Review of Entries on Geographical Seerah in Urdu Daira Mua ...mrjpk.com/wp-content/uploads/Issue 17/Review-of-Entries.pdf · The introduction to geographical entries is far easy than

Ma’arifResearchJournal(January – June 2019) Review of Entries on...1-22

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Review of Entries on Geographical Seerah

in Urdu Daira Mua’rif Islamia

Nadia Mumtaz* ABSTRACT In Urdu, voluminous books and encyclopaedias have been and are being produced on Seerah. Urdu Daira Mua’rif Islamia Or Urdu Encyclopaedia is one such work as it is replete with matter on the geography of Seerah. A lot of entries have been written on almost all the dimensions of geography of Seerah. The present article defines geography of Seerah, expounds its branches or dimensions and takes geographical perusal of the entries on geographical Seerah in Urdu Daira Mua’rif Islamia Or Urdu Encyclopaedia. While reviewing these entries, emphasis is laid on the use of geography, both anthropological geography, or human geography and physical geography employed in these entries. The errors which have unwittingly crept into these valuable entries are pointed out. The maps drawn by the modern Seerah writers in their geographical works are referred to, to highlight geographical impact of these works on the modern geographical Seerah writing. This article highlights two things. Firstly, the salient features of the land of Seerah or the land inhabited by the Holy Prophet surrounded by the people described in these entries. Secondly, the impact factor of these entries is also discussed. Keywords:Anthropological Geography, or Human Geography, Physical Geography, Tribal Geography, Time Geography, Holy Campaigns (Ghazaw’at), Holy Expeditions (Saraya). It is a wonderful encyclopaedia, for which experts belonging to different countries contributed their articles. The introduction to geographical entries is far easy than evaluation. For simple mistakes in human and physical geography, correction is mentioned there and then. If some important points are missed, without which the entry looks incomplete, the attention to those indispensible points are also sought. For highly controversial and intricate issues, books are referred to wherein the matter is thoroughly discussed, for example, issue of Hagar’s slavery, lineage or ancestry of the Arabian tribes Azd, and so forth. Herein, entries are written on both anthropological and physical geography. Geography of Seerah is divided into two main branches. 1) Anthropological geography or human geography: All the persons, tribes, who co-existed with the Holy Prophet form the human geography or anthropological geography of Seerah, for instance, his friends and foes, comrades, contemporaries, among individuals or tribes, whether they met once or many times or could not catch his glimpses even once. It is divided into two broad categories: a) Individual Geography of Seerah: All his companions, commanders, the Migrants and the Helpers, wives, children, enemies can be geographically depicted with maps displaying the places where they were born, to which and which lands they * Ph. D. Candidate at GCUF


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travelled, where holy campaigns were dispatched, where they migrated, and where they were buried. Hence, life sketches of all the above said persons can be prepared(2). (b) Tribal Geography of Seerah: It constitutes all the tribes, which existed in Arabia in the Prophet’s time. Qureish, Thaqeef, Mudlij, Azd, Mazhij, Huzail, Ghifar and so forth are important tribes, which can begeographically depicted: where they were originated, to which and which lands they travelled, where the holy campaigns were dispatched, where they migrated. If customs, language, standard and mode of living of the Apostle and his companions both the Migrants (who migrated with him) and the Helpers (people of Aws and Khazraj), and his contemporaries are described, it forms the social geography of Seerah: it focuses on different social groups or factions like the Migrants, the Helpers, the Jews, and the party of the hypocrites led by Abdullah bin Ubai. Primitive geography means the geography of those nations, which existed and flourished in any part of Arabia at any time of history before the Holy Prophet (SAW)’s advent. Details about the Perished tribes like Aad, Thamood, Umaim, Amaliqa & Jurham tribes fall in this category. As for Seerah, it means the geography, culture, religion and politics of the primitive nations of Arabia. For instance, geography and everything concerning “The Perishing Arabs”, “The Pure Arabs” that is the races before the Apostle inhabiting Arabia, the land of Seerah. Since early Islamic centuries, dozens of books were written on primitive geography to explore the effect of those nations, their cultures, religions and political and social systems and institutions on Islam. Syed Sulaiman Nadvi enlisted the books written on this topic in his book “Tareekh-e-Ardh-e-Qur’an”(3). 2) Physical geography of Seerah. Arabia is land of Seerah, because here the beloved Prophet spent his whole life. Every place whereto he travelled, come into his purview. Land of the Holy Prophet is very beautifully animated in the books that one feels roaming in the land of Seerah, when one reads the Seerah books(4). In Seerah, time geography implies an individual that is the Apostle’s biography, described in chronological order in space (Arabia). Books written on “Maghazi” and “Tabaqat” can be cited as the earliest books on time geography, as they depict Seerah chronologically. They graphically present those times and people rooted in that time, etc. Urwa bin Zubar (d. 93 AH) is pioneer of Islamic writing on historical Seerah(5) or time geography. In reply to Caliph, Abdul Ma’lik bin Marwan’s queries, he wrote letters wherein he furnished Seerah in chronological order. For example, details of migration, death of Khadija, trade caravans and Abu Sufyan, Stay at Abu Ayab’s. Later Ibn-e-Ishaq (d. 150 AH) and Waqdi (d. 207 AH) developed it. Since the human geography can be divided into tribal and human geography, entries on tribes which have some significance vis-à-vis the Holy Prophet are reviewed below.


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(A) ENTRIES ON TRIBES OR TRIBAL GEOGRAPHY OF SEERAH: Entries on tribes are as follows: 1: Ahabeesh by Dr. Hameedullah: First of all the tribe is introduced, then inference from the title is provided, afterwards details of its oath taking at Zanb Hubshi are given. The participant among tribes in the beginning and afterwards and its support to Qureish in different battles under its famous leaders are furnished here. Intermarriages of Qureish and Ahabeesh are asserted, for example, Reeta, the daughter of Qusay was married to Ahabeesh’s leader. Highlighting cultural geography of Ahabeesh, Dr. Hameedullah asserted its participation in Ukaz fair, while in religious geography, As’af and Naila are counted its idols. At the end, repudiating Lamens’ and Montgomery Whatt’s concept of Ahabeesh, he proves them to be non-mercenary, a military organization of Arabian Origin not of Abyssinian origin who aided intrepid Qureish out of sincerity. It is a wonderful article by the renowned author & successfully answered all the questions raised by the Orientalist. A genealogical chart of participant tribes and a map displaying its tribal geography might have facilitated the comprehension. But it seems that Dr. Hameedullah was more concerned to answer the Orientalists’ allegations. 1: Ahabeesh are non-mercenary and worked for Qureish and assisted them in wars not out of money but out of fraternity and tribal affiliation, since they made confederation with Qureish. Indeed, so-called friendly Western writers wanted to assert that Qureish were not valiant and depended on the mercenary tribe for their victory. This way, they wanted to undermine not only the valour of the Muslims in the battles, but also the victory of Islam and the Muslims against infidelity and Qureish. With these two allegations, the Western writers wanted to snatch away pride of the Muslims in their glorious history, in remarkable sacrifices of the Muslim martyrs. 2: By calling it Abyssinian tribe, the afore said Orientalists endeavoured to assert its mercenary character. But Dr. Hameedullah asserted, that in spite of synonymy of its name with Abyssinia, it is of Arabian Origin not of Abyssinian origin. Hence, Dr. Hameedullah cut the roots of both allegations with one argument. 2: Asad by H. Kindermann (pp. 603-606): He includes Banu Asad in Banu Kinana group, which is not correct. Indeed Asad and Kinana are two sons of Khuzaima bin Mudrika. Detailed geography of the tribe, brief description of its pre-Islamic rivalries, an introduction to its tribesmen residing at Makkah, its skirmishes with the Muslims and imposter Tulaiha Asadi, its post-Prophetic tribal existence up to 10925 are briefly described. Its importance in the Propheticperiod is mentioned, but Al-Ghamar expedition led by Ukasha bin Mihsan, which was dispatched to this tribe, is omitted.

