Seerah of The Prophet Peace be upon him

1. Seerah of The Prophet Peace be upon him “The Year of Grief” 10th Year of Revelation

2. The Year of Grief • لما حضرت أبا طالب الوفاة ، جاءه رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، فوجد عنده أبا جهل وعبد الله بن أبي أمية بن المغيرة ، فقال : ( أي عم ، قل لا إله إلا الله ، كلمة أحاج لك بها عند الله ) . فقال أبو جهل وعبد الله بن أبي أمية : أترغب عن ملة عبد المطلب ، فلم يزل رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم يعرضها عليه ، ويعيدانه بتلك المقالة ، حتى قال أبو طالب آخر ما كلمهم : على ملة عبد المطلب ، وأبى أن يقول : لا إله إلا الله ، قال : قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : ( والله لأستغفرن لك ما لم أنه عنك ) . فأنزل الله : { ما كان للنبي والذين آمنوا أن يستغفروا للمشركينوَلَوْ كَانُوا أُولِي قُرْبَى مِنْ بَعْدِ مَا تَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُمْ أَصْحَابُ الْجَحِيمِ} . وأنزل الله في أبي طالب ، فقال لرسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : { إنك لا تهدي من أحببت ولكن الله يهدي من يشاء } . • الراوي: المسيب بن حزن المحدث: البخاري

3. The Year of Grief • On the authority of Al-Musaiyab, when Abu Taleb was on the death bed, the Prophet entered and saw Abu Jahl and ‘Abdullah bin Abi Omaiyah. The Prophet said to his uncle: "My uncle, say that there is no true god but Allah, and I will intercede before Allah ". Abu Jahl said: "Abu Taleb, would you abandon the religion of ‘Abdul-Muttalib?" repeatedly till Abu Taleb gave his final word and he stuck to the religion of ‘Abdul-Muttalib. Upon this the Messenger of Allah remarked: "By Allah, I will persistently beg pardon for you till I am forbidden to do so (by Allah)". It was then that Allah revealed this verse: "It is not (proper) for the Prophet and those who believe to ask Allah's forgiveness for the polytheists even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are the dwellers of the Fire." [Al-Qur'an 9:113] And it was said to the Messenger of Allah:"Verily! You guide not whom you like. But it is Allah who guides whoever He pleases" [Al-Qur'an 28:56] [Bukhari 1/548]

4. The Year of Grief • Two months after Abu Taleb’s death and in Ramadan of the Tenth year of Revelation, Khadijah passes away. • أتى جبريل النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال : يا رسول الله ، هذه خديجة قد أتت ، معها إناء فيه إدام أو طعام أو شراب ، فإذا هي أتتك فاقرأ عليها السلام من ربها ومني ، وبشرها ببيت في الجنة من قصب لا صخب فيه ولا نصب . الراوي: أبو هريرة المحدث: البخاري • ما غرت على امرأة للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ما غرت على خديجة ، هلكت قبل أن يتزوجني ، لما كنت أسمعه يذكرها ، وأمره الله أن يبشرها ببيت من قصب ، وإن كان ليذبح الشاة فيهدي في خلائلها منها ما يسعهن . الراوي: عائشة المحدث: البخاري • كان النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم إذا ذكر خديجة أثنى عليها بأحسن الثناء قالت فغرت يوما فقلت ما أكثر ما تذكرها حمراء الشدقين قد أبدلك الله خيرا منها قال ما أبدلني الله خيرا منها وقد آمنت بي إذ كفر بي الناس وصدقتني إذ كذبني وآستني بمالها إذ حرمني الناس ورزقني الله ولدها إذ حرمني أولاد النساء أيضا الراوي: عائشة المحدث: ابن كثير - المصدر: البداية والنهاية

