VI- Prophet's Biography

Lesson 100
 
 Hunayn Brigade to the End
 

[44] The Hunayn Brigade

  By this conquest, the whole Arabs professed Islam. People entered Allah’s religion (Islam) in crowds, except the tribes of Hawâzin and Thaqîf, who were led by their arrogance. They allied together to fight Muslims in Makkah.  When the Prophet (SAWS) heard about that, he went out at the head of twelve thousand fighters (the biggest number of fighters the prophet (SAWS) has ever got).

 Muslims' army arrived to Hunayn valley where their enemies hid at their sites. They rose against Muslims as one man, before Muslims could arrange themselves. As a result, the front of the Muslims' army was defeated. The army was about to scatter and separate,e in spite of their huge number. However, the Prophet (SAWS) ordered Al-`Abbâs, his uncle, to shout and ask Muslims to remain steadfast, So, they stoodfast together and the two sides engaged in the the fight.  After few hours, their enemy was severely defeated. About seventy from Hawâzin and Thaqîf were killed, and Muslims took their weapons and camels as booty.

 Afterwards, the Prophet (SAWS) headed for Thaqîf in At-Tâ’if. He seiged the city for a time, but he did not conquest it.  When he came back, a delegation from Hawâzin came to him, while he was in Al-Ji`irrânah, asking him to give them back their women and children, whom were taken as captives by the Muslims' army. The Prophet (SAWS) said, "What was in my custody, and the family of `Abdul-Muttalib’s custody, I will give it back to you".  At this time, the Muhâjirîn and the Ansâr said, “What was for us will be for the Prophet (SAWS)".  Accordingly, Hawâzin restored all their women and children.

 After that, the Prophet (SAWS) left Al-Ji`irrânah for Makkah to perform `Umrah. When he finished, he returned to Al-Madînah, which he reached on 24^th of Dhul-Qi`dah.

 [45] The Tabûk Brigade

 The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) stayed in Al-Madînah until the mid of year 9 A.H.  He was told that the Romans, are preparing themselves in Tabûk to fight Muslims, after what happened between them in Mu'tah.  The Prophet (SAWS) prepared 30,000 fighters. Muslims at that time were passing through a time of drought and poverty, but this did not prevent them from getting prepared to fight their enemy.  Abu-Bakr gave all his money; `Uthmân ibn  `Affân also gave a very large sum of money for the purpose. Afterwards, the Prophet (SAWS) and his army reached Tabûk, but he did not find the Romans there. He stayed for more than 20 days and returned back to Al-Madînah h. That was his last battle (SAWS).

 [46] The Year of Delegations

 You knew that Da`wah (inviting people for Islam) in its beginnings took place secretly and covrtly, and those who embraced Islam were very few. After Da`wah  has been publicized, Muslims' numbers began to increase little by little, until the Prophet (SAWS) was given permission by Allah to immigrate to Al-Madînah. There, the Muslimss numbers increased increased further as the Arabs of Al-Madînah and its neighborhood embraced Islam, as individuals and in groups.  But, Da`wah did not reach the desired spread and publicity until Al-Hudaybiyah Peace Treaty took place between Muslims and Quraysh. This treaty was a big reason behind the wide spread of Da`wah, since the treaty secured roads and enabled the Prophet (SAWS) to send messengers and messages to kings, nations and tribes.  This was further coronated with the conquest of Makkah and the conversion of Quraysh's nobles into Islam, followed by the spread of the Qur'an, with its wonderful style and the fluent wisdoms, of Qur’an that affected deeply Arabs’ minds and softened their hearts. Those Arabs began to come to the Prophet (SAWS) in crowds, most of that took place in the year 9^th A.H.

 Among them was the delegation of Thaqîf. They came to the Prophet (SAWS) after he arrived from Tabûk, willing to embrace Islam. They asked for many things, that the Prophet accepted some and rejected others.

 The delegation of the Christians of Najrân came. They did not embrace Islam, but accepted to pay Jizyah (tribute).

 The delegations of (Banu Fazârah) came to the Prophet (SAWS) embracing Islam.

