It is an undeniable fact that for even the briefest discussion on the adorable attributes of Nabi-e-Kareem (صلى الله عايه وسالم), large volumes are inadequate. None of the departments of his life, be it his character, habits, ibaadat, social conduct, excellencies, miracles, etc., can be presented with justice. To encompass his life is impossible. Thus, purely for the sake of barkat will I present a few droplets from this ocean of treasures.

His blessed name is Muhammad (صلى الله عايه وسالم). It is the name chosen by his paternal grandfather. His mother named him Ahmad. Besides these two names, he is known by many other names and titles, the enumeration of which is beyond the scope of this treatise. In Mawaahib, Allamah Qustulani has indicated more than 400 names while Ibn Dahya narrates that according to some Sufiyaa the number reaches a thousand.

The following is the family tree of Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم):

Muhammad, the son of Abdullah, the son of Abdul Muttalib, the son of Hashim, the son of Abd Manaaf, the son of Qusay, the son of Kilaab, the son of Murrah, the son of Ka’b, the son of Luway, the son of Ghalib, the son of Fahr, the son of Maalik, the son of An-Nasr, the son of Kinaanah, the son of Khuzaimah, the son of Mudrikah, the son of Ilyaas, the son of Mudhir, the son of Nazzaar, the son of Ma’d, the son of Adnaan.

Until this point the lineage is recorded in Bukhari Shareef. There is unanimity on this view. However, some books of history record the ancestry right until dam (alayhis salaam).

All historians unanimously aver that the blessed birth of Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) was on Monday in the month of Rabiul Awwal. With regard to the date, there are two versions. According to one view his date of birth is 8th Rabiul Awwal. The other version is 12th Rabiul Awwal coinciding with 29th August 570 CE. While Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) was still in the womb of his mother, his father passed away at the age of 25 years and some months.

Every miraculous event and episode pertaining to his birth and upbringing is captivating. Every anecdote is worthy of mentioning. But, alas! This is beyond the scope of this concise treatise. It is, however, essential to mention that his upbringing was unlike that of other children. During his second month he began to converse by signs. In the fourth month he began standing on his legs. By the end of the year he could fully walk and speak.

At the end of the third year when his Ridhaai mother (Milk - Mother who breast fed him), Halimah had to return him to his mother, she (Halimah) understood thereby the termination of all the special blessings which she had so conspicuously observed and experienced during his 3 year stay with her. Obtaining his mother’s consent, she took him with for another few days. However, on reaching her home when the episode of Shiqq-e-Sadr occurred, she was struck with fear. Thinking that something untoward may befall the child, she returned him to his mother. (Shiqq-e-Sadr is the miraculous event of two angels taking away the little boy Muhammad – صلى الله عايه وسالم – and removing his heart after a physical operation. This episode is described in detail in Hadith literature).

The blessed breast of Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) was cut open on four occasions. The first occasion was while he was in the custody of his foster mother, Halimah as mentioned above. The second operation occurred when he was 10 years old. This event transpired in the desert. The third occasion was at the time of being conferred with Risaalat (Prophethood). It happened in the Cave of Hiraa either during the month of Ramadhaan or Rabiul Awwal. The fourth occasion was on the night of Mi’raaj.

Shah Abdul Aziz (Nawwarallahu marqadahu) elaborated on this subject in great detail while presenting the tafseer of Surah Alam Nashrah. Those who wish to know more about these episodes should refer to the detailed elaboration which is also to be found in the second volume of Laamiud Daraari (also by Shaikh Zakariyya - translator). The twelve stages of Rasulullah’s blessed heart are also explained in the detailed tafseer. The purpose underlying each operation is also explained.

I am astonished at the amazement which some claimants of intelligence display on account of the operations carried out on the heart of Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم). In fact, I regard them as rejectors. Such operations occur in abundance in hospitals. It is indeed astonishing! The non-Muslims are able to carry out such operations, but (these sceptics) think that the Malaaikah of Allah Ta’ala are unable. Of greater astonishment is their inability to comprehend the diffusion of Imaan, energy and wisdom into the heart despite their acceptance of the capability of electrical machines generating physical energy into the body.

