THE INVASION OF TABUK
The Prophet (pbuh) appointed Itab bin Usaid as the governor of Makkah and returned to Madinah. From that time on, people began to accept Islam in large numbers, presenting themselves to the Prophet (pbuh) and seeking protection. There was no longer any reason to doubt the prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh). Islam spread rapidly throughout the world, except in the Byzantine Empire (the Romans), which was still the most powerful society on earth. Their leader, Caesar, thought that Islam was growing too powerful and that if his society did not stop them, they would become too powerful to conquer.
This battle began when a Byzantine, Sharhabeel bin Amr Al-Ghassinni, killed a messenger of the Prophet (pbuh) who was on an errand, Al-Harith bin Umair Al-Azdi. However, the Prophet (pbuh) and his companions did not aim to avenge the messenger's death. Instead, the Byzantines started preparing a massive army and pro-Roman Ghassanide tribes to launch a battle against the Muslims.
News of the Byzantine preparations reached the Muslims. Some Nabateans who traded in oil moved from Ash-Sham to Madinah and reported to the Muslims about the weapons the enemies were carrying and that their soldiers numbered over 40,000. The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), the most pious of men, thought that if they were attacked in Madinah and defeated, their land would be taken as well. And if they were able to go far to meet the enemies and win, it would demonstrate their strength. Therefore, he ordered the Muslims to prepare for war.
Therefore, the Prophet (pbuh) ordered the Muslims to prepare for war. However, the hypocrites among the Muslims, who were notorious for their evil plots, planned to attack the Muslims from the rear while the Byzantines were attacking, in an attempt to take advantage of the Prophet's (pbuh) strategy to meet the enemy outside Madinah. But their plan failed once again. They tried to present excuses to dissuade the Prophet (pbuh) from going to war, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
In preparation for battle, the Muslims contributed generously. Abdul Rahman bin Awe donated 200 silver ounces, Abu Bakr donated his entire wealth, leaving nothing for his family, Umar donated half of his possessions, Uthman donated 100 camels, 100 horses, and some money, and other companions also contributed. With these resources, the Muslims set out with over 40,000 soldiers to meet the enemies at Tabuk. Meanwhile, Muhammad bin Maslamah Al-Ansari was appointed to govern Madinah, and Ali was entrusted with the protection of the Prophet's (pbuh) family.
This Muslim army, specifically assembled for this war, was dubbed "THE ARMY OF DISTRESS" due to the immense hardships they faced while marching northwards to Tabuk. The Byzantine Empire, not being an Arab land, was located many miles north of the Arab territories. No Arab army had ever successfully crossed the desert northwards to Tabuk, so when the Byzantine army heard that the Muslims were approaching, they were confident that the Muslims would not be able to traverse the desert. However, the Muslims did not find things easy either, despite their generous contributions. Their equipment was inadequate, and their provisions were insufficient, leading to a point where they had to resort to eating leaves from trees, which caused their mouths to become swollen.
When they arrived at Al-Hijr, the native land of Thamud, the Prophet (pbuh) permitted them to drink from the well that Prophet Salih's (A.S.) she-camel used to drink from, but ordered them not to enter their houses, lest they suffer some of the curses that befell the people of Thamud. After quenching their thirst, they continued their journey until they faced another water shortage. The situation became dire, and the Prophet (pbuh) prayed to Allah, and rain fell heavily that day. The rain refreshed their strength, and they were now closer to Tabuk. They slept deeply, but overslept and couldn't get up on time for Fajr prayers. The Prophet (pbuh) said, "If God permits, we will arrive at Tabuk tomorrow. When we get there, do not touch its water until I permit you to do so. Also, when we get to Tabuk, a severe wind will blow, so tie all the camels and no one should stand." Early in the morning, they marched straight to Tabuk and found a spring with a small amount of water. The Prophet (pbuh) scooped out some water, washed his face and hands, and poured it back into the spring, and instantly, plenty of water started to gush out. However, a strong wind blew, and one Muslim who disobeyed and stood up was swept away. They built their tents and waited for the enemies, but as they waited, the Prophet (pbuh) continued to motivate them.
Soon, the Byzantines and their allies discovered that the Muslims had arrived in Tabuk, and they were surprised that this Arab army had successfully crossed the desert into their lands. This showed that the Muslim army was no ordinary force. The Byzantines and their allies immediately fled, but the Muslims did not pursue them, as they only fought those who attacked them.
The people of Ailah, Yahna, and Rawba came to the Prophet (pbuh) and made peace with him, agreeing to pay the jizya (a tax paid by non-Muslims in exchange for protection). All the other tribes allied with the Byzantines also did the same. The Prophet (pbuh) wrote a letter of acceptance and assured them of his protection.
