Prophet Muhammad [s]

Prophet Muhammad [s]

"Muhammad is not the father of any one of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Last of the prophets ..."

Holy Qur'an (33:40)

Allah sent Prophet Muhammad [s] as a Messenger to all mankind and revealed through him the Holy Qur'an.

It was the Angel Gabriel [a], who brought the holy verses of the Qur'an to the Prophet by reciting parts until it was completed, which took twenty three years.

Allah tells us through the Holy Qur'an that Prophet Muhammad [s] is the last, and the seal, of all the prophets, that no prophet will come after him. The religion conveyed to the whole of mankind is Islam, being the seal of all religions.

Allah sent various prophets, whose number is reckoned to be one hundred and twenty four thousand, in order to guide and teach people their religion, in each period of time. So Allah, the Most Exalted, did not leave His servants without any messenger to advise them of their duties and the divine path to follow.

The first prophet whom Allah sent down to people was Adam [a], the father of all mankind, and the last Prophet sent was Prophet Muhammad [s]. The Holy Qur'an mentions the names of only the great prophets but not all the others. It quotes the names of twenty five: Adam, Idris, Noah, Hud, Salih, Lot, Abraham, Ismael, Isaac, Jacob, Shu'aib, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Job, Dhul Kifl, Jonah, Elias, Zacharia, John, Jesus, Muhammad (May Allah's blessings be upon them all).

Muslims believe in all the messengers sent by Allah culminating with Prophet Muhammad [s], the last Prophet, who brought forth Islam, the ultimate religion. Allah, therefore, does not accept any religion other than Islam and the followers of Prophet Muhammad [s].

Miracles

Allah sent the prophets to teach people their religion, guide them towards righteous deeds and forbid them to do evil and spread corruption. But most people did not believe them. Instead, they asked for some evidence to prove their truthfulness and prophethood.

Thus, Allah bestowed upon His prophets certain powers which were difficult or impossible for others to perform. This was to make people realize that such things were the work of Allah and could only happen because of His Omnipotence.

Allah is the One Who makes miracles.

The miracles of the prophets include:

The Miracle of the Prophet Abraham [a]: When he called his people to give up their idols and to worship Allah, they disbelieved him and their ruthless king decided to burn him. After collecting firewood and putting Abraham [a] in the middle, they set it on fire. The fire remained burning for a long period, but Abraham [a] was not burnt as he was saved by Allah's permission and Omnipotence.

Abraham [a] came out of this fire alive instead of being burnt to ashes. Yet, how was he saved against such fire? Only by a miracle performed by Allah to let people know that Abraham [a] was a messenger of the Almighty.

Another miracle is that concerning Prophet Muhammad [s] and his midnight journey to the seven heavens. His means were not by any form of transport, only the Omnipotence of Allah made him transcend. Another miracle of Prophet Muhammad [s] is the Holy Qur'an sent down to him by Allah, the Most High. It is impossible for others to compose anything like it, not even a single sentence of the profound text, neither during the Prophet's lifetime nor afterwards.

People, therefore, on hearing this great miracle (the Qur'an) not only believed him but also believed that it could only be the Word of Allah and not of man. If it was not so, other people could surely write something like it. But being Allah's, no one can bring anything to resemble the Qur'an. Only Allah, the Exalted.

Miracles are something extraordinary which no one is capable of doing and Allah specifies that the miracles of His prophets are only to make people trust and believe them.

The Everlasting Miracle

All the prophets' miracles, which they brought to their people, were immediate examples. They were temporary for certain people, except the miracle of the Holy Qur'an, which remains perpetual and everlasting for all. It can neither disappear nor be altered. It is protected by Allah's permission. The Holy Qur'an will remain safe till the end of mankind. Allah, the Almighty, says:

'Surely We have sent down the Reminder (Qur'an) and We will most surely be its guardian."

Holy Qur'an (15:9)

Allah, the Most Exalted, preserves it and no one can change it by bringing any chapters or verses, attempting to alter Allah's words. It was brought through Prophet Muhammad until eternity for all mankind.

As Prophet Muhammad [s] is the Seal of all prophets and no prophet will come after him, his message perfected all previous messages. It is everlasting for all mankind, with its principles for everyone to learn from its goodness and righteousness, to know the right path and believe and worship Allah alone, associating no one with Him.

Imamate

Islam pays particular importance to leadership (Imamate). During the Prophet's glorious life, he himself was the leader and chief of the Muslims, in addition to his being a Prophet and a preacher of Allah, the Most High.

