Zakaah (The third pillar of the pillars of Islam)

Assalam Alikum wa rahmatu Allah wa barakatouh 

Exceptionally remarkable institution and major pillar of Islam is the Zakah. To the Qur’anic word Zakah and the meaning it conveys, there is no equivalent in any other language as far as we know. It is not just a form of charity or alms-giving or tax or tithe. Nor is it simply an expression of kindness; it is all of these combined and much more. It is not merely a deduction of a certain percentage from one's property, but an abundant enrichment and spiritual investment. It is not simply a voluntary contribution to someone or some cause, nor a government tax that a shrewd clever person can get away with. Rather, it is a duty enjoined by God and undertaken by Muslims in the interest of society as a whole. The Qur’anic word Zakah not only includes charity, alms, tithe, kindness, official tax, voluntary contributions, etc., but it also combines with all these God-mindedness and spiritual as well as moral motives. That is why there can be no equivalent to the word Zakah because of the supreme originality of the Qur’an, the Divine Book of God.

1. Zakah purifies the property of the people with means and clears it from the shares which do not belong to it anymore, the shares which must be distributed among the due beneficiaries. When Zakah is payable, a certain percentage of the wealth should be distributed immediately in the right manner, because the owner no longer has moral or legal possession of that percentage. If he fails to do so, he is obviously retaining something which does not belong to him. This is corruption and plain usurpation from every point of view, moral and spiritual, legal and commercial. It means that the unlawfully retained percentage makes the whole lot impure and endangered. But, on the other hand, if the poor’s dividends are assorted and distributed among due beneficiaries, the remaining portions of the lot will be pure and decent. Pure capital and decent possessions are the first requisites of permanent prosperity and honest transactions. 

2. Zakah does not only purify the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed for wealth. In return, it purifies the heart of the recipient from envy and jealousy, from hatred and uneasiness; and it fosters in his heart, instead, good will and warm wishes for the contributor. As a result, the society at large; will purify and free itself from class warfare and suspicion, from ill feelings and distrust, from corruption and disintegration, and from all such evils. 

3. Zakah mitigates to a minimum the sufferings of the needy and poor members of society. It is a most comforting consolation to the less fortunate people, yet it is a loud appeal to everybody to roll up his sleeves and improve his lot. To the needy it means that it is by nature an emergency measure and that he should not depend on it completely but must do something for himself as well as for others. To the contributor it is a warm invitation to earn more so that he can benefit more. To all parties concerned, it is, directly as well as indirectly, an open treasure for spiritual investment that compensates abundantly. 

 

4. Zakah is a vivid manifestation of the spiritual and humanitarian spirit of responsive interactions between the individual and society. It is a sound illustration of the fact that though Islam does not hinder private enterprise or condemn private possessions, yet it does not tolerate selfish and greedy Capitalism. It is an expression of the general philosophy of Islam which adopts a moderate and middle but positive and effective course between the Individual and the Society, between the Citizen and the State, between Capitalism and Socialism, between Materialism and Spirituality.

The Night Journey and the Ascension

Prologue

The journey of the Prophet and Messenger, Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, by night from the Holy Mosque in Mecca to the farthest mosque in Jerusalem was a miracle granted to Him by Allah. It is the first part of a night of wonder and amazement, culminating in Prophet Muhammad’s ascension through the heavens and into the presence of Allah.

“Glorified be He Who took His slave on a journey by night from Al-Masjid-al-Haram to the Masjid-al-Aqsa, the neighbourhood where of We have blessed, in order that We might show him of Our signs Verily, He is the All-Hearer, the All-Seer.” (Quran 17:1)

It was a physical journey and all the events about to be described took place in one night.

This series of articles will use the word masjid instead of its English translation, mosque. The reason for this is that the word masjid implies much more than the recognisable building where Muslims pray. The word masjid comes from the root “sa-ja-da” meaning to prostrate, therefore a masjid is any place of prostration. The Prophet Muhammad told us “this earth was made a Masjid for me.” This gift from God was given only to the nation of Muhammad.

A Muslim can pray in any place that is not impure (with a few exceptions). There are buildings specifically for prayer, but any place a Muslim prays is a masjid, in the literal sense –a place of prostration. The act of prostration is the most honourable part of the prayer. When a Muslim’s forehead touches the ground, he or she is very close to Allah. Prayer establishes the connection between the believer and his Lord, and it was on this miraculous night that the five daily prayers were instated.

In the story to follow you will learn some more about this man called Muhammad and come to understand a little about why Muslims love him. You will also discover why Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem is one of the three Holy Masjids in Is-lam. Allah refers to Jerusalem in the Quran as ‘’the neighbourhood we have blessed’’

The Dome of the Rock, part of the precinct of Masjid al-Aqsa, is the most recognisable symbol of Jerusalem and holds a special place in the hearts of every Muslim. On this journey we are about to undertake you will learn why. So let us travel back through time, to 7th century Arabia, to the city of Mecca and accompany Prophet Muhammad on his night journey and ascension.

The Journey Commences

Approximately ten years after Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran, he suffered two grave losses. One was the death of his uncle Abu Talib, the man who had supported and loved him from the time he was a young orphan, and then only two months later, Muhammad’s beloved wife, Khadijah, died. This year became known as the Year of Sorrow.

In the years leading up to these sad events, the new Muslims, especially Prophet Muhammad, were persecuted, ridiculed and abused. The strength and loyalty of his uncle combined with the love and compassion shown to him by Khadijah helped him to remain strong and continue spreading the message in the face of grave adversity. However, he now felt alone and extremely overwhelmed by his sadness. When one has truly surrendered to Allah, the pains and sorrows of this life form part of a test of faith, and these tests are always followed by relief. 

In chapter 94 of the Quran, called Al Sharh (Solace), Allah assures Prophet Muhammad that with every hardship comes relief, and He repeats it a second time with emphasis with every hardship comes relief. After this extremely difficult year, Prophet Muhammad felt his relief in the form of a major blessing, the Night Journey and Ascension.

“So verily, with hardship, there is relief. Verily, with hardship, there is relief.” (Quran 94:4-6)

Even though it was dangerous and he risked attack by the Pagans of Mecca, Prophet Muhammad often spent the night in prayer at the Holy Masjid in Mecca. 

On this particular night, he was lying close to the Ka’ba (the black cube in the middle of the Masjid) in a state between wakefulness and sleep. An angel came and cut open his chest from the throat to the below the stomach. The angel removed Prophet Muhammad's heart and placed it in a golden bowl filled with faith, the heart was purified, filled and returned to its place. 

This was not the first time that an angel had come down and extracted Prophet Muhammad’s heart. As a small child, Muhammad lived in the deserts of Arabia with a foster family according to custom, for the desert environment was known to be much healthier and more suitable for proper cultivation than the cities. When he was four or five years old and playing in this wilderness with his young friends, the Angel Gabriel appeared, removed Muhammad’s heart and extracted from it a portion, referring to it as “a part of Satan”. 

The Angel Gabriel washed the heart with the water of Zamzam (the well of Mecca which sprung to quench the thirst of Ishmael) and returned it to its place. The other children ran away screaming, thinking Muhammad was being murdered, but by the time they returned with help, he was alone, scared and white, but with only a small mark from the ordeal.

Prophet Muhammad’s mission was to guide all of humanity to the worship of the One True God, thus every aspect of his life formed part of Allah's plan to prepare him for this great responsibility. As a child, the part of Satan was removed from his heart, and as an adult, about to undertake the building of the Muslim nation, his heart was purified and filled with pure faith. The next part of this miraculous night then commenced.

Prophet Muhammad was presented with a white animal he described as being smaller than a horse but larger than a donkey, it was known as Al-Buraq. This animal, he said, could take a stride as far as it could see. With one leap, Al Buraq could cover an incredibly vast distance. This was a difficult time in the life of Prophet Muhammad, and this journey was a great compliment to him.

The deliverance of the message was entering a new phase, and the establishment of the Muslim nation was about to begin. Prophet Muhammad was feeling  and alone. The vast majority of Meccans had refused to heed his call or accept his message. Both his beloved uncle and cherished wife had died, and this gift of God offered him support and The Angel Gabriel told Prophet Muhammad to mount the animal, and together they travelled more than 1200 km. to the furthest masjid –Masjid al-Aqsa.

Prophet Muhammad was on the back of al-Buraq while the animal’s stride reached towards the horizon, and the stars glittered in the night sky over the deserts of Arabia and beyond. He must have felt the wind on his face and been aware of his newly filled heart thumping in his chest. Imagine what signs and wonders of God Prophet Muhammad must have seen on that miraculous journey by night!

References: Saheeh Muslim , Sahih Al Bukhari.

Masjid Al-Aqsa:

This was a difficult time in the life of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, and this journey was a great compliment to him. The deliverance of the message was entering a new phase, and the establishment of the Muslim nation was about to begin. Prophet Muhammad was feeling overwhelmed and alone. The vast majority of Meccans had refused to heed his call or accept his message. Both his beloved uncle and cherished wife had died, and this gift of Allah offered him support and  opened his eyes to the signs and wonders of the universe. After travelling the enormous distance to Jerusalem on the back of al-Buraq, Prophet Muhammad reached the area known as Masjid al-Aqsa. He dismounted and tethered al-Buraq to a ring in the gate.

Another Miracle Occurs:

Prophet Muhammad walked into the Masjid –the place of prostration -to be met by a group of the previous Prophets; he then had the great honour of leading them in prayer. Allah rewarded His Messenger and caused him to understand that the Prophets before him also went through difficult times preaching to their people. They stood behind Prophet Muhammad and acknowledged him as their leader. This was another indication of his importance and excellence as well as the nature e of his message. Before the advent of Prophet Muhammad, all the Prophets delivered their message of submission to One God to their own people; Muhammad, however, had come for all of mankind. Allah refers to him as a mercy. 

Allah says in Quran:“He listens to what is best for you; he believes in God; has faith in the believers; and is a mercy to those of you who believe.” (Quran 9:61).

The message was international, and this communication distributed worldwide was Islam. The Prophets of Allah stood behind the newest and final Messenger of Allah and supported him when his need was greatest. Prophet Muhammad mentions in his sayings that all of the Prophets are brothers. This congregation standing behind Prophet Muhammad was a sign of real and everlasting brotherhood.

The Significance of Al-Aqsa:

The fact that this momentous occasion took place in Jerusalem is also of significance. This is the land of the Prophets of Allah; this is the land of Abraham, Isaac, Moses and Jesus. Allah was forging a link between his Holy House in Mecca and Masjid Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem. Allah was also linking the so-called cradle of religion, the Holy Land around Jerusalem, with the land of Arabia, the birth place of the religion designed by the Creator, for all of humanity -Islam. Allah established Al-Aqsa as one of the three Holy Masjids in Islam. The Holy Masjid in Mecca, the Prophet Mu-hammad’s Masjid, yet to be established in Medina, and this Masjid in this blessed neighborhood of Jerusalem. It is only to these three Masjids to which Muslims can travel for the purpose of worship.

One prayer in Masjid Al-Aqsa is worth 250 prayers elsewhere, excluding the Prophet’s Mas-jid where one prayer is the equivalent of 1,000 prayers and the Holy Masjid in Mecca where one prayer contains the reward of 100,000 prayers. distinct Allah emphasized the significance and sacredness of Masjid Al-Aqsa, and for this reason it plays an important role in a Muslim’s life. Therefore it is guarded and protected zealously.