 As to the delegation of Banu Tamîm, their nobles came to the Prophet (SAWS) and called him from behind the dwellings (Al-Hujurât, cf. the Sûrah).  After they exchanged sermons and poetry between orators and poets from the two sides, they embraced Islam and went back to their land.

 The delegation of Banu Sa`d ibn Bakr was led by Dimâm ibn Tha`labah, who asked the prophet (SAWS) many questions, that the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) answered. He embraced Islam and went back to his people who all embraced Islam without exception.

 The delegation of Kindah was led by Al-Ash`ath ibn Qays. They embraced Islam after hearing the beginnings of Sûrah As-Saffât (Those Ranged in Ranks).

 The delegation of Banu `Abd Qays ibn Rabî`ah) were all Christians,  who all embraced Islam.

The delegation of Banu Hanîfah ibn Rabî`ah embraced Islam.  Among them was Musylimah ibn Hanîfah, who was called "Musylimah the Liar", because he claimed prophethood after the death of The Prophet (SAWS). 

The delegation of Tayyi' from Qahtân, led by Zayd ul-Khayl, embraced Islam one and all.

 The delegation of Banu Al-Hârith ibn Ka'b came, among whom was Khâled ibnul-Walîd, and they all embraced Islam.

 And many other delegations from different tribes such as Banu Asad,  Banu Muhârib, Hamadân, Ghassân and many others. Some of them came as Muslims; others came to join and embraced Islam. Also. messengers from kings of Himyar and many others came to declare their Islam. 

Thus, people entered the religion of Allah in crowds, to the point that one hundred thousand went with the Prophet PBUH to Makkah for pilgrimage, the one which was called the Farwell Pilgrimage in the  year 10 A.H.. Those who did not attend the farewell pilgrimage were even more and more. "and Allah aids with His victory whomever He decides. Surely in that is indeed a lesson for the ones endowed with beholdings. (Literally: eyesights)." (TMQ, Âl-`Imrân: 13).

 [47] The Farewell Pilgimage

 After Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) returned from Tabûk, he sent Abu-Bakr As-Siddîq (R.A.) to Makkah, in the month of Dhul-Qi`dah of the year 9 A.H., to lead people in Hajj. Next year, towards the end of Thul-Qi`dah in the year 10 A.H., the Prophet (SAWS) prepared himself in "Ihrâm" for pilgrimage, and embarked to Makkah on the Hajj journey amongst a great crowd. He rode his camel calling, "O Allah, I'm at Your service, O Allah, the One and Only, I'm at Your service; Thanks, Blessings and Supreme Power are for You, You who have no partner in Your Reign". He kept on his way till he reached Makkah on Sunday morning of the fourth day of Dhul-Hijjah.  He entered Makkah through the mountain pass of Kadâ', performed Tawâf (circumambulation of the Ka`bah) for seven times and received the black stone. Next, he prayed two Rak`ahs (units of prayer) at Prophet Ibrâhîm 's (Abraham) (A.S.) station, and drank from the waters of Zamzam Fount. Then he rode his camel and moved seven times between As-Safâ and Al-Marwah. On the eighth day of Thul-Hijjah, he headed for Minâ and slept there. On the ninth day, he went to `Arafah and gave his famous speech, known as the Farewell Speech. He started with thanking and praising Allah the Almighty and said, "O People, listen to me as I explain this to you, for I do not know if I may not see you after this year in this place." He continued, "O People, your blood, money, and honor are sacred to you till you shall meet your Lord, as sacred as this very day, in this very month, in this very city. Any of you who has a trust, let him return it to that who had entrusted it to him." Then he said," O People, your women have rights upon you and you upon them. Your rights are that they shall never let other men into your beds, nor let anyone you detest into your homes without your permission, nor commit adultery. O People, believers (Muslims) are brothers, and a man's property is not lawful for another man unless he allows it. Thus, do not return into disbelief after I am gone and strike each other's necks (i.e. Do not fight and kill each other).  I have left in you what will not lead you astray if you abide by: The Book of Allah (The Qur’an). Have I conveyed (The Message)? O Allah, be my witness." Then, he continued, "O People, your Lord is one (Allah), and your father is one. You are all sons of Adam and Adam was made of dust. Verily, in Allah's sight, the most honored amongst you are the most pious. There's no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, except on the basis of piety. Have I conveyed (The Message)? O Allah, be my witness. Let those present of you tell those absent."

