The Features Of Mercy In Islam

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THE FEATURES OF MERCY IN ISLAM COMPILED BY MUHAMMAD JALAL RAZA (Indian) Graduate Nizamia University Hyderabad Deccan B. A. Al Azhar University Cairo M. PHIL. Islamic Philosophy Dept. Cairo University Egypt Forwarded By PROFESSOR DR.ALI GOMAA MUHMMAD GRAND MUFTI OF EGYPT

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Table of Contents Chapter First MUHAMMAD A MERCY FOR THE UNIVERSE Preface by Dr. Ali Gomaa, The Grand Mufti of Egypt... 8 Preface by Dr. Basheer Ahmad Director (ICCR) Embassy of India, Cairo……………………………………………….10 Preface by Sayed Ahmad Imam Bukhari……………….....10 Principal of Pakistan International School, Cairo Preface, by the compiler …………………………………..16          

The Pre-Islamic Days……………………………..20 His Birth Upbringing Appearance and physique…22 His Dress and Way of Living……………................24 His Way of Eating……………………………….... 26 The Reason of His Simplicity……………………….29 His Cleanliness …………………………………….31 His Truthfulness and Honesty……………………….33 His Jest and Humor ………………………………..35 His Modesty and His Sincerity………………………38 The Mercy of the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and his blessings be upon him) in Inflicting a Punishment…………………………...…43  The Mercy Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) and The Dignity of Women………………………………………………46  His Tenderheartedness………………………………50  Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) The Gifted Mercy………………………..53  His Patience And Tolerance………………………...56  The Mercy of the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) when He Taught..........................................63 2

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 The Rays of Mercy in His Farewell Sermon………… 67 Chapter Second Features of Mercy in Qur’an and Sunnah  The Word of Mercy in Islam…………………………73  The Word of Peace in Islam………………………….74  The Mercy of Islam upon the Child…………………..76  The Mercy of Islam upon the Orphan……………….87  The Mercy of Islam upon the Woman……………….90  The Mercy of Islam upon the Old…………………..100  The Mercy of Islam upon the Needy and Helpless..102  The Mercy of Islam upon the Slave and Servant.108 The Mercy of Islam upon the Neighbour……...112

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 The Mercy of Islam upon the Living Thing…..…115  The Mercy of Islam upon Non-Muslim………....120  The Mercy and Jihad in Islam……………….…127  The Mercy and Islamic Punishments…………....131  The Mercy of Islam upon the Sinner……………136  The Mercy and Main Objectives of Islam………145  The Mercy and Flexibility in Islamic Shari’ah……148

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Chapter Third Some False Accusations and Their Logic Answers  Was Islam Spread by Sword?..............................160  Why Has Islam Forbidden a Muslim Woman to Get Married with a Non-Muslim Man?.............................165 Why Did the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah

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and His blessings be upon him) Got Married More Than Four Women ?.......167  Why Does a Muslim Woman in Islam Gets Half Share in Inheritance Compared with Man?.....................169 Why Is a Muslim Man Permitted to Marry More Than One Wife?..........................................................................170

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MUHAMMAD—A MERCY FOR THE UNIVERSE

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Chapter One MUHAMMAD A MERCY FOR THE UNIVERSE. PREFACE

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The Pre-Islamic Days His Birth Upbringing Appearance and Physique His Dress and Way of living His Way of Eating The Reason of His Simplicity His Cleanliness His Silver Ring His Jest and Humor His Truthfulness and Honesty His Modesty and His Sincerity The Mercy of the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and his blessings be upon him) in Inflicting a Punishment The Mercy Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) and the Dignity of Women His Tenderheartedness Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) The Gifted Mercy His Patience And Tolerance The Mercy of the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) when He Taught The Rays of Mercy in his Farewell Sermon

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You have been created free from all imperfections; it seems that you have been created as you have liked. My eye has never seen more handsome, more lovely than you. Nor any woman has given birth to more good looking and more graceful than you. —Hassan Bin Thabit, the poet companion of the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah be pleased with him)

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Foreword Dr. Ali Gomaa The Grand Mufti of Egypt In Islam mercy starts with the Creator and is bestowed by Him to every living creature. The often-quoted attributes of Allah in Islam are that of Al-Rahman and Al-Rahim which mean “The Most Gracious“ and “The Most Merciful.“ These two attributes are mentioned in a phrase recited at the beginning of each chapter of the Qur’an: “In the name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful.” This phrase is a continuous reminder of Allah’s endless mercy and great bounties. One of the first things that we Muslims teach our children is the words of Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) “The merciful are shown mercy by the all merciful, show mercy to those on earth and He Who is in heaven will show mercy unto you.” Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) was sent as a gift of mercy for the entire humanity. Allah states about Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him): “We have not sent thee except as a mercy to the worlds” (21:107). 8

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Mercy, compassion, and love have been the underlying foundations upon which both life and civilization have been built.

For this reason, I welcome the contribution of Br.

Muhammad Jalal Raza. It is a timely book about the merciful character of Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) at a time in which global communities are passing through crucial ethical problems. I am sure that this book will be welcomed by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike, and I pray Allah to reward the author immensely for his unfailing and most appreciated efforts to serve Islam and to defend the honor and noble character of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him). Dr. Ali Gomaa The Grand Mufti of Egypt 21/10/07

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Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture (ICCR) Embassy of India, Cairo The book entitled The Features of Mercy in Islam by Muhammad Jalal Raza is a simple and lucid book on the quality of mercy to be shown among all creatures, including human beings. Mercy in real sense covers all tender human qualities of compassion, pity, forgiveness, kindness, sympathy, understanding, clemency, leniency, and benevolence. The author has, in his first chapter of the book, extensively covered almost all life aspects of the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him), who was an embodiment and incarnation of mercy and compassion through out his life. His second chapter deals with the importance and value of mercy in Islam and how it calls upon its followers to practice mercy and forgiveness in different stages of life and within different sections of society. He devotes his third chapter to dispelling wrong notions and misunderstandings about Islam and its Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him). 10

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I believe that Mr. Mohammad Jalal Raza has made a sincere attempt through this book to project Islam in a right way and at a right time. And I hope that his book will be well received by the reading public. I am pleased with him for having written and published such a good and useful book. I look forward to seeing more of his academic and research productions in future. Dr. Basheer Ahmad Director Moulana Azad Center for Indian Culture Cairo 06/12/07

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Preface By Sayed Ahmad Imam Bukhari Principal of Pakistan International School, Cairo. I am, in any capacity, no authority to write preface to a book that is about the most sublime personality of this universe for all ages. It is humanly impossible to write about the greatest of all prophets possessing countless attributes. Allah Almighty has praised him throughout in the Holy Qur’an. I will quote only from two verses: ‫وما أرسلناك إل رحمة للعالمين‬. a) We sent you not, but as a mercy for the whole universe. (Surah 21:Al Anbiya 107)

b) ‫لقد من ا على المؤمنين إذ بعث فيهم رسول من أنفسهم يتلو عليهم آياته‬ ‫ويزكيهم‬ ‫ويعلمهم الكتاب والحكمة وإن كانوا من قبل لفي ضلل مبين‬. 12

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Allah verily hath shown grace to the believers by sending unto them a messenger of them who reciteth unto them His revelation and causeth them to grow and teacheth them to Scripture and wisdom, although before (he came to them) they were in flagrant error. (Surah 3 Ali Imran164) All aspects of his life are evidence of his sublime and charismatic character. In this respect, the attempt of Mr. Muhammad Jalal Raza, my friend and an intelligent research scholar of Cairo University, to present The Features of Mercy in Islam is quite commendable. The objective is to give room to the light of truth among dark clouds of prejudice, hatred, and negative propaganda about Islam, the Holy Qur’an, and Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him). In this regard, I would like to quote from some prominent scholars who were non-Muslims but were seekers of truth. Let us see what they say. 

George Barnard Shaw says about him: “I have studied him—the wonderful man and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ—he must be called the Savior of the Humanity“1

(The Genuine Islam by Sir G.B.Shaw)

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Michael H. Hart in his book Ratings of Men ranked Muhammad first in the list. He says: “My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels.“

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Lamar Tine, the renowned historian, speaking on the essentials of human greatness wonders: “If greatness and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who would dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad“ and “As regards all the standards by which Human Greatness my be measured, we may well ask, Is there any greater than H.E.“2

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Edward Gibbon and Simon Ockley, speaking on the profession of Islam, write, “ 'I believe in one God, and Mohamet, an apostle of God' is the simple and invariable profession of Islam. The intellectual image of the Deity has never been degraded by any visible idol, the honor of the Prophet has never transgressed the measure of human

( Historie de la Turquie,Paris 1854).

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virtues, and his living precepts have restrained the gratitude of his disciples within the bounds of reason and religion.“3 Mahatma Gandhi, speaking on the charter of

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Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) says in Young India, “I wanted to know the best of one who holds today's undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind . . . I became more than convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted ever obstacle.“ Thomas Carlyle in his book Heroes and Hero Worship

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was simply amazed as to “How one man single-handedly, could weld warring tribes and wandering Bedouins into a most powerful and civilized nation in less than two decades.” ( History of Saracen Empires, London, 1870)

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And said: “The lies (Western slander) which well-meaning zeal has heaped round this man (Muhammad) are disgraceful to ourselves only” and “A silent great soul, one of that who cannot but be earnest. He was Kindle the World, the World's maker had ordered so.” With these few praiseworthy texts, eminent scholars of their time invite all those who are seeking truth to shun their prejudices against Islam and Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) and to check for themselves what is right and what is wrong.

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Preface By The compiler All praise is for Allah, the Sustainer of the worlds. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon Muhammad, the chief of the prophets and messengers, his offspring, companions, as well as upon those who follow his footsteps until the Day of Judgment. Respective readers! This is a concise introduction intended to remind the people about the noble character of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) and to introduce his good manners in order to motivate the agonized human being of this age to be adorned with the ethics of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) and to adhere to his exemplary manners.

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How great is our need for his nobility of character! This can be judged by the sufferings of the human beings of the present day. They would be saved from their pains and agonies by his nobleness. They would be able to enjoy the real happiness and bliss of this world and the Hereafter after coming under his shelter. These moral values have endured for centuries after centuries—the source of bliss and dignity for all people irrespective of faith, religion, color, race, or caste. Undoubtedly, the present circumstances of the world impose upon us the duty of defending the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him). However, now more than ever before the need is great to present and introduce the greatness of the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) to those who are unacquainted with his loftiness and dignity. Islam is the only one religion among the most famous religions of the world that possesses the important elements of love, unity, and fraternity that are sure to create the harmony, cooperation, and peaceful living among the followers of different religions. For example, the present Judaism cannot lead the world because it dishonors Prophet Jesus (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him), and his mother Mary (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon her). On the other hand, it does not accept the prophethood of Prophet 18

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Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him). In addition, Christianity also cannot create a peaceful atmosphere of love and coexistence among the pluralistic societies of the world because it does not accept the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) as an Apostle. However, Islam undoubtedly can guarantee the mutual regard and peaceful atmosphere among all people: It accepts Moses (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) as a respective prophet and asserts that he received a Divine book (the Torah). Islam also believes in Jesus (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) as an honored Prophet of Allah and in Mary (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon her) as a truthful, honest, chaste, and pure slave of Allah. Dear reader! It is very clear that the present human societies are passing through the crucial crossroads of history and that the whole of humankind is suffering from religious and ethical decline. Jungle law is prevailing all over the world, and the sublime moral values have no place in our general dealings with each other—on all levels, whether as individuals or in groups. The present generation has no hope; the worth of the human life has no meaning. This is the reason that we are in great need of reviving those lofty moral values in our daily lives. This is the purpose 19

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for which the prophets and messengers (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon them) were sent one by one by Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) until the chain of prophecy was completed and ended upon our Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him). The Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) has explained his goal, saying: “I was sent in order to perfect the nobilities of ethics.” Undoubtedly, good conduct has a very high rank and great importance in Islam. In addition, good behavior has been attached to faith itself in many cases, as it has been in the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him). For example, he said: “Whoever has no honesty (in fact) has no faith.” “Whoever cheats us is not from among us.” “Whoever believes in Allah and the Hereafter must honor his guest.” “He is not a true believer who does not secure his neighbor from his disturbance.” Thus, the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) has emphasized the importance of fair dealing and good conduct. He (May peace of Allah and His

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blessings be upon him) has also called the people to adhere to the nobility of character by his own words and actions. Verily Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) has assigned him to be the example and pattern for the whole of humankind. Furthermore, Allah Himself (Glorified and Exalted be He) educated him. As the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) has said, “My Lord has raised me; that is why He decorated me with good manners and I was brought up properly.” Likewise, he is the role model and the ideal for all humankind in every aspect of human life. He is an ideal husband when he interacts with his wife. He is an ideal father when he deals with his sons and daughters. He is an ideal commander when he commands his forces. He is an ideal planner for a poor when he feels the severity of hunger. He is an ideal worshipper when he worships his Lord. He is an ideal businessman when he buys and sells his goods and services. This introduction aims to present the good manners of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) on different occasions and with different people. I render here my thanks and appreciation to my helping wife Asfia Shereen for her active contribution to this work; in 21

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fact, her efforts cannot be described, but they are deeply felt. I pray the Almighty to bless our two gifted flowers by Allah— Zahra and Sha’ima—and to decorate them with good manners. In addition, I express my regards and thanks to every one who has helped me by any means in this task. Dear reader! It is an honor to present this study in English. I pray to Allah the Almighty to reward the grand Mufti of republic of Egypt professor Dr. Ali Gomaa Muhammad (May Allah bless us with his blessings) for his efforts in introducing the message of the Prophet to people all over the world in different languages. (Ameen) May peace and blessings of Allah be upon the best among His creations, Muhammad, and his offspring, the companions, followers and his lovers.

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The Pre-Islamic Days (Days of Ignorance) The pagans of the Arabian Peninsula during that era were far astray from sound guidance. They worshipped idols, the religion of Prophet Abraham—the worship of one true God— was forgotten, and they even installed idols to worship in the sacred Kaba’ah. The true nature and purity of the Divine revelations was lost. There was no respect for the weak, the orphans, or the widows. Bloodshed was commont, men frequently indulged in drinking, which led them to fight with each other for simple tribal reasons. Sometimes the tribal wars would continue for generations upon generations. Human beings were more brutal and cruel than hyenas. The powerful ate the weak. Tyranny and oppression were regarded as virtuous, and prideful acts were venerated. Adultery and fornication were more common than legal marriages. A father himself would bury his daughters alive. Moral values had no meaning at all; people were unable to legislate laws to rule and govern. They were unable to establish the governing systems that would establish justice among them. Moreover, the right was mixed with wrong, and the good acts were considered to be evil acts. They judged according to their own desires and selfish inclinations. There was no brotherhood among them. Each one was ready to shed his rival's blood. Indeed, there was no Light, and people were 23

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merely wandering in darkness and arrogance—not only the Arabs, but the whole of humankind as well. Humanity was thirsty for a Divine Leader who could take their hands and guide them to a safe coast that would relieve their pain and suffering. Therefore, it is an absolute mercy of Allah who selected as a Messenger among them—Muhammad the pure, chaste, truthful, honest, intelligent, and merciful—to rescue human beings from the bottom of inhumanity and give them the means to rise to the top of leadership of the whole world. Indeed, the coming of our Prophet Muhammad was the dawn after a long night to reestablish monotheism. Allah has mentioned His favor when He guided them to the right path. Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an: “And hold fast, all together, by the rope which Allah (stretches out for you), and be not divided among yourselves and remember with gratitude Allah's favor on you, for ye were enemies and he joined your hearts in love, so that by His Grace, ye became brethren and ye were on the brink of the pit of the fire, and He saved you from it. Thus doth Allah make His signs clear to you: That ye may be guided“ (3:103).

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His Birth, Upbringing, Appearance, and Physique Our leader Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him and his offspring), was born an orphan on Monday 12th of Rabiul Awwal, coinciding with the 29th of August, 570 A.D. His father Abd’ullah died before his birth, and his mother Amina, daughter of Wahab, died when he was six years old, followed by his grandfather's death two years later. In fact, Allah willed that Muhammad would be raised and brought up under His sight and care. Moreover, he would learn how he put his trust in Allah only and to submit himself to his Lord in crises facing him during his missionary life. Thus, he suffered the pain of his father's death followed with his mother's death; therefore, he learned how to face different kinds of agonies and difficulties, and he was prepared to be the teacher of the whole humankind.4 His physical structure was medium, neither tall nor short. His blessed head was large in size; his face was slightly round; his forehead was wide; his eyebrows were very close to each other, separated by a vein that would redden and expand whenever he became angry. 4Encyclopedia of Islam Supreme Council Cairo

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The color of his blessed eyes was a beautifully black, surrounded by white with redness. His beautiful eyelashes were fairly long. He had a nicely arched nose. His blessed mouth looked beautiful; his gums and shining white teeth added to the beauty; his teeth had natural gaps between them, and this added much to his handsomeness.5 His blessed beard was fairly thick. His hair was fairly wavy. His blessed arms were fairly long; his shanks were fairly thin. Biceps were strong, and his muscles were bound. His face was fair. He had no sign of limpness in his body.6 Whenever he became angry, his face would turn red.7 And if he felt sadness, he would touch his blessed beard frequently. When he spoke, he waved his whole palm. And whenever he was surprised at something, he would turn his palm. If he was absorbed in speaking, he put his left thumb in his right palm, and if he saw something that was not pleasing, he would turn away his face from it. Whenever he sneezed, he covered his face. Sometimes he would laugh until his incisors could be seen. He smiled more than any other person.

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5 At-Tirmizi 64 At-Tirmizi 7Al-Byhaqi

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His Dress and Way of Living The most favorite garment of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) was the robe. He had a robe made of cotton with sleeves that covered his wrists, and it was long, extending down near his ankles.8 He wore a woolen garment,9 the cheapest cloth at that time, and his dress was rough and uncomfortable. At times he repaired his own shoes and patched his garment by himself.10 He rode a donkey.11 He had a straw mat upon which he slept at night, and during the daytime he unfolded it to sit upon it.12 He slept on the straw mat, and it left marks on his blessed body from its toughness. Sometimes he slept on a cloak double folded. Once his wife Hafsa (May Allah be pleased with her) folded that cloak four times, and when he slept on it, he fell into deep sleep due to its softness and thickness until his midnight prayer (Tahajjud) was missed. So he stopped Hafsa (May Allah be

8At-Tirmizi 9Al-Bukhari 10Musnad Ahmad 11Zad u L Ma'ad 12Al-Bayhaqi

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pleased with her) from doing so; the next time he ordered her to return it to its original condition. Once a woman of Al-Ansar saw his rough straw mat and gifted him a mattress stuffed with coir and covered with leather. The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) ordered Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) to return it to the woman. He even emphasized it three times. “I didn't return it until he ordered me three times. Since I liked a mattress of this kind for the Messenger of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him),” as Sayyidah Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) stated.13 The reason behind this austerity by Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) was to keep himself far from the luxurious life, although Aisha preferred it eagerly. And, whenever he slept, he put his hand below his head, and he slept on his right side.14 Note: The Prophet of Allah (May peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) never liked poverty, nor did he prefer it. His voluntarily ascetic life was neither incidental nor meaningless. Because he used to say in his supplication to Allah “I take 13Al-Bayhaqi 14Al-Bukhari

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refuge of Allah from the inseparable hunger” he was able to possess the whole wealth of all Arabic Peninsula in his hand. Moreover, he always gave generously. A Bedouin described his generosity, saying: “He gives openheartedly such as, the generous that fears no poverty at all.”15

15Al Mojam As Saghir.

