Lecture 13

1. Lecture 13 Appealing to tribes and individuals

2. What is the situation now ? • By the 10th year after revelation, Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) realized that Makkah was no more a suitable place for da‘wa (missionary activity). • By then, very few people embraced Islam, and the idea of assassinating the Prophet was becoming more and more imminent. • The solution lied in finding another land which would be more fertile for the message. 

3. Plan for immigration took 3 yrs. . . Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) decided to make the best use of the pilgrimage season of that year, the 10th year. Why?

4. In those 10 days he met all tribes that came for pilgrimage to seek support and refuge in one of them. He made 26 unsuccessful attempts except for one.

5. Each had a different reaction . . . Banu -Hanifa: their answer was the worst ever in the history of da‘wa. The Hadith narrators did not state their words, for it seems that their answer to the Prophet was very insulting [from them came Musaylimmah Al-Kadhaab—who later on would be killed in the battle of Yamama later]

6. Banu Kalb . . . This tribe had a sub-branch called Banu- Abdullah. The Prophet targeted this branch of the tribe. On calling them to Islam, the Prophet (SAWS) said, “Allah has blessed you with a good name so worship Him alone.” However, the attempt was to no avail.

7. Banu-Amer Ibn-Sa‘sa‘a The Prophet Muhammad (saw) read the Qur'an and informed them about Islam. One of them, by the name of Bahira Ibn-Feras, who could foresee that the Prophet (saws) would surely triumph, pledged that by supporting this man they would “indisputably rule the Arabs.”

8. But one condition . . . "Should we give you allegiance and Allâh give you power over your opponents, will you give us right to inheritance and succeed you in power?" The Prophet replied: "The whole affair lies in Allâh’s Hands. He gives the power to whomever He desires." The man commented: "Do you expect us to incur the wrath and vengeance of the Arabs without the least hope of leadership? We can in fact readily dispense with your offers." The Prophet refused their offer because Islam needs to be built on sincerity, not on greed and lust for gain and power. Leadership is to make sure that the law of Allah is ruled in the land, and not for the sake of power struggles.

9. Banu Amir When Banu ‘Amer returned home and narrated the story to an elderly man who had lingered behind because he was too old. They told him, "A young man of Quraish of Bani ‘Abdul Muttalib, claiming that he is a Prophet, contacted us, asked for support and invited us to embrace his religion.“ The old sheikh was struck by the news, and wondered if there was no way of making amends for the loss of that opportunity and swore, "He is really Ishmaelite (he descends from Ishmael). He is the Truth (he is a real Prophet). How did it happen that you misjudged his words?"

10. Bogra Ibn-Qais . . . He was not present when Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) met a group of the tribe’s youth. The youth, on hearing about Islam, believed Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) and welcomed him. When Bogra returned he asked, “Who is that man?” they answered, “Muhammad son of Abdullah from Quraysh who he claims to be the Messenger of Allah.” When Bogra knew that they had welcomed Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) he blamed them for making such a grave mistake, warning them against Quraysh's reaction—the principle that they operated on was “the tribe of Muhammad knows him best.”

11. He was harsh with the Prophet (saw)… Bogra was so cruel to Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) and asked him to leave. When Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) rode his she camel, Bogra hit it on the knee to make it jump and Prophet Muhammad fell down. Bogra kept laughing at him. A Muslim woman [DUBA’A IBNAT ‘AMER—’YA BANEE ‘AMER WA LA ‘AMER LAKUM’] from the tribe cried out to seek help for the Prophet and on her call, three young men from the tribe hurried to help him, and Bogra and two of his guards tried to prevent them by force.

12. Prophet (saw) prays . . . . On seeing the fight, the Prophet (SAWS) prayed that Allah would bless the three young men, and take revenge from the others. The Prophet's supplication was accepted, as the three defenders embraced Islam and died as martyrs, while the attackers suffered a horrible death—said that they fell into wells.

13. Banu Shayban . . . Prophet Muhammad (SAWS) met three of them: Mafrouq Ibn-Amer, Hani Ibn-Qubaisa, and Al-Muthana Ibn-Hareth. He learnt from Abu-Bakr (raa) that they were a tribe of deep rooted origins [your tribe was a your passport—who you were, and how you were to be treated] and that they were strong and competent.

