Seerah- the call and struggle

Seerah- the call and struggle

by Aafrin Abdul Azeez Safan

​After the first revelation and his preaching to his close relatives and friends, the prophet Muhammed(sal) did not receive any revelations for 3 years. These three years proved to be a very difficult time for the prophet Muhammed(sal).

However, after 3 years the revelations started coming to him. Allah then commanded him to make the preaching of Islam public.  So he went up to Jabal-as-Safa(Mount Safa) to address the tribe of Quraysh.

​

"If I were to tell you, oh Quraysh, that there are enemy horsemen hiding in the outskirts of this mountain, ready to attack you and seize your properties, would you believe me?”

Without a second thought they replied:

“Yes, we would as until now we have always found you truthful!”

Hearing this confirmation from all those present, the Prophet of Allah went ahead to inform them of the Divine Truth:

​

“Then be assured that I inform you of an approaching and severe torment that will befall those who disbelieve in Allah, for which I have been sent to warn you.

With respect to you, Quraysh, I am like a man who sees the enemy and fearing they may harm his family, rushes to warn them.

​

Quraysh! You shall die just the way you fall asleep, and you will be resurrected just the way you are awakened. There is no doubt that you will rise from your graves and be brought to the presence of Allah to give an account of all that you did in this world.

​

You shall consequently reap the rewards of your good deeds and face a severe punishment for your bad deeds.”

Multiple Choice

How many years did the Prophet(sal) not receive revelation for?

• 2

• 9

• 3

• 8

Multiple Choice

From which Mountain did the Prophet(sal) declare the call to Islam?

• Jabal-an-Noor

• Jabal-al-Marwa

• Jabal-at-Taqwa

• Jabal-as-Safa

​

There was no overall reaction to the words of the Prophet(sal), except for his uncle Abu Lahab who rudely interrupted:

“May your hands dry up! Is this what you called us here for?” He unashamedly continued making inappropriate remarks, breaking the heart of the Prophet (sal) with insults.

The behavior of Abu Lahab brought about the revelation of the Surah al-Masad(Palm Fiber):

​Perish here means that he completely fails in his evil plans. Abu Lahab had tirelessly planned and acted to defeat the Messenger from spreading the message of Islam.  His death occurred in a pitiable state. He became afflicted with malignant pustule and the people of his house left him to himself, fearing contagion. No one came near his body for three days after his death until the body decomposed and began to stink.

His children had also accepted islam!

​Both these meanings fully correspond to the fate met by Abu Lahab. For when he was afflicted with the malignant pustule, his wealth availed him nothing, and his children also left him alone to die a miserable, wretched death. They did not even bury him honorably. Thus, within a few years the people witnessed how the prophecy which had been made in this Surah about Abu Lahab was literally fulfilled.

​She used to place thorns at the Prophet’s door in the night,therefore, she has been described as carrier of the firewood.

Multiple Choice

Who was the person who was against the message of Islam?

• Ali

• Abu Lahab

• Abu Jahl

• Abu Lahab

Multiple Choice

What was the surah revealed on Abu Lahab?

• Surah Nas

• Surah Masad

• Surah Nasr

• Surah Ahad

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of the word "yadun"?

• hand

• feet

• face

• eyes

Multiple Choice

Having lots of wealth can help us in the hereafter

• true

• false

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of the word "naar"?

• heaven

• hand

• firewood

• hellfire

Multiple Choice

What is the meaning of "Masad"?

• rope

• neck

• fire

• palm fiber

​

After the revelation of surah Masad, Abu Lahab's wife was furious! So she went looking for the Prophet who was with Abu Bakr at the Ka'aba. She was carrying a handful of stones. Allah took her sight away from the Prophet and she saw only Abu Bakr to whom she said, 'Where is your friend? I have heard that he has been criticizing me. Were I to find him, I would throw these stones right into his face. I too, am gifted in poetry.' Then she said before leaving: 'What he says we obey not! Nor shall we accept it'

'Abu Bakr turned around to the Prophet and said, 'Do you think that she saw you?' 'No,' replied the Prophet, 'Allah made her unable to see me.'