The Muslims achieved victory without a fight, and many societies paid tribute to them. On their way back to Madina, some hypocrites tried to kill the Prophet (pbuh). While Hudhayfa ibn al-Yaman was riding the Prophet's (pbuh) she-camel, they passed by a mountain, and twelve hypocrites intended to kill the Prophet (pbuh) at the top of the valley. Hudhayfa recognized them despite their covered faces and informed the Prophet (pbuh). As they proceeded, the Prophet (pbuh) shouted at them, making them aware that he knew of their intentions. Allah then cast fear into their hearts, and they fled.
Because of this,
hudhayfa was named "the confidant of the messenger of Allah.” With this
Allah said,
يَحۡلِفُوۡنَ بِاللّٰهِ مَا قَالُوۡا ؕ وَلَقَدۡ قَالُوۡا كَلِمَةَ الۡـكُفۡرِ وَكَفَرُوۡا بَعۡدَ اِسۡلَامِهِمۡ وَهَمُّوۡا بِمَا لَمۡ يَنَالُوۡا ۚ وَمَا نَقَمُوۡۤا اِلَّاۤ اَنۡ اَغۡنٰٮهُمُ اللّٰهُ وَرَسُوۡلُهٗ مِنۡ فَضۡلِهٖ ۚ فَاِنۡ يَّتُوۡبُوۡا يَكُ خَيۡرًا لَّهُمۡ ۚ وَاِنۡ يَّتَوَلَّوۡا يُعَذِّبۡهُمُ اللّٰهُ عَذَابًا اَلِيۡمًا ۙ فِى الدُّنۡيَا وَالۡاٰخِرَةِ ۚ وَمَا لَهُمۡ فِى الۡاَرۡضِ مِنۡ وَّلِىٍّ وَّلَا نَصِيۡرٍ
"They swear by Allah that they said nothing (evil), but indeed they uttered blasphemy, and they did it after accepting Islam; and they meditated a plot which they were unable to carry out: this revenge of theirs was (their) only return for the bounty with which Allah and His Messenger had enriched them! If they repent, it will be best for them; but if they turn back (to their evil ways), Allah will punish them with a grievous penalty in this life and in the Hereafter: They shall have none on earth to protect or help them." (Qur'an 9:74)
These hypocrites tried to mix in with the Muslims, but they were all identified. The Muslims suggested that they should be killed, but the Prophet (pbuh) forgave them. When they arrived in Madina, those who had not accompanied the Prophet (pbuh) to Tabuk came to him and gave their reasons for not going. All of them were forgiven except for three individuals. As a result, the Muslims did not speak to them for forty days, until Allah sent a revelation, and then they were forgiven and welcomed back into the community.
FAREWELL PILGRIMAGE
From this time on, Islamic society was established throughout all the Arab lands, and people from the rest of the world were also accepting Islam in large numbers. On Dhul Hijjah, the Prophet (pbuh) chose Abu Bakr to lead the Muslims to Makkah and perform Hajj. At that time, Abu Bakr abolished all pagan practices that pilgrims used to perform during Hajj, such as circumambulating the Ka'bah unclothed.
In the tenth year of Al-Hijra, the Prophet (pbuh) sent Muadh (r.a.) to Yemen to carry out certain tasks and told him, "O Muadh, you may not see me after this current year. You may even pass by this mosque of mine and my tomb." When Muadh (r.a.) heard these words from the Prophet (pbuh), he realized that the Prophet's (pbuh) death was near.
The Prophet (pbuh) had lived for over sixty years and had been a prophet for over twenty years. He intended to perform his last pilgrimage (Umrah). He prepared and announced his intention, and over 30,000 Muslims also prepared to go with him. They set out on the last four days of Dhul Qa'dah in the tenth year to Makkah.
When they arrived at Dhul-Hulaifa, he stopped, prayed two rak'ahs, and spent the night there. Then he told his companions, "Someone was sent to me this night from Allah, and he told me, 'Pray in this blessed valley and say: I intend Umrah combined with Hajj.'" He performed his ritual bathing before the noon prayer, and Aisha (r.a.), his wife, perfumed him. He wore his cloth and garment and mounted his she-camel, then proceeded to Makkah.
