ERA OF ISLAM

After the building of Prophet's mosque or Islamic centre and rehabilitation of the Muhajirs, the third step taken by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was the political one. He founded a political system that consisted of the Muslims, Jews and idolaters of Madina. The state came into being under the system which may be characterized as the city-state of Madina,

In the sixth month of Hijra, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) established the relationship of brotherhood between the Muhajireen and Ansar. As stated above, those who came from Mecca were called as’Muhajir’ which means'one that left his native land and went somewhere else for a noble cause. As the Muslims who had come from Mecca to Madina only for the cause of Islam and were deprived of their hearth and homes deserved and needed help to rehabilitate them. On the other hand, the Muslims of Madina. Who were well-to-do people, were ready to help their Muhajir brethren in every way and so they got the title of'Ansar or'those that help.

          Under these circumstances, the Holy Prophet (PBUH)established"Mawakhat’ or the system of brotherhood between the Muhajireen and Ansar, under this system an individual Muhajir was made the brother of an individual Ansari. This was a unique system that has no other instance anywhere in the world. Under this system. Two men, who had no relation or connection at all, in the past, after this became more than real brothers. Every one of the Ansar who got a Muhajir as his brother gave an equal share in his property and belongings to his Muhajir brother. Some of the Ansar who had more than one wife went up to the extent that they offered to divorce one of their wives so that their Muhajir brothers (in case he had no wife) could marry the divorced ladies.

          This system of brotherhood among the Muhajireen and Ansar, in those days of tribal enmity and prejudices, was really a revolutionary system that has no parallel anywhere else in the history of mankind. The system not only helped in the rehabilitation of the Muhajirs but also created deep love and between the Muhajirs and Ansar. This also shows that the spirit of Islam can join and put together peoples of different lands, tribes, families and nationalities. The spirit of Islam can bring together Abu Bakr (RA)of Mecca, Abu Ayub (RA)of Madina, Salman (RA) of Persia and Bilal (RA)of Habash under one brotherhood, but Hamza (RA)and Abu Lahab (RA)in spite of being the sons of same father cannot stand together.

Call The Azan or prayer call had not yet been introduced in the initial stage of Islam. In Mecca, the Muslims were a small minority, and they could be assembled for prayer from the neighborhood by a call delivered in an ordinary voice. But, in Madina when the Prophet's mosque was built and Kaba was fixed as the direction for prayers and an ever-increasing number of people joined the fold of Islam, a device was needed by which the Muslims residing at longer distances could be called to prayer. Some suggested the blowing of a horn for this purpose. Others recommended the beating of a trumpet; still some others put forth the idea that people should be given the signal for prayer by burning a fire on the top of a mound. But none of these suggestions was approved. At last, a Madinite companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaid Khazraji (RA) had a dream at night in which someone dressed in green apparel taught him the words now used in the Azan. He first uttered the words of Azan in a loud voice, and then rising to his feet uttered the Iqama’ or the words which are uttered when the congregation of the prayer is about to stand. Both'Azan and Iqama’ comprised the same words expecting an addition of Qad Qamatis. Salat' (the prayer is to be started) in Igama.

          On waking up Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaid (RA) at once presented himself before the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and narrated to him his dream. Thereafter Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA) came to the Holy Prophet (PBUH)and narrated a dream similar to that of Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaid (RA).The Holy Prophet (PBUH)then accepted the Azan and Iqama and appointed Hazrat Bilal (RA)as the First Muazzin of Islam. This is how the Azan was introduced which we now hear.

          As in Mecca, so in Madina, Hazrat Bilal (RA) could not endure separation from the Holy Prophet (PBUH).He was constantly in attendance upon the Holy Prophet (PBUH).It was for this reason that the honour of being the first Muazzin in the mosque of the Prophet (PBUH) was conferred upon him.

In Madina, the Muslims got a shelter. Now they were not as helpless and distressed as they were in Mecca. Now they could freely adore and worship ALLAH (SUBHANA WA TALA) and reform their lives according to the ways of Islam. Also, the Muslims who had migrated earlier from Mecca to Habash now came to Madina and enjoyed here peaceful life. From here started the terms of Muhajir' and Ansar'. Those who had migrated were called as Muhajir ( Muhajireen) and those who were Madinite Muslim were called as Ansari' ( Ansar).

