Biography Books

The Companions of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w)

The Year of the Elephant

In 570 A.D, the Abyssinian Armies under the leadership of Abraha attacked the Holy Mecca to demolish the Kaaba.

Abdul-Muttalib, our Master Muhammad's grandfather, the Master of Mecca, went round the Kaaba praying for Allah, the Almighty, to prevent the invaders from demolishing the House which Ibraheem al-khalil and his son Ishmael built for people to worship Allah only.

Allah, the Almighty, accepted Abdul-Muttalib's prayer. So, when the elephants and the soldiers advanced to demolish the Kaaba, Ababil birds carrying stones in their beaks appeared in the horizon. They began dropping the stones. So, the invaders around the Kaaba were defeated.

Consequently, Allah's power and Abdul-Muttalib's importance appeared! That year was named the Year of the Elephant.

Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was born in that year. Abu-Talib was thirty years of age.

Allah, the Almighty, has mentioned this event in the Holy Koran: "In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with the possessors of the elephant?

Did He not cause their war to end in confusion?

And send down (to prey) upon them birds in docks,

Casting them against stones of backed clay

So, he rendered them like straw eaten up?"

Abdul-Muttalib, who dug Zamzam well, had ten sons. Abdullah, the Prophets father, was one of them. Abu-Talib, the Prophet's uncle, was one of them, too.

Our Master Muhammad (PB.U.H.), was an orphan. His father Abdullah died while he was a baby. When his mother died, he was six years of age.

So, his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib took care of him. He liked him very much. He thought that Muhammad would be a Prophet.

Abdul-Muttalib was righteous. He followed Ibraheem and Ishmael's religion. He advised his sons to follow good manners.

In the bed of death, Abdul-Muttalib said to his sons:

"A grandson of mine will be a Prophet. So, he who will be present at his time must believe in him."

Then he turned to his son, Abu-Talib, and whispered in his ear:

"Abu-Talib, Mohammed will be of great importance. So, support him with your hand and tongue."

The Guardian

Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was 8 years of age when his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib died. So, his uncle, Abu-Talib took care of him.

Abu-Talib's name was Abdu-Munaf. His mother's name was Fatima binte Amru. She belonged to bani-Makhzum. Abu-Talib was named Sheikh al-Bat-ha.

Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) lived with his uncle. His uncle treated him kindly. Fatima binte Asad, his uncle's wife, treated him kindly, too. She preferred him to all of her sons. So, our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) grew with a good family.

Abu-Talib's love for his nephew increased day by day because of his good manners and great politeness.

For example, when the food was ready, the Orphan Boy reached it politely. He said: "In the Name of Allah!"

When he finished, he said: "Thank Allah!"

One day, Abu-Talib missed his nephew Muhammad. So, he raised his hand from the food and said: "Till my son comes!"

When Muhammad came, Abu-Talib gave him a cup of yoghurt. Mohammed drank out of the cup. Abu-Talib's sons drank out of it one by one, too. They were all full. The uncle admired that. So, he said to his nephew: "Muhammad you are blessed!"

The Good News

Abu-Talib had heard good news from the people of the Book (the Jews and the Christians). The good news was that a Prophet would appear very soon. So, he took care of his nephew very much. He thought that he would be a Prophet. So, he didn't leave him alone.

When Abu-Talib wanted to go on a trade journey to Sham (Syria), he took our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) with him. Muhammad was nine years of age then.

In Basra, a city situated on the road of the trade caravans, there was an abbey. A monk lived in the abbey. The monk's name was Buhaira. He was always looking forward to the appearance of a new Prophet whose time approached.

When the monk looked at Muhammad, he realised that he would be the promised Prophet because he had the personality and expression of a Prophet.

The monk began looking at the Meccan Boy's face very carefully. Meanwhile, the good news about Jesus Christ sounded in his mind. The monk asked Abu-Talib about the Boy's name. So, Abu-Talib said: "His name's Muhammad."

The monk became very humble at his holy name. So, he said to Abu-Talib:

"Go back to Mecca. Protect your nephew from the Jews because he will be of great importance!"

Abu-Talib came back to Mecca. He adored Muhammad. He was very careful of his safety.

The Blessed Boy

The years passed. Mecca and its villages dried up because there was no rain.

The people came to Sheikh al-Bat-ha. They asked him to pray to Allah for rain. They said:

"Abu-Talib, the valley's become rainless. Our families are without food So come on and pray to Allah for rain."

Abu-Talib went out. He had great confidence in Allah. He took his nephew, Muhammad with him.

Abu-Talib and Muhammad stood beside the Kaaba. The boy's heart took a pity on the people. Abu-Talib asked Ibraheem's and Ishmael's Lord to send down heavy rain.

Muhammad looked at the sky.

Only a little time passed. The sky was full of clouds. Lighting flashed. Thunder sounded. The rain came down heavily.

The rainwater flowed in the villages. The people came back pleased thanking Allah for the blessing of the rain. Abu-Talib also came back. His love for his nephew increased very much.

The years passed. Muhammad became a young man. He was extremely polite. So, people called him the Truthful, the Trusty One.

The Supporter of the Persecuted

Abu-Talib disliked persecution very much. In the meantime, he liked the persecuted a lot. So, our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) liked Abu-Talib very much.

One day, a battle took place between the tribe of Kinana and the tribe of Qais. The tribe of Qais was the aggressor.

A man from the tribe of Kinana came to Abu-Talib and said: "Son of the bird feeder and pilgrim water-giver, don't be absent from us. We get victory in your presence."

Abu-Talib answered: "I don't be absent from you when you avoid persecution, enmity, rudeness, and falsehood."

So, they promised him to do that.

Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) stood by his uncle against Kinana.

The Alliance of Fodhool

Some people from Mecca attacked the pilgrims of Allah's House.

A man and his daughter belonging to the tribe of Khathaam came to visit Allah's House. A young man from Mecca took the young girl by force.

The Khathaamian man shouted: "Help! Help! Help!"

A passer-by said to him: "Go to the Alliance of Fodhool

The man went to Abu-Talib.

Abu-Talib founded the Alliance of Fodhool. It was an agreement signed by the Meccan leaders. According to the agreement they decided to help the persecuted and to punish the unjust.

When the Khathaamian man got there and asked them for help, some men took their swords and went to the young man's house. They threatened him and brought back the girl to her father.

Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was a member of the Alliance of Fodhool.

The Happy Marriage

Abu-Talib had a big family. He spent a lot of money on the poor. So, he became poor, too. Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) felt that he had to help his uncle. So, he decided to take Khadijah's goods to Sham (Syria).

The task was successful. Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) gave the trusts to their owners. This made Khadijah think of him. So, she asked him to marry her.

