HAJJ 2013: Stories of the Prophets – Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as)

Prophet Ibrahim (as) – also known as Prophet Abraham – is one of the greatest Prophets and the father of us all. He is described by Allah as being an Ummah. Muslims, jews and christians all trace roots back to him. Prophet Ibrahim (as) is mentioned in our prayers, at least 5 times a day, such an honoured position has he, and he was described as Khalil-ullah – the Friend of Allah (swt).

From Ibrahim’s (as) two sons lie the lineage of the Muslims and the Jews. From Ismail comes the line of the Arabs – the Muslims. From Ishaq comes the line of the Jews.

Alhamdulillah, Prophet Ibrahim (as) was on the truth from an early age. He questioned and challenged the idol worship of his time; he faced the disbelievers of Babylon; he faced Nimrud (Nimrod); with his son, Ismail, he built the Kaaba and it is from the family of Ibrahim that Hajj was established as one of the pillars of Islam, and something practised by millions upon millions of Muslims since the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

It is essential that Muslims know of the story of Prophet Ibrahim (as) as much of Islam refers to him.

Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

The following are some snippets of the Stories of the Prophets as written by the renowned scholar (masha’Allah), Ibn Kathir and translated by Sheikh Muhammad Mustafa Geme’ah (Office of the Grand Imam, Sheikh Al-Azhar). I hope you will find them beneficial, insha’Allah.

IBRAHIM (AS) AND ISMAIL (AS) – THE SACRIFICE
Allah the Almighty told us of Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) affliction with his beloved son:

“And he said after his rescue from the fire: ‘Verily! I am going to my Lord. He will guide me! My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.” SO We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy. And when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allah), so look what do you think!” “O my father! Do that which you are commanded In sha Allah (if Allah wills), you shall find me of the patient.”

Then when they had both submitted themselves to the Will of Allah and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering); and We called out to him: “O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the dream (vision!” Verily! Thus do Wereward those who perform good deeds, totally for Allah’s sake only. Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial and We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (a ram;) and We left for him ( a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. “Salamun (peace) be upon Ibrahim!” Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsineen (good doers). Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves. (Ch 37:99-111 Qur’an)

Download the book and read more about the Story of Prophet Ibrahim (as), Prophet Ismail (as) and other Prophets in the Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

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Stories of the Prophets – Lut (as)

Prophet Lut (as) was sent to a people who were at the heights of a crime that is becoming widespread and common today – homesexuality and sodomy. It is important that people realise that homosexuality and sodomy is haraam and not down to genetics. This is a behaviour that is wrong and goes against the nature of creation. Nowadays you will have all sorts of excuses, pretending that there’s nothing wrong with homosexuality, that its a lifestyle choice. More disturbing is that many youth are now experimenting in homosexuality, whilst at school, college and university. Recently, laws in Europe have opened the way for gay marriages, another step towards making wrong seem right.

This is what happens when you don’t have a moral compass to guide your actions and guide how a country is governed. It is not the place of any government, any human being to change the Laws of Allah. You even find today cases where homosexuals claim to be Muslim – however that is a contradiction – you cannot be a Muslim and homosexual at the same time.

Learn about the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in the true Islamic context and in the book: Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir.

Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

The following are some snippets of the Stories of the Prophets as written by the renowned scholar (masha’Allah), Ibn Kathir and translated by Sheikh Muhammad Mustafa Geme’ah (Office of the Grand Imam, Sheikh Al-Azhar). I hope you will find them beneficial, insha’Allah.

THE MOB AT LUT’S HOUSE
When darkness fell on the town, Lot escorted his guest to his home. No one was aware of their presence. However, as soon as Lot’s wife saw them, she slipped out of the house quietly so that no one noticed her. Quickly, she ran to her people with the news and it spread to all the inhabitants like wildfire. The people rushed towards Lot quickly and excitedly. Lot was surprised by their discovery of his guests. and he wondered who could have informed them. The matter became clear, however, when he could not find his wife, anywhere, thus adding grief to his sorrow.

