ISLAMIC TEACHINGS

AL-SEERAH

Tafseer Abbas

tafseer.abbas@fui.edu.pk

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 Seerat-un-Nabi
The Holy Prophet (PBUH)

Al-Seerah

Seerah is an Arabic word which means conduct, behavior. In the Holy book it is
used for “state” as in chapter Taha ayat no 21

Allah said, grasp it and fear not, We shall return it to its former state.

In the history it is only the muslims who preserved all aspects of their beloved
Prophet )‫ (صلی ہللا علیہ و آلہ وسلم‬life in detail. Main features of the Prophet’s life are
given in chronological order.

Life in Makka

*Birth. The Holy Prophet Muhammad )‫ (صلی ہللا علیہ و آلہ وسلم‬was born in Makkah on
9th or 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal, 571 AD. According to His own saying His birth was the
result of His father Prophet Ibrahim .

Our Lord! And send amongst them a messenger of their own (al Baqarah :129).
His father (Abdullah) had died before He was born. At the age of six years on the
way back to Makkah His mother (Amna) passed away so becoming totally orphan.

*Stepmother. According to the prevailing customs He was sent to the

surrounding village with His stepmother Haleema sa,dia for the purpose to avail
healthy environment and accurate language.

*Look after. He was looked after by His grandfather Abdul Muttalib. When He was
eight years old His grandfather also died and His uncle Abu Talib became His
guardian.

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*Habits.
 Muhammad )‫ (صلی ہللا علیہ و آلہ وسلم‬was totally different from the people among he was
born. He never told lie, not drink alcohol, never indulged in gambling and remained away
from all the bad habits. All the residents called him Saadiq/Amin (Truthful and
Trustworthy). His enemies deposited their valuable items with him for safe custody. At
the moment when his enemies circled his house in Makkah to assassinate him, He
detailed Hazrat Ali )‫ (رضی ہللا عنہ‬to return these items to the owners despite of that they
were wanting to cut his throat.
 In 25 years of age, He had become well known in the city for his honesty, integrity and
fair dealing. A rich widow Khadijah entrusted to him management of her commercial
affairs and was very impressed by his honesty and unprecedented profit. Thus she offered
him her hand in marriage. At that time she was 40 years old.
 Muhammad used to go outside Makkah and obsorbed in spiritual meditations in a cave of
HIRA. He often took ration with him and there he prayed and used to think about the
society.
 At the age of 40, in the month of Ramadan, 9 Rabi-ul-Awwal, 2 February 610 AD,
Hazrat Jibrael (a famous angel) came with the following message of Allah.

“Read in the name of your Lord, who created man out of a clot of congealed blood, Read and
your Lord is most bountiful. He who taught by means of a pen, taught men that which he know
not.”(96:1-5)

 The early Converts: Four people i.e., His wife Hazrat Khadijah, his friend Hazrat Abu
Bakar, his cousin Hazrat Ali and his slave Hazrat Zaid bin Harisa (10 years old) accepted
the true faith. On the result of 3 years secret preaching approximately 30 or 40 people
accepted Islam.
 Open Preach: According to Sura Hijr verse No 94.

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Similarly on the instructions given in Sura Shua’ra (Verse No 2 and 4), Allah says:

(And admonish they nearest kinsmen) the Holy Prophet invited His relatives on meal to preach
them. He started to convey message openly Climbed up to mount As-safa and said: “If I inform
you that a big army of enemy is advancing. Would you believe me? All of them said of course
we will, because you are always truthful.