The Prophet (pbuh) and his companions entered Makkah after the dawn prayers at Dhi Tuwa on the fourth of Dhul Hijjah during the tenth year. Immediately upon entering the sacred mosque (Al-Masjid Al-Haram), he circumambulated the Ka'bah, praising the Almighty Allah, "Labaik, Allahumma labaik, labaik la sharika laka labaik, inal-hamdu wa al-ni'matu laka wal-mulk, la sharika laka." ("Here I am, O Allah, at thy service, here I am, thou art without partner, and here I am. All praise and blessings are thine, and dominion! Thou art without partner!")
Then he pbuh walked between As-Safar and Al-Marwa.He then slaughtered sacrificial animals. The prophet pbuh then moved to Mina on the eight day of Dhul hijja, there he performed the five daily prayers and moved again to Arafa. At Arafa,he sat under a tent for a while till when the sun went down, then he pbuh went down the valley intending to leave but to his greater surprise, there were about 100,000 Muslims waiting for him.
He pbuh then delivered this speech, his farewell sermon,
"O people! Listen to what I say. I do not know whether I will ever
meet you at this place once again after this year. It is unlawful for
you to share the blood of another or take the fortune of another. They
are unlawful as sharing blood on such a day as today and in such a
month as this haram month and such a city as this city Maka and
surroundings."
"Behold! All practices of paganism and ignorance are now under my
feet. The blood revenge of the days of ignorance is remitted. Usury is
forbidden, and I make a beginning by remitting the amount of interest
which Abass bin Abd Almuttalib has to receive, verily it is remitted
entirely."
"O people! Fear Allah concerning women. Verily you have taken them on
the security of Allah! It is incumbent on them to honor their
conjugal rights and not to commits abominable acts, and if they do, you
have authority to chastise them but not severely. And if they become
faithful, cloth, feed and protect them suitably.
"Verily, I have left amongst you the book of Allah and the
sunnah(tradition) which if you hold fast,you shall never go astray”.
"O people! I am not succeeded by any prophet and you are not
succeeded by any nation, so I recommend you to worship your lord, to
pray five times daily, to fast during Ramadan and to offer the Zakar
willingly. I recommend you to do pilgrimage to the ka'ba and to obey
those who are in charge of you then you will be rewarded to enter the
Paradise of your lord.”
“And if you are ask about me, what will you say?
They replied, “we bear witness that you have conveyed the message and
discharged your ministry."
He pbuh then raised his forefinger upwards and then pointed it to the cloud and said, "O Allah, bear witness!, O Allah, bear witness!, O Allah, bear witness!.
As soon as the sermon was over, then a revelation came, Allah said,
اَ لۡيَوۡمَ اَكۡمَلۡتُ لَـكُمۡ دِيۡنَكُمۡ وَاَ تۡمَمۡتُ عَلَيۡكُمۡ نِعۡمَتِىۡ وَرَضِيۡتُ لَـكُمُ الۡاِسۡلَامَ دِيۡنًا
...This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed my favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion...... (Quran 5:3)
As soon as this revelation arrived, Umar (r.a.) burst into tears. When asked why, he said, "Nothing succeeds perfection but imperfection." After the sermon, Bilal (r.a.) called the adhan, and they performed the prayer. Thereafter, the Prophet (pbuh) proceeded to Muzdalifa.
At Muzdalifa, after performing the sunset and evening prayers and offering numerous supplications, he moved to Al-Mash'ar Al-Haram after the dawn prayer. There, he supplicated extensively before heading to Mina the next day. In Mina, he threw seven stones at the midpoint leading to Jamrat al-Aqaba while praising Allah. He then proceeded to the sacrificial area, slaughtered animals, and delivered another sermon similar to the first one.
Afterward, he visited the Ka'bah, encouraged his uncles to continue their good work of supplying water to pilgrims, and spent the 11th, 12th, and 13th days in Makkah and Mina, teaching about Islam, delivering sermons, and supplicating to Allah. Finally, he returned to Madina.
THE PROPHET PBUH LAST MOMENTS
One day, the Prophet (pbuh) went to Uhud and observed a farewell prayer, praying for the martyrs. He then delivered a sermon, saying, "I am to precede you, and I have been made a witness upon you. By Allah, we will meet at the Fountain very soon. I have been given the keys to worldly treasures. By Allah, I do not fear that you will turn pagans after me. But I do fear that the acquisition of worldly riches will entice you to strike one another."
From this sermon, it became clear to the companions that the Messenger of Allah was close to death. On another day, he asked Abdullah bin Harith (his servant) to accompany him, saying that he had been asked to go with him. They went to Al-Baqee cemetery and prayed for the dead Muslims. The Prophet (pbuh) then told Abdullah, "I have been given the opportunity, just like the other prophets, to choose either a long, rich life or Paradise, or to meet Allah right now and Paradise." Abdullah begged him to choose a long, rich life and Paradise, but the Prophet (pbuh) said, "I have already chosen to meet Allah right now and Paradise."
