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CONGRUITIES AND INCONGRUITIES BETWEEN THE BIBLE AND THE QUR'AN |
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During the reconstruction of the Kaaba, Muhammad experienced a spiritual rebirth. Kaaba is a small shrine located near the centre of the Great Mosque in Mecca and considered by Muslims everywhere to be the most sacred spot on Earth. Muslims turn toward this shrine during the performance of the five daily prayers; they bury their dead facing its meridian, and cherish the ambition of visiting it on pilgrimage, in accord with the commandment of God in the Qur'an. Every Muslim who makes the pilgrimage is required to walk around the Kaaba seven times.
Mount Hira ( and Seclusion)
Muhammad appears to have been of a reflective turn of mind and is said to have adopted the habit of occasionally spending nights in a hill cave on mount Hira, near Mecca. Once each year he retired to that cave where he spent his time in devotional practices. The visions he saw are said to have been lucid and as bright as day light. This practice lasted up until his fortieth year, during which time God formed him and filled him with wisdom.
The first Revelation and Prophethood
He was now forty years old. He went up to the mountain, entered his cave for the fifth time. After days spent in devotion, on the 27th day of the month of Ramadan, a luminous heavenly apparition surged before him. The greatest miracle of Islam was taking place. Muhammad himself recounted the incident as follows: “One night Gabriel came to me, he said he was the angel called Gabriel, and communicated to me that he had been commissioned by God with the task of telling me that I was chosen Prophet. Gabriel taught me how to perform ablutions and when I was purified, he said to me: 'Read!'. I said: 'I cannot read!'. He clasped me in his arms so strongly that I felt I was going to choke. Then he released me and repeated 'Ikra!' (read!), I had to repeat that I did not know how to read. He clasped me once again and repeated the same order, and I gave him the same answer. Then released me saying:« 'Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created- Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, He Who taught (the use of) the pen,- Taught man that which he knew not.” »(Surah 96/1-5)
After the vision vanished Muhammad returned to his family, and, trembling from head to foot, he told the incident to his wife Khadijah. The first revelation gave humanity the message 'to read'; it was addressed to the Prophet who did not know how to read or write. This point was to be stressed in future revelations. « Say: "Are those equal, those who know and those who do not know? »(Surah 39/9).
« And in another revelation "O my Lord! advance me in knowledge." »(Surah 20/114)
The companions of the Prophet described as follows the moments when revelations came: « He became rigid…. He looked as though taken by a seizure for a brief moment… Even though the weather was icy cold, he perspired…He covered his head with his shirt and he was red in the face and emitted guttural sounds… He was seized by a cataleptic rigidity and his lips trembled. »
Gabriel who had brought him the message was seen by no one else. He himself had told them that the revelations he received in the company of a sound that resembled the sound of a bell was the most difficult for him, no sooner his words ceased to be heard he found that they were indelibly engraved in his memory. The angel sometimes appeared before me in the shape of a human being helping me to memorizing me his message.
The prophet had the habit to repeat the words he had heard so that he might keep them in the store of his memory; there were times when he began repeating them aloud before the revelation was completed. However, he had given up this habit even before he left for Medina. He used to sit still until the revelation came to an end; after which he had his scribes copy them. We observe in the Qur'an a reference to his habit: « Move not thy tongue concerning the (Qur'an) to make haste therewith. (Surah 75/26 High above all is Allah, the King, the Truth! Be not in haste with the Qur'an before its revelation to thee is completed, but say, "O my Lord! advance me in knowledge."» (Surah 20/114)
Confidential Call and First Muslims
God Almighty had sent his first message to Muhammad and chosen him as his Messenger. « We have truly sent thee as a witness, as a bringer of Glad Tidings, and as a Warner.» (Surah 48/8). Following God's communication to him that he had been chosen warner, Muhammad began to call the people he trusted to Islam. Islam was not a religion restricted to a particular community, it embraced the entire humanity. The initial call to the new religion was made silently because of the Arabian pagan population in Mecca.
