Tafsir of Surah Kaafiroon February 28, 2008
Posted by Ghuraba in : Qur'an , add a commentIn the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
- Say: “Oh, you who disbelieve!
- I do not worship that which you worship,
- Nor do you worship That Which I worship.
- Nor will I worship that which you have been worshipping,
- Neither will you worship That Which I worship.
- To you your religion and to me mine.”
 It is narrated by Muslim that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam used to recite this Soorah with Soorah al-Ikhlaas in two rak`ahs following tawaaf of the Ka`bah; it is also narrated by Muslim that he used to recite them in the two rak`ahs of fajr prayer; and Imam Ahmad narrates that the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam used to recite them in the two rak`ahs before fajr prayer and in the two rak`ahs of maghrib prayer.
It has also been narrated that Soorah al-Kaafiroon is equivalent to one quarter of the Qur’aan. The Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, also said: “Read: , then sleep at the end of it because it is freedom from shirk (associating partners with Allah).” This Soorah is freedom from shirk and it is an order to purify our faith (for Allah only) and the Words includes all those who disbelieve in the world although those specifically addressed are the pagans of the Quraish. It was said that they proposed that the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, worship their gods for a year, then they would worship That Which he worshipped (Allah) for a year, and so on. And so this Soorah was revealed containing an order to the Prophet, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam to declare his rejection of all that which they worship, and to say: , that is, their idols and the partners they associate with Allah., that is, Allah, Alone without partners.
, that is, I will not follow your mode of worship and I will worship only Allah in the way which pleases Him.
means, neither will you follow the Commands of Allah and His prescribed way of worship; indeed you have invented a thing for yourselves, as in his Words:
(Soorah an-Najm 53:23). And so he rejected all of their shirk, for the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam, and all those who follow him worship Allah in the way prescribed by Him; for this reason the testimony of the Muslim is Laa ilaha ill Allah, Muhammadur-Rasoolullah – None is worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah. And there is no way to worship Him except that which was brought by the Messenger of Allah, sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam. The polytheists worship deities besides Allah in a way not permitted by Allah and so He told the Prophet sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam to say to them: >, as in His Words: (Soorah Yoonus 10:41) and (Soorah al-Qasas 28:55). According to al-Bukhaari means kufr (disbelief) and means Islaam. Abu `Abdillah Ash-Shaafi`i says that the verse shows that the disbelievers are one people…because disbelief in all its many manifestations has one thing in common – that is, falsity. This is the end of the tafseer of Soorah al-Kaafiroon, all praise is due to Allah and from Him proceeds all Grace.
Tafsir by Ibn Kathir
Errors to Avoid in Salaah February 26, 2008
Posted by Ghuraba in : Muslims, Naseeha, Qur'an, Sharia, Uncategorized , 1 comment so farAsalam alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakathu,
Wearing pants, or garment that hangs below the ankles.
This is one of the greatest sins. Abu Dthar reported that the Messenger of Allah(p.b.u.h.) said: “There are three people whom Allah shall not speak to them on the Day of Resurrection, nor shall He look at them, nor purify them, and they shall have a painful torment: one whose garment hands down below his ankles, almannan and(a merchant) who sells of his merchandise by means of false oath.
Some people think that wearing clothes that hang below their ankles is a sin if they abstain from doing so while praying only. Others think that wearing such a garment is abstain only if it is worn out of pride; otherwise, they believe there is no harm in doing so.
However, the above and many other traditions indicate clearly that wearing clothes that hang below the ankles(for men) is a grave sin regardless of whether such garments are worn out of habit or pride.
Consuming food of bad smell such as garlic or onion before coming to prayer.
Angels and the praying people are bothered by offensive smell. On the contrary, one should wear perfume, if available, before coming into mosques. Jabir reported that The Prophet(p.b.u.h.) said: “He who eats from the smelly plant(garlic or onion), let him come not near our mosque; the angels are bothered by that which bothers men.
Proceeding to mosque for prayer with brisk walk, or even running for fear of missing part of the prayer.
