Early Life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and the Dawn of Islam

Flashcards covering key lecture notes on Pre-Islamic Arabia, the early life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), the First Revelation, early preaching, persecution by the Quraish, and the migration to Abyssinia.

What was the period before the birth of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and the first revelation called in Arab history?

It was known as Jahiliyyah, or the 'Age of Ignorance.'

What were the primary social, religious, and political conditions in Arabia during the Age of Ignorance?

Arabia had no central government and was divided into warring tribes; idol worshipping, drinking, gambling, cruel treatment of slaves, and denying women basic rights (including burying newborn daughters alive) were common.

How did Islam improve the lives and rights of women in Arabia?

Islam abolished gender-based discrimination, ended female infanticide, granted legal rights, allowed women to seek education, choose for themselves, inherit property, and restored their dignity and equality.

When was Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) born, and when did his father Hazrat Abdullah pass away?

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was born in 570 CE. His father Hazrat Abdullah passed away before his birth on his return journey from Syria to Makkah.

Who took care of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) until he was 6 years old, and why?

Hazrat Halima (R.A) took care of him in the desert for about 6 years for the development of his Arabic language and good manners.

What miraculous event occurred while the Prophet (S.A.W) was under the care of Hazrat Halima (R.A)?

An angel removed the heart from his chest, extracted a black clot, washed it, and placed it back, after which Hazrat Halima returned him safely to his mother.

Who took guardianship of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) after his mother passed away when he was 6 years old?

His grandfather Abdul Muttalib cared for him until his death when the Prophet was 8 years old, after which his uncle Abu Talib took care of him until age 25.

What role did Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) play during the war of Harb-ul-fijar at age 15?

He did not actively fight; his role was to collect arrows shot by the enemies and hand them to his uncle.

What peace agreement took place after the war of Harb-ul-fijar?

Half-ul-Fazool.

How did Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) come to marry Hazrat Khadija (R.A)?

At age 25, he led her trade caravan to Syria. Impressed by his honesty and character, Hazrat Khadija (who was 40 years old) sent him a marriage proposal, which he accepted.

How did Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) resolve the dispute regarding the Black Stone (Hajr-e-Aswad) at age 35?

He followed a suggestion that the first person to enter the Kaaba the next morning would place the stone; as he was the first to enter, he placed Hajr-e-Aswad peacefully.

Where did Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) go for solitude and meditation prior to receiving prophethood?

The cave of Hira on Mount Hira.

Describe the occurrence of the first revelation in the cave of Hira.

Angel Jibraeel (A.S) appeared and commanded him to 'read'. After squeezing him tightly three times when he answered 'I cannot read', Angel Jibraeel recited the first five verses of Surah Iqra, which the Prophet repeated.

Who was Waraqah bin Naufal and what did he confirm after the first revelation?

He was a Christian scholar and cousin of Hazrat Khadija (R.A). He confirmed that the angel was Jibraeel, that Muhammad was the promised Prophet of Allah, and foretold that his people would eventually drive him out.

Why was it significant that the first revelation was given to an unlettered Prophet who could not read or write?

It proved that the Quran was divine revelation directly from Allah and not composed, copied, or learned from human sources or existing books.

Who were among the first people to accept Islam during the three years of private preaching?

Hazrat Khadija (R.A), Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A), Zaid bin Haris (R.A), and Hazrat Ali (R.A). About 40 people accepted Islam during this private phase.

What happened when Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) made his public declaration at Safa hill (mount Safwa)?

He asked the Quraish if they would believe him if he foretold an attacking army, to which they agreed; but when he called them to worship one God, they grew angry, and Abu Lahab cursed him.

What mistreatment and abuses were directed at Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) by Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab's family?

Abu Jahl placed filth on his back while praying (removed by Hazrat Fatima), Abu Lahab forced his sons to divorce the Prophet's daughters (Ruqayya and Umm-e-Kulsum), and Abu Lahab's wife placed thorns on his path.

How did Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) respond when Abu Talib asked him to yield to Quraish pressure?

He declared that even if they placed the sun in his right hand and the moon in his left hand to stop him, he would not abandon his mission until Allah granted victory or he perished.

Why is the 10th year of Prophethood known as the 'Year of Grief'?

Because both Hazrat Khadija (R.A), his beloved wife and support, and Abu Talib (R.A), his protective uncle, passed away in the same year.

How many Muslims migrated in the first and second groups to Abyssinia?

The first group consisted of 11 men and 4 women (including Hazrat Usman and Ruqayya); the second group consisted of 79 men and women.

How did the Christian King of Abyssinia, Najashi, react when the Quraish demanded the return of the Muslim migrants?

He listened to Hazrat Jafar recite verses from Surah Maryam, declared that the message and the Gospel come from the same light, and refused to hand the Muslims over to the Quraish.