Al-Aqsa was the first qiblah (the direction in which a Muslim turns to pray) in Islam, but this direction was later changed to Holy Masjid in Mecca. Establishing the exact date for this change is difficult, but from the evidence, we can discover approximately when this occurred because the mission of Prophet Muhammad is divided into two distinct periods. The Meccan period, defined by calling the people to the religion of Islam, and the Medinan period, defined by the establishment of the Muslim state. Prophet Muhammad and the majority of his followers migrated to the city of Me-dina in the14th year of Prophethood.

The Night Journey and Ascension took place late in the Meccan period, while the qiblah changed to Mecca around 15 months after the Prophet’s migration to Medina. From this, we can infer that the Muslims faced Al-Aqsa when praying for approximately three years before Allah changed the direction to Mecca. This by no means diminished the significance of Jerusalem or Masjid Al-Aqsa, it merely represented another step in the establishment of the message for all of humanity. The Holy Masjid in Mecca was fixed as the central point in Islam.

The Journey and Miracle Continues

While still in the sacred precincts of Masjid Al-Aqsa, the Angel Gabriel presented Prophet Muhammad with two cups. One was filled with milk, the other with wine, and both offered to the Prophet. Prophet Muhammad chose and drank the milk. Angel Gabriel then said to him “Thanks be to Allah, who guided you to the fitrah; if you had taken the wine, your followers would have gone astray”. It is difficult to translate the Arabic word fitrah into English; it de-notes the natural and pure state in which one is born, an innate feeling that guides one to do the “right” thing. Prophet Muhammad instinctively chose right over wrong, good over evil, and the Straight Path rather than the crooked path to Hell.

It was from the Holy city of Jerusalem, in the sacred precincts of Masjid Al-Aqsa that Prophet Muhammad commenced the next stage of his miraculous Night Journey. Prophet Muhammad ascended to the lowest heaven from a rock. This rock can be found inside the Dome of the Rock, the most famous symbol of Jerusalem. It should not be confused with the actual Masjid building, which is on the other side of the Al-Aqsa compound. The entire precinct is the masjid, but many separate buildings exist there. It is important to remember that although the Dome of the Rock is inside the Masjid compound, it is not Masjid Al-Aqsa and it is not the place of prostration where Prophet Muhammad led the previous Prophets in prayer. From the rock, now covered by the familiar golden dome, Prophet Muhammad ascended to the lowest heaven in the company of Angel Gabriel.

The Ascension

The Night Journey and the Ascension was a great blessing bestowed upon Muhammad, the Prophet of God. It was a journey beginning at the Holy Masjid in Mecca, then moving overland to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and finally continuing up through the seven heavens into the presence of Allah, the Almighty. As we travel up through the seven heavens with Prophet Muhammad, it is important to remember that the places he visits are not part of Paradise. 

In the English language, we generally use the word heaven to mean the spiritual plane of eternal happiness, the reward for a righteous life and the opposite of hell, the place of eternal punishment. However, this was not always the case; the word heaven comes from the Old English word heofon, used to denote the sky, which is the area above the earth where the celestial bodies are. Eventually, heaven lost its original meaning and came to imply Paradise. In Arabic, however, there have always been two separate words used, Sama and Jannah. The word sama is used for the skies above us, and they are part of the temporary world which will be destroyed on the Day of Judgement. The word jennah, how-ever, denotes Paradise, the land of eternal bliss, the perma-nent home of the righteous believers, and the opposite of Hell.

“Then He completed and finished from their creation as seven heavens in two Days and He made in each heaven its affair. And We adorned the nearest heaven with light sources to be an adornment, as well as to guard. Such is the Decree of Him the All-Mighty, the All-Knower.” (Quran 41:12)

“Their Lord gives them glad tidings of a Mercy from Him, and that He is pleased, and of Gardens (Jannah) for them wherein are everlasting delights. They will dwell therein forever. Verily, with God is a great reward.” (Quran 9:21-22).

The Wonders of God

Prophet Muhammad ascended into the heavens from the rock now housed in the familiar golden dome that has become the symbol for Jerusalem. This is a journey that no other human had ever made or has made since. It demonstrates Allah’s ability to bring the seemingly impossible into being. Here, the concepts of time and space as we know them do not apply, and it is beyond our human capabilities to understand the true omnipotence of Allah. In his sayings and traditions, Prophet Muhammad described the size of the heavens; the first heaven, as compared to the second, is similar to a small ring in the desert, and he continued this narrative until he described the sixth heaven as being the size of a ring in the desert compared to the seventh heaven. The magnitude of this is unimaginable. Our earth, and what we call the universe, is contained within the first heaven. Even with the scientific knowledge of the 21st century, we have no idea how big this is, how far the universe extends, or what wonders it contains.

Prophet Muhammad travelled with the Angel Gabriel up into the heights of the heavens. Together they came to the gate of the first heaven, where Angel Gabriel sought permission to enter. The gatekeepers asked, “Who is it?” to which Gabriel replied, “It is I, Gabriel”. The gatekeepers then asked who was accompanying him; when they were told it was Muhammad, they asked if he had been given his mission to guide all of mankind to the worship of One God. Angel Gabriel answered in the affirmative, so the angels welcomed Prophet Muhammad, called his arrival a pleasure, and opened the gate.

Greeting the Prophets

Prophet Muhammad tells us that he saw his father Adam, the father of all of mankind. He greeted him with the greeting of all Muslims, -Assalamu alaikum (may peace be upon you). Adam returned the greeting and expressed his faith in Muhammad’s prophet hood. He called him his pure son, the pure prophet. Imagine the pleasure that this meeting must have given to both men. After thousands of years, Adam was able to see his son Muhammad, the greatest of his descendents. 

Muhammad was able to look into the eyes of the father of mankind. The wonders however were only just beginning. Angel Gabriel and Prophet Muhammad then ascended to the second heaven.  At the gate, Angel Gabriel again sought permission to enter. When the gatekeepers learned Prophet Muhammad had been given his mission and was trying to enter, they welcomed him and opened the gate. There Prophet Muhammad saw the two cousins, Prophet Yahiya (know n in Christian traditions as John the Baptist) and the Messenger of Allah, Prophet Jesus; Prophet Muhammad exchanged greetings with them. Prophet Muhammad and Angel Gabriel ascended once more to the gates of the third heaven. At each gate, the same exchange took place. When the gatekeepers had established that it was Angel Gabriel in the company of Prophet Muhammad, who had indeed been given his mission, they gave permission to enter. Here, in the third heaven, Prophet Muhammad met Prophet Yusuf (Joseph) and described him as an embodiment of half of all beauty.

As Prophet Muhammad met the Prophets in each heaven, he exchanged greetings with them, and this was always As-salamu alaikum, the greeting of peace used by all those in submission to the One True God. In the fourth heaven, Prophet Muhammad met Prophet Idris, whom Allah described in Quran (19:57) as being elevated to a very high level. In the fifth heaven, he met Prophet Haroon (Aaron), the brother of Prophet Musa (Moses). At each meeting, the Prophets expressed their faith in Muhammad’s Prophet Hood. In the sixth heaven, Prophet Muhammad met Prophet Musa.

Whenever Prophet Musa is mentioned in the Quran or in the narrations of Prophet Muhammad, we know that something important is about to be described. After the two Prophets had exchanged greetings and Prophet Musa had expressed his faith in Muhammad’s prophet hood, Prophet Musa started to weep. When he was asked why, he replied: “A young man has come after me, and more of his followers will enter paradise than my followers”.

Until the advent of Islam, Prophet Musa had had the largest following of any Prophet. Prophet Musa peace be upon him cried, and from this, we can understand that there was a type of rivalry between the Prophets; but it was not a competition filled with jealousy or envy. Rather, it was filled with compassion. As we move further into the journey, we will see the love and compassion Prophet Musa had for Prophet Muhammad and his followers. Prophet Muhammad and Angel Gabriel then ascended into the seventh heaven.

The Seventh Heaven:

The Angel Gabriel and Prophet Muhammad continued their miraculous ascension through the heavens. This journey was far beyond the wildest imagining of any human being. It began in the deserts of Arabia and spanned the reaches of the known universe and beyond. At the gate of the seventh heaven, they exchanged the same questions and answers as in the previous heavens, and the angels declared their pleasure at meeting Prophet Muhammad. Permission to enter was given and the Prophet of God, accompanied by Gabriel, the angel trusted with the revelations of God, moved into the final heaven.

The seventh heaven is an expression used by Christians to denote extreme happiness or bliss, as in “I am in the seventh heaven”. In Islam, the seventh heaven is where Prophet Mohammad met Prophet Ibrahim; and indeed, he (Muhammad) must have been extremely happy and in a state of bliss, having been honored with this journey of wonders. Both Prophets exchanged greetings by saying Assalamu alaikum (may peace be upon you) and, as every other prophet had done, Prophet Abraham expressed his belief and faith in Prophet Muhammad’s mission.

Through his son, Ismail, Ibrahim is the father of the Arabs and the ancestor of Prophet Muhammad; he is an ancestor of the people who became the Children of Israel (followers of Prophet Musa) through his son Ishaaq. In Jewish traditions, Ibrahim is called the father of the Jews. However, Islam rejects this idea, for the Quran clearly states that he was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but a believer in pure monotheism (belief in One God).

“Why do you dispute about Abraham, while the To-rah and the Gospel were not revealed until after him?

Have you then no sense? Abraham was neither a Jew nor a Christian, but he was a true Muslim Hanifa.” (Quran 3:65 & 67).

Muslims are required to believe in all of the Prophets of Allah; Ibrahim, however, holds a special place as one of the important messengers of Allah and has the unique honor of being called, in both Islamic and Christian traditions, the beloved servant of Allah. Together, Ibrahim and his son Ismail built the Kaaba (the black cubical building in the middle of the Holy Masjid in Mecca).

“And remember when Abraham and Ishmael were raising the foundations of the House, saying, Our Lord! Accept this from us. Verily! You are the All-Hearer, the All-Knower.” (Quran 2:127)

Muslims turn their faces towards the Kaba many times every day whilst performing their prayers, and in every prayer, they ask Allah to bless Ibrahim and his family.

The World of Angel:

While in the seventh heaven, Prophet Muhammad was shown the building known as the much-frequented house, or al Bayt al-Mamoor in Arabic. It is fitting that Prophet Ibrahim was here with this house, as it is the heavenly equivalent of the Kaaba in Mecca. Each year at the time of pilgrimage (Hajj), more than 2 million Muslims from all over the world flock to Makkah to follow in the footsteps of Prophet Ibrahim and perform certain rites including circling the Kaaba. Every day 70,000 angels visit this much-frequented house in the seventh heaven to worship Allah. Prophet Muhammad informed us that, once the angels have visited Al Bayt al-Mamoor, they never return. Allah swears by this house in the Quran.