This may disturb those who are already in prayer. The Messenger of Allah(p.b.u.h.) said: “When prayer has already started, do not walk quickly to join in. Proceed to it calmly ;then join in whichever part of it you catch up, and complete whichever part you missed.
Saying takberr al-Ihram while in rukoo.
Many of those who come late to the mosque and join in prayer which is already in progress, rush to take the same posture, while people are in rukooo and say takbeer al-Ihram, or opening takbeer of prayer while bowing for fear of missing that ruk’ah. Takbeer al-ihram is to be pronounced when one is standing upright only.
Mumbling the niyyah or intention, and uttering it in a low audible voice.
The heart is the place of intention. Mumbling words such as ‘I intend to pray such prayer or such number of rak’kaat, or ‘I intend to fast or to do such act of worship or another,’ just before starting praying in bid’ah which was practiced neither by the Prophet(p.b.u.h.) nor his companions, nor by their followers. Uttering the above words of niyyah allows shaitan to put irrelevant words in the mouth of the person who utters the niyyah.
Neglecting raising the hands in the opening takbeer of salah and before and after rukoo’, and upon standing up for the third rak’ah.
Abuullah bin Umar said: “I saw the Prophet(p.b.u.h.) raising his hands to the level of his shoulders, upon starting prayer, and before bending for rukoo’ and when he stood up again. Raising hands with every takbeer, subsequent to the first takbeer in janazah, Eed or rain prayers is not recommended. The messenger of Allah(p.b.u.h.) used to put his hands on his chest (while standing in prayer).
Neglecting praying facing a sutrah.
The sutrah is an object, such as a wall, or a post, which a person faces while praying. Or any other object which a person places to serve as a sutrah, by putting it on the ground in order that no one may cross in front of him while praying. The Messenger of Allah(p.b.u.h.) said: “Pray facing a sutrah, and let no one cross in front of you while praying. If he insists then prevent him by force because he is accompanied by shaitan.â€
Reluctance to stand in the front line in congregational prayer.
The Messenger of Allah(p.b.u.h.) said: “Were people to realize the value of making adthan, and the great reward(for doing so), and the virtue of standing in the first line (in congregational prayer), and had no choice but to make a draw (to decide who makes adthan or stands in the first line), they would have justifiably of coming early to (congregational) prayer, they would have raced with one another (to reach the mosque first). And if they were to know the great reward(for coming to mosque) for Isha’ and Fajr prayers, they would have come even if they had to crawl.
Gazing upward during prayer, or looking at the imam, right or left.
This may cause loss of concentration. We are commanded to lower our gaze, and look at the point at which the head rests during sujood. The Prophet(p.b.u.h.) warned: “Let those who raise their gaze up during prayer stop doing so, or else their sights would not return to them.â€
Leaving gaps in lines of congregational prayer.
The messenger(p.b.u.h.) commanded: “Straighten your lines, level your shoulders and block the gaps, shaitan passes through.â€
Lowering the head excessively, or pushing it up, and arching the back during rukoo.
The head must be kept in normal position, while the back must be straight during rukoo’ to form with legs a right angle. Sticking the arms to the sides of the body, in rukoo’ or sujood, and sticking the belly to the thighs in sujood. The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) said: “Let not one of you support himself on hiss forearms(in sujood) like the dog. Let him rest on his palms and keep his elbows away from his body.†The Prophet(p.b.u.h.) used to keep his arms away from his body during rukoo’ and sujood that the whiteness of his armpits could be seen.
Hasty performance of prayer which does not allow repose and calmness in rukoo’ or sujood. The Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h.) saw a man who did not complete his rukoo’(bowing), and made a very short sujood(prostration); he said: “If this man dies while praying in this manner, he would die upholding a religion other than the religion of Muhammad. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him said: “My beloved friend Mohuammad, peace be upon him, forbade me to perform postures of prayer copying the picking of a rooster; (signifying fast performance of prayer), moving eyes around like a fox and the sitting like monkies, i.e. to sit on thighs. The Messenger of Allah(p.b.u.h.) said: “The worst thief is the one who steals from his own prayer.†People asked, “Messenger of Allah! How could one steal from his own prayer? He said: “By not completing its rukoo and sujood.†To complete rukoo is to stay in that posture long enough to recite ‘subhana rabbiyalAdtheem’ three times, slowly, and ‘subhana rabbiyal-a’ala three times, slowly, in sujood. He also announced: “He who does not complete his rukoo’ and sujood, his prayer is void.â€
Sitting in a tawarruk position in the last rak’ah of Fajr and Jum’ah prayers.