It is not my intention here to discuss the mu’jizaat (miraculous events) of Nabi-e-Kareem (صلى الله عايه وسالم). The aim is merely to present a few examples of the mujaahadaat (spiritual exercises) and blessed habits of Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم), which are the fountain from which gush out the mujaahadaat and abundance of ibaadaat of the honourable Sufiyaa (rahmatullah alayhim).

It is difficult to enumerate even the hardships which Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) had to bear even in childhood. Before his birth, his father had died. At the age of 6, his beloved mother also passed away. His grandfather, Abdul Muttalib then took him under his care. But after two years, two months and ten days when Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) was 8 years old, his grandfather also said farewell to this earthly abode.

Those who have children will be able to understand these sad events which occurred in quick succession. However, in relation to the persecutions which were in store for him in the future, these childhood hardships were insignificant.

Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) from early childhood was the repository of sterling qualities. Mercy, kindness, honesty, truth, good behaviour, straightforwardness, philanthropy, patriotism, justice, etc. were his praiseworthy attributes. He was famed for his uprighteous character. The title of Al-Ameen (The Honest) was awarded to him. Elderly people honoured him. Throughout Makkah it was common knowledge that Muhammad (صلى الله عايه وسالم) had never spoken a lie; had not committed breach of trust; did not cast an evil gaze on any woman; never slandered anyone, never spoke abruptly or dishonourably with anyone. By virtue of his noble character everyone loved him.

After the demise of his grandfather, he was placed in the care of his paternal uncle, Abu Talib. Abu Talib had numerous dependants. He was very hospitable and generous. In addition, he had the status of a chieftain. The financial burden was, therefore, heavy on him. Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) at the age of 9, accompanied Abu Talib on a trade journey to Syria. However, along the route when they met Baheerah, the raahib (monk), he advised that the boy be sent back and not taken to Shaam (Syria) because the Jews posed a threat to him. When he was 25 years old, he went with the merchant caravan of Hadhrat Khadijah to Shaam. On his return, he handed his share of the profits to his uncle. This was only natural for one of such sterling character.

The very same year he married Hadhrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu anha) who was 40 years old. He was only 25. Those who are confused and entertain baseless ideas regarding the plurality of his marriages should ponder. This one incident is sufficient to dispel all confusion. When he had spent his youth with an ageing widow, then most certainly, the number of marriages he contracted in later life was motivated by some Deeni expedient. That motive was the unification of the different tribes and families with whom his relationship had been created by virtue of these marriages. This facilitated their entry into Islam.

Hadhrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu anha) bore him four daughters and three sons. According to some versions, four sons. The names of the daughters were Hadhrat Ruqayyah, Hadhrat Zainab, Hadhrat Umme Kulthoom and Hadhrat Faatimah. The names of the sons were Hadhrat Abdullah, Hadhrat Tayyib, Hadhrat Taahir and Hadhrat Qaasim. One other son, Hadhrat Ibraahim was born in Madinah Munawwarah.

Besides Hadhrat Faatimah, Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) had to bear the separation of all his children. The sons all passed away in infancy. Along with the grief of the demise of his children he had to cope with the ridicule of the ignorant Arabs who mockingly called him ‘a man without tail’ on account of having no male issue.

As the time of Rasulullah’s Nubuwwat approached, he developed an increasing yearning for solitude. He loved to be alone. He would frequently seek the refuge of the Cave of Hira, three miles from Makkah. He would take the barest provision of food with him. He would remain in the Cave in contemplation for many days at a time. He engrossed himself in Hamd, Thana, Tasbeeh and Tahleel. When his food was depleted, he would go back to Makkah, but only to return to the Cave. During the month of Ramadhaan, he would take his wife and children along. The whole of Ramadhaan would be spent there.

Six months prior to nubuwwat, commenced the incidence of true dreams in abundance. These dreams were crystal clear and would materialize exactly as he saw them. Often, while wandering in the mountains, he would hear ‘Assalamu Alaika Ya Rasulullah!’ coming from stones and trees.