3: Azd by G. Strenziok (pp. 488-492): After describing its early residence, firstly, he utterly repudiates the Muslim genealogists’ research that Azd Sarat and


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Azad Amman are progeny of one ancestor. Secondly, he furnishes lists of its clans, and the geography of each clan separately. Although he could not define term “Shanua’a”, yet he out-rightly rejects its established definition. Thirdly, he repudiates the tradition, that Azd are those who are inscribed on epitaphs and thus ally to Tanookh. Fourthly, he opines that Banu Salaman were custodian of Manat Temple at Qudaid, while Seerah writers call Banu Mustaliq of Banu Khuza’a its custodian. Azd tribe’s pre-Islamic religion, temples, gods and post-Islamic migration, participation in sacrilegious wars, its political importance in caliphal and post-caliphal period are described. His usual attitude is to visualize everything, every action in the political perspective. Hence, whether it is the genealogy of Azd or embracing Islam of Al-Julanda brothers of Uman, he dubs them as political stunt. 4: Hakam bin Sa’d Al-Sheerah by J. Schliefer (pp. 454): It is a clan of Banu Mazhaj residing south Arabia. He furnishes physical geography of the tribe, its neighbours among tribes, important cities which the tribe inhabited, rivulets that run through its areas and its identification with a city described by Ptolemy. Its importance in pre-Prophetic, co-Prophetic and post- Prophetic Eras is altogether omitted. 5: Hamadan by M. Cahard (pp. 5941-603): It is a clan of Arabian tribe Banu Taghlib. Its origin is described; its eponym is introduced, and then he traces history of this tribe from 254H, introduces to its dynasties at Mausal and Aleppo and its rise and fall and remembrance in Arabic literature. Its primitive history or relation to the Holy Prophet is not discussed. It is told that, a prominent figure of Banu Hamadan, Abul Heeja’a, rebuilt tomb of Ali at Kufa, but according to popular belief Ali is buried at Najaf. 6: Haneefa bin Lujaim by W. Montgamery Watt (pp. 695-696): He describes its tribal links, mode of living, religion, profession, geography and relations with Iran & Banu Tameem. The famous figures of this tribe are introduced, for instance, Hauza bin Ali, Thumama bin Uthal and Musailama, the Liar. He did not distinguish between attitude of Hauza bin Ali shown before migration of the Muslims and at receiving letter from the Holy Prophet. 7: Harb by bin J. Schliefer (p.55): An introduction to this tribe, its clans, its physical geography between Madina and Yanboo, its trade, mercantile, its migration from Yemen, and its recent history is described. Its relation to Apostle, important personalities, or the Holy Prophet’s contemporaries are not introduced.

8: Haw’azin by J. Schleifer: (p. 222-225): Genealogy, branches of the tribe, idol, colonies and wars of Hawazin are described. While describing branches systematic way is not adopted. Instead of describing branches and then sub branches, he amalgamates them all, for instance, Hawazin is a tribe. It has three main branches, for instance, Sa’d bin Bakr, Munabbeh bin Bakr and Muawiya


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bin Bakr. To the first tribe Haleema Sa’dia belongs. Thaqafi belongs to the 2nd branch. The most famous branch of the last tribe is Nassar bin Muawiya. It is further divided into offshoots, A’mri bin Sa’sa’a. The most famous sub-branch is Hilal, and so forth. He amalgamates Thaqeef, Hilal and A’mir bin Sa’sa’a, taking them equals to each other. The Pre- Prophetic war history is emphasized, that is, primitive geography is highlighted. Pre Harb-e-Fajar wars, background to Harb-e-Fijar, brief description of Ukaz encounters, description of Samta and Abla wars Ukaz and Hareera war are furnished. He exposes Qureishite weakness against Hawazin in 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 6th battles at Ukaz, Samta, Abla and Hareera. While in Prophetic Era, he describes Hunain war, at page 224 Abu Musa Ashari was not sent to Ota’s rather his uncle Abu A’mir Ashari was sent, and after his martyrdom, Abu Musa assumed commandership. He also referred to the Holy Prophet’sparticipation in Harb-e-Fijar and to wars between Wahabies and Egyptian, Muhammad Ali Pasha. At page 223 Hawazin tribe is written Hawaziz. 9: Hilal by J. Schliefer (tribe) (pp. 159-160): Genealogy of the tribe is not given, though its geography is narrated. Its genealogy is Hilal bin A’mir bin Sa’sa bin Na’ssar bin Muaviyya bin Bakr bin Hawazin bin Mansur bin Ikrima bin Qais bin Ailan bin Mudhar bin Nizar bin Ma’ad bin Adnan. Its religion, famous war against Tamim and against Qureish and Kinanah, and its post Prophetic history are narrated. But this tribe was famous in Islamic history for two things: its wars against the Muslims and for its conjugal relation with the Holy Prophet. First is briefly described, but second is altogether omitted. Both Maimuna and Zainab bint-e-Khuzaima, the two wives of the Holy Prophet, belong to this tribe. Without referring to this fact, the introduction of this tribe looks insufficient.

10: Himyer by U. J. H. Mordtmann (pp. 666-671): He describes its lexical form existed in ancient classical literature and archaeological discoveries, highlights its clanish distribution & its geography and its description in Greek & Roman literature. The fall of Saba and the rise of Himyar, causes of slump in Saba’s trade and change of religion by Himyar under the influence of preaching of Theodoros Anagnostes are described. Its relation with Roman Caesars, cruelty of Zunuwas in Najran, the rule of the Abyssinian governors, and the Persian vessels are highlighted. He does not identify Zu-Nuw’as with cruel King who caused calamity of “the People of Ditch” described in “Chapter Al-Buraj” of the Holy Qur’an, rather he just refers to him and to Tubba. Secondly, he depends on archaeological excavations more than written material. There is a slight reference to the Arabic literature. Thirdly, Arabic name of Abyssinian commander is Aryat, but he describes it “Kalb Al-Asbabha”. Fourthly, he describes types of archaeological excavations, coins, and difference between Arabic and Himyari script. Fifthly, he criticizes the earliest Muslim Yemeni traditionalists for depending on the Jewish tales rather than on its indigenous information, but he appreciates serious writings of Ibn-e-Hisham, Hamadani and Nishwan for its authenticity. Sixthly, he unequivocally endorses the


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information regarding the first century pre-Islamic history for its reliability. Seventhly he finds fault with major portion of Arabic statements, and insufficient written material of Byzantium authors, declaring Tubba a changed appellate of Hamadan’s chiefs. 11: Huzail bin Mudrika by J. Schliefer: Its genealogy, geography, important residence places, famous figures especially renowned poets, branches of tribe, its religion, idols, and so forth, are expounded. Among its springs, the author included Al-Majaz, Ar-Rajee and Ber-e-Mauna, but he narrated the incident of Rajee only. Ber-e-Mauna was not its spring, rather it was water channel of Banu Sulaim of Qais-Ailan group. 12: Iram by A. J. Wensinck (p. 416): Status of this individual or tribe is equated with Biblical Aram. He opines that under the Jewish influence, this word enters Islamic history. He highlights difference of opinion between the Muslim and Non-Muslim regarding its pronunciation. Here, he could not decide whether it is name of an individual or a tribe. 13: Iram Zat-Al-Imad by A. J. Wensinck (pp. 416-418): He enumerates the opinions of Muslim about the word, declaring geographical explanation the most suitable opinion held by the Muslims. Then, he describes Loth’s opinion about it, without analyzing it. He presents Ibn-e-Qutaibah’s opinion about its geography and dilutes its impact by Masudi’s views which he repudiates declaring it fictional. Afterwards, he presents Masudi’s suppressed and Ibn-e-Khaldun’s unequivocal criticism of fictions associated with this tribe. He rejects the relation developed by the Muslim scholars among Iram, Aram and Iram Zat-al-Imad. The writer’s tilt is towards Loth from the beginning to the end, although he claims to have based his research on Arami sources. It is against the rule of research not to critically evaluate one source. Hence, he should have critically examined Loth’s opinion too. Secondly, he exaggerates the Muslim scholars’ disagreement, while the fact is that the Muslims agreed that the geography of A’d is south Arabia.

