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**Breshna** · 09-11-2012, 08:33 PM

Prophet Ayoub Alai-Salam...lost everything

but stayed steadfast and..patient.

**Breshna** · 09-11-2012, 08:37 PM

Islam: Message of Peace
Ahadiths referenced from Sahih Bukhari, to present right knowledge of Islam to the knowledge seekers
Stories of the Prophets: Prophet Yunus (Jonah) (alaihis-salam)

Description of Jonah’s People

Prophet Jonah (Yunus) (pbuh) also known as Dhan-Nun. About his people Almighty Allah said:

“Was there any town community that believed after seeing the punishment, and its Faith at that moment, saved it from the punishment? (the answer is none)–except the people of Jonah; when they believed, We removed from them the torment of disgrace in the life of the present world, and permitted them to enjoy for a while. (Ch 10:98 Quran)

The inhabitants of the town of Nineveh were idolaters who lived a shameless life. Prophet Jonah (pbuh) was sent to teach them the worship of Allah. The people disliked his interference in their way of worship, so they argued. “We and our forefathers have worshipped these gods for many years and no harm has come to us.”

Jonah Leaves His People

Try as he might to convince them of the foolishness of idolatry and of the goodness of Allah’s laws, the ignored him. He warned them that if they kept on with their foolishness, Allah’s punishment would soon follow. Instead of fearing Allah, they told Jonah that they were not afraid of his threats. “Let it happen,” they told him. Jonah was disheartened. “in that case, I will leave you to your misery!” so saying, he left Nineveh, fearing that Allah’s anger would soon follow.

“Remember Dhan Nun (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him (the calamities which had befallen him)! (ch 21:87)

The People are Forgiven

Hardly had he left the city when the skies began to change color and looked as if they were on fire. The people were filled with fear by this sight. They recalled the destruction of the people of ‘Ad, Thamud and Noah. Was theirs to be a similar fate? Slowly faith penetrated their hearts. They all gathered on the mountain and started to beseech Allah for His mercy and forgiveness. The mountains echoed with their cries. It was a momentous hour, filled with sincere repentance.

Allah removed His wrath and showered His blessings upon them once again. When the threatening storm was lifted, they prayed for the return of Jonah so that he could guide them.

The Storm at Sea

Meanwhile, Jonah had boarded a small ship in the company of other passengers. It sailed all day in calm waters with a good wind blowing at the sails. When night came, the sea suddenly changed. A horrible storm blew as if it were going to split the ship into pieces. The waves looked wild. They rose up as high as mountains then plunged down like valleys, tossing the ship and sweeping over the deck.

Behind the ship, a large whale was splitting the water and opening its mouth. A command had been issued from Almighty Allah to one of the greatest whales of the sea to surface. It obeyed.

The whale hurried to the surface of the sea and followed the ship as it had been commanded. The tempest continued and the chief crewman asked the crew to lighten the ship’s heavy load.

They threw their baggage overboard, but this was not enough. Their safety lay in reducing the weight further, so they decided among themselves to lighten their load by removing at least one person.

Jonah Jumps into the Sea

The captain directed: We will make lots with all of the travelers’ names. The one whose name is drawn will be thrown into the sea.” Jonah knew this was one of the seamen’s traditions when facing a tempest. It was a strange polytheistic tradition, but it was practiced at that time. Jonah’s affliction and crisis began.

Here was the prophet, subjected to polytheistic rules that considered the sea and the wind to have gods that riot. The captain had to please these gods. Jonah reluctantly participated in the lot, and his name was added to the other travelers’ names. The lot was drawn and “Jonah” appeared.

Since they knew him to be the most honorable among them, they did not wish to throw him into the angry sea. Therefore, they decided to draw a second lot. Again Jonah’s name was drawn. They gave him a final chance and drew a third lot. Unfortunately for Jonah, his name came up again.

Jonah realized that Allah’s hand was in all this, for he had abandoned his mission without Allah’s consent. The matter was over, and it was decided that Jonah should throw himself into the water.

Jonah stood at the edge of the ship looking at the furious sea. It was night and there was no moon. The stars were hidden behind a black fog. But before he could be thrown overboard, Jonah kept mentioning Allah’s name as he jumped into the raging sea and disappeared beneath the huge waves.

The Whale Swallows Jonah

The whale found Jonah floating on the waves before it. It swallowed Jonah into its furious stomach and shut its ivory teeth on him as if they were white bolts locking the door of his prison. The whale dived to the bottom of the sea, the sea that runs in the abyss of darkness.

Three layers of darkness enveloped him, one above the other; the darkness of the whale’s stomach, the darkness of the bottom of the sea, the darkness of the night. Jonah imaged himself to be dead, but his senses became alert when he found he could move. He knew that he was alive and imprisoned in the midst of three layers of darkness. His heart was moved by remembering Allah. His tongue released soon after saying:

“La ilaha illa Anta (none has the right to be worshipped but You (O Allah), Glorified (and Exalted) be You (above all that evil they associate with You), Truly, I have been of the wrong doers.” (Ch 21:87 Quran)

Jonah continued praying to Allah, repeating this invocation. Fishes, whales, seaweeds, and all the creatures that lived in the sea heard the voice of Jonah praying, heard the celebration of Allah’s praises issuing from the whale’s stomach. All these creatures gathered around the whale and began to celebrate the praises of Allah in their turn, each in its own way and in its own language.

The whale also participated in celebrating the praises of Allah and understood that it had swallowed a prophet. Therefore it felt afraid; however, it said to itself; “Why should I be afraid? Allah commanded me to swallow him.”

Allah Forgives Jonah

Allah Almighty saw the sincere repentance of Jonah and heard his invocation in the whale’s stomach. Allah commanded the whale to surface and eject Jonah onto an island. The whale obeyed and swam to the farthest side of the ocean. Allah commanded it to rise towards the warm, refreshing sun and the pleasant earth.

The whale ejected Jonah onto a remote island. His body was inflamed because of the acids inside the whale’s stomach. He was ill, and when the sun rose, its ray burned his inflamed body so that he was on the verge of screaming for the pain. However, he endured the pain and continued to repeat his invocation to Allah.

Almighty Allah caused a vine to grow to considerable length over him for protection. Then Allah Exalted caused Jonah to recover and forgave him. Allah told Jonah that if it had not been for his praying to Him, he would have stayed in the whale’s stomach till the Day of Judgment.

Summary of Jonah’s Story

Almighty Allah recounted:

” And, verily, Jonah was one of the Messengers. When he ran to the laden ship, he agreed to cast lots and he was among the losers, Then a big fish swallowed him and he had done an act worthy of blame. Had he not been of them who glorify Allah, he would have indeed remained inside its belly (the fish) till the Day of Resurrection. But We cast him forth on the naked shore while he was sick and We caused a plant of gourd to grow over him. And We sent him to a hundred thousand people or even more, and they believed; so We gave them enjoyment for a while. (Ch 37:139-148 Quran).

Jonah’s People – Changed

Gradually he regained his strength and found his way to his hometown, Nineveh. He was

pleasantly surprised to notice the change that had taken place there. The entire population turned out to welcome him. They informed him that they had turned to believe in Allah. Together they led a prayer of thanksgiving to their Merciful Lord.

Prophet Muhammad’s Saying About Jonah (PBUT)

Ibn Abbas narrated: “The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: ‘One should not say I am better than Jonah Ibn Matta.’” (Sahih Bukhari)

**Breshna** · 09-11-2012, 08:46 PM

Prophet Yunus Alai-Salam

stayed patient...in the whales stomach.

He read...this

La ilaha illa anta subhanka inn kuntu minaz- zalimeen.

There is no Lord except you,

glory be to you,

I was one of the transgressors.

**Breshna** · 09-11-2012, 08:55 PM

Attention Required! | Cloudflare

https://www.tubeislam.com/video/9249/Stories-of-the-Prophets-Shoaib-Alayhe-salam-13

**Breshna** · 09-11-2012, 08:56 PM

Prophet Shoaib Alai-Salam went

through so...much.

He was still steadfast...patient.

Things we lack..today.