Allah, the Almighty says:

"Only Allah, your Guardian and His Messenger and those who have faith, those who keep up prayer and pay poor-rates (zakat) while they bow." ³

Holy Qur'an (5:55)

Many scholars and other exegists and compilers of the Prophet's traditions, among them Zamakhshari and Wahidi, have stated that this verse was revealed in favour of Imam Ali [a], and declares his appointment by making it clear that he is the vicegerent of Muslims. The Messenger of Allah [s], on his farewell pilgrimage, when holding Imam Ali's hand told ten thousand Muslims who were present there: "Do I not have more authority over you than you on yourselves?" When they replied: "Yes, surely", then the Holy Prophet declared: "O faithful! For whomever I am his master and the authority whom he obeys: Ali will be his master. O Allah! Be friendly towards the friends of Ali; help those who help him, and hinder those who hinder him, and may the truth always be with him." ⁴

This opinion is further supported by the Messenger's sermon: "I leave two great, precious things among you, the Book of Allah and my Household (Ahlul Bayt). If you keep hold of both of them, you will never go astray after me. One of them is greater than the other the Book of Allah is like a rope hanging from heaven to earth. The other is my Family and Household. Remember these two will never be separated from each other until they encounter me at Kawther (in Paradise)."

The followers of this opinion thus see that the Imamate concerned is only Imam Ali [a] and his infallible progeny.

Leadership Qualities

It is clear that an Islamic state and Muslim communities are in need of a just Islamic government led by a just (president) who sets up correct laws and preserves the interests of Muslims. Indeed, the existence of an Islamic state headed by an Imam (leader) committed to Islamic principles is not only a necessity but is also a legal obligation. It is the duty of Muslims to strive for the establishment of an Islamic state, led by a just Imam, following the principles of the Holy Qur'an and the traditions of the Prophet (sunnah) so that Muslims can live in its protective shadow of security, happiness and prosperity.

Characteristics of a Muslim Imam (leader) are:

1. He should be familiar with Islamic rules, legislation and laws.

2. He should be just, God-fearing, pious, and adhere to Islam.

3. He should be adequate to run Muslim affairs politically, socially, economically ... etc.

Adopting an Islamic system with all its obligations, needs a deep and accurate knowledge and a clear assimilation of the Holy Qur'an and the Prophetic traditions. Such cannot be achieved unless the Imam is a jurisprudent with extensive understanding of Islamic laws.

To be just is also an essential prerequisite for the Imam in order to keep away corruption and deviation.

Allah, the Almighty, says:

"And do not incline to those who are unjust, lest the Fire touches you ..."

Holy Qur'an (11:113)

And also says:

"... and if any fail to judge by (the light of) what Allah has revealed, they are (no better than) the infidels."

Holy Qur'an (5:47)

Life After Death

Allah created man and fashioned him for set tasks. In the same manner He created plants and animals. But if man or animals die, surely Allah is able to give them life as surely as He created them in the first instance.

Surely all men die, and just as surely Allah gives them life with His ability, and judges them on their deeds and actions. We know Allah is the Creator and can recreate us, because if one can do something he has the ability to do it again.

For instance, if your teacher asks you to draw a picture on the blackboard and colour it. Then if after you have drawn it with beautiful colours, the teacher asks you to rub it out and do it again, could you repeat the same drawing again?

Of course you would be able to repeat the picture. It is what you created and are capable of doing again.

From this example, we can understand Allah is Able to give life to the dead because it is He Who created them in the beginning. Allah can surely give life to the dead. He judges them on their deeds. On Resurrection Day He will re-create the dead for judgement, and then allow the doer of good to enter paradise but cast the evil-doer into hell.

As it is said: "Surely Allah gives life to the dead."

Allah's Capability

Allah, the Most High, says:

"Or the like of him (Uzair) who passed by a town, in ruins to the very roofs. He said: 'How will Allah (ever) give it life after its death?' So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him to life. He (Allah) said: 'How tong have you tarried?' He said: 'I have tarried a day, or a part of a day'. Said He: 'No! you have tarried a hundred years; but look at your food and drink - years have not passed over it. And took at your ass! And that We may make you a sign to people, and took further at the bones, how We bring them together, and clothe them with flesh; so when it became clear to him, he said: 'I know that Allah is All-Powerful over all things."

Holy Qur'an (2: 259)

In the above verse, the Holy Qur'an tells us the story of a prophet, who when riding his donkey, passed by a town in which all the inhabitants had long ago died and their dwellings were in ruins. Then, he started asking himself how could it be possible for Allah to re-create those dead people and give them life. He doubted Allah's capability in this.