His wife Khadija was the first to embrace Islam, followed by Ali who was 10 years old and whom he loved as his own child. The third person converted was Zayd, his slave. Abu Bakr, the well-known tradesman from the Quraysh clan who was his closest friend did not hesitate to accept the new faith. He was to play a great role in the expansion of the Islam. The persons in the queue were Othman, son of Affan, Sa'd, Abdurrahman, son of Awf, son of Abu Wakkas, Zubayr, son of Avvam, and Talha, son of Ubaydullah. These were the eight persons to whom reference is made as 'The First Muslims'
Muhammad invited his immediate entourage to embrace Islam for three years. Despite the fact that the number of converts was not more than 30, these people were closely knit together. These people memorized the verses and wrote them down. They performed their ritual secretly at home.
Open Call
At last, in the fourth year, 614 AD, the expected revelation came: he had received the command to announce Islam and invite the mass of people to embrace Islam. « Therefore expound openly what thou art commanded, and turn away from those who join false gods with Allah.» (Surah 15/94) He began reciting the verses he had received in the Kaaba. « "O men! I am sent unto you all, as the Messenger of Allah, to Whom belongeth the dominion of the heavens and the earth: there is no god but He: it is He That giveth both life and death. So believe in Allah and His Messenger, the Unlettered Prophet, who believeth in Allah and His words: follow him that (so) ye may be guided."» (7/158) This verse was followed by another: « “And admonish thy nearest kinsmen,” »(26/214). Whereupon, Muhammad gathered his kinsmen and invited them to embrace Islam. Except for Abu Lahab, no one opposed. The new religion preached began to be heard all around Mecca.
Love, Equality and Compassion
Muhammad was stressing first the equality principle among the human beings without distinction between male and female, black and white, rich and poor, and noble and plebeian: men were born free. Suiting the action to the word, he emancipated his own slaves and adopted Zayd, his slave, as his own son. The mass had begun to behave differently toward their fellow beings.
The Prophet was compassionate; he pardoned the wrong people did him. Despite the hostile attitude of the Meccans, he and the persons who believed in him, empathized with their fellow beings. Ah! ye are those who love them, but they love you not, (3/119)
God enjoined that in order that man may gain the love of God he should believe without reservation in one single God and do good deeds to their fellow beings.
« for Allah loves those who do good; ( 3/ 134)
for Allah loves those who do good. (2/195)
On those who believe and work deeds of righteousness, will ((Allah)) Most Gracious bestow love. (19/96)
Allah loves those who turn to Him constantly (2/222)
Allah Loves those who are firm and steadfast. (3/146)
Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him). (3/159)
Allah loves those who are fair (and just). (49/9)
He loves those who keep themselves pure and clean. (2/222)
In addition to the above considerations God expounded the love one should feel for Him.
But those of Faith are overflowing in their love for Allah. (2/165)
Love for God was the most sublime love that man, as homo sapiens, could attain.
Muhammad, in his capacity as messenger, propounded what a man should refrain from; namely,
Allah loveth not those who do wrong (3/57)
Allah loveth not those who do mischief. (5/64)
He loveth not the arrogant. (16/23)
Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious; (4/36)
Allah loveth not the treacherous. (8/58)
Allah loveth not the wasters. (6/141) »
The Prophet was merciful and compassionate. Throughout his life, he never had wreaked vengeance from anybody, but pardoned all his enemies. The most striking example was his pardoning the Meccans when he conquered the city, amongst these were also Abu Sufyan, leader of the pagan population who had murdered his beloved uncle Hamza, his blood-thirsty wife Hint and her slave Vahţi. God Almighty had addressed his Messenger as follows: « It is part of the Mercy of Allah that thou dost deal gently with them Wert thou severe or harsh-hearted, they would have broken away from about thee: so pass over (Their faults), and ask for ((Allah)'s) forgiveness for them; and consult them in affairs (of moment).» (3/159)
Muhammad communicated God's message as follows: Hold to forgiveness; (7/199); despite the retaliation principle of old it is up to God to decide. . The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): but if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah. for ((Allah)) loveth not those who do wrong (42/40).
Muhammad had assumed the charge of the head of State in Medina in addition to his duty as prophet. His modest and humble character did not change. He never asked to be given any privilege or priority in anything. He had not reserved for himself a 'protocol' seat. He sat wherever he found a room for himself among the members of the community. He was unlike the contemporaneous heads of state and kings. He behaved with due decorum toward all his visitors. When there was no seat for his visitor, he took off his own coat and spread it on the floor for him. He was fond of children on whom he lavished gifts. His grandchildren always found a warm lap in him. He did not vent his anger upon them when they tried to climb on his shoulder while praying in the mosque.