5. The Year of Grief • "She believed in me when none else did. She embraced Islam when people disbelieved me. And she helped and comforted me in her person and wealth when there was none else to lend me a helping hand. I had children from her.“ • Abu Hurairah reported that Gabriel came to Allah's Messenger and said: "Khadijah is coming to you with a vessel of food or drink. When she comes to you, offer her greetings from her Lord, and give her glad tidings of a palace of jewels in Paradise where there is no noise and no toil." [Bukhari 1/539]

6. The Year of Grief • Loss of support in Mecca after the death of Abu Taleb • Loss of support at home after the death of Khadijah • The oppression and abuse of Quraysh increased after Abu Taleb’s death • The Prophet of Allah marries Sawdah bint Zam’ah (a widow returned from Abyssinia)

7. The Year of Grief Al-Ta’if • The Da’wah in Mecca seemed to reach a dead end. • Seeking support and a new avenue for Islam outside Mecca

8. The Year of Grief Al-Ta’if • In Shawwal (in May or June 619 A.D.), ten years after receiving his mission from his Lord, the Prophet set out towards At-Ta’if, about 60 kilometres from Makkah, in the company Zaid bin Haritha inviting people to Islam. • For ten days he stayed there delivering his message to several people, one after another, but all to no avail. • The people hooted him through the alley-ways, pelted him with stones and obliged him to flee from the city pursued by a relentless rabble. • One of the worst days in the life of the Prophet fearing that his call to Allah and mission is failing.

9. The Year of Grief Quraysh Ta’if Loss of Khadijah Loss of Abu Taleb

10. The Year of Grief • اللهم إليك أشكو ضعف قوتي ، وقلة حيلتي ، وهو اني على الناس . . . أنت أرحم الراحمين ، أنت رب المستضعفين ، وأنت ربي . . . إلى من تكلني . إلى بعيد يتجهمني ، أم إلى عدو ملكته أمري . إن لم يكن بك غضب علي فلا أبالي ، غير أن عافيتك هي أوسع لي . . ! ! أعوذ بنور وجهك الذي أشرقت له الظلمات ، وصلح عليه أمر الدنيا والآخرة ، أن يحل علي غضبك ، أو أن ينزل بي سخطك . لك العتبى حتى ترضى ، ولا حول ولا قوة إلا بك . . . • "O Allah! To You alone I complain of my weakness, the paucity of my resources and my insignificance before mankind. You are the most Merciful. You are the Lord of the helpless and the weak, O Lord of mine! Into whose hands would You deliver me: into the hands of a stranger who oppresses me, or to the enemy who has been given control over my affairs? But if Your wrath does not fall on me, there are no worries for me. I seek protection in the light of Your Countenance, which illuminates the heavens and dispels darkness, and which controls all affairs in this world as well as in the Hereafter. May it never be that I should incur Your anger, or that You should be wrathful to me. And there is no power nor resource, but Yours alone."

11. The Year of Grief • Lessons from the Supplication: • Not directing blame to others for the slow success of the mission. • Self review. • Total reliance on Allah after exerting all efforts. • No despair, never lose hope with Allah. • Serving and Pleasing Allah is the ultimate goal. • All power and might is with Allah only.

12. The Year of Grief • وتحركت عاطفة القرابة في قلوب ابني ربيعة فدعوا غلاما لهما نصرانيا ، يدعى عداسا وقال له : خذ قطفا من العنب ، واذهب به إلى الرجل . فلما وضعه بين يدي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم مد يده إليه قائلا : باسم الله ثم أكل . فقال عداس إن هذا الكلام ما يقوله أهل هذه البلدة ! قال له النبي : من أي البلاد أنت ! قال أنا نصراني من نينوى فقال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم : أمن قرية الرجل الصالح يونس بن متى ؟ قال له : وما يدريك ما يونس ؟ قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ذلك أخي ، كان نبيا وأنا نبي . فأكب عداس على يدي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ورجليه يقبلهما . فقال ابنا ربيعة أحدهما للآخر . أما غلامك فقد أفسده عليك ! فلما جاء عداس قال له : ويحك ماهذا ؟ قال : ما في الأرض خير من هذا الرجل .