It is praiseworthy to take tawarruk position only in the last rak’ah of Dhtuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha’ prayers. Tawarruk is described in Sahih al-Bukhari as resting the body, during sitting position, on the left thigh and putting the left foot under the right leg, while setting the right foot upright; and supporting the body by the left hand with which the left knee is grasped.
Raising hands for du’a soon as prayer is over.
This was not practice of the Messenger of Allah(p.b.u.h.). The Sunnah is to start with dthikr soon after salah is over. The Prophet(p.b.u.h.) said: “When your recite, ‘At-tahiyyat…,’ (just before tasleem), choose whichever du’a you like.†The best forms of du’a are those authentically related to the Prophet(p.b.u.h.).
Crossing in front of a praying person.
The Messenger of Allah(p.b.u.h.) warned: “Were the one who crosses in front of a prayer person to know the consequences of doing so, he would have waited for forty better than to cross in front of him.†The forty in the tradition may be days months or even years. Allah knows best.
Walking away right after tasleem, at the end of prayer,and neglecting dthikr, which is reciting subhanal-Lah 33 times, alhamdu Lilah 33 times, Allahu Akbar 33 times, reciting La llaha illal’Laah 10 times reciting ayat al-Kursi(i.e. verse 255 of surah 2 al-Baqarah), or other authentic dthikr.
Tafsir of Surah Asr’
Posted by Ghuraba in : Muslims, Naseeha, Qur'an, True Shuyook, knowledge , add a commentAsalam Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakathu,
This is one of the shortest surahs and most muslims recite it daily once or twice in their prayers. Subhanallah the amount of naseeha in such a short surah is incredible. We hope you will ponder over these verses and Inshallah get something out of it. The tafsir is written by Ibn Kathir
In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
- By time,
- Verily, man is in loss,
- Except those who believe and do righteous deeds and exhort one another to Truth and exhort one another to patience.
< By Time > That is, the ages during which the deeds – both good and bad – of the sons of Aadam `alayhis salam take place. Maalik said that it refers to the time of `asr prayer, but the first explanation is more correct. Allah swears by it (time) that mankind is in loss, that is misfortune and ruin.
< Except those who believe and do righteous deeds > Allah excludes those of mankind who believe sincerely with all their hearts and do good deeds with their hands.
< And exhort one another to Truth > That is, in the face of misfortune or calamity, the things which have been written for us and the persecution of those who would seek to harm whoever orders the good and forbids the evil. It is reported that Musailamah (he was an arch-liar who lived at the time of the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam and falsely claimed to be a brother-prophet) was visited by `Amr ibn al-`Aas after the Messenger of Allah sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam had begun his mission, but before `Amr had embraced Islaam and Musailamah said to him: “What does your companion (the Prophet sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam) say about this time?” `Amr replied: “A soorah has been revealed to him which is concise, yet elegant.” “And what is it?” inquired Musailamah. “It is: < By time, Verily, man is in loss, except those who believe and do righteous deeds and exhort one another to Truth and exhort one another to patience >.” Musailamah thought about this for a while and then he said: “It has been revealed to me something like that.” “What would that be?” asked `Amr. He replied, “Oh, wabr (Hyrax, an animal described by ibn Katheer as resembling a cat, having long ears, and a large breast and being for the rest, very ugly.)! Oh, wabr! You are merely two ears and a breast and the rest of you is but a hole.” Then he asked: “What do you think, oh, `Amr?” `Amr replied, “By Allah! Surely you are aware that I know you lie!” Musailamah intended by the composition of these nonsensical verses to produce something which was the very antithesis of the clarity and conciseness of the Qur’aan; as a result it did not even convince a pagan idol-worshipper of the time.
