Lesson 93Lesson 93Al-`Aqabah Pledges to Al-Al-`Aqabah Pledges to Al-

Isra’Isra’

[27] The Prophet's offering his message to the [27] The Prophet's offering his message to the tribes and the first pledge of Al-`Aqabahtribes and the first pledge of Al-`Aqabah

When the Messenger (When the Messenger (SAWSSAWS) found that the ) found that the disbelievers of Quraysh would not stop disbelievers of Quraysh would not stop resisting him and obstructing him from resisting him and obstructing him from

delivering his Lord’s message, delivering his Lord’s message,

he began, inspired by Allah, to offer himself to he began, inspired by Allah, to offer himself to other chiefs of the Arabs so that he might other chiefs of the Arabs so that he might

find support and protection needed for find support and protection needed for delivering the message and performing the delivering the message and performing the

da`wahda`wah (calling to Islam). (calling to Islam).

Consequently the Prophet (Consequently the Prophet (SAWSSAWS) used to go out ) used to go out in the festival seasons of the Arabs, in the festival seasons of the Arabs,

especially Hajj season, and seek out their especially Hajj season, and seek out their markets where they went for trade and markets where they went for trade and

bragging. bragging.

He used to call them to Allah's path, reciting the He used to call them to Allah's path, reciting the glorious Qur’an to them, and asking them to glorious Qur’an to them, and asking them to

support him so that he could preach his support him so that he could preach his Lord’s message. Lord’s message.

They did not answer him until it once happened They did not answer him until it once happened that a delegation from the Al-Aws tribe came that a delegation from the Al-Aws tribe came from Yathrib (Al-Madînah Al-Munawwarah, from Yathrib (Al-Madînah Al-Munawwarah,

also called Tîbah).also called Tîbah).

They wanted to form an alliance with Quraysh They wanted to form an alliance with Quraysh to help them against their cousins, Al-Khazraj. to help them against their cousins, Al-Khazraj.

When the Prophet (When the Prophet (SAWSSAWS) learned of their ) learned of their coming, he met them and said to them, “Do coming, he met them and said to them, “Do you want something better than what you you want something better than what you came for? I am the messenger of Allah. came for? I am the messenger of Allah.

He sent me to the people in order to call them to He sent me to the people in order to call them to worship Him (worship Him (SWTSWT) and not to associate ) and not to associate

anything with Him.”anything with Him.”

Then he recited to them some verses of the Then he recited to them some verses of the Qur’an and mentioned to them the doctrines of Qur’an and mentioned to them the doctrines of

Islam. Islam.

Some of them inclined to accept Islam, and Some of them inclined to accept Islam, and others refused, so they all left to Al-Madînah others refused, so they all left to Al-Madînah

without embracing Islam yet.without embracing Islam yet.

During the season of Hajj, a group of Al-Khazraj During the season of Hajj, a group of Al-Khazraj came and the Messenger (came and the Messenger (SAWSSAWS) met them ) met them and called them to embrace Islam, and to and called them to embrace Islam, and to

support him in his mission. support him in his mission.

This group consisted of six men. This group consisted of six men.

They all accepted Islam, and promised to meet They all accepted Islam, and promised to meet the Prophet in the next Hajj season. the Prophet in the next Hajj season.

They were the first to accept Islam from the They were the first to accept Islam from the Arabs of Al-Madînah, and they were: As`ad Arabs of Al-Madînah, and they were: As`ad ibn Zurârah, `Awf ibn ul-Hârith, Râfi` ibn ibn Zurârah, `Awf ibn ul-Hârith, Râfi` ibn

Mâlik, Qutbah ibn `Âmir, ``Uqbah ibn `Âmir, Mâlik, Qutbah ibn `Âmir, ``Uqbah ibn `Âmir, and Jâbir ibn `Abdullâh. and Jâbir ibn `Abdullâh.

The following year, five of them returned, The following year, five of them returned, bringing with them twelve men of Al-Khazraj bringing with them twelve men of Al-Khazraj

and two of Al-Aws. and two of Al-Aws.

They met with the Prophet (They met with the Prophet (SAWSSAWS) at Al-Aqaba ) at Al-Aqaba and the rest of them embraced Islam. and the rest of them embraced Islam.

They all pledged allegiance to the Messenger They all pledged allegiance to the Messenger ((SAWSSAWS) that "...they would not associate ) that "...they would not associate

anything with Allah, and would not steal, nor anything with Allah, and would not steal, nor commit adultery, nor kill their children, nor commit adultery, nor kill their children, nor approach all-evident calumny they might approach all-evident calumny they might

fabricate between their hands and their legs, fabricate between their hands and their legs, nor disobey you (Muhammad) in anything nor disobey you (Muhammad) in anything

beneficent..." (TMQ, Al-Mumtahanah: 12). beneficent..." (TMQ, Al-Mumtahanah: 12).

The Prophet (The Prophet (SAWSSAWS) sent with them a ) sent with them a companion to teach them the Qur’an and companion to teach them the Qur’an and

rulings of the religion. rulings of the religion.