When Lot saw the mob approaching his house, he shut the door, but they kept on banging on it. He pleaded with them to leave the visitors alone and fear Allah’s punishment. He urged them to seek sexual fulfillment with their wives, for that is what Allah had made lawful. Lot’s people waited until he had finished his short sermon, and then they roared with laughter. Blinded by passion, they broke down the door. Lot became very angry, but he stood powerless before these violent people. He was unable to prevent the abuse of his guests, but he firmly stood his ground and continued to plead with the mob.

Download the book and read more about the Story of Ismail (as) and other Prophets in the Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

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The meaning of 786

As a Muslim, you may be very familiar with seeing the number ‘786’ all over the place. Some Muslims seek out mobile phone numbers and car registration plates that have 786, believing that it will benefit them. Some Muslims write this down, believing it to be an alternative to writing Bismillah, and so avoiding the issue of how to dispose of holy Arabic text. The fact of the matter is that 786 is nothing more than an innovation and has nothing to do with Islam at all.

There’s nothing in Qur’an or Sunnah about 786 – there’s just no basis for it at all. It’s nothing more than a whispering of the shaytaan that has taken hold. Numbers cannot replace the name of Allah and why would you want to do that anyway? Would anyone rewrite the Qur’an by putting 786 instead of Bismillah? Not a chance. So why try to adopt such a nonsense?

There are people who seems to want to apply numerology to the Qur’an, seeking to unlock some mystery. The truth is, these things do not matter – if it did, then this would have been revealed through the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The Message of Islam is complete and there is no need to be searching for things outside the Qur’an and Sunnah.

It’s also interesting to note that 786 seems to be very common amongst Pakistanis and Indians and not in other parts of the Muslim world. You’ll find this advocated by many a Peer or Maulvi – people uneducated in Islam but claiming to be scholars. That, in itself, shows you that this is a made up thing.

Please do not attribute any significance to 786 – it has no place in Islam but is one of the whispers of shaytaan, designed to divide us and take us away from learning and STICKING to Qur’an and Sunnah alone.

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HAJJ 2012: Stories of the Prophets – Ibrahim (as) and Ismail (as)

Prophet Ibrahim (as) – also known as Prophet Abraham – is one of the greatest Prophets and the father of us all. He is described by Allah as being an Ummah. Muslims, jews and christians all trace roots back to him. Prophet Ibrahim (as) is mentioned in our prayers, at least 5 times a day, such an honoured position has he, and he was described as Khalil-ullah – the Friend of Allah (swt).

From Ibrahim’s (as) two sons lie the lineage of the Muslims and the Jews. From Ismail comes the line of the Arabs – the Muslims. From Ishaq comes the line of the Jews.

Alhamdulillah, Prophet Ibrahim (as) was on the truth from an early age. He questioned and challenged the idol worship of his time; he faced the disbelievers of Babylon; he faced Nimrud (Nimrod); with his son, Ismail, he built the Kaaba and it is from the family of Ibrahim that Hajj was established as one of the pillars of Islam, and something practised by millions upon millions of Muslims since the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

It is essential that Muslims know of the story of Prophet Ibrahim (as) as much of Islam refers to him.

Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

The following are some snippets of the Stories of the Prophets as written by the renowned scholar (masha’Allah), Ibn Kathir and translated by Sheikh Muhammad Mustafa Geme’ah (Office of the Grand Imam, Sheikh Al-Azhar). I hope you will find them beneficial, insha’Allah.

IBRAHIM (AS) AND ISMAIL (AS) – THE SACRIFICE
Allah the Almighty told us of Prophet Ibrahim’s (as) affliction with his beloved son:

“And he said after his rescue from the fire: ‘Verily! I am going to my Lord. He will guide me! My Lord! Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.” SO We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy. And when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allah), so look what do you think!” “O my father! Do that which you are commanded In sha Allah (if Allah wills), you shall find me of the patient.”