During this time, after he had gained the ability to bear the weight of Wahi by virtue of his solitude and contemplation, Hadhrat Jibraeel (alayhis salaam) appeared to him in the Cave with the initial verses of Surah Iqra’ inscribed on a silken cloth, These verses were:

There is difference of opinion regarding the month and exact date. Was it in Ramadhaan or Rabiul Awwal? The author of Majmaul Bihaar narrates five versions in this regard. The Angel instructed him to recite the inscription. Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) responded that he was unable to recite. The Angel embraced him with such force which made him perspire profusely. The embrace of the Angel caused him much stress. The Angel again instructed him to recite. Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) again declared his inability to read. The Angel once again embraced him. This process was repeated three times. On the fourth occasion when instructed to read, Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) recited fluently.

The commentators have tendered a variety of reasons for the Angel’s embrace. However, in his Tafseer, Hadhrat Shah Abdul Aziz presents a subtle interpretation. He says that the purpose of the embrace was to transfer angelic ability and power to Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم). Regarding such transference of spiritual and celestial energy and ability, known to the Masha-ikh as Tawajjuh, there are four kinds:

1. In’iqaasi (Reflectory): An example of this kind of Tawajjuh is that of a person who has applied an abundance of perfume. He transfers his fragrance to the gathering in which he happens to be. However, the effect of the fragrance will remain as long as he is present in the gathering. This is, therefore, the weakest form of Tawajjuh.

2. Ilqaa-i (Inspirational): Its example is like a person preparing a lamp for lighting. He cleans the lamp, fills the oil and lights it. This type has greater efficacy than he first kind. The effect remains even after the departure of the one who effected the Tawajjuh. However, a slight impediment terminates it.

3. Islaahi (Reformatory): This is like a huge mass of water having accumulated in a place and a pathway is dug for the water. The flow of the water along its course will wash away slight obstacles. But if the course is blocked off at some place the flow of the water down its course will be blocked. This type is stronger than the first two kinds.

4. Ittihaadi (Unification): In this type of Tawajjuh, the Shaikh diffuses his rooh into the rooh of the mureed to such a degree that both souls are united into a single soul. It is quite obvious that this form of Tawajjuh is the strongest. As a result of the unification of the two souls, the mureed is not in need of repeatedly seeking spiritual gain. The Sufiyaa regard this form of Tawajjuh to be of great importance although its incidence is rare.

The episode of Hadhrat Khwajah Baqi Billah in this regard is famous. Hadhrat Shah Abdul Aziz has narrated that once several guests were by Hadhrat Baqi Billah. But there was nothing by way of food in his home. With this concern he came out of the house. Nearby was a bakery. When the baker learnt of the arrival of the guests he presented some elaborately prepared food. Out of sheer elation, Hadhrat said to the baker: “Ask whatever you wish for.” The baker replied: “Make me like you.” Hadhrat replied: “You will not be able to bear it.” But, the baker insisted that he be made like Hadhrat. After refusing several times, the adamance of the baker finally prevailed. Hadhrat took the baker into his room and cast Tawajjuh Ittihaadi on him. When they emerged from the room, the Tawajjuh had permeated even his external appearance. The baker’s appearance was identical to that of Hadhrat. However, the difference was Hadhrat’s consciousness and alertness while the baker was in a state of semi-consciousness. On the third day while in this state of semi-consciousness, the baker died. May Allah’s mercy be on him.

It was this type of Tawajjuh Ittihaadi which Jibraeel (alayhis salaam) cast on Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) with his embrace. However, Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) was already spiritually fortified, hence he had the ability to absorb the Tawajjuh of Jibraeel (alayhis salaam). Nevertheless, the Angel’s repeated embrace made him feverish. On reaching home he exclaimed to Hadhrat Khadijah: “Wrap me up! Wrap me up!” After regaining his composure, he narrated to her his experience in the Cave. He added that he feared for his life. Hadhrat Khadijah, having heard of such occurrences from her brother, Warqah Bin Naufal, was expecting some supernatural enactment in regard to Muhammad (صلى الله عايه وسالم). She, therefore, consoled him, saying: “You are kind to children. You are merciful to widows. You always speak the truth. You have always defended the truth. Everyone is aware of your sterling qualities and high moral character. Your hospitality, concern for the poor and patriotism will show good results. Therefore, fear not.”

