Childrens ’ Seerah course August 2007 Sparkbrook Islamic Centre

Week 3 The Struggle Continues The Year of Sorrow Isra and Miraj The Hijrah Musab ibn Umayr goes to Madinah The first and second pledges of aqabah The Hijrah of the Prophet (saw) and Abu Bakr

The Sanctions were now over, but they had taken their toll on the Muslims and on the tribe of the Messenger of Allah (saw).

Abu Talib was an old man and was approaching death. He loved his nephew, Muhammad (saw) dearly, and always did his best to protect him. The Messenger of Allah pleaded with him to say his shahadah. Abu Jahl and some other men persuaded Abu Talib to stick to the religion of idol worship.

Abu Talib died without becoming Muslim. The Prophet (saw) was heartbroken that he could not save him, as he loved him. “ You do not guide those you love. Allah guides whom He will, And He know best who would be guided ” (28:56)

With the death of Abu Talib, the Messenger of Allah has lost his external supporter. Now he was also to lose his love and comfort at home. Khadija was weak and ill, and a few months after the death of Abu Talib, she passed away.

With the Quraysh causing even more suffering to the Messenger (saw) and the Muslims, he decided to go with Zayd ibn Harithah to Taif. They got a rabble to pelt him with stones, so he had to flee, with blood pouring down him. Zayd was also injured.

The Prophet (saw) took shelter in an orchard belonging to two Makkans. They took pity on him and sent their servant to him with dates. The servant, from Ninewah, the city of Yunus (as) spoke with the Messenger (saw) and became Muslim.

The Messenger of Allah (saw) made a beautiful dua. The Angel of the Mountains came and the Prophet (saw) could have had Taif crushed between the mountains. But he asked for Taif to be spared, praying that their children would be Muslim.

The Messenger (saw) and Zayd made their way back to Makkah, stopping at Nakhlah on the way. Here, as the Messenger (saw) recited Qur ’ an, the valley was filled with jinn who listened and believed in his message.

On returning to Makkah, the Hajj season began and the Prophet (saw) told many tribes about Islam. However most continued worshipping the idols. A group of 6 men from Khazraj tribe in Yathrib listened to the Messenger (saw), light entered their hearts, and they accepted Islam.

One night, the Messenger (saw) was woken by Jibrail and taken to mount upon al Buraq, a white creature similar to a horse. He then went to Jerusalem where he led all the Prophets in prayer. He was then taken to Heaven by Jibrail (as) and shown many things.

The Messenger (saw) brought the gift of salah from the Mi ’ raj.

After this miraculous journey, the Makkans refused to believe the Messenger (saw) even though he was able to describe masjid al Aqsa clearly, and tell them about some caravans on the way. Abu Bakr (ra) believed straight away and never doubted.

The next Hajj, more people came from Yathrib who had accepted Islam. He commanded them to refrain from all types of evil and implement good and piety throughout their lives. He taught them about Allah and about worshipping only Allah; the day of Judgement where they would recount all their deeds and the Hereafter where the righteous will be rewarded with eternal bliss and happiness.

The people from Yathrib pledged to obey the Messenger (saw) – this was the First pledge of Aqabah Mus ’ ab ibn Umayr was then sent with them to Yathrib to spread Islam.

A year later, 73 men and 2 women came to make the second pledge of Aqabah. In return for fulfilling their pledge, the Prophet (saw) promised them Paradise. 12 nuaqaba were appointed to lead the Yathrib community.

Now the Muslims from Makkah were commanded to make hijrah to Yathrib. They had to leave their homes and their city. Many, such as Suhaib, had to leave all their wealth and belongings. Soon, most Muslims had left. The Prophet (saw), Abu Bakr, Ali and a few Muslims were left, waiting for the command of Allah to make hijrah.

Meanwhile, the Makkans were plotting to kill the Messenger (saw). They decided on a plan to have a member from each tribe simultaneously kill him with a sword. They would then offer blood money to the tribe of the Prophet (saw) and that, they thought, would end the matter. The Messenger (saw) knew of this but remained calm and full of faith in Allah.

Jibrail told the Messenger (saw) not to sleep in his bed that night. Ali (ra) did so, covered in the green cloak of the Messenger (saw). The Prophet (saw) left the house, and threw a handful of dust on the heads of the waiting assasins, reciting from Sura Yasin. They were blinded from seeing the Prophet (saw) leave.

“ When those who deny plotted cunningly to restrain you, kill you or drive you out. They plot and Allah plots and Allah is the best of plot makers ” (8:30)

Abu Bakr had prepared 2 camels with provisions and they slipped out of Makkah in the dark and made their way South instead of North. They stayed 3 nights in a cave in Mount Thawr where they waited. Abdullah and Asma, son and daughter of Abu Bakr, would come with news and food and water.

Abu Bakr had plugged up the holes in the cave to protect them from any poisonous creatures. As the Prophet (saw) was asleep, he saw one hole was open and stuck his toe in it. He was bitten, but would not disturb the Prophet (saw). However the Prophet (saw) felt his tears on his face, woke up, and healed the wound by putting his saliva on it.

Some men came searching for them by the cave. Abu Bakr was afraid for the Messenger (saw) but the Messenger (saw) assured him that Allah was with them.

“ When those that deny drove him out One of two was he in the cave, When he told his companion ‘ Do not grieve, for Allah is with us. ’ So Allah sent down His peace upon him And supported him by soldiers you could not see, And let the word of the deniers go under, And the word of Allah is the highest. Allah is of the highest wisdom, of invincible will ” (9:40)

“ The search party found the cave covered with a spiders web and a dove had built its nest beside the entrance. They decided not to look inside.

Almadina Makkah Normal route between Makkah to Madinah. Actual route taken by the Prophet.

The journey was slow and hard. They took a different route to the one usually used. Suraqa ibn Jusham tried to capture them but failed in his plan. They stopped by Umm Ma ’ bad and the Prophet (saw) was able to get many bowls of milk from some goats that did not usually give any.

Next week Next week – The Prophet (saw) enters Madinah The first 3 battles in Islam Homework – Find out about your group ’ s companion and write about him/her Complete worksheet Older groups – Read about Mus ’ ab ibn Umayr