VOLUME 1 / LESSON NO: 6 - THE IMPECCABLE LIFE OF ALLAH'S BELOVED PROPHET
Q 1: To which Prophet's community (Ummah) do you belong?
A. We belong to the community (Ummah) of Allah's Beloved Prophet Hazrat Mohammed Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him).
Q 2: Briefly mention about the childhood of the Holy Prophet
A. Our kind lord and master Hazrat Mohammed (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) was born in Makkah city of Arabia. His father Hazrat Abdullah (may Allah be pleased with him) had passed away before his birth. His mother Hazrat Beebee Aminah (may Allah be pleased with her) also died when the Prophet was just six years old. Thus, the responsibility of his upbringing rested upon his paternal grandfather Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (may Allah be pleased with him). But he also expired when the Prophet attained the age of 8 years, 2 months, and 10 days. Hazrat Haleema nursed and breastfed the Holy Prophet during his infancy.
Q 3: At what age did Allah Almighty make him Prophet?
A. The Holy Prophet Hazrat Mohammed Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) formally received Prophethood and the first revelation at the age of 40 years, but in fact, he was the "first" of all the Apostles and Prophets as he himself said that "first of all Allah Almighty created my Noor (light)."
Q 4: How did the Holy Prophet preach and promote Islam?
A. At first, the Holy Prophet secretly preached Islam only to his close relatives and acquaintances because ignorance and barbarism reigned supreme in Arabia. The concept of One God as the Creator, Sustainer, and Nourisher was alien to their nature and soil. The first few Muslims worshipped Allah secretly. Gradually, the number of male and female converts swelled, and then Allah Almighty commanded the Holy Prophet to preach Islam openly. He did so, and Islam rapidly spread in Makkah and adjoining areas.
Q 5: Who was the first to embrace Islam?
A. Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was the first among men to embrace Islam, Hazrat Khudaija-tul-Kubra (may Allah be pleased with her) was first among women, Hazrat 'Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) was the first among young boys, and among slaves, Hazrat Zaid bin Harisah (may Allah be pleased with him) was the first to embrace Islam.
Q 6: Where did the Holy Prophet live throughout his life?
A. The Holy Prophet preached Islam for 14 years in Makkah. Later, he migrated to Madinah, where he spent the rest of his life. His holy shrine is in Madinah Munawwara, visited by millions. He (apparently) passed away at the age of 63, but he is alive in his hallowed grave.
Q 7: What special favor was bestowed to the Holy Prophet in Makkah?
A. During the fifth year of Prophethood, the Holy Prophet was blessed with "Me'raaj" (ascension to the heavens). He was taken on the "Buraaq" by Hazrat Jibreel from Makkah to Masjid Al-Aqsa and then to the skies. He saw Hell, Paradise, and Allah's Jamaal (splendidly sublime sight). On this occasion, Salaat (prayer) five times a day was made obligatory on believers.
Q 8: Is there any successor to the Prophethood of Hazrat Mohammed Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him)?
A. No, absolutely not. Hazrat Mohammed Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is "Khaataman Nabiyyeen" (the Last Prophet). Believing in another Prophet after him makes one an infidel.
Q 9: What rank does the Holy Prophet hold among the Prophets?
A. Hazrat Mohammed Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is the highest and leader of all Prophets. He is a perfect combination of all blessed traits, perfections, and miracles found individually in other Prophets.
Q 10: What about the belief of those who describe the Holy Prophet as a mere human being?
A. Considering the Holy Prophet a mere human being or denigrating him in any way is apostasy and disbelief. Past nations were misguided due to such beliefs.
Q 11: What does it mean to believe in the Holy Prophet?
A. Belief in Hazrat Mohammed Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) means unwavering faith in his Prophethood, loving him more than anyone else, and following his teachings for salvation.
Q 12: Which deeds reflect "love" for the Holy Prophet?
- Always speak highly of him with due reverence.
- Invoke Allah's blessings on him profusely (recite Durood Shareef).
- Follow his Sunnah with heart and soul.
- Organize and attend "Eid Meelaad-un-Nabee" programs.