The building of the Prophet's (PBUH) Mosque 

        The Prophet (PBUH) remained about six or seven Holy months in Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansari's (RA) house as his guest. After that, he wanted to build a mosque in Madina. For this purpose, he selected the plot of land where his she-camel Quswa had stopped and sat on the first day of his arrival. That plot of land belonged to two orphan brothers, Shall and Sahl (RA) of Banu Najjar. The Prophet (PBUH) sent for the Ansar and suggested that he wanted to build a mosque in that vacant plot of land. They agreed to the Prophet's suggestion, and told that they would pay the price for the plot to the orphan brothers, and offer the plot to him for the sake of ALLAH (SUBHANA WA TALA). The Prophet (PBUH) praised their spirit but insisted that he himself would pay the price for the plot of land to the orphan children. For this purpose, he sent for Suhail and Sahl, who also said that they wished to offer their plot in the name of ALLAH (SUBHANA WA TALA) without taking any price. Their mother also supported her children's proposal But the Holy Prophet (PBUH) could not agree to take the plot of land free of cost. Thus, the price was paid in the form of gold, and the construction of the Prophet's mosque was started. The mosque was named as"Masjid-e-Nabavi” or the"Mosque of the Prophet It is still there and now it is reckoned as one of the greatest place of worship in the world. In the beginning, it was not as large and splendid as it is today. At that time, it was quite an ordinary holding made of timber and straws. Even the floors were not macadamized. Adjacent to the mosque two rooms were also built where the Prophet (PBUH) shifted from Hazrat Abu Ayub's (RA) house.

          The mosque was not specific for prayers only but it was also a centre of social life. Here the Muslims were imparted Islamic instructions and were taught Islamic way of life. The quarrels and disputes of the people would also be decided here by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the matters concerning the Muslims were also discussed here.

When the Prophet (PBUH) reached the locality of Banu Salem it was the time of noon prayer. The Prophet (PBUH) got down from Quswa and delivered a sermon. After the sermon, with all his companions, he performed the Jum'a prayer. This was the first sermon and first prayer of Jum'a (Friday prayer).

           After the prayer was over, the Holy Prophet entered the city from its southern side. Now the question was who would be fortunate enough to receive the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as his guest. Everyone of every tribe wanted to be the host of Allah's Messenger. The tribe of Banu Najjar had every hope because it was related to the Prophet (PBUH) through his mother Hazrat Amena. Even the little girls of this tribe were singing merrily to receive the Prophet (PBUH).

          On the other hand, the chiefs of other tribes also began to come one after another with the request that the Prophet (PBUH) should kindly be the guest of their tribe. In reply, to them the Prophet (PBUH). Declared, "Let this she-camel (Quswa) go and stay where she wants to. She has already been directed by ALLAH (SUBHANA WA TALA)."

          And so everyone eagerly began to observe the she-camel which at first stopped at the place where, nowadays, there is the Main gate of Masjid-e-Nabvi' (The Prophet Mosque). But after a few moments, Quswa again stood up and started to go ahead. She, however, did not go further but came back again to the place where she had first stayed and sat. As the place, was in front of Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansari's (RA) house (of Banu Najjar) so he got the opportunity to be the host of the Messenger of ALLAH (SUBHANA WA TALA).

          It was the month of Rabiul Awwal(13th year of Nabuwah) when the Holy Prophet((S.A.W) migrated from Mecca to Yasrib. And it was that day when the city of Yasrib was renamed as"Madinatun-Nabi’ or the city of the Prophet (PBUH) short form of which is or from this event of the Prophet's Hijrah (migration), the Hijrah Era of Islam commenced.

The Muslims of Yasrib wished that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) Too should migrate and come over to Yasrib but the Prophet (PBUH) was waiting for instruction in this regard from ALLAH (SUBHANA WA TALA). He was not ready to move until he was ordered to. At last one day is received instructions in this regard from ALLAH (SUBHANA WA TALA). When the infidels came to know that Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him)Had been ordered by ALLAH (SUBHANA WA TALA) to leave Mecca for Yasrib they made a plan to put to death the Prophet (PBUH).To execute the plan, one man from each tribe was selected so that if Banu Hashim wanted to take revenge of the Prophet's life they might not be able to do ago because it would not be possible on their part to declare war against all the tribes at a time. According to the plan, the need men one night came together to the Prophet's house. Their plan was to enter the Prophet's house at the dead of night and kill him all of a sudden.

