History, when divested of the historians’ bias and prejudice, is a beautiful string of incidents and events, which speak a thousand tongues. When we study the history of early Islamic era, we are able to gain an insight into the society to which the message of Islam was preached, the circumstances which then prevailed, and the reciprocal responses of the leaders and the led.
From Seeratun-Nabi by Ibn Hisham we have selected twenty-four interesting stories. These stories, when interwoven into a single fabric, form a colourful backdrop against which the era just before and after the Prophet (p.b.u.h) can be clearly visualised. We hope the readers will be able to glean more than one message from each story; and for those who wish to prepare their analytic treatments of Islamic subjects, there will be relevance in more than one way.
We hope to serialise the subject, with sections from the lives of our Aimma (AS). May Allah accept our efforts, Amin.
Too Late!
Abu Basir A’asha was one of the great poets of the pre-Islamic era. One of his poems known as “LAMIYYA” is classified among the ten great epics of Arabia. In his famous eulogy of the Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) he says:
“Whenever you halt to rest at the door of the son of Hashim, you feel relaxed, and are blessed with his magnanimity…
From him comes charity you cannot miss, and the benefit. And what you gain today, is not refused tomorrow.”
A’asha decided to come to Makkah and embrace Islam. On his way, he met his old friends from the tribe of Quraysh. They asked him about his intentions, and when they learnt that A’asha, the great poet, wished to become a Muslim, they were disturbed.
One of them said: “A’asha, do you know that Muhammad has forbidden fornication and adultery?”
A’asha replied: “That does not deter me, for I have never been a desolate person.”
The other said: “Yes, but he has also forbidden wine and all alcohol drinks.”
A’asha paused, and then said: “Ah! I am fond of drinking, and I don’t think I am ready to renounce that habit. So, this year let me continue drinking to my content, and I shall go next year to become a Muslim.
A’asha returned, and died the same year.
Not Even For a Mountain of Gold
When the early Muslims were subjected to ill treatment and persecution, 83 of them migrated to Ethiopia, led by Ja’far bin Abu Talib. The infidels of Makkah learnt that the Muslims were having a comfortable refuge in Ethiopia. They sent a delegation comprising of Amr bin Al-Aas and Abdullah bin Rabia to Negus, the King of Ethiopia, loaded with invaluable gifts for the king and his ministers, and with a mission to seek repatriation of the Muslims.
After having presented the gifts, they approached the King. At his court, Negus was told by Amr bin Al-Aas that the Muslims believed in a Prophet who spoke derogatorily about Jesus. Turning to Ja’far bin Abu Talib, Negus enquired:
