(a) Explain the difficulties faced by the Prophet (S.A.W) in the years he lived in Makkah.

(10)

The third year of Prophet hood, 613 CE was a memorable year of the Prophet's life as Allah commanded
his dear prophet to preach Islam openly to the people of Makkah through verse 14 of Surah 15. This
open preaching of Islam opened a new chapter in the of life of Prophet (S.A.W) of troubles and
difficulties. His own family members turned against Him, especially Abu Lahab and his wife and other
influential people of Makkah thought that unless they met the new call with firmness, it was bound to
be accepted by a large number of population, especially the poor and slaves. They started to ridicule,
degrade and belittle the believers as well as the Prophet (S.A.W) himself to demoralize them. Those who
had no strong clan support were doubly targeted.

Another method employed by the disbelievers was to distort the teachings of Prophet (S.A.W), creating
doubts and circulating false allegations concerning his doctrine, person and character. When the above
tactic failed to prevent ,slow, but the progress of Islam continued , the Quraish took their opposition to
the next stage and began persecuting the Muslims. A meeting was called and leaders of different tribes
agreed to persecute any one of their tribe found to be following the teachings of Islam.

The uncle of Uthman bin Affan used to wrap him in a mat of palm leaves and set fire under them. Bilal,
slave of Umayyah bin Khalf was severely beaten by his master. Sometimes a rope was put around his
neck and he was dragged by street boys and was deprived of food and drink. One day, during its hottest
hour, he was bound and a heavy stone was put on his chest. Abu Bakr was moved by the sight, he
purchased Bilal from his master and freed him. Ammar bin Yasir and his parents were also victims of the
cruelty of Quraish. They were repeatedly made to lie on burning sand, Ammar was thrown on burning
embers, his father succumbed to torture and died and mother Summayya who became the first female
martyr of Islam, was bayonetted to death by Abu Jahl. Abu Faqi was left to bake on very hot sand until
he lost sense of reason. Men and women converts were equally brutalized and experienced extreme
torture at the hands of Quraish.

The Quraish did not even spare the Prophet (S.A.W) though it was not easy to harm him personally due
to his lineage and support of his uncle Abu Talib. Abu Lahab was first to start atrocities against the
Prophet (S.A.W). The policy of persecution adopted by them targeted Muhammad physically, mentally
and emotionally. Abu Lahabs wife Umm Jamil scattered thorns and brambles in the path the Prophet
(S.A.W) took ,and threw filth and rubbish at him. Once while the Prophet (S.A.W) was praying, they
placed the fetus of a camel on his back. He remained in prostration until his daughter Fatima came and
removed the filth from her father's back. Apart from physical torture, the Prophet was called insulting
names. Abu lahbl's two sons were married to the Prophet's daughters and to cause him distress, Abu
lahab made them divorce their wives. When the Prophet's second son passed away, his opponents
showed delight and said that he was now 'Abtar', i.e. without an heir. They even tried to bribe him with
offer of marriage to the most beautiful maiden of the land, and unlimited wealth which he turned down.
The Quraish placed another evil idea before the Prophet (S.A.W) by asking him to join them sometimes
in idol worship and in return they were ready to worship the God of Muhammad (S.A.W). At this Allah
revealed Surah al-Kafirun in which the Prophet (S.A.W) was asked to part ways completely from the
pagans. They approached Abu Talib and asked him to use his influence to stop his nephew from
preaching against faith of their forefathers and way of life. At this point, Abu Talib called for his nephew
and warned him but he replied:

"O uncle! Even if they place the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left...

I would not stop until Allah fulfills my mission or destroys me in the process"

Abu Talib replied:

"Go and preach what you please for by Allah, I will not forsake you."

In the fifth year of Prophethood when persecution increased to a great extent, the converts were asked
to migrate to Abyssinia, ruled by a kind Christian king Najashi. In the sixth year of Prophethood, the
acceptance of Islam by Umar bin Khattab and Prophet's uncle Hamza greatly annoyed Quraish and they
imposed a general, social and financial boycott from 7th to 10th year of Prophethood during which Banu
Hashim had to live an extreme, hard and miserable life confined to valley of Shib Abu Talib without any
food for many days. It lasted 3 years and the Prophet (S.A.W) had to bear loss of his two great
supporters Abu Talib and Khadija and thus he declared the year 619 C.E as year of grief.

After losing the tribal protection at Makkah, the Prophet (S.A.W) decided to preach Islam in the nearby
city Taif, but the people of Taif proved themselves worse than people of Makkah. They not only rejected
the Prophet's message but also let the violent mob to injure him badly and he turned back to Makkah
with a heavy heart. According to the Prophet (S.A.W) himself, it was the most difficult day of his life. In
11th year of Prophethood, the Prophet (S.A.W) started concentrating on preaching Islam to strangers.
He met a few people from Yathrib and preached Islam to them. They went back and spread the message
of Islam in Yathrib and as a result in the year 12th and 13th of Prophet hood, the pledges of Aqabah took
place and resulted in acceptance of Islam by many people who also invited Prophet (S.A.W) to their
town. The Quraish became furious at these developments and planned to kill the Prophet (S.A.W), but
the same night, Allah informed his dear Prophet about the plan of Quraish in these words and at the
same time commanded him to migrate:

"Remember how the unbelievers plotted against you...

they plot and plan and Allah too plans

but the best of planners is Allah." (8:30)

The same night, the Prophet (S.A.W) along with his friend Abu Bakr migrated from Makkah to Madina, in
the darkness of night, leaving behind his cousin Ali to return the valuables of people of Makkah. This
migration ended the long years of persecution and opened a new chapter of peace and security in
Muhammad's life.
(b) By going through past stories of Muslims, what lessons do Muslims learn get to follow in their life

The Prophet (S.A.W) and his followers bore the worst ever kind of torture, humiliation and persecution
for more than ten years and throughout this time period, they remained firm and determined and kept
their faith strong upon Allah. It was important for the Prophet (S.A.W) and his followers to stay
steadfast, not just for their own selves but for the sake of the future generations and future of the final
message. Their perseverance was a lesson for the future generation who could face a similar situation.
They must remember that Allah has promised in Quran:

“Verily with every difficulty, there is relief.”

Even today, many Muslim countries, people are suffering and struggling for their cause. They must
remember that it is very difficult to bring any change as a great deal of hard work and patience is
required. The suffering Muslims of Burma, Palestine, Syria, Kashmir and Afghanistan must follow the
footsteps of early Muslims. They should be confident that those who work for Allah’s cause are never
left alone by Allah. It also encourages Muslims that they should never leave supporting the truth and
must stand for their rights to achieve their objectives.

Boycott

The acceptance of Islam by Umar bin Khattab was becoming intolerable for Quraish as he encouraged
Muslims to go to Kabah and pray just as Quraish freely worshipped their idols at the Kabah. This angered
the Quraish, they were under pressure from Abu Jahl to take action against growing popularity of Islam.
They decided to impose a ban on entire clan of Banu Hashim with the exception of Abu Lahab. According
to the terms of the ban which was placed inside the Kabah, no one would marry a Hashmi woman or
give his daughter to a Hashmi, no one was to sell or buy anything from them until Muhammad (S.A.W)
renowned his claim to Prophethood. The Banu Hashim for the sake of security gathered around Abu
Talib in Shib Abu Talib. Khadijah and the Prophet (S.A.W) also joined them. This ban was not and could
not be rigorously enforced as there were many Quraish who had relatives married into Banu Hashim and
were facing severe hardships and shortages of food on account of the ban. These were the most difficult
days of the Prophet’s life. Sometimes Muslims had to eat boiled leaves. The cries of starving children
would be heard in the city, no preaching could take place during this time period and the Prophet
(S.A.W) had to live a miserable life. It prolonged for 3 years from 7th to 10th year of Prophethood. A few
people who were sympathetic to Banu Hashim, tried in their own ways to lift the boycott to help the
suffering people of Banu Hashim. Finally, it was lifted with efforts of these people. A miracle was also
seen, that the agreement which was hung in the Kabah was eaten by termites and only the name of
Allah was left.

