At the time, too, the people of Arabia drank alcohol
in excess and many were alcoholics. They used to cheat and act
rough and tough in an arrogant manner; they frequently hurt other
people's feelings, since many were power hungry.
The people of Arabia used to pray to idols, regarding
the idols as a means between them and God. They made the idols
out of stone or wood, and sometimes of edible items! They often
imagined that the idols represented their gods.
HOW DID MUHAMMAD (PBUH) FEEL?
When Muhammad (pbuh) reflected upon the behavior of
the people, and especially the worshiping of idols, he felt
aggravated and sorry, since neither their behavior was good nor
their worship with any foundation. When he became Prophet,
Muhammad (pbuh) began to inform the people about Almighty God and
His religion. However, since many people did not like to change,
they did not like to hear what Muhammad (pbuh) preached. Because
of that, many people hurt Muhammad and the few Muslims who
believed in his message, the people were cruel and brutal most of
the time.
Being a Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh) continued his
pronouncements, and without fail, kept talking to the people. He
was not frightened by the people and was very patient, since he
knew they were very ignorant. Slowly but surely, in an ever
increasing number, people began to believe in Muhammad's Message.
On the other hand, other people kept hurting and abusing the
Muslims, including Muhammad himself. The ill-treatment was to
such an extent that at one time the Meccans boycotted him and his
clan—they kept them like prisoners, constantly under guard and
away from town for as long as three years! During these strenuous
times Muhammad's beloved uncle, Abu Talib, and Muhammad's
wonderful wife, Khadijah, died. This was one of the most difficult
things for him to take. Muhammad, however, never wavered or
stopped spreading his message and he continued spreading Islam in
full force.
When Muhammad (pbuh) was fifty-three years old, Allah
ordered him to leave Mecca. The reason was because people in
Mecca wanted to murder him.
DID HE LEAVE MECCA SUCCESSFULLY?
Muhammad (pbuh)
left Mecca at night, arranging with his trusted cousin, Ali,
to sleep in his bed, thereby fooling his would-be murderers. Ali
was also to return some items entrusted with Muhammad (pbuh) to
its people the following day. Even at the most perilous period in
his life, Muhammad's honesty never wavered. See how marvelous,
and what an example he is?!?
Muhammad (pbuh)
escaped Mecca unnoticed along with his friend Abu Bakr.
After three days in a cave, they then traveled through a rough
route to a town called Medina.
Medina is about 300 miles north of Mecca. That year was very
important as it is called the year of
Hijrah.
The escape from Mecca to Medina was exceptionally dangerous, but
by Allah's protection, and through His grace, Muhammad (pbuh)
safely escaped.
IN MEDINA
The people of Medina loved Muhammad (pbuh) very much,
and many of them became Muslims. On the other hand, the people of
Mecca, having failed to stop Muhammad (pbuh) did not wish to see
him succeed in Medina. Many times they fought Muhammad (pbuh) and
the Muslims; they even attempted to kill him three times. Thanks
to his genius and vastly superior mind, Muhammad (pbuh) and the
Muslims were victorious as Islam survived their suppression.
An increasing number of people embraced Islam, after
all, Islam made much sense to them as it was their true salvation,
and Allah wished it to prevail. After the new Muslims learned
about Islam they taught it to others.
Eventually, at a strategic time, Mecca itself embraced
Islam out of its own will. When that happened, all of Arabia
followed suit and embraced Islam. Muhammad (pbuh) was grateful to
the Almighty and very happy.
Prophet Muhammad passed away when he was sixty three
years old. He ministered for 23 years, gave the world Islam, its
greatest treasure; he also gave his example and his words as the
Tradition (Sunnah). We are to follow his example as much as we
can.
WHEN HE WAS A PROPHET
Muhammad (pbuh)
was a Prophet for twenty‑three years. Allah (swt), through Angel Jibreel
(Gabriel), furnished the message to Muhammad, which was then
written right away. Any Revelation to Muhammad (pbuh) was not
only registered immediately but also memorized by numerous people.
Allah wanted us to live decently, to be good and
proper, and Prophet Muhammad taught us extensively about this.