Abu-Talib was very pleased with that suggestion. So, he, a group of banu-Hashim, and Hamza bin Abdul-Muttalib, our Master Muhammad's uncle, went to ask Khadijah's hands from her family. Abu-Talib said:

"Praise be to Allah who has made us of Ibraheem's and Ishmael's sons, made a protected house and a safe sanctuary for us, and made our country blessed."

Then he added:

"My nephew Muhammad bin Abdullah is the best and greatest man of all the Quraysh. Besides, he's better than money because money's perishable. He likes Khadijah and she likes him. By Allah, he will be of great importance. Khadijah's dowry is of my money."

Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) and Khadijah got married.

The years passed. Allah gave Abu-Talib a new baby. The baby's name was Ali.

Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) wanted to relieve his uncle's worries. So, he went to his uncle's house to take Ali to his house.

Jibreel

The years passed. Abu-Talib became seventy years of age. Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was forty years of age. Muhammad went to Hira Cave every day. In that year, Jibreel came down from the sky. Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) heard him saying: "Read in the name of your Lord who created.

He created man from a clot.

Read and your Lord is most Honourable,

Who taught (to write) with the pen,

Taught man what he knew not."

Then Jibreel said:

"Muhammad, you are Allah's Messenger and I am Jibreel."

Muhammad came back from Hira Cave holding the Mission of the Sky.

His wife, Khadijah, believed in him. His cousin Ali bin Abu-Talib believed in him, too.

One day, while our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was praying and Ali was behind him, Abu-Talib came and said kindly:

"My nephew, what are you doing?"

The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said:

"We're praying for Allah according to the religion of Islam."

Abu-Talib said happily:

"There's no harm in what you are doing."

Then he said to his son Ali:

"Ali support your cousin. He does nothing but good."

In the Prophet's House

After a while, Jibreel came down holding Allah's Order:

"And warn your nearest relations, and be kind to him who follows you of the believers."

Allah's Messenger ordered Ali aged ten to invite his tribe, namely banu-Hashim. Abu-Talib, Abu-Lahab, and others came to the Prophet's house.

When they all had the food, our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) said:

"No Arab young man had brought his people like what I've brought you. I've brought you the good of here and of the hereafter."

Then, he asked them to believe in Islam. Abu-Lahab stood up and said with spite:

"Muhammad's put a spell on you."

Abu-Talib said angrily:

"Shut up! It's none of your business!"

Abu-Talib turned to our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) and said:

"Get up and say whatever you like. Spread Your Lord's Mission, for you're the Truthful, the Trusty one."

So, our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) got up and said:

"My Lord's ordered me to ask you to believe in Him. So, who will support me in this matter? Who wants to be my brother, my regent, and my successor after me?"

They kept silent.

So, Ali said eagerly:

"Allah's Apostle, I."

The Prophet rejoiced and embraced his young cousin while he was weeping.

Banu-Hashim stood up. Abu-Lahab was laughing and saying sarcastically to Abu-Talib:

"Mohammed's ordered you to hear and obey your son."

But Abu-Talib did not pay attention to him. Rather, he looked angrily at him.

Abu-Talib kindly said to his nephew:

"Go on what Allah's ordered you. By Allah, I will support and protect you."

Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) looked at his uncle respectfully. He felt strong as long as the Master of Mecca was with him.

The Supporter

Although Abu-Talib was an old man, he strongly stood by Muhammad's Mission. He was always protecting him from the Quraysh's polytheists.

A big number of the Meccans believed in Allah's religion paying no attention to the worship of the idols and to the threats of the Quraysh's tyrants.

One day, the Quraysh leaders came to Abu-Talib though he was confined to bed. They said angrily:

"Abu-Talib! Prevent your nephew from us because he's weakened our thoughts and insulted our gods."

Abu-Talib became sad because his people did not want to listen to the sound of truth.

So, he said to them:

"Give me time to speak to him."

Abu-Talib told our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) the words of the Quraysh leaders.

The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said respectfully:

"Uncle! I can't disobey, my Lord's Order."

Abu-Jahal, the most spiteful man, said:

"We'll give him whatever he wants of our money. Rather, well make him king over us if he wants."

The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) said:

"I want nothing but one word."

Abu-Jahal said:

"What's the word? We will give you as ten times as it!"

Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) said:

"Say there's no god but Allah."

So, Abu-Jahal was filled with anger:

"Ask another word instead!"

Allah's Apostle (P.B.U.H.) said:

"If you brought me the sun and put it in my hand I'd not ask a word instead."

Tension happened. The polytheists stood up. They were threatening our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.).

Abu-Talib said to our Master Muhammad:

"Save your soul and don't overburden me."

The Prophets' eyes shed tears when he answered:

"Uncle, by Allah, if they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand to leave this matter, I will not leave it till Allah supports it or I perish for it."

The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) stood up rubbing his tears. So, Abu-Talib called him kindly and said:

"Nephew, draw near."

Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) drew near. His uncle kissed him and said:

"Nephew, go and say whatever you like. By Allah, I'll never leave you alone."

Then he began singing to confront the Quraysh might:

"By Allah, they all won't reach you.

Till a pillow of dust will be put under my head.

And till I will be buried."

The Light of Islam

Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) went on preaching the new religion to bring out people from darkness into fight.

Again the Quraysh tyrants came to Abu-Talib. They used another style:

"Abu-Talib, this is Amarah bin al- Waleed (Khalid bin Waleed's brother). He's the strongest and the most handsome young man of all the Quraysh. So, take him and give us Muhammad to kill."

Abu-Talib was sorry to hear that idea. He answered them angrily:

"Do you give me your son to feed him for you, while I give you my son to kill him? Have you ever seen a she-camel take a pity on other than its young?"

The polytheists harm became intense. They began torturing them. Abu-Talib thought that their harm would include our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.). So, he sent for banu-Hashim. He asked them to protect and save the Prophet (P.B.U.H.). They accepted but Abu-Lahab.

Abu-Talib heard that Abu-Jahal and other polytheists tried to kill our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.),

So, he and his son Ja'far went to the hills of Mecca to look for him. They looked for him here and there.

Finally, they found him praying to Allah. In the meantime, Ali was praying on his right hand. They were sad to see that there was no one with our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) but Ali. Thus Abu-Talib wanted to encourage his nephew. He turned to his son Ja'far and said:

"Complete your cousin's wing."

Namely, pray on his left hand to feel determination, strength, and confidence. Ja'far stood with our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) and his brother Ali to pray to Allah, the Creator of the skies and the earth, the Lord of the Worlds.

Again, Abu-Talib missed our Master Muharnmad (P.B.U.H.). He waited for his return. But he did not come back. So, he went to look for him. He went to the place where our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) went frequently. But he did not find him.