Torture and persecution of the pagan population of Mecca
Mecca was the center of polytheists; there were more than 300 idols in the Kaaba and surroundings, which were daily visited by the clans in the environs. The resident pagans benefited of them as they transacted business during their visits and derived great profits. Seeing that the spread of Islam would hamper their source of revenue and divert them from their traditional religion, they raised arms against the Muslims. They were subjected to all sorts of barbarities and cruelties. They were killed or exiled. He himself instituted in 622 or 623 the adhan (“call to prayer”), chanted by the mu'adhdhin (muezzin). For this task he chose the Abyssinian singer Bilal, who became the patron of the mu'adhdhin and their guilds throughout the Islamic world. He was stripped naked and left exposed to the sun for hours before being dragged along the streets. The father of Yasir, had been tied to two camels which were whipped to march athwart, dismembering him. Sumayyah, the concubine had been shot dead by the arrow of Abu Jahl. Despite all these oppressive measures, the believers did not recant. Contrary to expectations, the number proselytes increased.
Flight to Abyssinia
The oppression had increased out of all proportions, so that following the revelation (Surah 16/41) he received, Muhammad permitted those who were desirous to leave, to go to Abyssinia, in 615 To those who leave their homes in the cause of Allah, after suffering oppression,- We will assuredly give a goodly home in this world; but truly the reward of the Hereafter will be greater (Surah 16/41)
Muslims immigrated to Abyssinia in two groups; the first group consisted of 16, the second of 90 persons. They had departed clandestinely; for, the pagans were adverse to their leaving Mecca for fear they might spread their creed. In Abyssinia whose ruler was Christian, they could perform their prayers freely as they liked, without let or hindrance. After their sojourn there, they followed Muhammad to Medina.
Hamza and Conversion of Omar
Abu Jahil's harassment of Muhammad had angered the latter's uncle Hamza, a powerful personality and a strong man who had punished him and become a convert. He was followed in this by Omar, another prominent member of the community. The pagans realized that they could not intimidate Muhammad and deter him from his mission, so decided to kill him. Omar, abetted by pagans, was determined to do away with him and set out to perform his mission. However, God oriented him towards his sister's house in which he heard her recite verses from the Quran. He pricked his ears to the verses chanted and became enraptured. Repairing to Muhammad's home he was immediately converted. His joining the group greatly contributed to the cause of the spread of Islam.
Muslims cast away
The pagan Meccans could not prevent the spread of Islam. They had to take other drastic measures and impose strict sanctions. They reached a resolution which they hanged on the wall of the Kaaba. According to this ban, all economic and social relations were to be broken off with the Hashimites; there would be no exchanges of any sort between them, including exogamy. This boycott continued strictly for three years (616-619) and caused great disadvantages and starvations; children died because of malnutrition. The Prophet carried on his mission during the four month period when bloodshed was prohibited addressing the clans that came to visit Mecca. Despite great drawbacks the number of converts had not declined.
Eventually, the Quraish tribe did not draw the benefit it had anticipated. In the tenth century, the resolution that had been taken by Abu Jahl had to be abolished and an end was put to this inhuman practice.
Death of Abu Talib and Muhhamd's beloved wife Khadijah and the Taif Incident
A short time after the end of boycott, Muhammad lost two of his nearest relatives, namely his uncle, Abu Talib and his wife, Khadijah. All the Muslim community shared his grief. The tenth year of Muhammad's prophethood had been 'the Year of Mourning'. Abu Talib had been a venerable person and Muhammad had been in his protection; therefore, in the former's lifetime, the pagan Meccans refrained from doing any harm to his nephew. However, once his protection ended, harassment and evil actions were resumed, and the Prophet could not easily communicate his message and carry out his mission. In order that he might spread the new religion he needed new recruits and a new milieu.
Having this in mind, he took his foster son Zaid with him and went in 620 to Taif where he tried to preach without success and became the targets of stones thrown by children.