Then when they had both submitted themselves to the Will of Allah and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering); and We called out to him: “O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the dream (vision!” Verily! Thus do Wereward those who perform good deeds, totally for Allah’s sake only. Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial and We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (a ram;) and We left for him ( a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. “Salamun (peace) be upon Ibrahim!” Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsineen (good doers). Verily, he was one of Our believing slaves. (Ch 37:99-111 Qur’an)

Download the book and read more about the Story of Prophet Ibrahim (as), Prophet Ismail (as) and other Prophets in the Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

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Stories of the Prophets – Isa (as) (Jesus): The true story of Jesus

Prophet Isa (as) – commonly known as Jesus – is one of the greatest Prophets and also one of most debated in the world. The Jews did not accept him, the Christians have revered him and raised him to a status which is the worst sin against Allah (committing shirk) and the Muslims recognise Isa (as) as a true prophet of Allah.

He was born miraculously from Mary (daughter of Imran), a chaste and God-fearing woman, one of the best women of the whole of mankind. Prophet Isa (as) performed miracles, by the Will of Allah but he was not crucified. He will return to the earth and fill it with justice and peace and this is what we are now waiting for.

Here are snippets of the true story of Jesus. The full story can be downloaded using the link below.

Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

The following are some snippets of the Stories of the Prophets as written by the renowned scholar (masha’Allah), Ibn Kathir and translated by Sheikh Muhammad Mustafa Geme’ah (Office of the Grand Imam, Sheikh Al-Azhar). I hope you will find them beneficial, insha’Allah.

MARY RECEIVES NEWS OF JESUS
While Mary was praying in her temple, an angel in the form of a man appeared before her. Filled with terror, she tried to flee, praying:

“Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (Allah) from you, if you do fear Allah.” The angel said: “I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.” She said: “How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?” He said: “So (it will be), your Lord said: “That is easy for me (Allah): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (Allah), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by Allah).'” (Ch 19:18-21 Quran)

THE MIRACLES OF JESUS

Allah the Almighty said:

“Remember when Allah will say (on the Day of Resurrection): “O Jesus, son of Mary! Remember My Favor to you and to your mother when I supported you with Ruh-ul-Qudus (Gabriel) so that you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity; and when I taught you writing, Al Hikmah (the power of understanding), the Torah and the Gospel; and when you made out of the clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My Permission, and you breathed into it, and it became a bird by My Permission, and you healed those born blind, and the lepers by My Permission, and when you brought forth the dead by My Permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from you (when they resolved to kill you) since you came unto them with clear proofs, and the disbeliveers among them said: ‘This is nothing but evident magic.'” And when I (Allah) put in their hearts of the disciples (of Jesus) to believe in Me and My Messenger, they said: “We believe. And bear witness that we are Muslims.” (Ch 5:110-111 Quran).

JESUS’ CRUCIFIXION

But the faith of Islam came with views quite different from that of the extend gospels with regards to both the end of Jesus and his nature. The Glorious Qur’an affirms that Allah the Exalted did not permit the people of Israel to kill Jesus or crucify him. What happened was that Allah saved him from his enemies and raised him to heaven. They never killed Jesus, they killed someone else.

Allah the Almighty declared:

“And because of their saying (in boast), “We killed Messiah Jesus, son of Mary, the Messenger of Allah,” but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of Jesus was put over another man (and they killed that man) and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no certain knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not (Jesus, son of Mary): But Allah raised him (Jesus) up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and
he is in the heavens). And Allah is Ever All Powerful, All Wise.

And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews & Christians), but must believe in him (Jesus, son of Mary, as only a Messenger of Allah, and a human being0, before his (Jesus or a Jew’s or a Christian’s ) death (at the time of the appearance of the angel of death). And on the Day of Resurrection, he (Jesus) will be a witness against them. ( Ch 4:157-159 Quran)

Download the book and read more about the Story of Isa (as) (Jesus) and other Prophets in the Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

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Stories of the Prophets – Ismail (as)

Hajj – Stoning the devil

 

Prophet Ismail (as) is the son of Prophet Ibrahim (as) and Hajar. There have been several hugely significant events in the life of Prophet Ismail (as) that affects every single Muslim in the world. The first is that of the rite of Hajj and Umrah of performing the running between Safa and Marwa. The second is the building of the Ka’aba, which both Prophet Ibrahim (as) and Prophet Ismail (as) did and the third is the Qurbani Muslims perform at Hajj time. Prophet Ibrahim (as) was Commanded by Allah to sacrifice his son Ismail (as) and you can read more about this in the book by Ibn Kathir: Stories of the Prophets.

Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

The following are some snippets of the Stories of the Prophets as written by the renowned scholar (masha’Allah), Ibn Kathir and translated by Sheikh Muhammad Mustafa Geme’ah (Office of the Grand Imam, Sheikh Al-Azhar). I hope you will find them beneficial, insha’Allah.

IBRAHIM (AS) LEAVES HAJAR AND ISMAIL
One day, Abraham woke up and asked his wife Hajar to get her son and prepare for a long journey. In a few days Abraham started out with his wife Hajar and their son Ishmael. The child
was still nursing and not yet weaned. Abraham walked through cultivated land, desert, and mountains until he reached the desert of the Arabian Peninsula and came to an uncultivated valley having no fruit, no trees, no food, no water. The valley had no sign of life. After Abraham had helped his wife and child to dismount, he left them with a small amount of food and water which was hardly enough for 2 days. He turned around and walked away. He wife hurried after him asking: “Where are you going Abrahim, leaving us in this barren valley?”

Abraham did not answer her, but continued walking. She repeated what she had said, but he remained silent. Finally she understood that he was not acting on his own initiative. she realized that Allah had commanded him to do this. She asked him : “Did Allah command you to do so?” He replied: “Yes.” Then his great wife said: “We are not going to be lost, since Allah Who has commanded you is with us.”

Abraham invoked Almighty Allah thus:

“O Our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley with no cultivation, by Your Sacred House (the Ka’ba at Mecca); in order, O our Lord, that they may offer prayers perfectly (Iqamat as salat) so fill some hearts among men with love towards them, and O Allah provide them with fruits so that they may give thanks. O our Lord! Certainly, You know what we conceal and what we reveal. Nothing on the earth or in the heavens is hidden from Allah.” (Qur’an 14:37-38)

ISMAIL’S WIVES
The Prophet (pbuh) continued: “After Ishmael’s mother had died, Abraham came after Ishmael’s marriage in order to see his family that he had left before but he did not find Ishmael there. When he asked Ishmael’s wife about him, she replied: “He has gone in search of livelihood.” Then he asked her about their way of living and their condition, and she replied, “We are living in misery; we are living in hardship and destitution,” complaining to him.

He said: “When your husband returns, convey my salutations to him and tell him to change the threshold of the gate (of his house).”

When Ishmael came, he seemed to have felt something unusual, so he asked his wife: “Has anyone visited you?” she replied, “Yes, an old man of such and such description came and asked me about you and I informed him and he asked about our state of living and I told him that we were living in a hardship and poverty.” On that Ishmael said: “Did he advise you anything?” She said: “Yes he told me to convey his salutation to you and to tell you to change the threshold of your gate.” Ishmael said: “It was my father and he has ordered me to divorce you. Go back to your family.” So, Ishmael divorced her and married another woman from among them (Jurhum).

Download the book and read more about the Story of Ismail (as) and other Prophets in the Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

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Stories of the Prophets – Ibrahim (as)

Prophet Ibrahim (as) – also known as Prophet Abraham – is one of the greatest Prophets and the father of us all. He is described by Allah as being an Ummah. Muslims, jews and christians all trace roots back to him. Prophet Ibrahim (as) is mentioned in our prayers, at least 5 times a day, such an honoured position has he, and he was described as Khalil-ullah – the Friend of Allah (swt).

From Ibrahim’s (as) two sons lie the lineage of the Muslims and the Jews. From Ismail comes the line of the Arabs – the Muslims. From Ishaq comes the line of the Jews.

Alhamdulillah, Prophet Ibrahim (as) was on the truth from an early age. He questioned and challenged the idol worship of his time; he faced the disbelievers of Babylon; he faced Nimrud (Nimrod); with his son, Ismail, he built the Kaaba and it is from the family of Ibrahim that Hajj was established as one of the pillars of Islam, and something practised by millions upon millions of Muslims since the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

It is essential that Muslims know of the story of Prophet Ibrahim (as) as much of Islam refers to him.

Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

The following are some snippets of the Stories of the Prophets as written by the renowned scholar (masha’Allah), Ibn Kathir and translated by Sheikh Muhammad Mustafa Geme’ah (Office of the Grand Imam, Sheikh Al-Azhar). I hope you will find them beneficial, insha’Allah.

IBRAHIM (AS) BREAKS THE IDOLS
He explained to them the beauty of Allah’s creation, His power and wisdom. Idol worship is detested by Allah for Allah is the Lord of the universe Who created mankind, guided him and provided him with food and drink and cured him when he was sick and Who will cause him to die and be raised up again. iT was He to Whom Abraham prayed and Who would forgive his sins on the Day of Judgment. However, they would not give up but clung fast to idolatry. Abraham left his father’s house and abandoned his people and what they worshipped. He decide to do something about their state of disbelief, but did not reveal it. He knew that there was going to be a great celebration on the other bank of the river which would be attended by all the people.

Abraham waited until the city was empty, then came out cautiously, directing his steps towards the temple. the streets leading to it were empty and the temple itself was deserted for the priests had also gone to the festival outside the city. Abraham went there carrying a sharp axe. He looked at the stone and wood statues of the gods and at the food laid in front of them as offerings. He approached one of the statues and asked: “The food in front of you is getting cold. Why don’t you eat?” the statue kept silent and rigid.

Abraham asked all the other statues around him: “Will you not eat of the offering before you?” (Ch 37:91)

He was mocking them for he knew they would not eat. He once again asked then: “What is the matter with you that you do not speak?” (Ch 37:92)

He then raised his axe and started smashing the false gods worshipped by the people. He destroyed them all except one on whose neck he hung the axe. After this his anger subsides and he felt at peace. He left the temple. He had fulfilled his vow to show his people a practical proof of their foolishness in worshipping something other than Allah.

THE IDOLATERS QUESTION IBRAHIM (AS)

When the people returned, they were shocked to see their gods smashed to pieces, lying scattered all over the temple. They began to guess who had done that to their idols and Abraham’s name came to their minds.

Allah the Almighty said: they said: “Who has done this to our aliah (gods)? He must indeed be one of the wrongdoers.”

They said: “We heard a young man talking against them who is called Abraham.” They said: “Then bring him before the eyes of the people, that they may testify.”

They said: “Are you the one who has done this to our gods, O Abraham?” Abraham said: “nay, this one, the biggest of them (idols) did it, Ask them, if they can speak!”So they turned to themselves and said: “Verily you are the Zalimun (polytheists, and wrongdoers).”Then they turned to themselves (their first thought and said): “Indeed you (Abraham) know well that these idols speak not?”

Abraham said: “DO you then worship besides Allah, things that can neither profit you nor harm you? If upon you, and upon that which you worship besides Allah! Have you then no sense?” (Ch 21:59-67 Quran)

Furious, they demanded that Abraham be arrested and tried. Abraham did not resist. This was precisely what he had been aiming for, so that he could show them up in public for their foolish beliefs. At the trial they asked him if he was responsible for breaking the idols. Smiling, he told them to ask the biggest idol which was still whole. He told them that he must be the culprit! They replied that he knew well that the idol could not speak or move which gave Abraham the chance to prove the foolishness of worshipping these lifeless objects.

They then realised the senselessness of their beliefs; however, their arrogance would not allow them to admit their foolishness. All they could do was to use their power of authority as tyrants usually do to punish Abraham. They kept him in chains and planned their revenge.

THE IDOLATERS TRY TO BURN IBRAHIM (AS)

Anger was burning in their hearts. They decided to throw Abraham into the biggest fire they could build. All the citizens were ordered to gather wood as a service to their gods. Ignorant, sick women vowed that if they were cured they would donate so much wood to burn Abraham.

For several days they collected fuel.

They dug a deep pit, filled it with firewood and ignited it. They brought a catapult with which to cast Abraham into the fire. Abraham was put on the catapult, his hands and feet were tied. The fire was ready with its flame reaching the sky. The people stood away from the pit because of the great heat. Then the chief priest gave his order to cast Abraham into the fire.

Download the book and read more about the Story of Ibrahim (as) and other Prophets in the Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

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Stories of the Prophets – Salih (as)

This is the story of the people of Thamud, to whom the Prophet Salih (as) was sent to. They built for themselves huge buildings on the plains and out of the hills. But they ruled the land with tyranny and oppression.