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His Way of Eating He would not turn back whatever was available and would not cause to be a burden that which was not present. Whenever any permissible and delicious food was offered to him, he would eat happily. If he did not like the food, he would leave it without prohibiting. He never disgraced any kind of food if he felt the desire for it. He would eat, and otherwise he would leave.16 He loved sweet and cold drink,17 and he liked dates. He ate watermelon with ripe dates and cucumbers with salt. In the month of Ramadan he broke his fast with ripe dates. If ripe dates were not available, he would break his fast with dry dates. If they were not present, then he would break fast with a drink of water.18 He ate with his three fingers, and he never ate leaning on anything, and he explained the reason for this, saying “I like to sit humbly like a slave as I like to eat like a slave.”19 He sat commonly on earth, and his food was placed on a sheet spread on the earth.

16Al Bukhari 17At-Tirmizi 18Abu-Dawood 19Al-Bukhari

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The cup with which he drank water was made of thick wood adjusted with tin slides.20 When Cyrus (called Muqawqis in Arabic, the Egyptian ruler of that era) gifted to him a cup made of glass, he began to drink water through it. Whenever he supplied water among his companions, he would make himself the last one in turn. He would begin the turn from his right side, and he would not take any consideration to the left side, no matter who was there.21 If he did not find anything to eat, he would remain hungry with patience and tolerance. And at times he would fasten a stone on his blessed stomach (to support his back), as he did at the time of digging the trench on the day of AlAhzab (Battle). His companions discovered the fastened stones upon his blessed stomach due to the severity of hunger. He never ate wheat bread to his fullness for three consecutive days until he departed this world. He never ate bread prepared with refined flour between the time he declared his prophethood and the time he passed away. (They refined the barley flour by blowing on it with their mouths.)22

20Al-Mawahib Al Laduniyah 21Zad u Al Ma'ad 22Al-Bukhari

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He used to stay for up to one month, while he had no flour to prepare bread. He would even pass two months without igniting a fire in his house (i.e., without cooking).23 ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) said: “However, we were surrounded by neighbors from Al-Ansar (people of Al-Madinah, who supported the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) when he emigrated toward them,as all other Muslims did to escape the harm of the infidels of Makkah who gifted us some food.”24 ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) added, saying: “If we had the lantern we would eat it [i.e., would eat its oil]. Our basic livelihood was water and dates.”25 Once the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) performed his prayer sitting because he was physically weak because of severity of hunger. Once they offered him some almond juice then he ordered them saying: “Drive it away from me, it is the drink of the luxuriant.”26

23At-Tirmizi 24Al-Bukhari 25Al-Bukhari 26Al Mawahib Al Laduniyyahb

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The Reason for His Simplicity By our calculation, if Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) would take his share out of the booty like any individual of his army, verily he would have been the richest of all Arabs. However, it had been foreordained by the Creator that the human being would live many generations and there would be poverty and richness among them. That is why the best system of life would be only that which keeps its rulers among the ranks of the poor. However, it is narrated by At-Tirmidi that the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) stated, “My Lord offered me to turn the field of Mecca into gold, then I asked no O 'my Lord! But I prefer to be satisfied of food one day, and remain hungry the next day whenever I would be hungry I would supplicate to You and remember Your favor and whenever I remain satisfied I would thank You and glorify You.27“ Once the Prophet of Allah (May peace and blessings be upon him) and Gabriel were on the mountain of As-Safa (a hill in Sacred Mecca) the Prophet of Allah- (May peace and blessings be upon him) addressed Gabriel “O Gabriel: By God Who sent down upon me the divine revelation, indeed tonight 27At-Tirmizi

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there was no wheat flour for the family of Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) to prepare food. Suddenly the earth shook so severely that he was frightened. Prophet of Allah (May peace and blessings be upon him) asked Gabriel: “Is it the Day of Resurrection?” He answered, “No.” But just then the angel Israfeel came down. The angel said, “Allah has heard your words and has sent me down with the keys of treasuries of the whole earth and ordered me to offer you, if you wish to live as a king-prophet, then you would be accompanied by the mountain of Mecca as gold, silver, emerald, and rubies or if you prefer to live as slaveprophet.” Then Gabriel suggested him to be modest thus, the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) preferred to live as a slave-prophet.28 The Prophet Muhammad—may peace and blessings be upon him—selected to be humble without properties and wealth to strengthen the heart of the poor, which represents the major part of the human society. In this way they should endeavor as the Prophet has endeavored, and they should tolerate as the Prophet has tolerated. How destructive is the system that puts both authority and wealth in one hand! And 28At-Tabrani

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how bad is the society in which luxuriates occupy the power or the power indulges in luxuries!

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His Cleanliness The Prophet Muhammad loved cleanliness and tidy appearance. He used to sleep early in the night and would get up at midnight. He would use the sewak (a wooden tooth stick) and would make ablution to prepare himself to perform the prayers. Whenever he intended to go on a journey, ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) made ready everything that he would need during his journey. She always kept in his bag perfume, a comb, a pair of scissors, a kohl container, and a wooden tooth stick.29 He had a silver ring with his seal bearing the words that meant, “Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) is the Messenger of Allah.” That was the seal that was transferred respectively to the First Caliph of Islam Abu-Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him). Then it was passed to the Second Caliph Omar (May Allah be pleased with him), and finally it reached Uthman (May Allah be pleased with him), the Third Caliph of Islam. It remained with him for about 6 years after which time it fell into the well of Al-Arees.30 29Al-Mo'jam Al-Ausat 30Fath ul-Bari

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In spite of a shortage of water, all attempts to draw the ring out of the well were in vain. The Muslims felt that some unpleasing matter was going to happen in the coming days, and they concluded from this event that the Islamic reign would fall in the hands of those who would follow their own wishes, not those of Allah. So it might be that Allah wanted to keep the sacred seal of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) far from attesting the independent wishes of the rulers with that sacred seal and that is why the ring disappeared and was followed by the end of virtuous Islamic period. If the details of those golden days had not been preserved in the historical records, no one would believe that there were such prosperous nations who lived ever on this globe.

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His Truthfulness and Honesty Among the most famous characteristics of the Prophet, Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) was his truthfulness and honesty. He was called “As-Sadiq” and “Al -Ameen” (the truth, the trustworthy one) prior to his prophethood by the inhabitants of Mecca. His enemies also acknowledged his honesty. Abu-Sufyan, for example, made his confession in front of the Byzantine Emperor when he said, “Muhammad never lied.” “In this regard,” Abdullah-Ibn-Abbas narrated, “AbuSufyan Ibn Harb informed me that Heraclius the Emperor of Abyssinia questioned me about the Prophet Muhammad as I was the nearest kin of him. I was asked by Heraclius about Muhammad's position in Arab tribes, ‘What is his family status amongst you?’ I replied, 'He belongs to a good (noble) family amongst us.' Heraclius further asked, 'Has anybody amongst you ever claimed the same to be a Prophet before him?' I replied, 'no'. He said ‘Was anybody amongst his ancestors a king?' I replied “No.” Heraclius questioned me again:”Have you ever accused him of telling lies before his claim (To be a Prophet)?” I replied:” No. He is well known among us by his truthfulness and honesty.” Heraclius asked:” Has he ever betrayed?” I replied:” No.”

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Heraclius asked:” Are those who follow him from the nobles or from the poor?” I replied:” It is the poor who follow him.” .'He said:” Are his followers increasing or decreasing? day by day.” I replied:” They are increasing.” He then asked:” Does anybody amongst those who embrace his religion become displeased and renounce the religion afterwards?” I replied:” “No.” Heraclius asked:” Have you ever had a war against him?” I replied:” Yes.” Then he said:” What was the result of those battles?” I replied:” Sometimes he was victorious and sometimes we were victorious.” 'Heraclius said:” What does he order people to do?”I replied:” He tells people to worship Allah alone and not to worship anything along with Him. And to renounce all that our ancestors had worshipped. He orders people to pray, to speak the truth, to be chaste and to keep good relations with their kith and Kin.” Hearing this, Heraclius said:” If what you have said is true, he will very soon occupy this place underneath my feet.” Moreover, he expressed his desire to meet him and he wished to wash his blessed feet if he could. Heraclius intended to make a comparison between the information about Prophet Muhammad by Abu Sufyan and the predictions of his coming in Gospel and ultimately he was verified and confirmed.31 31Al Bidayah W An Nihayah

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His Jest and Humor The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) sometimes remained awake and conversed with his wives late at night. Likewise he would sit with his companions after the dawn prayers until sunrise and talk about the days of Jahiliah (pre-Islamic times), and they laughed, and he passed a generic smile.32 He even shared jokes with his friends and did not speak but the truth. Once he said to an old woman, “None of the old women will enter Paradise.” When she heard this, she burst into tears. Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) explained to her, smiling: “Don’t you know what Allah has said in His Glorious Qu’ran and recited the following verses: “We have created (their Companions) of special creation, and made them virginally pure (and undefiled)”.33 When she understood the meaning of what he said, she became happy and laughed.34 He once raced with ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) when she was very young and slim thus she won the race. And when she became older and her body matured and she 32An-Nasa'e (Surah 56: Al Waqiah 35, 36)

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34At-Tirmizi

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gained weight, he again raced with her. This time he won the race and said in amusement, “This is against that, you won once and this time I won.”35 Sometimes he stuck out his blessed tongue in front of his grandson Husain (May Allah be pleased with him). Husain (May Allah be pleased with him) laughed upon seeing this. Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) the son of Aslam narrated that a woman called Omme Ayman came to the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) and said: “My husband has invited you.” The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) asked her, “Is he that who has whiteness in his eyes?” The woman was extremely surprised! “No, by Allah! He has no whiteness in his eyes,” she said. Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said to her, “Why not? Undoubtedly, he has the whiteness in his eyes.” The woman still was in wonder and said, “No, by Allah.”

35Ibn-Katheer

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Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said, smiling: “Every one has the whiteness in their eyes.”36 It has also been told that a person once came to the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) asking him for a riding camel, and the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) told him: “I shall give you a baby of the camel.” Then the person said to him: “O Prophet of Allah! (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) What can I do with a baby camel?” He stated, “The camel which I am going to offer you was also a baby of a she camel.”37 Moreover, the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said: “Indeed I marry women, I eat meat, I sleep, I perform prayers at night, I fast, but I even do not fast. Whoever turns away from my tradition then, he is

not among us.”38 His Modesty and His Sincerity 36Abu-Dawood 37Abu-Dawood 38Al Bukhari

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Once a person addressed him with these words: “O our leader! Son of our leader! The best among us! Son of the best among us!” He instructed the person not to show off, saying: “Beware of Satan! He should not misguide you. I am Muhammad, son of Abdullah; I am just a humble servant of Allah and His Messenger, by Allah! I don’t like to be raised above my rank.”39 He used to say to his companions, “Don’t stand for my respect such as the non-Arabs do in order to show respect to their kings.”40 That is why his companions did not stand for him whenever they saw him coming toward them, although he was the most beloved to them. Since they knew that, he disliked that kind of respect. He even did not like his companions to walk behind him, and he would pull whomever did so to walk with him side by side. On one occasion, somebody trembled with fear when he saw him, then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said to him: “Don’t worry, and relax! I am not a king, but I am son of a woman who used to eat the dry steak.”41 39Ibn-katheer 40Musnd-Ahmad 41Abu-Dawood

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He loved to help the orphans and widows. In fact, he fulfilled their needs with is charity. He even stitched his garments by himself. He always helped the needy and the helpless widows.42 He visited the sick. He even served his Jewish neighbor. His door never remained closed for his visitors; there were no gatekeepers to interfere between him and his visitors. Whoever wanted to meet the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) would meet him without any hindrance. He encouraged his followers to criticize their leaders and to seek their rights. He encouraged them to object to oppression and to express their opinions independently. He encouraged them to find out what is beneficial and useful. He liked them to express fearlessly their thoughts about the attitudes of their leaders. Once he walked out wearing a thick garment. A Bedouin came from behind and grabbed him through his thick garment with such a force that it left its visible marks upon his blessed body, then the Bedouin shouted at him saying “O Muhammad! give me some fortune of Allah that your hand possessed.”

42An-Nasa'e

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In spite of this terrible incidence, the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) smiled and ordered his companion to give him whatever he liked.43 Once a Jew came to him and pulled on him, holding his cloth until the cloth fell down, then he said, “O Muhammad! return my loan soon! O children of Abdul Muttalib! You are very reluctant to pay your dues.” Omar (May Allah be pleased with him) became furious at this rudeness and threatened him, saying: “O enemy of Allah! How dare you talk to the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) in such a manner?”44 But the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) advised him, smiling: “O Omar! He and I both need something other than this quarrel. You should advise me to pay his due as soon as possible and to advise him to demand his loan in a better way. You also must help him to get his debt returned. Go and give him back his loan, even add 20 Sa’a [an old Arabic measurement] of dates as a gift.” When he was distributing the booty of war on the day of Hunain (an Islamic battle), a Bedouin criticized him in a rude manner, saying: “There is no equity in this distribution, since

43At-Tabari 44Al-Hakim

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you have not intended the pleasure of Allah through this distribution.” The Bedouin shouted at the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) and spoke loudly: “Treat us equally! O Muhammad!” The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) answered with calm and patience: “If I would not be just, then who would be the just!” He added saying: “If I, too, could not treat equally, then I am the loser and forfeiter.”45 Omar (May Allah be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) for his permission to kill the person for his disrespectful behavior, but the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) stopped him and said: “I seek refuge with Allah from the people's whispering to each other that Muhammad kills his companions.” Once he touched a person's stomach with a palm stick that was in his blessed hand. The person came to him and asked for the revenge. The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) uncovered his blessed stomach before him and gave him the stick to take his revenge. 45Al-Bukhari

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But the person took the advantage of that moment and kissed the blessed stomach of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him).46 The intention of the companion was merely to frighten the dictators coming after him and to guide them to the right path. Once a Bedouin ran over his foot unknowingly during a battle, so the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) struck him with a whip. When the battle came to an end, the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) called upon him and gave him the whip, asking him to take his revenge. But the person refused to do so. Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) asked the person to forgive him. He disliked any form of discrimination in the society— whether on the basis of caste, creed, or color. Moreover, he prohibited everything that might divide society into groups. In addition, he disliked the caste system as well as any degrading tale of story aboutspying on each other. He warned, “Whoever stayed in someone's house without his permission, in case the house owner gouged his 46Majma Az Zawayed

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eye then he has no right in compensation money or to take revenge”. And he said, “None of you is to tell me anything about any others of you because I would like to meet you with a sound heart.”47 He also said, “Keep away from evil suspicion for the sake of evil suspicion. It is the falsest utterance. And do not spy on each other. Do not envy each other. Do not hate each other, and be brothers for each other, O slaves of Allah!”48 He instructed his followers, saying, “Every Muslim is a brother to every other Muslim; hence he should not be unfair to him nor surrender him neither should he degrade him. It is enough for a person to be evil that he degrades his fellow Muslim brother. All Muslims are sacred for one another their blood, properties, and honors.”49 He said, “Whoever strives to fulfill the needs of his brother, then Allah will fulfill his needs. And whoever removes the misfortune of any Muslim, Allah will relieve him of one misfortune of the Day of Judgments. And whoever protects the secrets of a Muslim, Allah will protect his secret on the Day of Judgment.”50 47At-Tirmizi 48Al-Bukhari 49Sho'ab ul Iman 50Muslim

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And he said: “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should serve his guests generously and should honor his neighbor.”51 The Mercy of the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and his blessings be upon him) in Inflicting a Punishment The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) disliked a person to humiliate himself by confessing his covered sins, which is why he stopped a sinner from exposing his sin while Allah had revealed it to him. One of his companions, namely Ma'iz, son of Malik (May Allah be pleased with him), once came to the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him). He was an orphan, so he was brought up by Hozal Al-Aslami according to his father's will. When Ma'iz (May Allah be pleased with him) became an adult, he went to his guardian Hozal and told him, “I loved a woman and I slept with her, and now I regret my evil deed. What is your opinion about my sin?” He advised him to go to the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) and to inquire of him. Ma'iz (May Allah be pleased with him) did as was suggested by his guardian. The Prophet of Allah (May peace 51Al-Bukhari

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of Allah and His blessings be upon him) reminded him of this principle four times by saying: “Perhaps you have only kissed her… Perhaps you have just touched her.” However, the sincere companion insisted frankly that he has committed adultery with her. The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) asked him directly, though he usually spoke indirectly in such matters. But the God-fearing companion persisted in his clear confession. The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) began to ask him again in more detail. Perhaps he would find for him a reason or an exception that might free him from this major transgression of Islamic law and its punishment. Nevertheless, (May Allah be pleased with him) remained attached to his confession, and the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) began to question him in this way: “Do you know what adultery actually means?” Ma'iz answered, “Yes. I did with her illegally the same that I do with my wife legally.” Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) asked, “Are you a mad?”

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He also asked his companions about the mental health of Ma'iz, but he and his companions both confirmed that he was a mentally sound person. Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) asked him, “What is your intention through this confession?” He answered, “I intend to be purified through this punishment from my sin. Since then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) has legislated the law: “If a sinner who has confessed his sin surrenders in the beginning of the punishment or tries to run away, it becomes obligatory to stop the execution of the punishment immediately. Similarly, it is obligatory to bring him back to the judge if he asks for it.” And when someone degraded Ma'iz (May Allah be pleased with him) for his sin and repentance, the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) scolded him, saying: “Indeed he has offered a repentance. If a small group of my followers did the same, then it would be enough for all of my followers.” Then, the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) told the guardian, “O Hozal! How bad is the deed you have done with your orphan?” If only you had

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covered upon his sin even with a right suggestion, in order to salvage him from this punishment...!52 In addition, Muhamad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said in this regard, “Avert the punishments if there are doubts.” Therefore, the modern law says, “The doubt always should be explained on behalf of the accused.”