“And by the Bayt al-Mamoor.” (Quran 52:4)

Seventy thousand angels every day! What are the implications of this? Think about it and wonder for how many thousands or even millions of years has this been happening? How many of these beings, created by Allah from light, are there? This was another wonder that Prophet Muhammad was privileged to see and made able to describe to us. In his traditions, he also informs us that the heavens above us are moaning, every space as big as the width of four fingers is occupied by an angel worshipping Allah.

The Uppermost Boundary:

Prophet Muhammad then moved through the seventh heaven to the uppermost boundary, to Sidrat al-Muntaha, a lote tree.“Near Sidrat al-Muntaha (lote-tree of the utmost boundary. Near it is the Paradise of Abode.” (Quran 53:14-15).

He described its fruits like jugs and its leaves as big as elephant ears. Four rivers originated from the lote tree’s roots. When he asked about them, Prophet Muhammad was told that two of the rivers originated in Paradise. Nothing has reached us about the names or significance of these two rivers from the narrative of the ascension. However, he was told that the other two rivers were replicas of the Nile and the Euphrates, two rivers that are especially blessed in this world of mankind.

Sidrat al-Muntaha is called the uttermost boundary because everything that comes up from the earth or the heavens stops there, and everything that comes down stops there, and because the knowledge of the angels stops at that point. No one has gone beyond it except Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Beyond this point, we leave the heavens and move into the realm of the hereafter, the realm that contains Paradise and the Throne of Allah. As Prophet Muhammad continues his miraculous journey, he moves into this realm and stands in the presence of Allah Almighty.

The Importance of Prayer:

Allah spoke to Prophet Muhammad and we have no details of the exchange except that Allah enjoined the daily prayers upon Prophet Muhammad and his followers. From this, we immediately understand the importance of prayer. It is the only command which Allah ordained in the heavens; all other decrees originated on earth.

 Prayer is a gift from Allah to those who truly believe in His Oneness. Allah bestowed this gift upon Prophet Muhammad who in turn gave it to the followers of Islam. It is a gift full of great blessings and bounties. It establishes and maintains our connection to Allah. Allah has no need of our prayers but we, as helpless human beings, are in great need of feeling connected to Him. In fact, the Arabic word for the five daily prayers is salah, which come from the root word Selah meaning “connection”.“Guard strictly five obligatory prayers especially the middle prayer -. And stand before God with obedience.” (Quran 2:238).

Allah enjoined 50 prayers on Prophet Muhammad and his followers. As Prophet Muhammad was descending he passed by Prophet Musa who requested to know what had been enjoined. When Prophet Muhammad explained that he had been ordered to prayer 50 times per day, Musa felt astonished and immediately said, “Go back to your Lord and ask for a reduction”.

 When Allah prescribed 50 prayers, Prophet Muhammad accepted it, Musa, having had been a great prophet himself, knew what from his followers what people could and could not handle in regards to religious obligations. He was sure that the followers of Muhammad would not be able to perform that many prayers. Prophet Muhammad had knowledge. But Prophet Musa at this time had more experience. Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him accepted the advice of his older brother/prophet, went back into the presence of Allah, and asked for a reduction. Allah reduced them by ten to forty prayers. Prophet Muhammad descended again; Prophet Musa asked him what happened. When he heard that the reduction was only ten, Prophet Musa sent him back to ask again for a further reduction.

This exchange continued until the number of obligatory prayers became five. Prophet Musa suggested a further reduction saying, “O Muhammad, I know people, your nation will not be able to handle it, go back and ask for the burden on your people to be relieved.”Prophet Muhammad answered “No.” He felt ashamed to ask for another reduction and said he was satisfied with five daily prayers. A voice rang out, saying, “The prayers have been reduced to five but they will be rewarded as though they were fifty.”

Allah makes it clear to us that even praying these five prayers can be difficult for some people, but that those who establish the connection and trust that they will one day meet their Lord will find it easy.“And seek help in patience and the prayer: and truly it is extremely heavy and hard except for the true believers in Allah. Those who obey Allah with full submission, fear much from His Punishment, and believe in His Promise (Paradise, etc.) and in His Warnings (Hell, etc.). (They are those) who are certain that they are going to meet their Lord, and that unto Him they are going to re-turn.” (Quran 2:45–46)

Mercy, Love and Compassion

This miraculous night concluded with this sign of the mercy of Allah. Imagine how hard it would be to pray 50 times a day. Although we learned during this journey that Prophet Musa peace be upon him cried when he realised Prophet Muhammad would have more followers than he on the Day of Judgement, we also learn how eager Prophet Musa was to give advice to Prophet Muhammad, and how keen he was to make the practice of Islam easy upon the believers. The competition between the Prophets was one of love and compassion, and from this we should learn how to treat each other. Although Allah tells us to compete with one another in doing deeds of righteousness, we should encourage and enable one another to do this easily.

  “...so strive as in a race in good deeds. The return of you (all) is to Allah; then He will inform you about that in which you used to differ.” (Quran 5:48).

Prophet Muhammad then descended back to the Holy Mosque in Mecca. The companions of the Prophet were now about to face the biggest test to their faith so far. Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah, was about to reveal that he had returned from an overnight journey to the farthest Masjid in Jerusalem, a journey that normally took more than one month. He was also about to say he had travelled where no man had gone before, through the heavens and into the presence of Allah. This was a miraculous journey by night, but would his companions believe him and how would his enemies react?

The Return

Prophet Muhammad travelled on the back of Al-Buraq all the way to the farthest Mosque in Jerusalem. He ascended through the seven heavens and marvelled at wonders unimaginable. He looked into the faces and exchanged greetings with many of his fellow Prophets, and the final slave and Messenger of Allah, Muhammad, stood in the presence of Allah Himself. On the same night, only several hours after he had commenced his journey, Prophet Muhammad returned to Mecca. This miraculous journey was about to become a weapon against Prophet Muhammad and his followers by his enemies, and equally it would be an extreme test of faith for the believers. 

Upon his homecoming, Prophet Muhammad made his way to Umm Ayman and told her of his miraculous journey. She responded, “O Messenger of Allah, do not tell anyone about this.” Umm Ayman had perfect faith in Prophet Muhammad and believed his account of the journey, but she was afraid of how others would respond Prophet Muhammad described Umm Ayman as “my mother after my own mother”. She was the faithful servant of his mother Aminah and remained with Prophet Muhammad through the deaths of his mother and grandfather. Prophet Muhammad and Umm Ayman had always been very close, and at the completion of this wondrous journey, he went to Umm Ayman’s home,  perhaps for comfort and ease while he contemplated this miracle, and decided his next move. Prophet Muhammad responded by saying that he would tell the people about the wondrous night. He considered it his responsibility before Allah to convey the message, no matter the response or consequences; Allah was responsible for the outcome. 

He left the house quietly with so much contemplation, and made his way to the Holy Mosque. He met people along the way, and slowly the news of the night journey spread amongst the people.

The Response

While Prophet Mohammad was sitting silently in the Mosque, Abu Jahl approached him and asked casually, “O Muhammad is there anything new?” Known as one of the greatest enemies of Islam Abu Jahl was responsible for the torture, punishment, murder and harassment of the new Muslims throughout the early days of Islam. Even though he was aware of the animosity and hatred Abu Jahl felt towards him, Prophet Muhammad answered truthfully and said, “This past night I have travelled to Jerusalem and back.”Abu Jahl, being unable to contain his amusement, responded by requesting Muhammad to repeat these words in front of the people of Mecca. Prophet Muhammad responded in the affirmative, and Abu Jahl left the Mosque running, calling out to the people as he ran through the streets.

When sufficient people had gathered in the Mosque, at Abu Jahl’s request Prophet Muhammad said, for all to hear, “I have been to Jerusalem and back.”The crowd of people started to laugh, whistle, and clap. They treated it as a big joke and fell against one another laughing. This was the response expected by Abu Jahl and he was thrilled. The disbelievers in the crowd saw a chance to put an end to Islam. They ridiculed and belittled Prophet Muhammad’s claim. Among the crowd were people who had travelled to Jerusalem and they asked Prophet Muhammad to describe what he had seen. The Prophet of Allah began to describe his journey but he became irritated. He spent only a brief amount of time in Jerusalem, and the miraculous nature of this travels had meant that he did not remember small details and descriptions. However, Prophet Muhammad tells us that Allah showed him the details “right in front of his eyes” and he described what he had seen “stone by stone, brick by brick”. The travellers confirmed his descriptions. (Saheeh Bukhari)

There is another narration that says that whilst travel-ling back to Mecca, Prophet Muhammad passed over a caravan. He was able to describe clearly. The caravan had lost a camel, and Prophet Muhammad called from the sky telling them the whereabouts of the camel. He also drank from their water supply.

The people of Mecca immediately dispatched someone to meet the caravan before it entered the city to ask questions about the previous night. They confirmed that a strange voice called out the location of the lost camel and that part of their water supply had disappeared. Still these confirmations were not enough. The people jeered and laughed and disbelieved the words of the Prophet of God. This miraculous event was such a test of faith that even some of the new Muslims disbelieved and turned away from the faith of Islam.

The Sweetness of Faith

To those whose faith was strong and true, the Power of Allah was obvious. Some of those who found the whole story difficult to believe went to see Abu Bakr, the best friend and loyal supporter of Prophet Mohammad. They asked him if he believed Prophet Muhammad travelled overnight to Jerusalem, and back to Mecca. Without hesitation Abu Bakr replied, “If the messenger of Allah said so, then it is true”. It was because of this occasion that Abu Bakr earned the title As-Siddeeq (the foremost believer). This was a turning point for many Muslims; after already facing the physical torture and abuse of the disbelievers, they now had to grapple with a concept beyond their wildest imaginings. Some failed, but many soared to new heights and were able to taste the sweetness of true submission to the One God.

The journey by night, from the Holy Mosque in Mecca to the farthest Mosque in Jerusalem, and the ascension through the heavens and into the presence of Almighty God was a miracle granted by Allah to His final slave and Prophet, Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, and one of the greatest of honours bestowed upon any human.

Salaah, A special Gift.

Today I want to share with you a special gift for every Muslim and Muslimah who prays. Many of us may not know about this special gift.

This gift is presented to you and I at the end of each salah and before we do the tasleem.

We all know that from the etiquette of dua mustajaab or (answered dua) is to first glorify and praise Allah and then send peace and blessings to the Prophet peace be upon him and then make the dua. This was clear in the hadeeth of the Prophet peace be upon him “When any one of you prays, let him start by praising Allaah, then let him send blessings upon the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), then let him say du’aa’ however he wishes.” 

Al-Tirmidhi said: (it is) a saheeh hadeeth. It was also classed as saheeh by al-Haakim, and al-Dhahabi agreed with him. Zaad al-Ma’aad, 1/257, 258.

Salah is one of the best places when one should make dua. Unfortunately, many of us rush through it without even thinking of what we are saying. In Salah you are at the highest level and status of praising Allah.  Not only that, the praising you are doing is taught and prescribed to you by Allah Himself and His messenger so it is the perfect formula.

Let me give you an example.  You know when we sit with a parent or a close friend and have a close long conversation, usually when we are done and we are about to leave we ask our parent or our friend, do you need anything from me? As a gesture of love and gratitude.  We don’t usually do that if we greet someone from far with just salam.   We only ask those whom we have with them deep connection or emotions. Walillahil mathalul a’alah.