Therefore, Allah wanted to make clear His capability both to him and his people. So, He caused the prophet to die at the beginning of the day and remain there with his donkey as being dead for a hundred years. Then He brought him back to life at the end of that day.

Upon being resurrected, he was asked how long he had been remained dead. At first, he thought that he had slept only a day or a part or a day, but he was told that he had tarried for a hundred years, but he should look at his food and his donkey.

Then he looked at his food; he found it fresh and unchanged but he did not understand. This proof showed Allah's ability because the food would have been spoiled if it had remained for more than a day. It could only remain fresh for one hundred years by power beyond man's capability.

Then be looked at his donkey, and he saw that it had long ago died and its bones were scattered. Wild animals had eaten its flesh as it decomposed, during a hundred years.

Allah wanted to demonstrate His ability to give life to the dead and so He returned the bones to their proper positions and flesh appeared on them as before. Life was restored to the donkey once more.

Seeing this divine miracle the Prophet said: "Surely I know now that Allah is All-Powerful over everything, but I wanted proof of Allah's greatness, and His capability in re-creating the dead."

"And guard yourselves against the Day on which you shall be returned to Allah."

The Hereafter

If we look at a land upon which rain never falls, not even a drop, we consider that land barren, an empty desert. But if rain falls upon it or some other water reaches it, after a short time, we will see it changing, plants will grow. It would become a beautiful sight.

Who would have caused plants to grow and give life to this dead land?

Certainly, it is more than just water: It is He who gives life, Allah, the Almighty. It leads to thinking that He who can make plants grow out of dead soil has the capability to re-create man after his death.

It is clear that man has no existence before being fashioned in his mother's womb i.e. he was 'dead', then Allah created him by giving life. He Who created him for the first time is also able to re-create him after his death again.

Once, a polytheist came to Prophet Muhammad [s], carrying in his hand a bone from an old camel, and said: "How will your Lord re-create this rotting bone?" Then, Allah revealed through His Prophet the following answer:

"Says he: Who can give life to (dry) bones and decomposed ones (at that)? Say: He will give life to them Who brought them into existence the first time, for He is well-versed in of all creation."

Holy Qur'an (36:78-79)

Thus, we know that He Who creates our world can certainly re-create the Hereafter.

Allah, the Most Glorious, gives life to people after their death and judges them on their deeds. Whoever does good deeds, Allah will allow him to enter Paradise and live there happy ever after, but whoever does evil deeds and disobeys Him, He will cast him/her into hell to live there tormented.

Say: I seek refuge in the Lord of the dawn, from the evil of what he was created.

Paradise And Hell

Whoever does evil, he shall not be recompensed (with aught) but the like of it, and does good, male and female, and is a faithful, these shall enter the Garden, in which they shall be given sustenance without measure."

Holy Qur'an (40:40)

"And (as for) those who reject Our signs and turn away from them haughtily - these are the inhabitants of the Fire, dwelling there forever."

Holy Qur'an (7:36)

We mentioned in the previous chapter the world of the Hereafter...and we know that Allah, the Almighty, will give life to the dead on Resurrection Day. Souls will return to their bodies and people will be judged according to their deeds.

Man's existence in the Hereafter will be similar to his life in the present world. He will eat, drink, be happy or sad, think of and remember things which he did in his previous life.

Paradise

Paradise is the dwelling place for the obedient believers of Allah in the Hereafter.

Indeed, Allah has described for us life in Paradise by saying:

Surely the Paradise which He created for His obedient servants is as wide as the width of the heavens and the earth. In it there will be trees and fruits, of which their abundance will not be curtailed; springs flowing with delicious liquids such as nectar and ginger; rivers flowing with pure sweet water, honey and milk; different kinds of foods and meats, which mankind likes and enjoys.

There will exist everything which the believers desire, including beautiful sights and views that are a comforting to the hearts.

Their dwellings will be beautiful: great palaces and elegant mansions, furnished with exquisite carpet with various decorations.

There, the believers, with their companions, will sit on comfortable chairs. In their meetings, they will exchange conversation with each other, giving thanks and praise to Allah, the Almighty. They will be content with the blessings and peace that Allah has bestowed upon them. Their clothes will be made of luxurious green silk, and they will have bracelets of gold and silver.

Everything that exists in Paradise, including food, drink and palaces, has no equal or likeness in our present world.

In Paradise, there will be neither summer heat nor winter cold; neither is there day or night.

The dwellers will not suffer from illness nor be hurt nor sad. There will be no enmity or problems occurring among the dwellers. Thus, they will live in happiness, love and bliss and be served by servants the like if whom are not found on this earth.