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The Mercy of the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) and the Dignity of Women Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) loved a woman as a human being, as a mother, a wife, a daughter, and a sister. Once he was asked, “Who is worthiest of my good behavior?” Then he answered, saying: “Your mother, then again your mother, then again your mother, then your father.”53 And he said: “Whose father and mother were present before him, or one of them, in spite of that he could not do the filial piety with them, and died in such position thus he entered the Hellfire, may Allah curse him!”54 And the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) used to kiss ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her). Moreover, if she drank water from a jar, he would take the jar and drink from the same place that she touched with her blessed mouth. Sometimes he recited the Glorious Qur'an while his head rested in the lap of ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her), and he would kiss her while he was fasting.55 53Al-Bukahri 54Muslim 55Muslim and Ahmad

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Once the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) became angry with ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her). In order to reconcile with her, he made a suggesion to her, saying: “Do you agree that Abu Obaidah (May Allah be pleased with him) may make a judgement between us?” She refused, saying: “No, he never will judge against you and in favor of me.” Then he asked, “Do you agree that we may use Omar's judgment?” And she rejected him again, saying: “No, I fear injustice Omar (May Allah be pleased with him).” Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) asked her finally: “Do you agree that Abu Bakr [her father] (May Allah be pleased with him) may make a judgment between us?” It was the only time that she agreed with pleasure, and she said, “Yes, I agree.” Thus Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) came to them, and the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) asked him for his judgment. However, Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) was astonished and asked the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His

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blessings be upon him) in surprise, “Will I be a judge between you? O Prophet of Allah!” Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) began to narrate the story of the dispute and the reason for the controversy, but ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) interrupted him and said: “Go right, O Prophet of Allah! and say this rightly.” Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) became furious at her and slapped her face with a force that made her nose bleed. Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) shouted at her in anger, “If he does not speak the truth then who will speak the truth?” The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) felt sorry for her and said to Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him): “This never was my intention.” And he got up immediately and washed the blood from her face and her garment by himself.56 And whenever anyone of his wives became angry with him, he put his blessed hand upon her shoulder and prayed, “O Allah! Forgive her sins, and remove her heart's fire and protect her from trials.”57 56Al-Kamil 57Al Jame As Saghir

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Once Omar (May Allah be pleased with him) became furious with his wife and had an argument with her. His wife argued against him. Omar (May Allah be pleased with him) disliked arguments. Omar's (May Allah be pleased with him) wife objected to him fearlessly, saying, “Why do you hate my argument against you? By Allah, the wives of the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) also argue with him. And some of them separate themselves from him until the night.”58 And whenever the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) came back to his home at night, he greeted them with a voice that could be heard only by the awake, and he did not disturb the sleeping.59 He disliked that a person returns to his home from his journey suddenly, without informing them prior to his return. That is why he liked a traveler to inform his wife or family before he arrived at his home.60 Once Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) came to the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) while he was wrapped in his cloth. Two girls were beating a tambourine in front of ‘Aishah (May Allah be 58Mslim 59At-Tabarani 60Al-Bukhari

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pleased with her). When Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) saw it, he disliked it and condemned them. Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) removed the cloth from his blessed face and said to Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him): “Leave them, O Abu Bakr! (May Allah be pleased with him). These are the festival days.”61 Once ‘Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) watched the play of some Negroes lying upon the Prophet's blessed shoulder until she became bored with it.62 And he said, “Whoever brings up two daughters (according to Islamic law) will be accompanied by me on the Day of Judgment like this. . .” While saying this he showed his both of fingers joined to each other (the forefinger and the middle finger),63 meaning that both will remain together in Paradise. The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) did not even permit the use of “withdrawal” as a contraceptive method if the wife did not agree with it. So a man alone does not have the right to make such a decision, nor may he consider the women merely a 61Al-Bukhari 62Al-Bukhari 63Muslim

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source for satisfying his sexual desires. There is no insult more offensive for a women's heart than this, for she likes pregnancy from her husband, while he does not like it. And the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) has said, “This world and this worldly life are an entertainment, and their best entertainment is a virtuous wife.”64 And he said: “The worst person before Allah would be he who has sexual relationship with his wife then spreads her secrets among the people.”65

64Muslim 65Muslim

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His Tenderheartedness Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) was soft-hearted, affectionate, and merciful with his family members and with friends even with those innocents whom he did not see. Once Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) went to visit Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) son of Harethah when he was injured in a battle. The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) wept when the daughter of Zaid (May Allah be pleased with him) wept at her father's wound. Then one of his companions asked him the reason for his tears. He answered saying, “It is the result of longing from an intimate friend for his friend.”66 Once Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) came to his grandson when he was in the agonies of death, then the blessed eyes of the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) burst into tears upon their separation. Once Sa'ad (May Allah be pleased with him), son of Obadah, fell ill, and the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) wept for his illness. 66Abu Dawood

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And the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) kissed Uthman (May Allah be pleased with him) son of Mazo'on, when he was injured in a fight, and he wept for a long time upon seeing this.67 Once Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) heard from a person that he had buried his daughter alive in pre-Islamic days, and the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) wept over this agonizing story until one of his attendants shouted at that person, saying, “Indeed you have saddened the Prophet of Allah.” However, the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) stopped him and ordered that person to repeat the story. And the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) wept until drops of his tears flowed down on his blessed beard. His son Ibrahim lived until he reached the age of eighteen months. Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) loved him very much, and sometimes he even mounted the hill to have a glance at him, when Ibrahim was under the care of a blacksmith's wife. The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) kissed his son and played with him and was pleased by him heartedly, as he was blessed with him in his old age. 67Al-Isabah

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It is noteworthy that the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) had no male child except for Ibrahim, and he even saw Ibrahim leave this world before him. That is why his eyes were filled with tears at that painful moment. In spite of that agony, he uttered merely these wise words, “Verily the eyes bursts into tears, and the heart breaks down with pain, and we should not utter but whatever pleases our Sustainer. Indeed we are in a severe grief and sorrow upon your separation, O Ibrahim!”68 And it happened that the sun, too, was eclipsed at the same time. So the Muslims who witnessed the grief of their Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) interpreted this by saying, “Indeed the sun has been eclipsed due to Ibrahim's death, therefore the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) hurried to his pulpit (to correct his follower's misunderstanding) fearing the evil temptation spreading among his followers, and addressed his companions. He said, “Indeed the sun and the moon are the signs of Allah they don't get eclipsed for any one's death nor any one's birth”. Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) was sent by Allah to call us to dignity and glory. Therefore, we have to choose either to live with respect and 68Al-Bidayah Wn-Nihayah

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honor with other nations, exercising our rights with freedom, standing up for our rights, or to die as martyrs protecting our religion and homelands. In this way we can remain always givers not takers, and we have to believe here that dignity is in our country and in our religion.

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Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) The Gifted Mercy The extremely gentle nature of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him), which endeared him to all, is the nature of mercy: one of the Prophet's titles in the Glorious Qur’an is “The Mercy of Allah.” In this regard, the companion Abu–Maso'od Al–Badri (May Allah be pleased with him)narrated a story: Once I was striking my slave with a whip, and just then I heard a voice from behind saying, “O Abu–Maso'od hear!” Because of my anger I could not recognize the voice at first, but when the person came nearerI saw that it was the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) who called upon me, saying, “O Abu–Maso'od! You must know that Allah (Exalted be He) is Mightier upon you than you upon this slave.” Then I told to him, “O Prophet of Allah ! He is free for Allah (Exalted be He)”. The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) then said to me, “If you had not freed him, indeed you would have remained near to be burned in Hellfire.”69 Reported by Muslim and Abu Dawood

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This mercy was even reflected in the general life of the Muslims, in that golden period. as would be seen in this tradition which illustrated the manner of the companion Abu – Zarr (May Allah be pleased with him), with his slave. Abu Zarr (May Allah be pleased with him) clothed his slave the same kind of clothes that he wore himself, and gave him the same garment he would put on. And when he was questioned about his good conduct, he answered saying, “I heard the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) saying: ‘Your servants are your brothers, feed them the same food that you eat, and cloth them the same clothes that you wear.’ ”70 The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) has said, “He is not among us who has no mercy upon our young, and does not respect our old, and does not enjoin what is right and does not forbid what is wrong”71. This is Islam, and that is our Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him), and those are his followers. But the enemies deform the facts and place upon

Reported by Abdur – Razzaq in his book by the name “Musannaf”

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Reported by Tirmizi

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the Muslims false accusations like terrorism, extremism, severity, violence, and intolerance. The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) ordered the companion Moa’az (May Allah be pleased with him) not to deny the truthful, not to follow the wrongdoer, not to disobey the just governor, and not to spoil the land. Even the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) commended Moa’az (May Allah be pleased with him) to fear Allah, even in stones, trees, and lands, and he ordered him not to cut a tree, not to harm a donkey, and to be merciful upon every thing. Undoubtedly, the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) was sent by the Lord as a mercy for all creations. He is the Gift of Mercy for all: men, jinn, plants, trees, and even for the inanimate things, Allah (Exalted be He) described him, saying, “We sent thee not, but as a mercy for all creation”72.

Sura 21, Al – Anbia: 107

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His Patience and Tolerance Allah the Most Merciful (Exalted be He) gave the nature of patience and forgiveness to the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) so that he would be able to fulfill the tremendous task of guiding people whom gone astray from the path of Allah (Exalted be He). The patience of the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) knew no limit or boundary. even it took under its wings, his bitter enemies of the infidels and polytheists who fought against him, wounded him, even his blessed face was injured and was bleeding on the Day of Uhud, When his companions were saddened because of his severe injuries, they asked him to pray to Allah against his enemies, but the Prophet calmed them, saying, “Indeed I am sent as a preacher, and mercy for all not as a curser. O Allah! Guide my people to the right path, as they do not know the reality.”73 It was narrated by the scholar Al Hakim, about Zaid the son of S’oana. He was a famous Jewsih rabbi that embraced Islam. He explained why what led him to Islam: No signs of prophesy escaped from my notice, and I found everyone of those indications which are mentioned in our books on his face except for these two signs which I could find. The first is 73Ibn-Katheer

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that his tolerance precedes his wrath, the second is that if the mistreatment of his people increases, his tolerance and patience surpasses their misconduct. So I secretly mingled with him, so that I could examine his tolerance and his forgiveness. Thus I purchased from him some dates. I paid the price at that time, and we fixed a date on which he has to pay the dates. When the appointed time came near, which was only two or three days, I came to him, held his robe, and glanced at him with eyes filled with anger, and told rudely: “O Muhammad! Would you not pay my due? O sons of Abdul Muttalib! By Allah you are very reluctant to pay your dues.” Then Omar (May Allah be pleased with him) scolded him, saying, “O enemy of Allah! How dare you address the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) in such a manner? By Allah if I would not expect what I fear, I would chop off your head with my sword.” However, the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) remained calm and patient, and he even smiled and advised Omar, “O Omar we are in a greater need of other than this, you have to order me to pay his due with good manner, and to order him to demand his needs from me kindly. Go, O Omar, and pay his dates with an addition of 20 Sa’a (An old Arabic measure) as the compensation for your frightening him.” After that Zaid addressed Omar, saying, “O 67

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Omar now I have examined the two final signs of prophethood. Be witness that I have accepted Allah (Exalted be He) as my Lord and Islam as my religion and Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) as my Prophet”.74 Even the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) has forgiven the Jew Labeed, the son of Aasam, who had bewitched him. He also forgave the Jewish woman who had poisoned the meat of which the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) took a bite once.75 The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) was ordered by Allah (Exalted be He) to forgive. As He said in the Glorious Qur'an:“Hold to forgiveness. Command what is right. But turn away from the ignorant.”76 The companion Anas, the son of Malik (May Allah be pleased with him), narrated: Once we were in the mosque with the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him), and a Bedouin entered the mosque and began urinating in the mosque. The companions of the Prophet (May 74At-Tabrani 75Al-Bukhari Surah 7 Al – A'raf: 199

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Allah be pleased with them) tried to hold him back by saying, “Stop, Stop.” But the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) calmed them, saying, “Do not disturb him–let him carry on”. So they remained patient, until he finished his urination. Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) called him near and advised him, saying, “These are the sacred mosques which are not the places for urination or any other filth. But mosques are only for the glorification of Allah, for prayer and for reciting the Holy Qur'an.” Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) ordered one of his companions to bring a bucket of water and to wash away the urine.77 Furthermore, when the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) entered Makkah and conquered the polytheists, he addressed the tribesmen there, saying, “O group of Quraish! What are you expecting from me? And what am I going to do with you?” They answered him, saying, “We hope from you the good because you are a noble brother and the son of a noble brother.”

(Reported by Muslim).

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However, they were the same people who had expelled him and his companions from their own houses; they inflicted on them all kinds of torment and tortured them severely. They insulted and humiliated the Muslims in the worst possible ways. In spite of that, the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) freed them, saying, “There is no blame upon you today go you are free.”78 Jabir, the son of Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with them), said, “Once we were accompanied by the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) in a journey to face a war, in the middle of the day. We reached in a valley with many trees. Therefore, the people went in different directions in order to rest for a while under the shades of those trees. The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) also camped under a tree and hung his sword on a branch of the tree, and slept. When he got up, he found a person carrying his sword standing upon his head. Then the person addressed him saying, ‘Who will protect you now from me?’ “The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) answered him calmly, ’Allah!’ 7866

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“After hearing, this, the sword fell down from his hand. Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) held the sword in his hand and addressed him, saying, ‘Who will protect you from me?’ “He answered, trembling in fear, ‘Be kind with me!’ Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) forgave him and did not punish him.”79 And the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) never chided any of his servants. The companion Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “I have served the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) for ten years. Never did he mutter against me. He never objected to what I did wrong, nor did he say to me, ‘Why have you not done this?’ This was not only with me, but it was his common conduct with all of his servants, male and female servants alike. He never struck any of them.”80 Undoubtedly, this type of sublime and lofty manner can not be adhered to by anyone without the special support of Allah.

(Narrated by Al – Bukhari and Muslim).

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80Al-Bukhari

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In another tradition narrated by Muslim, Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “I never saw a person more kindhearted with his family than the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him)”.81 Once Aisha (May Allah be pleased with her), the honored wife of the Prophet, was questioned: “How was the manner of the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) in his house with his family members?”. She answered, describing him this way: “He was the most softhearted of all and the most smiling person. He was never seen stretching his blessed legs among his people.”82 Furthermore, she said, “No one was better mannered than the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him). No one invited him but that he accepted the invitation happily.” The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) has commanded the people, saying, “Whoever believes in Allah and in the Last Day must respect his neighbor. Whoever believes in Allah and in the Last Day

81Muslim 82

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must respect his guest. Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day must speak rightly or remain silent.”83 And he has instructed the people, saying, “None of you could be a true believer until he does not choose for others what he chooses for himself”.84 Furthermore, he said: “Fear Allah wherever you might be. After any evil deed; follow it with a good deed, so it will be erased. And deal with people in good conduct.”85 At-Tabari mentioned that the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) once was on a journey. During the journey, he ordered his companions to slaughter a goat. One of them said to him, “O Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him)! I undertake the duty of slaughtering it. The second said, “I shall take the skin off of it.” The third of them said “Leave the duty of cooking upon me.” Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) also said: “To gather the firewood is my duty”. Al-Bukhari

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84Muslim 85Ibn-Katheer

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The companions said, “O Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him)! We will suffice for your duty”. Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said: “I knew well that you will suffice for my work, but I dislike being distinct among you. Indeed Allah also hates his servant if he makes himself distinct among his friends.”86 Moreover, it was narrated by Abu Qatadah that when the delegation of Abyssinian King Najashi came to him, the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) himself began to serve them. This time also his companions said to him, “We will suffice for you.” However, he said to them, “They were hospitable with our companions, and, in return, I like to compensate them”.87

86At-Tabari 87Sho'ab Al Iman

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The Mercy of the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) when He Taught Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) was the best teacher. His whole life was full of mercy kindness pity and generosity in all aspects. Here are some examples that explain his merciful nature, especially when he taught the ignorant. Imam Al-Byhaqi narrated in his book, namely Sho-abulIiman, that a youth came to the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) and said, “O Prophet of Allah, please permit me to commit adultery.” The people turned to him and rebuked him and said, “Stop it.” But the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said, “Please come close to me.” Then the youth came near to him. He said:” Sit down.” He sat there. Then the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) asked him, “Do you accept adultery from your mother?” The youth answered, “No by God! May Allah make me a protection for you!” Then the Prophet explained, saying, “Likewise no one accepts it with their mothers.” 75

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Furthermore, the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) questioned the youth, saying, “Do you accept adultery from your daughter?” The youth denied this and said, “No, may Allah make me redemption for you.” Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said, “Similarly, no one accepts adultery from their daughters.” Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) argued again, saying, “Do you agree to it from your sister?” The youth expressed his disapproval and said, “No! May Allah make me ransom for you!” Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) asserted,; “And no one agrees to it from their sisters.” The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) continued, “Do you accept it with your maternal aunt?” His answer was in negative as previous. He said; “No, may Allah make me sacrifice for you! Then he said;” and no one accepts it with their maternal aunts.”