So, Abu-Talib came back, gathered banu-Hashim together and said to them:

"Each one of you must take a strong iron bar. Now follow me. When I enter the mosque, each one of you must sit beside a Quraysh leader. He must kill him if we knew that Muhammad had been killed."

The young men of Banu Hashim obeyed Abu-Talib. Each one of them sat beside a polytheist.

Abu-Talib sat waiting for our Master Muhammad (PB.U.H.). Meanwhile Zaid bin Harith came and told him that the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was safe.

Then, Abu-Talib announced his plan to punish those who tried to hurt the Prophet (P.B.U.H.).

The polytheists were abase. Abu-Jahal kept silent. His face became yellow with fear.

Some of the polytheists urged their boys and slaves to hurt our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.).

One day, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) was praying. A young man came and threw the wastes at him. The polytheists began laughing loudly. Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was very unhappy. So, he went to his uncle and told him about the young man's bad behaviour.

Abu-Talib became very angry. He took out his sword and came to the polytheists. He ordered his boy to throw the wastes at their faces.

They said: "Abu-Talib, that's enough!"

The Ban

When the polytheists knew that Abu-Talib would not leave our Master Muharnmad (P.B.U.H.) alone and that he was ready to die for him, they decide to announce an economic and social ban on banu Hashim. At the same time, they cut off all relations with them.

In the month of Muharram, the seventh year after the Prophetic Mission, 40 Quraysh leaders signed the ban and fixed it to the wall in the Kaaba.

The Quraysh expected Abu-Talib to surrender. But Sheikh al-Bat-ha had another attitude.

Abu-Talib took his tribe to a valley between two mountains, to protect our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) from assassination. He was always visiting the valley to close the openings where the enemies might pass through to kill our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) at night.

Abu-Talib, though old man, his brother Hamza, and some men of banu-Hashim were always guarding the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) one by one at night. Abu-Talib was always moving the Prophet's bed from one place to another to keep it a secret.

Days and months passed. The besieged were in perfect isolation. They suffered from the pains of hunger and deprivation. When the time of pilgrimage came, they got out to buy some food and clothes.

The richest Quraysh tyrants in Mecca were always buying all kinds of food to prevent the besieged from buying it.

During that bitter period of time, Abu-Talib was as solid as the mountain. He was always standing by our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.). He was fearless, resolute believer.

Abu-Talib loved our Master Muharnmad (P.B.U.H.) more than his sons. He was sometimes looking at him, weeping and saying:

"When I look at him, I remember my brother Abdullah."

One night, Abu-Talib came and woke our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.). He said to his son Ali aged eighteen:

"My son, sleep in his bed."

To know his father's loyalty to Muhammad, Ali said:

"But, Ill be killed."

His father said:

"Be patient!"

Eagerly Ali said:

"I'm not afraid of death. But I want you to know my support."

Abu-Talib patted Ali's back. He took our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) to a safe place to sleep in.

When our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) went to bed, Abu-Talib went to bed, too.

Months after months passed. The patience and hunger of the besieged increased. They ate the leaves of the trees. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) took a pity on the hungry children.

The Good News

One day, our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) came to his uncle. He was filled with happiness. He said to him:

"Uncle, My Lord ordered the white ant to eat the Ban Page. So, it's eaten it all but Allah's Name."

Abu-Talib said happily:

"Has your Lord told you about that"?"

Muhammed (P.B.U.H.) answered:

"Yes, Uncle."

Abu-Talib's heart was filled with belief. So, Abu-Talib stood up and went to Darul-Nadwa, at the Kaaba, where the Quraysh leaders sat.

Abu-Talib addressed the sitting persons: "Quraysh!"

They got up for the respectful, old man. They listened to his words. They expected his surrender and defeat because of the ban.

But Sheikh al-Bat-ha said:

"Quraysh, my nephew Mohammed's told me that Allah ordered the white ant to eat your Ban Page. So, it's eaten it all but His Name. If he's right, then end the ban."

Abu-Jahal said:

"And, if he was a Liar?"

Abu-Talib answered with confidence and belief.

"I'll hand you my nephew."

The Quraysh leaders said: "Okay."

They opened the door of the Kaaba. They found that the white ant had eaten every thing but Allah's Name.

The besieged got out of Abu-Talib's valley. Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) and his companions began preaching Islam to the pilgrims of Allah's Holy House.

The Demise

Abu-Talib was over eighty years of age. He became very invalid. So, he was confined to bed. He thought about nothing but our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.). He knew that if he died, the Quraysh would fear no one and they would kill his nephew.

The Quraysh leaders came to visit Sheikh al-Bat-ha. They said:

"Abu- Talib, you are our Sheikh and Master. You're about to die. So, put an end to the enmity between your nephew and us. Tell him to stop hurting us. We will stop hurting him. Tell him to leave us with our religion and we will leave him with his religion."

Abu-Talib looked at Abu-Jahal, Abu-Sufyan, and other Quraysh leaders. He said to them faintly:

"If you hear Muhammad's words and obey his orders, you'll be happy. So, obey him and get happiness in here and hereafter."

The atheists stood up. Abu-Jahal said with spite:

"Do you want us to make the gods one god?"

Abu-Talib was sad at the Quraysh stand. He was very anxious about our Master Muhammad's safety. So, he invited banu-Hashim and asked them to support our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) at any cost. They all obeyed him. Then Abu-Talib closed his eyes to die soundly. Sheikh al-Bat-ha kept silent. He became a motionless body.

His son Ali wept bitter tears. Sad cries spread all over Mecca. The atheists rejoiced at his death.

Abu-Jahal angrily said: "It's time to get my revenge on Muhammad."

Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) came to say farewell. He kissed Abu-Talib's bright forehead and murmured sadly:

"Uncle, May Allah have mercy, on you. You educated me when I was small, looked after me when I became an orphan, and supported me when I became a grown-up. So may Allah reward you a lot."

Then he burst into tears. He began recalling the days of his childhood with his kind uncle. He embraced his cousin Ali. They began weeping together.

The Year of Sadness

Only a few weeks passed. Khadijah, Muharnmad's wife, died, too. So, our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) named that year the Year of Sadness.

The Quraysh increased their harm against Muhammad and those who believed in him.

One day, a foolish person threw some dust at him. His head was covered with dust. So, he went home.

While Fatima, Muhammad's daughter, was washing his head, she began weeping. So, he patted her head and said:

"Daughter, don't weep. Allah will save your father. He'll protect your father from the enemies of His religion and Mission."

Jibreel came down from the sky holding Allah's Order. He said:

"Muhammad, go out of Mecca. Your supporter has died."

When the Quraysh plotted to kill our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.), Ali, Abu-Talib's young son, came to sleep in his bed. He was ready to die for him.

Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) went towards Yathrib (al-Madina al-Monawwara). From there the light of Islam started to illuminate the world.

When the Muslims go to visit Allah's Holy House every year, they remember the attitudes of Sheikh al-Bat-ha when he was always defending Allah's religion.

"Muhammad is Allah's Apostle, and those with him are firm of heart against the unbelievers, compassionate, among each other."

The Beginning

Abu Talib, Shaikh al-Bat-ha, missed his nephew our Master Muhammad [s]. So, he went to look for him. He was not alone. His son Ja'far aged twenty was with him. Shaikh al-Bat-ha and his son went to the hills near Makkah. They found him there.

Our Master Muhammad [s] was praying humbly. Ali, the young man of Islam, was praying on his right. They were not afraid of anyone but Allah. They were praying for Allah, the Creator of the skies and the earth, the Creator of creatures.

While they were praying, their number was a pitiful sight. Abu Talib turned to his son and said: Join your cousin's wing

Namely, stand on his left hand, for Ali has stood on his right hand. The bird can't fly but with two wings. This means that Abu Talib, the Prophet's uncle, did not want our Master Muhammad [s] to stay with one wing. Since then, Ja'far's name has appeared in the bright history of Islam.

Ja'far bin Abu Talib was born about 25 years after the Year of the Elephant. He was 10 years older than his brother Ali. He was about 20 years younger than our Master Muhammad [s].

Ja'far bin Abu Talib looked like our Master Muhammad [s]. He lived with his cousin al-Abbas. Abu Talib had a big family. Our Master Muhammad [s] wanted to relieve his worries. So, he took Ali to his house. Al-Abbas took Ja'far to his house.

The light of Islam illuminated the sky of Makkah. Our Master Muhammad [s] invited the bewildered to the New Light. He invited the defeated and the oppressed to the religion of salvation and freedom. He invited the drowning in the darkness of ignorance to the light of Islam.

But the Quraishi tyrants did not listen to the voice of Islam and the Call of the Sky. So, they began fighting our Master Muhammad [s] and those who believed in him. They wreaked their wrath upon the weak Muslims. They whipped Bilal al-Habashy, Summayya, Yasir, and other Muslims. They whipped them for no sin but because they said: Our Lord is Allah.

The Immigration to Habasha

One night the Muslims met Allah's Apostle. He was sad to hear that the Muslims were suffering from torture So, he said to them: There's a just King in Habasha. Immigrate to his country. Stay there till Allah drives away your worries.

The idea of immigration shone in the believers' hearts as the sun shone to fill the earth with light and warmth.

At midnight, a small group crept into the land of Habasha (Ethiopia), via the Red Sea. The Muslim immigrants stayed there.

In the meantime, the Quraish increased their torture against the Muslims who stayed in Makkah. So, they were in a fix.

At that critical time, our Master Muhammad [s] ordered his cousin Ja'far to lead a bigger group of Muslims to Habasha.

The number of the new group was over 80 Muslims. Ja'far began leading the immigrating caravan towards the coasts of the sea.

The sea was calm. The wind was gentle. The immigrants reached the coasts of the sea. Allah, the Almighty, wanted a ship to pass by them. The ship was going from Jeddah to Habasha. Ja'far asked her Captain to take them there. The Captain accepted.

The ship set out plowing the sea. The Muslims thanked Allah, who turned their fear into safety to worship Him only.

Ja'far himself was visiting the immigrants, especially the children. His wife Asmaa bint Umayys was visiting the women.

Days and nights passed. The ship anchored at the coasts of Habasha. The Muslims reached the land where our Master Muhammad [s] had ordered them to immigrate.

The Muslims were always praying to Allah freely. No one prevented them from that. During their prayers, they were always asking Allah to grant our Master Muhammad [s] and his Muslim brothers victory over the unjust Quraishi tyrants.

But the news that reached them was sorrowful. Yasir and Summayyah became martyrs under torture, They were in pain to hear about the torture that was happening to their brothers. But they firmly increased their belief.

In Makkah

Abu Jahal, who had a spite against our Master Muhammad [s], was always planning to destroy Allah's religion. He wanted to put out the candle of Islam so that people would live in darkness and ignorance.

But Allah's religion spread as the scent of roses did. It made happiness enter hearts as spring did.

One day, the Quraishi leaders held a meeting in Darul Nadwa. They were thinking about a way to extinguish the light of Islam. Umayyah said: I'll make Bilal a lesson for slaves so that they'll not think about entering Muhammad's religion.

Abu Jahal said: We'll go on banning Bani Hashim till they die of hunger or they give us Muhammad to kill him.

Abu Sufyan said: But what shall we do for those who escape from Makkah and go to Habasha?

Abu Jahal said: We'll bring them back.

How?

We'll send our friend al-Najashy lots of gifts. So, he'll accept our request.

Who will go?

We'll send a clever man to negotiate with al-Najashy.

After several weeks, they decided to send a delegation to bring back the runaway persons.

In al-Najashy's Presence

In the morning, Amru bin al-Ass and Amarah bin al-Waleed headed for the sea holding gifts to al-Najashy, the King of Habasha.

The delegates crossed the sea with a ship. They reached the land of Habasha. They came to the King's palace.

Amru bin al-Ass said to the guards of the palace: We're the Quraishi delegates holding gifts to the King.

Al-Najashy greeted the delegates and accepted the gifts of the Quraish. The priests received their gifts, too. The King asked them about the purpose of their visit.

The delegates said: Some foolish persons have taken refuge in the land of Habasha. They've abandoned their fathers' and grandfathers' religion. They haven't accepted the King's religion. Rather; they've brought a new religion. Neither you nor we have known it. We, the Quraishi noblemen, have come to bring them back and to educate them.

The King of Habasha was just and wise man. So, he said: How can I hand you the people who have chosen my country and asked me for help? But I'll ask them some questions. If their thoughts are corrupt; if they are deviated, I'd hand them to you. Otherwise, I'd leave them to live in my country.

Al-Najashy sent for the immigrants. They came. Ja'far bin Abu Talib was in advance. They came into the palace and stood in front of the King.

The Habashian people bowed when they met the King. So the Habashian and the delegates bowed to the King. The Muslims did not bow; their heads remained high raised.

Al-Najashy asked the Muslims: Why don't you bow to me?

Ja'far answered: We don't bow to anyone but Allah.

The King said: What do you mean?

Ja'far answered: Your Majesty; the King, Allah has sent us an Apostle. The Apostle has ordered us not to bow to anyone but Allah. He has also ordered us to pray and to pay zakat.

Amru bin al-Ass said evilly: They're breaking the King's religion!

