Notes on Iman, Angels, Scriptures, Prophets, Destiny, and Prophet Muhammad's Life

Iman (Faith or Belief)
  • Definition: Iman means faith or belief, and it is understood that if Allah is always on your mind, Iman will always be in your heart.
  • Surah Al-Ikhlas (Chapter of Sincerity): A short but profound chapter of the Quran that encapsulates the concept of God's oneness:
    • "Say: He is God, the One."
    • "God, the Eternally Sufficient unto Himself."
    • "He neither begets nor is born."
    • "And there is none like unto Him."
  • Tawhid: This central concept means "God is one" and emphasizes the absolute unity and uniqueness of God.
  • Attributes of God (The 9999 Beautiful Names of God):
    • These names describe various aspects and qualities of God.
    • Observations from Discussion:
      • Many names are observed to "bounce off each other," meaning they form pairs of opposites or similarities.
      • Pairs of Opposites: Examples include "the Giver of life" and "the Taker of life." This reflects the idea that for God to be the supreme being, He must encompass all aspects of existence, including seemingly contradictory attributes.
      • Pairs of Similarities: Examples include "the Hearer" (2626) and "the Seer of all" (2727). These are viewed as positive, anthropomorphic functions of God.
      • Some names can have similar meanings, emphasizing certain qualities from different angles.
      • Concept of Divine Will and Free Will: In discussions about God's role in human actions (e.g., Pharaoh's heart), it's understood that God strengthens a person's existing will rather than negating their free will.
  • Bismillah ir-Rahman ir-Rahim: "In the Name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful." This important phrase appears at the beginning of every chapter of the Quran except chapter 99 and is recited by Muslims before starting any task or action.
Angels
  • Belief in angels is the second point of faith in Islam.
  • Gabriel (Jibril/Jibra'il): The angel of revelation, crucial for delivering the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
  • Israfil: Responsible for blowing the trumpet to signal the Day of Judgment.
  • Mikhail (Michael): In charge of rainfall and sustenance from God.
  • Munkar and Nakir: Two angels who interrogate individuals in the grave after death, questioning them about their faith and deeds.
  • Malik al-Mawt (Angel of Death): Charged with taking possession of souls at the time of death.
  • Malik: The guardian of Hell (the name Malik also means "king").
  • Ridwan: The guardian of Heaven (the name Ridwan signifies "satisfaction" and "contentment").
  • Other angels mentioned include Raphael and angels for protection.
Scriptures
  • Belief in the scriptures is the third point of faith.
  • This includes belief in the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms, and the Quran as divine revelations.
  • Popular chapters of the Quran are often recited during prayers, particularly in the second presentation.
Messengers and Prophets
  • Belief in prophets and messengers is the fourth point of faith.
  • According to Prophet Muhammad, there have been 124,000124,000 prophets throughout history, of whom 315315 were also messengers (who brought new scriptures or laws).
  • 2525 Prophets Named in the Quran: A list of prominent prophets from prophetic traditions, many of whom are familiar from other Abrahamic faiths, includes: Adam, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Lot, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Jethro, Aaron, Ezekiel, David, Solomon, Elijah, Elisha, Yunus (Jonah), Zachariah, Yahya (John), Isa (Jesus), and Muhammad.
The Last Day and Resurrection
  • Belief in the Last Day and resurrection is the fifth point of faith.
  • Quranic References:
    • "They ask you about the hour (the Day of Resurrection), 'When will be its appointed time?' Say, 'The knowledge thereof is with my Lord alone. None can reveal its time but He.'"
    • Quran, Chapter 2121, Verse 11: "Closer and closer to mankind comes their reckoning, yet they heed not and they turn away."
Qadr (Destiny and Predestination)
  • Belief in Qadr is the sixth point of faith, encompassing both good and bad destiny.
  • Prophet's Teaching: "A slave of God shall not believe until he believes in Qadr, good and bad, such as he knows that what struck him would not have missed him and that what missed him would not have struck him." This implies that divine decree is absolute and encompasses all events.
  • Common Islamic Phrases:
    • Insha'Allah (extإنشاءﷲ\\ ext{إن شاء ﷲ}): Means "If God wills" or "God willing." It is used when expressing intent to do something in the future, emphasizing reliance on God's permission and plan. It is distinct from manana (tomorrow).