Lessons Learnt from Boycott

The boycott of Banu Hashim carries valuable lessons of patience and determination for Muslims today.
The attribute of patience is highlighted in the Quran at many places. At one place, it says:

“Indeed, Allah is with those who are patient.”

The Prophet (S.A.W) and his family bore the difficult days with utmost patience and steadfastness. The
role of his wife is an example for Muslim women that although she belonged to a wealthy family, she
never complained about the grief and difficulties she faced during these years. Her conduct during these
3 years is not only a guideline for Muslims but also for Muslim leaders. Today the powerful countries
and their allies have made an economic boycott on Muslim countries. For example, over last few years
when Pakistan became a nuclear power, it had to face huge pressure that it could bow down before
unjustified demands of superpowers. For Muslim countries, the greatest superpower is Allah and faith in
his support helps to win even in the most difficult conditions.

Taif Journey

In the tenth year of prophethood, after the death of Abu Talib, the Prophet’s life was in danger so he left
for Taif, accompanied by Zayd bin Harith with hope of winning them over with Islam. On reaching Taif,
he visited separately the chiefs of 3 tribes and placed before each of them the message of Allah and
called upon them to stand by his side. Instead of accepting his message, they refused even to listen to
him, treating him with the most cruel and rude manner. They told him that they did not like his stay in
their town.

Muhammad (S.A.W) who was a rock of steadfastness and perseverance, did not lose heart over them
and tried to approach common people, but no one wanted to listen to him, rather, they sent their street
boys after him to jeer at and to stone him. He was pelted so much with stones that his whole body was
covered with blood and his shoes were clogged to his feet. Muhammad (S.A.W) left the town in this
dreadful plight and took refuge in a grapevine orchard. Though the owners were not Muslim at the time,
but they felt sympathy towards the Prophet (S.A.W). They sent a slave, who took Muhammad (S.A.W)
into his hut, dressed his wounds and let him rest till he felt strong enough to resume his journey. He was
also given a bowl full of grapes. The Prophet (S.A.W) prayed to Allah in these words:
“O my Allah! To you I complain of my lack of resources

and my being unimportant in the eyes of people,

most merciful of all those capable of showing mercy,

you are the Lord of the weak...”

The heavens were moved by this prayer, Jibrail appeared before the Prophet (S.A.W) and said:

“Allah knows all that has passed between you and these people.

He has deputed an angel in charge of mountains to be at your command.”

Saying this, the angel was brought before the Prophet (S.A.W) and gave him the option that he could
crush the people of Taif to death. But the Prophet (S.A.W) replied:

“Even if these people do not accept Islam,

I do hope from Allah that there will be persons among their progeny

who would worship Allah and serve His cause...”

The Prophet’s journey to Taif did not prove entirely fruitless. He stayed preaching to common people for
10 days that proved beneficial for Islam.

Lessons Learn from Visit to Taif

The Prophet (S.A.W) visited Taif in a very difficult time of his life. Preaching to the people of Taif and
calling them to the right path was life talking to a brick wall. He was exhausted and disheartened, but he
prayed only to Allah which is the lesson for Muslims especially when they face failures in their lives. He
was badly rejected, stoned and ridiculed by the people of Taif, and in this state of fear and rejection, his
prayer to Allah is an example of complete and unfailing trust in God, enduring patience and explaining of
one’s hardships in life to none but Allah as only He has the power to change them into happiness.

He forgave the people of Taif and this conduct of him should be followed by Muslims when they are
bullied by their opponents or somebody takes away their rights as being powerful. The Prophet (S.A.W)
was even given opportunity to punish people of Taif, who had tortured him, but instead of that, his
loving and merciful heart rejected and chose not to curse them.
(a) Describe the main events of the Muslim’s first migration to Abyssinia. (10)

The migration to Abyssinia took place in 615 CE. The persecution and hostilities of the Quraish started
slowly but by the middle of the fifth year of Prophethood, they became intense. It was at this time that
Surah Zumar was revealed:

“Good is for those who do good in this world, and Allah’s earth is spacious.

Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning...”