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In last, he (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) asked him, “Do you accept it with your paternal aunt?” The young man denied and said,“No may Allah make me sacrifice for your sake!” Then he said, “And no one accepts it with their paternal aunts.” Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) put his blessed hand upon him and prayed:” O Allah forgive his sin and purify his heart and safeguard his private.” The narrator stated that the young man never turned to such things at all afterward.88 At-Tabarani narrated from Al-Hareth the son of AlHareth he said, “I asked my father (when he was against the Prophet) about a gathering around a person, my father answered, “These people are gathered around a nonbeliever person of them then we stayed at that place suddenly it was the messenger of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) inviting the people to the monotheism and faith of Islam but they were rejecting and hurting him. It continued till midday only that time the people were away from him. Then a woman came to him carrying a vessel of water and a handkerchief. 88At-Tirmizi

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Then he took the water and drank it and performed the ablution then he said:” O my beloved daughter! Cover your neck and do not worry about your father.” We asked:” Who was she?” They answered:” She is his daughter Zainab.”89 Abu Noyem narrated in his book namely Ad_Dalyel from the companion Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) he said, “The messenger of Allah (May Allah's blessings and His mercy be upon him) was the most kindhearted of all people, by God he doesn't refuse at all in a cold morning for a male or female slave or a child if they bring water to him then he washed his blessed face and his blessed hands with it and he never was asked by a person but he turned his ear to him to listen and doesn't turn away from him until the person turned away from him, if a person would intend to catch his blessed hand he would stretch it happily towards him and would not pull it until the person would be the first to pull it from him.90 Imam Malek narrated from Ata the son of Yasir that a person came to the Prophet (May peace of Allah His blessings be upon him) while his hairs and beard were uncombed and scattered then the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) pointed to his hairs, as if he ordered him to comb and dress his hairs. 89At-Tabarani 90Dalayel An-Nubuwwah

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However, he left, and after a while he returned and did what he was ordered to do. Then the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) asked him, “Isn't it better than that? It is not good to come out uncombed, scattered like a Satan.”91 The authorized book of Al-Bukhari narrates that the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) once searched out about a black man and questioned saying:” What happened to that man?” They answered:” He has died O Prophet of Allah!” Then he said:” Why have you not informed me about his death?” They told, “His life story was such and such.” Thus, they degraded him. “Then he asked them to guide him to his grave and he came to his grave and prayed for him.”92 Imam Malek and Nasae narrated from Abu-Qatadah that I asked:” O Prophet of Allah! (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) I have a scalp then would I have to comb it.” He answered:” Of course! Comb and coiffure it.”93

91Malik 92Al-Bukhari 93An-Nasa'e

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The Rays of Mercy in His Farewell Sermon During his pilgrimage, Muhammad–peace and blessings be upon him) mounted his camel to deliver his last major sermon to a sea of his companions, nearly one lakh twenty thousand who had gathered in the plain of Arafat (located in Mecca) to listen to him. After giving praise to God, he said:” O people! Listen carefully to my words for I may not be among you next year, nor I hope to address you again on this place. O people! Just as you regard this time, this day, this place, and this month, as sacred, so regard the life and the property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one as no one may hurt you. From today onwards, usury is forbidden and I am the first person to forgive my uncle's due. Satan has despaired of leading you astray in big things, so beware of obeying him in small things. O people! Women have rights over you just as you have rights over them .By God's words you have made them permissible for you Be kind to them and fear Allah in their matters. “O people! No prophet or apostle will come after me and no new faith will be born. You may soon have to appear before God and answer your deeds. So beware! Do not go astray after I am gone.

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Listen to me carefully! Worship your God; perform your prayers, fast during the month of Ramadan and give of your wealth in charity. All Muslims, whether free or slaves have the same rights and the same duties .None is higher than the other unless he is higher in virtue. “Feed your slaves as you feed yourselves, clothe them as you clothe yourselves. Do not oppress them nor loot their rights. “O people! Your God is one God, and your father is one father i.e. Adam .All mankind is the progeny of Adam and Adam was fashioned out of clay. Verily, in the sight of Allah, the most honored amongst you is the one who is most Godfearing, and Allah has full knowledge, and is well acquainted with all things. There is no superiority for an Arab over a nonArab except in God's fearing.” After these blessed words he turned his face to the sky and said:” Be my witness. O God! that I have conveyed Your message to Your people.” Hearing this, the sea of his followers responded with one voice “Yes, O Prophet of Allah! We witness that you have conveyed to us the message of God.”94 Indeed, we together have witnessed the fundamentals of human rights, which have declared 14 centuries before by the Mercy Prophet of Allah (May peace, and blessings be upon him. 94Al-Bedayah Wn-Nihayah

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This is a brief and concise introduction which displays the sublime and lofty ethics of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) aimed at guiding the people to the right and correct knowledges about the Last Messenger of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) and to explain the God – gifted glory and dignity of his perfection. Verily, writing about the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) will never come to an end. Since his greatness and splendor are unlimited, because he was educated and brought up under special care of his Lord. The Arabic poet is true when he described him saying: “The highest degree of knowledge about him is that he is a human being, (not an angel or god). And he is the best one among all the creation of Allah.” We pray to Allah that He guides the people towards the love of the Prophet Muhammad and to follow his foot steps (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) who called the people to believe in all prophets and messengers of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon them) and to respect them all, from Adam to Jesus (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon them) as well as we ask Allah to bless us through this humble effort. 82

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Features of Mercy in Qur’an and Sunnah

Chapter Second Features of Mercy in Qur’an and Sunnah  The Word of Mercy in Islam  The Word of Peace in Islam

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 The Mercy of Islam upon the Child  The Mercy of Islam upon the Orphan  The Mercy of Islam upon the Woman  The Mercy of Islam upon the Old  The Mercy of Islam upon the Needy and Helpless  The Mercy of Islam upon the Slave and Servant The Mercy of Islam upon the Neighbor



 The Mercy of Islam upon the Living Thing  The Mercy of Islam upon non-Muslim  The Mercy and Jihad  The Mercy and Islamic Punishments  The Mercy of Islam upon the Sinner  The Mercy and Main Objectives of Islam  The Mercy and Flexibility in Islamic Sharia'h

The Word of Mercy “Ar-Rahmah” in Islam The word “Ar-Rahmah” (the mercy) and its derivations are used very frequently in the Glorious Qur’an and the traditions 85

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of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be uponand are repeated in daily prayers several times. The blessed words of “In the Name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful” is must for every Muslim to recite before every common permitted work like eating, drinking, sleeping, driving, talking, reading, writing etc. As the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him has said:” Any important matter which has not been begun with Allah's blessed name or His glorification is incomplete.”95 And the first word in the Glorious Qur’an is” In the Name of Allah the Most Gracious the Most Merciful” as well as every chapter (Surah)of Qur’an has been begun with these merciful words. Moreover, the first chapter (Surah) of the Glorious Qur’an and second Verse of it is “Ar-Rahman Ar-Raheem”(The Most Gracious The Most Merciful) both blessed words are literally derived from “Ar-Ramah” which denotes to mercy, and kindness. Allah-Glorified be He-has attributed Him Self with these noble descriptions in the Glorious Qur’an several times.

Abu-Dawood

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In addition, every Muslim has to recite the first chapter of the Glorious Qur’an in every prayer of daily five prayers, from two to four times. And the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) has been attributed by Allah-Exalted be He- in the Glorious Quran as the mercy for the whole universe” He-Glorified be Hesays:” We sent you not, but as a mercy for all creatures.96“ Even the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him has said:” Indeed I am a gifted mercy.97“ And whoever has no mercy was warned by the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) as he said:” No one is deprived of mercy but an unlucky.98“ Allah-Glorified be Hehas reminded His slaves this word in order to be adorned with mercy. Thus, we can conclude confidently that Islam encourages every person to be merciful and kind, so that Allah-Glorified be He- would bless him in reward with His special mercy and kindness as reward comes always according to the works. The Word of “Salam”(Peace) in Islam Surah, 21, Al-Anbiya'107)

96

Ibn-Katheer))

9788

Abu-Dawood)

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Among the manifest religious titles of a Muslim is “AlMomin” which has been derived literally from the origin of the Arabic word “Amn “which means actually the peace and security. It is also among the ninety-nine blessed attributes of AllahGlorified be He- He says In the Glorious Qur’an: “Allah is He except Whom there is no other god the Sovereign the Holy One the Source of peace, the Guardian of faith the Preserver of safety.”99 And the common title of a Muslim is the word “Muslim” which is also derived from the original Arabic word “Salam” which means “Peace”. When a Muslim greets his brother he says; “As-Salmu Alikum Wa Rahmatullah” which means “May peace and Allah's mercy be upon you!” Even a Muslim has been permitted to greet a non-Muslim by the word of peace and say:” May peace upon those who follow the right path.”100 These are the words with which a Muslim has to end his prayer as he says turning his face towards his right side “May peace and Allah's mercy be upon you all” and turning his face .(Surah,59,Al-Hashr,23

99

100yousuf alQarzawi

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)

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to his left, repeats the same blessed words. Thus, he repeats these words two times after every prayer of daily five prayers. Furthermore, a Muslim has to greet during his prayer itself the Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) and to all righteous creations in universe by these words: “Peace be upon you O Prophet! And upon us and upon all pious servants of Him.”101 Islam(The particular name of the Islamic faith) itself is an Arabic word which means to avail others with peace and security. Thus, it became very clear that the allegations of Terrorism and Extremism are contradictory to Islam's pure and noble nature. It is very clear that Islam reminds its followers and draws their attention to mercy and peace in such repeatedly manner! The Mercy of Islam upon the Child The mercy of Islam upon the child begins very earlier even before his birth, as Islam has ordered the proposed parents to select a good character and a good looking life partner, so that the child would be good looking and would find a healthy atmosphere and sound climate to grow his abilities and endowments. Since the house is the first school for a child. 101Al-Bukhari

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If we study in deep the teachings of the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) we would find that no aspect of human life has escaped it's wise teachings, every thing has been explained with such detail and depth that is sufficient and enough for the suffering humankind of the World to lead them to a safe and peaceful coast till there is life on this earth. The child is a gift from Allah, and the natural desire of every healthy person as it is the continuation and remembrance of the parents even after they die. The decoration of human life will be incomplete without a child. Ask a person who is deprived of this valuable favor! That is why we find Allah-Glorified be He-also regarded the child as the adornment of the human life. He says:” Wealth and sons are allurements of the life of this world, but the things that endure, good deeds are the best in the sight of your Lord as rewards, and best as (the foundation for)hopes.102“ Even Islam has instructed the parents to recite these words before having intercourse so that the proposed child would be unharmed and safe from satanic temptations in his life. The Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said:” When one of you intends to be near to his wife and recite (before it)”In the name of Allah! O Allah! Protect us and protect what Surah, 18, Al-Kahf.46)

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You have blessed us with. Then Satan can never harm the child if they were blessed with a baby.103“ And the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said:” Select for your sperm,(a good mate) marry the suitable and give them in marriage”.104 Undoubtedly, this Hadith illustrates the mercy of Islam upon a child as well as the care of Islam for a child even before his birth. A child through Islamic point of view is regarded as the shield and protection against calamities and misfortunes. As we may refer here to the following tradition.” “If Allah-Glorified be He-wants to send down any calamity on His servants then Firstly, he captures the souls of childrens, and sterilize the wombs, and then He sends down the punishments upon them when there remains no one deserving His mercy.”105 At-Tabarani narrated from As-Saeb son of Yazeed (May Allah be pleased with him) that once the Prophet (May peace of Allah and his blessings be upon him) kissed his grand son Hasan when Al-Aqra son of Habes saw it said” I have been blessed with ten sons but never kissed nor hugged any of them Al-Bukhari

103

(Ibn-Majah)

104

(Dylami

105

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then the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) warned him saying:” Whoever has no mercy upon the people deserves no mercy from Allah.”106 As well as Islam has protected the child's life when he begins his initial stages of life in his mother's womb. Only when he gains the first feature of life as an” fetus” he enjoys the full care and protection under the shade of Islamic teachings in order to be born healthy and live his life. Any kind of harm or negligence is regarded as a heinous crime in Islam. That is why; Islam has prohibited abortion and any other action, which may cause his death or may harm him. Allah-Glorified be He-says in the Glorious Qur’an:” And don't take life which Allah has made sacred-except for just cause.107“ There are some exceptional cases in which an embryo is permitted to be aborted with some strict terms. If his mother's life is in danger and there is no option to save her life without abortion, then only, it has been permitted to abort it, as mother's life is an origin for the fetus, so it is logical to be preferred the life of the origin firstly. As well, as mother's life is complete and present but the fetus is proposed to get a complete life after its birth. At-Tabarani

106

(Surah17, Al-Isra' 33),

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It is also the mercy of Islam upon an embryo that if a pregnant woman committed a murder crime intentionally then it becomes obligatory to delay the punishment until she gives the birth in order to save the life of the embryo. It is noteworthy that Islam ordains that an intentionally murderer must be murdered if the guardians of the murdered will not forgive. As the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) has said:” If a (pregnant) woman kills (a person intentionally) then she would not be killed (in penalty) until she puts whatever is in her womb and until she has nursed her child.”108 The historians have mentioned that Arabic tribes differentiated between male and female child and to prefer a male to female, even they buried a female alive escaping the social shame and tribal dishonor according to their old tradition as the Glorious Qur’an illustrates the psychological collapse and nervous breakdown of a person when he comes to know that he was blessed with a female. Allah-Glorified be He-says:” And when news is brought to one of them, of (the birth of)female(child),his face darkens, and he is filled with inward grief, with shame does he hide himself from his people, because of the bad news he has had, (Ibn-Majah)

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shall he retain it on(suffering and)contempt, or bury it in the dust. Ah! What an evil (choice) they decide on.”109 However, Islam has equated between male and female, and appreciated a person who has brought up the females and adorned them with good character. And encouraged to treat them kindly, as they are those who will generate in future thinkers, philosophers, rulers, and they were those who had given the birth of prophets and messengers and great personalities of the history. The Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) says:” Whoever has a female (child) but neither he buried her nor dishonored her nor preferred on her (the males) then Allah will admit him in Paradise.”110And the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) has said:” Whoever has three daughters, or three sisters, or two daughters or two sisters then he treated them with kindness and feared Allah about them, then Allah will admit him in Paradise.”111 The mercy of the Prophet-peace and blessings be upon him) upon a child also reflects in his care for giving name to the newborn,

(Surah,16;An-Nahl;58,59)

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(Abu-Dawood)

110

(Tirmizi)

111

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as he loved good names and disliked bad names even he has changed some bad names with other good ones. The Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) has explained:” It is a due right of a child on his father to select for him a good name, honor him and educate him good manners.”112 And it is narrated by Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) (The son-in law of the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) ) that when I was blessed with Hasan(The grand son of the Prophet (May Allah be pleased with him) )the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) asked” show me my son what have you named him?” I answered “Harb”(The war) then the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said” But he is Hasan( The good manner and good looking).Again, when I was blessed with Husain (The second grand son of the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) ) he asked me” Show my son. What have you named him?” I told: “Harb” Then he said:” But he is Husain (The little and good manner and good looking). And the same happened in third time, when I was blessed with third child the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) came and asked me as before: “Show me my son, what have (Al-Baihaqi)

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you named him? Then I answered him: “Harb”(The war)then he said:” But he is “Muhsan” that who was beautified by Allah-Glorified be He-.Then I loved to name my other sons by “Bishr”(The smiling)and “Basheer” the bringer of good tidings” and “Mubashshar”(The receiving of the good tidings).113 This Hadith explains the concern of the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) of child's names, on the other hand it presents the merciful nature and soft and tender feelings of the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) even in the matter of names as he changed the name “Harb”(War) three times because this word gives a feeling of harshness and leaves a meaning of roughness in the mind. However, Arabs named such kinds of names to denote a meaning of bravery and boldness, nevertheless the kind nature of the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) never accepted such names. It is also narrated by Sa'eed son of Musayyab that his grand father came to the Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) then he asked his name, he answered “Hazan” (the hard) then the Prophet (May peace and blessings

(Abu-Dawood)

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be upon him said:” You are(Sahl) the soft “ Then he said: “I can not change my name which I got from my father.” Sa'eed stated that due to this, we are suffering from the harsh till now. 114 Furthermore, as a child has been surrounded in Islam with social, moral, and educational care, his physical and financial rights also have been properly guaranteed in Islamic Jurisprudence. The necessary expenditure of a child is upon father's shoulder until he becomes able to earn in case of a male, or she gets married in case of a female, as after her marriage the responsibility would be transformed to her husband. If his father is not, alive or unable to earn then the nearest relative has to afford his expenses. If there is no one of his relatives to fulfill this duty then the treasury house is full responsible of his necessities. Islam has encouraged a breadwinner to spend on his family and appreciated his efforts for their livelihood. The Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said:” Whatever you spend on your self is a charity for you and whatever you spend on your children is a charity for you and

114

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(Al-Bukhari)

98

whatever you spend on your wife is a charity for you and whatever you spend on your servant is a charity for you.”115 Once a person passed by the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) when the companions of the Prophet saw his spirit and activity they said, “O Prophet of Allah! If only it was in the way of Allah!” Then the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said:” If he is going to strive to feed his youngs, then he is in the way of Allah, and If he is going to work hard for his old, aged parents, even then he is in the way of Allah, and if he is going to labor for himself to abstain himself (from sin), then he is in the way of Allah too. But if he is going to show off (the people) or boasting then he is in the way of Satan.” 116 Undoubtedly, it is a manifest feature of mercy upon a helpless child. And as long as these wise teachings were practically applied, there was no problem of homeless or astray childs in human society This is Omar the Second Caliph of Islam who is regarded a role model in ruling with justice and equity. It is narrated that.” “Once he was watching over a caravan of traders, who camped down at night in Medina, and then he heard crying of 115

An-Nasa'e)

(At-Tabarani).

116

98

99

a child then he came out to pursue it and when he found out, he told his mother “Fear Allah! and treat him with kindness.” And returned to his place. Again he heard the cries of the child from the same house, then he returned to her, and told her”: Woe unto you! I think you are a bad mother! Why I see your son is not calm tonight?” She answered: “O servant of Allah! He has disturbed me tonight, I am forcing him to wean but he is persistent not to wean, Omar (May Allah be pleased with him) asked:” But why? She answered, “Because Caliph Omar does not grant sustenance but only for the weaned child.” Then he asked her:” How many years old is he? She answered:” Such and such.” Then Omar (May Allah be pleased with him) condemned her saying:” Woe unto you! Do not hasten!” Then Omar performed dawn prayer and due to his severe grief the people were unable to hear clearly his recitation of the Glorious Qur’an in the prayer (It is must for a Muslim to recite some part of the Glorious Qur’an in prayer loudly especially in three prayers: the sunset, the evening and the dawn prayers) and when he has completed the prayer, he expressed his deep sadness and said” May Omar perish! How many children of Muslims he has killed!” Then he ordered a speaker to announce,” Do not hasten in weaning, we have

99

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granted sustenance for every newly born in Islam” and this decision has been written to every country under his reign.117 The Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) has directed the people to let their children to play and to practice on exercises which strengthen the body and active the thinking power. There were some kinds of exercises well-known amongst the Arabs like horse riding, arrow throwing and swimming. In the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) we find that he encouraged his companion's children to learn horse riding, arrow throwing and swimming, as he disliked a child to be isolated from enjoying their hobbies so that a child would learn how to exchange knowledge and deal with his colleagues and fellows. In this regard, it is narrated that the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) ordered every child who meets him on his way “O lad! Go and play.”118 Moreover, he directed the parents by saying,” Educate your childs to swim and to target with arrows, and to ride an animal.”119 117At-Tabaqat Al-Kubra Ibn-Sa'd (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad)

118

(Lisanul-Mizan)

119

100

101

Thus we have seen that how a child in the merciful teachings of Islam has been bounded with all possible kinds of care and attention.