14: Khuza’a bin Amar by F. Krenkow (pp. 919-922): He describes its eponym, its migration from Yemen, its bitter war with Jurhum, its ascendency to Makkan power politics; then, he presents two traditions concerning inter-tribal relations between (Jurhum and Khuza’a, commenting on both the tribes. After Rabia’s innovations, & fall of Khuza’a at the hand of Qusay, he jumps to its migration to other lands, Spain, and so forth. After describing difference of opinion among scholars regarding its Mudhari and Yemeni origin, he resolves issue by accepting them belonging to both. Contemporaries of the Holy Prophet from this tribe like, Budail bin Waraqa Khuzai, and its role in Islamic history, especially in post Hudaibia period, and so forth, are omitted. Without the description of its role in immediate pre-Islamic history and in conquest of Makkah, no article on them can be considered satisfactory.


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15: Quraish by Abdul Qayyum (pp. 99-108): Geography, genealogy of Quraish and 6 opinions of its so naming are described. He prefers that it is title of Nadhr, but got popularity in Fihr bin Malik’s Era. An introduction to its two geographically distributed groups followed unique feature of Ka’b and his progeny. The exhausting list of sons of his son is not furnished, for instance, Yaqza, the forefather of Banu Mahzoom is omitted from Murrah’s son. A few ancestors from the Apostle’s Ancestral line are introduced along with its political achievements and personal attributes. A few important clans of Qureish and a couple of its important figures who earned fame in Islamic history, in the Prophetic as well as post-Prophetic Eras are introduced. Both the friends and foes of the Holy Prophet among Qureish are described. Uqaba bin Nafe is included among Harth bin Fihr and Banu Sahm. Badr participants of Harith bin Fihr are referred to, but no name is furnished. Religions of Quraish are described. At page 106 Banu Tamim is included among Qureishite tribe, while, it is Mudhari tribe not Qureishite. Perhaps, the author has confused it with Banu Taim, the tribe of Abu Bakr, Ayesha, and Talha bin Ubaidullah. Qureish, Qureishite clans, trade and wars of Qureish are described. At page 106 Qureish and Qais Ailan did not fight four wars of Harb-e-Fijar, rather the later fought 4 wars. Qureish did not participate in all the four battles. The inimical response of Qureishite chiefs, the list of assassinated chiefs at Badr, its eloquence, its recent residence and list of places named after them are described. Its political role in the post-Prophetic Era is also highlighted without indulging in controversial issues. At page 101 Ghalib bin Fihr is written Fihr bin Ghalib; at page 103 Suhail bin Amar is written Amar bin Suhail; at page 104 Arqam bin Abi Arqam is written Arqam bin Arqam. At page 105 Abu Umaya’s name is Abu Khuzaifa not Abu Umayya bin Abi Khuzaifa; at page 105 Umair bin Abi Waqqas, brother of Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas, was among the martyrs of Badr, but he included Abdur Rahman bin Auf’s brother among the martyrs of Badr. At page 105 Abdull’s mother is Fatima bint-e-Amar not Fatima bint-e-Wahab. Perhaps, the author has confused it with his wife, Amina’s parentage, which is Amina bint-e-Wahab. At page 105 Uthman and Shaiba are not brothers, but cousins. Its pedigrees are Usman bin Talha bin Abi Talha and Shaiba bin Usman bin Abi Talha. 16: Quraiza by V. Vacca (pp. 110-112): Its geography, branches, adjacent tribes, strength are described. It is followed by the detailed description of its role in Battle of Banu Quraiza. In human geography, name of two men sent to them are given (Hawwat bin Jubair and Abdullah bin Rawaha), but names of those 4 who embraced Islam are omitted. Carnage of Banu Quraiza is justified. He has analyzed the whole incident impartially. One can see that he kept the usual Orientalists’ prejudice aside.

17: Qais Ailan by A. Fischre (p. 547-559): Right after its introduction, disagreement about its etymology and construction are elaborately described. The writer clearly shows the list of names of tribes which are etymologically opposite to this tribe. The construction of names of those tribes, which are similar to it, is


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also described. It is taken as group of tribes and names of its participant tribes are also enlisted. Geographical distribution of its clans in Prophetic Era and migration of its clans to different directions in post-Prophetic Eras especially in Ibn-e-Khaldun’s time is highlighted. He provides analysis of this statement and list of its intra-tribal and inter- tribal wars, its political role and animosity, allegiance in the co-Prophetic and post-Prophetic Eras are described. Its rivalry with Kulb in Ummayid and Abbasid Eras is exaggerated. Nature of the People of this tribe, its famous figures, and salient features of its language are described. Its war like posture is mentioned, but the holy campaigns and holy expeditions directed to them are not described except that of Hawazin against which Gazwa Hunain was fought. Without mentioning the holy campaigns led by the Holy Prophet himself and holy expeditions dispatched under an able commander against its different clans like Ghatafan and Sulaim and sub-clans for instance, Thalba and Muharib, the details seem insufficient. The Holy Prophet himself led the holy campaigns of Qarqaratul Kudr, Buhran, Zee-Amr and Zat-ir-Riq’a against them. 18: Qainuqa’ by Abdul Qayyum (page 585-587): Introduction to this Jewish tribe, its trade, its political pact with the Holy Prophet, preservation of its rights in the pact and under Prophetic rule, its political and religious prejudice against the Muslims, details of causes and effect of war with them are highlighted. At page 556 Ka’b bin Ashraf did not belong to Banu Qainuqa, rather his mother belonged to Banu Nadheer and his father belonged to Banu Nibhan. Ruins of his fort still lies in Banu Nadher’s area; at page 587 name of holy campaign is Zee-Amar not Amar; at page 587 in Ghazwa Buhran, the Apostle did not march against Qureish, rather against Banu Sulaim. In asserting time geography of Battle of Qainuqa, he committed the above said mistakes and concluded the date 3H; while the majority of the Seerah writers declare it to be Shawwal 15, 2H, soon after Badr. In human geography, he writes the real name of Abu Lubaba as Bashir bin Abdul Munzir. Although some Seerah writers accept this name, yet the majority opines that his name is Rifa’a bin Abdul Munzir. 19: Rabia and Mudhar by H. Kindermann (pp. 185-190): Name sack of Rabia clans among Mudhri and Yemeni tribes are described along with introduction to its ancestors. Ma’ad and Nizar tribes, their clans, and sub divisions, their geography, migration to other areas, history of emancipation, inter and intra tribal wars, political affiliation and political designations are described, but names of clans of Mudhary tribes who possessed those designations are omitted, for example, Ghauth bin Mur, Banu Pldwan, Zaid Man’at, and so forth. Unique features or privileges of Banu Muzaina, Abdul Qais, imposter, Musalima, and relation of Banu Rabia with him, their post-Prophetic rivalries and changing allegiances are highlighted. He generally accepts the statements and genealogical charts prepared by the Muslim genealogists uncritically and furnishes gist of its history from their books.


