The Arabs in Al-Quran ٱلْأَعْرَابُ

The Arabs in Al-Quran: by Asad AbdurRahman

يعرب‎ Ya'rub: Ya‘rub ibn Yashjub ibn Qahtan- Father of the Arabs

إعراب I'raab: 1. Grammer (modern standard Arabic). 2. Inf. n. clear, plain, distinct; as in "Pure Arabian blood, free from any admixture of other than Arabian blood" -Reference Arabic-English Lexicon page 1992 by Edward William Lane 1863الْأَعْرَابُ Al-A'raab (plural): The Arabs. The prefix الْ means "The".

Note: Conjugation with an Arabic vowel does not change the root of an Arabic word. The alif أ between ra ر and ba ب in Al-A'raab does not change the Arabs into Bedouins. Al-A'raab and Bedoiun are two distinct Arabic words with two distinct Arabic roots.

Allah says:

وَجَآءَ ٱلْمُعَذِّرُونَ مِنَ ٱلْأَعْرَابِ لِيُؤْذَنَ لَهُمْ وَقَعَدَ ٱلَّذِينَ كَذَبُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ ۚ سَيُصِيبُ ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ مِنْهُمْ عَذَابٌ أَلِيمٌۭ

And came the excuse makers from the Arabs (الْأَعْرَابِ) that permission be granted to them, and sat those who lied to Allah and His Messenger. Will strike those who disbelieved from them, a painful punishment- Holy Quran 9:90

Allah says:

ٱلْأَعْرَابُ أَشَدُّ كُفْرًۭا وَنِفَاقًۭا وَأَجْدَرُ أَلَّا يَعْلَمُوا۟ حُدُودَ مَآ أَنزَلَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ رَسُولِهِۦ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ عَلِيمٌ حَكِيمٌۭ

The Arabs (الْأَعْرَابُ) are stronger in infidelity and hypocricy, and more likely they know not the limits of what Allah sent down to His Messenger. And Allah is Knowing, Wise- Holy Quran 9:97

وَمِنَ ٱلْأَعْرَابِ مَن يَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ مَغْرَمًۭا وَيَتَرَبَّصُ بِكُمُ ٱلدَّوَآئِرَ ۚ عَلَيْهِمْ دَآئِرَةُ ٱلسَّوْءِ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ سَمِيعٌ عَلِيمٌۭ

And from the Arabs (الْأَعْرَابِ) (is he) who takes what he spends (as) a loss, and he awaits for you the turns. Upon them the evil turn. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing- Holy Quran 9:98

وَمِنَ ٱلْأَعْرَابِ مَن يُؤْمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْءَاخِرِ وَيَتَّخِذُ مَا يُنفِقُ قُرُبَٰتٍ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ وَصَلَوَٰتِ ٱلرَّسُولِ ۚ أَلَآ إِنَّهَا قُرْبَةٌۭ لَّهُمْ ۚ سَيُدْخِلُهُمُ ٱللَّهُ فِى رَحْمَتِهِۦٓ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ

And from the Arabs (الْأَعْرَابِ) (is he) who has faith in Allah and the Last Day, and takes what he spends as means of nearness to Allah and prayers (وَصَلَوَاتِ) of the Messenger. Behold! Verily it is a means of nearness for them. Allah will admit them in His Mercy. Verily Allah is Forgiving, Merciful- Holy Quran 9:99

Allah says:

وَمِمَّنْ حَوْلَكُم مِّنَ ٱلْأَعْرَابِ مُنَٰفِقُونَ ۖ وَمِنْ أَهْلِ ٱلْمَدِينَةِ ۖ مَرَدُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلنِّفَاقِ لَا تَعْلَمُهُمْ ۖ نَحْنُ نَعْلَمُهُمْ ۚ سَنُعَذِّبُهُم مَّرَّتَيْنِ ثُمَّ يُرَدُّونَ إِلَىٰ عَذَابٍ عَظِيمٍۢ