The Mercy of Islam upon the Orphan Undoubtedly, Islam has given a special care towards the orphans. They were honored, justified, and cared. The Glorious Qur’an has condemned the persons who neglect the rights of orphans, Allah-Glorified be He says:” Then such is the man who repulses the orphan (with harshness), and encourages not the feeding of the indigence.”120 The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever wipes his hand upon an orphan's head (with kindness and mercy) he intends nothing from this merciful act except the pleasure of Allah, then he would be bestowed for each hair that was touched by his hand a lot of rewards, and whoever treats with kindness and mercy a female or male orphan under his guardianship, then he and I would be

(Surah,107,Al-Maun:2,3.)

120

101

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in Paradise like this. (as he held his index and middle fingers).”121 In another tradition, the Prophet -peace and blessings be upon him) advised a person when he complained to the Prophet Muhammad- peace and blessings be upon him that he was suffering with harshness in his heart .So Muhammad -peace and blessings be upon him) said to him “Do you like to be soft hearted and your needs to be fulfilled”? Then be merciful to orphans, wipe over their head in kindness and gentleness and give them charity, then you are going to get a soft heart and your needs to be fulfilled.” It is narrated by Abu Hurairah that the Prophet-peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The best house among Muslims is that, in which an orphan is treated with mercy and kindness and the worst house in a Muslim society is that, where an orphan is humiliated and ill treated.”122 Furthermore, Islam remained very careful about the property of an orphan and laid down some strict regulations in order to protect his wealth from being lost. Allah-Glorified and Exalted be He-said:” To orphans restore their property (when they reach their age), nor substitute (your) worthless things for (Musnad Ahmad)

121

Ibn-Majah

122

102

103

(their) good ones; and devour not their substance (by mixing it up) with your own .For this is indeed a great sin.” 123 The prophetic traditions also were very strict in this regard. It is narrated by Abu Huraira the Prophet -peace and blessings be upon him) expressed his anxiety and said, “I am fearing about the right of two weak groups among you; the orphan and the woman.”124 As well as the guardian of an orphan is ordered to merchandise with the property of an orphan so that, his property would be in growth constantly and would not be decreased by Zakat. In this regard, it is narrated that the Prophet-peace and blessings be upon him) delivered a sermon, and warned by saying “Beware! of an orphan's wealth, if he is under the care of one of you and he posses some wealth then it should be put in the merchandise, so that, the Zakat (giving alms) could not lessen his money.” 125From the above evidences it is obvious that how an orphan got social and economical care from the Muslim society, which has been guaranteed for them by AllahGlorified and Exalted be He-and the Prophet -peace and (Surah,4,An-Nisa'2)

123

(Al-Hakim)

124

(Tirmizi)

125

103

104

blessings be upon him) as well as through these wise teachings the society as a whole has been protected from the bad results of homeless and astray children which is amongst the biggest problems of our society in modern age. Everyday, we watch the bad news of thefts, robberies, murders, sexual harassments etc, which has made our society as unsafe, insecure repressive place to live. Sometimes those astray homeless children would turn in to the groups of terrorist or the gang of extremists and dacoits who use all kinds of sources to get money for their illegal activities. The Mercy of Islam upon the Woman Islam has honored the woman and secured her rights, restored her freedom. Nevertheless, during the pre-Islamic days, they had no rights even a newly born female were buried alive, and a woman would be distributed in Arabic Peninsula among the inheritors of a deceased person besides his property and wealth. As well as the woman was suffering from all kinds of tyranny, humiliation and degradation in other parts of the world and under other religions too. However, Islam has secured for them all due rights as a human being and regarded them equal to men. Allah- Glorified be He- says in the Glorious Qur’an:” O mankind! Reverence your Guardian-Lord Who created you 104

105

from a single person, created of like nature his mate, and from them twain scattered (like seeds) countless men and women.” 126

The woman in Islam has given a reward equal to a man in return of a good deed Allah-Glorified be He- says: “And their Lord has accepted of them, and answered them: Never will I suffer to be lost the work of any of you, be he male or female, you are members, one of another.”127 Islam has honored the women when it named a chapter (Surah) of the Glorious Qur’an by the word “An-Nisa” The Women” as their rights and duties were explained in this Surah in detail. Furthermore, the Glorious Qur’an has explained that the rights and duties of both male and female are equal, Allah-Glorified be He-says:” And women shall have rights similar to their to the rights against them, according to what is equitable.”128 However, Islam remained very careful when it took into its account the natural distinctions of both sexes, and fixed the rights and duties according to their varied natures.

(Surah, 4; An-Nisa; 1)

126

(Surh,3:Ali-Imran;195)

127

(Surah,2;Al-Baqarah;228)

128

105

106

The woman in a few cases gets the half of the male, because Islam has put the responsibility of whole family expenditure upon the man, while woman in Islam has no burden of this kind. It is also a feature of Islam's mercy upon the woman when it has stopped her to travel alone a long distance(About three days and nights by riding an animal), it is not in order to deprive her of her freedom of journey but to protect her and her honor from possible dangers during her journey since it is permissible if she is accompanied by a man who can protect and help her during journey. Therefore She must be accompanied by one of her Mahram (Who is not permitted to marry her. Like father, brother, son etc.) The Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said:” It is unlawful for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to travel a distance of three nights, but if she is accompanied by an unmarriageable man.”129 It is clear that this condition is not against her freedom but it is a real mercy of the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) on the woman, as he has safeguarded her chastity and honor.

(Al-Bukhari)

129

106

107

Even the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) has cared for the kind feelings of a mother towards her child during his prayers. As it has been narrated by Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said:” Indeed I enter in the prayer and like to make it longer nevertheless, I hear a child's screaming, due to this I use to shorten my prayer because I know the compassionate feelings of a mother towards her child.”130 How softhearted was the Prophet Muhammad! (May peace and blessings be upon him) who even took in his mind the longings of a mother to her child during the worship itself, is this not a merciful act! Imam Al-Bukhari has mentioned in his book namely Al-Adab Al-Mufrad from Abut-Tufail (May Allah be pleased with him) he stated;” I saw the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessing be upon him) while he was distributing some meat among the people at AlJeyerranah(A place in Arabian peninsula) when I was a child and I was carrying a part of a slaughtered camel. Then a woman came to him, and he spread his shawl for her to sit upon it. I asked: “Who was she?” They answered:” She was his foster mother who had fed him.”131 It is noteworthy that the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) has always equated among sons and daughters in gifts. (Al-Bukhari)

130

Al-Adab Al-Mufrad

131

107

108

In this connection a tradition has been narrated that the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) ordered the parents saying:” Equate among your children in gifts! If I had a choice to give priority one on another then indeed, I had preferred the women on the men.” An-Nasae narrated from Aaisha'h (May Allah be pleased with her-that a young woman complained to the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) that my father has married me to his nephew to wash his infamy, but I am not satisfied with him, then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) sent out to her father, and very soon he was there, the young woman has been permitted to chose, however she said:” O Prophet of God! (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) I have permitted this marriage now and I intended nothing (from this objection) but to announce that fathers have no right to compel their daughters in such matters.”132 The Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) stopped the Muslims from disliking the daughters. Oqbah-Ibn-Amir Narrated that the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Do not dislike the daughters, indeed they are amusements and precious”133

An-Nasa'i

132

Kashf Al Khifa

133

108

109

This is the mercy of the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) upon the women be they daughters, wives, mothers, sisters. Is there any resemblance between it and what the people claim today of preserving human rights? Here the difference becomes manifest between what has been explained by Islam concerning kind treatment and what is called by the positive law. The woman in Islam has equal rights of a man, the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) says:” Verily, women are the similar to men.” 134

There are numerous manifest evidences in Islamic literature, which are enough to refute the baseless claims of the modern age. A woman is completely free in Islam to exercise her rights in elections and to participate in the political gatherings with modesty and decency. The woman participated like a man during the early days of Islam in what is called “Al-Bai'ah” the ceremony of “Allegiance Pledge” with the Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) and this event has been mentioned in the Glorious Qur’an, Allah Glorified be He- says: “O Prophet! When believing women come to you to take the oath of fealty to you that they will not associate in worship any other thing whatever with Allah, that they will not steal, that they will not commit adultery, that they will not kill their children, that they will not utter slander, intentionally forging falsehood, and that they will not disobey you in any matter, then (Ahmad)

134

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receive their fealty, and pray to Allah for their forgiveness, for Allah is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” 135Like that it is permitted for a woman to attend the congregational worships, like daily prayers, the weekly prayers of Friday(Jumo'ah) and the prayer of annual Islamic festival ( the festival of Al-Fitr in the end of Ramadan, and the festival of sacrifice). The Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said:” Let the chaste, covering, young women to come out, in order to attend the good deed and to watch prayer of the believers, but the menstruating should be far from the prayer place.” 136 The women also had participated in the receiving ceremony of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) and his intimate companion Abu-Bakr- may Allah be pleased with him) when they arrived at Medina after migration from Mecca. As Abu-Bakr- may Allah be pleased with him) has described the scene in his words:” When we arrived at Medina on the day of migration, the men and women mounted their houses, singing: “O Muhammad! Prophet of Allah!” 137

135

(Surah 60:Al-Mumtahinah,12)

(Al-Bukhari)

136

(Al-Bukhari)

137

110

111

Their rights of learning are also reserved in Islam same as for the men. In this connection it is narrated by Abu-Sa'id, he said:” A woman came to the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) and said:” O Prophet of Allah! Men have preceded us in collecting your Hadith (teachings) so fix for us too a day, we will come to you so that you will teach us from the knowledge you have been taught by Allah, the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) agreed and told them.” Gather in such and such day in so and so place.” 138 In Islam, a woman has been permitted to work, to merchandise, to buy and sell, there are some examples of working woman during the early days of Islam. It is narrated by Jabir Ibn-Abdullah (May Allah be pleased with him) he said:” My maternal aunt was a divorcée, and she intended to pluck the dates from her palm tree(during her waiting period,(as in Islam there is a fixed period about three months or three menses for a divorcee to remarry) but a person stopped her from leaving her home for work, then she came to the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) then he permitted her by saying:” Of course! pluck the dates from the tree, so that you may spend it in the way of Allah, or may do with it a good deed.”139 (Muslim)

138

(Abu-Dawood)

139

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112

The woman in general earned during the lifetime of the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) as it is narrated that wife of Abdullah Ibn-Masood (May Allah be pleased with him) was an skillful woman in handworks, once she said to the Prophet:” O Prophet of Allah! I am a woman expert at handicrafts, and I sell my products, however my husband and my children have nothing to do.” Then the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) promised me saying” You will get reward for whatever you spend upon them”140 In addition it is also narrated by Ar-Rabi'a daughter of Mo'awwaz, she said: “I entered in a gathering of women from Al-Ansar (the people of Medina who supported the Prophet in his mission) around a woman namely, “Asma'a (it happened during the caliphate of Omar son of Al-Khattab (May Allah be pleased with him) her son would send some perfume to her from Yemen and she sold it to Al-Aatiyah, and we purchaseed it from her.”141 As well as a woman in Islam has been given her right of expression and objection.

(Al-Bukhari)

140

( Al Bukhari)

141

112

113

As it is narrated that one day Omar delivered a public address and he wanted to fix women's bridal moneys, then a woman rejected his decision and objected by arguing:” Why are you depriving the women from their due right which has been given to them by Allah, and she recited the following Verses;” But if ye decide to take one wife in place of another, even if ye had given the latter whole treasure for dower, take not the least bit of it back; would ye take it by slander and a manifest wrong?” 142He accepted her critique, and said:” A woman thought rightly but, Omar went wrong.” 143 It is note-worthy here that Omar was the caliph of Muslims in Arabian peninsula and Syria and Iraq, In spite of that he announced his fault in front of his people with modesty. However Omar was that hard hearted person who has buried his young daughter alive in preIslamic days and who has injured his sister, when he was informed about her embracing Islam, but it is Islam that softened his heart and melted him and reshaped him in the frame of merciful teachings of the Prophet Muhammad–may peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him.

(Surah 4 :An-Nisa'20)

142

(Ibn Katheer)

143

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114

The Mercy of Islam upon the Old It is obvious that the old and aged people are in a great need of kind treatment and proper care from their children, relatives and from their society as well. Because they have spent their youth and gave their age of strength in the service of them. That is why Islam has appreciated their endeavors and respected them. And invited all people to treat them with sympathy, and politeness. It is a religious and ethical duty of every person to support them when they need all types of soft heartedness and sweet words. Allah-Glorified be He-instructed the sons and daughters to be merciful upon parents, He-Glorified be He-says: “And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents, whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt nor repel them, but address them in the terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and supplicate My Lord! Bestow on them Your mercy as they cherished me in my childhood.” 144 We note here that Allah-Glorified be He-has mentioned in this Verse two important matters, one of them is His worship and the other is to serve and offer polite treat to the old parents, thus the rights of old (Surah: 17, Al-Isra'23, 24)

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parents have been joined to the sacred duty of worship, which means that both duties are important and sacred in the sight of Allah. The Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) also has insisted on the rights of old people in many occasions, once he (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said: “Indeed it is a feature of Allah's glorifying, to honor a white-headed Muslim, and to honor a person who has memorized the Qur’an, then did not exceed its proper limitation, nor left it behind, and to honor a fair commander.” 145

As well as he (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) has given a good news to a youth who honors an old, as he (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) says: “None of a young honors an old man due to his elderness but Allah sends to him(in return) a person who would honor him in his old-age.” 146 Moreover, a person who is decorated with good conduct, sympathy, and mercy with weak, parents and slaves such man has been promised to get Allah's special help. The Prophet of Allah (May peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Whoever has three qualities, then Allah shall cover him with His mercy, and admits him in His Paradise ;those qualities are: to be

(Abu-Dawood)

145

Tirmizi)

146(

115

116

merciful upon the weak, and to be polite with parents and to treat the slaves with good conduct.”147 These teachings were applied in the Muslim society on both levels individual and community that is why there were no neglected parents and no old-aged persons felt loneliness. The Mercy of Islam upon the Needy and Helpless The human societies of our age are merely based on selfish causes. Every one lives for himself. Material motives are prevailing on every aspects of human life that is why, the poor and needy are left to fight their own battles. However, the brotherhood among Al-Ansar and emigrants of Medina after the manifest of Islam remained a significant historical event of unity. When they shared their properties and they divorced their wives to be married with their Muslim emigrant brothers and instead of scarcity of food, they preferred their brothers to their own families, which may be regarded a unique example of co-operation in human history. Thus, Islam has assured a due right for the needy, helpless, and deprived people. That is called “Zakat” or alms payment. In the Glorious Qur’an Allah says: “To believe in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Messengers; To spend of your substance, out of love for Him, for your kin, for (At-Tirmizi)

147

116

117

the orphans, for the needy for the wayfarer, for those who ask, and for the ransom of slaves; to be stead fast in prayer, and practice regular charity.” 148 Furthermore there are other rights besides Zakat like the un- obligatory charity, and the charity that should be offered after committing some specific wrong doings, (just like if a person breaks his fast during the daytime in the month of Ramadan without any lawful excuse). In Islamic Jurisprudence, we find some important opinions about social solidarity, and equality among the people, in the writings of Ibn-Hazam, and Ibn Tymyyah the eminent Muslim scholars. Ibn-Tymyyah wrote “Suppose if there was an emergency in a society that obliged the people to take refuge in a certain house then it is obligatory upon the house owner to give them his home as a shelter, similarly if they needed to a person who possess some cloth and the other people did not get cloths to wear or protect themselves against a severe cold then he must give them out of his usage.” Moreover, this Islamic rule is applicable in other similar cases like cooking utensils, drinking cups etc.

(Al Baqarah 2; 177)

148

117

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And Ibn-Hazam wrote: “If a person was in a severe thirst that may cause his death, then it is obligatory upon him to take the water from any one if a person having water refuses to give them. Then it is permitted for the thirsty to take the water forcibly.” These opinions are based upon firm Islamic evidence from the Glorious Qur’an and Ahadith (The sayings of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon Him) ) Allah-Glorified be He-has condemned the person who refuses to supply with the common neighborly needs, which cost little but mean much, see the Verse of Surah, 107Al-Maun (The neighborly assistance) And the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him said:” Whoever has some remained sustenance then he should give it to his brother who did not get, and whoever has some remained supper then he should donate it to his brother who was in need. The companions stated that the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) has asserted to help others such an extent level that we thought no one among us has any right in his leftover food.149

(Muslim)

149

118

119

And Islam has founded very wise regulation in this regard, However Islam did not fix a limitation for property, but it has laid down some rules and regulations to collect money from the wealthy in order to safeguard economic balance in the society the regulations might be explained as follows: 1) Islam has prohibited all kinds of monopoly system, because it causes dangerous financial problems among the people, like the rise in prices, and shortage of goods in the market, and exploitation of needy etc. 2) As well as it has prohibited all kinds of usury system to secure the human society from its negative results upon economic life. 3) Islam has established the public treasury house to collect the due money from the rich persons and distribute it among the needy people in order to insure for every one the basic needs of daily life. 4) If the source of Zakat and other sources of Islamic States fail to cover the needs of the needy then it is incumbent upon the fortunate of the society to fulfill their needs from their own properties, as a person can not be a true Muslim if he is full stomach while his neighbor is hungry as narrated in the sayings of the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) The Prophet (May peace of Allah and 119

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His blessings be upon him) said” “There are other rights in the property of a Muslim besides of Zakat.”150. 5) Islam disliked a Muslim to be extravagant as the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) instructed his companion Sa'ad (May Allah be pleased with him) ”It is better to leave your inheritors in wealth than you leave them poor begging the people.” 151 It is also narrated that Abu-Bakr said: “I dislike a person who eats the sustenance of many days in one day.” These sayings should be understood in its wider meaning as it is not directed to an individual only but it includes the societies and generations, so we have to use the natural resources(like water, gas, petrol, coal, etc.) in a reasonable limit, so that the coming generations would not be destroyed. But it does not mean that Islam did not acknowledge the difference in wealth and personal property. Indeed Islam has admitted the fact of variety between the human being in intelligence, beauty, strength, and ability, then how Islam can neglect the differences in those matters which may be gained by human endeavor, Allah-Glorified be (At-Tirmizi)

150

(Al-Bukhari)

151

120

121

he-says in the Glorious Qur’an: “ Allah has bestowed His gifts of sustenance more freely on some of you than others.”152 In another Surah, He-Glorified be He-says: “Is it they who would portion out the mercy of your Lord, it is We Who portion out between them their livelihood in the life of this world, and We raise some of them above others in ranks, so that some may command work from others.”153 6) Islam has established a complete system of inheritance, and fixed for the inheritors specific and right shares in order to pass the money from hand to hand and rotate it among the people. Thus, it became clear that Islam has confirmed the principle of difference in wealth, but it invited to help each other, so that no one could be deprived of his necessary needs.