14. Abu Bakr asked them . . . • How many warriors do you have? They said over1000 • What is your power like? We strive to win, with the permission of Allah (SWT). • What is the war like between you and your enemy? Fierce, we prefer horses over children. We prefer our weapons over agriculture.

15. Mafrouq turns to the Prophet (saw) Says, “Are you from Quraysh?” Abu Bakr responded, “He is the Messenger of Allah.” So Mafrouq answers, “We were told that he claims [alleges] to be the Messenger of Allah. What do you want?” Prophet (saw) answers, “That you protect me so that I may convey the message of my Lord for Quraysh has ganged up on us. Allah will help me and grant me victory.” Mafrouq asks, “What do you call for?”

16. So he answers with the Qur’an . . . “Say, “Come (so that) I may recite what your Lord has prohibited you: that you do not associate anything with Him, and to show fairest (companionship) to (your) parents; and do not kill your children (out) of want.

17. We provide for you and for them too. And do not draw near obscenities (i.e., irregular sexual intercourse; shameful) whatever (of these) is outward and whatever inward; and do not kill the self that Allah has prohibited, except with the truth (i.e., by right, in the course of justice). That He has enjoined you with, that possibly you would consider.” (6:151-152)

18. They like what they hear, ask for more . . “Surely Allah commands to justice and fairness and bringing (charity) to a near kinsman, and He forbids obscenity and malfeasance and iniquity. He admonishes you that possibly you would be mindful.”(16-90).  Mafrouq was silent.

19. Hani Ibn-Qubaisa What you say is good, but it would be rash for us to take a decision on what you are asking for right away. So give us some time to think about it.

20. Ask for some time to think about it … Al- Muthana Ibn Al-Hareth told Prophet Muhammad (saws) that their tribe is situated between the Arabs and Persia, and that they could protect him from Arabs but not from the Persians. Prophet Muhammad (saws) answered that this issue had to be taken comprehensively. It is a message to everyone. The Prophet thanked them for their cordiality and hailed their truthfulness. Before leaving, he asked them to promise that when Allah grants him victory over Persia, they would embrace Islam.

21. They pledged loyalty. The Prophet left them while he was narrating these ayahs, "O you Prophet, surely We have sent you as a witness, and a bearer of good tidings, and a constant Warner, And a Caller to Allah by His permission, and as an enlightening luminary." (33: 45, 46)

22. It is noteworthy that later on, after the death of the Prophet (SAWS), Al-Muthana embraced Islam and led an army to conquer Persia. However, he regretted that he was so late that he did not win the honor of being the Prophet’s companion [story of Abu Bakr not recognizing him, “Wallah if the Prophet saw you , He would be happy.”]

23. Swaid bin Samit He was a poet, who read many books and collected many sayings from them. When the Prophet (SAWS) invited him to Islam, swaid said that Luqman’s sayings were better than the Qur’an, and so he read them to him. The Prophet (SAWS) listened to him and did not interrupt him, then when he had finished, the Prophet read him some ayahs from the Qur’an. Swaid was deeply moved, and he embraced Islam.

24. Dhumad Al- Azdi. • Dhumad Al-Azdi, was a man from a tribe known as Azd Al-Shanu’a from southern Arabia. He came to Makkah and heard that there was a man among them obsessed with Jinn. They were referring to Muhammad (saw). • His occupation was to cure those who were thought to be possessed by the jinn.

25. With the right intentions he went to the Prophet (saw) and said, “I heard you are obsessed with Jinn and I am an expert. I can help you if you want.” • It was an insulting statement, but the Prophet (saw) was very compassionate and understood that this man had heard some wrong information.

26. How the Prophet (saw) said . . . • “Praise be to God. We praise Him and seek His help. Whomever God leads aright no one can lead astray. Whomever God leads astray no one can lead aright. I bear witness that there is no God worthy of worship but God alone who has no associates ” Prophet (saw) used to open his speech. • Dumad interrupted the Prophet and asked him to repeat the words again. So he did.