 Migration: In the 5th year of the Prophethood, Hazrat Usman bin Affan with his wife
Ruqayya (daughter of the Prophet) migrated to Habsha (Ethiopia). He was accompanied
with 12 man and 5 women also. After that 83 men and 18 women also migrated. Among
them was Hazrat Jafar bin Abu Talib al-Tayyar )‫(رضی ہللا عنہ‬, the brother of Hazrat Ali
)‫(رضی ہللا عنہ‬. A group of polytheists headed by Abu Sufyan followed them. Discussion
between Hazrat Jaffar bin Abi Talib and Najashi (the ruler of Habsha) took place. On
Abu Sufyan’s observation Hazrat Jafar bin Abu Talib al-Tayyar )‫ (رضی ہللا عنہ‬recited
verses of Sura Maryam revealed in the honor of the Prophet Hazrat Isa (Jesus) )‫(علیہ السالم‬
. The ruler testified all these and permitted the muslim delegation to live there freely.
 Boycott of Banu Hashim (7th Nabawi ): An agreement for having no relation with Banu
Hashim was prepared. Because of this ill- treatment the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and
hashmi tribe had to move into a valley called Shab-e-Abi-Talib. This boycott remained
for three years.
 Year of sorrow: His dearest wife Syeda Khadija (ra) and sincere Unclw Hazrat Abu
Talib died. The year is named ‫( عام الحزن‬year of sorrow). He married Syeda Sawda (ra)
 Visit of Taif and zeal for Dawah: The Prophet Muhammad (saw) went to near by city
Ta’if to preach the people, but they all refused to listen and detailed the youngsters to
stone him. On stonning he was injured so badly that his holy blood would run down to
His feet and clot in his shoes. Despite of all these he prayed O Allah! I complaint of the

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 feebleness of my strength, lack of my resourcefulness and my insignificance in the eyes
of people. The angel greeted the Holy Prophet and said I am at your service. If you wish I
can crush them between these two mountains or you may suggest any other punishment
for them. The merciful and noble Prophet said: “Even if these people do not accept Islam.
I do hope that their kids who would worship Allah and serve His cause.
 Mai’raj (12h Nabawi): The Prophet Muhammad (saw) went on special journey from
Makkah to Jerusalem and then to the heavens as mentioned in the Holy Quran.

“Praise be to him who carried his servant by night from the sacred mosque to the farthest
mosque. We might show him some of our signs for He is the Hearer and Seer.”
(17 : 1)

Islam in Yasrib: During Hajj the Holy Prophet met 6x strangers came from yasrib and
explained them his doctrine. Next year 12 men came from Madina and took oath at the hands of
the Holy Prophet that they would not worship anything except Allah. In the following year (13
Nabwi) 73 men came from Yasrib and offered an oath that they will help and protect
Muhammad. They invited him to come to Yasrib. He detailed Hazrat Mus’ab bin Umair as a
teacher with them. He came back and reported about the rapid progress of Islam there in Yasrib
so the idea of migration was born in the heart of the Holy Prophet.

Migration: The immediate cause of migration was the cordon of his house by the representative
of all tribes for his murder. He was informed by Hazrat Jibrael o leave the place. Therefore he
crossed the circle of enemy reciting the following verse.

“And we have put before them a barrier and behind them a barrier and covered them, so that they
do not see.” (36:9)

The Holy Prophet (saw) started with his close friend Hazrat Abu Bakar (ra) on two she-camels,
stayed in cave of Thour )‫ (غار ثور‬for three days.

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1. When the enemies got to know of the departure of the Prophet Muhammad (saw), they
announced big rewards for anyone who coyld intercept him, or cut off his head and bring it to
them.

Once enemy come near by the cave, Hazrat Abu Bakar (ra) was worried for the Holy Prophet
(saw) but Allah Almighty said;

2.

“If you do not aid the Prophet . Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had
driven him out (of Makkah) as one of two, when they were in the cave and he said to his
companion, “Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.” (9:40)

Spending three days and nights in the cave they left for Yasrib on 1 st Rabi-ul-awwal. After travel
of 270 miles they reached the Quba (sorounding town) on 8th Rabi-ul-Awwal. There he was
welcomed, stayed 4 days in Quba and constructed the first mosque )‫ (مسجد قبا‬as mentioned in the
Holy Quran.
3.

(9:8)

Having stay in Quba, he arrived in Yasrib on 12th Rabi-ul-Awwal. On the eve of migration,
Yasrib was re-named as Madina-tu-Nabi.

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5. Establishment of first residential School Suffah: A big platform in corner of mosque. An
educatio center and shelter for poor muslims. The residents were Ashab-e-Suffah. e.g., Abu
Huraira, Salman Farsi, Suhaib Roomi, Bilal bin Ribah, Abu Zar, Abu )‫ (رضوان ہللا علیہم اجمعین‬etc.

THE CITY OF THE PROPHET (SAW)

Life in Madina:

In Madina first ideological state was established. As a Prophet, he was head of the state,
Supreme Commander of Army and ideal for all. Immediately after the migration,

a. Brotherhood of Muslims (Muwakhat): (Sura Al-Anfaal verse no 72)

b.
Surely those who believe and immigrated and strove hard in the way of Allah with their
wealth and lives and those who gave refuge help. These are protecting friends of each
other.