 This great speech embodied many other rulings and prohibitions made by Allah SWT). On that day, the following verse was revealed upon Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) "Today I have completed your religion for you, and I have perfected My favor on you, and I am satisfied with  Islam as a religion for you." (TMQ, Al-Mâ'idah: 3).

 After the Prophet (SAWS) performed all the Hajj rites (throwing the pebbles, slaughtering, shaving and Tawâf), he stayed in Makkah for ten days then went back to Al-Madînah.

 [48] The Prophet's (SAWS) Illness and Death

 In the beginning of the month of Safar of the year 11 A.H., the Prophet (SAWS) fell ill with fever. He spent thirteen days moving between his wives' homes. When his illness grew severe, he asked their permission to be nursed at `Â'ishah's home and they allowed so. When he could not go to the Mosque for prayer, he said, "Ask Abu-Baker to lead the people in prayer." When Al-Ansâr found that he was severely ill, they stayed in the mosque in worry. Then, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) came to them with his head tied, leaning on `Ali and Al-Fadl with Al-`Abbâs in the lead, and sat down at the bottom of the platform ladder surrounded by people. He thanked Allah and praised Him and said, "O People, I have heard that you are afraid of your Prophet's death. Was there any Prophet whom Allah had sent before me who was immortal, so that I may be immortal amongst you? Verily, I will follow them and you shall follow me. I ask you to be kind to the first immigrants, and I ask the immigrants to be kind to one another," then he said, "Verily, I am preceding you and you are following me. Verily, we shall meet at the "Pond" in the hereafter. So, whoever wishes to drink from it with me then, should restrain his hands and tongue where unnecessary."

 As the people were praying Fajr (morning) prayer on Monday 13^th of Rabî` Al-Awwal, led by Abu-Baker (R.A.), the Prophet (SAWS) opened the curtain of `Â'ishah's room to look at them as they were praying, and smiled. Hence Abu-Bakr thought that the Prophet (SAWS) wanted to go out and pray, so he moved back in line. The Muslims were almost allured in delight to see the Prophet (SAWS). So, the Prophet (SAWS) made a gesture to them so that they would continue their prayer and went back into the room, closing the curtain behind him. Then, death came upon him as he was laying his blessed head on `Â'ishah's thigh, and said, "Nay rather the Higher Companion." Before the morning rise, the Prophet (SAWS) passed away leaving this world behind, and joined his Lord the Most Exalted. Abu-Baker was not near `Â'ishah's home during that time. So, when he came and was told what had happened, he stepped into `Â'ishah's home, unveiled the Prophet's (SAWS) face and started kissing it, crying and saying, "May Allah's Prayers be upon you O Messenger of Allah. Blessed are you, live and dead!." He went out and told the people, "For those of you who worshipped Muhammad, he is dead now, and for those who worshipped Allah, Allah is Alive and Everlasting."

 The Prophet (SAWS) remained in his home for the rest of that day, which was a Monday, and on Tuesday and Wednesday, until Muslims assigned a Caliph for them. Then they washed the Prophet's (SAWS) corpse and buried him. `Ali ibn Abu-Tâlib washed him, with the assistance of Al-`Abbâs and his sons Al-Fadl and Qutham, Usâmah ibn Zayd and Shuqrân, the Prophet's servants. He was shrouded in three cloths without a shirt or a turban. He was placed on his bed in his home and people came in individually to pray for him. Then, the grave was dug in exactly where he had died in `Â'ishah's room and was sprinkled with water. Then `Ali, Al-`Abbâs, and his sons Al-Fadl and Qutham placed him in the grave which was raised a hand-span above the ground.  