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20: Saba by J. K. Atsh (p 674-692): Saba tribe, its geography, its remembrance in ancient literature and archaeological slabs are highlighted to identify its antiquity. Its trade or commercial ties are described, but he does not get involved in etymological issues and issue of meeting of Queen Shaba with Solomon. Its neighbouring Empires, economic activities in the light of old and latest research are described. He analyzes the extracts taken from books of different geographers and tourists concerning Saba, especially Greek geographers like Pliny, Ptolemy explaining its statements and correcting the mistakes committed in reading archaeological epitaphs and in understanding Greek words by Springer are described. The archaeological discoveries of South Arabia by the score of the Western archaeologists and tourists especially Glaser are described. All this discussion verify breaking of Ma’rib Dam. Research conducted on discovery of epitaphs, its flora or vegetation and historical facts, gist of some of the books written after reading of epitaphs published in Europe are given. After that, important issues involved are described, for instance, exact period of Saba and Maeen Empires and theories formulated to resolve this issue, and mistakes inherit in these theories. Commenting on the effect of Islam on Saba Empire and its civilization, he categorizes Arabic literature concerning Saba. Geographical and pictorial elements are highlighted. In the first category, he describes gist of Hamadani’s and other Arab geographer’s information about Yemen and its history, highlighting similarity of its statements with that of Greek writers like Diodoors. Gist of Syed Sulaiman Nadvi’s research is also furnished at the end. It is a very good article which has reviewed Saba from all important angles except from one angle that is discussed in the Holy Qur’an, that is, meeting of Queen Shaba and Prophet Solomon. 21: Yahood by M. Hameedulah (p. 355-): Etymology of word ”Yahood”, its history from Abraham through Jacob, Joseph, Mosses, David, Solomon and post Solomon Era are described. He does not locate sea where Pharaoh sank, while in Seerat Encyclopaedia, “Al-Luluul Maknoon”, the place located is “Baheerat-e-Murrah”. Biographies of the Jewish Prophets described in Qur’an as role model, Jewish ill-treatment to its Prophets, similarities between Arabic and Hebrew language are described diluting the Orientalists’ (H. Speyer) claim of too much effect of Hebrew on Arabic language. The immediate Pre-Prophetic Jewish history in Yemen, their centers, its religious influence on the Arabs, salient features of their pact with the Apostle, history of its relation with the Holy Prophet, wars with the Muslims, their good relations with Taima or affiliation with Muqannah, Jara’ and Azrah are traced. The Apostle’s providing food subsidies or assistance to the Jews, ties with the Jewish dynasty of Taima (progeny of Samwal bin A’diya), relations with the Jewish chiefs in Bahrain, Zu-Amr of Yemen, and the Jews of Taif are dealt with cruelties. The background to the Zionist movement, an international conspiracy in establishing Israel, role of superpowers in Post-Israelite period up to 1988 are thoroughly analyzed. It is an excellent article of saying the maximum in the fewest possible words. The whole


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history of the Jewish tribe is told in a couple of pages. It is one of the excellent articles on tribal geography of the Jews. 22: Yam (Yemeni Tribe) by Adolfs Ghrohmann (pp. 271-272): Geography of Banu Yam, its characteristics, unique features, religious or sectarian affiliation, colonies, its government, its clans, its importance in Seerah, in Ottoman Caliphate are described. Its namesake area and mountains are also described. It is less important tribe hence, details are sufficient. 23: Yaraboo by Abdul Qayyum (p. 286): Genealogy of 8 tribes, with same name and its branches, and its description in epic and poetry is described. Its importance in Islamic history or Seerah is not described. 24: Ya’rub by A. Grohiman (p. 299): The eponym of Himyar is introduced. He asserts that a part of Yaqub Hamwi’s book, “Kitabul Buldan” is on the Western Arabia and Kufa. His style is simple and pure, and he refrains from strange stories with which geographical treatises are replete. (B) ENTRIES ON INDIVIDUAL GEOGRAPHY OF SEERAH: Entries on individual geography of Seerah are as follows. The Holy Prophet’s contemporaries, ancestors or rivals are introduced in them. 1: Ahnaf bin Qais by Ch. Pellat (pp. 171-173): He is introduced as a contemporary of the Holy Prophet, but not a companion, who was Tamimi and resided at Basra. His appearance, response to Islam, his conquests, buildings got built by him, benignity and political influence in pious caliphal and Umayid Eras are highlighted. 2: Harb bin Ummayyah (pp. 55-56): He introduces him and describes his qualities, declaring him to be companion of Abdul Mutalib. Rivalries of Bani Hashim and Bani Ummayya are described to be the product of later years. 3: Hurmuz by U. Haurt: Brief biographical sketches of 5 emperors of Sassanid Dynasty are furnished. Among them Hurmuz iv was the Apostle’s contemporary, but the author omitted his contemporariness with the Apostle. 4: Al-Hutaiah by I. Godlziher (pp. 417-419): He is a contemporary poet of the Apostle. His age, his characteristics, greed, miserliness, difference of opinion about his tribal affiliation, his poetic talent especially in Eulogy and lampoon writing, the later researchers’ attempts to edit his anthology, his personal traits, change in nature of his faith and temperament, and his name sack famous figures are introduced. Sufficient details are provided by the renowned author.

5: Qus bin Saida Al-Ayadi by H. Lammens (pp. 134-136): His real and fictional attributes assigned to him are discerned. Etymology of his title is


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described. Parts of tradition, associated to him, are critically evaluated. The article writer shows tilt to prove him no more than a fictional character. He asserted that he existed far before Prophet, if he ever existed. 6: Al-Qais by A. Fischer (pp. 545-546): The article writer declares it a name of idol due to some names of persons, for instance, Abd-il-Qais, while the institution asserts that it is a personal name of some Arabs. The 2nd view looks more realistic, because the writer could not give the clue of its temple. 7: Qais bin Al-Khateem by T. Kowalski (pp. 546-): The poet of Aws tribe and contemporary of Hassan bin Thabit is introduced herein, discerning real and fictional elements attributed to him. His vindictive nature, famous relatives, his anthology and its manuscripts, deities, and salient features of his poetry, and its significance to understand primitive geography are highlighted. He asserts that the compiler (T. Kowalski) published his anthology from Lipizg with German translation and commentary. 8: Usama (bin Zaid) by Syed Nazir Niyazii (pp. 531-533): His brief introduction, relation or closeness with the Apostle, cause of his absence in Uhud Battle, and participation in the conquest of Makkah followed a little bit detailed description of his expedition dispatched by the Apostle in the last days of his life. His status and character during caliphal and post-caliphal periods are highlighted. His date of birth, his tribal affiliation and mistaken murder of a Muslim in the holy expedition are omitted, though there is indirect reference to his age. Being written by a Muslim his absolutely positive character is projected. 9: Waraqa bin Naufal by Abdul Qayyum (pp. 637-638): His tribal and religious affiliation, his expertise in Hebrew language, his abstain from wine, his verification of the very first revelation, his being issueless are described. His friends, the Apostle along with Zaid bin Amr, his brothers (Safwan and Adi) and the extinction of their progeny are described. Issue of his acceptance of Islam is not discussed. Biographical sketches of his brothers are incorporated in this article. 10: Hind Bint-e-Utabah by Abdul Qayyum, (pp. 208-209): Her genealogy, parentage, names of all her husbands, her animosity to Islam, her love for poetry and elegies, incident of her coming into folds of Islam, her post-Prophetic activities like trade and participation in wars and her death are described. Names of her son, Muawiya, and a daughter Umm-ul-Hakam are referred to, but all her children are not described, for instance, Handhala who was assassinated in Badr. Secondly, samples of her elegies written at the death of her father, brother and son are not furnished. Description of introduction to her children, samples of her elegies, and dialogue between her and Umar at Oath taking might have enriched the article.


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Some entries are written on primitive individual geography of Seerah, because they introduce to primitive people who figured in pre-Prophetic history. They are as follws. 11: Ismael by W. Caskel (pp. 728-729): He admits Ismael the intended slaughtered son of Abraham, secondly, he endorses Paran (F’ar’an) to be Makkah, but he considers Ismael to be a son of slave girl or concubine. Anayat Ullah Chiryakoti, in his book, “Dalail-e-Bahira fi Hurriat-e-H’ajira” and in “Rahmatul lil A’lameen”, Syed Sulaiman Salman Mansurpuri have proved two things. Firstly, H’ajra is an Egyptian princess. Secondly, this verse of the Old Testament is an interpolation by the Jews. 12: Rachel by bin Heller (pp. 103-104): She is introduced and her position in the light of Qur’anic prohibition of marriage with two sisters is clarified. Unauthentic events, mythological elements, poetical presentation and its causes are briefly referred to. Her delineation in the modern movies broadcast in 21st century on the life of Joseph, are yet to be discussed. 13: Zul-Kifl by Abdul Majid Daryaabadi (pp. 62-63): Difference of opinion among scholars about his entity and geography is described without naming the Scholars. He was identified with Ezkiel, a Prophet of Israel, and the brief biography of him is furnished from 26th book of the Old Testament. 14: Zu-Nawas by Institution (pp. 67-68): His introduction, cause of fame and subsequent Kingdom, Jewish fanaticism, massacre at Najran and his remembrance and Papal literature are described. His early life is not mentioned, nor is his relation with Hassan and Amar, the Kings of Yemen. (C) ENTRIES ON PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF SEERAH: Entries on physical geography of Seerah are as follows.