16. Establishment of Bait-ul-Mall: First time in history people contributed their riches towards
common fund. The fund was used in common welfare/relief.

17. Pact between Muslims and Jews: The Muslims and Jews signed a charter. This was the first
written pact, rather a written constitution. Main points of pact are:

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In the name of Allah. This is the disc from Muhammad between the believers and Yasrib and
those who followed them.

a. All the communities signing the charter would form the common nationality.
b. If any of the signatories is attacked by an enemy, others would defend him.
c. Any dispute or controversy must be referred to Allah’s Messenger.
d. The valley of Yasrib will be sacred.
e. All communities of this republic should be free to practice their own religion Nobody
will interfere.
f. None of the nationality should come into terms by any sort of cesret treaty with Quraish,
or give shelter to Quraish or help them. On violation in para b and e, jews were pull out.
g. Quraish and their allies will not be given protection.
h. If anyone is guilty of any act, all the believers will oppose him even if he be son of any
one of them.
i. No separate peace will be made when believers are fighting in the path of Allah.
j. Allah is the protector of the good people and those who fear Allah and Muhammad is His
Messenger.

18. Reconnaissance Parties: As Precautionary measures sent out small Parties upto battle of
Badar. 8x search compaigns were sent. 4x were headed by the Holy Prophet.

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Battlefields of the Prophet Muhammad

Battle of Badar:

Aal-e-Imran 123

And assurely Allah succoured you at Badar, while you were humble. So fear Allah that perhaps
you may return thanks.

 The first proper battle between Meccans and Muslims. Day of Criteria.
 17th Ramadan, Friday 2 AH. Badar 90 miles from Madina. The Prophet heared that Abu-
sufyan with Caravan, money and items with 40x men.
 The Prophet summoned the muslims and said: This is the Quraish Caravan containing
their property. Go out to attack it. Perhaps Allah will give it as a prey.
 Abu Sufyan was seeking news from riders and he know near Hijaz that Muhammad has
left Madina against him. He took alarm and hired a rider to inform Meccans.

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 The rophet received the news that the Meccans army had set out for fighting a battle with
him. He called on assembly of the Muslims and asked their opinion. They said by Allah
we do not have strength for that. Hearing this Hazrat Miqdad stood up; “we are not like
bani-Israel.”(Sura Al-Infaal verse no 5-7)

 The Holy Prophet left Madina on 12th Ramadan 2 H, and camped outside Madina. He
started for Badar on 13th and stopped at the Northern end of the Badar Valley on 16 th. “O
Lord! If this little band of believers is wiped out today, there shall be none left to obey
your commandments until the day of judgement.
 When the battle began, the Holy Prophet prayed and threw a handful of dust/sand at the
enemy. In the Holy quran, it was not you who slew them, it was Allah, When you threw it
was not you but Allah. (Al-Anfaal:verse no 17)

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 1. Effensive Role: Instead of staying in Madina and fought Defensive role, the Holy
Prophetadvanced 80 miles to Badar, to face the enemy out of Madina.
2. Patrol Parties: Hazrat Anas narrates in a long tradition that the Holy Prophet consulted his
Companions when he learnt about the Abu Sufyan Carvan. He arrived Badar and there
they arrested a party of enemy near a water point (well). They were taken to the Holy
Prophet and he inquired strength and Commanders names from them.
3. Set of Battle Field: The Holy Prophet set a high level ground for his troops. In the Holy
Quran it revealed (8:42)
o Troops at Height
o Safety from Rain
o Safety from direct Sun
4. Control Command: A Control Command on Muslim troops was by the Holy Prophet.
Enemy was decentralized. Some were with Caravan, some were to help the caravan,
some were against.
5. Line up: Against norms. Selected three points, left, right flanks and center for troops. On
flanks, kept archers while sword men in center. He said, do not move to break your lines
but stay on with arrows. ….
6. Fire Control:

7. Scerecy: Muslims and Quraish, both having similar personalities, structure, dress and
language. To eradicate the factor He used Ahad as code word and Ya Mansoor e Ummat
as password. He removed bells from Camel necks.