Therefore, Islam spread rapidly in the houses of Therefore, Islam spread rapidly in the houses of Al-Madînah and became the talk of the people Al-Madînah and became the talk of the people in their gatherings and clubs. This pledge was in their gatherings and clubs. This pledge was

called “the first pledge of Al-`Aqabah.”called “the first pledge of Al-`Aqabah.”

[28] The second pledge of Al-`Aqabah and [28] The second pledge of Al-`Aqabah and the migration of some Muslims to Al-the migration of some Muslims to Al-

MadînahMadînah

During the next Hajj season following the first During the next Hajj season following the first pledge of Al-'Aqabah, many of the people of pledge of Al-'Aqabah, many of the people of Al-Madînah came to Makkah; so the Prophet Al-Madînah came to Makkah; so the Prophet ((SAWSSAWS) met them and promised to meet them ) met them and promised to meet them

at night at Al-`Aqabah. at night at Al-`Aqabah.

He ordered them to keep the matter secret so that He ordered them to keep the matter secret so that none of the disbelievers knew of it. They none of the disbelievers knew of it. They

secretly attended at midnight. secretly attended at midnight.

The Messenger's uncle, Al-`Abbâs, who was still The Messenger's uncle, Al-`Abbâs, who was still following the religion of Quraysh, following the religion of Quraysh,

accompanied the Prophet to be absolutely accompanied the Prophet to be absolutely certain of their loyalty and faithfulness. certain of their loyalty and faithfulness.

When they gathered, Al-`Abbâs said, “My When they gathered, Al-`Abbâs said, “My nephew is still under the protection of his nephew is still under the protection of his

people, so if you can fulfill your pledge to him people, so if you can fulfill your pledge to him and defend him against his enemies, then carry and defend him against his enemies, then carry out this responsibility and its consequences or out this responsibility and its consequences or

leave him in the protection of his people.”leave him in the protection of his people.”

Their chief said, “Surely, we intend to fulfill our Their chief said, “Surely, we intend to fulfill our pledge to be truthful and to sacrifice ourselves pledge to be truthful and to sacrifice ourselves for the Messenger of Allah.” They asked the for the Messenger of Allah.” They asked the

messenger (messenger (SAWSSAWS) to tell them the terms of the ) to tell them the terms of the pledge. pledge.

He said, “I make a condition for my Lord that He said, “I make a condition for my Lord that you worship him alone, associating nothing you worship him alone, associating nothing with Him, and as for myself that you protect with Him, and as for myself that you protect me from what you protect your women and me from what you protect your women and

children.”children.”

They made their pledge. There were seventy-They made their pledge. There were seventy-three men; sixty of Al-Khazraj and eleven of three men; sixty of Al-Khazraj and eleven of

Al-Aws, and there were two women with Al-Aws, and there were two women with them. them.

This pledge is called “the second pledge of Al-This pledge is called “the second pledge of Al-`Aqabah.” The Prophet then chose twelve `Aqabah.” The Prophet then chose twelve

leaders: nine from Al-Khazraj and three from leaders: nine from Al-Khazraj and three from Al-Aws. Al-Aws.

He said to them, “You are sponsors over your He said to them, “You are sponsors over your people, each over his tribe.”people, each over his tribe.”

When they returned to Al-Madînah, Islam spread When they returned to Al-Madînah, Islam spread more rapidly than the first year.more rapidly than the first year.

When Quraysh knew of this pledge, they When Quraysh knew of this pledge, they intensified their offense towards the Muslims intensified their offense towards the Muslims

in Makkah. in Makkah.

Consequently the Prophet advised them to Consequently the Prophet advised them to emigrate to Al-Madînah. emigrate to Al-Madînah.

They snuck out individually and in groups, until They snuck out individually and in groups, until there were none left except Abu-Bakr As-there were none left except Abu-Bakr As-Siddîq and `Ali ibn Abu-Tâlib, and a few Siddîq and `Ali ibn Abu-Tâlib, and a few

others who could not emigrate. others who could not emigrate.

As for Abu-Bakr he wanted to migrate, but the As for Abu-Bakr he wanted to migrate, but the Prophet (Prophet (SAWSSAWS) asked him to wait until Allah ) asked him to wait until Allah

gave him permission to emigrate. gave him permission to emigrate.

Abu-Baker, Abu-Baker, (RA)(RA), waited and prepared two , waited and prepared two camels; one for himself, and one for the camels; one for himself, and one for the

Prophet (Prophet (SAWSSAWS).).

[29] Isrâ' and Mi`râj (The night journey and [29] Isrâ' and Mi`râj (The night journey and ascension to heaven)ascension to heaven)

Shortly before the emigration of the Prophet Shortly before the emigration of the Prophet ((SAWSSAWS) to Al-Madînah, he was blessed with ) to Al-Madînah, he was blessed with

Isrâ' and Mi`rIsrâ' and Mi`rââj. j.