1: Hajar by Fr. Buhl: (City) After describing its geography, its brief history is traced from Pre- Prophetic Era down to 10th century, its difference from the cities with same or similar names is highlighted. Its recent history and situation is ignored. 2: Hajarah (A Village of Southern Arabia) by J. Schliefer: Its tribal geography is narrated. 3: Hajarain by J. Schleifer: Hajarain a city of Hadharmaut, is made familiarized vis-à-vis its ruin of Reidun Ruins – they are important in primitive geography of Arabia, as it was capital of pre-Islamic Empire of Himyer. Here lies its importance for Seerah. 4: Harrah written by Institution (pp. 70): Definition of it, its existence in Arabia and books, which contain its details are mentioned. Al-Harrah (Waqim) by L.Veccia Vaglierie (pp. 70-74): Harra incident that took place in 63H is described in detail. Its situation in the Prophetic era, and which and which clans of Aws and Khazraj tribes inhabited which part of Harra are not mentioned. 5: Al-Haramain by bin Lewis (pp. 111-113): It deals with Ottoman system of management of offerings of these two holy sanctuaries.


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6: Al-Hareeq by J. Schliefer (pp. 166): It is a province of Najd but its importance in ascendency of Saudi government is discussed. 7: Al-Hasa by F. S. Vidal (pp. 171-174): Its geography, its latitude, longitude, capital, juristic affiliation of its people, its agriculture and economic activities are discussed. He asserts that its primitive history is unknown; secondly, it bore same name in the Prophet’s time. Its post Prophetic history, especially its role under Qaramata and Persians during three centuries is described. As for his two assertions: the primitive history of it is not as deficient as he claimed. Secondly, in the Prophet Era, its name was not same, rather its name was Bahrain which is different from modern day Kingdom of Bahrain. It has checkered history of Prophetic Era which the author omitted. 8: Hisan Al-Ghurab (pp. 394-40): It is a fort at southern Yemen, Its geography, architectural features, material used in its construction, ruins around it, archipelago near it are described. This article is on primitive geography of Seerah. 9: Hadhar Maut by J. Despois (pp. 408-414): Its geography, neighbouring countries, cause of its so naming and its tribal demography in primitive time according to Greek geographers is described. But he only furnishes the names of ancient tribes and does not identify them with modern tribes inhabiting Yemen, nor does he comment on its extinction. Its climatology, topography, hydrography, mountains, ports, cities, villages, important places, plateau, houses are discussed. The important tribes, their locations, clans and their physical geography, tribal distribution, ruling dynasty, personalities in the Prophetic time, tribal aristocracy, cross section of society, trade relations industry and its people are introduced. It is a good summation of the research of his predecessors, both the Arabs and the European tourists. Just a paragraph highlights its situation in the Prophet’s time. Even glimpses of sacrilegious wars are avoided. 10: Hadhur by J. Schliefer (pp. 414-416): It is a mountain. Its geography, cause of its so naming, existence of the Mosque and tomb of Prophet Shoaib on it are asserted. Its proximity to other important places around it, its tourism facilities, climatology and fauna and its difference from other mountains bearing same name are discussed herein. He does not get involved in the discussion, whether the Prophet Shoaib is really buried there or not. Secondly, he omits, what causes the Prophet Shoaib, to move from Northern Arabia to Southern Arabia. Thirdly, the tombs of the Prophet Shoaib existed in other countries, are also not brought into purview of discussion. All the controversial issues are brushed aside.

11: Al-Hafoof by J. Schileifer: (pp. 233-235): Its geography, political distribution, governor, demography, trade, reference to Qaramata movement, Najd government, foreign trade and recreation are described in this article. This is extremely weak article, because it altogether ignores its importance in Pre-


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Prophetic and co-Prophetic periods and caliphal Era. It is important in history for its historical, tribal significance in the Prophetic Era, not for Najd and Egyptian rivalries. 12: Hufash by J. Schliefer (pp. 419): It is a mountain of southern Arabia. He describes its geography, its proximity with other famous mountains, Mosques, palaces and mythological elements ascribed to it on the authority of Al-Hamadani and Neibuhr. Its tribal demography, fauna and flora are not discussed. 13: Hunain by Muhammad Hameedulah (pp. 696-698): He casts doubts on its geography, describes the geography of Jeirana towards North of Makkah, between Makkah and Taif, but correct is that Taif lies to the South-East of Makkah. The road between Makkah and Taif was not straight. Hence, Taif lies to the South East of Makkah, not to the North. To describe geography of Qaran, he use more precise terms than other geographers, for instance, Qaran lies to the east northeast. Tripod geographical orientation is used, while other geographers usually use di-pod, that is, northeast or southeast. Modern geographers like Shauqi Abu Khaleel give new name of Hunain as As-Sharai-ul-Mujahideen and thus removes ambiguity of geography of Hunain. Dr. Hameedullah traces geography of Ot’as from maps which were got drawn by Sultan Abdul Hameed for building Hejaz Rrailways and which were mentioned in Ba-Salama’s article. Details of Battle Hunain or place Hunain, and description of its route accompany his personal opinions: firstly, he asserted that the non-Muslim volunteers participated in the Battle Hunain. Secondly, the possibility of vested interest of chiefs of Taif in the Makkan economy can not be over ruled. Both the points are valid and suit to the sensibility of such a genius as Dr. Hameedullah is. 14: Najd by Adolf Gohn (pp. 126-13): Its etymological meanings in different languages, its geographical expansion in the light of many scholars and geographers, its famous areas, ranges or mountains, Kinda dynasty, its economic prosperity and fair, its relation with the Holy Prophet before and after migration are described. Preaching to them at Hajj, Ber Mauna Calamity, letter of Hauza bin Ali, allotment of land to Muja’a bin Murarah, Najadi, deputation to Najd and imposter Musailma are referred to. The famous Najadi personalities, Suadi Empire and its border disputes, its topography, rivulets, mountains, deserts, climatology, hydrography, dams, pastures, agriculture and university Muhamad bin Saud are described. In tribal affiliation, only Abu Hanifa of Yamama is descrbed. Banu A’mir bin Sa’sa’a, Banu Asad, Banu Tai, Banu Hilal are altogether omitted, though Beer Mauna calamity is mentioned. Secondly, most of the geographers include Yamama in Aroodh not in Najd. Thirdly, skirmishes with omitted tribes are also omitted. 15: Najr’an by A. Moberg (pp. 133-137): Its detailed geography, rivulet & fertility caused by it, its influential tribes, its importance vis-à-vis Caravan routes