The Isra Miracle
Muhammad met with insurmountable difficulties in trying to perform his mission. In the meantime he had lost his wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib. His last experience at Taif had not deterred him from his resoluteness.
Then occurred a miracle and Surah 17 was revealed. « Glory to ((Allah)) Who did take His servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless,- in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who heareth and seeth (all things)». (Surah 17/1) This surah refers to Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Medina and to his ascension (mir'aj); he was transported in a single night from Mecca to Jerusalem by the winged mythical creature Buraq, and from Jerusalem, he ascended to heaven. The mir'aj was taken up before in Surah 17, namely in the Surah entitled The Star. On the other hand, this incident had been concocted into a false hadith acording to which Muhammad was prepared for his meeting with God by archangels Jibril and Mikal one evening while he was asleep in Kaaba, the sacred shrine of Mecca. The story of the ascension came to be associated with the story of Muhammad's night journey (isra') from the “sacred place of worship” (Mecca) to the “further place of worship” (Jerusalem). The two separate incidents were gradually combined. Myhammad was then transported in a single night from Mecca to Jerusalem by the winged mythical creature Buraq and from Jerusalem he ascended to heaven, possibly by a ladder (mi'raj), accompanied by Gabriel. Muhammad and Gabriel entered the first heaven and proceeded through all seven levels until they reached the throne of God. Along the way, they met the prophets Adam, Yahya (John), 'Isa (Jesus), Yusuf (Joseph), Idris, Harun (Aaron), Musa (Moses), and Ibrahim (Abraham) and visited the hell and the paradise. Moses alone of all the inhabitants of heaven spoke at any length to the visitors; he said that Muhammad was more highly regarded by God than himself and that Muhammad's retinue outnumbered his own. Once Muhammad appeared before God- Muslim scholars refuse the idea of Muhammad talking face to face with God as they believe that such an occurrence is against the Qur'an. « No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision: He is above all comprehension, yet is acquainted with all things. (6/103) It is not fitting for a man that Allah should speak to him except by inspiration, or from behind a veil, or by the sending of a messenger to reveal, with Allah's permission, what Allah wills: for He is Most High, Most Wise.» (52/51)
Mir'aj (Ascension)
It is believed that Muhammad experienced this more than once. The mir'aj is described in the Qur'an as follows in the 53rd surah, The Star: « By the Star when it goes down,- Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled. Nor does he say (aught) of (his own) Desire. It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: He was taught by one Mighty in Power, Endued with Wisdom: for he appeared (in stately form); While he was in the highest part of the horizon: Then he approached and came closer, And was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer; So did ((Allah)) convey the inspiration to His Servant- (conveyed) what He (meant) to convey. The (Prophet's) (mind and) heart in no way falsified that which he saw. Will ye then dispute with him concerning what he saw?»
In this Surah we see that Muhammad is said not to have strayed from the true path nor has he been misled. It is stressed that it was Gabriel, who, while he was in the highest part of the horizon, had brought down the revelations, by approaching and coming closer to him and was at a distance of two bow-lengths or even nearer. There have been dissenting opinions amongst the scholars regarding whether the ascension ttok place bodily or spiritually.
Medina converted
The Prophet used to recite verses from the Qur'an to the clans that visited the Kaaba to pay respect to the idols it contained and circumambulate the shrine. A group of six that had come from Medina had exchanged ideas with him and eventually been converted. These six people were the First Muslims in Medina. Within a year the number of pilgrims that came to Mecca was doubled. The Prophet had sent to Medina Mu'sab, son of Umey, to teach the Qur'an. The number of converts in Medina rapidly grew. With the joining the procession of converts of two clan heads, the entire population of Medina, with few exceptions had become Muslim.
The following year, on the 12th anniversary of the prophethood of Muhammad, a group came from Medina to Mecca. They held a secret meeting on the mount Akabe in Mecca. They were inviting with insistence the Prophet to Medina to take power. They swore allegiance to him. The evil actions perpetrated against the Muslims by the pagan Meccans had grown out of all proportions. There was need for new ears and a new milieu. Muhammad accepted the offer, and arrangement was planned for his emigration to Medina.
MUHAMMAD IN MEDINA