Those who followed Islam loved it very much. They bravely
struggled in its defense and in numerous ways they worked very
hard for the cause. The Muslims tirelessly taught Islam to as
many people as they could. That is why Islam became exceptionally
strong, and why there are so many millions of Muslims today.
PROPHET MUHAMMAD TAUGHT US TO BELIEVE
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught us to believe in
Allah. Allah is One and He is the Creator, the Originator.
-
Allah made us all, he had no
father, mother, or children. We pray to Allah five times a
day to be in connection with Him and to acknowledge and appreciate
Him very frequently.
-
We also believe in the Holy Books of God. The present day Towraat
(Torah) and Injeel (Gospel) and Zaboor (Psalms) are books of
Prophets Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), and Dawood (David)
respectively, but they are not in their original form. Through
time, they were modified and tampered with by people. On the
other hand, the Holy Quran is the only original and genuine word
of God without any blemishes.
-
We, as Muslims, also believe
in the angels of God. Gabriel is the angel who conveyed the
Message from Allah (God) to the Prophets.
-
We, as Muslims, also believe in the Hereafter. After we die,
Allah will create us again on the Day of Judgment, and we will be
in Heaven if we follow Islam well.
PROPHET MUHAMMAD ALSO TAUGHT US TO WORSHIP
Prophet Muhammad taught us to worship and pray to
Allah.
-
We worship Allah five times a day, every day. We should learn how
to perform our Salat from our mothers or fathers or our teachers,
and gather in many Masjids.
-
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) also informed us about fasting during the
month of Ramadhan. During this month, we don't eat or drink from
dawn until sunset; we also read the Holy Quran and be as righteous
as possible. We should be in our best of behavior. We start
fasting only when we are old enough to reach our religious
maturity.
-
Besides Salat and fasting, Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught and
encouraged us to help the poor and disadvantaged, giving a certain
amount of our earnings to them each year. This is called Zakat.
-
Muhammad (pbuh) also taught us about the yearly Pilgrimage to
Mecca. This is called Haj, and is recommended at least once in a
lifetime of each Muslim who is capable of fulfilling it.
HOW ABOUT SOME ASPECTS OF MUHAMMAD'S LIFE?
Numerous aspects
about various facets of life are well recorded about Muhammad
(pbuh). His sayings are called Hadith
and they, along with what he did, are called Sunnah Nabawiyya,
meaning the Tradition of the Prophet. We must study these
traditions and follow them as our model. They are extremely
helpful and show us how to be righteous. We will discuss only
eleven points:
1. Truthfulness
2. Honesty
3. Kindness
4. Mockery
5. Fairness
6. Assistance
7. Forgiveness
8. Breaking promise
9. Good manners
10. Love of parents
11. Islamic education.
An Aspect About:
TRUTHFULNESS
Muhammad was well known to everyone, both as a child
and adult. This is especially true once he was distinguished with
the seal of Prophethood. His followers knew him well and liked
him very much. People discovered that Muhammad always said the
truth, which was very unusual at the time. No matter what
happened, they knew they could count on Muhammad (pbuh) because he
was known to tell them without any lies. People also knew that
Muhammad (pbuh) did not like those who lied because lying is very
harmful and bad. After all, when a person lies, he has to keep
lying to cover his first lie.
Even as a young boy, Muhammad told the pure truth no
matter what happened. He cared not if, by telling the truth,
someone's feelings were hurt, or someone would be angry. Because
of that, people admired him and they liked him so much that they
nicknamed him "Al‑Amin," which means "the trustworthy". This was
an honor never given to anyone before—it was a title of the
highest respect and esteem. Often the people were awed by his
frankness, despite the circumstances.
When Allah chose him to the Prophethood, Muhammad
(pbuh) continued teaching Muslims excellent morality. He invited
his people to tell the truth, not to hide anything despite any
punishment that may occur. Muhammad (pbuh) taught us to be
straightforward, honest, and truthful, because Allah loves
truthfulness and those who uphold the truth. Allah likes to see
us as well-behaved and dependable people. Allah does not like the
one who tells lies.
LET US TAKE AN EVENT IN HIS LIFE:
Muhammad (pbuh) was 43 years old, three years since he
was privileged with the Prophethood. He wanted to further inform
people about Islam, and he wanted to do this in the open. He
stood on a hill and summoned the people to the area. Everyone
rushed toward him out of curiosity, after all, they said, "It is
Muhammad who is calling us."
Muhammad (pbuh) waited, standing, giving time for the
people to gather and become quiet. Muhammad then boldly asked,
"If I tell you that a large army is coming to invade you from
behind those hills, will you believe me?"
The crowd became scared and worried. They thought an
army was about to attack them. "Wow!" they all said, "Most
certainly we believe you, Muhammad, we have never heard but the
truth from you!"
Everyone wondered if Muhammad (pbuh) had known of a
ferocious enemy descending upon them to destroy them. But
Muhammad said, "So believe me, I am the Messenger of Allah. Your
salvation will be the belief in Allah, His Messenger and His
religion. I implore you to believe and follow Islam."
If Muhammad (pbuh) had ever lied before, no one would
have believed him. And because Muhammad had always spoken the
truth, the people knew he was telling them the pure truth. His
qualities were so well known that they called him Al‑Saadiq Al‑Amin.
This means, "He who tells the truth, the trustworthy".
The listening crowd consisted mainly of disbelievers,
and they became silent, taken by surprise. No one could argue
with Muhammad about his unblemished character and everyone knew he
was the Truthful. The crowd then dispersed seriously thinking
about the belief in Allah and in Islam with what Muhammad (pbuh)
told them. It was much food for thought, something they reflected
upon, after all, Muhammad (pbuh) wouldn't lie about Allah the
Creator.
An Aspect About:
HONESTY
Muhammad (pbuh) was appreciated for being particular
in his honesty. As a child his friends found him unusually
forthright and they highly respected him for this. His honesty
remained with him for the rest of his life.
To be honest means no stealing, lying, or cheating.
Muhammad (pbuh) knew that dishonesty can be discovered and leads
to a loss of confidence, hurt, and bad feelings. But most
importantly Allah will know about it too, since nothing escapes
Him. Allah likes an honest person and He does not like someone
who cheats, lies, or steals. So, for us to please Allah, we ought
to be honest and trustworthy.
Every Prophet, especially Muhammad, urged his people
to be honest.
LET US TAKE AN EVENT IN HIS LIFE:
When twenty‑four years old, Muhammad (pbuh) was in
charge of a large caravan, loaded with goods belonging to a lady
called Khadijah. The caravan went north to Syria for the purpose
of trade. In Syria, they sold the goods, but Muhammad (pbuh)
surprised everyone about his scrupulous fairness and honesty. The
merchants never dealt with such honesty.
When people wanted to buy his goods, Muhammad made
sure to inform them not only about the good aspects, but also
about the bad aspects of what he was selling. Taken by surprise,
the buyers appreciated his uncommon honesty; never had they seen a
man selling an item and mentioning every bad and good point about
it. Muhammad was too honest to do deal any other way though.
The buyers were so impressed by Muhammad's way that
they bought everything from him. They bought the items also for
the fair prices he asked.
Upon returning from Syria, Muhammad (pbuh) took all
the money to Khadijah since everything in the caravan belonged to
her. She herself became even more impressed by him and highly
respected him for this. Later on, Khadijah became his beloved
wife, and they lived happily for a long time.
This shows how helpful and highly regarded honesty is,
and how people appreciate it. Muhammad was the best example of
honesty and we should try to follow his example.
An Aspect About:
KINDNESS
Prophet Muhammad was noted as a kind and loving
person. He enjoyed people's company very much, especially
children. He was very kind to all and he did not like cruel or
mean conduct.
Many times Prophet Muhammad said that Allah (swt) is
not only very kind but He loves kindness as well. As a result
when we are kind we are pleasing Allah.
Kindness can be at home or outside as it can be shown
to our family and friends. We must be equally kind to those who
are unhappy or distressed, and sympathize with them. Ultimately
they will help you in return when help is needed. When we are
kind to others, Allah Almighty will be kind to us many folds
more. Our best example regarding kindness is Prophet Muhammad; he
was extremely kind, and was pleased when he witnessed people being
kind and considerate to others.