On Monday, the 29th of Safar, the Prophet (pbuh) had a headache on his way back from a funeral. This marked the beginning of his final illness.
A WEEK TO DEATH
In the last week of his life, the Prophet (pbuh) requested to be taken to his wife Aisha's house, which was adjacent to the mosque. This is where he stayed until he passed away. Meanwhile, his headache became increasingly severe, and Aisha continually recited Suratun Naas, Falak, and other dua's for his relief.
FIVE DAYS TO DEATH
The Prophet's (pbuh) headache became increasingly severe, and he suffered greatly, to the point of fainting, as mentioned in other books. He then said, "Pour water (seven Qirab) on me so that I can go out and talk to my people." They did as he requested, and he went out, leaning against the walls, and then sat down.
He continued, "May Allah's curse be upon the Jews and Christians who have made the graves of their prophets places of worship. Do not make my grave a place of worship." He then said, "Whoever I have wronged, I offer myself to them, so that they may do the same to me."
After the noon prayer, the speech continued. A man approached the Prophet (pbuh) and said, "You owe me three dirhams." The Prophet (pbuh) asked Fadl to pay the debt on his behalf.
He then said, "I admonish you to be good to the Ansar (the Helpers). They are my family; they gave me their word and kept it. They gave me shelter and protected me. Appreciate this favor and overlook their faults." He added, "Abu Bakr is the one I feel most secure with. I have affection and brotherhood for him. No gate shall be kept closed in the mosque except for that of Abu Bakr."
LAST FOUR DAYS
Though he pbub was in pain but he still called his companions to advise them. He requested three things to be done after his death.
- To drive all Christians and Jews out of Makka.
- To honor delegations.
- Not certain.
On this day, the Prophet's (pbuh) pains increased to the extent that he recited a short and single verse during the sunset prayer. In the evening, he was unable to attend the congregational prayer due to the severity of his pains. He asked Aisha (r.a.), "Have the people prayed?" Aisha (r.a.) replied, "No, they are waiting for you."
The Prophet (pbuh) then asked Aisha (r.a.) to provide him with water to wash down so that he could gain more strength and go to the mosque. After washing down, he tried to stand up but fainted. This happened three times. He then asked Aisha (r.a.) to go and inform Abu Bakr to lead the prayer. Aisha (r.a.) was hesitant, but the Prophet (pbuh) told her, "You (women) are like the women who tried to entice Yusuf into immorality. Convey my request to Abu Bakr to lead the prayer."
And from that day on, Abu Bakr led the rest of the prayers, a total of 17 prayers while the Prophet (pbuh) was still alive.
TWO DAYS TO DEATH
On this day, Saturday, the Prophet (pbuh) managed to go to the mosque with the help of two companions. It was time for prayers, and Abu Bakr was about to lead them. As soon as he saw the Prophet (pbuh), he wanted to join the front line, but the Prophet (pbuh) signaled him to keep standing. The Prophet (pbuh) then asked the two companions to sit him beside Abu Bakr, which they did. The Prophet (pbuh) led the prayers while sitting beside Abu Bakr, reciting in a low tone so that Abu Bakr could repeat every takbir louder for the congregation.
A DAY TO DEATH
The prophet pbuh on this day(Sunday) freed his slaves, paid as much charity as he could.
THE DAY HE PASSED ON
On Monday, during the dawn prayer, the Prophet (pbuh) was unable to attend the mosque, but he looked out at the Muslims through Aisha's window as they stood in line to pray. They saw him and thought he was coming to join them, but he signaled them to proceed with the prayer while he lay down.
Fatima (r.a.) narrated: "When it was daytime, the Prophet (pbuh) called me and said two things to me. I cried at the first one and laughed at the second one. The first thing he said was that he would not recover from his illness, which made me cry."
The second thing he said was that I would be the first among his family to join him in Paradise, which made me laugh."
The Prophet (pbuh) then called for his grandsons, Al-Hasan and Al-Husain, and kissed them, asking Allah's blessings upon them. He also called for his wives and advised them.
Finally, he addressed the Muslims, saying: "Perform salah and be attentive to your slaves. Perform salah and be attentive to your slaves. Perform salah and be attentive to your slaves."
LAST MOMENTS
Aisha (r.a.) reported that one of Allah's bounties upon her was that when the Prophet (pbuh) was about to die, he mixed his saliva with hers and died in her house, kneeling on her chest.