In these lines, Allah alluded to migration and the Prophet (S.A.W) to save his followers from violence and
cruelties of Quraish, gave Muslim converts permission to migrate to Abyssinia where the King Ashama,
who held the title of Negus, was a just man. The first group of Muslims who migrated were a group of 12
men and 5 women, including the Prophet’s daughter Ruqayya and her husband Uthman bin Affan. The
Prophet (S.A.W) remarked on this occasion:

“They are the first people to migrate in the cause of Allah after Ibrahim and Lut.”

After a long journey to Andulis, the principal port of Abyssinia, they reached after an 8-day journey
where they received a warm welcome and given freedom to practice their religion.

That same year, in Ramadan, the Prophet (S.A.W) was beside the Kabah when he recited Surah Najam as
the verses were revealed to him in the presence of a large number of idolaters. The impact of the word
of Allah was such that, spellbound, they fell in prostration. News of this event was misreported in
Abyssinia, and the migrants, led to believe that the whole of Makkah had accepted Islam, made their
way back. On reaching Makkah, they realized that the news was not true. The Quraish had heard reports
of the good treatment the emigrants received and, in their fury, they redoubled their persecution.

Seeing the plight of the Muslims, the Prophet (S.A.W) allowed a second migration. This time more
people migrated. These were 83 men and 18 women who secretly made the journey led by the
Prophet’s cousin Jafar bin Abu Talib.

The Quraish were furious at this, they planned to send a delegation of two men, one being Amr bin Aas.
The purpose of this delegation was to slander the faith of Islam in the eyes of Negus. They sent rich gifts
for him along with bribes of leatherwork to win his support. They said in front of Negus:

“Some foolish young men and women of our people have taken refuge in this kingdom.

They have left their own religion, not for yours but for the one they have invented...”

Negus, being a just ruler, asked Muslims to explain themselves before he could reach a decision about
whether or not should he return Muslims to Quraish. Jaffar bin Abu Talib who was an eloquent speaker,
stepped forward and answered:
“We were a people steeped in ignorance, worshipping idols, eating unsacrificed carrion, committing
abomination...Thus, we were until Allah sent us a messenger of our own who’s

lineage, trustworthiness, honest and chastity we knew. He called us to Allah that we should
acknowledge His unity and worship Him, and turn away from the stones and idols that our forefathers
used to worship besides him...”

When Negus asked for an example of the message of the Prophet (S.A.W), Jaffar chose well and recited
Surah Maryam, verses 17-26 about Maryam (A.S), the mother of Prophet Isa.

It is said that when Jaffar finished recitation, Negus and his entire court had tears in their eyes, Negus
turned to Quraish and told them that even if they had offered him a mountain of gold, he would not
hand over the people who had sought his refuge. Negus further added after listening to verses of Quran:

“By God, this and Gospel are rays of the same candle.”

Thus, the envoys of Quraish came back to Makkah unsuccessful.

(b) Discuss the importance of this move at that time. (4)

The migration of Muslims to Abyssinia was significant and could be described as the first major political
move by the Prophet (S.A.W). The immigration gave the Muslims a chance to carry out the message of
Islam. They were able to establish a close-knit community, that conducted its affairs on the basis Islamic
teachings that they had learned from the Prophet (S.A.W). It also became clear to them that it was
possible to establish a Muslim society even without the presence of Allah’s messenger.

This migration also convinced Quraish about sincerity of Muslims who were ready to undergo loss and
hardship rather than to give up the faith of Islam. The most important result was that Muslims were able
to impress Najashi and were confident that there was a place where they could seek shelter and
protection. It ultimately gave birth to the idea of the great migration in later years.

(a) Narrate the Prophet’s journey of Isra and Miraj? (10)

The event of Isra and Miraj took place in the 10th year of Prophethood, 27th of Rajab. According to Holy
Quran, this journey had two parts. In the first part, the Prophet (S.A.W) was taken to the mosque of
Aqsa on the Buraq from the Kabah. Buraq was a winged horse, brought from heavens, accompanied by
Angel Jibrail. The darkness of night had spread across the horizon. The Prophet (S.A.W) was taking rest
in the house of Umm Hani, the sister of Ali bin Abu Talib in the blessed city of Makkah. Suddenly he
heard a voice, it was the voice of angel Jibrail that said:

“This night you have to perform a unique journey and I have been ordered to remain with
you.”

