This book is a comprehensive compilation of notes from the YouTube lecture series on the life of Prophet Muhammad ? by Muhtashim Ali (The Contemplating Muslim). It offers a detailed exploration of the Prophet's ? life, mission, and the message of Ta...
Why start with Ibrahim(AS)? Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was a direct descendant of Ibrahim (AS), with a 2600-year gap between them. Understanding the life and legacy of Ibrahim (AS) provides vital context for comprehending the lineage and mission of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
The Virtues of Ibrahim(AS)
Ibrahim(AS) is the 2nd greatest prophet: Among the greatest messengers of Allah, five stand out: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Ibrahim (AS), Musa (AS), Nuh (AS), Isa (AS).
Imam-al-Muwahideen: Leader of monotheists. He is specially known as someone who loves monotheism and hates polytheism. He was born in a place which was a hub and centre of polytheism yet he invited people to monotheism.
Muhammad ﷺ resemblance to Ibrahim(AS): Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "..I [Muhammad] resemble Prophet Ibrahim more than any of his offspring does." ( Excerpt from Sahih Bukhari - 3394)
Quranic Emphasis on Ibrahim(AS)
A Model of Excellence: "Indeed, Abraham was a model of excellence, devoted to Allah, upright-not a polytheist." (16:120)
Command to Follow Him: "Follow the faith of Abraham, the upright, who was not one of the polytheists." (16:123)
A Nation by Himself: Verily, Ibrahim (Abraham) was an Ummah (a leader having all the good righteous qualities), or a nation, obedient to Allah, Hanifa (i.e. to worship none but Allah), and he was not one of those who were Al-Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, disbelievers in the Oneness of Allah, and those who joined partners with Allah). (16:120)
Durood-e-Ibrahim Our salah(obligatory prayer) is incomplete without reciting Durood-e-Ibrahim:
O Allah, bestow Your favor on Muhammad and on the family of Muhammad as You have bestowed Your favor on Ibrahim and on the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious. O Allah, bless Muhammad and the family of Muhammad as You have blessed Ibrahim and the family of Ibrahim, You are Praiseworthy, Most Glorious.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Historical Background of Ibrahim(AS)
Birthplace: Ibrahim (AS) was born in Urr (modern-day Iraq), part of the Mesopotamian civilization, also known as the cradle of civilization.
Family: His father, Azar, was an idol-maker as well as priest in a polytheistic society.
Migration: Ibrahim (AS) migrated to Syria and later Bilad al-Sham (part of Palestine, Jordan and Syria) where Isma'il (AS), his first child was born.
He was instructed by Allah SWT to settle his family(Hajar and Isma'il (AS)) in Makkah, while Ishaq (AS) was settled in Palestine. During the period of Yousuf AS, the generation of Ishaq AS(Bani Israel) migrated to Egypt for 400 years. Later, after Musa AS they came back to Palestine.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The Story of Hajar and Zamzam
A Test of Faith: Ibrahim (AS) left Hajar and baby Isma'il in the barren land of Makkah as commanded by Allah.
"Our Lord! I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley, near Your Sacred House, our Lord, so that they may establish prayer. So make the hearts of (believing) people incline towards them and provide them with fruits, so perhaps they will be thankful." (14:37)
Hajar's Struggle: Hajar ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa seven times in search of water.
The Well of Zamzam: Angel Gabriel appeared to Hajar and struck the ground with his heel, causing a well of water to spring forth. Zamzam, a miraculous source of water was revealed.
The Jurhum Tribe: After some days, a tribe named Jurhum was travelling nearby southern Arabia, they were astonished to find a source of water in the desert. They settled near the well with Hajar's permission, forming the early society of Makkah.
The ritual of Sa'i in Hajj: Hajar's devotion pleased Allah SWT hence, Allah made this act as one of the rituals of Hajj. Pilgrims to Makkah run between the hills of Safa and Marwa as part of the Hajj, replicating Hajar's search for water.
The Integration of Isma'il (AS) with the Jurhum Tribe
Arabs were already present in some parts of the Arabian region and later established near Zamzam. This indicates that Arabs existed before the arrival of Ibrahim (AS) and Isma'il (AS). Isma'il (AS) was raised among the Jurhum tribe, where he learned the Arabic language and embraced their culture. Eventually, he married within the Jurhum tribe and became an integral part of their community.