According to at-Tabaraani, whenever any two Companions of the Prophet sallallahu `alaihi wa sallam met, they would not part, until one of them had recited to the other Soorah Al-`Asr and then delivered Salaams upon him. Ash-Shaafi`I said: “If the people were to ponder on this Soorah, it would be sufficient for them.” This is the end of the tafseer of Soorah al-`Asr, all praise is due to Allah and from Him proceeds all Grace.
addressing the believers February 22, 2008
Posted by Ghuraba in : Qur'an, True Shuyook , add a commentBy Imam Ibn Al Qayyim Al Jawziyya
Allah ta`ala said:
“Believers! Obey Allah, and obey the Messenger and those charged with authority among you; if you differ in anything, refer it to Allah and the Messenger (for judgment) if you truly believe in Allah and the Last Day: that is best and most suitable for final determination.” [4:59]
Allah ta`ala is requiring obedience to Him and to His Messenger (sallallahu `alayhi wa sallam). He starts the aayah with an address to the “believers”, hinting that what is required thereafter is a consequence of that name with which they are addressed.
This is similar to saying: “You whom Allah has favored and enriched with His bounties, be good to others as Allah has been good to you.” And like, “Learned men, teach people what would benefit them.” And, “Ruler, rule with justice.” And so on.
For this reason, legislative matters in the Qur’an are frequently addressed to the believers, starting the address with “Believers”. For example Allah says:
“Believers, fasting is prescribed for you.” [2:183]
And He says:
“Believers, when the call is proclaimed for prayer on Friday, hasten earnestly to the remembrance of Allah.” [62:9]
And He says:
“Believers, fulfill the contracts.” [5:1]
Addressing the believers like this carries the implication that: “If you are true believers, you should perform the following action, because it is a requirement for the integrity and sincerity of Iman.”
Missing Salaat? February 21, 2008
Posted by Ghuraba in : Muslims, Naseeha, Qur'an, True Shuyook, knowledge , add a commentAsalam Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakathu,
We post this video not only to benefit you but us as well. Inshallah Allah Azzawajaal will instill in us the same love and the fear that the companions and the salafs  had so they prayed 5 times a day and according to the way of the beloved Prophet pbuh. ( Please click on the tap and read the sunnahs of the Prophet pbuh) There is an interesting comment said by one of the shuyook in the video please pay attention He says “If the muslim prayed Fajr Salaat than Allah Azzawajaal will give us victory tomarrow”. Subhanallah, May Allah give us victory soon ameen.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-1862957474460916116&hl=en
A Lesson for Today from the People of Lut AS
Posted by Ghuraba in : Qur'an, Sharia, history lesson, knowledge , add a commentAssalamu Alaikum Warahmatullah.