Al-Najashy asked him to keep silent; and asked Ja'far to go on. Ja'far politely said:

Your Majesty, the King, we were ignorant people. We worshipped the idols. We ate dead animals. We did bad actions and abandoned our relatives. We mistreated our neighbors. The strong oppressed the weak. So Allah has sent us an Apostle. We know his ancestors and his truthfulness. We know that he is pure and trustworthy So, he has invited us to worship the Only Allah. He has ordered us to avoid what we and our fathers had worshipped. He has ordered us to be truthful and to give the trusts to their owners. He has ordered us to visit our relatives, to be good neighbors, to stop bad actions and shedding blood. He has prevented us from atrocities, falsehood taking the orphan's money and speaking evil of the married women. He has ordered us to worship Allah only and not to be polytheists. He has ordered us to pray, to give alms, and to fast.

Your majesty; the king, we've believed him and followed what he has brought from Allah. So, we've worshipped Allah only- we're not polytheists.

But our people have aggressed against us. They've tortured us. They've prevented us from our religion to worship the idols again.

After they had persecuted us, we came to your country. We've preferred you to others. We want to live in your country. Thus, your majesty, the king, we ask you to treat us justly.

Al-Najashy said politely: Have you anything of what your Prophet has brought?

Ja'far politely said: Yes.

Al-Najashy said: Read me something.

Ja'far began reading some verses of the Chapter of Maryam:

And mention Maryam in the Book when she drew aside from her family to an eastern place. So, she took a veil (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Spirit, and there appeared to her a well-made man. She said: Surely I fly for refuge from you to the Beneficent God, if you are one guarding (against evil). He said: I am only a messenger of your Lord: That I will give you a pure boy. She said: When shall I have a boy and no mortal has yet touched me, nor have I been unchaste? He said: Even so; your lord says: It is easy to me: and that We may make him a sign to men and a mercy from us; and it is a matter which has been decreed. So, she conceived him; then withdrew herself with a remote place and the throes (of childbirth) compelled her to take herself to the trunk of a palm tree. She said: Oh, would that I had died before this, and had been a thing quite forgotten! Then (the child called out to her from beneath her): Grieve not, surely your lord has made a stream to flow beneath you. And shake towards you the trunk of the palm tree, it will drop on you fresh ripe dates. So, eat and drink and refresh the eye. Then if you see any mortal, say: Surely I have vowed a fast to the Beneficent God, so I shall not speak to any man today and she came to her people with him, carrying him (with her). They said: 0 Maryam! Surely you have done a strange thing. O Sister of Haroon! Your father was not a bad man, nor was your mother an unchaste woman.

Al-Najashy wept. His tears flowed on his cheeks. The priests and the monks wept humbly, too. Ja'far's voice was flowing humbly:

But she pointed to him. They said: How should we speak to one who was a child in the cradle? He said: Surely I am Allah's servant; he has given me the Book and made me a prophet, and has made me blessed wherever I may be, and he has enjoined on me prayer and poor-rate so long as I live and dutiful to my mother; and he has not made me insolent, unblessed and peace be on me on the day I was born, and on the day I die, and on the day I am raised to life .

Al-Najashy stood up for Allah's Words and said humbly: Certainly this and what 'Isa had brought come out of one niche.

He turned to the Quraishi delegates and said angrily: I won't hand them to you and I'll defend them.

Then he ordered his soldiers to dismiss the delegation and to return the gifts to them. He said: They are bribes. I don't want to be bribed.

He turned to Ja'far and his Muslim group and said: You're welcome; Your Prophet is welcome. I admit that he is the Apostle whom 'Isa bin Maryam had given good news about. Live wherever you like in my country.

Al-Najashy wanted to know something about the manners of Islam. He asked Ja'far: How do you greet each other?

Our greeting is to say Assalamu Alaikum.

Another Plot

On the following day Amru bin al-Ass and Amarah decided to go to the King's Palace. On their way, Amru bin al-Ass said to Amarah: This time, I,ll get my revenge on Ja'far. I'll tell the kings that the Muslims have another idea about 'Isa.

Again the delegates came to al-Najashy and said: Your majesty; the king, the Muslims say that 'Isa is a slave.

Al-Najashy kept silent for a while then he said to the guard:Go to Ja'far to hear his point of view

Ja'far came and greeted the King and said: Assalamu Alaikum.

The King asked him: What's your point of view about 'Isa?

Ja'far answered calmly: We say as Allah and His Apostle have said about him.

The King asked him: What's your Prophet said?

Ja'far answered calmly: He's Allah's slave, His Apostle, His Spirit, His Word that He has given to the chaste, virgin Maryam.

Al-Najashy kept silent for a while, then he drew a line on the ground with his stick. So, he said: Go to your friends. You're safe in my country.

Again the delegates' plot came to nothing. The delegates hopelessly came back to Makkah. Since that meeting, the Muslims had been happy in the land of the just King.

Our Master Muhammad [s] and the Muslims rejoiced at Ja'far's victory and his stay in Habasha.

The Good Stay

Days, months, and years passed.

Ja'far and the Muslims heard news. When they heard good news, they became happy. When they heard bad news, they became sad.

They became happy when the ban the Quraish imposed on Banu Hashim was over.

They became sad when they heard about the death of Abu Talib, the protector of the Prophet [s] and Khadijah's death, our Master Muhammad's wife, who stood by him and spent her wealth for Islam.

The Muslims in Habasha heard about our Master Muhammad's migration to Madina and the establishment of the first Islamic State, where the flag of monotheism was hoisted. They were filled with happiness.

The news of the decisive Battle of Badr, and the victory of Islam over polytheism and idols arrived to them. They heard about the news of the Battle of Uhud. They were sad to hear about the Prophet's wounds in the battle.

They were happy to hear the news of the Muslims' victories over the polytheists and the Jews. Their happiness was great when they heard about the Prophet's letters to the Kings all over the world.

The Prophet [s] sent letters to Hercules, the Emperor of Rome, Kossra, the King of Iran, and al-Mokawkas, the Pharaoh of Egypt.

A letter to al-Najashy

Amru bin Umayyah al-Dhimry our Master Muhammad's delegate, arrived in Habasha carrying the letter of the Prophet of Islam.

The letter read:

From Muhammad, Allah's Apostle

To al-Najashy the King of Habasha

You are safe.

I thank Allah. There is no god but Him, the King, the Holy, the Peace, the Believer; the Almighty.

I bear witness that 'Isa is Allah's Spirit, and His word He has given to Maryam, the Virgin, the good, and the chaste. Allah created him with His power as He created Adam before.

I am inviting you to worship Allah only, to obey Him, to follow me, and to believe in what has come to me. I am Allah's Apostle. I am inviting you and your soldiers to worship Allah, the Almighty. I have told and advised you. So, accept my advice.