(Surah,16,An-Nhl:71)

152

(Surah,43:Az-Zukhruf,32

153

121

122

The Mercy of Islam upon the Slave and the Servant The slaves and servants in general were treated badly before Islam. They were regarded as trading goods, which were bought and purchased same as animals. However, when Islam came in power it gave them honor and tried to free them from their slavery by all possible means. Bilal the Abyssinian slave has the post of calling the Muslims for prayer by the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him. It is narrated by son of Abbas (May Allah be pleased with them- That the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon- saw a draper then he bought a shirt from him by four dirham, then he went out while he was wearing it, on his way he met a person of Al-Ansar asking him his shirt:” O Prophet of Allah! Give me the shirt, may Allah cover you with a garment of Paradise, then he took off his shirt and gave him. And he came back to the cloth merchant and purchased another one by four dirhams and two dirham were remained with him then he passed in his way by a slave girl crying he asked saying:” What made you cry?” she answered” O prophet of Allah! Actually, my owner gave me two dirhams to purchase some food but the dirhams were lost by me” he gave her the remaining two dirhams and took his way and when he returned he found her weeping still, “What made you cry 122

123

again? After you have taken the two dirham.” The Prophet asked her. She answered:” Of course! but I am so late and I feared of their beating.” Then he accompanied her and went to her owner and greeted them they recognized his voice and asked:” What has brought you here? O Prophet of Allah!-my father and my mother are sacrificed for your sake- He answered:” This girl was afraid of your beating.” The owner said:” She is free for Allah's pleasure and your blessed accompanying her. Then the Prophet of Allah gave them the good news of blessing and Paradise. Furthermore the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said:” Indeed Allah-exalted be He-has blessed those ten dirhams as Allah-exalted be He-has clothed His Prophet a shirt and a man of Al-Ansar a shirt and Allah-exalted be He has freed a slave. Thanks for Allah upon this favor; He is the Merciful who has bestowed upon me by His might.” 154 Moa'awiah son of Sowed stated that: “We -the sons of Maqran-did not possess but only one slave girl, this event returns to the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) one of amongst us slapped her, when the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) was informed about this (At-Tabarani)

154

123

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unpleasing event he instructed us saying:” Let her free.” We apologized and said:” we have none except her.” Then the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) suggested at last saying:” Then employ her, but whenever you would not need her, free her very soon.” 155 And Omar (May Allah be pleased with him rodethe animal by turn with his servant, it happened when he was traveling to Syria with his servant, as he neared to Syria, the turn of the servant came to ride the camel, Omar ordered him to ride and himself came down, but the servant apologized as it was unacceptable by him, how a servant would ride! While the caliph of whole Muslims is walking on his foot! But Omar remained insistent until the servant rode it, thus they entered Syria, the caliph is walking and his servant is riding, when the people of Syria saw them they were extremely surprised.156 Once when Omar was addressing his people and during his speech he said:” If you find me deviating from the right path then correct me! Then one of the attendants stood up and said;” If we see any deviation in you then we shall amend it by our swords.” Then Omar said:” All praise be to Allah who has made in my people who dare to set Omar upright.” (Muslim)

155

156Tarikh-Al Khulafa'

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Once the Muslims gained some booty (Yemenite cloths) when it has been distributed among the people by Omar, then Abdullah son of Omar also got a piece of that cloth, but he gifted his share to his father (Omar), then he made a robe with both of them, once he addressed the people while he was wearing it, he said in his speech:” O my people! Listen me! And obey! then Salman (May Allah be pleased with him) rose and said:” No listening of you, and no obedience for you.” Omar asked the reason and said:” Why?”Then Salman asked him:” How did you get this loose robe? You are a tall man and your share was like others only one cloth?” Then Omar called out his son Abdullah, he responded to him saying:” O commander of Muslims! I am here.” Omar said:” I swear you by God! Tell isn't it your cloth that you gifted me?” He answered “Of course! It was mine that I have gifted you.” then Salman said:” Now order us we shall listen and obey your order” Nevertheless, there is no wonder if we imagine his modesty, justice and his mercy upon his nation, and influence of prophet's teachings upon him. Islam has made to free the slaves from their slavery in many cases as a ransom, such as to salvage a slave from slavery is amongst the ransoms of breaking fast knowingly, to perjure etc.

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These neglected groups of human society never got their rights, honors, and respect as they enjoyed in Islam.

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The Mercy of Islam upon the Neighbour In Islam a neighbour has very important place though they have no relation of blood nor brotherhood of faith neither .fellowship of job Allah-Glorified be He-has mentioned the due right of the neighbour in the Glorious Qur’an itself, and has ordered to .fulfill this duty and to worship Him in the same context Allah-Glorified be He says, “Worship Allah and join not any partners with Him;and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbours who are near, neighbours who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer 157

”.(and what your right hand possess(slaves

As well as to desecrate the honor of him once, has been .regarded in Islam as many as ten times with others The Prophet-peace and blessings be upon him) said, “it is not allowable for a Muslim to abandon his brother for more than three days, he turns away and the other turns away, The better of the two is the one who begins first the greeting of 158

”.peace

The Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said, “To commit an adultery with neighbour's wife is worse than to commit it with ten women else, and to steal 157(Surah,4,An-Nisa',36) 158Al-Bukhari

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some thing from his neighbour is worse than to steal from ten 159

”.houses else

The Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said:”Gabreil remained reminding me about the rights of the neighbour such constantly as I thought that he 160

”.would make him among the inheritors

In this connection it is narrated by Mujahid he stated that:” Once we were with Omar (May Allah be pleased with him) at an evening, while one of his servant was taking off the skin of a slaughtred goat, then Omar said:”Begin with our Jew neighbour(Give the meat to the Jew first)! “He repeated it many times.Then someone asked him in surprize:” How many times will you remember the Jew?”Then Omar (May Allah be .pleased with him) mentioned the above written Hadith Islam has ordered its followers to treat kindly with neighbours irrespective of religion as we have seen in Omar's .act There is a tradition which has explained the due rights of a neighbour in such detail that should be regarded as the key .legislation for all rights related to a neighbour in Islam

(Ahmad)

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160Abu-Dawood

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The Prophet (May peace of Allah and his blessings be upon him) said:”The right of your neighbor is to visit him when he falls ill,to escort him when he dies,to loan him when he is in need, to cover him when he becomes poor,to congratulate him when he gets a bliss,to console him when he faces any misfortune.And do not build higher than his building so that you would not interfere between him and his (open) air.And do not annoy him by your cooking smell, but when you intended to give him out of your food.”161How lofty are these principles!And how merciful are these fundamentals! There is no place for selfishness nor self-seeking. Indeed there is co-operation, to help each other,to share good and bad,to exchange good behaviour regardless of faith, language, skin .color, religion, nation, tribe, generation, and caste

161(At-Tabarani)

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The Mercy of Islam upon the Living Thing The common living things also got a part from overflowing mercy of Islam. In Islam, it is prohibited to torture an animal or to over load it, as well as to goal the birds as hobby. Islam encourages giving the cattle fodder regularly, yet if any bird eats from a field or tree then it has been regarded as a charity for the farmer as was explained in the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him. It is narrated by Aamer Ar-Ram he stated:” Once we were with the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him - a man came to us with his robe folded upon some thing under it, he said;” O Prophet of Allah! I passed by a jungle of trees and heard there the chirps of some young birds. Then I caught them and put them under my shawl then their mother came and flew round my head then I uncovered them to show them their mother and the mother also swept down under it, and I folded the shawl upon them with their mother. See! Those are here under it.” Then the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) ordered him to return, then I returned them. Afterward, their mother remained with them without leaving them alone. 130

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Then the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) stated; “Are you surprised by the longing of the mothers for their youngs, by Whom who has sent me with the truth indeed Allah is more Merciful upon His servants than these mother birds upon their youngs .Go back and return them to the nests you have caught from with their mothers! The man returned them back to their nests”.162 The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) entered a garden of Al-Ansar and then he saw a camel, when the camel saw the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) it gargled and his two eyes flowed with tears, then the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) neared to it and passed his blessed hand on its hump and mouth then the camel became quiet. Then he asked: “Who is the owner of this camel or to whom belongs this camel?” Then a young man came near to him and said: “It's mine, O Prophet of Allah!” Then he scolded him by saying, “Do you not fear Allah about these animals which Allah has made in your possession? (Abu-Dawood).

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It is complaining to me that you keep it hungry and starve it continuously.”163 It is also his kindness to animals that he would turn the container of water for pussy and would not lift it up until it had quenched its thirst he did so to show a mercy upon it. Once he (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) saw a village of ants which has been burnt by some people. Then he asked, “Who has burnt it?” They answered” We.” Then he stopped them from this kind of merciless acts by saying:” No one deserves to torture with fire but only The Lord of fire.”164 Likewise, once he saw a donkey while it had been branded upon its face. Then he prayed saying:” May Allah curse him who has branded it.”165 And he (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said:” A woman has been tortured because of a cat as she had imprisoned it until it died, due to it she entered

Ab u-Dawood)

163

(Abu-Dawood)

164

(Muslim)

165

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Hellfire. Neither she had given her food nor water nor did she let it to eat the vermin of the earth.”166 Once son of Omar (May Allah be pleased with thempassed by some adolescents from Qureish tribe, while they had set a bird to goal upon it with arrows, they had agreed previously that the wronged arrows would be given to the owner of the bird. When they saw son of Omar they took their ways in fear. Then son of Omar asked:” Who has done it? May Allah deprive them of His mercy!” The Prophet of Allah also has cursed whoever targets upon a living thing.”167 It is narrated by son of Mas'ood (May Allah be pleased with him) he said:” Once we accompanied the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) while he went out to answer the call of nature. This time we saw a sparrow with its two youngs then we caught them. After a moment the mother sparrow came back to its nest .When the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) saw it, said;” Who has grieved it with its youngs, return them back to their mother.”168

(Al-Bukhari)

166

(Muslim)

167

Ahmad

168

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Among the commandments of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) to the collectors of charities was the following advice;” Do not separate the baby camel from its mother(During collecting the animal charities), do not keep it away from its mother's milk, do not starve it by riding upon it continuously, and give equal rights among its coevals, and give them their rest, and let them to graze in pastures and grasslands.” The Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) narrated “Once a person was walking and felt a severe thirst, so he came down in a well and drank from it, then he climbed out of the well, at that moment he found a dog gasping and licking wet soil due to its thirst, then he said to himself:” It has been stricken with the same that I had stricken with, then came down the well again and filled up his leather shoes with the water and climbed up holding it with his mouth then he quenched its thirst. Then Allah thanked his kind deed, and forgave him.” They asked:” O Prophet of Allah! Is there a reward for us in these animals?” He answered:” Yes” Of course! in every living thing there is a reward.”169 Ahmad)

169(

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The Mercy of Islam upon non-Muslim In Islam, all nations have enjoyed their rights, freedom of faith, expression the right of exercising their religious rituals. And Islam has given the Jews and the Christians a special importance and an honorable position, since early days of its appearance. The special importance of Islam towards them might be exhibited as follows: 1)The Honorable Title: They got a name of” The People of the Book” which means that they are related to some revealed religions however they lost their purity and has gone through some deviations over time. It was only to express that they have a distinguished position in Islam as well as non-Muslims living under Islamic Rule were named “Ahl-Az-Zimmah” which means the people whose rights were assured by Allah-Glorified be He- and by the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) . 2) Their Slaughtered: As well as their food is permitted for Muslims, if it is good and pure. 3)The Marriage Contract: A Muslim man is permitted to marry a woman from their ranks on the same terms as he would marry a Muslim, he must give her an economic and moral status, and must not be actuated merely by motives of lust or physical desires. 136

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Allah Almighty says in the Glorious Qur’an: “This day are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful unto you .And yours is lawful unto them.(Lawful unto you in marriage)Are (not only)chaste women who are believers, but chaste women among the People of the Book revealed before your time, when you give them their due dowers, and desire chastity not lewdness, nor secret intrigues.” 170 This means that Islam accepts them as grand fathers, grand mothers, and brothers in law and sisters in law, fathers in law, mothers in law, for a Muslim individual when he marry a woman among them. Indeed, it is a leniency, and kindness in Islam with the Jews and Christian nations. Is there any leniency left behind, after it? 4) Their Religious Freedom; Undoubtedly Islam was the first that has founded the firm bases of justice and leniency, in order to deal with the followers of other religions and faiths besides of Jews and Christians. They were in Islamic States totally free in excising their religious rituals, and expressing their faiths, they never were compelled to accept Islam nor to abandon their ideology, even (Surah;5 Al-Ma'idah;5)

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their church and synagogue remained safe, through centuries after centuries, if they were compelled to abandon their faiths then there would not exist their sacred places in Islamic countries today. Their rights were reserved for them by the Glorious Qur’an itself, Allah- Glorified be He- says:” Let there be no compulsion in religion; The truth has become distinguished from the error.” 171 5)To Treat Them with kindness: Similarly Islam has assured for them the kindness from Muslims; Allah-Glorified be He- says: “Allah does not forbid you from dealing kindly and justly with regard to those who do not fight you for your religion nor drive you out of your homes, for Allah loves those who are just.” 172 6) The Freedom of Knowledge and Work: They have enjoyed the freedom of knowledge, and they practiced their professions with complete freedom in Islamic States side by side with Muslims. As well as Islamic State was full responsible of protecting their properties and belongings.

(Surah; 2: Al-Baqarah; 256)

171

(Surah:60:Al-Mumtahinah;8)

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In addition, they have occupied important posts in the administrative sections of Islamic Government. 7) To Exchange Gifts: Some Muslim Jurists have permitted even to exchange visiting and gifts with them, and to visit their sick. 8) Business Freedom: A groups of Muslim scholars have permitted the Non-Muslims to trade in wine and swine among them, on the condition that they would not transfer it to the Muslim population, as it has been regarded as prohibited goods in Islam. Undoubtedly, it is the mercy and leniency of Islam, those could not be seen anywhere but in Islam. 9) Freedom of Judgment: As well as they had a free choice to judge among them in their personal cases like the marriage, divorce, and inheritance, according to their own personal law, or according to Islamic law if they wished. Furthermore, they have been exempted from the almsgiving (Zakat) and from participating in the fight against the enemies, though Islamic Jihad is not concerning them but a military service, and almsgiving (Zakat) is not but a property tax. They were bound only to pay some taxes in return to their protection and civil service, which was named “Al-

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Jizyah” or the tribute, but the women, children, poor, and needy were exempted from this tax. So no differentiation should be imagined here between them and Muslim citizens, as the Muslims were obliged to pay Zakat (alms). It is noteworthy here that, how Islam was careful towards the followers of other faiths when it exempted them from paying Zakat so that no one can claim that they were compelled to participate in a basic element of Islamic faith as there are five rituals in Islam which have been regarded as the “Five Pillars Of Islam” one of them is Zakat. That is why their taxes were named”Al-Jizyah” and they were excluded from Zakat. As well as Islam has permitted a Muslim to treat Polytheist with kindness the if they are peace lovers. In this regard, it is narrated by Asma'a daughter of AbuBakr (The first caliph of Islam) (May Allah be pleased with them-she said ;”Once my mother came to me while she was a polytheist during the lifetime of the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) then I went to the Prophet of Allah (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) and asked him: “My mother has visited me, and she loves me then would I join her?”

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He answered: “Yes! Treat her with kindness.” 173 And the story of an Egyptian Coptic who raced with son of Amr-Ibn-Al-Aas the conqueror and governor of Egypt is well-known in Islamic history. When the Coptic preceded son of Amr, then son of Amr slapped him in anger. The Coptic complained to Omar the second caliph of Islam, and Omar made the Coptic to take his retaliation from Amar during the pilgrimage season in front of the crowds. Furthermore, the Prophet of Allah has warned: “Whoever hurts a free non-Muslim under Islamic protection then I would be the opponent against him on the Day of Judgment. “ And he said on another occasion:” Be ware! Whoever oppressed a free non-Muslim under Islamic protection or burdened him more than his afford or collected from him forcibly out of his pleasure, then I would be his opponent against him on the Day of Judgment.” 174 And once Omar (the second caliph of Islam) saw an old man of non-Muslims is begging, then he asked him:” What is the matter with you?” He answered, “I am begging due to my (Muslim)

173

(Abu-Dawood)

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poverty.” Then Omar felt severe sadness and grief and took with him the director of Islamic treasury and showed him the beggar, and told him:” We have not treated with justice if we do not care the old-aged and needy, and ordered him not only to exempt him from the tribute but he should be granted pension from Islamic treasury.”175 And when he traveled to Damascus he passed by some Christians stricken with barrenness, then he ordered to give him from the treasure house. 176 The story of Hormuz the commander of Persian troops with Omar denotes clearly to the fact that Islam only wants the good with every one irrespective of race, color, faith, origin, or nationality. When Hormuz was brought to Omar, Hormuz was clad in his silk garment and his crown was adorned with ruby, when Omar saw him said:” Thanks to Allah who has conquered him and his similars by Islam. “And asked him:” Tell me what has motivated you for the betrayal with us repeatedly, what was the reason behind it?” He answered I am afraid that you will kill me before I could complete my

(Yousuf Al-Qardawi)

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(Yousuf AlQardawi)

176

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explanation.” Omar guaranteed his security and said: “Do not fear!” Then Hormuz asked him some water, his demand was fulfilled, he said:” I am sure that you will kill me before I will drink the water.” Omar reassured him, and then he spelt the water on earth and said: “There was no need of water, only I intended to seek your assurance.” Then Hormuz was granted his safety and was forgiven. Although he had suffered the Muslims with a lot of damages and killed a numbers of them and broke the promise several times.177 When he saw the unlimited mercy of Islam upon him, he embraced Islam with full conviction. The Mercy and Jihad The word of “Jihad” is an Arabic word, which has been derived from the origin “Jahad.” Actually this word means to strive and to spend the possible power to achieve some goal, or gain any purpose in any field, thus the word “Jihad” bears a meaning wider than to” fight”. There is a common misunderstanding related to Jihad in Islam. When some scholars thought that the word of Jihad is a synonym to the word of 'War', but this concept is absolutely contrary to the real meaning of Jihad as Islam has regarded to strive for the 177Al-Bidayah W An-Nihayah