When you are in the state of prayer you are facing your Lord and conversing with Him with humbleness and humiliation and He rewards you in the end of that conversation and asks you to ask for whatever you want?  

Many of us make dua after they finish prayer and do tasleem which the Prophet peace be upon him never did.

When you say the salaam that conversation comes to an end and you are no longer standing before Him.  Why should you not ask of Him whilst you are conversing with Him and close to Him? 

 

The Tashahoud or tahiyaat is the perfect beginning of your dua. You are praising Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’alah and you are sending peace and blessing to the Prophet peace be upon him. Tashahoud fulfills all the conditions of duaa Mustajaab or (answered dua) and it is taught to you by Allah and His messenger peace be upon him.

The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “When any one of you has finished the last tashahhud, let him seek refuge with Allaah from four things and say: Allaahumma inni a’oodhubika min ‘adhaabi jahannam wa min ‘adhaabil-qabri wa min fitnatil-mahyaa wa’l-mamaat wa min sharri fitnatil-maseehil-dajjaal 

(O Allaah, I seek refuge with You from the torment of Hell and from the torment of the grave and from the trials of life and death and from the evil of the trial of the Dajjaal).” 

 Then after that he may pray for whatever he likes of the good things of this world and the Hereafter. Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1311; Muslim

In shaa Allah from today on you will be performing your prayer differently and you will be giving it your best so you can earn your special gift at the end of it in shaa Allah.

Ali Bin Abi Talib(RA)

The story of Ali Bin Abi Talib

His Ancestry, Family and Attributes:

His full name is Ali Ibn Abu Talib Bin Abdul-Muttalib Bin Hashim. He came from the most respectable family of Quraish tribe, the family of Banu Hashim, and he was the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. His mother was Fatimah and she embraced Islam early and migrated to Madinah. His father Abu Talib was a chief of Banu Hashim tribe and he was the custodian of the Kaaba. Abu Talib was uncle of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Abu Talib was a descendant of the Prophet Ishmael, the son of Ibrahim peace be upon them.

The documents indicated that Ali (R.A.) was born in Makkah on Friday, 13th of Rajab, thirty years after the incident of the Elephant, corresponding 17th of March, 599 CE.

Ali “Ibn” (son of) Abu Talib was the young cousin of Prophet Muhammad. This child, who greatly admired his older cousin, grew into a noble warrior for Islam, a knowledgeable judge, a remarkable exegete of Quran and a righteous leader of the Muslim nation.

His Early life and Acceptance of Islam:

When Ali (R.A.) was at the age of five, Quraish was struck with a drought that affected the economical status in Makkah. Hence, the Prophet peace be upon him appealed to his uncle Al-Abbas to help Abu Talib during the crisis. They offered Abu Talib to care for his children, as Al-Abbas chose to care for Jafar and the Prophet peace be upon him took Ali (R.A.) and gave him every kindness and affection in his early childhood, which influenced him for the rest of his life. He grew up in the household of the Prophet, and when the Prophet received his mission, Ali (R.A.) was the first to become Muslim from early childhood.

Once Ali ibn Abu Talib (R.A.) came back home while the Prophet (S.A.W.) and his noble wife Khadijah (R.A.) were praying. Ali (R.A.) asked about the prayer, then the Prophet peace be upon him told him that it is the right religion from Allah, that demands worshipping no god but Allah. Ali (R.A.) said that he has never heard about this before, and has to tell his father Abu Talib about it, but the Prophet peace be upon him asked him to keep the matter in secret. The next morning Ali (R.A.) came to the Prophet  and declared his Islam. At the beginning, he kept his Islam a secret, fearing from his father, but when Abu Talib recognised him, he approved his and asked him to sustain to it while Abu Talib refused to depart the religion of his late fathers till he passed away.

Many scholars point out that Ali was one of many young men and women around the Prophet Muhammad who had never been initiated into the idolatrous rituals of the pre Islamic Arabs. Ali never prostrated before anything or anyone but Allah. Ali spent his childhood with Fatima, the youngest daughter of Mohammad and Khadijah. Some years later when the Muslim community had migrated from Mecca to the city of Medina Ali went to Prophet Muhammad and proposed marriage to Fatima.

Ali however was upset by the fact that he was very poor and had nothing of value to present to Fatima as a bridal gift. Prophet Muhammad reminded him that he had a shield, to sell. Ali sold the shield to Uthman ibn Affan and was about to run excitedly back to the Prophet when Uthman stopped him and returned his shield, offering it as a marriage gift to Ali and Fatima. It is believed that Fatima and Ali were in their middle to late teens when Prophet Muhammad himself performed their marriage ceremony.

The young boy who had followed his older cousin around like a shadow had grown into a noble young warrior. When God revealed the verse, “and warn your tribe. O Muhammad.” (Quran 26:214)

 Prophet Muhammad invited all his relatives for a meal; after they had eaten he addressed them and asked who from his family would join him in God’s cause?  None had the courage to answer but a boy in his early teens. Ali was that boy and he stood tall in the face of laughter and derision and expressed his desire to help Prophet Muhammad in whatever way he could be of service. In the difficult times that lay ahead, Ali stood firm, and repeatedly demonstrated his courage and love for God and His Messenger.

When the disbelievers of Mecca planned to kill Prophet Muhammad, it became necessary for him and Abu Bakr to leave Mecca under the cover of darkness. As they walked into the desert night it was the teenager Ali who slept in Muhammad’s bed, knowing that at any minute there could be assassins attempting to murder him. Ali survived the night, and in the coming days, he returned the valuables that had been left in trust with Prophet Muhammad, to their rightful owners. Prophet Muhammad considered his young cousin to be amongst the bravest, trustworthy and pious of his companions. Soon afterwards, Ali joined his beloved cousin in Medina.

Prophet Muhammad so cherished his young cousin he called him by many fond and endearing names. The name that Ali treasured most was Abu Turab (Father of Dust). Once when Ali was sleeping in the mosque courtyard, his back became covered with dust. Prophet Muhammad approached him, pulled him to his feet, and wiped the dust of his back, laughingly calling him Abu Turab. Prophet Muhammad also called Ali Haidarah (the lion). Prophet Muhammad’s young shadow grew into a respected warrior for Islam.

Ali was the fourth rightly guided Caliph. 2 He followed in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, Omar, and Uthman, and ruled the Muslim Empire, according to the divinely revealed law of God, from approximately 656 to 661 CE. Ali was the young cousin and son in law of Prophet Muhammad. He spent his childhood emulating the noble character of his beloved cousin, and his youth learning the details of Islam. Ali grew into a noble warrior; physically strong and assertive but with a humble heart, filled with love for God and His messenger Muhammad. Muslims remember Ali for his courage, his honesty, his generous and kind behaviour towards others, and his unswerving devotion to Islam.

After the migration to Medina, Ali married his childhood companion Fatima, daughter of Prophet Muhammad. The young couple led a simple and austere life, for Ali did not care for material wealth, rather he was focused on pleasing Allah and attaining everlasting life in the hereafter. They had no servants or slaves. Ali drew and carried water and Fatima would grind the corn until her hands were rough and sore. Once when the young couple approached Prophet Muhammad asking for a servant he rebuked them by saying that he could not give them such luxuries when hungry poor people filled the mosque. Ali and Fatima returned home feeling quite dejected.

That evening Prophet Muhammad visited Ali and Fatima in their home. He sat on the edge of their bed and taught them words of remembrance with which to praise Allah. He assured them that remembering Allah would be more beneficial for them than a servant or slave to ease their workload. Ali never forgot the words of advice given to him that night, later in his life he said that not a night passed that he did not recite those words before sleeping. Ali and his family went to great lengths to please Allah, often they would go hungry themselves giving away all their food to people poorer than themselves. Ali’s generosity new no bounds, he treated everyone, friend or foe, with respect and kindness.

Ali (R.A.) During Prophet Muhammad's Peace Be Upon Him Era:

Ali (R.A.) was so reliable and trustworthy that the Prophet peace be upon him designated him as one of the scribes who would write down the text of the Holy Quran, which had been revealed to the Prophet peace be upon him during his lifetime. As Islam began to spread throughout Arabia, Ali (R.A.) helped to establish the new Islamic order by carrying the massages and declaring the Islamic guidelines.

 Further, Ali (R.A.) was instructed to write down the Treaty of Hudaybiyah, the peace treaty between the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him and Quraish. Ali (R.A.) was sent to Yemen to spread the teachings of Islam. He was also charged with settling several disputes and putting down the uprisings of various tribes.

 

His Bravery and Struggle to Support Islam:

Ali (R.A.) was well known of his bravery. He participated in almost all the battles against the unbelievers during the time of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him, except for the Battle of Tabuk in the year 9th Hijri, as the Prophet had placed Ali (R.A.) in charge of the city.

As well as being the standard-bearer in those battles, Ali led parties of warriors on raids into enemy lands. At the Battle of Badr, he defeated the Umayyad champion Walid Ibn Utba as well as twenty other polytheist soldiers. Ali was prominent at the Battle of Uhud, when the bearer of the Islamic standard was martyred, it was Ali  who raised it up, but challenged by the unbeliever Talha Ibn Uthman, promptly Ali Attacked him and he fell to the ground. It was Ali too, who drew around the Prophet with other Companions, in the battle of Uhud, when the archers deserted their spots in quest of booty, and in the chaos which ensued when almost all took flight, Ali (R.A.) whom Allah Had protected, stood steadfast beside the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.

In the Battle of the Trench, Ali bravely defeated a prominent leader of the unbelievers called Amr Ibn Wudd. In the Battle of Khaybar, Ali defeated the great Jewish commander Marhab. When the Muslim army failed to conquer the Jewish fortress twice, the Prophet peace be upon him offered the command and the standard to Ali  . The fortress fill to the onslaught of the Muslims and victory attained. Additionally, Ali (R.A.) was one the Companions who stood unwavering beside the Prophet Muhammad in the Battle of Hunain.

Imam (Scholar) Ahmad described Ali as one of the most virtuous of Prophet Muhammad’s companions and Ali was known to be amongst the Prophet’s most staunch supporters. Ali deservedly became known as a strong warrior and he distinguished himself in the crucial first battle against the unbelieving men of Mecca, known as the Battle of Badr. The young lion of Allah participated in all the battles fought in the early days of Islam except on one occasion. It is reported in the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad that during the battle of Khaybar Prophet Muhammad bestowed a great honour on his young cousin.

Prophet Muhammad informed his companions “tomorrow I shall give the standard (flag) to a man who loves God and His Messenger and is also loved by God and His Messenger, he does not flee the battlefield, and God will bring about victory through him”. The companions of Prophet Muhammad spent the night wondering who the flag would be handed too. Omar Ibn Al Khattab is believed to have said that it was the only time he longed for leadership, but this particular honour belonged to Ali.

Ali (R.A.) During Caliphate of Abu Bakr (R.A.):

After the death of the Prophet peace be upon him, all the Companions (R.A.) pledged their allegiance to Abu Bakr (R.A.), except Ali (R.A.), who did so later due to the fact that he was engaged in arranging the Prophet's   funeral. Besides, he had an oath upon the Prophet's death that he would not engage in anything except prayer until he completed compiling the Quran. Ali gave his pledge of loyalty to Abu Bakr and assisted him throughout his Caliphate.