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and recent condition of this route, and Najran city in the light of Orientalists’ travelogues and archaeological discoveries are described. Pre-Islamic, contemporary Islamic and post Islamic periods of history of Najran are discussed. He categorically rejects that Banu Harith bin Ka’b, mentioned in Hadiht as “Ameer” of city are not so, rather they belong to Mazhaj tribe. Secondly, though the occurrence of incident of cruelty to “the People of Ditch” at Najran is verified by Greek, Aramian and Abyssinian sources, he sarcastically mentions exegetes’ explanation of the incident in the light of “Chapter Al-Burooj” of the holy Qur’an. It shows his prejudice. As for first statement, he rejects it but does not name the leading tribe of Najran. In the absence of the description of leading tribe, his assertion or negation is meaningless. 16: Uhad by Dr. Hameedullah: Starting from description of its location, he furnishes details of its geometric shape, its whereabouts, its natural and physical geography, its distance from different physical or geographical points. He also furnishes details of the Muslim and Qureishite routes to Uhad. He procures geography of Uhad based on his personal observations as well as what he had read in travelogues of travelers to Hejaz, both Muslim and non-Muslim, who visited Uhad in different periods spanning a wide time of centuries. On Suhaili’s authority, he verified the presence of A’ron’s grave here; while on authority of Abu Dujana’s couplet, he argues the presence of a date groove between Uhad and Rumat monde. He holds that Khalid bin Walid’s cavalry was separated from main military in the beginning, but he does not stretch it & lessens the charge of disobedience of the archers. A detailed map of Gahzwa Uhad is furnished, displaying position of both Islamic and disbelievers’ camps and Khalid’s cavalry. It also shows ranks in the battlefield, two springs, former and latter refuge places of the Holy Prophet, former and latter burial place of Hamza, his place of martyrdom, water course of Wadi Qanath with its old bridge, two monde, which separate cemeteries for the Helpers and the Migrants and Cave of the Holy Prophet and date groove. Though a comprehensive article, yet he omitted the routes of fleeing and returning armies, which the most of the geographers have elaborately described. 17: Al-Yamamah by Adolf Grohmann (pp. 311-12): Reason of its so naming, its old and modern day geography, its taxes, important places, fauna and flora are described. Reference to pre-Islamic tribes, Prophetic adversary and his fate are found in it. Its famous figures, Thumama bin Uthal and Prophet’s contemporary Hauza bin Ali and his response to the Apostle’s letter in post migration period and to Islam in pre-migration period and deputation sent to Madina are altogether missed. Yamama is famous since history due to its staunch opposition to Islam not due to its fauna and flora. 18: Yarboo by Adolf Grohman (pp. 322-323): Geography of this part, its difference from namesake city, feasibility and usage of its port, climatology, its


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flora, demography, the Holy Prophet’s contemporary tribe inhabiting here are described. The article ends with reason of it so naming. 19: Yemen by Adolf Grohmaun John Pederson Appendix (pp. 312-322): At page 312 Mt. Surat is written Shara’, at page 313, Mahra is written with ‘ha’ with dot, geography of Yemen and cause of its so naming are described. Difference of opinion among geographers vis-à-vis area of Yemen is elaborately discussed, for instance, Ptolemy, Springer, Al-Wasai, Ibn-e-Khurdazab, Al-Idreesi, Al-Ismai, Hamadani, Ibn-e-Hauqal, Maqdasi and Damashqi’s opinions are given place. Political distribution of Yemen, sectarian hold on its different areas, Ottoman Yemen and the author’s own concept of geography of Yemen are described. Likewise, disagreement of its demography, ethnic issue, topography, fauna, flora, minerals, industry, import, export, pots, and communications are described. A brief sketch of Ottoman rule in Yemen is furnished, followed by its fall and succession by the Arabs, its partition, and Turk-Italian war. Appendix is written by J. Pederson. He introduces influential Yemenite families under Ottoman rule and English imperialism. System of government, and so forth, are discussed. Pre- Prophetic and co-Prophetic history is avoided. (D) ENTRIES ON IDOLS: These entries fall into the category of primitive religious geography of Arabia, the land of Seerah. The entries on the idols, which figured much in the lives of the people surrounding the Holy Prophet, are as follows 1: Hubul (Idol) by A. J. Wensinck: Two traditions of its existence at Ka’bah are given without preference of one to other. The structure of idol, belief of Qureihs in it, especially its expressed opinion about it during and before war of Badr and Uhud, and so forth are highlighted. All the traditions are uncritically narrated. 2: Zue As-Shuara’a by G. Ryckmans (pp. 44-46): Its etymological explanation, difference of opinion among scholars concerning its tribal association, archaeological evidence of its existence, its similarity with Syrian god Dusares, geography of its temple, and tradition of its worship by the Nabataeans are mentioned. Both Islamic sources and archaeological discoveries are ransacked for this article. 3: Usaf (Idol) by (p. 531): It is introduced as a man from Banu Jurham, who was turned into idol and then worshipped on direction of Amar bin Luhai. It is admitted that its etymology is described by Dozy in “De Israeleten te Mekka”. It is extremely brief entry, and event of its demolition is omitted.

4: Zul-Khalasa by T. Fahd (pp. 40-41): Its geography shape, names of tribes which worship it, its offerings, attributes associated to it divination arrows, Imra-ul-Qais’s treatment to it, its demolition at the hands of Jareer bin Abdullah Al-Bajali and a Hadith referring to this idol are mentioned. All traditional


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information about it can be found in Yaqut Hamvi’s “Mujam ul Buldan” and Kalbi’s “Kitab-ul-Asnam”. This article adds nothing new. (E) MISCELLANEOUS ENTRIES ON GEOGRAPHY OF SEERAH: Miscellaneous articles are as follows: 1: Hijrat (Migration) by Mahmood-ul-Hassan Arif: Its etymology, Qur’anic view of migration, its importance in the Holy Prophet’s live is followed by migration to Abyssinia and Madina. Lists of the Migrants are not furnished. The real name of chief of Q’ara tribe is given, that is, Ibn-e-Daghinna’s name (Al-Harith bin Yazeed or Malik bin Yazeed), the name of Abu Bakr’s tribes man Al-Harith bin Khalid, who accompanied him is also furnished. Qureishite deputation sent to bring back the Muslims, the two phases of return of the Migrants, details of the Apostle’s migration and Abu Bakr’s services during migration are highlighted. Name and service of guide (only one), meeting with Buraida Aslami, Zubair and Suraqa, stay at Thaur and at Umme Mabad’s (A’tika bint-e-Khalid bin Khulaif Khuzaia), at Quba, Friday sermon at colony of Banu S’alim, and at Abu Ayyub’s residence are highlighted. Hence, stay at important major points is not missed. He ends migration journey, when the Apostle shifts to his holy closets and his family reached Madina, while others end this journey to his arrival at Quba or Madina. In time geography, he throws light on importance of this event in Islamic history and calendar. Moreover, he discusses intricacies in time geography due to dual system of Islamic calendar. He points to its causes and how they can be solved. 2: Hudnah by Majeed Khadduri: It is on political geography of Seerah, as it defines it and highlights its importance in the Apostle’s Era and post-Prophetic period. It is equated with modern day international pact to suspend war like situation and restore truce or temporary peace between the Muslims and non-Muslims. With the Holy Prophet’sand his immediate successors’ examples, the salient features of agreements and pacts of Islamic state are analysed. Hanafi point of view is clearly distinguished from the rest of juristic schools of thought. 3: Zulfiqar by E. Mitwocii (pp. 46-47): Al-As bin Munabah Sword. Its shape, etymology, name of former owner, its association with the Apostle and Ali, its symbolic significance for progeny of Ali, its metaphorical structure and its explanation, its mentioning in one of the Apostle’s dream are described. The article abruptly ends. It does not describe its preservation by Turks in Tope Kape Museum, Istanbul, Turkey. He describes the name of its owner A’s bin Munabeh while other Seerah writers opine that it belongs to Munabeh bin Hajjaj. 4: Ghazawat-e-Nabvi by Gulzar Ahmad (pp. 147-213): Etymological and lexical meanings of Ghazawat-e-Nabvi, its plurals, its 7 periods, war strategy, tactics and principles of war are discussed. 7 periods by holy campaigns, the