They DEMANDED miracles be shown to them! Can you imagine the arrogance being displayed here? There are miracles around us at all times – the miracle of life, of creation, the perfect order of the universe – and yet they wanted more. They were tested with a she-camel, which the people of Thamud asked to appear from the mountains but the majority of them still refused to believe. It’s amazing how some hearts are sealed from such clear proofs. Furthermore, they challenged Prophet Salih (as) to bring upon them the Punishment of Allah. Today we face similar calls from people who refuse to believe and mock Islam and Muslims.

Allah Visited upon them a severe punishment which killed all the disbelieving people of Thamud, all at the same time.

The dwellings of Thamud have been left as a sign and a reminder of what has happened to civilisations of the past. That no matter how great you think you are, there is the Greatest, Allah, and we all return to Him. We should not look on these dwellings of Thamud as being impressive – rather we should be fearful of such an end and make dua that we do not suffer to such a degree ourselves by following in the footsteps of the people of Thamud.

Dwellings of the people of Thamud 1

Dwellings of the people of Thamud 2

Dwellings of the people of Thamud 3

Dwellings of the people of Thamud 4

Dwellings of the people of Thamud 5

Dwellings of the people of Thamud 6

Dwellings of the people of Thamud 7

Dwellings of the people of Thamud 8

Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

The following are some snippets of the Stories of the Prophets as written by the renowned scholar (masha’Allah), Ibn Kathir and translated by Sheikh Muhammad Mustafa Geme’ah (Office of the Grand Imam, Sheikh Al-Azhar). I hope you will find them beneficial, insha’Allah.

DESCRIPTION OF SALIH (AS)

So Allah sent unto them His Prophet Salih (PBUH), a man from among them. His name was Salih Ibn Ubeid, Ibn Maseh, Ibn Ubeid, Ibn Hader, Ibn Thamud, Ibn Ather, Ibn Eram, Ibn Noah. He called his people to worship Allah alone, and to not associate partners with Him. While some of them believed him, the majority of them disbelieved and harmed him by both words and deeds. Salih directed them:

“O my people! Worship Allah, you have no other Ilah (god) but Him.” (Ch 11:61)

Salih was known for his wisdom, purity and goodness and had been greatly respected by his people before Allah’s revelation came to him. Salih’s people said to him:

“O Salih! You have been among us as a figure of good hope and we wished for you to be our chief, till this, new thing which you have brought that we leave our gods and worship your God (Allah) alone! Do you now forbid us the worship of what our fathers have worshipped? But we are really in grave doubt as to that which you invite us to monotheism.” (CH 11:62 Quran)

SALIH’S (AS) PEOPLE DEMAND A MIRACLE

They merely wanted to worship the same gods as their fathers had, with no reason, no proof, no thought. The proof of Salih’s (PBUH) message was evident, but despite this it was obvious that most of his people did not believe him. They doubted his words, thinking he was charmed, and they saw that he would not stop preaching. Fearing that his followers would increase, they tried to put him off by assigning him an important task; to prove that he was a messenger of Allah by performing a miracle. Let a unique she camel issue from the mountains. Allah granted Salih this miracle and a huge, unique, she camel appeared from the direction of the mountain.

The Quranic commentators said that the people of Thamud gathered on a certain day at their meeting place, and the Prophet Salih (PBUH) came and addressed them to believe in Allah, reminding them of the favors Allah had granted them. Then pointing at a rock, they demanded: “Ask your Lord to make a she camel, which must be 10 months pregnant, tall and attractive, issue from the rock for us.” Salih replied: “Look now! If Allah sends you what you have requested, just as you have described, will you believe in that which I have come to you with and have faith in the message I have been sent with?”

They answered: “Yes.”

So he took a vow from them on this, then prayed to Allah the Almighty to grant their request. Allah ordered the distant rock to split asunder, to bringing forth a great ten month pregnant she-camel. When their eyes set on it, they were amazed. They saw a great thing, a wonderful sight, a dazzling power and clear evidence!