LET US TAKE AN EVENT IN HIS LIFE:
It was a hot sultry day, with the sun baking the hot
desert and the wind blowing hard. Muhammad was traveling with
many Companions and they were uncomfortable and sweaty.
At a distance they saw a dog which appeared very
thirsty. Its tongue was dangling out while panting and seemingly
not feeling well. A woman approached the dog and they noticed she
had tied her shoe to a rope and was lowering it into a well. They
realized she was trying to get some water in her shoe to give to
the dog, since the dog was thirsty and looked sick. She exhibited
her love for Allah's creatures and desire to be kind at least to
one of them, the dog.
Muhammad (pbuh) knew that the woman was of ill repute,
but he admired her kindness because of her help to the dog.
Muhammad (pbuh) said to his Companions, "No matter how evil a
person is, Allah Almighty will reward that person with Heaven for
the kindness shown to others."
With her kindness the woman pleased the Almighty, and
Allah in return will show mercy to her as a reward. Kindness is
not only for people, but also for God's creatures.
An Aspect About:
TO NOT MAKE FUN OF PEOPLE
When he was a young boy, Muhammad (pbuh) did not like
to make fun of anyone. This is yet another reason why his friends
liked him and thought he was wonderful.
When he became a Prophet, Muhammad often directed us
not to make fun of people. He said mocking others will hurt their
feelings and make them feel bad. Additionally, no one likes to
see people laugh at him.
Allah (swt) likes fairness, and He does not like to
see someone making fun out of others. Mockery is cruel and
unkind, and we are not to be mean to others, rather to be kind.
If we don't like something, it is better not to
criticize it unless our criticism is constructive. This helps
strengthen friendships and the good spirit. If, however, we
ridicule a person, we are hurting him, and may lose a friend.
Muhammad (pbuh) wants our welfare, his recommendations are binding
for us to treat others without ridicule or mockery.
LET US TAKE AN EVENT IN HIS LIFE:
Muhammad (pbuh) had become a Prophet only recently,
and he was talking to many people about the Grand Message, Islam.
He was informing them about Allah (God) and to have faith in Him.
Many people listened, some attentively, others not, and those who
believed were few. Some of these believers were slaves, the poor,
or the weak and meek.
Nonbelievers made fun of the early Muslims; they
abused the Muslims and made them suffer. They were cruel to the
early Muslims, using bad language and hurting them a great deal.
Bilal
was a slave and an early Muslim. His owner used to beat and
torture him; at times, his owner took Bilal to the hot, sizzling
desert and laid hot heavy stones on him. He frequently whipped
and cursed Bilal and enjoyed doing all this in front of people who
stood, encouraging the owner while using foul language and being
vulgar. Brave Bilal said only one thing in return, "Ahad, Ahad,"
which means, "I believe in One God, One Almighty God".
Many years passed, and the Muslims increased in
number. They were the admired and highly respected ones. When
the Muslims triumphed over Mecca, the people of Mecca embraced
Islam. The early Muslims, though, never treated the Meccans badly
or sought revenge. They never ridiculed the Meccans nor hurt
them, instead they forgave them. They all became as Muslim
brothers. Islam instills the good spirit and deters Muslims from
doing bad.
Muslims must watch their manners and prefer goodness
toward others. When the disbelievers saw how pure-hearted the
early Muslims were, they appreciated it very much, and wanted to
become good Muslims too, thus embracing Islam in the thousands.
Aspects About:
BEING FAIR AND JUST
It was noticed that Muhammad, even when as a child,
was constantly fair. Other children loved him and thought the
world of him because of his wonderful personality. When he became
a Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh) taught us that Almighty Allah was
extremely fair, and He expects us, the Muslims, to be fair and
good.
For example, to grab something not belonging to us and
run away with it is unfair; it is better to resist the urge to be
unfair. If we find friends fighting and they ask us to judge
between them, the judgment should be fair. As we grow up, we may
be asked for our opinion about many things, fairness must be our
goal. If we are fair, people will like it and we will feel good
inside. More than that, Allah Almighty will like us even more.