Therefore, the dwellers of Paradise will live in blissful peace as a result of their righteous deeds and their sincerity to Allah, the Most High.

Life in Paradise will be everlasting. Thus man never dies there nor is transferred to another world.

Hell

Hell is the dwelling place for the disobedient servant of Allah in the Hereafter.

Verily, the justice of Allah, the Most Glorious, is that He will treat every man according to his or her deeds. While the dwellers of Paradise have earned their destiny as a result of their righteous deeds, the corrupted and disobedient have their recompense in Hell where they will be imprisoned like a criminal jailed in this world. Some, such as disbelievers and polytheists will remain there forever; others will remain for long periods those who believed in Allah but disobeyed Him or committed crimes, or sins such as giving up praying.

Allah, the Most Glorious, describes the life in the Hereafter: Surely the dwellers of Hell will be tormented with unimaginable kinds of punishment which cannot be described. There is no likeness of such torment and suffering in our present world. They will be bound with long chains and cast into a blazing fire; such fire cannot be found in this world. This fire will blaze forever, guarded by angels. The food of the inhabitants will be made of zaqqum tree oil (a cursed tree growing in Hell's lowest depths); their drink will be boiling water, they will be forced to drink the filthy pus oozing from their bodies - the result of intense punishment. There, such people will wish to die to cease their suffering but will find none to save them from such punishment. Allah will keep them alive and suffering, and whenever their skins are burned away, they will be replaced by another to be burned afresh.

Surely, the dwellers of Hell will cry out from the intense punishment but will find none to help. There is no escape and instead it will be said to them: 'Fie! You have no right to say a word.'

Need to Worship

The Almighty Allah has said:

"And I have not created the jinn and the people except that they should worship Me."

Holy Qur'an (51:56)

"... there is no god but I; therefore worship Me (only) and keep up prayer in My remembrance."

Holy Qur'an (20:14)

Whoever thinks and ponders about this world and Allah's blessings will recognize not only the Greatness of the Creator and His might, but also the great favours of Allah, the Most High, has bestowed upon man. Intellect, hearing, seeing, and endurance are but a few attributes. He prepared this earth for man with all its contents. He made everything in this life suitable and helpful to him, such as the sun, and the moon, and stars, the land and the sea, heat, and cold, humidity, air, food, water, animals and plants.

When thinking of Allah's greatness and His blessings, one recognizes the following:

Allah is certainly the Creator and the Owner of all creation.

He is the Manager and the Director of everything in this world, including plants, stars, land, man and animals ... etc.

He is the Bestower of blessings upon man.

This knowledge makes us grateful to our Creator for creating us and bestowing His blessings upon us. Human sense and inner consciousness dictate it is obligatory to thank the benefactor. Therefore whosoever bestows any favours upon us or does us any goodness deserves our thanks and glorifying.

Indeed, Allah, the Most Glorious, is the source of all goodness and blessings. Among His great blessings upon us is that He created us and brought us into existence out of nothing. He gave us everything we need in this life, consequently He deserves the greatest thanks and worshipping.

Thus, one of the motives behind our worship of Him is because of His blessings upon us. Such benevolence should be met with gratitude, so we thank Him through our hearts and tongues and obey Him through our deeds.

We know that the All-Capable Creator has indeed created our world and the Hereafter. The Hereafter will be the world of judgement; of reward and punishment. We pray we will be worthy of Paradise and its blessings. So, worshipping and obeying Allah is not a choice, it is obligatory. It is the cause of saving man from punishment and torment. Man, when fearing any danger or harm, strives with all his might to save himself from such a threat, and certainly there can be no more important fate to prevent than the threat of Hell.

Surely, if man recognises Allah and believes in Him, his heart will be filled with love of Him, he will want to befriend Him and have a growing attachment to Him. Indeed, this love obliges man to obey and worship Him.

A lover neither angers his beloved nor does anything which dissatisfies him.

Hence, the following are the three reasons which make it compelling for us to thank, worship and obey Allah, the Almighty:

1. The need to thank the Blesser.

2. The need to safeguard oneself against harm in the Hereafter.

3. The love of Allah and being filled with desire to be close to Him.

Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds.
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3 While Imam Ali [a] was in prayer in the Holy Prophet's Mosque in Madina, a man came seeking charity. No one took any notice and he was about to leave disappointed when Imam Ali [a] pointed his finger towards him while he was bowing in prayer. The man took the ring from the Imam's finger. While this was happening in the Mosque, this verse was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad [s].

4 Sunan ibn Maja / Merits of Imam Ali [a].