**Breshna** · 09-11-2012, 09:04 PM

Prophet Dhul-Kifl Alai-Salam

Kifl (peace be upon him) was the Prophet of Allah. The Holy Qur'an has made mention of him in the following two Verses: And Isma'il and Idris and Dhul-kifl; all were men of constancy and patience. We admitted them into out mercy because they were of the righteous ones. (21:85. 86)
And remember Isma'il, Elisha and Dhul-kifl. Each of them was of the company of the good. (38:48)
Al-Baizawi says that he was so called because he had to do double the work of the Prophets of his time.
He is identified with Ezekiel of the Bible who was carried away to Babylon after the destruction of Jerusalem. He was chained and imprisoned. He bore all hardships with patience and continued reproving the evil sin of the Bani Israel. Ibn Jarir, an interpreter has narrated an event which throws some light on his life. When Al-Yasa (peace be upon him) grew old, he wished to appoint a suitable person as his successor to guide the Israelites. He declared: Only that person will be considered competent to become his successor who observes fast during the day remembers Allah throughout the night and refrains from flying into a rage. One among the crowd stood up and said: (I will adhere to all these conditions. The Prophet Al-Yasa (peace be upon him) repeated these conditions thrice and the same person promised solemnly to fulfil the conditions. Thereupon he was appointed as a vicegerent.
After some time he was subjected to a trial. One day the Satan in the disguise of an old man knocked at his door. He was allowed to get in. The visitor lodged a complaint against the cruel treatment of the people towards him. The vicegerent directed him to come in the evening. He assured the visitor that all his grievances shall be redressed. He promised but did not turn up at the appointed time. Next day he came again and complained as usual. The vicegerent commanded him to come in the evening. He made a solemn promise to come but did not abide by it. On the third day he came again and knocked at the door but it was not opened. The Satan in the disguise of an old man managed to slip into the room and presented himself before the vicegerent. He was wonder-struck at the sudden appearance of the old man. The vicegerent interrogated the visitor. He admitted that he was Iblis who assumed the likeness of an old man and was trying to enrage him. He endeavoured to make him back out of his promise but failed in his mission. Thereupon the vicegerent became known as Dhul-kifl because he maintained his solemn promise with the Prophet Al-Yasa (peace be upon him). He refrained from losing temper though the Satan left no stone unturned to annoy him. Soon after Allah chose him as His Prophet.
He commanded the Israelites to wage holy war against those who made mischief on the earth and opposed the religion of Allah. His followers, the Israelites refused to carry out his orders because they were afraid of death. As a retaliation for the utter disobedience of the Commandment of Allah and His Prophet, most of the people were overtaken by calamity. Plague broke out and numerous people died miserably. They deserted their houses in terror and ran away to save their lives. When they covered some distance, they heard a dreadful sound and the death prevailed over them. None remained alive to bury them. The corpses were putrefied in the scorching heat of the sun. The Prophet Dhul-kifl (peace be upon him) came out of the seclusion after seven days. He was overwhelmed with grief to see the predicament of his followers and supplicated: O' Allah! You have perished my followers. Take pity on them and give them a new life. Allah granted the prayer of His Prophet, the dead persons regained their lives. The Holy Qur'an Affirms:
Have you not thought on those who quitted their dwellings--and they were thousands for fear of death. Allah said to them: Die! Then He restored them to life, for full of bounty towards man is Allah. But most men give not thanks. (2: 280)

Afterwards the Prophet Dhul-kifl (peace be upon him) left his followers and migrated to Babylon. He died there.

**Breshna** · 09-11-2012, 09:17 PM

Prophet Lut Alai-Salam

Stories of the Prophets: Prophet Lot (Lut) (alaihis-salam)

Posted on July 27, 2009
0

Description of the People of Sodom
Prophet Abraham (PBUH) left Egypt accompanied by his nephew Lut (PBUH), who then went to the city of Sodom (Sadum), which was on the western shore of the Dead Sea.
This city was filled with evil. Its residents waylaid, robbed and killed travelers. Another common evil among them was that men had sex with men instead of with women. This unnatural act later became known as sodomy (after the city of Sodom). It was practiced openly and unashamedly.
Lot’s Message
It was at the height of these crimes and sins that Allah revealed to Prophet Lut (PBUH) that he should summon the people to give up their indecent behavior, but they were so deeply sunk in their immoral habits that they were deaf to Lot’s preaching. Swamped in their unnatural desires, they refused to listen, even when Lot warned them of Allah’s punishment. Instead, they threatened to drive him out of the city if he kept on preaching.
Allah the Almighty revealed:
The people of Lot (those dwelt in the towns of Sodom in Palestine) belied the Messengers when their brother Lot said to them: “Will you not fear Allah and obey Him? Verily! I am a trustworthy Messenger to you. So fear Allah, keep your duty to Him, and obey me. No reward do I ask of you for it (my Message of Islamic Monotheism) my reward is only from the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). Go you in unto the males of the Alamin (mankind), and leave those whom Allah has created for you to be your wives? Nay, you are a trespassing people!” They said: “If you cease not, O Lot! Verily, you will be one of those who are driven out!” He said: “I am indeed, of those who disapprove with severe anger and fury your (this evil) action (of sodomy). My Lord! Save me and my family from what they do.”
So We saved him and his family, all except an old woman (this wife) among those who remained behind. (Ch 26:160-171 Quran)

Lot’s Wife
The doings of Lot’s people saddened his heart. Their unwholesome reputation spread throughout the land, while he struggled against them. As the years passed, he persisted in his mission but to no avail. No one responded to his call and believed except for the members of his family, and even in his household, not all the members believed. Lot’s wife, like Noah’s wife, a disbeliever. Allah the Almighty declared:
“Allah set forth an example for those who disbelieve, the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. They were under two of Our righteous slaves, but they both betrayed their (husbands, by rejecting their doctrines) so they (Noah & Lut) benefited them (their respective wives) not, against Allah, and it was said: “Enter the Fire along with those who enter!” (Ch 66:10 Quran)
Angels Come to Meet Lot
If home is the place of comfort and rest, then Lut found none, for he was tormented both inside and outside his home. His life was continuous torture and he suffered greatly, but he remained patient and steadfast with his people. The years rolled by, and still not one believed in him.
Instead, they belittled his message and mockingly challenged him:

“Bring Allah’s Torment upon us if you are one of the truthful!” (Ch 29:29 Quran). Overwhelmed with despair, Lot prayed to Allah to grant him victory and destroy the corrupt.
Therefore, the angels left Abraham (pbuh) and headed for Sodom the town of Lut (pbuh).
They reached the walls of the town in the afternoon. The first person who caught sight of them was Lot’s daughter, who was sitting beside the river, filling her jug with water. When she lifted her face and saw them, she was stunned that there could be men of such magnificent beauty on earth.
One of the tree men (angels) asked her: “O maiden, is there a place to rest?”
Remembering the character of her people she replied, “Stay here and do not enter until I inform my father and return.” Leaving her jug by the river, she swiftly ran home.
“O father!” she cried. “You are wanted by young men at the town gate and I have never before seen the like of their faces!”
Lot felt distressed as he quickly ran to his guests. He asked them where they came from and where they were going. They did not answer his questions. Instead they asked if he could host them. He started talking with them and impressed upon them the subject of his people’s nature.
Lot was filled with turmoil; he wanted to convince his guests without offending them, not to spend the night there, yet at the same time he wanted to extend to them the expected hospitality normally accorded to guests. In vain he tried to make them understand the perilous situation. At last, therefore, he requested them to wait until the night fell, for then no one would see them.
The Mob at Lot’s House
When darkness fell on the town, Lot escorted his guest to his home. No one was aware of their presence. However, as soon as Lot’s wife saw them, she slipped out of the house quietly so that no one noticed her. Quickly, she ran to her people with the news and it spread to all the inhabitants like wildfire. The people rushed towards Lot quickly and excitedly. Lot was surprised by their discovery of his guests. and he wondered who could have informed them. The matter became clear, however, when he could not find his wife, anywhere, thus adding grief to his sorrow.
When Lot saw the mob approaching his house, he shut the door, but they kept on banging on it.
He pleaded with them to leave the visitors alone and fear Allah’s punishment. He urged them to seek sexual fulfillment with their wives, for that is what Allah had made lawful.
Lot’s people waited until he had finished his short sermon, and then they roared with laughter.
Blinded by passion, they broke down the door. Lot became very angry, but he stood powerless before these violent people. He was unable to prevent the abuse of his guests, but he firmly stood his ground and continued to plead with the mob.
The Punishment
At that terrible moment, he wished he had the power to push them away from his guests. Seeing him in a state of helplessness, and grief the guests said: “Do not be anxious or frightened, Lot for we are angels, and these people will not harm you.” On hearing this, the mob was terrified and fled from Lot’s house, hurling threats at him as they left. The angels warned Prophet Lut (pbuh) to leave his house before sunrise, taking with him all his family except his wife. Allah had decreed that the city of Sodom should perish. An earthquake rocked the town. IT was as if a mighty power had lifted the entire city and flung it down in one jolt. A storm of stones rained on the city.
Everyone and everything was destroyed, including Lot’s wife.
The Angels Meet Abraham
Allah the Almighty recounted this story:
“And tell them about the guests (angels) of Abraham. When they entered unto him, and said:
“Salaaman (peace)!” Abraham said: “Indeed! We are afraid of you.”
They (the angels) said: “Do not be afraid! We give you glad tidings of a boy (son) possessing much knowledge and wisdom.” (Abraham) said: “Do you give me glad tidings (of a son) when old age has overtaken me? Of what then is your news?” They (the angels) said: “We give you glad tidings in truth. So be not of the despairing.”
Abraham said: “And who despairs of the Mercy of his Lord except those who are astray?”
(Abraham again) said: “What then is the business on which you have come, O Messengers?”
They (the angels) said: “We have been sent to a people who are Mujrimeen (criminals,
disbelievers, polytheists, sinners). (All) except the family of Lot. Them all we are surely going to save (from destruction).”
Except his wife, of whom We have decreed that she shall be of those who remain behind (she will be destroyed).
Then when the Messengers (the angels) came unto the family of Lot, he said: “Verily! You are people unknown to me.” They said: “Nay! we have come to you with that (torment) which they have been doubting. And we have brought to you the truth (the news of the destruction of your nation) and certainly, we tell the truth. Then travel in a part of the night with your family, and you go behind them in the rear, and let no one amongst you look back, but go on to where you are ordered.”
And We made known this decree to him, that the root of those (sinners) was to be cut off in the early morning
The inhabitants of the city came rejoicing (at the news of the young men’s arrival). Lot said:
“Verily! These are my guests, so shame me not. And fear Allah and disgrace me not.” They (people of the city) said: “Did we not forbid you to entertain (or protect) any of the Alamin (people, foreigners, strangers etc) from us?” Lot said: “These (the girls of the nation) are my daughters to marry lawfully) if you must act so.”
Verily, by your life (O Muhammad), in their wild intoxication they were wandering blindly. So As Saliha (torment, awful cry etc) overtook them at the time of sunrise; and We turned (the towns of Sodom in Palestine) upside down and rained down on them stones of baked clay. Surely! In this are signs for those who see (or understand or learn the lessons from the Signs of Allah). And verily! They (the cities) are right on the highroad (from Mecca to Syria, i.e. the place where the Dead Sea is now). Surely! Therein is indeed a sign for the believers.” (Ch 15:51-77 Quran)
Allah the Exalted also declared:
“So we saved him and his family, all, except an old woman (his wife) among those who remained behind. Then afterward We destroyed the others. We rained on them a rain of torment. How evil was the rain of those who had been warned. Verily, in this is indeed a sign yet most of them are not believers. Verily! Your Lord, He is indeed the All Mighty, the Most Merciful. (Ch 26:170-175 Quran)
Lot’s Life after Sodom
The book was closed on the people of Lot (pbuh). Their towns and names have been erased from the face of the earth. Gone are they from memory. One book was closed of the books of corruption. Lot (pbuh) proceeded towards Abraham (pbuh). He visited him, and when he recounted the story of his people, he was surprised to learn that Abraham (pbuh) already knew.
So Lut (pbuh) continued to invite people to Allah, as did Abraham (pbuh), the patient one who turned to Allah repentantly, and the two held firm to their mission.

**Breshna** · 09-11-2012, 09:20 PM

Prophet Ibrahim Alai-Salam

The Story of Ibrahim – (alaihis salaam)
Extract from Islamic Newsletter ‘As-Sunnah’ Issue no: 10, Compiled by Sister Shawana A. Aziz
The story of Ibrahim (AS) is greatly associated with Hajj because the origin of Hajj is as old as the Kaaba, which was built by Ibrahim (AS) and his son, Ismail (AS). Every act of Hajj reminds us of the noble family of Ibrahim (AS) since every act of Hajj refers back to the righteous actions and struggle of either Ibrahim (AS), his wife Hajrah or his son Ismail (AS). The history of this family teaches spiritual lessons of complete devotion to Allah and sincerity to Him. It holds an enlightening message for everybody, a father, a mother, a son and a wife.
The childhood of Ibrahim (AS)
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was born in a family of idolaters but from early childhood, he (AS) was endowed with spiritual understanding. Allah enlightened his heart and mind and gave him wisdom:

“We bestowed aforetime on Ibrahim his rectitude of conduct, and well were We acquainted with him. (as to his belief in the Oneness of Allah)” [Surah Al Anbiya 21:51]

One day, Ibrahim (AS) looked at the sky and the Quran:

“So also did We show Ibrahim the power and the laws of the heavens and the earth, that he might (with understanding) have certitude. When the night covered him over, He saw a star: He said: “This is my Lord.” But when it set, He said: “I love not those that set.” When he saw the moon rising in splendour, he said: “This is my Lord.” But when the moon set, He said: “Unless my Lord guide me, I shall surely be among those who go astray.”
When he saw the sun rising in splendour, he said: “This is my Lord; this is the greatest (of all).” But when the sun set, he said: “O my people! I am indeed free from your (guilt) of giving partners to Allah. “For me, I have set my face, firmly and truly, towards Him Who created the heavens and the earth, and never shall I give partners to Allah.”” [Surah Al An'am 6:75-79]

Thus, Ibrahim (AS) rejected the worship of all celestial bodies, which people venerated and worshiped and therefore:

“His people disputed with him. He said: “(Come) ye to dispute with me, about Allah, when He (Himself) hath guided me? I fear not (the beings) ye associate with Allah: Unless my Lord willeth, (nothing can happen). My Lord comprehendeth in His knowledge all things. Will ye not (yourselves) be admonished? “How should I fear (the beings) ye associate with God, when ye fear not to give partners to God without any warrant having been given to you? Which of (us) two parties hath more right to security? (tell me) if ye know.” [Surah Al An'am 6:80-81]

It was in his childhood that Ibrahim (AS) argued with his father, who was not only an ordinary idolater, but he totally rejected the existence of Allah. He used to make idols with his own hands. Ibrahim (AS) realized the fallacy of the idol; he (AS) noticed that these idols did not eat, drink, or talk, and that they could not even turn themselves right-side if someone turned them upside-down. How could then people believe that such statues could harm or benefit them?

“Lo! Ibrahim said to his father Azar: “Takest thou idols for gods? For I see thee and thy people in manifest error.”” [Surah Al An'am 6:74]

“Behold, he said to his father: “O my father! why worship that which heareth not and seeth not, and can profit thee nothing? “O my father! to me hath come knowledge which hath not reached thee: so follow me: I will guide thee to a way that is even and straight. “O my father! serve not Satan: for Satan is a rebel against (Allah) Most Gracious. “O my father! I fear lest a Penalty afflict thee from (Allah) Most Gracious, so that thou become to Satan a friend.”
(The father) replied: “Dost thou hate my gods, O Ibrahim? If thou forbear not, I will indeed stone thee: Now get away from me for a good long while!”
Ibrahim said: “Peace be on thee: I will pray to my Lord for thy forgiveness: for He is to me Most Gracious. “And I will turn away from you (all) and from those whom ye invoke besides Allah: I will call on my Lord: perhaps, by my prayer to my Lord, I shall be not unblest.”” [Surah Maryam 19:42-48]

He also argued with a skeptic, who claimed to be god (according to what the commentators said, he was Namrud, the King of Babylon):
Allah says in the Quran:

“Hast thou not turned thy vision to one who disputed with Ibrahim about his Lord, because Allah had granted him power? Ibrahim said: “My Lord is He Who Giveth life and death.” He said: “I give life and death”. Said Ibrahim: “But it is Allah that causeth the sun to rise from the East: Do thou then cause him to rise from the West.” Thus was he confounded who (in arrogance) rejected faith. Nor doth Allah Give guidance to a people unjust.” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:258]