After terminating the expedition of Usamah, Abu Bakr (R.A.) sent Ali with a group of the Companions to protect the borders of the city in that critical time. In addition, Abu Bakr consulted Ali before fighting apostasy and the Romans. Narrations revealed that judgeship was delegated to Ali during the time of Abu Bakr.

Imam (Scholar) Ahmad described Ali as one of the most virtuous of Prophet Muhammad’s companions and Ali was known to be amongst the Prophet’s most staunch supporters. Ali deservedly became known as a strong warrior and he distinguished himself in the crucial first battle against the unbelieving men of Mecca, known as the Battle of Badr. The young lion of God participated in all the battles fought in the early days of Islam except on one occasion. It is reported in the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad that during the battle of Khaybar Prophet Muhammad bestowed a great honour on his young cousin.

Prophet Muhammad informed his companions “tomorrow I shall give the standard (flag) to a man who loves God and His Messenger and is also loved by God and His Messenger, he does not flee the battlefield, and God will bring about victory through him”. The companions of Prophet Muhammad spent the night wondering who the flag would be handed too. Omar Ibn Al Khattab is believed to have said that it was the only time he longed for leadership, but this particular honour belonged to Ali.

After Uthman Ibn Affan was murdered in the service of the Muslim nation, Ali was chosen as the fourth of those known as the rightly guided Caliphs. Many Muslims were eager for Ali to take on leadership but Ali was concerned that already the seeds of rebelliousness were being sewn among the believers. He hesitated until some of the companions who had been closest to Prophet Muhammad urged him on and gave him their support. The events surrounding Uthman’s murder had flung the young Muslim nation into a period that became known as the “time of tribulation”. Ali began and ended his Caliphate in times of trial and tribulation however; he remained true to his convictions and ruled in a manner that befitted the child who learned his morals and values at the feet of the Prophet Muhammad.

Ali (R.A.) During Caliphate of Umar ibn Al-Khattab (R.A.):

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (R.A.) was elected as the second Caliph after Abu Bakr's (R.A.) death. Ali (R.A.) pledged his allegiance to Umar (R.A.) and helped him as a trusted advisor. During the caliphate of Umar (R.A.), the Islamic army conquered the Roman Emperor in Syria, Egypt and north Africa. Additionally, the Islamic army conquered the Persian Emperor in Iraq, Persia, Khurasan, extending to the borders of Turkey and India. All the way through, Umar (R.A.) used to consult the wise Companions of the Prophet peace be upon him such as Ali (R.A.), and seek their suggestions in political issues.

It was narrated that Ali (R.A.) was the one who advised Umar (R.A.) to set Hijra as the beginning of the Islamic calendar. It was Ali (R.A.) who gave advice to Umar (R.A.) to go to Jerusalem in order to receive the Holy Mosque from the Romans, while Umar (R.A.) placed Ali (R.A.) in charge of Madinah. Ali (R.A.) was one of the electoral council to choose the third caliph which was appointed by Umar (R.A.). Uthman (R.A.) and Ali (R.A.) were the two major candidates.

Ali (R.A.) During Caliphate of Uthman ibn Affan (R.A.):

Uthman Ibn Affan (R.A.) was elected as the third Caliph. Ali (R.A.) pledged his allegiance to Uthman (R.A.) and remained in Madinah supporting him. Ali (R.A.) represented a considerable role during the incitement to rebellion against Uthman (R.A.). Ali supported Uthman (R.A.) and defended him by offering advice and facing the provincial opposition coming from Egypt and Iraq. They aimed at displacing Uthman (R.A.) with Ali (R.A.), but the latter resolutely rejected their demands. Thus, they pretended to be retreating, but after three days, they came back to Madinah to besiege Uthman (R.A.) and his family. Ali (R.A.) and his sons defended Uthman (R.A.) ardently and they were intended to fight the rebellious, but Uthman (R.A.) refused killing people for his sake. It was an intricate tribulation in Islamic history, marked by the murder of Uthman (R.A.).

Ali Ibn Abi Talib (R.A.): The Fourth Caliph:

After the killing of third Caliph Uthman (R.A.), Prophet's Companions approached Ali (R.A.) asking him to be Caliph, he has declined the responsibility of this great office first, suggesting to be a counselor instead of a chief. But finally, he decided to put the matter before the Muslim public in the Prophet's Mosque, as a result, the overwhelming majority of the Companions in Madinah considered Ali (R.A.) to be the most suitable person to be Caliph after Uthman (R.A.). Thus, he agreed to take the responsibility. On 25th of Dhul-Hijjah 35H (24th June, 656 CE), pledges of loyalty were sworn to Ali (R.A.).

Several problems faced the new Caliph when he took power. Firstly, he has to establish peace in the state and to ameliorate the deteriorating political situation. Secondly, he needed to take action against the assassins of Uthman (R.A.).

The political state of Madinah was disturbed by the presence of Abdullah ibn Saba and his illegal party, supported by slaves – fled from their bosses- and village dwellers. Ali (R.A.) asked all the followers of Ibn Saba to leave Madinah and return to their regions. The illegal party headed by Abdullah ibn Saba did not obey the Caliph's order and pretended to be staying there as his friends. Their purpose in staying was to create mischief and troubles among Muslims. When the orders of the Caliph were disobeyed, Ali (R.A.) offered entire freedom to the Companions, including Talha and Al-Zubair, who requested to avenge the death of Uthman (R.A.). Soon they believed that it is impossible to detect the killers in such critical circumstances.

The reign of Ali (R.A.) was notably marked by the occurrence of ordeals and troubles among Muslims. A careful reading in Islamic history revealed that the main cause of those troubles were the Sabites party, supported by fled slaves and village dwellers. Their leader Abdullah ibn Saba was a jew but pretended conversion to Islam during the reign of Uthman ibn Affan (R.A.). The main goal of Ibn Saba was to split the Muslims and spread anarchy in the Islamic society. He Provoked Muslims to kill Uthman (R.A.) since he assumed that Uthman (R.A.) had occupied the seat of Ali (R.A.). He was the main source of mischief and revolution during the reign of Ali (R.A.).

The reign of Ali (R.A.) did not comprise new conquer, but characterized with civil and cultural accomplishments such as; police organization, constructing the court of arbitration and building jails. Besides, Ali (R.A.) transferred the capital of Caliphate from Madinah to Kufah in Iraq, due to its strategic position in the mid of the Islamic country at that time. Kufah thrived as the schools of jurisprudence and grammar were established. In addition, Ali gave his orders to furnish the letters of the Holy Quran with vowel signs for the first time.

His Martyrdom:

On the night that Ali (R.A.), Ibn Al-Tiyah came to him to call him for the prayer when the dawn appeared. At this time, Ali (R.A.) was reclining heavily. So he returned the second time while Ali was still in the same position and again he returned the third time. After the third time, Ali rose and walked to the mosque. When he got to the small door, Ibn Muljam sprang out and struck him.

Ali (R.A.) died in 17th of Ramadan, 40H (25th January, 661CE). His Caliphate continued for five years.

An elder from the Quraishi reported that when Ali (R.A.) was struck by Ibn Muljam, Ali (R.A.) said:

“I have succeeded by the Lord of the Kabah.”

When Ali (R.A.) was struck, he advised his sons and then he never said any other words except:

“La Ilaha Illah Allah''

until his soul was taken. He was washed by his sons Hasan (R.A.) and Hussain (R.A.) and Abdullah Ibn Jafar (R.A.). Al-Hasan (R.A.) led the funeral prayer for him.

May Allah have mercy on Ali Ibn Abu Talib and be pleased with him and assemble us among his company.

Uthman Ibn Affan (RA)

The Story of Uthman Ibn Affan 

His Ancestry, Family and Attributes:

His full name is Uthman ibn Affan bin Al-Aas bin Umayyah bin Abdul Shams bin Abd Manaf.  He was born in Makkah on the sixth year of Amul-Fil (the year of the Elephant). He was about five years younger than the Prophet (S.A.W.). His father died before Islam i-e pre-Islamic period. His mother’s name was Arwa bint Kurayz and she died during the Caliphate of his son Uthman (R.A.). He became Muslim early and participated in the two Migrations: first to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and the second to Madinah.

He married Ruqayyahh bint Mohammad, daughter of the Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) and she died on the night of Battle of Badr. The Prophet (S.A.W.) then married her sister Umm Kulthum bint Mohammad, to him.

His Title “Dhun-Nurain”:

The scholars say that no one is known to have married two daughters of a Prophet except him. For this reason, he was nicknamed 'Dhun-Nurain' (the one with the two lights). He was one of the ten given the tiding of Paradise and one of the Companions who compiled the Quran.

Uthman (R.A.) married eight wives in all and he had nine sons from five wives.

His Physical Appearance:

He was neither short nor tall with broad shoulder and thick hair on his head. He had a long beard and was good looking. It is said that he was the most handsome of the people.

 

His time during During the Jahiliyah (Pre-Islamic Society):

'Uthman & was among the best of his people. He was of high status, very wealthy, extremely modest, and eloquent in speech. His people loved him dearly and respected him. He never prostrated to any idol during the Jailiyyah and he never committed any immoral action.

He did not drink alcohol before Islam and he used to say: It (alcohol) destroys reason and reason is the most sublime thing that All& has given to man, and man should elevate himself by means of reason, not try to destroy it.

Similarly, during the Jahiliyyah he was not attracted to songs or entertainment. 'Uthman also used to refrain from looking at any 'awrah. May Allah have mercy on 'Uthman &, for he made it easy for us to get to know him, when he said: "I had no interest in songs, I never committed any immoral deed, and my right hand never touched my private part since I swore allegiance to the Messenger of Allah.  I did not drink alcohol during the Jahiliyyah or in Islam, and I did not commit zina during the Jahiliyyah or in Islam.

He was well versed in the knowledge that was available to the Arabs during the Jahiliyyah, including lineages, proverbs, and the history of important events. He travelled to Syria and Abyssinia, and mixed with non-Arab, learning things about their lives and customs that no one else knew. He took care of the business that he had inherited from his father, and his wealth grew. He was regarded as one of the men of Banu Umayyah who were held in high esteem by all of Quraysh.

In the Jahili society of Makkah in which 'Uthman lived, men were respected for their wealth and for the number of children and brothers they had, then for the tribe and people to which they belonged. 'Uthman was regarded as being of high status among his people, and he was loved dearly. Among the evidence which points to the people's love for 'Uthman because of this combination of good qualities is the report which says that at that time, an Arab woman would sing to her child a song which speaks of the people's respect and love for him: "By the most Merciful, I love you as much as Quraysh love Uthman.

His coming to Islam:

Uthman was Thirty four years old when Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq called him to Islam, and he did not hesitate at all, rather he responded immediately to the call of Abu Bakr. Thus he was one of the earliest Muslims, of whom Ibn Ishaq said: The first person to become Muslim after Abu Bakr, 'Ali and Zayd ibn Harithah was Uthman.  Thus he was the fourth man to embrace Islam.