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livelihood a kind of jihad .likewise to declare the truth in front of an unjust ruler is the best kind of Jihad .” 178 As well as to convey the message of Qur’an to the people is another kind of Jihad. This explanation refers to the Verse: “52 ‫الية‬25 ‫ فل تطع الكافرين وجاهدهم به جهادا كبيرا )الفرقان‬Which means: Therefore listen not to the unbelievers, but strive against them with the utmost endeavor, with the Qur'an.179“ In other words Allah -Glorified be He-addresses His Prophet Muhammad-peace be him) O Muhammad We have sent down upon you the Glorious Qur'an which contains the lights which distinguish between the right and the wrong, so you should be guided by it, and should not obey the unbelievers in their own desires, and do your best and strive to convey the message which has been revealed to you by your Lord, and continue your mission with the Glorious Qur'an. And this “Jihad” has been regarded by the Qur’an itself as the greatest “Jihad”. Muslim scholars have divided “Jihad” into three categories, the definitions of every one are as follows: 1) “To Strive against the Soul”: It means to spend the utmost power (Ahmad)

178

( Surah:25 Al-Furqan 52)

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to safeguard the soul from doing what Allah has prohibited us to do, and strive to perform what Allah has ordered us to do, Allah the Almighty says:” By the soul and the proportion and order given to it, truly its enlightenment as to its wrong and its right, truly he succeeds that purifies it and he fails that corrupts it.”180 2)”To Strive against the Satan”: It means to try hard to disobey the Satan and his decorated temptations and bad orders, and to strive for the salvation from his misleading in every moment. As the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said: “The true Mujahid (militant) is he who fights his own inclinations.”181 (3) To Strive against the Unjust: It is permitted only to stop the aggression of oppressors to end their tyrannies. In addition, there is no fight in Islam through out its history but were fought only against the transgressors. The following background must be taken in mind when we study the history of Islam or Wars in Islam. Take for example the battle of Badr(which was fought between Muslims and polytheists of Mecca during the earliest period of Islam)the fight happened after about 14 years of (Surah91:Al-Furqan;7,8,9,10)

180

Ahmad

181

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)

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continuous harassment, abuse and killing of Muslims only because of their faith, Muslims had to leave their dwellings escaping from the torture by the non-believers that was not enough for the polytheists who prepared them to attack the Muslims in their new land. Allah-Glorified be He-says:” Fight in the cause of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress limits for Allah does not love transgressors182. As well as the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) has stopped his followers from aspiring to fight he said:” Do not aspire to meet the enemy in war and ask Allah to prevent you from this, but if you meet them be patient and learn that Paradise is under the shade of swords.”183 Islam regards war as a harsh trial, this has been permitted only in exceptional conditions however; the common nature of Islam is to spread peace among the people by all possible means. Allah-Glorified be He-says: “To those against whom War is made, permission is given (to fight), because they are wronged- and verily, Allah is Most Powerful For their aid-Those who have been expelled from their homes Surah, 2, Al-Baqarah190)

182

Al-Bukhari)

183

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in defiance of right- (for no cause) except they say, Our Lord is Allah .” 184 In general, Islam is the religion of peace, goodwill, good faith. Nevertheless, it does not accept wrong doing, and the Muslims will agree to give their lives in defense of honor, justice and the religion which they aspire to be sacred. Mercy and Islamic Punishments A question may be raised here, concerning to Islamic punishments, by saying that Islam has imposed some severe and merciless punishments upon those individuals who exceed the limitations of Islamic Law, such as the thief supposed to be cut off his hand, and a drinker has to be lashed 80 times, as well as an adulterer has to be lashed 100 times if he/she is unmarried and to be stoned till death if he/she is married, and the murderer intentionally has to be murdered as well. Are not these severe punishments contrary to the mercy and kindheartedness that you are attributing to Islam and its laws? First of all we would like to confirm that these punishments are proved in Islamic Sharia, and there is neither disagreement nor controversy about these matters among Muslim scholars. (Sura 22, Al Hajj,39-40).

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There is no doubt that God-Glorified be He- wants the goodness for all humanity, and He wants a peaceful and tranquil society that is why, He prohibited every thing that may cause any trouble or disturbance in human society and revealed a complete system of life which guarantees the peace and security to whole mankind. How can you imagine a peace or tranquility in our society if there is theft, looting, adultery, narcotics and all kinds of wine, and how can we imagine a balanced society! if there is usury, and bribery, and all kinds of scandals. Take wine for example and pursue its negative results upon the drinker's health, mind, wealth, family, friends, parents, children and follow the bad influences of his drunkenness upon the society financially and ethically. Furthermore, it causes many of diseases (As the experts have proved). As well as it weakens his thinking power and working capability, thus he weakens his society because he is a unit of this society. Likewise, let’s take the example of theft and imagine if you have kept some money for a necessity and a thief has stolen it, what will be your reaction? Perhaps you may kill him in anger! If you catch the thief.

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But in Islam before this punishment the judge has to investigate if the thief has reached the legal age, and if he has the complete sense and understanding as well as if the stolen wealth was safe and secure and if it was valuable thing(As there is no punishment in a needle or in a piece of thread). If all these conditions were fulfilled and there was no famine in the society, then the punishment of theft would be implemented, the punishment must be observed by the people so that no one will dare to commit this kind of crime in future and the society will remain secure and peaceful. In the same context we can analyze the punishment of the murderer in Islam, applying of this punishment also requires some important conditions it needs to be investigated that whether murderer has killed intentionally or by mistake, the guardians of the killed have three options: if they want to forgive the murderer then it is their right, if they wish to take the blood money then there is no prohibition in Islamic Shari a. But if the guardians of the slain like that the murderer has to be killed, then Allah has permitted the commander of the Muslims to give their due right, but the capital punishment is not valid if the murder was due to a mistake or an accident.

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It is noteworthy here that when the Glorious Qur’an talked about the capital punishment it has invited to the option of forgiveness in a unique style and gentle way. As the Glorious Qur’an used the word of “Brother” for the party of slain which softens their anger and creates an atmosphere of fraternity between both parties. Read the Verse:”(O ye who believe! the law of equality is prescribed to you in cases of murder, the free for the free, the slave for the slave, the woman for the woman, but if any remission is made by his brother(the guardians of slain) then grant any reasonable demand and compensate him with handsome gratitude185.” ) The punishment of adultery also has been ordained by Allah-Glorified be-in order to protect the honor, when Islam has prohibited the adultery on the other hand it has permitted marriage and encouraged the able to marry as soon as he can. This punishment also has many strict conditions if a person confess his crime before the judge in clear words and frankly that he has committed this sin, or there were four eye witnesses who state that they saw this crime with their naked eyes, if any one of them withdraws or failed to bring four witnesses then the launcher would be lashed 80 lashes and Al-Barah178 179

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their witness would be rejected forever Allah-Glorified be Hesays:” And those who launch a charge against chaste women and produced not four witnesses (to support their allegations)flog them with eighty stripes, and reject their evidence ever after, for such men are wicked transgressors”186 These strict terms make the punishment rare to be inflicted, as well as it frightens a person to allege any person with such charges. And there is no example in whole Islamic history which proves that this punishment had been inflicted due to a proof or witness, there are only two examples of this punishment which were based upon the self confession. In both cases, the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him tried with them to withdraw from their confessions, but they remained persisting upon their attitude only then this punishment has been inflicted. Even the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) has instructed about such case and said:” Drive away the punishment as long as you can, if you see an exit from this then let them free, if a judge forgives (the alleged) by fault then it is better than to punish by fault” 187 (Surah,24,An-Nur,4)

186

(Tirmizi).

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Thus, it has become manifest that Islamic Punishments are not but a feature of unlimited mercy of Allah upon the society of His servants, the peace and security of society is more important than the life of an astray individual who has deviated from the pure the nature upon which Allah has created him. And I would like to explain this matter in the light of a medical fact; What would you say when a physician suggests for a cancer patient to cut off his hand or leg so that the cancer could not be communicated in other parts of his body, is it reasonable to attribute this valuable suggestion with cruelty and severity?

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The Mercy of Islam upon the Sinner The mercy of Allah-Glorified be He-has explained in the Glorious Qur’an and Prophet's sayings in such detail that may be regarded as the most manifest characteristics of Islam.The mercy of Allah-Glorified be He-has included every thing, be it a living creature or non-living, human being or Jinni, sinner or pious, Muslim or non-Muslim. Allah Glorified be He-Himself has explained His unlimited affection and wide mercy. He said:” But My mercy is extended to all things.”188 Some commentators said that even Satan aspired to be included in this universal mercy of Allah. And Allah (Glorified be He) has addressed the sinners directly and said:” Say O My servants, who have transgressed against their souls! Despair not of the mercy of Allah; for Allah forgives all sins, for He is Oft-Forgiving, MostMerciful.”189 Only if a sinner returns to Allah (Glorified be He) with pure repentance and genuine penitence, then his all sins would be washed out such as he had committed nothing, whatever the sin may be, and how much the sins may be! (Surah;7;Al-A'araf,156)

188

(Surah;39,Az-Zumar,53)

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Furthermore Allah-Glorified be He-has promised a true repentant to change his sins into the good deeds. AllahGlorified be He- says in the Glorious Qur’an: “Unless he repents, believes and works righteous deeds, for Allah will change the evil of such persons into good, and Allah is MostForgiving, Most Merciful.190“ Some scholars said that the change of wrong doings to good implies the transforming of an unbeliever to a pious person and an obstinate to an obedient servant of Allah, and He opens the doors of mercy and goodness in front of him. Indeed, there is no match for Allah's love for His creation. Nevertheless Allah-Glorified be He-is the Supreme Being who is not answerable to His creation. There is a wonderful and interesting story about a sinner who had committed the capital crime of murder, not one but ninety nine murders, I think if such a person will come to one of us, then he will get all types of condemns and severe punishments but let us see the merciful attitude of the Creator towards His sinner servant who longed to His mercy and aspired to His forgiveness. It is narrated by Abu-Sa'eed Al-Khudri (May Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (May peace of Allah and Surah;25;Al-Furqan,70)

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His blessings be upon him) has mentioned: “There was a person -among the nations who preceded you- who had murdered ninety nine souls, then he searched out about the wisest person on this globe, he was informed about a monk, then he came to him and asked:” I have murdered ninety nine souls then have I any repentance? He answered:” No.” Then he completed the century with him. Furthermore, he asked about the most qualified person on earth, then he was guided to a real savant then he came to him and confessed that he has murdered ninety-nine souls then is there any kind of repentance for him? The monk answered “Of course! And who is to intervene between a sinner and his repentance? Depart to such and such place there are some persons worshipping Allah-exalted be He- go there and worship with them, and do not return to your homeland because that is a land of bads.” He started his departure as he has covered the half distance, the Angel of death came down to him, the Angels of mercy and Angels of torment quarreled with each other about his fate, the Angels of mercy argued:” He came repenting, turning to Allah-exalted be He- with his whole heart.” However the Angels of punishment protested that he never did any good deed, and then an Angel neared to them 155

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with a human feature, and they appointed him as a judge between them, then he suggested:” Measure the distance between the two lands whichever would be nearer, he would be judged according to it.” When they measured, they found him nearer to the land to which he intended, so that the Angels of mercy took him to Paradise191.” How great is His mercy! And how wide is His forgiveness! Indeed He is the Most-Gracious the MostMerciful. Through Islamic point of view only when a person embraces Islam his all previous wrong doings are removed out and he becomes as pure as a newly born baby who has done no sin. The Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said” Islam chops down whatever was before it” in another tradition he said:” Repentance chops down whatever was before it192.” Even Allah-Glorified be He-is pleased with a repentant to such extent as one of is pleased when he gets his precious and needed missing thing. The most eminent scholar namely Muslim (May Allah's mercy be upon him) has mentioned in his authorized book that the Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon (Al-Bukhari)

191

192Ibn-Katheer

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him) said: “Indeed Allah is more pleased with His servant's repentance than a person who was riding a camel in a lonely desert then it was lost by him, even his food and water were upon it, then he came to a tree and fell asleep under its shade in despair and when he awoke he found his camel back standing in front of him then he caught its noseband and uttered-due to his unlimited pleasure-O Allah! You are my servant and I am your Lord! He has mistaken because of his great happiness193.” It is also narrated that the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) has explained Allah's boundless mercy saying:” Allah has given all His creation 1/100th part of His mercy by which we forgive, pardon, forget and show mercy and compassion not only to human being but to all of His creation. And He-Glorified be He- has reserved the other 99/100th part for the Day of Judgment to show us His absolute mercy194.” There is no fixed word, place, nor time for repentance in Islam whenever a sinner returns to His Lord with true and

(Muslim)

193

(Bukhari)

194

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pure intention then he finds his Most-Merciful Sustainer waiting for him. In this regard, the Prophet (May peace of Allah His blessings be upon him) said: “Allah accepts repentance of His servants as long as they repent before they die195.” However, it is better to hasten to this good act as no one knows his time of death or how long he will live sometimes the death comes without previous warning. It is also narrated that the Prophet (May peace of Allah His blessings be upon him) said “Allah-Glorified be Hesaid:”O son of Adam! I will forgive for you whatever it may be as long as you call Me and hope from Me, and I don't care (of your sins) O son of Adam! If you bring me evils filling the earth then you meet me, in a state that you were not associating with Me any thing then I will bring you forgiveness full of earth.196“ In Islam when a person intends to commit an evil but did not implement he would be given one full reward, but if he implements his intention then he would not be registered against him but only one evil. And when a person intended to ( Ibn Katheer)

195

(At-Tirmizi)

196

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do a good act but he could not do it, then Allah writes in his balance one reward and if he did the good deed, then he gets rewards from ten to seven hundreds.”197 It is also Allah's mercy upon His servants that He erases the evils of a person by his good deeds. The Prophet (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) said: “Do a good deed after every evil act then it will remove the evil.”198 And it is narrated by Abu-Horairah (the most famous companion of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) in collecting his sayings)he said:” Once a person was passing through a road, then he saw a thorny branch on his way then he removed it from there, in return Allah thanked his good act and forgave his evils.”199 As well as to remove a hurting object from the way also regarded among a kind of charity. The Glorious Qur'an itself gives a lot of good news and sweet promises for the repentant that seeks Allah's forgiveness, and feels sorry for Allah-Glorified be He-

(Abu-Dawood

197

(At-Tirmizi)

198

(Al-Bukhari)

199

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Read for example, Allah-exalted be He says:” Ask forgiveness from your Lord. for He is Oft-Forgiving He will send rain to you in abundance, give you increase in wealth and sons and bestow on you gardens and bestow on you rivers (of waters).”200 These good promises are made by Allah who has created the whole universe and whatever in this wide world, nothing is impossible to Him and He has power over all things. There is a tradition which asserts this fact the tradition explains: “One of the previous prophets went to ask AllahGlorified be He- rain for his followers and when the people have gathered Allah-Glorified be He sent down a message to His prophet that there is a sinner among you so drive him back then only you will get the rain then the prophet announced the message among the people the sinner was helpless and invoked in secret to Allah to protect him from this exposure and promised with Allah that he will never return to any sin in future and offered a true and genuine repentance then Allah accepted his supplication immediately, and ordered the sky to rain thus they got their need fulfilled by Allah at that moment then the prophet asked Allah to show him the sinner then Allah told him:” How would I show you My servant! Surah,71,Nuh,10)

200(

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Nevertheless you got not the rain but due to his genuine repentance.”201 There is no place for despairing in Islam, there is no inheritable evil in the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him) no one is answerable of other's evil.

Al-Durr Al-Manthoor)

201(

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The Mercy and Main Objectives of Islam The more important and common goals which have been intended by Islam to achieve in order to avail the whole human being are as follows: 1)To Protect the Soul; That is why, Islam has prohibited murder and every thing which harms the human life Allah-Glorified be He- says:” And don't take life which Allah has made sacred except for just cause.”202 and says:” If anyone slew a person unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land it would be as he slew the whole people and if anyone saved a life it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people.203“ 2) To Protect the Mind; In Islam every thing that harms the human mind or destroys it, has been regarded as unlawful act, and Islam has encouraged to use this favor in positive way and useful fields to find out the common law of nature in order to utilize them for human purposes, as the earth the sun the stars have been created by Allah for humankind AllahGlorified be He-says:” Do you not see that Allah has subjected to your use all things in the heavens and on earth and has made his bounties flow to you in exceeding measure Surah,17,Al-Isra'33)

202

(Surah,5,Al-Ma'idah,32)

203

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(both)seen and unseen?”204( And freedom of think, invention, creation and to announce the results or to express opinions are reserved in Islam Allah-Glorified be He-says:” Let there be no compulsion in religion truth stands out clear from error205.” As to impose, a religion or thought upon an unwilling person or nation means to deprive them of their freedom of thinking and to paralyze their thinking power, which is absolutely contrary to this main objective of Islam. 3) To Protect the Religion; All human beings have been created upon a natural instinct that obliges them to embrace a religion whatsoever it may be, there is no nation has no religious instinct, the need of religion is not only to fulfill a natural need only, but also to be guided by a complete system of life which explains how to base his ties with Allah and how to communicate with the universe away from any sort of confusion and doubt . Allah-Glorified be He-knows His creation in a better way so the religion revealed by Him is more suitable for the human being than the man-made; “Allah-Glorified be He-says; Should He not know, He that

Surah,31,Luqman,20)

204

(Surah,2,Al-Baqarah,256)

205

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created? He certainly has (full) knowledge of the secrets of (all) hearts.”206 4) To Protect the Human Progeny: Islam has intended through its legislations the continuation of human life that is why it has protected the family in first. As family is the first unit of a society as well as Islam aimed at the protection of the family relations from mixing with each other in society by unlawful relations like adultery etc. The system of inheritance in Islam is based upon this family relation, as well as a person in Islam is ordered to prefer his close relatives in charity and help his kinsfolk before others. That is why Islam has safeguarded the family from any kind of disorder in this regard and encouraged the relations established on the legal marriage. 5)To Protect the Belongings; To protect the personal property is also among the five main objectives of Islam that is why Islam has prohibited theft, robbery, bribe, usury, extravagance etc. In addition, there is a complete and balanced system of finance in Islamic Jurisprudence, which protects the wealth for the owner from lose or waste... (Surah, 67, Al-Mulk, 14

206

164

)

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And if a person was killed in defending his property then he has been regarded among the martyrs, the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) has said: “Whoever was killed defending his wealth then he is a martyr.207“ It is obvious that every one of the above mentioned goals, represents the common nature of Islam regarding mankind's soul, property, freedom and explains its peaceful and noble intention towards all nations irrespective of color, faith or origin. The Mercy and flexibility in Islamic Sharia'h The mercy of Islam also reflects in this regard when it divides its rituals in obligatory and non-obligatory commandments in many cases. The Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) has ordered to avail the people with facility in general, he says:” “Facilitate and do not make hard, and bring good tidings, and do not alienate.208“ As well as he said:” “I have been sent with the righteous and lenient religion.209“ And the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) has condemned and expressed his grief when he was informed (Musnad Ahmad)