Hadhrat Khadijah then went to Warqah Bin Naufal and described the whole event to him. Warqah was an expert of Judaism and Christianity. When he heard the story, he exclaimed: ‘Quddus! Quddus! This is the same Naamoos who would come to Hadhrat Mْsa (alayhis salaam).’ Warqah then heard Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) recounting the whole episode. Kissing the mubaarak (blessed) forehead of Nabi-e-Kareem (صلى الله عايه وسالم), Warqah said:
“Fear not. The mantle of Nubuwwat has been conferred to you. You are the Nabi mentioned in the heavenly Scriptures. I wish I would be alive and young to aid you at the time when your people will be expelling you.”
In surprise, Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) asked:
“What! Will these people expel me?”
Warqah said: “Yes. Whenever a Nabi came with Tauhid and Risaalat, he was initially confronted with hatred.”

Later these words of Warqah materialized. It happened just as Warqah had predicted.

Initially, Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) propagated Tauhid in secret. But when he increased his tabligh activity by the day, the Kuffaar of Makkah became hostile. As the nascent Tauhid movement gained followers, the flames of envy and hatred of the kuffaar gained further impetus. Although Abu Talib would aid Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم), the kuffaar did not refrain from hostility and infliction of hardships and persecution.

Being extremely few in number, the Muslims performed their ibaadat initially in secret. Whenever a kaafir would see the Muslims engaging in ibaadat, he would mock, jeer and even resort to violence. Abu Sufyaan, the chief of Bani Umayya, was an implacable foe of the Muslims. He inflicted severe tortures on those who entered the fold of Islam. They would be laid on the hot desert sands with heavy boulders placed on their breasts. Under such torture were they given the choice of renouncing Islam and to worship idols or to take the road of a gruesome death.

For three years Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) and his companions sustained the tabligh mission in secrecy and under persecution. They continued worshipping Allah Ta’ala in concealment. After three years was revealed this gracious aayat:

“And, warn your close relatives.”

Although he was apprehensive on account of the rebellion of his nation, he had to execute the command of Allah Ta’ala. He, therefore, made arrangements for da’wat to his relatives. He thus invited all his relatives. On the first occasion there was no need to utter a word. The fact that a very small quantity of food sufficed for forty people was a sufficient eye-opener and an indication of Muhammad’s (صلى الله عايه وسالم) rank. This miraculous display should have served to create a relationship with the Deen brought by him. On the contrary, Abu Lahab taking all with him, mocked that Muhammad (صلى الله عايه وسالم) had bewitched the food.
He invited them again a second time. The chiefs of Quraish were invited. After meals, Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) presented his message in the most affectionate manner. He exhorted them to accept the belief of Tauhid and to renounce shirk. But, the unfortunate Abu Lahab mockingly said to Abu Talib:

“Abu Talib! This nephew of yours, who is more beloved to you than your own children, says that we should obey him and become his followers.”

So saying, they all mocked and left. On this occasion was revealed the verse:

“Be steadfast in what you have been commanded (to do).”

This aayat commanded Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) to henceforth embark on tabligh publicly. Hence, he went to Mount Safa from where he called all the kuffaar of Makkah by their tribal names. According to the custom of the Arabs, they all gathered. Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) first asked: “If I say that an enemy is about to attack you and is hiding behind this mountain, will you believe me?” All replied that they would believe him because they never knew him to speak lies. Then, he warned them of Allah’s punishment. The kuffaar who had a minute ago acknowledged his truth and honesty began mocking him. In a fit of rage, Abu Lahab said: “May you be destroyed. Have you gathered us for this?”

The gathering then dispersed. At every conceivable place obstacles were put in his path. He had to face hardships and great persecution. The kuffaar initiated a series of conspiracies to prevent the spread of Muhammad’s (صلى الله عايه وسالم) mission. Abu Lahab’s wife who was Abu Sufyaan’s sister would gather thorns and scatter these in the path where Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) walked at night. Every kind of persecution was inflicted on Rasulullah’s two daughters who were married to the sons of Abu Lahab. These marriages took place before Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) commenced the propagation of Tauhid. Finally Abu Lahab compelled his sons to divorce both daughters so as to increase the distress of Nabi-e-Kareem (صلى الله عايه وسالم).