While the Prophet (pbuh) was kneeling on Aisha's chest, Abdul Razak (son of Abu Bakr) came in, holding a siwak (a root plant for brushing teeth). The Prophet (pbuh) looked at it, and Aisha asked if he desired to brush his teeth. He replied yes, so Aisha took the siwak and gave it to him. However, it was too hard, so Aisha asked if she should make it soft for him. He replied yes again. Aisha then chewed the siwak and dropped it back into the Prophet's (pbuh) mouth. He brushed his teeth very well and washed his face with water.
Then, he raised his hand and prayed to Allah, saying: "The prophets, the martyrs, and the good doers are those you have blessed. O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me, and add me to the most exalted companionship. To Allah, we come from, and to Him, we turn back for help and our last abode."
Then, he passed away. He was 63 years and four days old, on Monday, the 12th of Rabi' al-awwal.
THE REACTION OF THE MUSLIMS UPON THE PROPHET DEATH
The news of the Prophet's (pbuh) death spread quickly, and all the Muslims gathered in the mosque. Umar (r.a.) stood up and addressed the crowd, saying that the Prophet (pbuh) was not dead and that he would return. However, Abu Bakr (r.a.) entered the mosque and did not say a word. Instead, he went straight to Aisha's house, where the Prophet (pbuh) lay, and uncovered his face. It was then that Abu Bakr (r.a.) fully realized and believed that the Prophet (pbuh) had indeed passed away.
He kissed him, cried, and left to the mosque. He said to the Muslims, “Those of you who worship Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. But those of you who worship Allah, Allah never die, and he is everlasting. Allah said;
وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ اِلَّا رَسُوۡلٌ ۚ قَدۡ خَلَتۡ مِنۡ قَبۡلِهِ الرُّسُلُؕ اَفَا۟ٮِٕنْ مَّاتَ اَوۡ قُتِلَ انْقَلَبۡتُمۡ عَلٰٓى اَعۡقَابِكُمۡؕ وَمَنۡ يَّنۡقَلِبۡ عَلٰى عَقِبَيۡهِ فَلَنۡ يَّضُرَّ اللّٰهَ شَيۡـــًٔا ؕ وَسَيَجۡزِى اللّٰهُ الشّٰكِرِيۡنَ
'Muhammad pbuh is no more than a messenger, and indeed many messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels as disbelievers?, and he who turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah, and Allah will give reward to and those who are grateful.'(Quran 3:144).
As Abu bakr recites this verse, it touched their hearts and all of them recited it together.
Ummar narrated, ”as this aya was being recited ,it touched my heart to an extend that ,this is the moment I truly believed that the messenger of Allah is dead and I collapsed.
BURIAL OF THE PROPHET PBUH
As some people mourned the Prophet's (pbuh) death, others discussed who would succeed him. Soon, news reached Umar and Abu Bakr that some Ansars had met to discuss the succession. People argued over who would succeed the Prophet (pbuh), leaving his body in the room until nightfall. Finally, Umar suggested Abu Bakr, and they agreed to pledge their loyalty to him. Abu Bakr said to the Muslims, "Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Messenger. But if I disobey them, then you owe me no obedience."
At dawn on Tuesday, Al-Abbas, his two sons Al-Fadl and Qathm, Ali, and two others bathed the Prophet (pbuh). They were unsure where to bury him, but Abu Bakr recalled the Prophet's (pbuh) saying, "Prophets are buried where they die." So, they removed the bed and dug a grave in the room, where the Prophet (pbuh) was buried. The Muslims then entered in groups of ten to pray for him until Wednesday.
May Allah reward us for following the story to the end. May He grant us some of the Prophet's (pbuh) morals and the ability to obey his teachings. The end.
The Prophet (pbuh) came and is now gone, but his words and work remain and will forever stay with us. Muhammad (pbuh) was ranked number one in Michael H. Hart's book "The 100." As Rev. R. Bosworth-Smith said, "Mohammed is a threefold founder of a nation, of an empire, and of a religion."
Lewis Mumford said, "Fellow inhabitants of the planet! Search for the ideal Prophet, who in the 7th century, has shown you the way to total success."
Thomas Carlyle, a British author, said, "The lies that we (Christians) have heaped round this man (Muhammad) are disgraceful to ourselves only."
The Encyclopedia Britannica, 11th Edition, states, "Muhammad is the most successful of all Prophets and religious personalities."
May Allah help us. This is our last episode for the story "THE PRAISED ONE." May Allah grant us knowledge, shower us with blessings, and accept us in paradise. Amiin
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