27. Dumad comments . . . “These words are so wonderful they will reach the depths of the ocean [meaning these words will have influence.”Then Prophet said, “Pledge allegiance to me.” And so Dumad extended his hand and did so– and the Prophet (saw) said, ‘How about you plead also for your people.” So, he said, “And for my people.”

28. Dumad was a man . . . • Who came with one objective and walked out with another-he came to heal the Prophet and the Prophet (saw) healed him. • Prophet had so much influence on people, that it completely changes ones life. Leadership quality that Allah gave him—he was able to influence others.

29. Subhan Allah years later . . . The prophet (saw) sent an army that passed by the village of Dumad. The leader of the army asked his soldiers, “Did you take anything from these people?” And one of them said, “Yes, I took a strong camel.” He said, “Give it back. These are the people of Dumad and the Prophet of Allah has given them protection.”

30. ‘Amr Ibn Absa • Now a man from Makkah, but from Arabia. • He speaks about himself in Sahih Muslim, “In the time of ignorance, I had belief in my heart that the religion of my people was false. Then I came to know that there came a man in Makkah preaching a new religion. SO I immediately traveled on my camel. I had to sneak in and secretly meet him [conditions were difficult, you can’t meet Muhammad publicly]. I finally met him, and asked him, “Who are you? “ Prophet said, “I am a Prophet.” I said, “What does that

31. mean?” Prophet said, “I was sent by Allah.” “What did he send you with [notice the simplicity of a mind that is not corrupt with philosophy and argument]“ asked ‘Amr. Prophet said, “He sent me with a message, worshipping him alone. Associating no gods with him. And to destroy idols.” ‘Amr said, “Can I follow you.” Prophet said, “You cannot follow me, don’t you see my situation. When you hear that I have prevailed come and see me.”

32. ‘Amr said I left and I would constantly ask about new related to Muhammad (saw) until one day he heard that he had migrated to Al Madinah. He said , “ I approached the Prophet (saw). Do you know me?” And the Prophet (saw) said, “Yes, you are the man who came to meet me in Makkah.” He said, ‘teach me of the knowledge that Allah has taught you. Teach me about Salaah” Prophet (saw) did . And he said, “teach me about Wudu” and the Prophet (saw) did.

33. Tufail bin ‘Amr Ad- Dausi He was poet and chief of Ad-Daus tribe. When he came to Makkah : "O Tufayl, you have come to our town. This man who claims that he is a Prophet has ruined our authority and shattered our community. We are afraid that he would succeed in undermining you and your authority among your people just as he has done with us. Don't speak to the man. On no account listen to anything he has to say. He has the speech of a wizard, causing division between father and son, between brother and brother and between husband and wife." 

34. They went on telling me the most fantastic stories and scared me by recounting tales of his incredible deeds. I made up my mind then not to approach this man, or speak to him or listen to anything he had to say. The following morning I went to the Sacred Mosque to make tawaf around the Kabah as an act of worship to the idols that we made pilgrimage to and glorified. I inserted a piece of cotton in my ears out of fear that something of the speech of Muhammad would reach my hearing.

35. As soon as I entered the Mosque, I saw him standing near the Kabah. He was praying in a fashion which was different from our prayer. His whole manner of worship was different. The scene captivated me. His worship made me tremble and I felt drawn to him, despite myself, until I was quite close to him.

36. I remained there until the Prophet left for his home. I followed him as he entered his house, and I entered also and said, "O Muhammad, your people have said certain things to me about you. By God, they kept on frightening me away from your message so that I even blocked my ears to keep out your words. Despite this, God caused me to hear something of it and I found it good. So tell me more about your mission." 

37. The Prophet, peace be upon him, did and recited to me Surah Al-Iklaas and Surah Al-Falaq. I swear by God, I had never heard such beautiful words before. Neither was a more noble or just mission ever described to me. Thereupon, I stretched out my hand to him in allegiance and testified that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. This is how I entered Islam. 

38. I stayed on for some time in Makkah learning the teachings of Islam memorizing parts of the Quran. When I decided to return to my people, I said, "O Rasulullah. I am a man who is obeyed in his tribe. I am going back to them and I shall invite them to Islam . . ." 