Abu Talib tried in every way to aid Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم), but being alone he could not do much. Furthermore, he too had dissociated himself from this new religion. Once a large group of kuffaar came to meet Abu Talib and demanded that he either bans Muhammad (صلى الله عايه وسالم) from propagating his Message or he hands him over to them. Abu Talib was in a dilemma. He could not abandon Muhammad (صلى الله عايه وسالم) who was entrusted to his care by the last wasiyyat of his father, Abdul Muttalib. Such a betrayal was in total conflict with his lofty character. But at the same time he could not refuse the repeated demands of the kuffaar deputations. He, therefore, called Muhammad (صلى الله عايه وسالم) and implored that he abandons his mission. However, Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) responded with great conviction and firmness:

“O my uncle! If the Kuffaar put the sun in my one hand and the moon in my other hand, I shall not desist from my mission. Either Allah Jall-e-Shaanuhu accomplishes the work of the Deen or I become martyred.”

Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) had now understood his uncle’s inability to protect him, but there was no change in his (Rasulullah’s) confidence and composure.

As the Message of Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) spread, so did the wrath of the kuffaar of Makkah increase. They left no stone unturned in their persecution of any Muslim on whom they managed to lay their hands. They would specially select the time of Namaaz to persecute Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم). Once while he was performing Namaaz, a group of kuffaar loaded the intestines and tripe of a camel on his blessed back while he was in Sajdah. He was able to rise only with great difficulty. They expressed their mirth with loud laughter when he could not lift his head. Along the road, they would strike him with stones and throw impurities at him. They plotted to kill him and were always engaging in conspiracies against him.

From the treatment which they meted out to Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) could be gauged the hardships which they inflicted on his companions. In so far as the companions were concerned, there was no impediment to prevent them (i.e. the kuffaar). Hadhrat Bilal (radhiyallahu anhu) would daily be laid on his back on the burning sand at midday and be pierced with thorns. A very heavy boulder would be placed on his breast. He could, therefore, not even move under the heavy rock while burning on the sand and pierced by thorns. Fire would be lit on all sides so that he perishes in such torturous circumstances. He was given the choice of renouncing Imaan or death under such extreme torture. When all this torture was in vain, they shackled him with chains at night and took turns to flog him to create open wounds which would give him excruciating pain the next day when he had to undergo the routine torture in the hot sun. But, from the tongue of this sincere devotee of Allah was heard nothing besides ‘Ahad! Ahad!’ (Allah is One! Allah is One!).

Similar tortures were inflicted on Hadhrat Ammar (radhiyallahu anhu) and his father, Hadhrat Yasir (radhiyallahu anhu). As a result of these tortures, Hadhrat Yasir died within a few days. Abu Jahal murdered Hadhrat Ammar’s mother by piercing a spear into her private organ. Neither could Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) or anyone else do anything to aid these oppressed Muslims. It was the time of great patience.

In these few pages I have been unable to record even in brief the sacrifices and extreme hardships Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) had to bear in the propagation of the Deen. This inability of mine applies to a greater degree in regard to the life-stories of the numerous Sahaabah. Firstly, the pen shudders. Secondly, every sentence written will increase the volume of the book. I fear that my respected brethren will not find time to peruse a bulky volume. Furthermore, if the book’s price becomes high on account of its size, everyone will not purchase it. It is not the good fortune of everyone to spend money for the sake of the Deen. Yes, everyone is, however, by the means to purchase any number of cinema-tickets.

When the persecution and hardships on the Sahaabah exceeded all bounds, Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) permitted them to migrate to seek refuge in some other place. Many of them left for Habshah (Abyssinia). The king of Habshah, Ashimah, whose title was Najashi, granted them asylum and protection. They passed their days in comfort here. This was the first migration to Habshah, which occurred in Rajab of the fifth year of Nubuwwat. The group consisted of 11 or 12 males and 4 or 5 females. The second group which departed for Habshah consisted of 83 males and 18 females. This is known as the second migration to Habshah. Out of sheer stupidity the kuffaar of Makkah attempted to extend their persecution of the Sahaabah to even Habshah.