According to another tradition, the Prophet (S.A.W) was sleeping in the area of Hateem near the Holy
Kabah when Jibrail woke him up. In the first part of the journey, Isra, Buraq flew the Prophet (S.A.W) to
the site of masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem where a great company of Prophets, Ibrahim (A.S), Musa (A.S), Isa
(A.S) and others greeted him and gathered behind him in prayer. Thereafter, two vessels were brought
before the Prophet (S.A.W), one contained milk and the other wine. The Prophet (S.A.W) chose the
vessel containing milk, drank it and left the wine, seeing this Jibrail said:

“You have been guided by the Fitra.”

The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) was then taken on the second stage of his journey, Miraj or ascension. He
again mounted Buraq and guided by Jibrail, they ascended to the heavens where at the lowest level he
sought permission to enter. It was granted and here Muhammad (S.A.W) met Adam (A.S) who
welcomed him. As the Prophet (S.A.W) ascended the heavens, he met with different prophets of Allah.
On the second heaven, he met Prophet Yahya and Ishaq, on the third, Prophet Yusuf and on the fourth
Idrees (A.S) and on the fifth and sixth heavens, he met Haroon and Musa respectively. On the seventh
heaven, he was greeted by Prophet Ibrahim.

The summit of his ascent was ‘Sidrat-ul-Muntaha', the mystical lote tree, beyond which Jibrail could not
go. The Prophet (S.A.W) went alone. Eventually, he was taken to such a high place, that the Prophet
(S.A.W) stated to hear the sound of scribbling of pen. The Prophet (S.A.W) saw that a very green ‘ruff
ruff’ covered the horizon. The Prophet (S.A.W) sat on it and he was elevated to approach his Lord. The
Prophet (S.A.W) started to hear the order of his Lord:

“Do not be afraid O Muhammad, approach.”

In the end, he reached the place that nobody had reached before, attaining divine acceptance, grants
and bounties. He received for his people the command of 50 prayers a day, which was finally reduced to
5 at his request and it was also here that the last two verses, 285 –286 of Surah Baqarah, which contain
the creed of Islam, were revealed to the Prophet (S.A.W) directly from Allah. It is also narrated that
during Miraj, the Prophet (S.A.W) had the opportunity to see Malik, the keeper of Hell. He saw paradise
and hell and the two rivers of Paradise, Kawthar being one of them.

It was still night when the Prophet (S.A.W) was brought back to Kabah by Jibrail. When the Prophet
(S.A.W) told those, he met at the Kabah about his night journey, they mocked him and asked Abu Bakr
what he thought of his friend now. He replied:

“Of so he said, then it is true.”

(b) Discuss the importance of this journey for the Prophet himself? (4)

The journey of Miraj was important for the Prophet (S.A.W) in many ways. He had the deepest belief in
Prophethood but this journey provided him physical proof of his claim. He saw paradise and hell and
met Allah that enabled him to invite people with complete confidence that he was true.

The journey took place when Islam was at the peak of persecution and the Prophet was facing
disappointing events. Khadija and Abu Talib died, mission to Taif failed and there was no progress of
Islam in Makkah. In this situation, Allah gave him confidence and gave him the message that the most
powerful Allah is behind him and he should not be disappointed and afraid.

Pledges of Aqabah

The Prophet (S.A.W) in the third year of Prophethood after receiving a common from Allah in which he
was asked to ‘expand openly’, since that time till 7th year of Prophethood, the Prophet (S.A.W) and his
followers passed through the worst kind opposition. For three years, he and his family had to face a
complete social and economic boycott which was lifted in the 10th year, but it left painful memories as
he lost two very important people of his life, Khadijah and Abu Talib, which resulted in loss of tribal
protection he had because of his uncle Abu Talib. So, during the same year, he made an attempt to
preach Islam to the nearby town of Taif, but this too failed because of the ill treatment of the people of
Taif.

