrat Umar (R.A.) that he turned towards his sister's house and on hearing them recite the Quraan, he beat his sister and her husband so severely that they collapsed. They told him that they would rather prefer death than give up Islam. At their unshaken attitude, Hazrat Umar (R.A.) calmed down and asked to hear what they were reading. When he heard the recital of the Quraan, he decided to become a Muslim.

With the unsheathed sword still in his hand, he turned towards Darul-Arqaam. On arriving at the house of Hazrat Arqaam (R.A.) Rasulullah (s.a.w.) enquired about Hazrat Umar (R.A.)'s intention, while Hazrat Hamzah (R.A.) and other companions stood warily to meet any ill-intended move by Hazrat Umar (R.A.). But when they heard that he had come to Rasulullah (s.a.w.) to accept Islam, they were so overwhelmed and overjoyed that their cry of 'Allah is Great' echoed throughout the valleys and mountains of Safaa. This was the sixth year of Nubuwwat.

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Torture and Persecution

The acceptance of Islam by Hazrat Umar (R.A.) had significant effect on the handful of Muslims of Makkah, who, till now, had to observe secrecy in the worship of Allah swt. Their spirt and courage had risen to such an extent that they risked going out of Dar-ul-Arqam to preach Islam.

The Quraish tried to bribe Rasulullah (s.a.w.) to forego Islam in exchange for gifts of wealth or any thing he would like. But they failed to persuade him to agree to anything that would be harmful to Islam. With Hazrat Umar (R.A.) and Hazrat Hamzah (R.A.) now fully united into the fold of Islam, the Quraish turned to torture and persecution of the lowest degree and of the most brutal kind.

Hazrat Bilal (R.A.), the slave of Umayya-bin-Khalaf, was laid flat on his back on hot sand. A hot heavy stone was placed on his chest and he was beaten while his hands were tied behind his back.

Hazrat Uthman (R.A.), a rich and prosperous man of the Banu Umayya tribe was tied up with ropes by his uncle and beaten and tortured.

Hazrat Zubayr-bin-Al Awwam (R.A.) was rolled in a mat and forced to inhale smoke until he suffocated. Hazrat Abuzar Ghiffary (R.A.) belonged to the Ghaffar tribe of Madinah. On hearing of Rasulullah (s.a.w.), he travelled all the way from Madinah to meet Rasulullah (s.a.w.). On their first meeting, Hazrat Abuzar (R.A.) accepted Islam and with the joy of Islam in his heart, he went to the Ka'bah and recited the Kalimah and an Aayat of the Quraan in a loud, clear voice. The Quraish who were present at the Ka'bah, immediately set upon him and beat him unconscious. Hazrat Abbas (R.A.) who was not a muslim as yet, recognised Hazrat Abuzar (R.A.) from whose tribe the Quraish bought dates and Hazrat Abbas (R.A.) stopped the Quraish from assaulting him further. This saved Hazrat Abuzar (R.A.)'s life and he returned to Madinah a more determined Muslim inspite of the torture inflicted upon him.

Hazrat Ammar (R.A.), his father Hazrat Yaasir (R.A.) and his mother Sumayyah (R.A.) had embraced Islam. Abu Jahl killed Hazrat Sumayya (R.A.) with a sharp spear in such a shameful manner that there is no parallel of such torture in history.

Abu Jahl also took beastly delight in beating slave lady, Hazrat Zaeerah (R.A.) in such a way that she became totally blind.

Some helpless Muslims like Hazrat Khabbab-bin-Aett (R.A.) were secured and pushed into a flaming fire.