Battle of Uhad (Shawwal 3 Hijra):

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(Sura Aal-e-Imran 121)

 The fire of revenge was burning in the heart of Meccans. They began preparation for
second attack on madina. They put all the profits of the year on war expenditure. Poets by
mean of their poetry. Women also took part. Hinda, wife of Abu Sufyan prepared slave .
The Madina did not know anything regarding 3000 troops (2800 +200 cavalry) of the
Meccans. However the holy Prophet got information 2 or 3 days before the arrival of
Meccans, through his Uncle Hazrat Abbas.
 On Friday 13th Sahwwal 3 Hijra, the Holy Prophet consulted his Companions. Most of
them favoured to fight in Madina. The Holy Prophet also wanted that way but the
youthful and hot headed (who were not in Badar) wished to go outside and fight the
enemy in the open field. Seeing the urge of the majority the Holy Prophet put on his
armour and said: “ It is not befitting a Prophet that when he has put on armour he should
put it aside until Allah decides between him and his enemies.”
 On 15th Shawwal (Saturday) early in the morning Holy Prophet reached with 700 men
while marching to the Uhad, 300 hypocrites deserted the muslims.
(Sura Aal-e-Imran 157)

 First Round: During the first phase of the battle, muslims were gaining victory after
vistory. However the battle was not yet over, the muslim archers deserted their post
inspite of their Commander’s warning. Khalid bin waleed, the commander of enemy
cavalry saw the chance and atacked the muslims from rear.
 Second Phase: A number of muslim soldiers started to seiz the war booty, the belongings
of the fleeing enemy. Seeing the situstion most of the Archers ignored the strict orders of
the Holy Prophet and left the posts. Their Leader reminded them of the Holy Prophet
warning but to no effect except for a few.

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 Khalid bin Waleed (still non believer), commander of enemy cov det went round to the
other side of the mount Uhad and after killing the few remaining archers attacked the
muslim army from the rear. Muslim army lost their senses and complete confusion
prevailed among them. The enemy killed the standard bear Hazrat Mus’ab bin Umair. He
resembled the Holy Prophet and rumor was circulated by Meccan that Nauzubillah the
Prophet had been killed. This alarming news spread like fire and disheartened the
muslims. The Holy Prophet got injured also. However he did not loose his cool and
surrounded by some very brave Companions like Ali, Abu Bakar, Saad bin Abi Waqas,
Talha, Zubair, Haris bin Samit and Abu Dhajana. The Companions arround him called
the Muslims. The Holy Quran recalls (Sura Aal-e-Imran 53)

 He received wounds at his head. Two rings of the helmet wounded his face. His two teeth
were broken. Despite all these the Holy Prophet neither cursed them nor did he think ill
of them. He only said; “How can a people successful who dye the face of their Prophet
with blood while he is calling them to Allah. He prayed: “O my Lord! Forgive my
people, for they do not know.”
 The exhausted muslims succeeded in repelling the enemy. The scattered muslims
assembled around the Holy Prophet. 70x muslims including Hazrat Hamza, the beloved
Uncle of the Holy Prophet, lost their lives. 23x Meccans were killed. The retreated
Quraish arrived Rawha on their way back to Mecca. There they thought that they had not
achieved their object. Abu Sufyan was thinking to go back and again attack. However
knowing that the Holy prophet is ready and equipped, he gave up his intention.
 Importance: 60 Verses revealed about Uhad.
1. Effensive battle out of Madina. If in Madina, it was difficult because of hypocrites
and jews. Quraish having 3000 army while muslims were 700/1000.
2. Selection of Battle field; Front Madins, Back Jabal-e-Ainain (a peak), Right Uhad
mountain and left Jabal Ramat where 50x archers were assigned duty.
3. Return of jews/Hypocrites. Accept Islam or go back.
4. Keeping archers on left flank.
5. Recovery of the troops.

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Battle of Trench (Shawwal 5 Hijra):

(Al Ahzaab 10-11)

All tribes last attempt, Enemy strength 10,000 . Madina was covered from three sides. However
west was open. 3 ½ mile trench towards west north. 3000 troops defended trench. After one
month Cardon they left, because of climate, supply, disintegration and finaly of the Allah help.