13. The Year of Grief • Seeing him in this helpless situation, Rabi‘a’s two sons, wealthy Makkans, were moved on grounds of kinship and compassion, and sent to him one of their Christian servants with a tray of grapes. The Prophet accepted the fruit with pious invocation: "In the Name of the Allah." The Christian servant ‘Addas was greatly impressed by these words and said: "These are words which people in this land do not generally use." The Prophet inquired of him whence he came and what religion he professed. ‘Addas replied: "I am a Christian by faith and come from Nineveh." The Prophet then said: "You belong to the city of the righteous Jonah, son of Matta." ‘Addas asked him anxiously if he knew anything about Jonah. The Prophet significantly remarked: "He is my brother. He was a Prophet and so am I." Thereupon ‘Addas paid homage to Muhammad and kissed his hands. His masters admonished him at this act but he replied: "None on the earth is better than he is. He has revealed to me a truth which only a Prophet can do.“ • Reminder of Yunus and his trials with people.

14. The Year of Grief • عن عائشة أنها قالت للنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم : هل أتى عليك يوم أشد من يوم أحد ؟ قال : لقد لقيت من قومك ما لقيت ، وكان أشد ما لقيت منهم يوم العقبة ، إذ عرضت نفسي على ابن عبد ياليل بن عبد كلال ، فلم يجبني إلى ما أردت ، فانطلقت وأنا مهموم على وجهي ، فلم أستفق إلا وأنا بقرن الثعالب ، فرفعت رأسي ، فإذا أنا بسحابة قد أظلتني ، فنظرت فإذا فيها جبريل ، فناداني فقال : إن الله قد سمع قول قومك لك ، وما ردوا عليك ، وقد بعث الله إليك ملك الجبال ، لتأمره بما شئت فيهم ، فناداني ملك الجبال ، فسلم علي ، ثم قال : يا محمد ، فقال : ذلك فيما شئت ، إن شئت أن أطبق عليهم الأخشبين ؟ فقال النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم : بل أرجو أن يخرج الله من أصلابهم من يعبد الله وحده ، لا يشرك به شيئا . البخاري • ‘Aishah said: "I asked the Prophet if he had ever experienced a worse day than Uhud. He answered that he had suffered a lot from those people (the idolaters) but the most painful was on the day of ‘Aqabah (hardship). I went seeking support from Ibn ‘Abd Yalil bin ‘Abd Kalal, but he spurned me. I set out wearied and grieved heedless of anything around me until I was in Qarn Ath-Tha‘alib. There, I looked up and saw a cloud casting its shade on me, and Gabriel addressing me: Allah has heard your people’s words and sent you the angel of mountains to your aid. The latter called and gave me his greetings and asked for my permission to bury Makkah between Al-Akhshabain, the two mountains flanking Makkah. I said in reply that I would rather have someone from their offsprings who will worship Allah with no associate."

15. The Year of Grief • The Jinn listen to the Quran • And (remember) when We sent towards you a group of the jinn, (quietly) listening to the Qur'an. When they stood in the presence thereof, they said: "Listen in silence!" And when it was finished, they returned to their people, warning them.They said: "O our people! Verily, we have heard a Book (this Qur'an) sent down after Musa (Moses), confirming what came before it: it guides to the truth and to the Straight Path.O our people! Respond (with obedience) to Allah's Caller and believe in him. He (Allah) will forgive you of your sins, and will save you from a painful torment. الأحقاف

16. The Year of Grief • The Jinn listen to the Quran • Say: It has been revealed to me that a group (from three to ten in number) of jinn listened (to this Qur'an). They said: ‘Verily, we have heard a wonderful Recitation (this Qur'an)! ‘It guides to the Right Path, and we have believed therein, and we shall never join (in worship) anything with our Lord (Allah). ‘And He, exalted be the Majesty of our Lord, has taken neither a wife nor a son (or offspring or children). ‘And that the foolish among us [i.e. Iblees (Satan) or the polytheists amongst the jinn] used to utter against Allah that which was an enormity in falsehood. الجن