While the Sahaabah were allowed to migrate, Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) remained behind in Makkah undergoing the severest trials and persecution for 6 full years. On the 1st Muharram of the 7th year of Nubuwwat, the kuffaar of Makkah schemed a new plan of persecution. Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) along with his entire family were imprisoned in a valley, Sha’b Abi Talib. A total boycott was put into effect. They were not allowed to emerge from the valley. Neither were they permitted to procure any food from outside nor was anyone permitted to enter the valley with any provisions. After a short while when their little food rations were depleted, one period of starvation followed another. Women and children were in dire straits as a result of starvation.

The pledge which the kuffaar had made with regard to the imprisonment and embargo was not a verbal one nor was it the plan of a few. All the chiefs of Makkah had signed the document imposing the embargo and imprisonment. The scribe of this document was Mansْr Ibn Ikramah Abadri. The punishment which Allah Ta’ala inflicted on him was that both his hands become paralysed.

After 3 years of patient suffering and endurance in the prison of the valley, Allah Ta’ala by His limitless mercy inspired some people to violate the pledge. Some persons among the kuffaar and mushrikeen developed pity for the Muslims. While discussion on this issue had become topical, Allah Ta’ala revealed to Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) that the document of excommunication had disintegrated and only that piece of the paper on which was written Allah’s Name had remained intact. On this occasion, Abu Talib notified the chiefs of the Quraish that Muhammad (صلى الله عايه وسالم) had informed him of the disintegration of the document. He added that if this is true, then they should refrain from this action and lift the embargo. When it was discovered that the document had truly disintegrated, those who were initially opposed to the boycott were further embolded to violate the pledge. Thus, Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) and his family gained their freedom from the prison of the valley.
However, soon two grave events took place. His uncle, Abu Talib died. His presence had restrained the kuffaar of Makkah on many occasions. Also, his beloved and devoted wife, Hadhrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu anha) passed away. This year in which these events transpired was known among the Muslims as Aamul Huzn (The Year of Sorrow). This material support (in worldly form) was thus also taken away. However, inspite of the multitude of difficulties, hardships and sorrows, nothing could detract Muhammad (صلى الله عايه وسالم) from his devotion to Allah Ta’ala and from the propagation of the Deen. Although the kuffaar of Makkah perpetually mocked him and hurled at him a variety of epithets such as sorcerer, magician, fortune-teller, madman, etc. Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) constantly supplicated for their hidaayat to become Muslim and for their betterment. This was his prime concern. When finally he despaired as a result of their intransigence, he commenced his tabligh in the areas surrounding Makkah. He approached every tribe with the Message of Tauhid. However, they all rebuffed and mocked him.

In Taa-if when he attempted to carry out his mission, the chiefs not only mocked and jeered him, but organised street urchins and other vagabonds to stone him. In consequence of the shower of stones which rained on him his shoes were dyed red with his blood. Returning from Taa-if, he sat at one place, grief-stricken and making the following dua:

“O Allah! With You Alone do I register the complaint of my weakness, my forlornness and my disgrace among people. O Most Merciful One! You are the Rabb of the weak. Only You are my Rabb. Towards whom have You assigned me? Have You handed me to an alien who detests me or to some enemy into whose control you have placed me? O Allah! If You are not displeased with me, then I care for none. Your protection suffices for me. I seek refuge with that Nْr of Your Countenance which brightens all darkness and on which all affairs of this world and the hereafter are rectified, from Your Wrath settling on me or from Your Anger descending on me. Remove Your Anger from me so that You become pleased (with me). There is neither strength not power, but with You.”