Allah (swt) is very fair and He likes to see us being fair and
just.
LET US TAKE AN EVENT IN HIS LIFE
The Ka'ba
was being rebuilt and receiving extensive repairs. The area's
influential family, Quraish, was working on the Ka'ba's
renovation, and many of its clans were doing their share in the
renovation. They had reached a point in which the black stone
needed to be placed in its proper position. The black stone was
very respected by all because it was placed there by Prophet
Ibrahim himself. The clan to return the stone to its original
position would therefore receive great prestige and honor. Since
each clan wanted to have the exclusive right to place the Black
Stone, an argument arose with each clan insisting that only they
do the replacing. They disputed and argued and emotions were
highly charged as they sat inside the Ka'ba. It seemed that even
a war, of all things, was going to break out since no one would
let another clan place the Black Stone.
The oldest man then thought of a clever solution and
suggested, "Why don't we sit quietly and wait for the first man to
enter the Ka'ba? We accept him for a judge, and we will follow
whatever he says." Everyone agreed since the suggestion was very
fair and reasonable.
They sat quietly and waited patiently. Suddenly they
heard footsteps which gradually grew louder heading in their
direction. Their hearts beat fast with all the waiting to see who
would enter. A handsome young man showed up, and the stillness
was ripped. In unison everyone said, "Here comes Al‑Amin!"
meaning: Here comes the trustworthy. Muhammad, though not a
Prophet as of yet, was known as the trustworthy.
They explained to him their problem, and asked him for
a solution. Each clan thought they, and no one else, was going to
be Muhammad's choice. "Bring a robe," Muhammad requested.
Everyone looked at each other curiously and surprised, wondering
what Muhammad planned to do with a robe. When they brought the
robe, Muhammad put it on the floor and he put the black stone in
its center. Once done, he said, "Let each head of a clan hold a
corner of the robe." They all did, and as puzzled as could be!
Muhammad then ordered, "Lift up the robe." When they did they
took it to a suitable height Muhammad picked the black stone and
put it in its proper place.
Now everyone
understood what Muhammad had done; he equally gave the honor of
lifting the black stone to each clan, so everyone was treated
alike. At the same time he prevented a possible war from
erupting. This shows how fair Muhammad was, and how each group
had its fair share of the privilege.
Aspects About:
BEING NICE AND HELPFUL
Muhammad was known as a boy for his friendliness
toward his friends and family as well as his helpfulness. During
his Prophethood he repeatedly instructed the Muslims to be nice
and helpful to others. He said Allah Almighty likes those who are
nice and helpful and is pleased with them.
When we are nice to our friends our friends will be
nice to us. Sometimes we need to be nice to those who may hurt us
because this is one way of forgiving them. Being nice includes
kindness, generosity, and selflessness; with this people will
appreciate us very much.
Being nice to our parents involves many aspects
including respecting them and listening to them as well as helping
them with the chores and even doing well in school. When we
behave this way we will be respected, and appreciated.
Above all and most importantly it is Allah (swt) who
likes us to be upright, nice, and good Muslims.
LET US TAKE AN EVENT IN HIS LIFE:
Prophet
Muhammad's great-grandson was noted for his virtue and unequalled
integrity. His nickname was Zainul Abideen, meaning the Foremost of the Faithful (Worshippers). He was
renowned for his piety, Islamic knowledge, and rank in
representing the Prophet (pbuh).
A poor family with many children lived not far from Zainul Abideen. The family had little money, sometimes not even
enough to buy food; so some days passed with very little, if any,
food to eat. Their suffering was alleviated when, to their relief
and surprise, the family found baskets of food at their door-step.
Delighted, they began to take the food, eat it, and be
well-nourished. Few days later they found another basketful of
food, and this continued for a number of years—to such extent that
they relied on it for their sustenance. They never knew the
generous person who so kindly left the food for their family.
When Zainul Abideen died, the poor family stopped
receiving the baskets of food. It was only then that they learned
that Imam Zainul Abideen was the very one who gave them the food.