Soon after events of Taif, the Prophet (S.A.W) started concentrating on preaching Islam to strangers. He
met six men in Makkah from Yathrib who belonged to the tribe of Khazraj. The Prophet (S.A.W) did not
know any of them but they had heard of him and they listened to him attentively. They accepted Islam
and vowed to go back to Yathrib and spread the word. They also promoted to meet prophet (S.A.W) at
the following year’s pilgrimage. The six men of Khazraj indeed delivered the message to as many of their
people who would listen to them and five of them returned in the year 621 CE along with seven others,
two of whom belonged to the Aws clan. At Aqabah, these 12 men pledged their allegiance to the
Prophet (S.A.W). In this first pledge of Aqabah, they vowed:
“We pledge our allegiance to the messenger of Allah... that we would associate nothing with Allah, that
we would neither steal nor commit fornication nor slay our offspring nor utter slander or that we would
not disobey him in that which is right.”

When this small band of Muslims returned to Yathrib, the Prophet (S.A.W) sent Musab bin Omair so that
he could recite Quran to them and give them religious instruction. Islam started spreading from house
to house in this sleepy oasis. In 622 CE, a few weeks before pilgrims started to arrive back in Makkah for
annual pilgrimage, Musab returned after an 11 month stay in Yathrib, to give Muhammad (S.A.W) a
confidential report of the progress he had made. Shortly afterwards, a delegation arrived from Yathrib,
comprising of 73 men and two women, who met the Prophet (S.A.W) secretly at night at the last year’s
meeting place in Aqabah. Here, Bara, a chieftain of Yathrib took the prophet’s hand and swore:

“By Him who sent you with the truth, we will protect you as we protect them (our wives and children).
So, accept the pledge of our allegiance, O messenger of Allah for we are men of war, possessed of arms,
that have been handed down from father to son.”

The Prophet (S.A.W) replied:

“I am yours and you are mine. Whom you war against, him I war against,

whom you make peace with, I make peace with.”

With this second pledge, the Prophet’s tie with Makkans were distanced. Muslims of Makkah had a new
home and from summer of 622 CE, they started making their way to Yathrib.

The second pledge of Aqabah was a turning point in history of Islamic movement as after this pledge,
the Prophet (S.A.W) told Muslims to start migrating to Yathrib and finally when Quraish made a plan to
kill the Prophet (S.A.W). Jibrail informed the Prophet (S.A.W) about the danger and conveyed him the
command of Allah to migrate to Madinah. Allah revealed verses of Surah 8:30 to inform the Prophet
(S.A.W) about the upcoming danger and command to migrate in these words:

“Remember how the unbelievers plotted against you.

They plot and plan but Allah too plans, but the best of planners is Allah.”

Thus, after receiving command of Allah to migrate, the Prophet (S.A.W) secretly left Makkah the same
night with Abu Bakr (R.A), leaving behind Ali to return valuables of the people of Makkah kept with the
Prophet (S.A.W) and to provide a safe exit to him. Thus, in this way, the long years of persecution ended
for the Prophet (S.A.W) and his followers.

(b) Discuss how details in the pledges of Aqabah are important for Muslims today. (4)

The details contained in pledges of Aqabah are related to the basic teachings of Islam and moral code
given by Prophet (S.A.W). The first condition in pledges was about the oneness of Allah which is the
basic teaching Islam and commands to believe in one god which is mentioned at various places in the
Holy Quran. Allah says:

“Your Lord is one Lord. So, worship Him alone.”

About obedience of the Prophet, Allah says:

“Obey Allah and obey the messenger.”

The details of these pledges are equally important for Muslims today just as they were significant at that
time. It is the primary duty of a Muslim to affirm and believe in oneness of Allah, obey his commands
and not to associate partners with Him. Muslims must keep themselves away from any such activity
which may be considered Shirk. Life of a Muslim should be a practical example of teachings of Quran
and Sunnah.

According to the Prophet (S.A.W), a Muslim must be a source of benefit to others. For every civilized
society, respect of women is of great value. Women should be treated with respect and daughters, be
considered and treated equally as sons. In the modern world today, women are an active part of the
community if they come out of the house to share the financial burden of the family then they must be
facilitated and respected by other members of society. Hence, by following the details of pledges of
Aqabah, Muslims can build a society which signifies true picture of Islam.