Dawah Lessons:
In the above discussion, we see an excellent example of moral behavior of a religious son towards his deviated father. This calls us to undertake the obligation of Dawah and Islah of one’s family, as Allah says:

“O ye who believe! save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is Men and Stones…” [Surah Al Tahrim 66:6]

The spiritual lessons found in the short conversation between Ibrahim (AS) and his father can be stated in four proportions:
1. A pious son is dutiful to his father and wishes him well in everything; material and spiritual.
2. If the father refuses the guidance of Allah, the son does his utmost to bring his father nearer to Allah.
3. Having received the guidance, the son does not renounce it, even if he had to forfeit his father’s love and renounce his home.
4. Even if the father repels him and turns him out, he replies in politeness, full of love and forgiveness, but he is firm on behalf of Truth.
The story of Ibrahim (AS) also explain the correct conduct and behavior of a Da’i (caller to Islam), which we will enumerate in the following discussion, with examples from the life of Ibrahim (AS):
1. A Da’i should be polite and humble and he must avoid all forms of harshness and force. Allah says:

“Invite (all) to the Way of thy Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching; and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious: for thy Lord knoweth best, who have strayed from His Path, and who receive guidance.” [Surah Al Nahl 16:125]

In this wonderful passage are laid down principles of religious preaching, which are good for all times. Invitation to Islam should be in a humble and courteous manner, with wisdom and discretion, meeting people on their own ground and convincing them with illustrations from their own knowledge and experience, which may be very narrow, or very wide. Our preaching must not be dogmatic, self-regarding or offensive but gentle, considerate and such as would attract their attention. Such is evident from the actions of Ibrahim (AS).
In his debate with those who worshiped the celestial bodies, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) first clarified to his people the reality of celestial bodies. They do not serve as deities, these bodies are created, fashionable, controlled, managed and made to serve. They are not worthy to be worshiped as partners with Allah. Then secondly he described unto them that they are among the signs of Allah:

“Among His Signs are the Night and the Day, and the Sun and the Moon. Adore not the sun and the moon, but adore Allah, Who created them, if it is Him ye wish to serve.” [Surah Fussilat 41:37]

The next incident, when he argued with the idolaters, he used reasoning:

“That was the reasoning about Us, which We gave to Ibrahim (to use) against his people: We raise whom We will, degree after degree: for thy Lord is full of wisdom and knowledge.” [Surah Al An'am 6:83]

Being a wise son, he did not make his father feel foolish; nor did he openly laugh at his conduct. He told him that he loved him, thereby hoping to generate fatherly love.
Then he gently asked him:

“Behold, he said to his father: “O my father! why worship that which heareth not and seeth not, and can profit thee nothing?” [Surah Maryam 19:42]

And before his father could become angry, he hastily said:

“”O my father! to me hath come knowledge which hath not reached thee: so follow me: I will guide thee to a way that is even and straight. “O my father! serve not Satan: for Satan is a rebel against (Allah) Most Gracious. “O my father! I fear lest a Penalty afflict thee from (Allah) Most Gracious, so that thou become to Satan a friend.”” [Surah Maryam 19:43-45]

In the same way, he again used reasoning with the idol-worshipers and said:

“Behold, he said to his father and his people: “What worship ye?” They said: “We worship idols, and we remain constantly in attendance on them.” He said: “Do they listen to you when ye call (on them), or do you good or harm?” They said: “Nay, but we found our fathers doing thus (what we do).” He said: “Do ye then see whom ye have been worshipping,-” [Surah Al Shu'ara' 26:71-75]

However, they (the idolaters) did not give up but clung fast to idolatry, then he (AS) said:

“And by God, I have a plan for your idols – after ye go away and turn your backs.” [Surah Al Anbiya 21:57]

Ibrahim (AS) knew that there was going to be a celebration on the other side of the river, which would be attended by all people. They invited Ibrahim (AS) to join them in the celebrations but:

“Then did he cast a glance at the Stars. And he said, “I am indeed sick (at heart)!” So they turned away from him, and departed.” [Surah Al Saffat 37:88]

He did this trick to remain in their temple and to destroy the idols. Ibrahim waited until the city was empty:

“Then did he turn to their aliha (gods) and said, “will ye not eat (of the offerings before you)? “What is the matter with you that ye speak not (intelligently)?” Then did he turn upon them, striking (them) with the right hand.” [Surah Al Saffat 37:91-93]

“So he broke them to pieces, (all) but the biggest of them, that they might turn (and address themselves) to it.” [Surah Al Anbiya 21:58]

He enacted this scene, to make the people ashamed of worshiping powerless and senseless stocks and stones. He broke all the idols except the biggest, so as to show that a fight had taken place between the idols, and the biggest idol had smashed the others. So, when they came back:

“They said, “Who has done this to our aliha (gods)? He must indeed be some man of impiety!” They said, “We heard a youth talk of them: He is called Ibrahim.” They said, “Then bring him before the eyes of the people, that they may bear witness.” They said, “Art thou the one that did this with our gods, O Ibrahim?” He said: “Nay, this was done by – this is their biggest one! ask them, if they can speak intelligently!”
So they turned to themselves and said, “Surely ye are the ones in the wrong!” Then were they confounded with shame: (they said), “Thou knowest full well that these (idols) do not speak!” (Ibrahim) said, “Do ye then worship, besides Allah, things that can neither be of any good to you nor do you harm? “Fie upon you, and upon the things that ye worship besides Allah! Have ye no sense?”.. They said, “Burn him and protect your gods, If ye do (anything at all)!” We said, “O Fire! be thou cool, and (a means of) safety for Ibrahim!” Then they sought a stratagem against him: but We made them the ones that lost most!” [Surah Al Anbiya 21:59-70]

In Surah Maryam, the challenge was how a righteous Muslim deals with his father when his duty to his father conflicts with his duty to Allah? And here the challenge was how a righteous man deals with evil and overcomes it? And how his firmness on his belief draws Allah’s Mercy and troubles become his comfort and joy?
1) The spiritual lesson of this passage can be summarized as that a righteous man makes no compromise with evil. If the followers of evil mock him, he pays them in their own coin, but stands firm by his principles. Even if they harm him or try to kill him, he declares his faith in Allah.
2) Another rule of Dawah is that the invitation to Islam should not imply compulsion, since compulsion is incompatible with the religion for two reasons:
(a) Religion depends upon one’s faith and will, and these would be meaningless if induced by force.
(b) Truth is clearly distinguished from error. Allah says:

“Let there be no compulsion in religion: Truth stands out Clear from Error: whoever rejects Evil and believes in Allah hath grasped the most trustworthy hand-hold, that never breaks. And Allah heareth and knoweth all things.” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:256]

The Migration of Ibrahim (AS)
Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did his best to make his people heedful of the Oneness of Allah, and to worship Him alone. He bade them to firmly renounce the worship of idols. He tried every means possible to convince them. However, their arrogance would not allow them to admit their foolishness. Ibrahim (AS) realized the senselessness of their beliefs, when:

“(The father) replied: “Dost thou hate my gods, O Ibrahim? If thou forbear not, I will indeed stone thee: Now get away from me for a good long while!” Ibrahim said: “Peace be on thee: I will pray to my Lord for thy forgiveness: for He is to me Most Gracious. “And I will turn away from you (all) and from those whom ye invoke besides Allah: I will call on my Lord: perhaps, by my prayer to my Lord, I shall be not unblest.”” [Surah Maryam 19:46-48]

And he said (after his rescue from the fire):

“He said: “I will go to my Lord! He will surely guide me! ” [Surah Al Saffat 37:99]

And he (AS) left his father’s house and abandoned his people and what they worshiped!! He (AS) migrated with his wife, Sarah, to a city called Ur, then to another called Haran, Palestine and then to Egypt calling people to believe in Allah.
The Three Lies

Narrated Abu Hurayrah :