A number of Salih’s people believed, yet most of them continued in their disbelief, stubbornness, and going astray. Allah the Almighty said:

“We sent the she camel to Thamud as a clear sign, but they did her wrong. (Ch 17:59)

and also:

“Verily the dwellers of Al Hijr (the rocky tract) denied the Messengers. We gave them Our Signs, but they were averse to them. (Ch 15:80-81 Quran)

There are a number of ancient accounts of this camel and its miraculous nature.

Download the book and read more about the Story of Nuh (as) and other Prophets in the Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

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Stories of the Prophets – Hud (as)

The Story of Prophet Hud (as) is a major lesson for all of us. It is a prime example of how civilisations grow arrogant, haughty and proud and then are brought down with the severest of punishments. The people of ‘Ad were well built and known for their craftmanship and building of lofty towers; they also had unjust rulers – remind you of any civilisation you know?

Prophet Hud (as), a descendant of Prophet Nuh (as) was sent to the people of ‘Ad to warn them of their disbelief and guide them to the straight path. They did not heed the warnings and were punished with hurricanes so fierce that nothing could withstand it.

We are witness to the havoc and destruction that is caused by hurricanes today. These hurricanes move across land and in the few moments that they pass an area, they have reduced it to rubble. Imagine then, the destruction of the people of ‘Ad, who were punished with the severest of hurricanes, which was unrelenting and smashing their cities for 8 days and 7 nights, continuously! Can you picture the destruction and the bodies being thrown all over the place, being bashed and battered? May Allah Protect us from the arrogance that led to this punishment.

Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

The following are some snippets of the Stories of the Prophets as written by the renowned scholar (masha’Allah), Ibn Kathir and translated by Sheikh Muhammad Mustafa Geme’ah (Office of the Grand Imam, Sheikh Al-Azhar). I hope you will find them beneficial, insha’Allah.

THE DISBELIEVERS QUESTION HUD
The chiefs of Hud’s people asked: “Is it not strange that Allah’s chooses one of us to reveal His message to?” Hud replied: “What is strange in that? Allah wants to guide you to the right way of life, so HE sent me to warn you. Noah’s flood and his story are not far away from you, so do not forget what happened. All the disbeliveers were destroyed, no matter how strong they were.”

“Who is going to destroy us Hud?” the chiefs asked.

“Allah.” replied Hud.

The disbeliveers among his people answered: “We will be saved by our gods.”

Hud’s people started to flee. They ran to their tents to hide but the gale became stronger, ripping their tents from their stakes. They hid under cloth covers but the gale became stronger and still
and tore away the covers. It slashed clothing and skin. It penetrated the apertures of the body and destroyed it. It hardly touched anything before it was destroyed or killed, its core sucked out to
decompose and rot. The storm raged for 8 days and 7 nights.

Almighty Allah recounts:
“Then when they saw it as a dense cloud coming towards their valleys, they said: “This is a cloud bringing us rain!” Nay but it is that torment which you were asking to be hastened! a wind wherein is a painful torment! Destroying everything by the command of its Lord! (Ch 46:24-25 Quran)

Allah the Exalted described it thus:
“And as for Ad, they were destroyed for a firious violent wind which Allah imposed on them for seven nights and eight days in succession, so that you could see men lying overthrown (destroyed) as if they were hollow trunks of palm trees! (Ch 69:6-7 Quran)

Download the book and read more about the Story of Nuh (as) and other Prophets in the Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

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Stories of the Prophets – Nuh (as)

The Story of Prophet Nuh (as) is probably one of the most famous stories in the world. Children are taught it in schools, studies are done by archaeologists to determine what happened. Jews, Christians and Muslims all know about it. But only Muslims have the remaining truth of the story of Nuh (as).

Prophet Nuh (as) was sent to bring his people back to the Truth and Straight Path of Allah (subhana wa ta’ala) and his people were those who had first adopted idol worship. Prophet Nuh (as) is classed as one of the great Prophets from Allah and he preached to his people for 950 years! This is a great lesson for those of us who are impatient when trying to spread the message of Islam to others. Only after Nuh (as) had exhausted all manner of spreading the message to his people, did the Punishment of Allah come down on them – the great flood!

Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

The following are some snippets of the Stories of the Prophets as written by the renowned scholar (masha’Allah), Ibn Kathir and translated by Sheikh Muhammad Mustafa Geme’ah (Office of the Grand Imam, Sheikh Al-Azhar). I hope you will find them beneficial, insha’Allah.

NOAH’S PEOPLE – IDOLATERS
For many generations Noah’s people had been worshipping statues that they called gods. They believed that these gods would bring them good, protect them from evil and provide all their needs. They gave their idols names such as Waddan, Suwa’an, Yaghutha, Ya’auga, and Nasran (These idols represented, respectively, manly power; mutability, beauty; brute strength, swiftness, sharp sight, insight) according to the power they thought these gods possessed.

Allah the Almighty revealed: “They (idolaters) have said: “You shall not leave your gods nor shall you leave Wadd, nor Suwa, nor Yaghuth, nor Ya uq nor Nasr (names of the idols).” (Qur’an 71:23)

Originally these were the names of good people who had lived among them. After their deaths, statues of them were erected to keep their memories alive. After sometime, however, people began to worship these statues. Later generations did not even know why they had been erected; they only knew their parents had prayed to them. That is how idol worshipping developed. Since they had no understanding of Allah the Almighty Who would punish them for their evil deeds, they became cruel and immoral…

NOAH’S REASONING WITH HIS PEOPLE
Allah in His Mercy sent His messenger Noah to guide his people. Noah was an excellent speaker and a very patient man. He pointed out to his people the mysteries of life and the wonders of the universe. He pointed out how the night is regularly followed by the day and that the balance between these opposites were designed by Allah the Almighty for our good. The night gives coolness and rest while the day gives warmth and awakens activity. The sun encourages growth, keeping all plants and animals alive, while the moon and stars assist in the reckoning of time,
direction and seasons.

He pointed out that the ownership of the heavens and the earth belongs only to the Divine Creator. Therefore, he explained to this people, there cannot have been more than one deity. He clarified to them how the devil had deceived them for so long and that the time had come for this deceit to stop. Noah spoke to them of Allah’s glorification of man, how HE had created him and provided him with sustenance and the blessings of a mind.

He told them that idol worshipping was a suffocating injustice to the mind. He warned them not to worship anyone but Allah and described the terrible punishment Allah would mete out if they continued in their evil ways.

DIVISION AMONG NOAH’S PEOPLE
The people listened to him in silence. His words were a shock to their stagnating minds as it is a shock to a person who is asleep under a wall which is about to fall and who is vigorously awakened. This person may be alarmed and may even become angry although the aim was to save him.

Noah’s people were divided into two groups after his warning. His words touched the hearts of the weak, the poor, and the miserable and soothed their wounds with its mercy. As for the rich, the strong, the mighty and the rulers they looked upon the warning with cold distrust. They believed they would be better off if things stayed as they were. Therefore they started their war of words against Noah.

THE DISBELIEVER’S ARGUMENTS
First they accused Noah of being only human like themselves.

“The chiefs of the disbelievers among his people said: “We see you but a man like ourselves.”‘ (Ch 11:27 Quran)

He, however, had never said anything other than that. He asserted that, indeed, he was only a human being; Allah had sent a human messenger because the earth was inhabited by humans. If it had been inhabited by angels Allah would have sent an angelic messenger. The contest between the polytheists and Noah continued. the rulers had thought at first that Noah’s call would soon fade on its own. When they found that his call attracted the poor, the helpless and common laborers, they started to verbally attack and taunt him: ‘You are only followed by the poor, the meek and the worthless.’

Allah the Almighty told us:

“Indeed We sent Noah to his people (he said): “I have come to you as a plain Warner that you worship none but Allah, surely, I fear for you the torment of a painful Day.” the chiefs of the disbelievers among his people said: “We see you but a man like ourselves, nor do we see any follow you but the meanest among us and they too followed you without thinking. And we do not see in you any merit above us in fact we think you are liars.” (CH 11:25-27).

Download the book and read more about the Story of Nuh (as) and other Prophets in the Stories Of The Prophets By Ibn Kathir

Stand Up 4 Islam!

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