    • Masha'Allah (extماشاءﷲ\\ ext{ما شاء ﷲ}): Means "What God has willed" or "As God has willed." It is used to express appreciation, wonder, praise, or thankfulness for an event that has already occurred or for something admirable.
Life and Character of Prophet Muhammad
  • Birthplace and Residences: Born in Mecca, where he lived until he was about 4040 or 5050 years old. He then lived in Medina for the last 1010 years of his life.
  • Region: The cities of Mecca and Medina are located in the region known as the Hejaz.
  • The Hilya (Verbal Icon): A genre of writing that describes Prophet Muhammad's physical appearance and moral character without picturing him. It serves as an "adornment" or verbal portrait.
    • Physical Description:
      • Height: Medium height, slightly above average; neither excessively tall nor excessively short.
      • Hair: Slightly wavy and tidy, not short and curly nor completely straight.
      • Face: Slightly rounded cheeks, neither chubby nor sunken; his skin was white with a tint of red.
      • Eyes: Black pupils and long eyelashes.
      • Body: Well-built, strong bones, wide shoulders. A thin line of body hair extended from the middle of his chest to his stomach.
      • Hands and Feet: Perfectly sized.
      • Gait: Walked leaning forward, as if descending a hill.
      • Movement: When turning his face, he would turn his entire body.
      • Seal of Prophethood: A mark between his shoulders indicated he was the last of the prophets.
    • Manners and Morals:
      • Generosity: Described as the most generous-hearted.
      • Eloquence: The most eloquent in speech.
      • Temperament: The softest in temperament.
      • Relationships: Practiced the best manners and maintained perfect relationships with others.
      • Awe and Affection: Inspired awe from a distance but familiarity fostered a deep sense of nearness and love. Those who knew him expressed admiration, stating they had "not seen the like of him neither before nor after."
  • Early Life and Vocation:
    • Orphanhood: His father died before his birth, and his mother died when he was 66 years old. He was adopted and raised by his uncle, Abu Talib.
    • Caravan Trading: Trained by his uncle in caravan trading.
    • Monk's Prophecy: On one trading journey, a Christian monk named Wahira recognized signs (e.g., in the clouds) indicating Muhammad was a coming prophet for the Arabs.
    • Al-Amin: Muhammad earned the nickname Al-Amin ("the trustworthy one" or "the perfect one") due to his impeccable character and reliability.
  • Rebuilding the Kaaba (605605 CE):
    • The Kaaba, a cubic building in Mecca (reportedly built by Abraham, also known as the Sacred Mosque or Masjid Al-Haram), flooded and needed rebuilding.
    • When Muhammad was about 3535 years old, a dispute arose among the tribes over which one would have the honor of installing the Black Stone into the corner of the Kaaba.
    • Muhammad's Mediation: He suggested placing the stone on a blanket, having representatives from all tribes lift the blanket, and then he personally placed the stone into its position––a solution that prevented conflict.
The First Revelation (Night of Power/Decree/Destiny)
  • The Event: In the year 610610 CE, during the month of Ramadan (likely on the 27th27^{th} day), while Muhammad was in spiritual retreat in the Cave of Hira, the angel Gabriel appeared to him.
  • Command to "Read": Gabriel commanded Muhammad, "Read!" (or "Recite!"). Muhammad responded, "I am not one of those who knows how to read" (i.e., recite sacred scripture).
  • Repeated Command and Revelation: Gabriel repeated the command twice more, each time squeezing Muhammad, until Muhammad began to recite the first verses of the Quran.
  • Wahi: This event is known as Wahi, specifically referring to the event of revelation, distinct from the text of the revelation itself.
  • Cave of Hira: This cave was Muhammad's retreat for about 1515 years prior to the revelation.
  • Khadijah's Comfort and First Convert: Muhammad was deeply concerned after the experience. His wife, Khadijah, comforted him by affirming his virtuous character (maintaining good relations, hosting guests, truthfulness, giving to the poor, helping the weak) and assured him that such a person would not be abandoned by God. She thus became the first person to accept Islam.
  • Quraysh Opposition: The elders of the Quraysh tribe (Muhammad's tribe) strongly opposed his message.
  • Muhammad's Resolve: Despite pressure, Muhammad famously declared, "Oh, my uncle, by Allah! If they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand, [I would not abandon my mission]."