And peace upon him who follows guidance.

Ja'far accompanied our Master Muhammad's delegate on his going to al-Najashy's palace. First they greeted the King of Habasha. Then he received the Prophet's letter respectfully.

Al-Najashy read the letter. He came down the throne and sat on the ground to show his humbleness and respect for Allah's Apostle, our Master Muhammad [s].

Al-Najashy put the letter on his eye to show his great respect. Then he ordered his guards to get him an ivory box to put the letter in. He said:

Habasha will be prosperous as long as its people keeps this letter.

The Prophet's delegate gave the King another letter. The letter asked the King to allow the immigrants headed by Ja'far bin Abu Talib to come back to their country.

The Muslims were very happy to hear about their repatriation to their homeland. In the meantime, they thanked al-Najashy for his good hospitality.

Al-Najashy ordered his guards to prepare some ships to bring back the immigrants to the land of al-Hejaz. He sent his representative with them.

The representative was carrying gifts and a letter of greetings to our Master Muhammad [s].

The sails of the ships were raised to start journey, the Muslims set off. They rejoiced at Allah's victory.

The Conquest of Khaibar

In al-Madina al-Munawwara, the army of Islam was getting ready to advance towards the strongholds of the Jewish Khaibar.

The Jews of Khaibar were always plotting to put out the light of Islam. They were always encouraging the Arab tribes to invade Madina to destroy the new Muslim State.

So, our Master Muhammad [s] decided to uproot the danger of the Jews so that people would live in peace. The Muslim forces reached the road that joined the tribes of Ghatfan and the strongholds of Khaibar to surprise the enemy there.

The number of the Muslim Army amounted to one thousand and four-hundred fighters. Two hundred horse riders were with them. The Muslim women took part in the battle, too.

The Muslims advanced towards the strongholds. At dawn, they surprised the Jews and besieged them completely.

Some Companions launched strong attacks against the Jews. But they were in vain because the Jews faced them with a lot of arrows. The Jews were sneering at our Master Muhammad [s] and his soldiers.

So, the Prophet [s] said: Tomorrow; I'll give the banner to a man. The man loves Allah and his Apostle; Allah and His Apostle love him.

In the morning, some companions wished that the banner would be for them. But our Master Muhammad [s] asked Ali, Ja'far's brother.

Ali shook the banner strongly and advanced towards the strongholds of the Jews. When Ali killed Marhab, the hero of the Jews, they felt fear. Quickly, the Muslims occupied the strongholds of Khaibar, one by one.

Our Master Muhammad [s] and the Muslims were filled with happiness. So, they thanked Allah for the victory over their enemies.

In the meantime, the immigrants of Habasha headed by Ja'far bin Abu Talib arrived. Our Master Muhammad's happiness doubled. So, he said with a bright smile on his face:

I don't know which event is more cheerful - Ja'far's coming or the Conquest of Khaibar!

Our Master Muhammad [s] embraced his cousin Ja'far and kissed his forehead and said:

Certainly Ja'far and his friends have two immigrations - an immigration to Habasha and an immigration to al-Madina al-Munawwara.

The Battle of Mautah

Our Master Muhammad [s] had sent a messenger to the ruler of Busra, a town in Sham. But the messenger was captured and executed in the land of Mautah. This action was against the humanitarian morals.

The Prophet [s] felt sadness. So, he ordered the Muslims to get ready to make an attack to punish the killers.

In the month of Jamadil-Ula, the second year after the blessed immigration, three thousand fighters went to take part in the battle. The Prophet's advice was lightening their way:

I advise you to fear Allah. Invade in the Name of Allah. So, fight Allah's enemy and your enemy. You'll find lonely men in the cells. So, don't fight them. Don't kill a woman or a child. Don't cut down a tree. Don't demolish a building.

Our Master Muhammad [s] appointed Zaid bin Haritha leader to the Muslim Army. The Prophet said:

If Zaid was martyred, the leader would be Ja'far bin Abu Talib. If Ja'far was martyred, the leader would be Abdulah bin Rawaha.

The news of the Muslims' attack reached the Romans. So, they established an army. The army was composed of the Romans and the allied Arab tribes. The number of their forces was two hundred thousand soldiers. The armies gathered at the land of al-Balqaa.

The first clash took place between the two armies at the Village of Masharif near al-Balqaa. The mastery of the Romans appeared in the battle because they had a big army. Hercules, the Emperor of Rome, gave the general leadership to his brother Tyodor.

The Muslim Army, though few in number, chose the land of Mautah to be the theater for the war operations because the elevations of the land were suitable for the Muslims to protect themselves against the Roman Colossal Army.

Zaid bin Haritha got ready for the start of the battle. He strongly shook the banner of the Muslim Army and rushed towards the core of the enemy. His rushing made the Muslim forces start the battle with enthusiasm.

Strong fights took place. Spears tore Zaid's body. So, he fell on to the ground dyeing it red. Before the banner dropped from Zaid's hand, Ja'far bin Abu Talib had rushed and caught it strongly. He began fighting severely. His voice became loud in the middle of the noise of the fights. He announced the good news about victory or martyrdom which each believer hoped.

Ja'far bin Abu Talib jumped off his horse to show his insistence on fighting. He was the first to do that in the history of Islam. He was like the mountain. He was facing the enemies hits. His firmness astonished them.

So, the enemies intensified their attacks against him. A sword hit his right hand. So, it flew in the wind.

Ja'far took the banner of Islam with his left hand and began fighting. Another sword hit his hand and cut it off. Ja'far pressed the banner to his bosom with his upper arm so that the fight would go on.

During those terrible moments, Ja'far was hit again. He fell over the ground and became a martyr.

Abdullah bin Rawaha, the third leader, rushed towards the banner to wave again in the sky of the battle.

The new leader fought bravely to stop the attacks of the Romans who were moving like waves.

Abdullah fell over the ground and became a martyr. So, Thabit bin al-Arqam took the banner and asked the Muslims to elect a new leader.

The Muslims elected Khalid bin al-Waleed.

Very quickly, the new leader decided to withdraw his forces. So, he did some tactic operations to cheat the enemy.

When it got dark, the Muslim Army withdrew with peace and disappeared in the core of the desert.

In the morning, the Romans were surprised to hear about the Muslims' withdrawal. They were afraid to go further into the desert.

At the same time, the brave Muslims, though few in number, dismayed them.

So, the Romans preferred coming back to stay.

In Madina

Jibreel came down from the sky to tell our Master Muhammad [s] about the news of the battle. So, Allah's Apostle went up the pulpit and addressed the Muslims:

Zaid took the banner. He fought till he was killed and became a martyr. Then Ja'far took it and fought till he was killed and became a martyr. Then Abdullah took it and fought till he was killed and became a martyr.