When Imam Zainul Abideen's body was prepared for
burial, scars were discovered on his shoulders and back. The
scars were a result of his never ending haul of baskets of food
for the poor. The Imam told no one of this kindness, and no one
knew about it except Almighty Allah.
Zainul Abideen's love for Allah was very deep, and
from that love budded his love for fellow man. This is such an
example to emulate!
An Aspect About:
FORGIVENESS
Ever since his childhood Prophet Muhammad was known
for his ability to forgive and forget. As a Prophet, Muhammad
(pbuh) taught us that Allah (swt) was the most forgiving, and that
we should learn to forgive.
When a friend hurts you, it is easy to feel that you
want to hurt him back. It is better, although at times more
difficult, to forgive the friend and forget about the incident.
When your friend realizes he had done you wrong, and if you
forgive him, he will most probably become a better friend out of
his appreciation.
Also, it is important not to take revenge for a mean
act, rather, to forgive and forget. This will please Allah (swt)
and He will love you even more. You will see that you may have
more friends this way.
LET US TAKE AN EVENT IN HIS LIFE
For a good many years Muhammad (pbuh) struggled for
Islam, and for the people to accept it. In the early years,
numerous people in Mecca did not want to change their ways since
they were afraid they might lose their authority, power, and
influence. Because of their fear of change, they opposed Muhammad
(pbuh) and tried to hurt him and the early Muslims as much as they
could. They used foul language at the Muslims, ridiculed them and
did offensive acts toward them.
Ø
An example was when Muhammad (pbuh) was praying, and a man came
from behind, and, without provocation, tried to choke Muhammad!
He used a piece of cloth which he wrapped around the Prophet's
neck and jerkily pulled it tight! Muhammad found it
difficult to breathe. Someone else came to the rescue of the
Prophet (pbuh), yet the Prophet didn't say a word, not even
objecting!
Ø
On another occasion, Muhammad (pbuh) was leaving his house and
someone threw the guts of a sheep on him. This consisted of
liver and intestines and other parts that were bloody and smelly;
the blood poured all over him. Yet, again, Muhammad
(pbuh) did not even complain! He knew and understood that
the people were ignorant and so he maintained his patience.
Ø
At some other time, people unleashed their children to chase
Muhammad and throw stones at him. It was a horrifying
experience which resulted in bruises, cuts, and bleeding.
People were extremely heartless toward Muhammad and the early
Muslims. Yet, Muhammad (pbuh) would only pray in Du'aa!
When Islam finally prevailed, and the Muslims
triumphed over Mecca, Muhammad (pbuh) stood at the Ka'ba to
deliver a speech. Thousands of people were listening, many of
whom were the very ones who tried to destroy Muhammad and his
Message.
When Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) stood up, people hushed
and listened. The disbelievers were petrified, scared that
Muhammad (pbuh) was going to take revenge. They were pale and
nervous and their hearts beat fast with anxiety.
Muhammad (pbuh) asked, "What do you think I am going
to do with you?!" When they heard the question they answered
in a pleading manner, "You are the man with decency and
generosity. You are the forgiving and the kind."
To the delight of all, Muhammad (pbuh) answered, "Go
then, you are free!" How generous, how wonderful, how
magnanimous! Muhammad forgave them all, the previous enemies of
Islam! This was the best example ever known. Muhammad, the
forgiver, had given the world the best example of how to forgive
while the power was in his hand to do anything but forgive.
An Aspect About:
KEEPING PROMISES
Even as a child, his friends found it unusual that
Muhammad (pbuh) did not break a promise. When he promised
something he always fulfilled it. This made him dependable, and
his friends relied on his word—it removed any mistrust. Because
of that they endearingly called him "Al‑Amin." This means, "The
one to be trusted, the trustworthy."
As a Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh) taught us the importance
in maintaining our promises. Allah (swt) loves honesty, and He
likes the trustworthy one who keeps his word.
When a person promises to do something and keeps his
word, his friends will trust him since he is reliable. However,
if he cannot do the task, he should not give false promises, it is
more truthful and better in the long run. A person who breaks his
promises, especially repeatedly, will not be trusted by anyone,
and the friends will not believe in him.