  • Quranic Example (Surah Al-Fatiha): "In the name of God, most gracious, most merciful, praise be to God, the cherisher and sustainer of the world, most gracious, most merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment. You alone we worship and You alone do we seek. Guide us on the Straight Path, the path of those upon whom You have bestowed Your Grace, those whose portion is not wrath and who go not astray." This illustrates the eloquence and style of the Quran.
  • Mecca's Modern Landscape: Modern Mecca features the towering Mecca Clock Tower, one of the world's tallest buildings. The Black Stone inside the Kaaba is enshrined in a silver casing. Historically, early Islamic art and films (like The Message from 19761976) depicted figures like Bilal, an early Muslim, but cautiously avoided direct depictions of the Prophet's face.
Persecution and Migration to Abyssinia (Ethiopia)
  • Severe Persecution: Early Muslims faced severe persecution from the Quraysh elders in Mecca.
  • Boycott: A ban was issued, prohibiting marriages and all business transactions (including food sales) with Muslims.
  • Seeking Asylum: Due to this harassment, Prophet Muhammad sent some of the most disenfranchised early Muslims across the Red Sea to Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), believing the Ethiopian Christian king would offer them asylum.
  • The Negus and Jafar (The Message Film Scene):
    • The Quraysh pursued the Muslims, asking the Ethiopian King (the Negus) to return them, claiming they were "runaway slaves" and "rebels in religion."
    • Jafar, representing the Muslims, eloquently explained their new faith to the Negus:
      • They had abandoned idolatry (worshipping "wood and stone") for the worship of one God.
      • Their faith taught them to speak truth, love neighbors, give charity (even a smile), protect women (respecting "the womb that bore you"), shelter orphans, and turn away from false gods.
      • Jafar emphasized the continuity of God's message, stating that God had spoken through Abraham, Noah, Moses, and Jesus Christ before, and now through Muhammad.
      • On Jesus Christ: Jafar clarified that Muslims held Jesus in high regard but affirmed he was not the son of God. Citing Chapter 1919 of the Quran (Surah Maryam - Mary), he explained that God cast His Holy Spirit into the womb of the Virgin Mary, who then conceived Christ, the Apostle of God. This account resonated with the Negus, who recognized parallels with Christian scripture.
The Night Journey and Ascension (Isra and Miraj - 619{619} CE)
  • The Year of Sorrow: In 619619 CE, Prophet Muhammad experienced profound personal loss with the deaths of his wife, Khadijah, and his protective uncle, Abu Talib.
  • The Journey: One night, while Muhammad was praying outside the Kaaba, Gabriel took him on a miraculous journey:
    • Isra (Night Journey): Muhammad was transported on Buraq (a mythical steed with a woman's face, bird's wings, and a mule's tail) from Mecca approximately 900900 miles north to Jerusalem.
    • In Jerusalem, at the site of what would later become the Dome of the Rock (believed to be where Abraham brought Isaac for sacrifice and the ground of the ancient Israelite temple), Muhammad prayed with previous prophets.
    • Miraj (Ascension): From Jerusalem, Muhammad ascended through the seven heavens into paradise, entering God's divine presence.
  • Significance: The Prophet stated that "the believer's ascension is the Salat" (ritual prayer), emphasizing the spiritual connection and elevation found in daily prayer.
Migration to Medina (Hijra) and Early Community
  • Invitation to Medina: Competing tribes in Medina appealed to Prophet Muhammad to, asking him to become the governor of their city and arbitrate their disputes.