The Isrâ' is the Prophet's night journey from the The Isrâ' is the Prophet's night journey from the Holy Mosque where the sacred Ka`bah is, to Holy Mosque where the sacred Ka`bah is, to Al-Aqsâ mosque in Jerusalem, so that Allah Al-Aqsâ mosque in Jerusalem, so that Allah ((SWTSWT) could show the Prophet some of His ) could show the Prophet some of His wondrous signs suitable for the Prophet's wondrous signs suitable for the Prophet's

superior status superior status

The Prophet (The Prophet (SAWSSAWS), ordered by Allah, rode Al-), ordered by Allah, rode Al-Burâq which is a riding creature but unlike our Burâq which is a riding creature but unlike our

animal beasts. animal beasts.

Allah (Allah (SWTSWT) subjected this Al-Burâq to the ) subjected this Al-Burâq to the Prophet to honor and glorify him. The length Prophet to honor and glorify him. The length of Al-Burâq’s stride is as far as Al-Burâq can of Al-Burâq’s stride is as far as Al-Burâq can

see.. see..

He took the Prophet at night from the holy He took the Prophet at night from the holy mosque in Makkah to the Al-Aqsâ mosque in mosque in Makkah to the Al-Aqsâ mosque in

the same night. the same night.

Prophet Muhammad entered the mosque and led Prophet Muhammad entered the mosque and led all the Prophets (all the Prophets (ASAS) in prayer) in prayer

The Mi`râj occurred after the Prophet (The Mi`râj occurred after the Prophet (SAWSSAWS) ) had left the Al-Aqsâ mosque. He rode Al-had left the Al-Aqsâ mosque. He rode Al-

Burâq and ascended to the heavens. Burâq and ascended to the heavens.

Whenever he reached a level of heaven, Jibrîl Whenever he reached a level of heaven, Jibrîl would ask for the heaven to be opened for would ask for the heaven to be opened for

them. them.

Then they were asked, “Who are you? And who Then they were asked, “Who are you? And who is with you?” Jibrîl would answer “It is I, is with you?” Jibrîl would answer “It is I,

Jibrîl, and this is Muhammad.”Jibrîl, and this is Muhammad.”

It was asked, “Did he become a Messenger?” He It was asked, “Did he become a Messenger?” He said, “Yes,” then it was opened for them with said, “Yes,” then it was opened for them with

welcome and prayers for good, until they welcome and prayers for good, until they reached the seventh heaven. reached the seventh heaven.

After that the Prophet (After that the Prophet (SAWSSAWS) went to “Sidrat ) went to “Sidrat Al-Muntahâ” (Lote Tree of the farthest limit) Al-Muntahâ” (Lote Tree of the farthest limit) where he saw what the human mind cannot where he saw what the human mind cannot

comprehend. comprehend.

Then Allah (Then Allah (SWTSWT) revealed to His Prophet what ) revealed to His Prophet what He revealed. He (He revealed. He (SWTSWT) prescribed for him and ) prescribed for him and

his people fifty prayers each day and night. his people fifty prayers each day and night.

Then the Prophet descended to the sixth heaven Then the Prophet descended to the sixth heaven where he met with Mûsâ (Moses) (where he met with Mûsâ (Moses) (SAWSSAWS). ).

The Prophet told him what had been The Prophet told him what had been prescribed for him and his people. prescribed for him and his people.

Mûsâ advised him to go back to his Lord and ask Mûsâ advised him to go back to his Lord and ask him to reduce them because his people would him to reduce them because his people would

not be able to bear that. not be able to bear that.

The Prophet kept going back and forth between The Prophet kept going back and forth between his Lord (his Lord (SWTSWT) and Mûsâ () and Mûsâ (SAWSSAWS) until Allah ) until Allah made the compulsory prayers five in deed and made the compulsory prayers five in deed and

fifty in the reward.fifty in the reward.

After that the Prophet (After that the Prophet (SAWSSAWS) went back to ) went back to Makkah all in the same night. In the morning, Makkah all in the same night. In the morning, he went to Quraysh in their place of gathering he went to Quraysh in their place of gathering

and told them what had happened. and told them what had happened.

Some people did not believe him. Some Some people did not believe him. Some Muslims whose faith was weak apostatized Muslims whose faith was weak apostatized

(left the religion). (left the religion).

They asked him to describe the Aqsâ mosque They asked him to describe the Aqsâ mosque and he did so perfectly. Then they asked him and he did so perfectly. Then they asked him about their trade caravan which was on the about their trade caravan which was on the

way. way.

He told them the number of its camels and its He told them the number of its camels and its condition and the time it should arrive, and it condition and the time it should arrive, and it

was all as he said. was all as he said.

However, this clear evidence did not stop them However, this clear evidence did not stop them from their disbelief and stubbornness except from their disbelief and stubbornness except

those whom Allah (those whom Allah (SWTSWT) guided and held firm ) guided and held firm on Islam. on Islam.

In the morning following Isrâ', Jibrîl came to the In the morning following Isrâ', Jibrîl came to the Prophet (Prophet (SAWSSAWS) and showed him how and ) and showed him how and

when to perform the five prayers. when to perform the five prayers.

Before that, the prayer was two Before that, the prayer was two Rak`asRak`as (units) in (units) in the morning and two in the evening, as was the the morning and two in the evening, as was the prayer of the Prophet Ibrâhîm, peace be upon prayer of the Prophet Ibrâhîm, peace be upon

him and our Prophet. him and our Prophet.