LET US TAKE AN EVENT IN HIS LIFE:
A person once promised Prophet Muhammad to meet him at
a certain place and time. It was not easy for the Prophet (pbuh)
to meet the man, yet he made sure to promptly be at the place as
promised. That person, though, did not appear. Muhammad (pbuh)
waited for some time, but the man never came. It was hot and
windy, and uncomfortable for Muhammad to wait and wait.
The next day Prophet Muhammad returned to the same
place and at the time as before but the man again didn't show up.
Muhammad's (pbuh) time was extremely valuable.
By the third day, and once more, Muhammad (pbuh) went
to the place agreed upon, but the man still didn't keep his
meeting.
When later he saw the person, Muhammad (pbuh) didn't
insult him or hurt the man's feelings. He simply said, "I was
troubled a great deal because you had broken your promise of
meeting me and I had kept my promise."
In breaking a promise, often someone gets hurt
somehow. A good Muslim is enjoined to keep his promise, or not to
promise something he cannot deliver.
An Aspect About:
GOOD MANNERS
Muhammad (pbuh) has always exhibited good manners,
ever since his early childhood. Everyone appreciated and
respected him for his good manners and exemplary behavior. As a
Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh) frequently referred to the necessity for
showing good manners, kindness, consideration, and overall helpful
attitude. The Almighty loves those with virtue who are good as
well as watch their manners.
It is important to be conscious of our manners both at
home and outside. We should love and respect our parents and
greet our friends by saying, "Assalaamu Alaikum," or at least,
"Hello, how are you?" Having good manners makes our friends
appreciate us more. They will also try to do the same for us, so
we will appreciate them as well.
Prophet Muhammad had the best manners. He taught us
that it is very important to keep an eye on our manners. He
stressed that we ought to watch our manners with the type of
language we use and try to avoid saying bad things. Allah (swt)
requires us to be pure-hearted. Muhammad (pbuh) insisted that as
Muslims we should try to be so.
•
Even at the dinner table good manners are important and before we eat we should always say, "In Allah's name, Most Gracious, Most Merciful." Muhammad (pbuh)
used to wash his hands before and after eating. When he finished his meal he also used to say, "Thanks to Allah Almighty." When he didn't like to eat
something, he never stated, "I don't like this," he simply left it alone.
•
Upon eating, he didn't like to talk unless it was necessary. He didn't eat unless he was hungry and when he ate he didn't fill his stomach too much.
•
Upon entering a house Muhammad (pbuh) taught us to knock on the door and ask permission to enter. He taught us that when a guest comes to visit us, we ought to
be welcoming hosts, and that when the guest wants to leave we should accompany him to the outside of the house and bid him farewell.
•
Prophet Muhammad preferred listening to talking and he thought out what he wanted to say before talking. His sayings are called Hadith, and they are binding on
us to follow, in substance, if not literally.
•
Upon going to
bed we should have the habit of saying, "In Allah's name, Most
Gracious, Most Merciful," as well as the Shahaada, "I
declare there is no deity except Allah, and I declare that
Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." To repeat this upon
awakening is helpful as it reminds us of the Almighty.
An Aspect About:
HONORING PARENTS
Muhammad (pbuh) was only six years old when his mother
died, and he missed her very much. His father died even before
Muhammad was born. Muhammad (pbuh) stressed the importance to
love and honor one's parents. Honoring parents is so important
that Allah (swt) stressed this in the Holy Quran a number of
times. The Quran directs us to honor, respect, love, and help our
parents.
We love our parents because they are the closest ones
to us, the ones who want our best welfare. They, too, love us
very much and give us many things to make us happy. They take us
to many places to enjoy; and when we are sick or in pain they too
suffer on our behalf. Out of love and concern for us they bring
us to the Islamic weekend school so that we grow into righteous
Muslims.
Our Prophet once
said, "Heaven lies at the feet of mothers," which means that
pleasing our mothers is a gateway to Heaven. If we don't
please our mothers or don't treat them honorably, then we are not
good Muslims. When we make them proud of us, then Allah will love
us and bless us even more.