  • The Hijra (`622CE)</strong>:MuhammadandhisfollowersmigratedfromMeccatoMedina,markingapivotalmomentinIslamichistory.</li><li><strong><code>Tala′al−BadruAlayna</code></strong>:UponMuhammad′sarrivalinMedina,thepeoplegreetedhimwiththisfamoussong,whichmeans"Thefullmoonhasrisenuponus"(referringtoMuhammadas"thewhitemoon").</li><li><strong>TheConstitutionofMedina</strong>:Althoughilliterate,Muhammaddictatedadocument(theConstitutionofMedina)thatestablishedaframeworkforcooperationbetweentheJewishandArabtribesinMedina,ensuringmutualprotectionagainstpotentialwarfarefromMecca.</li><li><strong>TheProphet′sMosque</strong>:TheMosqueoftheProphetinMedina,whichhasbeensignificantlyexpandedovercenturies,standsasatestamenttotheearlycommunity.</li></ul><h5id="earlybattlesandfamilylife">EarlyBattlesandFamilyLife</h5><ul><li><strong>MarriagetoAisha</strong>:ProphetMuhammadmarriedAisha,thedaughterofhisclosecompanionAbuBakr.ThebetrothaloccurredwhenshewasCE)</strong>: Muhammad and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina, marking a pivotal moment in Islamic history.</li> <li><strong><code>Tala' al-Badru Alayna</code></strong>: Upon Muhammad's arrival in Medina, the people greeted him with this famous song, which means "The full moon has risen upon us" (referring to Muhammad as "the white moon").</li> <li><strong>The Constitution of Medina</strong>: Although illiterate, Muhammad dictated a document (the Constitution of Medina) that established a framework for cooperation between the Jewish and Arab tribes in Medina, ensuring mutual protection against potential warfare from Mecca.</li> <li><strong>The Prophet's Mosque</strong>: The Mosque of the Prophet in Medina, which has been significantly expanded over centuries, stands as a testament to the early community.</li> </ul> <h5 id="earlybattlesandfamilylife">Early Battles and Family Life</h5> <ul> <li><strong>Marriage to Aisha</strong>: Prophet Muhammad married Aisha, the daughter of his close companion Abu Bakr. The betrothal occurred when she was9yearsold,withtheactualmarriageceremonytakingplaceyears old, with the actual marriage ceremony taking place4oror5yearslater.</li><li><strong>BattleofBadr(years later.</li> <li><strong>Battle of Badr (624CE)</strong>:AnimprobablevictoryfortheMuslimsagainsttheQuraysh:<ul><li><strong>MuslimForce</strong>:ApproximatelyCE)</strong>: An improbable victory for the Muslims against the Quraysh:<ul> <li><strong>Muslim Force</strong>: Approximately300men,withonlymen, with only6coatsofarmorandswords,coats of armor and swords,70camels,andcamels, and2oror3horses.Theysustainedhorses. They sustained14martyrs.</li><li><strong>QurayshForce</strong>:Approximatelymartyrs.</li> <li><strong>Quraysh Force</strong>: Approximately1,000men,withmen, with600armoredsoldiers,nearlyallweapons,armored soldiers, nearly all weapons,700camels,andcamels, and300horses.Theysufferedhorses. They suffered70deadanddead and70captives.</li></ul></li><li><strong>MarriageofAliandFatima</strong>:ProphetMuhammadmarriedhiscousin,Ali,tohisdaughter,Fatima.Theybecameamarriedcoupleandhadchildren.</li><li><strong>SpiritualGuidanceforFatimaandAli</strong>:WhenFatimaexpressedtheburdenofhouseholdworkandaskedforaservant,Muhammadinsteadtaughtthemapowerfulformof<code>Dhikr</code>(remembranceofGod):<ul><li>captives.</li></ul></li> <li><strong>Marriage of Ali and Fatima</strong>: Prophet Muhammad married his cousin, Ali, to his daughter, Fatima. They became a married couple and had children.</li> <li><strong>Spiritual Guidance for Fatima and Ali</strong>: When Fatima expressed the burden of household work and asked for a servant, Muhammad instead taught them a powerful form of <code>Dhikr</code> (remembrance of God):<ul> <li>33times:"GlorybetoGod"(<code>SubhanAllah</code>).</li><li>times: "Glory be to God" (<code>Subhan Allah</code>).</li> <li>33times:"PraisebetoGod"(<code>Alhamdulillah</code>).</li><li>times: "Praise be to God" (<code>Alhamdulillah</code>).</li> <li>34times:"Godismostgreat"(<code>AllahuAkbar</code>).</li></ul></li><li><strong>BattleofUhud(times: "God is most great" (<code>Allahu Akbar</code>).