One phenomenon that we see in todays western societies is the acceptance of things, which Allah SWT clearly hates. People just want to accept these things to be accepted by the kafir society not thinking about what Allah SWT has told us in the Qur’an. During the past several years, the western society has become more accepting of homosexuality, and even though this is a disgusting and repulsive thing Islamically, Muslims are tending to do the same thing! Subhanallah. Instead of thinking about the the kuffar say, we should think about what Allah told us and what our history shows us, so let’s turn to the Qur’an:
“Homosexuality is negatory of the natural role and aim of sexual activity. Its tendency’s were no where to be found in the first inhabitants of this earth. This unnatural practice originated in the satanic influenced people who dwelled in Sodom and Gomorrah during the era of Ibrahim (a.s.). In order that they should abandon this immorality, Allah had sent to them Lut (a.s) [the nephew of Ibrahim a.s.] as a Prophet. Allah relates,
“And (we had sent) Lut when he said to his people, “Do you commit such immorality as no one has preceded you with from among the worlds (i.e. peoples)? Indeed you approach men with desire, instead of woman! Rather you are a transgressing peopleâ€. (Holy Quran 7:80-81)
But the people of Sodom and Gomorrah were not very receptive to Lut (a.s) nor did they accept his message and advise. Rather they outright rejected him, became very sarcastic towards him and began issuing threats to him as Allah explains,
“The people of Lut rejected the messengers. When their brother Lut said to them, “Will you not fear Allah? Indeed I am for you a trustworthy messenger. So fear Allah and obey me. And I do not ask you for it any payment. My reward is only from the Lord of the worlds. Do you approach males among the worlds and leave what your Lord has created for you as your mates? But you are a transgressing people!†They said (in response), “If you do not desist, O Lut, you will surely be of those evicted†(Holy Quran 26:160-167)
However Lut (a.s.) did not give up his duty and continued to invite them towards the truth and a moral way of life until finally the city dwellers began to demand the exile of Lut (a .s.) as Allah relates,
“But the answer of his people was only that they said, “Expel the family of Lut from your city! Indeed they are people who keep themselves pureâ€. (Holy Quran 27:56)
At that point Lut (a.s.) turned to Allah and supplicated,
“My Lord, save me and my family from (the consequence of ) what they do:†(Holy Quran 26:69)
Allah accepted this prayer and saved his family as He states,
“So we saved him and all his family. Except an old woman (Lut’s wife) among those who remained behind (due to her disbelief). Then we destroyed the others.†(Holy Quran 26:170 - 173)
Allah explains in another verse as to how these people were destroyed.
“So the shriek seized them at sunrise. And we made the highest part (of the city) it’s lowest and rained upon them stones of hard clay. Indeed in that are signs for those who discern!†(Holy Quran 15: 73-74)
From this incident one can clearly observe how loathsome homosexuality is to Almighty Allah for He sent upon these people multiple punishments such as has never been witnessed before, all in succession. It is for this reason the Prophet (s.a.w.) has expressed,
“Indeed the most frightening thing I fear upon my nation is the practice of the people of Lut.†(Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi, Hakim)
In another narration reported by Tabrani in his ‘Al-Awsat’ on the authority of Abu Hurairah (r.a.) the Prophet (s.a.w.) has further clarified the position of a homosexual in the eyes of Allah by stating,
“Allah has cursed seven (groups) from his creation, from above his seven skies and he has repeated the curse upon one of those groups three times. He has cursed each one of them (i. e. those groups) with such a curse which will suffice them (for their destruction)â€. He ( then) said, “Cursed is the one who practices the act of the People of Lut! Cursed is the one who practices the act of the People of Lut! Cursed is the one who practices the act of the People of Lut!..â€. (Tabrani in Al-Awsat)
The Prophet (s.a.w.) has also explained the outcome of that society in which this unnatural practice becomes prevalent. Ibn Umar (r.a.) has narrated,
“The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) turned towards us and said, “Never does indecency emerge within a people to the extent that they publicize it except plague and torments spread within them, the likes of which have not passed in their predecessors who have passed away.†(Ibn Majah, Bazzar, Baihaqi).
Jabir bin Abdullah (r.a.) has related,
“The Prophet (s.a.w.) said, “…And when sodomy increases Allah lifts His hand from the creation (thereafter) He does not care in which valley they perish.†(Tabrani)
From all this information it becomes clear that homosexuality has no place in Islam. This act is such that it is not even observed among beasts and a person who engages in it intensifies Allah’s anger to the extent that Allah will not even consider looking at him. Ibn Abbas (r.a.) has narrated,
“The Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.) mentioned, “Allah does not glance towards that man who approaches another man or woman (for fulfillment of his sexual desires) in (their) anus.†( Tirmidhi).
May Allah save us all from developing such an unnatural habit and give us the ability to help those who are deviating far from the natural ways instructed by Almighty Allah. Ameen.”