17. The Year of Grief • The Prophet is refused entry to Mecca • Many refused protection to the Prophet • Al-Mut‘im bin ‘Adi, a notable in Makkah, responded to the Prophet’s appeal for shelter. • The Messenger of Allah never forgot Mut‘im’s favor. At the conclusion of the battle of Badr, he declared publicly that if Mut‘im had been still alive and asked for the release of the Quraishite captives, he would not deny him his request. (Al-Bukhari)

18. The Year of Grief • The Prophet and the Believers are in dire need for: • Guidance • Support • Patience • Strength • Miracles??

19. هود The Year of Grief • The Support of the Quran: • Surah Yunus • Surah Hud • Surah Yusuf “All that We relate to you of the stories of the Messengers, with it We make your heart firm (strong); in them there comes to you the Truth, as well as an admonition and a reminder for the believers.” Hud 120

20. The Support of the Quran • Surah Yunus: • Alif-Lam-Ra. These are the Verses of the Hakeem Book (Perfect and full of wisdom) • Is it a wonder for mankind that We have sent Our Revelationto a man from among themselves: "Warn mankind, and give good news to those who believe that they shall have with their Lord the rewards of their good deeds?" (But) the disbelievers say: "This is indeed an evident sorcerer!” • And they worship besides Allah things that harm them not, nor profit them, and they say: "These are our intercessors with Allah." Say: "Do you inform Allah of that which He knows not in the heavens and on the earth?" Glorified and Exalted is He above all that which they associate as partners (with Him)! Refuting the arguments of the Polytheists

21. The Support of the Quran • Surah Yunus: • Say: "Is there of your partners (that you claim with Allah) one that originates the creation and then repeats it?" Say: "Allah originates the creation and then He repeats it. Then how are you deluded away (from the truth)?" • Say: "Is there of your partners (that you claim with Allah) one that guides to the truth?" Say: "It is Allah Who guides to the truth. Is then He Who guides to the truth more worthy to be followed, or he who finds not guidance (himself) unless he is guided? Then, what is the matter with you? How judge you?" Confirming the Creed of Tawheed

22. The Support of the Quran • Surah Yunus: • Say: "Tell me, if His torment should come to you by night or by day, which portion thereof would the criminals hasten on ?"Is it then that when it has actually befallen, you will believe in it? What! Now (you believe)? And you used (aforetime) to hasten it on!"Then it will be said to them who wronged themselves: "Taste you the everlasting torment! Are you recompensed (aught) save what you used to earn?"And they ask you to inform them (saying): "Is it true?" Say: "Yes! By my Lord! It is the very truth! and you cannot escape it!" Warning against rejecting the truth. All Might and Power are with Allah.

23. The Support of the Quran • And recite to them the news of Nooh. When he said to his people: "O my people, if my stay (with you), and my reminding (you) of the signs of Allah is hard on you, then I put my trust in Allah. So devise your plot, you and your partners, and let not your plot be in doubt for you. Then pass your sentence on me and give me no respite. • But none believed in Musa except the offspring of his people, because of the fear of Fir‘aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs, lest they should persecute them; and verily, Fir‘aun was an arrogant tyrant on the earth, he was indeed one of the transgressors. • And Musa said: "O my people! If you have believed in Allah, then put your trust in Him if you are Muslims.“ • They said: "In Allah we put our trust. Our Lord! Make us not a trial for the folk who are wrong-doers. Trust in Allah and rely on Him! Examples of Nooh and Musa