39. Goes back to his family . . . When I returned to my people, my father, who was quite old then, came up to me and I said, 'O Father, let me relate my news to you. I am no longer from you and you are not of me.''  "Why so, my son?" he asked. 

40. "I have accepted Islam and now follow the religion of Muhammad, peace and blessings of God be upon him," I replied. "My son," he said, "your religion is my religion." ''Go and wash your sell and cleanse your clothes," I said. "Then come that I may teach you what I have learnt." This the old man did and I explained Islam to him and he became a Muslim. 

41. Then his wife . . . "Then came my wife and I said, "Let me relate my news to you. I am no longer of you and you are not of me." "Good heavens! Why so?" she exclaimed. "Islam has separated us," I explained. "I have become a Muslim and follow the religion of Muhammad." "Your religion is my religion," she replied. 

42. 'Then go and purify yourself, not with the water of Dhu Shara, the idol of the Daws, but with pure water from the mountain. " "Good gracious! Do you fear anything from Dhu Shara?" "Damn Dhu Shari. I told you, go and wash there, far away from people. I guarantee you that this dumb stone won't do a thing to you." She went and washed and I explained Islam to her and she became a Muslim. I then invited the Daws as a whole to become Muslims. They were all slow in responding, except Abu Hurayrah. He was the quickest to respond to the invitation of Islam. 

43. The next time I went to Makkah, Abu Hurayrah was with me. "What have you left behind?' the Prophet asked me. "Hearts with veils over them obscuring the Truth, and firm disbelief. Sin and disobedience have won over the Daws." The Prophet thereupon stood up, made wudu and prayed with his hands raised to the heavens. Abu Hurayrah remarked, "When I saw the Prophet like this, I was afraid that he was praying against my people and that they would be destroyed." 

44. But the Prophet, upon whom be peace, prayed, "O Lord, guide the Daws, guide the Daws, guide the Daws." Then he turned to me and said: "Go back to your people, befriend them, treat them gently and invite them to Islam." 

45. I stayed in the land of the Daws inviting them to Islam until after the hijrah of the Prophet to Madinah and after the battle of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq had taken place. Then I went to the Prophet. With me were eighty families who had become Muslims and who were strong in their faith. The Prophet was pleased with us and he gave us a portion of the booty after the battle of Khaybar. We said to him, "O Rasulullah, make us the right wing of your army in every battle and make our efforts acceptable." 

46. Tufayl stayed with the Prophet until the liberation of Makkah. After the destruction of the idols there, Tufayl asked the Prophet to send him to put an end to the worship of Dhu-l Kafayn, the chief idol of his people. The Prophet gave him permission. Back in Tihama among the Daws, men, women and children of the tribe had gathered and were agitated that the idol was going to be burnt. They were waiting to see if any evil would befall Tufayl should he harm Dhu-l Kafayn. Tufayl approached the idols with the worshipers around it. As he set fire to it, he proclaimed: 

47. "O Dhu-l Kafayn, of your worshipers I certainly am not.  Fire have I inserted into your heart." Whatever shirk remained in the Daws tribe went up in the flames that burnt the idol. The whole tribe became Muslims.

48. Abu Dhar Al- Ghifari Said, “Me, my brother and my mother left Ghifar because our people used to be disrespectable of the inviolable months [firm traditon among them to not break this sanctity, they were professional raiders of caravans, they were Bedouins who stole, raided, were corrupt—they have a bad reputation in Arabia, they did not abide by rules]

49. Abu Dharr They went and visited an uncle of theirs, from another tribe, who was very hospitable to us. But eventually his family got very jealous or how he was treating us so well. So, they went up to the uncle of Abu Dharrand said that Unays [br of Abu Dharr] goes and visits your wife. He is interested in her.

50. The uncle quite naively goes and approaches them and mentions to them what he has heard, that Unays is interested in his wife. Abu Dharr was very upset because it was a false allegation. He told his uncle, “All the good that you have shown us you have cancelled it by this! All of your hospitality has gone after this accusation.” SO they packed and left.