Information taken from: http://www.central-mosque.com/fiqh/homo2.htm#
A Reminder of the Story of ‘Aad and Thamud
Posted by Ghuraba in : Muslims, Naseeha, Qur'an, True Shuyook, history lesson, knowledge , add a commentAsalam Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakathu
Tafsir by Ibn Kathir May Allah Be Pleased With Him,
As for `Ad, they were arrogant in the land without right and they said: ‘Who is mightier than us in strength?’ See they not that Allah Who created them was mightier in strength than them. And they used to deny Our Ayat! So, We sent upon them a Sarsar wind in days of calamity that We might give them a taste of disgracing torment in this present worldly life. But surely the torment of the Hereafter will be more disgracing, and they will never be helped.
And as for Thamud, We showed them the path of truth but they preferred blindiness to guidance; so the Sa`iqah of disgracing torment seized them because of what they used to earn.
And We saved those who believed and had Taqwa.
Qur’an, Fussilat [41:15-18]
Explanation:
“As for `Ad, they were arrogant in the land without right.”
means, they were arrogant, stubborn and disobedient.
“and they said: ‘Who is mightier than us in strength?’”
They boasted of their physical strength, and power; they thought that this would protect them from Allah’s punishment.
“See they not that Allah Who created them was mightier in strength than them.”
Means, do they not realize, when they are showing enmity, that He is the Almighty Who created all things and gave them whatever strength they have, and that His onslaught will be far greater? This is like the Ayah:
“With Hands did We construct the heaven. Verily, We are able to extend the vastness of space thereof.” (51:47)
They openly opposed the Almighty and denied His signs and disobeyed His Messenger. Allah said:
“So We sent upon them a Sarsar wind.” Some said that this was strongly blowing wind; others said that it was a cold wind. It was also said that it is the wind that makes a noise. The truth that it was all of these things, for it was a strong wind that was an apt punishment for their being deceived by their physical strength. It was also intensely cold, as Allah says:
“with a Sarsar wind!” (69:6), meaning a very cold wind. It also made a furious sound. Additionally, there is a famous river in the east which is called Sarsar because of the noise it makes as it flows.
“in days of calamity” means, consecutive days.
“seven nights and eight days in succession” (69:7). This is like the Ayah:
“on a day of calamity, continuous” (54:19) i.e., the punishment began on a day which was of evil omen for them, and this evil omen continued for them,
“seven nights and eight days in succession” (69:7) until they were destroyed, every last one of them, and their humiliation in this world was joined to their punishment in the Hereafter. Allah says:
“that We might give them a taste of disgracing torment in this present worldly life. But surely the torment of the Hereafter will be more disgracing.”
meaning, more humiliating for them.
“and they will never be helped.” means, in the Hereafter, just as they were never helped in this world, and they had no one who could protect them from Allah or save them from His punishment.
“And as fir Thamud, We showed them the path of truth”
Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, Abu Al-Aliyah, Sa`id bin Jubayr, Qatadah, As-Suddi and Ibn Zayd said, “We explained to them.” [At-Tabari 21:448 Surah Hud 11:94] Ath-Thawri said, “We called them.”
Allah’s saying: “but they preferred blindness to guidance;”
means, ‘We showed them the truth and made it clear to them through the words of their Prophet Salih, but they opposed him and rejected him, and they slaughtered the she-camel of Allah which He had made a sign for them of the truth of their Prophet.’
“so the Sa`iqah of disgracing torment seized them”
means, Allah sent upon them the Sa`iqah, [See volume five, the Tafser of Surah Hud 11:94] earthquake, intense humiliation, punishment and torment.
“because of what they used to earn” means, because of their disbelief and rejection.
“And We saved those who believed”
means, ‘We saved them from among them, and no harm came to them;’ Allah saved them along with His Prophet Salih, peace be upon him, because of their fear of Allah.
The Story of the Prisoners of Badr February 16, 2008
Posted by Ghuraba in : Mujahideen, Naseeha, Qur'an, history lesson , add a commentSalam Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakthu,
Inshallah We will start writing about the life of our Prophet Pbuh in the hope that Muslims and Non-muslims gaining love for him. Our first post is going to be about the Prisoners of Badr. The following is taken from Raheequl Makthoum by Shaykh Safi Ur Rahman Mubarakfoori may allah bless him. We chose to use this particular story because it is filled with naseeha for the believers. From the spoils and prisoners of war to consultation(shura) and so much more. We ask Allah Azzawajaal to give us guidance.