(Al Ahzaab 9)

1. Trench was Anti-Tank, Climate 9extreme cold), Timming (Hajj days), Strength (1/3),
Strange for Arabs.
2. Defense of Trench. Week defense is bad than no defense. 1/3 rd troops were detailed for
defense of the trench.
3. Protection of Mass, Ladies, kids and property (Movable) in forts.
4. Anti-Propaganda efforts: Banu Quraiza were bound to help muslims according to Madina
pact but they deceived and helped Meccans. He sent saad bin Nauman, Saad bin Ubadah

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 and Abdullah bin Rawaha to investigate with instruction if it is true then tell me only. If it
is false then announce publicaly.
5. Propaganda: Act upon the detailed newly muslim Nuaim bin MAsood to disintegrate the
enemy.
6. Extreme effect to remove danger.

The Last Sermon

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) performed his first and last hajj. Apparently 14,0000 companions
from all over Arab performed Hajj with him.

At Arafat, he addressed sitting on his she-camel (Qaswa) the exemplary manifesto which could
be termed as basic guidance for human rights. It has been taken from different books because it
is not given full in any book.

“O People! Lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year, I
shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying to you very carefully and
TAKE THESE WORDS TO THOSE WHO COULD NOT BE PRESENT HERE TODAY.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life
and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful
owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your
LORD, and that HE will indeed reckon your deeds. ALLAH has forbidden you to take usury
(interest), therefore all interest obligation shall henceforth be waived. Your capital, however, is
yours to keep. You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity. Allah has Judged that there shall
be no interest and that all the interest due to Abbas ibn ‘Abd’al Muttalib (Prophet’s uncle) shall
henceforth be waived…

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 Beware of Satan, for the safety of your religion. He has lost all hope that he will ever be
able to lead you astray in big things, so beware of following him in small things.

O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they also
have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah’s trust
and with His permission. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the right to be fed and
clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners
and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any one of whom
you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste.

O People, listen to me in earnest, worship ALLAH, say your five daily prayers (Salah),
fast during the month of Ramadan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford
to.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a
non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over black nor a
black has any superiority over white except by piety (taqwa) and good action. Learn that every
Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing
shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and
willingly. Do not, therefore, do injustice to yourselves.

Remember, one day you will appear before ALLAH and answer your deeds. So beware,
do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone.

O People, NO PROPHET OR APOSTLE WILL COME AFTER ME AND NO NEW

FAITH WILL BE BORN. Reason well, therefore, O People, and understand words which I
convey to you. I leave behind me two things, the QURAN and my example, the SUNNAH and if
you follow these you will never go astray.

All those who listen to me shall pass on my words to others and those to others again; and may the last
ones understand my words better than those who listen to me directly. Then the Holy Prophet said,

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what shall you tell when Allah asks you about me on the Day of Judgment? The Companions
said in one voice. We shall say that you have delivered the message. Then the Holy Prophet
directed his eyes towards the heavens and said O Lord! You are my witness.

The following revelation came to the Holy Prophet.

This day I have perfected for you the religion and completed my favor on you and have choosen

(Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) delivered his last sermon on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah
10 A.H in the Uranah Valley of mount Arafat. His words were quite clear and concise and
were directed to the entire humanity.) Reference: (Al-Bukhari, Hadith 1623, 1626, 6361)

One can heed words of wisdom and guidelines from the last sermon of the prophet
(SAWS). His sermons emphasized on the following:

 Sacredness of a Muslim’s life and property

 The importance of propagating this message to all others (A Muslim’s responsibility thus
does not end by following the religion)
 A reminder that everyone is fully accountable for their deeds and Allah (God) will take every
person into account. If everyone heeded to this fact alone, the world would be a much better
place today.
 “Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you.” These words of the prophet are self-explanatory.
 The prohibition of dealing with interest (Numerous accounts in Quran and Hadith prohibit
taking, giving or being a part of any transaction dealing with interest).
 “You will neither inflict nor suffer any inequity.” These words of the prophet are self-
explanatory.
 The awareness of satan and how satan can work to deviate us from the right path and doing
evil things.
 Rights of women over men and rights of men over women.
 Treatment of women with kindness.
 Modesty and chastity in women.

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 The importance of worshiping Allah (saying your five daily prayers (Salah), fasting during
the month of Ramadan, giving charity (Zakat) and performing pilgrimage (Hajj).
 Equality amongst all (blacks, white, Arabs, non-Arabs, etc.)
 The need to establish justice.
 Islam is the final divine religion (Last prophet and Last Book).
Let’s do our part in following the prophet’s message and propagating the message to everyone
we know.

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