The Prophet (SAWS) was sixty-three years old thenn. He spent fifty three years of his life in Makkah and ten years in Al-Madînah.

 [49] A Description of the Prophet (SAWS)

 The Prophet (SAWS) was very handsome, with pink colored skin (white with a little redness). His face shone like the full moon. He had a large head which was still proportional to the rest of his body. His hair was neither curly nor straight, as if it were combed to be wavy. It used to reach his earlobe, if it were not cut. He had a wide forehead, with thick eyebrows that did not unite. He had a little elevation at the middle of his nose, but it was not long. His mouth was neither wide nor narrow; his teeth were fine and had gaps between them. He had low cheeks, a thick beard, a nice neck, wide chest and shoulders. He had a hairline between his upper abdomen and bellybutton. He had hairy arms, shoulders and upper chest, and was hairless elsewhere.

 His parts were proportional in size, and he was moderate in weight. His muscles were tight and had long upper arms, wide palms, plump hands and feet. The soles of his feet did not touch the ground when he stood up. His legs had no folds nor cracks; thus they did not retain water.

 He (SAWS) was neither tall nor short. He walked energetically, and had wide steps. He walked with gentleness and solemnity, as if he was walking down a steep place. He had a lowered gaze, and used to look at the ground more than he looked at the sky. When he would turn his sight towards something, his whole body would turn towards it. He (SAWS) had keen observation, and would always walk behind those who walk with him, and would be the first to greet others.

[50] A Glimpse at his (SAWS) traits and manners

 We have displayed a thorough summary of the Prophet's (SAWS) biography, for you to understand how he used to strive to deliver Allah's message, and how much he suffered to guide mankind into the Straight Path.

 Let us give you a brief account of his blessed personal traits and honorable manners and morals, hoping that Allah will aid us and you to follow such good traits and morals. Allah had placed both good creation and good manners in his beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAWS), and gave him the best in both. Thus he was handsome, and had proportional parts. He had a clean body and a nice scent, and was free from any filth or disgrace. He had steady moves, and good traits. He (SAWS) only limited himself to the necessities of life such as eating, and sleeping for only as essential. He was most rational, smart, had keen senses and eloquence.

 He (SAWS) was kind and forgiving, and was patient when he faced hardships. He was never angry, unless for the sake of Allah; and never revenged for himself. He never struck anybody with his hand, unless he was fighting for the sake of Allah; so he never hit a child or a woman. He was brave, heroic and chivalrous who feared no one nor escaped where other heroes may escape. He was generous, benevolent, kind and giving.

 He (SAWS) was the shyest of all people, and was the most careful to lower his gaze. His speech was never indecent nor horrid..He never talked or spread obscenity. He never yelled in the markets, nor mocked people for their flaws. He never rewarded bad treatment with bad treatment, instead he was forgiving. He was a good company, perfect in his manners and patience; and was always cheerful, flexible, kind and merciful. He used to reward the kindest people of a tribe, and make them rulers upon it. Yet, he used to be cautious and careful, while showing cheerfulness to all people.

 The Prophet (SAWS) was humble with self-respect, cared for his friends and was just with all his companions; such that every one of them felt they were the most honorable. He was patient with whoever sat with him or negotiated any matter with him, till they eventually would walk away. He never disappointed anyone who had a favor to ask of him, if just with words. He was the greatest of people in traits; hence he became like a father to them and they all became equal to each other in his sight.

When he (SAWS) came upon some people in a meeting, he sat in the nearest place to their middle.

 He (SAWS) accepted the invitations of all people, even if they were slaves; and he accepted all gifts, no matter how humble they were, and rewarded for them. He used to mingle with his companions, chat with them, visit their patients, and joke with them at times, still, only told the truth.

 The prophet was loyal, trustworthy, just, honest, chaste, sincere, truthful and chivalrous. He was the greatest in solemnity and deliberateness and good attitude. He was fearful of Allah, obedient to Him, and faithful in worshipping Him to the ultimate extent.

 May Allah's blessings, peace, and honor be upon him.