Abu Hurayrah (RA) said that Ibrahim (AS) did not tell a lie except on three occasion. Twice for the Sake of Allah when he said, “I am sick,” and he said, “(I have not done this but) the big idol has done it.”
The (third was) that while Ibrahim and sarah (his wife) were going (on a journey) they passed by (the territory of) a tyrant. Someone said to the tyrant, “This man (i.e. Ibrahim) is accompanied by a very charming lady.”
So, he sent for Ibrahim and asked him about sarah saying, “Who is this lady?” Ibrahim said, “She is my sister.”
Ibrahim went to sarah and said, “O sarah! There are no believers on the surface of the earth except you and I. This man asked me about you and I have told him that you are my sister, so don’t contradict my statement.”
The tyrant then called sarah and when she went to him, he tried to take hold of her with his hand, but (his hand got stiff and) he was confounded. He asked sarah. “Pray to Allah for me, and I shall not harm you.” So sarah asked Allah to cure him and he got cured. He tried to take hold of her for the second time, but (his hand got as stiff as or stiffer than before and) was more confounded. He again requested sarah, “Pray to Allah for me, and I will not harm you.” sarah asked Allah again and he became alright. He then called one of his guards (who had brought her) and said, “You have not brought me a human being but have brought me a devil.”
The tyrant then gave Hajar as a girl-servant to sarah. sarah came back (to Ibrahim) while he was praying. Ibrahim, gesturing with his hand, asked, “What has happened?” She replied, “Allah has spoiled the evil plot of the infidel (or immoral person) and gave me Hajar for service.” (Abu Huraira then addressed his listeners saying, “That (Hajar) was your mother, O Bani Ma-is-Sama (i.e. the Arabs, the descendants of Ishmael, Hajar’s son).” (Sahih Bukhari, Book #55, Hadith #578)

Ibrahim (AS) then left Egypt with his wife, Sarah, lots of gifts, money and also Hajrah, the Egyptian women.
The Birth of Ismail (AS)
Sarah, the (first) wife of Ibrahim (AS) was sterile. Ibrahim (AS) invoked Allah for a child saying:

“O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!” [Surah Al Saffat 37:100]

It happened that Sarah offered her husband to Hajrah in marriage.

“So We gave him the good news of a boy ready to suffer and forbear.” [Surah Al Saffat 37:101]

Hajrah gave birth to his first son, Ismail (AS), when Ibrahim (AS) was at the age of eighty-six. The name, Ismail itself comes from the root word ‘Samia’ meaning ‘to hear’, because Allah heard and answered the invocation of Ibrahim (AS).
The Migration of Ibrahim (AS) with Hajrah and Ismail (AS)

Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim (AS) to leave his second wife, Hajrah and their newly born son, Ismail, alone in an un-inhabited, barren valley. So, Ibrahim (AS) asked his wife, Hajrah to prepare for a long journey. They (AS) walked through cultivated land, deserts and mountains, until they reached the desert of the Arabian peninsula and came to a valley having no fruit, no trees, no food and no water; the valley had no sign of life.

Ibn Abbas (RA) narrated:

“… Ibrahim (AS) brought her (Hajrah) and her son, Ismail while she was suckling him, to a place near the Kaaba under a tree on the spot of Zam-Zam, at the highest place in the mosque. During those days there was nobody in Makkah, nor was there any water. So he made them sit over there and placed near them a leather bag containing some dates, and a small water-skin containing some water, and set out homeward. Ismail’s mother followed him saying: “O Ibrahim! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything (to enjoy)?” She repeated that to him many times, but he did not look back at her. Then she asked him: “Has Allah ordered you to do so?” He said: “Yes”. She said: “Then He will not neglect us.” and she returned (to her child) while Ibrahim proceeded on his way.
On reaching the Thaniya (mountain) where they could not see him, Ibrahim (AS) faced the Kaaba, and raising both hands, invoked Allah saying the following prayer:
“O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Thy Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, and feed them with fruits: so that they may give thanks.” [Surah Ibrahim 14:37]…” [Sahih Bukhari Book# 55, Hadith# 583]
The Spring of Zam-Zam and the course of Safa wal-Marwa
Ibn Abbas (radhi Allahu anhu) further continued the story saying:

“Ismail’s mother went on suckling Ismail and drinking from the water (she had). When the water in the water-skin had all been used up, she became thirsty and her child also became thirsty. She started looking at him (i.e. Ismail) tossing in agony. She left him, for she could not endure looking at him, and found that the mountain of Safa was the nearest mountain to her on that land. She stood on it and started looking at the valley keenly so that she might see somebody, but she could not see anybody. Then she descended from Safa and when she reached the valley, she tucked up her robe and ran in the valley like a person in distress and trouble, till she crossed the valley and reached the Marwa mountain where she stood and started looking, expecting to see somebody, but she could not see anybody. She repeated that (running between Safa and Marwa) seven times.
The Prophet (sallAllahu alaihi wa-sallam) said:
“This is the source of the tradition of the walking of people between them (i.e. Safa and Marwa). When she reached the Marwa (for the last time), she heard a voice and she asked herself to be quiet and listened attentively. She heard the voice again and said: ‘O (whoever you may be)! You have made me hear your voice; have you got something to help me?’ And behold! She saw an Angel at the place of Zam-Zam, digging the earth with his heel (or his wing), till water flowed from that place. She started to make something like a basin around it, using her hand in this way, and started filling her water-skin with water with her hands, and the water was flowing out after she had scooped some of it.”
The Prophet (sallAllahu alaihi wa-sallam) added:
“May Allah bestow Mercy on Ismail’s mother! Had she let the Zam-Zam (flow without trying to control it) (or had she not scooped from that water) (to fill her water-skin), Zam-Zam would have been a stream flowing on the surface of the Earth.”
The Prophet (sallAllahu alaihi wa-sallam) further added:
“Then she drank (water) and suckled her child. The Angel said to her: “Don’t be afraid of being neglected, for this is the House of Allah which will be built by this boy and his father, and Allah never neglects His people.” The House (i.e. Kaaba) at that time was on a high place resembling a hillock, and when torrents came, they flowed to its right and left. She lived in that way till some people from the tribe of Jurhum or a family from Jurhum passed by her and her child, as they (i.e. the Jurhum people) were coming through the way of Kada’. They landed in the lower part of Makkah where they saw a bird that had the habit of flying around water and not leaving it. They said: “This bird must be flying around water, though we know that there is no water in this valley.” They sent one or two messengers who discovered the source of water, and returned to inform them of the water. So, they all came (towards the water).”
He (sallAllahu alaihi wa-sallam) further related:
“Ismail’s mother was sitting near the water. They asked her: “Do you allow us to stay with you?” She replied: ‘Yes, but you will have no right to possess the water.” They agreed to that.” The Prophet further said: “Ismail’s mother was pleased with the whole situation as she loved the company of people. So, they settled there, and later on they sent for their families who came and settled with them so that some families became permanent residents there. The child (i.e. Ismail) grew up and learnt Arabic from them and (his virtues) caused them to love and admire him as he grew up, and when he reached the age of puberty they made him marry a woman from amongst them.”
After Ismail’s mother had died, Ibrahim came after Ismail’s marriage in order to see his family that he had left before, but he did not find Ismail there. When he asked Ismail’s wife about him, she replied, ‘He has gone in search of our livelihood.’ Then he asked her about their way of living and their condition, and she replied, ‘We are living in misery; we are living in hardship and destitution,’ complaining to him. He said, ‘When your husband returns, convey my salutation to him and tell him to change the threshold of the gate (of his house).’ When Ismail came, he seemed to have felt something unusual, so he asked his wife, ‘Has anyone visited you?’ She replied, ‘Yes, an old man of so-and-so description came and asked me about you and I informed him, and he asked about our state of living, and I told him that we were living in a hardship and poverty.’ On that Ismail said, ‘Did he advise you anything?’ She replied, ‘Yes, he told me to convey his salutation to you and to tell you to change the threshold of your gate.’ Ismail said, ‘It was my father, and he has ordered me to divorce you. Go back to your family.’ So, Ismail divorced her and married another woman from amongst them (i.e. Jurhum).
Then Ibrahim stayed away from them for a period as long as Allah wished and called on them again but did not find Ismail. So he came to Ismail’s wife and asked her about Ismail. She said, ‘He has gone in search of our livelihood.’ Ibrahim asked her, ‘How are you getting on?’ asking her about their sustenance and living. She replied, ‘We are prosperous and well-off (i.e. we have everything in abundance).’ Then she thanked Allah’ Ibrahim said, ‘What kind of food do you eat?’ She said. ‘Meat.’ He said, ‘What do you drink?’ She said, ‘Water.” He said, “O Allah! Bless their meat and water.” The Prophet added, “At that time they did not have grain, and if they had grain, he would have also invoked Allah to bless it.” The Prophet added, “If somebody has only these two things as his sustenance, his health and disposition will be badly affected, unless he lives in Makkah.” The Prophet added,” Then Ibrahim said Ismail’s wife, “When your husband comes, give my regards to him and tell him that he should keep firm the threshold of his gate.’ When Ismail came back, he asked his wife, ‘Did anyone call on you?’ She replied, ‘Yes, a good-looking old man came to me,’ so she praised him and added. ‘He asked about you, and I informed him, and he asked about our livelihood and I told him that we were in a good condition.’ Ismail asked her, ‘Did he give you any piece of advice?’ She said, ‘Yes, he told me to give his regards to you and ordered that you should keep firm the threshold of your gate.’ On that Ismail said, ‘It was my father, and you are the threshold (of the gate). He has ordered me to keep you with me.’ [Sahih Bukhari]
The Order to Sacrifice Ismail