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Holy Prophet’s war or defense strategy, tactics, moves, and so forth, are clearly described. 1st Period: He highlights Qureishite activities of flag march, troop formation, fighting patrol, operational orders in terms of modern warfare. He describes holy expedition of Hamza as 3rd expedition, while it is described as the first or 2nd expedition by majority Seerah writers. As deputy or governor of Madina, Sa’d bin Muaz’’s name is mentioned in the second holy campaign, while he furnishes As Saib’s name as deputy. He does not mention that spoils of Nakhla expedition were distributed after Badr. All the 4 holy campaigns and 4 holy expeditions are explained separately, highlighting its strategies. 2nd Period: He asserts that sending trade caravan by Qureish and its subsequent assault was all planed. Secondly, he proves that Abu Sufyan sent Dhamdham from Zarqa’a not from Badr. Thirdly, he mentions activity of only one intelligence party led by the Apostle, while Waqdi has mentioned 4 such parties. For physical layout of battlefield, he uses modern terms like command headquarter, sections, platoon forming, position of cavalry, main army, and so forth. Qur’anic geographical description of Badr is fully explained. Armament discipline or fire discipline, principles of single combat, encircling movement, uncoordinated advance of Qureish, and the Prophet’s strategy all are explained. He declares the Holy Prophet the inventor of army formation in battlefield. In this phase, he does not describe the holy expeditions of S’alim bin Umiar and Amar bin Adi who were sent for assassination of poets Abu Ifk and Asma binte Marvan, because they were individual assignments not comprising of troops. Destination of Zaid bin Haritha’s expedition is not mentioned. It was Qardah. Repudiating the plundering activities of these holy campaigns and expeditions, he explains the principles of science of war planning. Out of 8 military campaigns, he mentioned all the holy campaigns in detail. Here he omitted the issue, where did the Muslim perform Fajr prayer, but in his book, “Ghazawat-e-Nabvi”, he discussed it. Military term of Frontal Attack, Flank’s attack and numerical superiority and withdrawal are used. This seems to be the gist of discussion found in his book, “Ghazawat-e-Nabvi”. But all the unique features and points of discussion remained in the book and could not be presented in this article. His description of Uhud war, its 3 phases with 6 maps as described in his book is excellent.

3rd Period:Even single man expedition of Abdullah bin Unais is mentioned. Abu Bara belongs to A’mir bin Sa’sa’ not to Banu Kil’ab. The tribal participation of allies and names of its commander are given. Geographical deployment of enemy is given. At page 195 Huyyay bin Ahtab is written Huyyay bin Akhtab with dot on it. The minute details of the two armies on either side are given. At page 175 the name of the holy campaign, which is not mentioned, is Zat -ir-Riqa’a; at page 176 the name of holy campaign wherein statuesque agreement with Juhaina was singed was Buwat (because it is one of the mountain of Banu Juhain’s residence).


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4th Period:All important expeditions, its destinations, picture or geography, salient features of this phase and peace issues are discussed. Expeditions sent for assassination of Ka’b bin Ashrf and Sallam bin Abi Huqaiq are omitted. At page 203 Fort Qamoos is written Khamros. Description of the conquest of forts, and the Apostle’s peace negotiations, or dialogues goes side by side. 5th Period:It describes propagation of Islam in the foreign lands along with important expeditions. 6th Period:Along other expeditions, Muta is elaborately described. Its war council, and hit and run tactics, strategy of phalanxes, and so forth, are explained. He asserts, Muta took place at place Musharif. Array of armies in battlefield is explained as elaborately as in case of holy campaigns. Causes of conquest of Makkah, division of the Muslim army in 4 Brigade are described, but routes of its entry are not elaborately explained. He asserts that the Holy Prophet stayed at “Izahir”, but it is name of grass not the name of a place. 7th Period: Even deputations are referred to. Importance of holy expeditions is highlighted at the end. It seems to be the gist of his book, “Ghazaw’at-e-Rasool Allah”, written in 10 volumes. It is the best book written on the subject to date. Although the selection is good, yet it could not incorporate all the qualities and unique features of 10 volumes(6). 5: Harbah by A.J. Wensinck (pp. 57): (A kind of small weapon). Its definition, its usage for the Holy Prophet’s protection, for prestige of chief of tribe, and gist of incident describing how the Holy Prophet received it from Abyssinia are mentioned. At page 185, genealogy of Mudhar and Rabia tribes is wrong. Adnan is correct, but Irfan is wrong in the genealogy. 6: Al-Hums by M. Hameedullah (pp. 630-632): This article is on social geography of Seerah, since it discusses social set up of Arabia. He describes three types of Arabian tribes vis-à-vis privileges, furnishing detailed list of tribes and its clans of all three categories. He highlights salient features of all of these categories; traces history of these privileges and elaborates what privileges were endorsed and which were repudiated by the Holy Qur’an, and then concludes the article with etymological meanings of these terms and exception of circumambulation in complete nudity by Dhuba’a bint-e-A’mir Al-Qushairiya. This is beautiful summation of the concept. 7: Hima by J. Chelod (pp. 661-662): This article is again on social geography of Seerah, since it discusses social milieu of Arabia. He describes its lexical meanings, history of owners of the pasture vis-à-vis Kulaib bin Rabia, and consequential war of Basoos, importance of these pastures as sanctified area, Qur’anic and Islamic concept of sanctified area, the tradition of the Holy Prophet and caliphs in endorsing this institute. Although written by a non-Muslim, this


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article clearly demarcates the philosophical, ethical and physical boundaries of sanctified area in Islam and idolatry. 8: Haneef written by Institution (PP. 694-695): Simple definition, etymological, lexical meanings in the light of Qur’anic verses and Muslim scholars’ opinions are described. But it altogether omitted the difference between the meanings of this term in Arabic and Hebrew languages, the discourses or accusations of the Orientalists and the answers to them by Syed Sulaiman Nadvi in his book Tareekh-e-Ardh-e-Qur’an. SALIENT FEATURES OF THE ENTRIES: (a) The entries written by the non-Muslim writers share some points which are as follows: 1. The non-Muslim writers usually skip the Prophetic period. 2. They either focus on pre- Prophetic period or the post-Prophetic period. 3. They highlight skirmishes and rivalries among the tribes in the post-

Prophetic period. 4. They exaggerate non-Islamic traits of the tribes, individuals and places. 5. A few of them have the tendency to repudiate the whole lot of Islamic

research. (b) The entries written by the Muslim writers share some points which are as follows: 1. The Muslim writers usually focus the Prophetic period. 2. They usually skip the pre- Prophetic and the post-Prophetic periods, or give

least importance to these periods. 3. They strictly avoid mentioning the moot or controversial points like

skirmishes and rivalries among the tribes or among the individuals in the co-Prophetic or post-Prophetic periods.

4. They project Islamic traits of the tribes, individuals and places. CONCLUSION: These are gigantic volumes, reflecting scholarship of both the Muslim and non-Muslim experts. But like every human effort, they are not infallible. On some points, though a very few, they need revision, which had been suggested. Hence, this encyclopaedia is excellent, but not without faults. Modern Seerah writers especially Shauqi Abu Khaleel(7) and Misbah-ud-Din Shakeel(8) Sir Syed Ahmad Khan(9), Maulana Maududi(10), Abu-al-Kalam Azad(11), Maulana Arslan bin Akhtar Maiman(12), Dr. M. Ilyas Abdul Ghani(13), M. Nafaisi(14), Abu Bakr Jabir Al-Jazairi(15), and Abdul Hakeem Malik(16) have drawn maps, pedigree charts and graphs to highlight individual and tribal geography, for instance, separate pedigree charts are drawn to depict the Apostle’s relationship with different tribes and its important figures. Many books have been and are being written to highlight Hajj routes(17). These gigantic works have set a trail for others to come.


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REFERENCES 1. Urdu Daira Mua’rif Islamia Or Urdu Encyclopaedia, (Lahore: University of the Punjab). 2. Abu Khaleel, Dr. Shauqi, “Atlas Seerat-un-Nabi”, trans. Hafiz M. Ameen, exp. Muhsin Farani,

(Lahore: Darus Salam, 2004). 3. Nadvi,Syed Sulaiman Nadvi “Tareekh-e-Ardhul Qur’an (The History of Land of Quran)”,

(Karachi: Majlis-e-Nashriyat-e-Islam, 2011 CE). 4. Abdul Malik Mujahid, Muhsin Farani, Hafiz M. Ibraheem Tahir Kailani, Maulana Tanveer

Ahmad, Hafiz Abdullah Nasir Madani, Hafiz Iqbal Siddique and Hafiz Abu Bakr Ahmad Khawaja, rev. Maulana Irshadul Haq Athari, Prof. M. Yahya and Maulana M. Khalid Saif, “Al-Lulu-ul Maknoon” (Seerat Encyclopaedia), (Ar-Riyadh: Maktaba Dar-us-Salam, 1433H).