Allah Ta’ala bestows His Favour according to the degree of the struggle. The fruits of success are also in proportion to the sacrifices offered in the Path of Allah. The episode at Taa-if was indeed a great struggle and sacrifice. The fruit of this noble sacrifice was the highest Proximity to Allah Ta’ala in the form of the Mi’raaj. No one ever attained such Divine Proximity. The greatest and most wonderful gift bestowed to the Ummah on the occasion of this Mi’raaj is the five daily Salaat which were ordained obligatory. Salaat is a medium for communing with Allah Ta’ala. At the same time it is the most important act of Ibaadat. Alas! The plight of those who turn their faces away from divine proximity (by refraining from Salaat) is most lamentable. In the pursuit of a few coins and for the proximity of rulers of a few moments, they sacrifice their lives and even their Deen.

Inspite of its great significance for Muslims, the episode of Mi’raaj became a target for the mockery of the kuffaar. It provided them with an additional excuse for jeering and reviling the Muslims.

It was, from the inception, the practice of Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) to propagate Islam to outsiders who entered Makkah. This practice was the cause for the establishment of an Islamic presence in Madinah in the eleventh year of Nubuwwat. The inhabitants of Madinah while visiting Makkah for their needs or for Hajj would embrace Islam and return to Madinah. The Muhaajireen of Makkah further augmented the number of the Muslims in Madinah. There was thus a substantial number of Muslims now in Madinah. They all desired that Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) settles permanently in Madinah. However, he would repeatedly inform them that Allah Ta’ala has not yet commanded him to migrate. Thus, he waited in Makkah Mukarramah in anticipation of Allah’s command, spending night and day in ibaadat.

Meanwhile the kuffaar were hatching their plots of vengeance without respite. Their persecution of Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) continued unabated. But, he endured all the hardships with great patience. Once the kuffaar of Makkah called a meeting at which it was decided to kill Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم). It was plotted that the killing should be executed by five people belonging to five different tribes so that it will pose a formidable task for Banu Haashim to take revenge in the event they do decide on this course of action, thus compelling them to accept payment of diyat (monetary compensation for a killing) instead.

Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) was informed of this plot via the medium of Wahi. Simultaneously he was granted permission to migrate. To thwart the kuffaar, he asked Hadhrat Ali (karramallahu wajhah) to sleep in his bed. He handed over to Hadhrat Ali all articles of trust which the people of Makkah had consigned to his care inspite of their hatred. After having made this arrangement, he stepped out of his home during night time while the kuffaar had surrounded his house. Taking a handful of sand, Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) threw it towards these contemptible people. Miraculously, he became invisible to them.

He went to Hadhrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu anhu) and took him along with him. They hid themselves in the Cave of Thaur where they remained for three nights. In the morning when the kuffaar realised that they had been outwitted, their anger knew no bounds. Search parties were sent in all directions. A public announcement was made offering a huge reward for the capture of Muhammad (صلى الله عايه وسالم). But being in the protection of Allah Ta’ala, he remained safe. After a stay of three nights in the Cave of Thaur, they set off for Madinah Tayyibah. En route to Madinah, they stayed four days at Quba. Quba is a small settlement close to Madinah. He arrived in Madinah on Friday 12th Rabiul Awwal.

So far a few episodes pertaining to Hijrat (Migration) and the stay in Makkah have been narrated by way of example. I lack the ability to enumerate these anecdotes in detail. Readers too lack the time for copious reading.

In Madinah, Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) was plunged into a multitude of different activities. Both social and political affairs devolved on him. The propagation of Islam, dissemination of knowledge, Fiqah, Hadith, Jihaad, despatching delegations to all the rulers of the world were among the activities of Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم). He also had to cope with the opposition and conspiracies of the Jews and Munaafiqeen (Hypocrites) who were perpetually involved in the creation of obstacles for the nascent Islamic Movement. Inspite of these numerous activities, Rasulullah (صلى الله عايه وسالم) would find time for remembering Allah Ta’ala in solitude in the wilderness. When someone asked Hadhrat Aishah (radhiyallahu anha) regarding Rasulullah’s trips into the wilderness, she replied: “Yes, he would frequent these valleys. Once when he had planned to go into the desert, he sent a rebellious she-camel to me with the instruction: ‘Be kind to it. Don’t be harsh with it. Kindness creates beauty in all things.”