24. The Support of the Quran • Surah Yunus: • Truly! Those, against whom the Word (Wrath) of your Lord has been justified, will not believe. • Even if every sign should come to them, until they see the painful torment. • Was there any town (community) that believed (after seeing the punishment), and its Faith (at that moment) saved it (from the punishment)? (The answer is none) - except the people of Yunus; when they believed, We removed from them the torment of disgrace in the life of this world, and permitted them to enjoy for a while. • And had your Lord willed, those on earth would have believed, all of them together. So, will you then compel mankind, until they become believers. Your mission is to deliver the Message, Guidance is Allah's alone! Allah chooses who to save from torment and who deserves it! (People of Yunus vs. Fir’aun)

25. The Support of the Quran • Surah Hud: • The Stories of: • Nooh • Hud • Saleh • Ibrahim • Lut • Shu’aib • Musa and Fir’aun

26. The Support of the Quran Surah Hud Story of Nooh

27. The Support of the Quran Surah Hud Story of Nooh

28. The Support of the Quran • Surah Hud: • Nooh: • Persistence in Da’wah • Standing firm with the believers, the poor and the weak • Enduring ridicule • The punishment for the disbelievers • Faith is above any other kinship (Son of Nooh), and the stubbornness of disbelief.

29. The Support of the Quran Surah Hud Story of Hud

30. The Support of the Quran • Surah Hud: • Hud: • Persistence in Da’wah • Standing firm before the challenges of tyrant people • The word of truth is enough, even without miracles • Reliance on Allah and trust in Him • The Messenger’s mission is to deliver the message.

31. The Support of the Quran Surah Hud Story of Saleh

32. The Support of the Quran • Surah Hud: • Hud: • Persistence in Da’wah • Saleh was noble and loved by his people before he called for the truth. • They wanted to follow the way of their forefathers. • A clear Miracle (the she-Camel) did not result is faith.

33. The Support of the Quran • Surah Hud: • Ibrahim: • Never despair from the Mercy of Allah

34. The Support of the Quran • Surah Hud: • Lut: • Weak immigrant with no support or strength in his town • All might, strength and support is from Allah.

35. The Support of the Quran Surah Hud Story of Shu’aib

36. The Support of the Quran • Surah Hud: • Shu’aib: • Rejected by his people for: • Preserving the tradition of their forefathers • Fearing reduction in wealth • They wanted to kill Shu’aib if not for the protection of his family • Challenging the disbelievers through the strength of Faith and Trust in Allah

37. The Support of the Quran • Surah Hud: • Musa: • Despite all the clear miracles, people followed Fir’aun. • Following the leadership of tyrant disbelievers leads to Hellfire

38. The Support of the Quran • Surah Hud: Conclusions • So stand firm and straight (on Islam) as you are commanded and those (your companions) who turn in repentance (unto Allah) with you, and transgress not (Allah's Limits). Verily, He is All-Seer of what you do. • And incline not toward those who do wrong, lest the Fire should touch you, and you have no protectors other than Allah, nor you would then be helped. • And perform As-Salat , at the two ends of the day and in some hours of the night . Verily, the good deeds remove the evil deeds. That is a reminder for the mindful. • And be patient; verily, Allah wastes not the reward of the good-doers.

39. The Support of the Quran • Surah Hud: Conclusions • Stay firm on the straight path! • Do not transgress or oppress! • Do not lean toward the disbelievers in compromise or weakness! • Take strength from Salah and ask for forgiveness! • Be patient!!

40. Surah Yusuf The Support of the Quran وَلَأَجْرُ الْآخِرَةِ خَيْرٌ لِلَّذِينَ آمَنُوا وَكَانُوا يَتَّقُونَ Born in the House of Ya'qub Living in the House of The Treasurer Innocence Proven Yusuf Exonerated The Treasurer Of Egypt Thrown into the Well Sold into Slavery Trial by Seduction Prison

41. The Support of the Quran • Surah Yusuf: Conclusions • Even with maximum effort, most people will not believe. • Stay firm on your clear course. • Take lessons fron those before you: • The Messengers victory • The Disbeliever’s end • The support and help of Allah arrives at the darkest moment.