5. Ghazi, Mahmood Ahmad, Dr., “Muhadhrat-e-Seerat” (Lecures on Seerah), (Lahore: Al-Faisal Nashran, 2007). ISBN is 969-503-514-2.

6. Gulzar Ahmad, Brig., “Ghazaw’at-e-Rasool Allah”, (Lahore: Ziaul Qur’an Publications, August 1986). It was printed by Mahmood Riyaz Printers. Its second volume entitled “From Badr to Uhud” presents six maps for Battle Uhud. Geography is so beautifully and correctly described hererin that all the geographical statements by Waqdi, Ibn-e-Ish’aq and Imam Bukhari come true.

7. Dr. Shauqi Abu Khaleel has written the following books on this topic: (1) Abu Khaleel, Dr. Shauqi, “Atlas Seerat-un-Nabi”, trans. Hafiz M. Ameen, exp. Muhsin Farani, (Lahore: Darus Salam, 2004). (2) Abu Khaleel, Dr. Shauqi, “Atlas of the Qur’an”, (Lahore: Darussalam,Global Leaders in Islamic Books). (3) Abu Khaleel, Dr. Shauqi, “Atlas: At-Tareekh-ul-Arabi Al-Islami”, (Damuscus, Dar-ul-Fikr, 2008).

8. Misbah-ud-Din Shakeel has written the following books on this topic: (1) Shakeel, Misbah-ud-Din, “Ardh-e-Nishanat-e-Nabvi”, (Karachi: Fadhali Sons Pvt. Ltd, first edition, May 2009). (2) Shakeel, Misbah-ud-Din, “Nishaanat-e-Ardh-e-Qur’an”, (Karachi: Fadhli Sons Pvt. Ltd, First edition, February, 2005). (3) Shakeel, Misbah-ud-Din, “Seerat Ahmad-e-Mujtabah “,Shah Misbah-ud-Din, (Karachi: Pakistan State Oil Company Ltd, 3rd edition, May 1996). (4) Shakeel, Misbah-ud-Din, “Seerat Album”, (Karachi: Pakistan State Oil Company, Ltd, Rabi-ul-Awal 1413 H/ September 1992).

9. Ahmad Khan, Sir Syed, “Khutbat-e-Ahmadiya fi Seerat-il-Muhammadiyah”. He is pioneer of geographical Seerah in the sub-continent. He set a trail for others to come.

10. Maududi, Maulana Abul A’la, “Tafheeml Qur’an”, (Lahore: Idara Tarjamn-ul-Qur’an, Shabnul Muazzam, 1424AH/Oct. 2003CE, 36th edition). The maps provided for the Israelite Prophets by Maulana Abul A’la Maududi in “Tafheeml Qur’an” are excellent.

11. Azad, Abu-al-Kalam, “Rasool-e-Rehmat”, edited by Ghulam Rasool Mahar, (Lahore: Ishat-e-Nau). 12. Maulana Arslan bin Akhtar Maiman has written the following books on the geographical

Seera. (1) Maiman, Arslan bin Akhtar, “Tabarkat-e-Nabvi ka Tasweeri Album”, (Karachi: Maktabah Arslan,5 Feb 2008). (2) Maiman, Arslan bin Akhtar, “Masjad-e-Nabvi ka Tareekhi Album” (Historical Album of the Prophet’s Mosque), (Karachi: Maktabah Arslan, Jan. 2006, first edition). (3) Maiman, Arslan bin Akhtar, “Holy Wells and Mountains Attributed to the Apostle”, (Karachi: Maktabah Arsalan, August 2014, first edition). (4) Maiman, Arslan bin Akhtar, “Holy Relics of the Pious Caliphs”, (Karachi: Maktabah Arslan, January 2011, 1st Edition). (5) Maiman, Arslan bin Akhtar, “Pictorial Album of (Tabarkate-Anbiya) Relics of Prophets”, (Karachi: Maktabah Arslan, Feb. 2010, first edition).

13. Dr. M. Ilyas Abdul Ghani has written the following books on the geographical Seera. (1) Abdul Ghani, Dr. M. Ilyas, translated by Rizwan-ur-Rahman Al-Qasmi, “Masjad-e-Nabvi ky Pa’s Sahabah ke Makanat”, (Al-Madina, Al-Munawwarha: Mutabeh Ar-Rasheed, 203CE/1424H, 2nd edition). (2) Abdul Ghani, Dr. M. Ilyas, “Masjad-e-Nabvi Sharif (History, Conduct and Attributes)”, (Al-Madina Al-Munawara: Matabe Ar-Rasheed, 2003/1424H, 2nd edition). (3) Abdul Ghani, Dr. M. Ilyas, “Tareekh-e-Madina Munawwarah”, (Lahore: Mutabe-Ar-Rashid, Defense Society, 1424 AH). (4) Abdul Ghani, Dr. M. Ilyas, “Tareekh-e-Makkah Mukarimah”, (Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah: Mutabe Ar-Rasheed, 2002CE/1423H, first edition). (5) Abdul Ghani, Dr. M. Ilyas, “Madina Munawarrah ki Tareekhi Masajid”, (Al Madinah Al Munawarrah: Mutabeh Ar Rasheed, 2002CE/1423H, 1st edition). Unfortunately,


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for emotional reasons perhaps, he has shown the Mosque of Prophet in the North, i.e., on the top of the page, but actually it existed in the South, i.e., on the lower part of the page. Hence, all the houses situated in the right hand are shown on the left hand and vice versa.

14. M. Nafaisi too has done the same work on quite different lines as was accomplished by Dr. M. Ilyas Abdul Ghani.

15. Al-Jazairi, Abu Bakr Jabir, trans. Asif Javeid, “Seerat-e-Habeeb”, (Lahore: An-Nooor Publications, Nov. 2011 CE, first edition).

16. Abdul Hakeem Malik, “Qur’anic Atlas- Great Prophet Muhammad”, (Canada: Islamic Research Foundation Global). (Muzaffargarh, Pakistan: A’mir Publications).

17. Books on Hajj routes are: (1) Farooqi, Shafeeq Ahmad,, “Ardh-ul-Hajj wal Harmain As-Shareefain”, (Faisalabad: Tayyab Group of Industries, Rabiul Awal, 1430H, 6the edition). (2) Mufti Muhammad, “Hajj (According to Sunnah)”, (Karachi: Dar-ul-Afta’a wala Irshad, 1425 AH). (3) Al-Buadani, Faisal b. Ali, translated by Mufti Muhammad Ana’m-ul-Haq Qasmi, “Hajj and the Apostle’s Role, (Karachi: Banuri Town). Translator is a teacher at Jamia Al-Uloom-il-Islamia.(4) Pearson, M. N., “Pious Passengers (The Hajj in Earlier Times)”, (New Delhi: Sterling Publishers Private Ltd, 1994). (5) M. Hashim, Maulvi, “Rafeeq-e-Hajj wa Umra, (Lahore: MIS Publishers”, Rajab 1248H/Aug 2007). (6) “Haram Se Haram Tak”, Special Hajj Number, (Karachi: Pakistan State Oil Review (PSO Review), Zil-Hajj 1408 AH, V-2, Sr. no. 5,6,7, May, June, July, 1988.

Documents

Review of Entries on Geographical Seerah in Urdu Daira Mua ...mrjpk.com/wp-content/uploads/Issue 17/Review-of-Entries.pdf · The introduction to geographical entries is far easy than