“And when he (Ismail) was old enough to walk with him (Ibrahim (AS)), he said: ‘O my son! I have seen in a vision that I offer thee in sacrifice: Now see what is thy view!” He said: ‘O my father! Do that which you are Commanded, Insha’Allah (if Allah wills), you shall find me of as-Sabirin (the patient ones).’ Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering); and We called out to him: ‘O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision!’ Verily, Thus, do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers). Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (a ram). And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. ‘Salam (peace) be upon Ibrahim’. Thus indeed We reward the Muhsinin.” [Surah Al Saffat 37:102-105]

The sacrifice was a trial for both Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS) and they both readily agreed to submit their will to Allah. Today, Muslims lack this spirit and fortitude to sacrifice in the Way of Allah and submit to His Will. And this is why they are depressed and underestimated by the Kuffar. If today, Muslims arouse and generate the courage and determination to put forwards one’s own self in the Path of Allah and sacrifice their wealth and possession for the sake of Allah, then Allah does not renounce His true worshipers.

“It is not their meat nor their blood, that reaches Allah: it is your piety that reaches Him:” [Surah Al Hajj 22:37]

The Building of Kaaba

“Behold! We gave the site, to Ibrahim, of the (Sacred) House, (saying): “Associate not anything (in worship) with Me;…” [Surah Al Hajj 22:26]

Allah tells us that He (Bawwana) showed Ibrahim (AS) the site of the House, i.e. guided him to it, entrusted it to him and granted him permission to build the Kaaba.

“…and sanctify My House for those who circumambulate it round, or stand up, or bow, or prostrate themselves (therein in prayer).” [Surah Al Hajj 22:26]

Meaning make it purely for those who worship Allah alone, without any partners. In this verse, Allah mentioned the Tawaf (circumambulation) and Salat together because they are not prescribed together anywhere, except the Kaaba; Tawaf is only performed around the Kaaba and the Salat facing it.

The Messenger of Allah (sallAllahu alaihi wa-sallam) said:
“Then Ibrahim stayed away from them (Hajrah and Ismail) for a period as long as Allah wished, and called on them afterwards. He saw Ismail under a tree near Zam-zam, sharpening his arrows. When he saw Ibrahim, he rose up to welcome him (and they greeted each other as a father does with his son or a son does with his father). Ibrahim said: “O Ismail! Allah has given me an order.” Ismail said: “Do what your Lord has ordered you to do.” Ibrahim asked: ‘Will you help me? Ismail said: “I will help you.” Ibrahim said: “Allah has ordered me to build a house here”; pointing to a hillock higher than the land surrounding it.”
The Prophet (sallAllahu alaihi wa-sallam) added:
“Then they raised the foundations of the House (i.e. the Kaaba). Ismail brought the stones and Ibrahim was building, and when the walls became high, Ismail brought this stone and put it for Ibrahim who stood over it and carried on building, while Ismail was handing him the stones, and both of them were saying,
‘O our Lord! Accept (this service) from us, Verily, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:127]
The Prophet added, “Then both of them went on building and going round the Kaaba saying: ‘O our Lord! Accept (this service) from us, Verily, You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.’” [Sahih Al Bukhari, vol: 4, no: 583]

Ibrahim (AS) completed the building of Kaaba on the Command of Allah. In his time, the building of Kaaba was rectangular in shape and reached the height of four and a half meters. It contained two doors at the ground level but had no roof. Ibrahim (AS) placed Hajar al-Aswad (the Black Stone) at one of the corners of Kaaba to mark the starting point of Tawaf (circumambulation).

The building of Kaaba remained the same up till when the Quraysh rebuild the Kaaba. Narrated ‘Aishah (RA): Allah’s Apostle said (to her).

“”Don’t you see that when your folk built the Kaaba, they did not build it on all the foundations built by Ibrahim?” I said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Why don’t we rebuild it on the foundations of Ibrahim?” He said. “But for the fact that your folk have recently given up infidelity (I would have done so).” Narrated Ibn Umar: ‘Aishah must have heard this from Allah’s Apostle for I see that Allah’s Apostle used not to touch the two corners facing Al-Hijr only because the House had not been built on the foundations of Ibrahim’” [Sahih Bukhari Book# 55, Hadith# 587]

After Ibrahim (AS) built the Kaaba, Allah ordered him to:

“And proclaim the Pilgrimage among men:…” [Surah Al Hajj 22:27]

Meaning announce the pilgrimage to mankind and call them to perform pilgrimage to this House, which We have commanded you to built.

It is reported in at-Tabari (18: 605,607) from Ibn Abbas and others that Ibrahim (AS) said:

‘O Lord, how can I convey this to people when my voice will not reach them?’ It was said:

‘Call them and We will convey it.’

So Ibrahim (AS) stood up and said: ‘O Mankind! Your Lord has established a House so come on pilgrimage to it.’ The mountains lowered themselves so that his voice would reach all regions of the Earth, and those who were still in their mother’s wombs and their father’s loins would hear the call. The response came from everyone in the cities, deserts and countryside, and those whom Allah decreed will make the pilgrimage until the Day of Judgment, as Allah said:

“…they will come to thee on foot and (mounted) on every kind of camel, lean on account of journeys through deep and distant mountain highways;” [Surah Al Hajj 22:27]

Supplications of Ibrahim (AS)

After the construction of Kaaba, Ibrahim (AS) invoked Allah to bless the city of Makkah and those who live therein and provide them with provisions:

“And remember Ibrahim said: “My Lord, make this a City of Peace, and feed its people with fruits,-such of them as believe in God and the Last Day.”…” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:126]

And thus Allah responded to the call of Ibrahim (AS):

“Remember We made the House (the Kaaba) a place of assembly for men and a place of safety;…” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:125]

and:

“…Have We not established for them a secure sanctuary, to which are brought as tribute fruits of all kinds,- a provision from Ourselves? but most of them understand not.” [Surah Al Qasas 28:57]

Ibn Abbas (RA) said: “On the day of the conquest of Makkah, Allah’s Messenger (sallAllahu alaihi wa-sallam) said:
“Allah has made this town a sanctuary. Its thorny bushes should not be cut, its game should not be chased, and its fallen things should not be picked up except by one who would announce it publicly.” [Sahih Bukhari, Book #26, Hadith #657]

Ibrahim (AS) also invoked Allah to:

“Our Lord! Send amongst them an Apostle of their own, who shall rehearse Thy Signs to them and instruct them in Scripture and Wisdom, and sanctify them: For Thou art the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:129]

and indeed Allah answered his invocation and sent Prophet Muhammad (sallAllahu alaihi wa-sallam), who was born in Makkah and from where Islam spread throughout the world.