On their way back to Madinah, at a large sand hill, the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam divided the spoils equally among the fighters after he had taken Al-Khums (one-fifth). When they reached As-Safra’, he ordered that two of the prisoners should be killed. They were An-Nadr bin Al-Harith and ‘Uqbah bin Abi Muait, because they had persecuted the Muslims in Makkah, and harboured deep hatred towards Allaah and His Messenger sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam . In a nutshell, they were criminals of war in modern terminology, and their execution was an awesome lesson to oppressors. ‘Uqbah forgot his pride and cried out, “Who will look after my children O Messenger of Allaah?” The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam answered, “The Fire (of Hell).” Did ‘Uqbah not remember the day when he had thrown the entrails of a sheep onto the head of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam while he was prostrating himself in prayer, and Fatimah had come and washed it off him? He had also strangled the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam with his cloak if it had not been for Abu Bakr to intervene and release the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam . The heads of both criminals were struck off by Alee bin Abi TAleeb.
The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam exhorted the Muslims to treat the prisoners so well to such an extent that the captors used to give the captives their bread (the more valued part of the meal) and keep the dates for themselves.
Prisoners of war constituted a problem awaiting resolution because it was a new phenomenon in the history of Islaam. The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam consulted Abu Bakr and Umar bin Al-Khattab as to what he should do with the prisoners. Abu Bakr suggested that he should ransom them, explaining this by saying: “They are after all our relatives, and this money would give us strength against the disbelievers, moreover, Allaah could guide them to Islaam.” Umar advised killing them, saying, “They are the leaders of Kufr (disbelief).” The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam preferred Abu Bakr’s suggestion to that of Umar’s. The following day, Umar called on the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam and Abu Bakr to see them weeping. He showed extreme astonishment and inquired about the situation so that he might weep if it was worth weeping for, or else he would pretend weeping.
“It is not for a Prophet that he should have prisoners of war (and free them with ransom) until he had made a great slaughter (among his enemies) in the land. You desire the good of this world (i.e. the money of ransom for freeing the captives), but Allaah desires (for you) the Hereafter. And Allaah is All-Mighty, All-Wise. Were it not a previous ordainment from Allaah, a severe torment would have touched you for what you took.” [Qur'aan 8:67-68]
The previous Divine ordainment went as follows,
“Thereafter (is the time) either for generosity (i.e. free them without ransom) or ransom.” [Qur'aan 47:4]
Which included an area providing permission to take ransom, that is why no penalty was imposed. They were rebuked only for taking prisoners before subduing all the land of disbelief. Apart from this, the polytheists taken to Madinah were not only prisoners of war but rather archcriminals of war whom modern war penal law brings to justice to receive their due sentence of death or prison for life.
The ransom for the prisoners ranged between 4000 and 1000 Dirhams in accordance with the captive’s financial situation. Another form of ransom assumed an educational dimension; most of the Makkans, unlike the Madinese, were literate and so each prisoner who could not afford the ransom was entrusted with ten children to teach them the art of writing and reading. Once the child had been proficient enough, the instructor would be set free. Another clan of prisoners were released unransomed on grounds of being hard up. Zainab, the daughter of the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam , paid the ransom of her husband Abul-’As with a necklace. The Muslims released her prisoner and returned the necklace in deference to the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam but on condition that Abul-’As allow Zainab to migrate to Madinah, which he actually did.
In captivity, there was also an eloquent orator called Suhail bin ‘Amr. Umar suggested that they pull out his front teeth to disable him from speaking, but the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam turned down his suggestion for fear Quraish should retAleeate in the same manner on one hand, and on the other for fear of Allaah’s wrath on the Day of Resurrection.
Sa’d bin An-Nu’man, a lesser pilgrim detained in Makkah, was released in return for setting Abu Sufyan’s son, a captive, free.
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