His coming to Islam so early was, perhaps, the result of what happened to him when he was returning from Syria. He told the Messenger of Allah about that when he entered upon him along with Talhah ibn 'Ubayd-Allah and he presented Islam to them and recited Quran to them, and told them of the duties of Islam and promised them that they would be honoured by Allah. They believed him, and Uthman said: O Messenger of Allah, I have come recently from Syria, and when we were between Ma’an and al-Zarqa', I was about to sleep when I heard a voice calling: O sleepers, get up, for Ahmad has emerged in Makkah. Then we came here and heard about you.

Undoubtedly this incident had a positive effect on Uthman and he could not forget it when he could see all the facts before him with his own eves. How could anyone who heard of the emergence of a Prophet before reaching the city in which he lived, and found upon his arrival that what he had heard was true, then hesitate to respond to the call?

No matter how arrogant a man may be, he cannot fail to submit to the truth; if he tries to ignore it his conscience will continue to trouble him until he either believes in it or dies, thus saving himself from the stirrings of his conscience. Uthman’s quick response was not based on foolishness or rashness, rather it was based on certainty and firm belief that left no room for doubt.['' He thought about this new call calmly, as was his way in all things, and he found that it was a call to virtue, a call to shun immorality, a call to Tawheed and a warning against shirk, a call to worship Allah and a warning against heedlessness, a call to good morals and a warning against bad morals.

Then he looked at his people and saw them worshipping idols, eating dead meat, mistreating their neighbours and regarding as permissible forbidden things such as the shedding of blood, etc. But the Prophet Muhammad ibn 'Abdullah peace be upon him was sincere and trustworthy; he knew nothing but good about him and he had heard nothing bad about him.

He was never known to tell a lie or commit any act of treachery. He was calling for the worship of Allah alone with no partner or associate, and for the upholding of family ties, kind treatment of neighbours, prayer and fasting, and not worshipping anything other than Allah.

So he became Muslim at the hands of Abu Bakr asSiddeeq, and he persisted in his faith, calling others to Islam in a friendly and patient manner; he was content, forgiving, kind, charitable, compassionate and generous, helping the weak and oppressed until Islam became strong.

His marriage to Ruqayya the daughter of the Messenger of Allah:

The Muslims rejoiced greatly when 'Uthman became Muslim, and the bonds of love and brotherhood between him and them were strengthened when Alliih honoured him with marriage to the daughter of the Messenger of Allah Ruqayyah.

The Messenger of Allah g had given her in marriage to 'Utbah Ibn Abi Lahab, and he had given her sister Umm Kulthoom in marriage to 'Utaybah Ibn Abi Lahab, but when Surat Al-Masad was revealed -

"Perish the two hands of Abu Lahab (an uncle of the Prophet) and perish he! His wealth and his children will not benefit him!

He will be burnt in a Fire of blazing flames! And his wife, too, who carries wood (thorns of Sa'dan which she used to put on the way of the Prophet peace be upon him or use to slander him). In her neck is a twisted rope of Masad (Palm fiber)'' (Al-Masad 111:l-5)

Abu Lahab and their mother Umm Jameel Bint Harb ibn Umayyah - the "carrier of wood - told them to leave the daughters of Muhammad, so they separated from them before they had consummated the marriage with them, as an honour to them from Allah and as a humiliation to the sons of Abu Lahab.  No sooner did 'Uthman hear the news of the divorce of Ruqayyah but he was filled with joy and he hastened to propose marriage to her through the Messenger of Allah. The Messenger of Allah gave her in marriage to him, and the Mother of the Believers Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid prepared her and presented her to him. 'Uthman was one of the most handsome men of Quraysh and she competed with him in beauty and gracefulness. It was said to her when she was presented to him:

The best looking couple anyone has ever seen, is Ruqayyah and her husband Uthman.

It was narrated from 'Abd al-Rahmh Ibn 'Uthman Al Qurashi that the Messenger of Allah entered upon his daughter when she was washing the head of 'Uthman and he said:

"O my daughter, take good care of Abu Abdullah, for he is the closest of my companions to me in attitude."

Umm Jameel bint Harb and her husband Abu Lahab thought that by divorcing Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthoom that they would deal a harsh blow to the family of Muhammad or at least weaken them, but Allah chose good for Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthoom, which caused a great deal of frustration and anger for Umm Jameel and Abu Lahab, and they did not achieve anything.

Thus Allah sufficed the household of the Prophet peace be upon him against their evil.

And the Command of Allah is a decree determined.

His persecution and migration to Abyssinia:

Allah’s  decree that all are to be tested is applied constantly to individuals, communities, peoples and nations. This applied to the Sahabah too, and they underwent trials and tribulations that would shake the foundations of lofty mountains. They spent their wealth and shed their blood for the sake of Allah, and this suffering became as severe as Allah willed that it should. The prominent Muslims were not spared these trials. 'Uthman was persecuted and tortured for the sake of Allah at the hands of his paternal uncle Al-Hakam Ibn Abi'l-'Aas Ibn Umayyah who caught him and tied him up, and said: "Will you turn away from the religion of your forefathers for a new religion?

By Allah, I will not let you go until you give up this religion." 'Uthman said: "By Allah, I will never give it up or leave it." When al-Hakam saw his steadfastness in adhering to his religion, he let him go.

The persecution intensified and affected all the Muslims, to such an extent that Yassir and his wife Sumayyah were killed. The Prophet peace be upon him was deeply grieved, and wondered where could the Muslims go? Then the Messenger of Allah thought of Abyssinia and said to the Muslims: "Why don't you go to Abyssinia, for in (that land) there is a righteous king in whose land no one is wronged."

The migration (Hijrah) began, and the Prophet peace be upon him was saddened to see groups of believers sneaking out of  Makkah and travelling by sea. Some left riding, and others left on foot, and they continued marching until they reached the coast of the Red Sea. Then they appointed 'Uthman ibn Maz'oon as their leader and by the grace of Allah they found two ships on which they embarked in return for half a dinar for each person. Quraysh found out about that and they set off in hot pursuit, but when they reached the coast, the two ships had already set sail.

Among those who migrated during the first and second migration to Abyssinia was 'Uthman ibn 'Affan, and on both occasions he was accompanied by his wife Ruqayyah, the daughter of the Messenger of Allah. They arrived in Abyssinia in Rajab in the fifth year after the Prophet's mission began, and they found safety, security and freedom of worship.

The Qur'an speaks of the migration of the early Muslims to Abyssinia, as Allah says:

"And as for those who emigrated for the Cause of Allah, after they had been wronged, We will certainly give them goodly residence in this world, but indeed the reward of the Hereafter will be greater; if they but knew!" (Al-Nahl 16:41)

Al-Qurtubi (may Allah have mercy on him) quoted Qatadah (may Allah have mercy on him) as saying: What is referred to here is the companions of Muhammad who were oppressed by the mushrikeen in Makkah and expelled, until a group of them migrated to Abyssinia, then Allah granted them a place to which to migrate (i.e., Madinah) and granted them supporters from among the believers.

And Allah says:

"Say (O Muhammad) O My slaves who believe (in the Oneness of Allah - Islamic Monotheism),fear your Lord (Allah) and keep your duty to Him. Good is (the reward) for those who do good in this world, and Allah’s earth is spacious (so if you cannot worship Allah at a place, then go to another)! Only those who are patient shall receive their reward in full, without reckoning" (Al-Zumar 39:l0)

Ibn'Abbas & said: This refers to Ja'far ibn Abi Talib and those who went with him to Abyssinia.

This is a big lesson for us today, we feel like our trials and tribulations are so hard but if we compare them to the Prophet and his companions we realise how petty are our trials. We got this deen ready Alhamdulilah, we never had to be prosecuted for our worship. May Allah keep us steadfast and may we constantly remember the sacrifice of the Prophet peace be upon him and these great men may Allah be pleased with them.

Him staying Close to Prophet peace be upon him:

The strongest factor that shaped Uthman's (R.A.) character, brought out his talents and potentials and purified his soul was his keeping company with the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) and studying at his hands. Uthman (R.A.) stayed close to the Prophet (S.A.W.) in Makkah after he became Muslim and stayed close to him in Madinah after he Migrated there.

Uthman (R.A.) tells us how he stayed close to the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) as he said:

"Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, sent Mohammad (S.A.W.) with the truth and revealed the Book to him and I was one of those who responded to Allah and His Messenger (S.A.W.) and believed. I made the two early migrations and I became the son-in-law of the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) and I received guidance directly from him".

Uthman (R.A.) and the Holy Quran:

Uthman (R.A.) was deeply attached to the Holy Quran. It was narrated that Abu Abd Al-Rahman Al-Sulami said:

“Those who taught the Quran, such as Uthman ibn Affan, Abd-Allah ibn Masood and others, told us that when they learned ten verses from the Prophet (S.A.W.), they would not go beyond them until they had learned the knowledge contained in them and how to apply it in deed. They said: So we learned the Quran and knowledge and its application together. Hence they would spend a while to memorize a surah.”

Following sayings of Uthman (R.A.) clearly show his attachment and love for the Holy Quran:.

“If our hearts were pure, we would never have our fill of the words of Allah, may He be glorified and exalted.”

“I would not like the day to come when I do not look in the Covenant of Allah (i.e. Holy Quran).”

"Three worldly things have been made dear to me: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and reading the Quran.

“There are four things which are outwardly virtues, but in reality are obligations: mixing with righteous people is a virtue and following their example is a duty, reading Quran is a virtue and acting upon it is a duty, visiting the graves is a virtue and preparing for death is a duty and visiting the sick person is a virtue and asking him to make a will is a duty.”

“Ten things are the greatest waste of time: a scholar whom no one asks about, knowledge that is not acted upon, sound advice that is not accepted, a weapon that is not used, a Mosque that is not prayed in, a Mus-haf (Quran) that is not read from, wealth from which nothing is spent (in charity), a horse that is not ridden, knowledge of asceticism in the heart of one who is seeking worldly gain and a long life in which no preparation is made for the journey (into the Hereafter).”

Utman (R.A.) was Hafiz of Quran (memorization of Quran) and he read Quran all the time. Uthman (R.A.) recited the entire Quran back to Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) before he died.

'Uthman & was hafidh of Quran, and he read Quran all the time. He was asked about that and he said: "It is blessed and was brought by a blessed one." When 'Uthman died, his Mus-haf was worn out because he had read from it so much.

The wife of 'Uthman said on the day when he was besieged:

"Either kill him or leave him alone, for by Allah, he would recite the whole Qur'an in one rak'ah when praying qeyam al-layl.

The words of Allah:

"Is one who is obedient to Allah, prostrating himself or standing (in prayer) during the hours of the night, fearing the Hereafter and hoping for the Mercy of his Lord (like one who disbelieves)?

Say: "Are those who know equal to those who know not?"It is only men of understanding who will remember (i .e. get a lesson

from Allah's Signs and Verses)" (Az-Zumar 39:9) – were fulfilled in him.

His Migration to Medinah:

Uthman (R.A.) and his wife, Ruqayya (R.A.), were among the Muslims to migrate to Medinah. Upon arrival, Uthman (R.A) stayed with Abu Talha ibn Thabit (R.A.) before moving into the house he purchased a short time later.

After the Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) had settled in Madinah, he started establishing the foundations of Islamic State. Uthman (R.A.) was one of the pillars of the Islamic State and he did not withhold any advice, opinion or wealth. He was also present at every major event except the battle of Badr.