The Glad tidings of Ishaque and Yaqub

One day Ibrahim was sitting outside his tent, three Angels in human shape descended to the earth; Jibreel (AS), Israfeel (AS), and Mika’eel (AS). Ibrahim arose and welcomed them:

“They said: ‘Salam’ (greetings or peace). He answered Salam and he hastened to entertain them with a roasted calf. But when he saw their hands went not toward it (the meal), he felt some mistrust of them, and conceived feat of them. They said: ‘Fear not, we have been sent against the people of Lut.’ And his wife was standing (there), she laughed. But We gave her glad tidings of Ishaque and Yaqu’ob. She said (in astonishment): ‘Woe unto me! Shall I bear a child while I am an old woman, and here is my husband, an old man? Verily! This is a strange thing!’ They said: ‘Do you wonder at the Decree of Allah? The Mercy of Allah and His Blessings be on you, O family (of Ibrahim). Surely, He (Allah) is All-Praiseworthy, All-Glorious.’” [Surah al-Hud 11:69-73]

“And We gave (Ibrahim) Ishaque and Yaqub…” [Surah Al 'Ankabut 29:27]

Ibrahim (AS), an Imam (leader) to the people

After Ibrahim (AS) qualified in all the trials of Allah, He, the Exalted, decided to make him an Imam meaning a Prophet and leader and an example for the people to come:

“And remember that Ibrahim was tried by his Lord with certain Commands, which he fulfilled: He said: “I will make thee an Imam to the Nations.” He pleaded: “And also (Imams) from my offspring!” He answered: “But My Promise is not within the reach of evil-doers.”” [Surah Al Baqarah 2:124]

“…and We granted him his reward in this life; and he was in the Hereafter (of the company) of the Righteous.” [Surah Al 'Ankabut 29:27]

Allah granted Prophethood and Divine Books to his progeny:

“We gave him Ishaque and Yaqub: all (three) We guided: and before him, We guided Nuh, and among his progeny, Dawud, Sulaiman, Ayyub, Yusuf, Musa, and Harun: thus do We reward those who do good: And Zakariya and Yahya, and Isa and Ilyas: all in the ranks of the righteous: And Ismail and Al-Yas’a, and Yunus, and Lut: and to all We gave favour above the nations: (To them) and to their fathers, and progeny and brethren: We chose them, and We guided them to a straight Way. This is the Guidance of Allah: He giveth that guidance to whom He pleaseth, of His worshippers. If they were to join other gods with Him, all that they did would be vain for them.” [Surah Surah Al An'am 6:84-88]

Thus, every Book (Scripture) was given to the Prophets from the progeny of Ibrahim (AS). From Ishaque (AS), the second son of Ibrahim (AS) came the Prophets of Israel and their progeny finished on Isa (AS). From Ismail (AS), the first son of Ibrahim (AS) came only one Prophet, the superior among them and the seal of them, which is Prophet Muhammad (sallAllahu alaihi wa-sallam).

Thus, Ibrahim (AS) acquires great respect and honor in the hearts of Muslims. He is the most superior of the Prophets after Prophet Muhammad (sallAllahu alaihi wa-sallam). Therefore, when we send prayers and blessings on our Prophet (sallAllahu alaihi wa-sallam), we are also ordered to mention his name.

Narrated by Abdur-Rahman bin Abi Laila:

“Ka’b bin Ujrah met me and said, “Shall I not give you a present I got from the Prophet?” ‘Abdur-Rahman said, “Yes, give it to me.” I said, “We asked Allah’s Apostle saying, ‘O Allah’s Apostle! How should one (ask Allah to) send blessings on you, the members of the family, for Allah has taught us how to salute you (in the prayer)?’
He said, ‘Say: O Allah! Send Your Mercy on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad, as You sent Your Mercy on Ibrahim and on the family of Ibrahim, for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious. O Allah! Send Your Blessings on Muhammad and the family of Muhammad, as You sent your Blessings on Ibrahim and on the family of Ibrahim, for You are the Most Praise-worthy, the Most Glorious.’”” (Sahih Bukhari, Book #55, Hadith #589)

**Breshna** · 09-11-2012, 09:32 PM

This thread i have put up..for

one..reason.

We forget how..lucky

we...are.

These Prophets were..special Men

chosen by Allah s.w.t.

Yet they went..through

so much..hardship.

Hardship..that no one

could...bare.

We forget we are..living

a good..life.

All we need to..do

is thank Allah..s.w.t.

That's what the 5..Prayers

in the day..are for.

Yet we can't be...bothered.

We don't have..the time.

We only have..time

to..hate.

To mock..others.

To say we are..bored.

**Breshna** · 09-11-2012, 09:45 PM

Prophet Hud Alai-Salam

The Prophet Hud (pbuh) - To The People of 'Ad

Hud was the Prophet sent to the Bani 'Ad for their reformation. His lineage genealogy joins with the Prophet Nuh (peace be upon him) and his sons. Nuh had 3 sons who were saved from the flood-- Sam, Ham, and Yafith. The children of Sam were scattered in the Arabian Peninsula. Sam had a son named Iram. And one of Iram's sons was 'Ad. So they named the town after his son--the city was named 'Ad. The town of 'Ad was very dusty and located near Ahqaf, near Hadramout in Yemen.
Who were these people of 'Ad? They were the people that God sent to them the Prophet Hud. They lived near Hadramout, which is now in Yemen. There they built palaces, erected temples and worshipped deities and stars.
"Seest thou not how Thy Lord dealt with the 'Ad (people), of the (city of) Iram, with lofty pillars, the like of which were not produced in (all) the land?" (Qur'an 89:6-8)
The names of their chief deities were Saqi'ah, Salimah, Raziqah and Hafizun. This worshipping of statues came after a time when the people of 'Ad once believed in the one God.
"(Remember also) the 'Ad and the Thamud (people): clearly will appear to you from (the traces) of their buildings (their fate) Satan made their deeds alluring to them, and kept them back from the Path, though they were Keen-sighted." (Qur'an 29:38)
The people of 'Ad were tall in stature and were skillful masons. God had given them abundance of wealth, cattle, children and gardens. They had attained a considerable degree of civilization. Among them flourished the famous king Shaddad. He built a magnificent palace near 'Aden. It was known as the Garden of Iram. He was a mighty king and his conquests extended to Syria, Iraq and the frontier of Sub- continent of Indo-Pakistan. These people were proud of their achievements and considered themselves to be invincible. They were indulged in sins and committed acts of injustice and violence. Instead of expressing a deep sense of gratitude to the Almighty God for the favors He had bestowed upon them, they became transgressors and showed disobedience to Him.
God sent to these people and to the city of 'Ad a man named Hud. Since he was a man from amongst them, it was certain that they would be more inclined to listen to him. The people of 'Ad used to call Hud a crazy man. There was one man in particular, named Abu Thamud, who used to call the people to listen to Hud speak. He wanted to prove to the people that Hud had indeed become crazy. The people asked Abu Thamud, "We know that Hud does not come to our gatherings nor does he believe in our gods. What has happened to him that he does not mingle with us?" Abu Thamud replied (mocking) that Hud declares that God sent him as a prophet and as a warner to the people of 'Ad. And unless they stop believing in statues, that a grievous punishment from God would occur.
The people of the city then decided to go to Hud and hear what he wanted from them. Hud replied that he did not want anything from them except that they believe in the One God. The people of the city refused to believe and began to say that Hud had indeed gone crazy. Since they were so strong in body size, they used to believe that no one was more powerful than they. They insisted that they will not leave their gods. They also claimed that since Hud did not come with any signs, that he must be lying. Still another person said that if Hud wants them to leave their gods, then he must come with the punishment that he is talking about.
"To the 'Ad People (We sent) Hud, one of their own brethren. He said: "O my people! Worship God! Ye have no other god but Him. You are only forgers. "O my people! I ask of you no reward for this (Message). My reward is from none but Him who created me: Will ye not then understand? "And O my people! Ask forgiveness of your Lord, and turn to Him (in repentance): He will send you skies pouring abundant rain, and add strength to your strength: So turn ye not back in sin!" They said: "O Hud! No clear (Sign) hast thou brought us, and we are not the ones to desert our gods on thy word! Nor shall we believe in thee! "We say nothing but that (perhaps) some of our gods may have seized thee with evil." He said: "I call God to witness, and do ye bear witness, that I am free from the sin of ascribing to Him, "Other gods as partners!" (Qur'an 11:50-55)
However, Abu Thamud began to slowly listen to what Hud was talking about. He began to believe in what Hud was saying about the one God and about how man would be resurrected after death. When the people of the city began to hear what Abu Thamud was saying, they claimed that Hud must have put a spell on him. Abu Thamud insisted that Hud had put no spell on him but that he now believed that which Hud was saying. Abu Thamud further claimed that it is ridiculous to believe that statues that were made by man could have made the earth and all that it contained, along with the sky, stars, moon, and sun. He said that there surely had to be a higher being--One God.
Abu Thamud was now very happy and told the people that he was now going to look for Hud. Before he left, he reminded the people that they should take a close look at the way they were living and believing in statues. He stated that the statues have no power and were of no use. He further stated that they should look at their lives and how wasteful they were with gambling, intoxicants, and luxuries. Abu Thamud then proceeded to find Hud so that Hud could tell him more about God, the One, who created man with bounties and who will make man die and resurrect again. He then went to Hud and declared his faith in the one God.
Abu Thamud was then called Abdullah (the servant of God). He would get angry if anyone would call him by his previous name. The people of 'Ad still would come to Abdullah and try to convince him that Hud had put a spell on him. Each time Abdullah would declare his faith in the One God. Finally the people gave up on Abdullah. They gave him a message to give to Hud. They wanted to relate to Hud that they would continue to believe in their gods. And that they would never believe in what Hud was preaching. They also wanted Hud to come with the punishment he was talking about if what he said was true. Then the people of 'Ad returned to their homes laughing and mocking.
Abdullah went to Hud to relate to him what had happened. Hud said woe to them. Will they argue about the deities that they and their forefathers made with their own hands? Let them just wait. They deserve the punishment of God. He then stood up and prayed: "Give me victory on what they called me a liar." Then the order of God came - The punishment of no more rain. There was a terrible drought for three years. The grass and cattle were destroyed. Then a huge black cloud appeared. The people of 'Ad were very happy when they saw this cloud because they assumed that it contained much rain. They declared that this cloud would bring back the land and the rivers would flow again. Little did they know what was in store for them. Instead, this black cloud brought a terrible wind that would lift men up and then drop them with such force that they would crush. Many men even tried to escape this wind by hiding in the mountain caves. However, there was no escape from this wind. This wind would even follow them in the caves. The Holy Qur'an describes:
"And the 'Ad,-they were destroyed by a furious Wind, exceedingly violent: He made it rage against them seven nights and eight days in succession: so that you couldst see the (whole) people lying overthrown in its (path) as if they had been roots of hollow palm-trees tumbled down!" (Qur'an 69:6-7)
The people of 'Ad used to boast that there was none stronger than they. God surely proved them wrong for their disobedience. God destroyed not only the people of 'Ad, but the entire city as well.
"Now the 'Ad behaved arrogantly through the land, against (all) reason, and said: "Who is superior to us in strength?" What! Did they not see that God, Who created them, was superior to them in strength? But they continued to reject Our Signs!" (Qur'an 41:15)
Hud and his faithful followers who had left to another place, were the only ones who survived this terrible punishment from God.
"We saved him and those who adhered to him, by Our Mercy and We cut off the roots of those who rejected Our Signs and did not believe." (Qur'an 7:72)
Afterwards the remnant who survived established themselves in Yemen. The grave of the Prophet Hud (AS) is in Hadramaut. It is visited by the Muslims in the month of Rajab.

**Breshna** · 09-11-2012, 09:53 PM

Arevapasht..this is Islam.

Quran contains..stories

of all the Prophets..mentioned

in the..Bible...Injeel.

Mentioned in the..Torah...Turat.

Mentioned in the book

of David. Zabur

Twenty Five Prophets Mentioned in the Holy Qur'an

Name of Prophet # of times mentioned in the Qur'an 1. The leader of all the Prophets,
Sayyidina wa Nabiyyina Muhammad ibn 'Abdillah,
Sallallahu 'alayhi wa Sallam.
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. 4 2. Sayyidina Nabī ' Īsa ibn Maryam, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Jesus, son of Mary, peace be upon him. 29 3. Sayyidina Nabī Yahya ibn Zakariyya, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet John, peace be upon him. 5 4. Sayyidina Nabī Zakariyya, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Zakarias, peace be upon him. 7 5. Sayyidina Nabī al-Yasa', 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Elisha, peace be upon him. 2 6. Sayyidina Nabī Ilyas, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Elias, peace be upon him. 2 7. Sayyidina Nabī Yūnus, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Jonah, peace be upon him. 4 8. Sayyidina Nabī Dhu'l Kifl, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Ezekiel, peace be upon him. 2 9. Sayyidina Nabī Ayyūb, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Job, peace be upon him. 4 10. Sayyidina Nabī Sulayman ibn Dawūd, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Solomon, peace be upon him. 17 11. Sayyidina Nabī Dawūd, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet David, peace be upon him. 16 12. Sayyidina Nabī Mūsa ibn 'Imran, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Moses, peace be upon him. 136 13. Sayyidina Nabī Harūn ibn 'Imran, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Aaron, peace be upon him. 20 14. Sayyidina Nabī Shu'ayb, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Shu'ayb, peace be upon him. 11 15. Sayyidina Nabī Yūsuf ibn Ya'qūb, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Joseph, peace be upon him. 27 16. Sayyidina Nabī Ya'qūb ibn Ishaq, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Jacob, peace be upon him. 16 17. Sayyidina Nabī Ishaq ibn Ibrahīm, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Issac, peace be upon him. 17 18. Sayyidina Nabī Isma'īl ibn Ibrahīm, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Ishmael, peace be upon him. 12 19. Sayyidina Nabī Ibrahīm ibn Tarikh, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Abraham, peace be upon him. 69 20. Sayyidina Nabī Lūt, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Lot, peace be upon him. 27 21. Sayyidina Nabī Salih, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Salih, peace be upon him. 9 22. Sayyidina Nabī Hūd, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Hūd, peace be upon him. 7 23. Sayyidina Nabī Nūh, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Noah, peace be upon him. 43 24. Sayyidina Nabī Idrīs, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Enoch, peace be upon him. 2 25. Sayyidina Nabī ` Adam, 'alayhissalam.
Prophet Adam, peace be upon him. 25 may Allah's peace and blessings be upon them all.

**Breshna** · 09-11-2012, 10:04 PM

Prophet L Alai-Salam

Prophet Sheth (peace be upon him)

Prophet Adam (asws) had many children. One of them was named Sheth. Some people also call him Seth. Can you see how similar those names are? What's different and what's the same?
Sheth was Prophet Adam's thrid son. Do you remember Prophet Adam's first two sons, Habil and Qabil? Sheth was born five years after the death of Habil. Prophet Adam (asws) was very sad that Habil was dead. But Allah, in great mercy and kindness, gave Prophet Adam another beloved son. Allah told Prophet Adam (peace be upon him) that he would have a son and from the decendents of this son would come Prophet Muhammad. This made Prophet Adam very happy. Allah's mercy was so great to Prophet Adam that Allah made Sheth look like his father. Prophet Adam love Sheth very much. Prophet Adam taught Sheth the hours of the day and night and told Sheth of a flood that was to come.
Before Prophet Adam died and with Allah's guidance, Prophet Adam appointed Sheth to be his successor. What does this mean...successor? What would Sheth do as a successor?
Now, what do we call Sheth? He's not just an ordinary man; he's a prophet, a nabi.
Prophet Sheth (peace be upon him) prayed to Allah. Sometimes he would go to a place all alone and pray to Allah. Can you think of anothe rprophet who prayed in seclusion, all by himself? Here's a hint...the Cave of Hira. Yes, you are right! It was Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him). Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) told us that "Allah sent down one hundred and four psalms, of which fifty were sent to Sheth" (Sahih Al Bukhari narrated by Abu Dharr
Prophet Sheth (peace be upon him) taught his people to believe in Allah and to live in peace with others. Prophet Sheth said that mu'mineen, the peole who believe in Allah, should:

first of all know Allah
then should know the difference between right and wrong, good and bad
they should do what their rules asks them to do
they should know what the mu'mineen must do for their parents and they should take care of their parents
they should be nice to their relatives
they should not let their anger get to big and make them do wrong things
they should give charity to the poor
they should avoid doing bad things and be patient when they are having a hard time or struggling
they should always be thankful for Allah's blessings

Wow, masha Allah, Prophet Sheth sounds like a Muslim. Hey, he is a Muslim because all Allah's prophets taught Islam and did what Allah told them to do which is what Muslims do.
Allah knows best. Any errors are my own and any truth is only from Allah.Wow, masha Allah, Prophet Sheth sounds like a Muslim. Hey, he is a Muslim because all Allah's prophets taught Islam and did what Allah told them to do which is what Muslims do.

Allah knows best. Any errors are my own and any truth is only from Allah.
Sources:
From Adam to Muhammad by Abdur Rehman Shad
Qissasul Anbiya translated by Badr Azimabadi

**Pisho** · 09-18-2012, 11:19 PM

its very informative
thanks wawrina khore for all your efforts to present this to us..

**Tjanaparh** · 09-19-2012, 03:22 AM

Thank You, dear Wawrina, I am slowly reading through it!

PIsho, does "khore" mean sister?

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