</li></ul></li> <li><strong>Battle of Uhud (625CE)</strong>:AyearafterBadr,theMuslimssufferedalossatMountUhudnearMedinabecausearchersabandonedtheirstrategicpositions,allowingtheQurayshtocounter−attack.</li><li><strong>BattleoftheTrench(CE)</strong>: A year after Badr, the Muslims suffered a loss at Mount Uhud near Medina because archers abandoned their strategic positions, allowing the Quraysh to counter-attack.</li> <li><strong>Battle of the Trench (627CE)</strong>:APersianconverttoIslamsuggestedabrilliantdefensivestrategy:diggingatrencharoundthecityofMedina.ThispreventedtheQuraysh′scavalryfromattacking,effectivelysecuringthecity.</li></ul><h5id="treatyofhudaybiyyahandconquestofmecca">TreatyofHudaybiyyahandConquestofMecca</h5><ul><li><strong>DreamofPilgrimage(CE)</strong>: A Persian convert to Islam suggested a brilliant defensive strategy: digging a trench around the city of Medina. This prevented the Quraysh's cavalry from attacking, effectively securing the city.</li> </ul> <h5 id="treatyofhudaybiyyahandconquestofmecca">Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and Conquest of Mecca</h5> <ul> <li><strong>Dream of Pilgrimage (628CE)</strong>:ProphetMuhammadhadadreamofperformingthepilgrimage(<code>Umrah</code>)withhiscompanions.</li><li><strong>JourneytoHudaybiyyah</strong>:TheMuslimstraveledfromMedinatoHudaybiyyah,aplaceoutsideMecca.</li><li><strong>TreatyofHudaybiyyah</strong>:ACE)</strong>: Prophet Muhammad had a dream of performing the pilgrimage (<code>Umrah</code>) with his companions.</li> <li><strong>Journey to Hudaybiyyah</strong>: The Muslims traveled from Medina to Hudaybiyyah, a place outside Mecca.</li> <li><strong>Treaty of Hudaybiyyah</strong>: A10−yearpeacetreatywasdraftedbetweentheMuslimsandthenon−MuslimsofMecca,whichincludedspecificclauses:<ul><li>MeccansseekingrefugeinMedinaweretobereturnedtoMecca.</li><li>MuslimsmovingtoMeccawouldnotbereturnedtoMedina.</li><li>MuslimswouldreturntoMedinathatyearbutcouldperform<code>Umrah</code>thefollowingyear,remaininginMeccaforonly-year peace treaty was drafted between the Muslims and the non-Muslims of Mecca, which included specific clauses:<ul> <li>Meccans seeking refuge in Medina were to be returned to Mecca.</li> <li>Muslims moving to Mecca would not be returned to Medina.</li> <li>Muslims would return to Medina that year but could perform <code>Umrah</code> the following year, remaining in Mecca for only3days.</li><li>AnytribewasfreetoallywitheithertheMuslimsortheQuraysh.</li></ul></li><li><strong>ConquestofMecca</strong>:Thetreatywaseventuallybrokenbythenon−Muslims.ProphetMuhammad,leadingalargearmy,enteredMeccawithoutbloodshed.HefamouslyforgaveallthepeopleofMeccawhohadpreviouslyopposedhim.</li></ul><h5id="prophetmuhammadspassing">ProphetMuhammad′sPassing</h5><ul><li><strong>IllnessandPoison</strong>:Towardstheendofhislife,ProphetMuhammadbecameill,reportedlyfrompoisoninjectedintoapieceoflambyearsearlier.</li><li><strong>LastActions</strong>:HeappointedhisfriendAbuBakrtoleadtheprayersanddeliveredhislastsermonatthemosque.</li><li><strong>Demise</strong>:Onthedays.</li> <li>Any tribe was free to ally with either the Muslims or the Quraysh.</li></ul></li> <li><strong>Conquest of Mecca</strong>: The treaty was eventually broken by the non-Muslims. Prophet Muhammad, leading a large army, entered Mecca without bloodshed. He famously forgave all the people of Mecca who had previously opposed him.</li> </ul> <h5 id="prophetmuhammadspassing">Prophet Muhammad's Passing</h5> <ul> <li><strong>Illness and Poison</strong>: Towards the end of his life, Prophet Muhammad became ill, reportedly from poison injected into a piece of lamb years earlier.</li> <li><strong>Last Actions</strong>: He appointed his friend Abu Bakr to lead the prayers and delivered his last sermon at the mosque.</li> <li><strong>Demise</strong>: On the12^{th}$$ day of the month of Rabi' al-Awwal, Prophet Muhammad passed away, transitioning to Rafiq al-Awwal (the Highest Companion). Artistic depictions sometimes show him and Fatima with halos, symbolizing their sanctity.