Battle of Badr and Death of his Wife:

When the Muslims went out to fight the Battle of Badr, Uthman’s (R.A.) wife Ruqayyah (R.A.) was sick and was confined to her bed at the time when his father Mohammad (S.A.W.) called on the Muslims to intercept the caravan of Quraish. Uthman (R.A.) hastened to go out with the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) but he (S.A.W.) did not allowed Uthman (R.A.) to go with them and ordered him to stay with Ruqayyah (R.A.) and nurse her by saying:

“You [Uthman (R.A.)] will receive the same reward and share (of the booty) as anyone of those who participated in the battle of Badr (if you stay with her).” (Bukhari: 3699)

Uthman (R.A.) obeyed willingly and stayed with his wife Ruqayyah (R.A.). When she breathed her last breaths, she was longing to see her Father (S.A.W.) who had gone out to Badr. She departed this life but she did not get to see her Father (S.A.W.) because he was in Badr with his noble Companions (R.A.), striving to make the word of Allah supreme, and he did not attend her burial. Her grieving husband, Uthman (R.A.), buried his beloved wife in Al-Baqee (sacred graveyard of Muslims near Masjid Al-Nabawi in Madinah). After returning victories from the Battle of Badr, Messenger (S.A.W.) learned about the death of his daughter Ruqayyah (R.A.), he went out to Al-Baqee and stood over the grave of his daughter and prayed for forgiveness for her.

His Marriage to Umm Kulthoom (R.A.) and her death:

After the death of Ruqayyah (R.A.), Prophet Mohammad peace be upon him married his daughter Umm Kulthum (R.A.) to Uthman (R.A.) in 3 AH. As per sources, her real name was Umayyah and she was older than Fatima (R.A.).

As narrated by Abu Hurairah (R.A.) that Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) stood at the door of Masjid Al-Nabawi and said:

“O Uthman, Jibreel has told me that Allah wants you to marry Umm Kulthoom for a dowry (Mehr) similar to that of Ruqayyah and to treat her with similar kindness.” (Ibn Majah: 110)

Utman (R.A.) and Umm Kulthoom (R.A.) got married in Jumada Al-Akhirah, 3 AH. After three days of their marriage, Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) paid visit to her daughter and asked:

“O my daughter, how did you find your husband (i-e Uthman)?” She said: “The best of husbands.”

Umm Kulthoom (R.A.) stayed with Uthman (R.A.) until her death in Shaban, 9 AH. Prophet peace be upon him offered the funeral prayer for her. Uthman (R.A.) was deeply grieved by the loss of Umm Kulthoom (R.A.) and Prophet peace be upon him saw Uthman (R.A.) walking broken-hearted with signs of grief were on his face. He (S.A.W.) came to Uthman (R.A.) and said:

“O Uthman, if we had a third one, we would give her in marriage to you.”

This is inductive of the love of the Prophet Mohammad peace be upon him for Uthman (R.A.) and of Uthman’s (R.A.) loyalty and respect towards his Prophet peace be upon him.

The death of 'Abd-Allah ibn 'Uthman &

In Jumada al-Oola of 4 AH, 'Abd-Allah, the son of 'Uthman from Ruqayyah the daughter of the Messenger of Allah &, died when he was six years old. The Messenger of Allah offered the funeral prayer for him and his father 'Uthman went down in his grave to receive his body and lay him to rest. This was a great trial for 'Uthman, and how many are the trials in the lives of those who call people to Allah.

His Contribution for the Islamic State:

Uthman (R.A.) was one of the richest of those on whom Allah Had bestowed wealth. He used his wealth in obedience of Allah. He always first to do good and spent and he did not fear poverty. Among the many examples of his spending are the following:

Before the arrival of the Prophet &, no one could drink from Bi'r Roomah except in return for payment. When the Muhjiroon came to Madinah, they did not like the water. A man from Banu Ghifar had a well called Roomah and he used to sell water from it by the bucketful. The Prophet said: "Will you sell it in return for a spring in Paradise?" He said: O Messenger of Allah, my family and I do not have anything else. News of that reached 'Uthman and he bought it for Twenty thousand dirhams, then he came to the Prophet & and said: Will you promise me in return for it the same as you promised him? He said: "Yes." He said: Then I give it to the Muslims.

And it was said that Roomah was a spring that belonged to a Jew who used to sell its water to the Muslims, then 'Uthman ibn Affan bought it from the Jew for twenty thousand dirhams and donated it for the rich and poor and wayfarers.

Expansion of the Prophet's Mosque:

After the Messenger of Allah peace be upon him built his mosque in Madinah, the Muslims would gather there to offer the five daily prayers and to Listen to the speeches of the Prophet in which he would issue commands and prohibitions, and they learned about their religion in the mosque. They would set out from the mosque for their campaigns and return to it when they came back. Hence the mosque became too small for the people, and the Prophet peace be upon him asked some of the Sahabah to buy the land next to the mosque so that the mosque could be expanded and made big enough to accommodate all the people. He said:

'Who will buy the land of so and so and add it to the mosque in return for something good for him in Paradise?""'

'Uthman ibn 'Affan bought it with his own money for twenty-five thousand dirhams, or for twenty thousand, then it was added to the mosque, which then became large enough to accommodate the Muslims.

Tabook and the generosity of 'Uthman

In 9 AH, Heraclius turned his attention towards Arabia, seeking to attack it and absorb it into his empire. He ordered his troops to prepare and await his instructions to advance. News of that reached the Messenger and he told his companions to prepare for jihad. It was a blazing hot summer and the country was suffering drought and hardship. Even though the Muslims could, by their faith, withstand the brutal heat and set out for jihad across the burning sands of the desert, where would they get the equipment that they needed for jihad?

The Messenger peace be upon him urged them to donate, and each person gave what he could afford. The women brought their jewellery to the Messenger of Allah and he used it to help prepare the army, but these donations could not help much with the huge requirements of the army. The Messenger of Allah looked at the huge ranks of men who were preparing for battle and he said: "Who will equip them and Allah will forgive him?"

No sooner had 'Uthman heard this call of the Messenger of Allah but he hastened to seek the forgiveness and pleasure of Allah and thus this pressing need was met by the generosity of Uthman.

He supplied the army's every need, down to the last rope and bridle.

Ibn Shihab az-Zuhri said: 'Uthman supplied the army of Tabook with nine hundred and forty camels, and sixty horses to bring the number to one thousand. 'Uthman brought ten thousand dinars to equip the army and placed the money before the Messenger of Allah & and the Messenger peace be upon him began turning it over with his hand, saying:

"No deed can harm 'Uthman after today" twice.

'Uthman was the one who spent the most on this campaign.

'Abd al-Rahman ibn Habbab spoke of the spending of 'Uthman when he said: I was present with the Prophet peace be upon him when he was urging the people to spend on the army of Tabook. 'Uthman ibn 'Affan stood up and said: "O Messenger of Allah, I pledge to give two hundred camels with their saddles and equipment for the sake of Allah."  Then the Prophet peace be upon him urged the people to spend on the army and Uthman ibn 'Affan stood up and said: "O Messenger of Allah, I pledge to give three hundred camels with their saddles and equipment for the sake of Allah." I saw the Messenger of Allah peace be upon him coming down from the minbar, saying:

"Nothing could ham 'Uthman, no matter what he does after’’

Ahadeeth of the Messenger peace be upon him about 'Uthman ibn Affan

 It was narrated that Abu Moosa & said: I was with the Prophet peace be upon him in one of the gardens of Madinah when a man came and asked for the gate to be opened. The Prophet peace be upon him said: "Open the gate for him and give him the glad tidings of Paradise." I opened the gate and saw it was Abu Bakr, and I gave him the glad tidings of what the Messenger of Allah had said, and he praised Allah.

 Then another man asked for the gate to be opened, and the Prophet peace be upon him said: "Open the gate for him and give him the glad tidings of Paradise." I opened the gate and saw it was 'Umar, and I gave him the glad tidings of the Messenger of Allah had said, and he praised Allah.

Then another man asked for the gate to be opened, and (the Prophet peace upon him said: "Open the gate for him and give him the glad tidings of Paradise in return for a calamity that will befall him." It was 'Uthman, and I told him what the Messenger of Allah peace be upon him, had said, and he praised Allah, then he said: Allah is the One Whose help I seek.

This hadeeth speaks of the virtue of the three men mentioned, namely Abu Bakr, 'Umar and 'Uthman, and states that they are among the people of Paradise. It also speaks of the virtue of Abu Moosa, and shows that it is permissible to praise a man to his face if there is no worry about self admiration and the like. And it contains an obvious miracle, in that the Prophet peace be upon him foretold the calamity that would befall 'Uthman, and that all three would persevere in faith and guidance.

It was narrated that Anas & said: The Prophet peace be upon him climbed Uhud, accompanied by Abu Bakr, 'Umar and 'Uthman, and (the mountain) shook. He said:

"Be still, O Uhud," and I think he struck it with his foot - "for there is no one on you but a Prophet, a siddeeq and two martyrs.

'Be calm for there is no one on you but a Prophet, a Siddeeq And two martyr'

The modesty of 'Uthman:

It was narrated from Yahya ibn Sa'eed ibn Al-'Aas that Sa'eed

ibn al-'Aas told him that 'Aa'ishah the wife of the Prophet peace be upon and 'Uthman peace be upon him told him that Abu Bakr asked for permission to enter upon the Messenger of Allah peace be upon him when he was lying down on his bed, wrapping himself in the cover of 'Aa'ishah. He gave permission to Abu Bakr (to enter) when he was like that, and he fulfilled his need then he went away. Then 'Umar asked for permission to enter and he gave him permission (to enter) when he was like that, and he fulfilled his need then he went away.

'Uthman said: Then I asked permission to enter and he sat up and said to 'Aa'ishah: "Cover yourself properly."

I fulfilled my need then I went away. 'Aa'ishah said: O Messenger of Allah, why did I not see you stirring for Abu Bakr and 'Umar as you did for 'Uthman? The Messenger of Allah peace be upon him said: " 'Uthman is a shy man, and I was afraid that if I gave him permission to enter when I was in that state, he would not tell me of his need. "

The shyness of the angels before 'Uthman:

It was narrated from Abu Salamah ibn 'Abd al-Rahmh that

'Aa'ishah said: The Messenger of Allah was lying down in my house with his thigh or shin uncovered. Abu Bakr asked for permission to enter and he let him in whilst he was in that state, and he spoke to him. Then 'Umar asked for permission to enter and he let him in whilst he was in that state, and he spoke to him.

Then 'Uthman asked for permission to enter and the Messenger of Allah sat up and straightened his garment - Muhammad (one of the narrators) said: I do not say that this all happened on one day - and he came in and he spoke to him. When he left, 'Aa'ishah said: Abu Bakr came in and you did not stir for him, and 'Umar came in and you did not stir for him, then 'UthmSn came in and you sat up and straightened your garment. He said:

"Should I not feel shy before a man before whom the angel feel shy?