207

(Al-Lulu Wal-Marjan)

208

(Ahmad)

209

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that a wounded person has died after he took bath for “Janabat”(In Islam it is obligatory on a person had intercourse with his wife to wash his whole body)however such conditions permit in Islam to make Tayammum(to wash with dry sand or clean earth) only, but the person has been guided wrongly to have bath, then the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said in grief :”They have killed him, may Allah kill them, why they did not ask if they did not had a knowledge about it, indeed the remedy of an unknowing is to ask, only it was enough for him to bind a bandage on his wound and perform Tayammum.210“ Undoubtedly Islamic Sharia'h is based upon flexibility and concession in its major parts, it intends-in fact-to provide the people with all kinds of spiritual, physical, mental peace and security, in general the commandments of Islam have regarded the human nature as the pivot upon which rotate its all verdicts and Islam gives a facility according to changes in human life, like: sickness, disability, obligatory circumstances. In fact, the revealed verdict itself is a feature of Allah's mercy upon His servants, as He has guided them to the right path in every step of their life and left them not to wander in confusions and darkness. (Abu-Dawood)

210

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Allah-Glorified be He-narrates the words of inhabitants of Paradise in the Glorious Qur’an:”And they shall say: “Praise be to Allah who has guided us to this, never could we have found guidance, had it not been for the guidance of Allah.”211 And says in another Verse;” He has chosen you and has imposed no difficulty on you in religion.” 212 And the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said:” If I order you to do some thing then do whatever you can do.” 213 There are some examples of such concession in Islamic Sharia'h they are as follows: 1)Even in the case of ablution(Al-Wdu) before prayer if a person does not get water or he is sick or on a journey then it is made enough to wash with dry sand or clean earth (AtTayammum)Allah-Glorified be He-says:” If you are ill, or on a journey or one of you comes from offices of nature or you have been in contact with women and you find no water then take yourselves clean sand or earth and rub therewith your

(Surah, 7, Al-A'raf, 43)

211

(Surah, 22, Al-Hajj, 78)

212

(Al-Lo'lo-wal-Murjan, 846)

213

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faces and hands. For Allah does blot out sins and forgive again and again.” 214 If a person is far from mosque or he is on a journey then he is permitted to perform the prayer anywhere. As the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) said:” The whole earth has been made a mosque for me.” 215 If a person is unable to perform the prayer standing then it is enough to perform sitting or as is easy for him. As well as if a person is on journey then the prayers of four prostrations (Rakat) have been lightened into two only. As well as a woman during her menses and a child before he reaches his legal age are exempted from this worship. 2) The fast of Ramadan (the Islamic ninth month in lunar calendar) during which every able Muslim is ordered to fast from eating, drinking and having intercourse with one’s wife from early morning to sunset. The worship of fast is among the common features of worship, which has been shared by the nations before Islam, Allah-Glorified be He-says: “O you believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint.” 216 (Surah, 4, An-Nisa', 43)

214

(Al-Bukhari)

215

(Surah, 2, Al-Baqarah, 183)

216 168

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The fast has been ordained upon a Muslim by AllahGlorified be He-in order to purify his soul and develop his spiritual strength as well as to share feeling of hunger with poor and hungry, so that wealthy person would be merciful towards his poor brother. The whole month has been regarded for every person a good opportunity for repentance and self-assessment, on both levels, individual and social to avoid the negatives. Yet this worship has some exceptions for the unable Allah-Glorified be He-says:” “But if any of you is ill or on a journey then the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later, and for those who can do it (with hardship)is a ransom the feeding of one that is indigent.” 217 As well as the woman during her menses, and a pregnant and nursing woman has been exempted from this worship, if they fear any harm upon her child's health, but should be made up from later days. If a person eats or drinks by fault or forgets then he should continue his fast as usual and his fast would be regarded in the sight of Allah complete in reward. 3)The worship of Hajj(pilgrimage journey to the sacred Kabah) is obligatory once in life for every able Muslim man (Surah, 2, Al-Baqarah, 184)

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and woman, who can afford it, Allah-Glorified be He-says:” Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah those who can afford the journey.” 218 The pilgrim has many benefits through this journey, he gets a chance to meet other nations and exchange knowledges and experiences with different people, besides many spiritual advantages. This worship also has exceptions in Islam, as a child, poor and ill, are exempted from this journey as well as a woman is exempted till she finds a companion of husband or other unmarriageable person as has been explained in the traditions of the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) in full detail There is also concession in this annual worship as it is obligatory only upon the able, healthy, wealthy who can afford the expense of journey, yet it is only once in whole life. 4) Zakat (alms giving) is also regarded among the Five Pillars of Islam and it is due right of poor in the property of the wealthy which has been prescribed by Allah-Glorified be He-and was stressed upon it by the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) .

(Surah, 3, A'l i-Imran, 97)

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The Glorious Quran says:” And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity and whatever good you send forth for your souls before you, you shall find it with Allah, for Allah sees well all that you do.”219 This Islamic ritual is also prescribed only upon those who owns 85 grams of pure gold or other money equivalent to it in value, free from all debts and extra from his basic needs like house, car, daily expenses of him and who is under his guardianship, as well as it is due to pay only when it remains in his possession the whole year of lunar calendar. In addition, the amount he has to pay is only 2.5%, in order to spend on needy, helpless, etc. 220 Thus it became clear that Islam took in its consideration the different circumstances of human being and never imposed a single command contradicting to his nature and benefit, the concession and the flexibility in Islamic shariah present a clear evidence upon its merciful nature and conform its validity for all nations and all periods.

(Surah, 2, Al-Baqarh, 110

219

(Fatawa Al-Majlis Al-A'la. Egypt)

220

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Chapter Three  Was Islam Spread by the Sword?  Why Has Islam Forbidden a Muslim Woman to Marry with a Non-Muslim Man? 

Why Did the Prophet Muhammad-peace and blessings ?be upon him) Marry more than Four Women

 Why Does a Muslim Woman in Islam Get Half Share in Inheritance Compared with a Man? Why Is a Muslim Man Permitted to Marry more than ?One

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

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Some False Accusations against Islam and Their Logical Refutation This chapter is intended to correct the confusions launched by some scholars in East and West who are bigoted agaisnt Islam. In fact, they have committed a serious mistake when they have judged against Islam referring to some nonsense acts, which may be committed by some so-called Muslims. However, it is must to return to the Glorious Qur’an and Sunnah if we wish to conclude rightly about any matter related to Islam, even a Muslim has to judge his act in the light of above-mentioned two sources. Whether the act is according to Islam or contrary to its spirit, in later, the act would not be regarded as a representative of Islam, rather it would be considered his own act, and he would be answerable of it. However, Islam will remain quite far from those evil acts. These circumstances have imposed to refute these false accusations and present the true nature of Islam in the light of the Glorious Qur’an and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace of Allah and His blessings be upon him). There is no doubt that Islam has been targeted since its manifest with all kinds of weapons, but when the physical instruments (Author: Please provide examples here.) have failed totally, then it has been targeted with false accusations

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and baseless labels. However, they fulfilled these purposes with the limited instruments that were available at that time. Now in our modern age, due to the revolution in the world of technology, especially in the means of communication, transportation, mass media, and electronic networks, the whole world has turned into a small chat room. These fast and latest means are extensively used against Islam, the Prophet, (May peace and blessings be upon him), Islamic doctrine, Sharia'h, Muslims, and to everything that is related to Islam. The answers to these accusations have been provided herein indirectly, but these matters will be more clearly focused upon here. These accusations may be shaped in a scientific framework and/or presented in a scholarly style, but in reality they are based on ignorance and enmity toward Islam. Islam has always regarded and believed in previously revealed books, prophets, and messengers and it has always honored them as the part of Islamic creed. The Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah explain this honor and respect in the purest way, and they show a high degree of respect toward every one of them. In return, Muslims expect to be met with mutual regard and respect and to be treated with the same leniency

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and respect. However, what has happened has been absolutely contrary. Nevertheless, our duty is merely to declare the real fact and to leave the wise people to judge for themselves what is right and what is wrong. Among the allegations that have been promulgated against Islam, one of the most destructive has been that Islam was spread by sword and forcibly, as the recent Pope of The Vatican mentioned in his lecture in German University a few months ago (Author: Please provide date and source).

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Was Islam Spread by the Sword? There is clear evidence from the Glorious Qur’an itself, the first amongst the main sources of all Islamic faith, shariah, and ethical principles that, no matter the historic manifestations, Islam is not and never was intended to be spread by violence in the least. Allah (Glorified be He) says, “Let there be no compulsion in religion truth has been distinguished from the error.” 221 And said in another verse, “Say: “The truth is from your Lord let him who will believe and let him who will reject it.”222 And Allah (Glorified be He) has explained the principles of preaching in the Glorious Qur’an itself He says, “Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and beautiful preaching and argue with them in ways that are best and most gracious, for your Lord knows best who has strayed from His path and who received guidance.”223 And Allah (Glorified be He) has directed His Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) by saying, “It is a part of the mercy of Allah that you dealt gently (Surah, 2, Al-Baqarah, 256)

221

(Surah, 18, Al-Kahf, 29)

222

(Surah, 16, An-Nahl, 125)

223

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with them. Had you been severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from you.”224 These are the Quranic principles of the preaching which were implemented completely by the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) in first. And were taught his companions secondly, so no one has a right at all to compel a person to accept Islam be it a Christian or Jew or a polytheist because Allah (Glorified be He) has forbidden this act. In Addition it is noteworthy here that any thing that disseminated by sword and forcibly shall not last for long. Forced faith never generates but hypocrites, on the contrary when we search we find that whoever accepted Islam became very soon a vital factor of Islamic Culture even they tried their best to motivate others to share in the same sweetness of Islamic faith. Moreover, they have contributed to Islamic Culture by their deeds and words and played an eminent role in defending Islam. Not all these achievements could be results of a forced belief and a fruit of compelled faith.

(Surah, 3, Ali-Imran, 159)

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It is very clear that Islam spread during Omar's caliphate to such a larger extent than at any other time in Islamic history. When Omar (May Allah be pleased with him) came to Palestine from the blessed city of the Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) he entered the defeated country with his exemplary modesty and humbly and showed no pride of his victory at all. And signed an agreement of security and peace with the priests and Christian chiefs, that no one will hurt them, their churches would not be destroyed, their crosses would not be broken, their lives, property, honors would be protected completely from internal disturbance and external attacks and they will enjoy full freedom of faith and expression. While Omar was in the church. And the time of prayer neared the priests requested him to perform prayer anywhere in the church, then Omar (May Allah be pleased with him) said, “No” so that no one can claim later that our Caliph Omar has performed prayer here and they may argue against you about this church.”225

Yousuf Al-Qardawi

225

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It is not only Muslim scholar's opinions and explanation but even the fair-minded orientalists also have confessed this fact in their writings. If we accept the claim that some Muslim governors have oppressed some non-Muslims during their reign, then it is clear that those selfish governors were astray, and their bad deeds did not represent the pure Islamic principles, as well as they have oppressed their Muslim fellows before they ill treated other nations. In conclusion, they were fully responsible of their bad doings and Islam has nothing to do with their wrong doings. Even in our recent days we find that a number of nonMuslims come every year to Al-Azhar Ash-Sharif from all over the world to announce their Islam and none of them was forced to embrace Islam but they only studied Islam in depth by their own free will and discovered the reality on its pure nature, then they became satisfied with Islamic faith and declared their witness. Even those unjust governors some times preferred and gave priority some non-Muslims over their own Muslim brothers. Therefore, it is probable that these kinds of preference might be angered some Muslims.

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The most famous Egyptian Muslim scholar Ash-Sheikh Dardeer, narrates by saying:”-”Indeed these commanders have honored the non-Muslims more than they have honored us.”226 Even some times few Muslims desired to let them free, as Jews and Christians, and they would pay tribute (Al-Jizyah) like them because of the tyranny of their own co-religionist rulers. 227 On the other hand, some Christians have collected a huge property due to their approach to the Muslim commanders. Sir Thomas Arnold says, “On the contrary, there were times when they (Christians) rose to positions of great affluence and importance in the state. They filled the posts of secretaries and scribes in the government offices, framed the taxes, and in some cases amassed enormous wealth.” 228 Because of this it is possible that they may be hated or that some unfortunate Muslims may be felt envy towards them and tried to revenge as Sir Thomas Arnold himself has concluded on page 420 of that book. Yousuf Al-Qardawi

226

(Yousuf Al-Qardawi)

227

(THE PREACHING OF ISLAM)

228

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Therefore, this kind of hatred could not be given a religious mark or Islamic label but it is logic to be attributed these kinds of acts as the class struggle, which happens among the same nation.

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Why Has Islam Forbidden a Muslim Woman to Marry a Non-Muslim Man? First of all we have to confirm that Islam has permitted a Muslim man to marry a woman amongst the Christians or Jews,and forbade a Muslim woman to get married with a man .amongst any of them rather other non-Muslims We have to keep in our minds, that Islam desires to base the marriage on firm base which guarantees its continuation, and avails with biological and psychological peace and comfort. Islam encourages to create an atmosphere of mutual .love and intimacy between both sides It is also noteworthy that Islam has regarded to believe in all previous revealed books and to respect all previous Prophets and Messengers an important factor of its creed,and any kind of dishonor concerning to any Prophet or Messenger .will expell him out of Islamic faith itself Thus when a Muslim man would marry a Christian or Jewish woman then he is bound to respect her faith and to give her freedom of worship according to her faith and creed thus the needed factors of peace and security would be . available But when a Muslim woman marries a Christian or Jew or another non-Muslim man, it is possible that her religious feelings would be injured intentionally or unknowingly since 183

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the man has no belief in the Islamic faith in his heart. Such person might believe in false accusations against Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) and Islamic shari'ah, so it may be concluded here that Islam has been cautious about this sensitive matter and has the goal of .protecting a family from possible destruction

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Why Did the Prophet Muhammad (May peace and ?blessings be upon him) Marry More Than Four Women Historical accounts have confirmed that Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) undoubtedly married .more than four women The prophet's first wife was Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her), a wealthy woman in Mecca. When the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) married her, he was 25 years old and she was about 40 years old. She had been married three times previously. If Prophet Muhammad (May peace and blessings be upon him) would have married for natural desires he would have selected a beautiful young virgin of Mecca rather than a widow fifteen years his senior. When she died during the eighth year of his prophethood he remained single for about five years and served his children himself. All of his later marriages began when he was 53 years old when his missionary activities were at their peak and he was absolutely absorbed in his preaching tasks. After these clear evidences, how can a fair-minded scholar claim that he ?was self-indulgent In addition, the initial biography of the Prophet's life hows that he was pure and clean in all aspects of life. It is not possible to imagine that he got married for natural desires. It is not logical in that case that he would prefer widows or 185

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divorcees—the only virgin among his wives was ‘Aishah, the daughter of the first caliph of Islam. He married her in order to fortify his ties with her father who supported him in his mission. Actually, he also married other women for noble humanistic purposes and missionary goals. Every one of them played an eminent role in the propogation of his teachings among the Muslim women. Logically, women can discuss personal matters with other women more freely and frankly .than with men Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) narrates that a ‘ woman came to the Prophet (May peace and blessings be up .on him) and questioned about bathing after menses The Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) ”!explained, saying, “Clean it with a perfumed piece of cotton ”?She asked, “How shall I clean it ”!Then he said again, “Clean with it Still the woman could not understand well, and asked ”?again, “How to clean Then the Prophet (May peace and blessings be up on him) said, “Glory to Allah! Clean with it.” He was a very .modest person; he could not exlain directly Aishah stated, “Then he pulled me toward him and ‘ 229

”!explained, “Wipe with it the marks of blood everywhere

229(Al-Bukhari).

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As well as the Prophet (May peace and blessings be upon him) intended through these marriages to support them as they have no one to vouch for them. That is why he selected .the widows, the divorced, and the aged As well as he was only to obey Allah's orders and every moment of his life was practical translation of Allah's orders and commandments. Allah (Glorified be He) says about ”.him:”Say”I but follow what is revealed to me from my Lord 230

So in the matter of marriage also he was merely guided by Allah (Glorified be He) in order to achieve the humanistic .and missionary goals

230(Surah,7,Al-A'raf,203)

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Why a Muslim Woman In Islam Gets Half Share in ?Inheritance when Compared with Man It is also amongst the cases related to a woman in Islam which have been dealt with misunderstanding by some people who .studied Islamic rules superficially So I would like to point out here that this issue should be studied within the system of Islamic law and it's social life as .whole Allah (Glorified be He) has made it obligatory on a man to support his family, his wife and his children, and his sisters .if there is a need, and his aunts if there is a need In Islam the man has to provide everything for his wife .and to spend on all necessities However, in Islam a woman has no resonsibility dor spending on her husband nor her children nor on herself. It is left to her free will as to whether she shares her husband’s financial burden. And this is regarded as a chairty not an .obiligatory duty In terms of inheritance, a man receives the double share .of a woman because it a man has to support the family It should be also borne in mind that in some cases a woman inherits a greater share or equal shares when compared .with man

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It is important that Allah (Glorified be He) has distributed the wealth of a deceased according to the needs 231

.and duties of every inheritors

231(Dr. Abu-laylah)

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Why a Muslim Man is Permitted to Marry more than ?One This issue has been used as a vital mean to agitate women's .anger feelings against Islamic Sharia'h But they did not bear in their minds the complete picture of this matter, nor did they studied the rules, regulations, .conditions, and terms in detail Allah (Glorified be He) says, “But if you fear that you shall not be able to deal justly (with your wives) then keep to only one or what your right hand possesses (a captive). That 232

”.will be more suitable to prevent you from doing injustice

In Islam, polygamy of up to four wives is permissible on the condition that the man be just and fair to all—but this condition is almost impossible to fulfill. The practical proof of this difficulty is in the low number of Muslim men that marry more than one wife. According to rough estimates, it is not more than one percent. And the reason behind this is the .strong condition of Islam to maintain justice among all wives Among the reasons that a Muslim man is permitted to have another wife is in case that the first wife is barren and he longs for children. Then he should keep the first wife and treat .her well and take a second to satisfy his natural desire (Surah, An-Nisa'3)

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On the other hand, if the man is sterile then the wife also has a right to be divorced and to enter another marriage in .order to have children The same rule is applicable if the woman is so sick that she cannot do her marital duties. In a time of war when the women greatly outnumber the men it is the right of every woman to enjoy the right of having a husband. In such cases, polygamy is a logical solution, rather than leaving many .women in misery and loneliness It is very important here to distinguish between what is unlawful under normal conditions and what is permissionable only in emergencies so that we can conclude in the proper and 233

.right way

233(Dr. Abu-Laylah)

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