Finally, our Master Muhammad [s] began condoling Asmaa, the great Martyr's wife.

The Holy Prophet [s] came into Ja'far's house. He found his children sitting. His wife had just finished doing her hair.

The Prophet [s] kissed Ja'far's children and held them on his lap. He shed tears. Asmaa felt that something had happened to her husband. So, she asked the Prophet [s]:

Allah's Apostle, have you heard anything about Ja'far and his companions?

Yes, they've been martyred!

The Prophet [s] left the house. He asked his daughter Fatima al-Zahra to fix some food for them, for a disaster had befallen them.

The Owner of the two wings

When the soldiers of Islam came back to their homeland, they began telling their families about Ja'far's heroic actions and those who were martyred.

One of them said: We've seen 90 wounds in Ja'far's body.

Another said: I've seen him when his right hand had been cut off.

The third said: I've seen him when his left hand had been cut off. He had fallen over the ground and his wounds bled.

Our Master Muhammad [s] said: Jibreel has told me that Allah has granted Ja'far two wings to fly with in the Paradise.

That night, Ja'far's children lay on their beds. They were looking at the sky full of stars. In the meantime, they imagined that their father was flying with his wings like angels.

With Abu Jahal

Al-Hamza set off for the hills overlooking Makkah. His strong horse was going up the sand hills. It was galloping along the valleys. Al-Hamza was looking carefully at the lovely scenery.

The sky was blue and clear. The hills were covered with sunshine. So the grains of sand were glittering in the sun.

Al-Hamza was thinking about our Master Muhammad's mission. His heart was with Allah's Apostle. He was repeating to himself:

Really there's no god but Allah. Al-Lat, al-Uzza and Munat are rocks. Man has made them with his hand. So why does he worship them?

The horse was roaming through the desert. The horse ran away when it saw a man holding a bow and looking for the lions.

Our Master Muhammad [s] sat on a rock on the road to al-Masa between al-Safa Mount and al-Marwa Mount. As usual, he was absorbed in thinking.

He was always thinking about his people and those who disbelieved in him and Allah's mission.

There was a house near the road to al-Masa. The house had a balcony overlooking the road. Two young girls were sitting in the balcony. They saw our Master Muhammad [s] thinking and looking at the sky and the mountains.

At that moment, Abu Jahal and some foolish persons from Makkah appeared. They were laughing loudly.

Abu Jahal looked at our Master Muhammad [s]. His eyes glittered out of spite. He wanted to sneer at him. So, he shouted:

Look at this magician! Look at this madman! He doesn't laugh as we do! He's silent!

The foolish persons laughed. Their satanic laughter filled the space.

Ha, Ha, Ha!

The two girls sadly watched what was happening. They saw Abu Jahal going round and round our Master Muhammad [s] laughing and being silly.

Abu Jahal took a handful of dust. He put the dust on the Prophet's head. The dust fell on the Prophet's face and clothing.

Abu Jahal and his foolish friends laughed. But our Master Muhammad [s] kept silent. He was sad.

The two young girls felt pain and sadness for our Master Muhammad [s]. Abu Jahal and his foolish friends went away. So, our Master Muhammad [s] stood up. He dusted is head and face and clothing. Then he went home.

The two girls decided to tell al-Hamza. So, they waited for him.

In the distance, al-Hamza appeared. He was coming down the hills riding his horse.

The girl shouted: Hamza, come back!

The girl said to her sister: Come on! Let's tell him!

The girl shouted: Aba Amara!

Al-Hamza stopped and looked at the girl. The girl sadly said: Aba Amara, Abu Jahal mistreated your nephew Muhammad.

Al-Hamza asked: Did he mistreated him?

The girl said: He came across him on the road. He abused him and put some dust on his head.

Al-Hamza was filled with anger. He hit his horse with the bow. The horse jumped angrily. Al-Hamza headed for the Ka'aba. He used to pass by the men and greet them when he came back from hunting. This time, he was angry for our Master Muhammad [s]. So, he did not greet anyone and went directly to Abu Jahal.

Al-Hamza jumped off his horse like the lion. He raised his bow and hit Abu Jahal on the head. Abu Jahal was afraid when he saw al-Hamza angry. So, he said humbly: Aba Amara, he has abused our gods and stultified our thoughts.

Al-Hamza shouted angrily: Answer me if you can!

The outcry of truth sounded in the yard of the Ka'aba. Al-Hamza said loudly: I confess that there's no god but Allah and that Muhammad is Allah's Apostle.

Al-Hamza angrily looked at Abu Jahal and said: Why did you abuse him? Don't you know that I follow his religion.

Abu Jahal bent his head humbly and kept silent. The foolish persons escaped with alarm.

While al-Hamza was in tears, he embraced our Master Muhammad [s]. Our Master Muhammad [s] became happy when his uncle al-Hamza became Muslim.

So, he named him the Lion of Allah and the Lion of His Apostle.

The Birthday

Al-Hamza was born in 570 AD., namely in the year of the Elephant. He was our Master Muhammad's foster brother, for a woman called Thwaibah suckled them.

Al-Hamza was brave and strong. He became Muslim in the second year of our Master Muhammad's mission.

The men knew that al-Hamza believed in Islam. So, the Muslims became happy. But the polytheists became sad.

Some Muslims hid their belief in Islam because they were afraid of Quraish. When al-Hamza became Muslim, a new time began - our Master Muhammad's followers became strong, so the Quraish were afraid of them and had a thousand apprehensions about them.

The Ninth Year after the Mission

Nine years after our Master Muhammad's mission passed. The number of the Muslims increased.

Umar bin al-Khattab was very sensitive.

One day, he took his sword to kill our Master Muhammad [s]. He asked about him. It was said to him: He's with his Companions in a house near al-Safa Mount.

So, Umar headed for him. On the way to al-Safa Mount, a man belonging to the tribe of Umar named Naeem came across and asked him: Umar, where are you going?

Umar rudely answered: I want to kill Muhammad because this boy has abused our religion.

Naeem believed in Islam secretly So, he said to him: If you hurt Muhammad, Bani Hashim won't leave you alive. Besides your sister and her husband have believed in Islam.

Umar shouted angrily: What? My sister Fatimah?

Umar went to his sister's house. when he stopped at the door, he heard a man reading the Qur'an.

The Divine Words were impressive:

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. Taha, we have not revealed the Qur'an to you so that you may be unsuccessful.

Umar knocked at the door and entered. His sister hid the page of the Qur'an for he wanted to tear it up. He hit his sister. So, blood flowed out of her face.

Umar felt regret, So, he went out.