Uthman during Caliphate of Abu Bakr (R.A.) and Umar (R.A.):

When Messenger of Allah peace be upon him died in 11 AH (632 AD), Abu Bakr (R.A.) was selected as Caliph. In fact, Uthman (R.A.) was the first person, after Umar (R.A.), to offer his allegiance to Abu Bakr as Caliph. During Wars of Apostasy (Ridda Wars) during caliphate of Abu Bakr, Uthman remained in Madinah and acted as Abu Bakr’s adviser. On his deathbed, Abu Bakr Siddiq dictated his will to Uthman, saying that his successor was to be Umar.

During the caliphate of Umar, the status of Uthman was that of adviser and you could say that his position was like that of Umar  to Abu Bakr during Abu Bakr’s caliphate.

During Umar caliphate, Uthman set-up the system of keeping records of wealth spent and earned (the Diwan). Uthman was the one who suggested to Umar that he should make the Hijri Year (Islamic Calendar).

Ahadeeth from the Messenger of Allah about the turmoil (Fitnah) during which 'Uthman would he killed:

The Messenger of Allah peace be upon him mentioned some turmoil and gave the impression that it would soon come to pass. A man passed by with his head covered and the Messenger of Allah said : "On that day this man will be following right guidance." I rushed and grabbed 'Uthman by the (upper) am, then I turned to face the Messenger of Allah and said : This man? He said :"This man ."

It was narrated from Abu Habeebah that he entered the house when 'Uthman was being besieged, and he heard Abu Hurayrah asking permission to speak to Uthman. Permission was given to him, and he stood up and praised Allah, then he said: I heard the Messenger of Allah peace be upon him say:

"You will face turmoil and differences after I am gone – or differences and turmoil." One of the people said to him : Who could help us, O Messenger of Allah? He said: "You should be with the trustworthy one and his companions" And he pointed to 'Uthman as he said it.

It was narrated from Abu Sahlah that 'Aa'ishah said: The Messenger of Allah said:

"Call one of my companions for me."

I said: Abu Bakr? He said: "No." I said: 'Uthman? He said: "Yes." When he came he said (to me): "Move away," then he started to converse with him, and 'Uthman's colour changed.

When he was besieged in his house, we said: O Ameer Al-Mu'mineen, will you not fight? He said: No. The Messenger of Allah peace be upon him gave me some advice and I am going to persevere with it.

This hadeeth shows the deep love that the Messenger of Allah had for 'Uthman and how great was his concern for the welfare of the ummah after he was gone. He told him things that had to do with this turmoil that would end with his death, and he urged him to keep it secret, so that all that we know about it is what 'Uthman stated during the turmoil, when it was said to him:

Will you not fight? And he said: No. The Messenger of Allah peace be upon him gave me some advice and I am going to persevere with it.

From these words of his it is clear that the Prophet peace be upon him taught him the correct attitude when turmoil breaks out, which will stop the turmoil spreading further. In some reports there is additional statement which reveals some of the contents of this secret conversation, and states that the Prophet peace be upon him said to him: "If they ask you to shed the shirt with which Allah has clothed you (i.e.the caliphate), do not do it." The content of the advice mentioned by Uthman had to do with the turmoil and encouragement to be patient and not give up the caliphate, and the hadeeth indicated that he would be caliph one day.

His Appointment as Caliph and Successor of Umar (R.A.):

Umar ibn Al-Kattab on his death bed formed a committee of six people to choose the next Caliph from amongst themselves. This  committee was: Ali bin Abi Talib, Uthman  ibn Affan, Abdur Rahman bin Awf, Saad ibn Abi Waqqas , Al-Zubayrm and Talhah. Majority of the people favored the election of Uthman .  On the fourth day after the death of Umar   in 23 AH, Uthman was elected as the third Caliph with the title ‘Amir Al-Muminin’ (The Prince of the Believers).

When the oath of allegiance was sworn to Uthman as caliph, he stood before the people and declared his approach to ruling, explaining that he would follow the guidelines of the Quran and Sunnah and follow in the footsteps of the two Caliphs [i.e., Abu Bakr and Umar. He also stated that he was going to run the people's affairs with forbearance and wisdom, but he would accept no compromise with regard to punishments that must be carried out. Then, he warned  them against feeling content with worldly things and being tempted  by worldly trivia, lest that lead them to compete with one another and stir up grudges and resentment among them, which would in turn lead to division and disunity.

His imitation of the Messenger of Allah in doing wudoo:

It was narrated from Hamran ibn Aban that 'Uthman ibn Affan called for water and he did wudoo', rinsing his mouth and nose, then washing his face three times, then his forearms three times each, then wiping his head and the tops of his feet. Then he smiled and said to his companions: Are you not going to ask me why I am smiling? 

They said: Why are you smiling, O Ameer Al Mu'mineen? 

He said: I saw the Messenger of Allah peace be upon him calling for water near this spot, then he did wudoo' as I have done, then he smiled and said:

"Are you not going to ask me why am I smiling?"

They said: Why are you smiling, O Messenger of Allah? He said: "If a person calls for water for wudoo', and washes his face, Allah will erase every sin caused by his face. When he washes his forearms, the same applies. When he wipes his head, the same applies, and when he cleans his feet, the same applies.

A word of sincerity and a word of piety

'Uthman said: I heard the Messenger of Allah say:

"I know a word which no person says sincerely, from the heart, but he will be forbidden to the Fire ."

'Umar ibn al-Khattab said to him: I will tell you what it is. It is the word of sincerity to which Allah will cause Muhammad  peace be upon him and his companions to adhere, and it is the word of piety which the Prophet of Allah urged his uncle Abu Talib to say when he was dying: the testimony that there is no God but Allah.

Easygoing nature

It was narrated from 'Ata' ibn Farrookh, the freed slave of Quraysh, that Uthman bought some land from a man, then the man changed his mind and did not complete the deal. 'Uthman met him and said: Why are you not taking the money? He said: You did not give me the right price and everyone whom I met criticised me. He said: Is that why you don't want to go ahead with it? He said: Yes. He said: Choose between the land and the money. Then he said: The Messenger of Allah peace be upon said:

"Allah admitted to Paradise a man who was easygoing in buying and selling, both when paying of his debts and when asking people to pay him what they owed him."[''This is a sublime example of being easygoing in buying and selling which indicates that 'Uthman  was of a noble nature and was not deeply attached to this world; he scorned worldly gain in the interests of good manners, the most important of which was selflessness, for being selfish could have made him give his own interests precedence even if that harmed others.

Forgive

It was narrated from 'Imran ibn 'Abd-Allah ibn Talhah that 'Uthman ibn 'Affan   went out to pray Fajr and he entered through the door through which he usually entered, and another man pushed and shoved at the door. He said: See who it is. They looked and found that it was a man who had a dagger or sword with him. 'Uthman said to him: What is this? He said: I wanted to kill you. He said: Subhana Allah, woe to you! Why do you want to kill me? He said: Your governor wronged me in Yemen. He said: Why didn't you complain to me about your mistreatment?

Then if I did not help you or settle the score for you, you could decide to kill me. He said to those who were around him: What do you think? They said: O Ameer al-Mu'mineen, he is an enemy over whom Allah has given you power.

He said: He is a person who thought of a sin but Allah protected me from him. Bring me someone who will guarantee that you will not enter Madinah again so long as I am the ruler of the Muslims. So he brought a man of his own people who gave that guarantee, and he let him go.

This is a great example of tolerance on the part of the caliph 'Uthman ibn 'Affan, as he forgave a man who wanted to kill him.

Forgiveness when one is able to take revenge is one of the qualities of perfection in a man, and it indicates that he has risen above his ego, has rid himself of selfishness and has few ties with this world, being strongly tied to the Hereafter instead. In addition to it being a righteous deed, this characteristic also raises a person in status in the Hereafter, and is a wise approach in this world, because if this man who had wanted to attack him was killed or punished, that may have caused turmoil, stirring up hatred in the hearts of his fellow-tribesmen, and they may have decided to take revenge whenever the opportunity arose. But forgiving him would lead to his fellow-tribesmen rebuking him for what he had tried to do, thus the turmoil was nipped in the bud. The one who is forbearing is able to win people's hearts.

Highlights of His Reign as Caliph:

Uthman’s (R.A.) achievements, during his reign as Caliph, are so many. Following are some highlights of his accomplishments during the tenure of his Caliphate (Khilafat):.

Conquest: The most important works of Uthman (R.A.) are the conquest of Murrow, Turkey and the expansion of the  Islamic  State.  In addition  to the  conquest of Alexandria and  then Armenia, Caucasus, Khurasan, Kerman, Sajistan, Africa, and Cyprus.

Expansion of Prophet’s Mosque: Uthman (R.A.) expanded the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid Al-Nabawi) in 29-30 AH and has established the first Islamic fleet to protect the Muslim beaches from the attacks of Byzantines.

Compilation of the Quran: 

One of the most important achievements of  Uthman (R.A.) is  the  compilation of  the Holy Quran, which was started in the caliphate of Abu Bakr Siddiq (R.A.).

Hudhaifah (R.A.) was very alarmed by the differences in the recitation of Quran of Syrian and Iraqi people. So Hudhaifah (R.A.) said to Uthman (R.A.):

“O Prince of Believers, save this nation before they differ concerning the Book (Quran) as the Jews and the Christians did.”

Uthman (R.A.) said:

"Send us the manuscript so that we may make copies of it, then we will return it to you".

So Hafsah (R.A.), with whom the original manuscript of Quran was safe, sent it to Uthman (R.A.) and he ordered four of the Companions (R.A.) to make copies of it. They did that until they had made many  copies then Uthman (R.A.) returned the manuscript to Hafsah (R.A.) and he sent a copied Book (Mushaf i-e Quran) to every reign and ordered that all other Quranic material, other than the sent copies, whether it was manuscripts or entire copies, be burnt.

Sedition:

 At the end of his reign and due to the expansion of Islamic conquests and the presence of recent Muslims who did not absorb the spirit of order and obedience, enemies of Islam, led by Jews, started to foment civil strife to undermine the unity of Muslims and their state. They raise suspicions about the policy of Uthman (R.A.) and incited the people in Egypt, Kufa, and Basra to revolt. They deceived their followers to implement their plan and met the caliph and asked him to give up. Uthman (R.A.) called them to the meeting in the mosque with senior Companions (R.A.) and other people of the city and he refuted their unreliable gossips, and he answered their questions and pardoned them. Thus, they returned  to their country but they concealed malevolence and promised to come back to the city to carry out their plots, which were embellished by the Jew Abdullah bin Saba, who pretended Islam.

His Martyrdom:

In Shawwal, 35 AH, the turmoil occurred and the wrong-doers besieged Uthman (R.A.) in his home (forty days) and prevented him from praying in the mosque and even from water. But when he saw some of the Companions (R.A.) that had prepared to fight them he prevented that fight as he did not want to drop the blood of a Muslim for his own sake. Then the conspirators broke into his house from the back (from the house of Abu Hazm Al-Ansari) and attacked him as he was reading the Holy Quran. His wife Naila (R.A.) attempted to protect him, but they beat her with the sword, cutting off her fingers. The rebels killed him (R.A.) and his blood spelled onto the Quran. He was martyred on the 18th of Dhul-Hijjah 35AH (17 June, 656 AD), and he was buried at Al-Baqee [sacred graveyard of Muslims near Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid Al-Nabawi)] in Madinah.

May Allah have mercy on Uthman ibn Affan (R.A.) and be pleased with him and assembles us among his company.