          As we have come to know earlier people would deposit their valuables with the Holy Prophet (PBUH).This continued even after the Prophet Hood of Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him) an Even those Meccans who had no faith in Islam would regard Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him) as trustworthy and would come to deposit their valuables with him. So at the time of Hijrah (Migration) also, lots of people's deposits were lying with the Prophet (PBUH). And it was necessary for him to return those deposits to their depositors. But the time was very critical, so Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him)Entrusted all those deposits to his 22 years’ cousin Hazrat Ali (RA) wich the instruction that after his departure he (Hazrat Ali (RA)) should return the deposits to their respective own users and three he too should leave Mecca for Yasrib. According to the Prophet's instruction Hazrat Ali (RA) stayed in the house and slept on the beds of the Prophet (PBUH).In the meantime the infidels, who had come to assassinate the Holy Prophet (PBUH)and were waiting at the door of the Prophet's house, felt drowsy and had a nap. This helped the Prophet (PBUH) to go out of the house and the infidels could not be aware of his going.

        Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him) going out of his house, went directly to the house of his friend Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq(RA) who had already arranged for the journey.Thus, the Holy prophet (PBUH)started for Yasrib and Abu Bakr(RA) accompanied him.

          When the infidels woke up, and entered the Prophet's house they wondered to see Hazrat Ali (RA) in place of Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him). Their plan had failed and they were very sorry for this. But they were still not quite disappointed. Now they wanted to follow and get hold of the Prophet (PBUH) on the way. They also declared a lucrative prize (one hundred camels) for the person who would get hold of Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him) and his companion Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and bring them back to Mecca. But this plan of the infidels also was of no avail. None could see and bring back the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr(RA). At the distance of only three miles from Mecca, there was a cave-the cave of Saur which proved to be a safe shelter for the Prophet (PBUH) and his companion, who remained for three days in that. After three days they started towards Yasrib.

           The People of yasrib had already received the news about the Prophet's departure from Mecca, so they were anxiously and impatiently waiting for his arrival.

         The Holy Prophet (PBUH) stopped at Quba situated a few miles away in the outskirts of Yasrib, He stayed at Quba for two weeks, and during these fourteen days the people Quba showed their remarkable hospitality. It was Friday when the Prophet ((PBUH) Started for the interior of Yasrib from Quba. The Prophet (PBUH)Stayed at Quba with the t the time of his departure the tribe of Amr bin Auf, so chiefs of the tribe came to him, and asked why he was leaving them, and if they had failed in his proper hospitality. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) consoling them said that he was going where ALLAH (SUBHANA WA TALA) had ordered him.

          The Prophet (PBUH) riding on his she-camal Quswa, started for Yasrib in the company of his faithful companions. The people of Yasrib had already come to Quba in large numbers to receive the Holy Prophet (PBUH).The cheerfulness and merriments of the people of Yasrib knew no bounds when the Prophet (PBUH) entered the city.

          

              They would often talk to the Arabs that the new Prophet was to appear very soon who would change their condition. Thus, the people of Yasrib too knew that a new Prophet of ALLAH (SUBHANA WA TALA) was about to appear. In such a situation when one day some people of Yasrib came to know that someone had appeared in Mecca who claimed to be the Prophet of ALLAH (SUBHANA WA TALA), they sent a deputation to Mecca to acquire information about the appearance of the Prophet. The members of the delegation met the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and asked about the message he was giving to the people. They, after speaking with the Holy Prophet (PBUH) were quite convinced that Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him) was really the same Prophet of ALLAH (SUBHANA WA TALA), the Jews were waiting for Thinking that the Jews should not take the lead to believe in the new Prophet and his religion, and they at once accepted Islam. They also performed an oath of loyalty to the Prophet (PBUH). The oath is known as the first ‘oath of Aqaba (Aqaba being the name of the place where the oath was taken.)

             

           After this, within the next two years, some more people from Yasrib came to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and accepted Islam. This time, also the Prophet (PBUH).Went with them at Aqaba and another oath was performed. This is called in history as the second oath of Aqaba In this oath the representatives of Yasrib promised to the Prophet (PBUH) that they would discard the belief in plurality of God; would not commit theft or steal; would not pollute the chastity kill their children; would not commit adultery and would not disobey the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in any matter. They also promised to be on the side of the Prophet (PBUH) both in war and peace.

       After this Islam began to spread swiftly in Yasrib. Thus, the people of Yasrib were fortunate enough to attain the blessing which the people of Mecca and Ta'if had been deprived of themselves. Now the Muslims of Mecca had got a sheltered place where they could be safe from the hands of the infidels of Mecca, and could freely perform their duties to Allah. The Holy Prophet (PBUH).Allowed the Muslims of Mecca to migrate and take shelter in Yasrib. And the Muslims began to do so. Now the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and only a few Muslims including Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and Hazrat Ali (RA) were left in Mecca.