It is essential that we do not hurt our parents. Our
parents get hurt if we are nasty, or if we say mean things. They
become hurt if we don't help them, are disrespectful, and
disregard them and others.
This is why a good Muslim, who loves his parents and
pleases them, is favored and rewarded by Allah.
An Aspect About:
BEING GOOD TO RELATIVES
Prophet Muhammad taught us to be considerate to our
brothers and sisters and the rest of our family. We should try to
be closer to our relatives than their closest friends. We should
play with them, talk to them, do things together, and have a nice
time.
It is necessary not to hurt our relatives when they
are with us. It is better not to be mean or shout in their
faces. When angry with them it is better to wait and cool off
before doing or saying anything. This gives us a chance to think
things over and think rationally.
We love our brothers, sisters and relatives a great
deal although we don't acknowledge it often enough. They also
love us very much. If we fight with our brothers and sisters,
then our parents will feel bad and hurt. If we are nice to our
brothers and sisters, they will be nice to us, and everyone in the
family will feel happy.
An Aspect About:
LEARNING ISLAM
Muhammad (pbuh) informed us how very important it is
to learn about Islam. Islam is the comprehensive Religion of God
and although other Prophets had also taught the religion of Allah,
Muhammad taught it most comprehensively. Allah wanted to complete
His religion with Islam via Muhammad (pbuh).
Muhammad (pbuh) urged Muslims to learn as much as
possible about Islam, and that when we learn about Islam, we ought
to apply it. If we do what Islam tells us, we become righteous
people, and then Allah will reward us with Heaven after we die.
We should also work for Islam. As we grow up, we
should talk about Islam in our schools and help other people learn
about it. We should talk about Islam to our friends to let them
understand it. We may even invite them to come to the mosque and
see us pray. As we grow up, we should start working to spread
Islam and educate as many people as possible about our wonderful
religion.
In the U.S. most people know very little about Islam.
It is our obligation to tell them about it. Allah (swt) will be
very pleased with us if we do so and He will bless us and reward
us for our sincere efforts.
QUESTIONS
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About how many years after Prophet Isa was Muhammad (pbuh) born?
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Who is the mother of Muhammad (pbuh)?
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Who is the father of Muhammad (pbuh)?
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Who is the grandfather of Muhammad (pbuh)?
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Who is Abu Talib and what role did he play with Muhammad?
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Who is Khadijah and how did she meet Muhammad (pbuh)?
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How old was Muhammad (pbuh) when he became a Prophet?
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Describe the conditions of the society when Muhammad (pbuh) became a Prophet.
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Who is Ali?
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To which town did Prophet Muhammad immigrate and why?
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Who delivered the message of Allah to Muhammad (pbuh)?
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In what did Muhammad (pbuh) teach us to believe?
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Explain what is meant when we say that Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) taught us to worship.
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What is Hadith?
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What is Sunnah Nabawiyya?
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Who is Al-Amin and how did he get this nickname?
-
Where is Syria in relation to Arabia?
-
Muhammad (pbuh) impressed the people in Syria when he was selling the goods. Describe how he impressed the consumers.
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An example of truthfulness during Muhammad's time was given. What does the example mean to you?
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An example of honesty during Muhammad's time was given. What does the example mean to you?
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An example of kindness during Muhammad's time was described. What does this mean to you?
-
Kindness to fellow man is very important, but is it also important to animals?
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An example for not making fun of others during Muhammad's time was given. What does this mean to you?
-
Who is Bilal?
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What happened to Bilal?
-
What is the Ka'ba?
-
Explain Muhammad's solution to the problem of the black stone?
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Who is Zein-ul-Abideen?
-
What did Zein-ul-Abideen do for the sake of the poor?
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An example of forgiveness during Muhammad's time was described. What does this mean to you?
-
Why did the man want to choke Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) as the Prophet was praying?
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An example for keeping promises during Muhammad's time was given. What does this mean to you?
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Why is it important to keep our promises?
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Describe some of the good manners Muhammad (pbuh) taught.
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Explain what Muhammad (pbuh) taught about honoring parents?
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What did Muhammad (pbuh) teach about being good to relatives?
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Explain what Muhammad (pbuh) recommended in the quest of learning?