Our Master Muhammad [s] and some Companions were in a house near al-Safa Mount. He was teaching them the Qur'an and wisdom. He was reading to them of the Divine verses.

In the meantime, they heard a man knocking loudly at the door. One of the Muslims got up. He looked through a hole in the door.

Al-Hamza asked: Who is it?

The Muslim answered It's Umar holding a sword.

Al-Hamza said: Do not be afraid. Open the door. If he wants good we'll give it to him. If he wants evil, we'll kill him with his sword!

Al-Hamza stood up to receive the newcomer. He opened the door and asked: Bin al-Khattab, what do you want?

Umar answered: I've come to confess that there's no god but Allah and Muhammad is Allah's Apostle!

Our Master Muhammad [s] said: Allah is great!

The Migration

The people of Yathrib belonged to the tribe of al-Khazraj and the tribe of al-Aus. They promised our Master Muhammad [s] to support Islam with their lives and money.

When the Quraish harmed the Muslims severely, our Master Muhammad [s] ordered them to immigrate Yathrib.

So, the Muslims began leaving Makkah secretly, one by one, or group by group. Al-Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib immigrated, too.

The immigrants and the supporters in Yathrib were eagerly waiting for our Master Muhammad's immigration. They were looking forward to his arrival.

The Sacrifice

The polytheists decided to kill our Master Muhammad [s]. Jibreel came down from the sky to tell him about the plot of the polytheists.

So, Allah's Apostle asked his cousin Ali bin Abu Talib [a] to sleep in his bed so that he would be able to immigrate to Yathrib safely.

Ali asked our Master Muhammad [s]: Allah's Apostle, will you be safe?

Our Master Muhammad [s] answered: Yes

Ali rejoiced when the Prophet [s] immigrated safely. He was not thinking about himself when the polytheists attacked our Master Muhammad's house.

Jibreel came down from the heavens reading the following holy verse:

And among them men is he who sells himself to seek the pleasure of Allah.

This verse meant there was a person who sacrificed his life to please Allah, the Glorified. Besides this verse has praised the attitude of Imam Ali [a] and his sacrifice.

Our Master Muhammad [s] arrived in Yathrib. After the Prophet [s] arrived, the Muslims named it al-Madina al-Munawwara (the Illuminated City).

In Makkah

The polytheists in Makkah attacked the Muslims houses and robbed them. The immigrants were sad to hear that.

So, our Master Muhammad [s] decided to send some groups of the Muslims to face the Quraishi trading caravans to punish them.

In Ramadhan, the first year after Hijra, our Master Muhammad [s] called al-Hamza, the Lion of Allah, and gave him the first banner in the history of Islam.

Our Master Muhammad [s] ordered al-Hamza to take his group, thirty immigrants, to the seaside were the caravans passed.

Al-Hamza found Abu Jahal at a district called al-Ais.

Three hundred fighters went with Abu Jahal, namely, ten times as many as the Muslims.

But al-Hamza, may Allah be pleased with him, and his group were not afraid of the Quraish. They were ready to clash with them.

But Majdy bin Amru al_Jahny, who had good with the Quraish and the Muslims, came between them to prevent them from clashing.

Al-Hamza was proud that he was the first to receive the banner of Islam from Allah's Apostle. Concerning this, he said pretty lines of poetry (the meaning only):

By the order of Allah's Apostle, a banner waved over me.

It had not waved before me.

The banner has victory from the owner of dignity,

The dear Allah whose action is the best action.

Then he referred to his clashing with Abu Jahal:

On the night when they (the polytheists marched, they were many.

And we all were his boilers that boiled because of the anger of his friends.

And when we saw one another, they made their camels kneel down and fettered them.

And we understood the range of the arrows target.

And we said to them:

Our supporter is the robe of Allah. But you have not any robe but misguidance.

There Abu Jahal became stirred up unjustly.

So, he became unsuccessful.

And Allah drove back Abu Jahal's plot.

We were only thirty riders,

And they were over three hundred.

With Our Master Muhammad

In the Assault of al-Asheera, our Master Muhammad [s] led, Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib was holding the banner.

The Muslim Army's companies and patrols succeeded to threaten the trade of the Quraish.

The Quraish announced the economic war against the Muslims. So, they attacked the Muslims' houses who immigrated from Makkah to Madina. They intensified their war against the Muslims everywhere.

In the meantime, the Quraish urged the Arab tribes to attack Yathrib.

Our Master Muhammad [s] wanted to punish the Quraish. He thought that the best way to punish them was to threaten their trading caravans going to Sham.

Al-Hamza went with our Master Muhammad [s] on each assault.

Our Master Muhammad [s] heard that a trading caravan headed by Abu Sufyan was coming back from Sham to Makkah. So, our Master Muhammad [s] asked the Muslims to face the caravan.

On Ramadhan 12th 2 AH., our Master Muhammad with 313 immigrants and supporters went outside Madina.

Abu Sufayn heard about the movement and the aim of the Muslims who wanted to face the caravan. So, he quickly sent man to the Quraish to tell them about the dangerous situation.

Abu Jahal found that action a suitable chance to destroy Islam and the Muslims. So he began urging the Quraish to fight the Muslims. He and the Quraishi leaders called up nine hundred and fifty fighters. Abu Jahal headed the fighters and marched towards the springs of Badr, where the Muslims had camped.

On Ramadhan 17th, the two armies came together. The polytheists were beating the war drums. But the Muslims were remembering and glorifying Allah.

Jibreel came down from the heavens. He read him this verse: And if they incline to peace, then incline to it

The Prophet [s] asked the Quraish to make peace but Abu Jahal refused. He thought that he would destroy Islam, for his army was three times as many as the Muslim Army.

The two armies got ready to clash. One of the polytheists shouted: Muhammad, let your brave men come out to fight us!

So, our Master Muhammad [s] said: Ubaidah bin al-Harith, al-Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib, and Ali bin Abu Talib, stand up.

They moved briskly. They were ready to die for Allah's way.

Ubaidah stood before his opponent Utbah bin Rabeeah.

Ali stood before al-Waleed bin Utbah.

Hamza stood before Shaiba bin Rabeeah.

So, the first battle in the history of Islam broke out.

Immediately, al-Hamza hit and knocked down his opponent. Ali hit the enemy of Islam and killed him.

Ubaidah hit his opponent, but his opponent hit him too. He fell to the ground. Al-Hamza and Ali killed Utbah. Then they took Ubaidah to the camp to tend to him.

When the polytheistic heroes fell over the ground one by one, Abu Jahal ordered his fighters to launch a general attack.

The Muslims faced the attack with spirits filled with belief confidence in Allah. So, Allah granted the Muslims a victory.

Abu Jahal and the polytheistic leaders fell over