And among those around you from the Arabs (ٱلْأَعْرَابِ)(are) hypocrits. And from people of Medina. They persist upon The Hypocricy. You know them not. We know them. We will punish them twice. Then they will be returned to a Great Punishment. -Holy Quran 9:101
Allah says:

مَا كَانَ لِأَهْلِ ٱلْمَدِينَةِ وَمَنْ حَوْلَهُم مِّنَ ٱلْأَعْرَابِ أَن يَتَخَلَّفُوا۟ عَن رَّسُولِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا يَرْغَبُوا۟ بِأَنفُسِهِمْ عَن نَّفْسِهِۦ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ بِأَنَّهُمْ لَا يُصِيبُهُمْ ظَمَأٌۭ وَلَا نَصَبٌۭ وَلَا مَخْمَصَةٌۭ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَلَا يَطَـُٔونَ مَوْطِئًۭا يَغِيظُ ٱلْكُفَّارَ وَلَا يَنَالُونَ مِنْ عَدُوٍّۢ نَّيْلًا إِلَّا كُتِبَ لَهُم بِهِۦ عَمَلٌۭ صَٰلِحٌ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُضِيعُ أَجْرَ ٱلْمُحْسِنِينَ

It is not for the people of Medina and who (are) around them from the Arabs (ٱلْأَعْرَابِ)
that they remain with the Messenger of Allah and not prefer their selves to his self;..."- Holy Quran 9:120

Allah says:

يَحْسَبُونَ ٱلْأَحْزَابَ لَمْ يَذْهَبُوا۟ ۖ وَإِن يَأْتِ ٱلْأَحْزَابُ يَوَدُّوا۟ لَوْ أَنَّهُم بَادُونَ فِى ٱلْأَعْرَابِ يَسْـَٔلُونَ عَنْ أَنۢبَآئِكُمْ ۖ وَلَوْ كَانُوا۟ فِيكُم مَّا قَٰتَلُوٓا۟ إِلَّا قَلِيلًۭا

They think the Party are not withdrawn. And if come the Party, they'd wish if that they (were in) the desert with the Arabs (ٱلْأَعْرَابِ) asking for your information. And if they were with you, they would not fight except a little.- Holy Quran 33:20

Allah says:

سَيَقُولُ لَكَ ٱلْمُخَلَّفُونَ مِنَ ٱلْأَعْرَابِ شَغَلَتْنَآ أَمْوَٰلُنَا وَأَهْلُونَا فَٱسْتَغْفِرْ لَنَا ۚ يَقُولُونَ بِأَلْسِنَتِهِم مَّا لَيْسَ فِى قُلُوبِهِمْ ۚ قُلْ فَمَن يَمْلِكُ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ شَيْـًٔا إِنْ أَرَادَ بِكُمْ ضَرًّا أَوْ أَرَادَ بِكُمْ نَفْعًۢا ۚ بَلْ كَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ خَبِيرًۢا

Those who remained behind from the Arabs (الْأَعْرَابِ) will say to you: "Our properties kept us busy, and our people, so ask forgiveness for us." They say with their tongues what is not in their hearts. Say: "Then who has power for you from Allah in anything if He intends in you harm, or He intends in you benefit? No! Allah is (كَانَ), of what you do, Aware."- Holy Quran 48:11

Allah says:

قُل لِّلْمُخَلَّفِينَ مِنَ ٱلْأَعْرَابِ سَتُدْعَوْنَ إِلَىٰ قَوْمٍ أُو۟لِى بَأْسٍۢ شَدِيدٍۢ تُقَٰتِلُونَهُمْ أَوْ يُسْلِمُونَ ۖ فَإِن تُطِيعُوا۟ يُؤْتِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ أَجْرًا حَسَنًۭا ۖ وَإِن تَتَوَلَّوْا۟ كَمَا تَوَلَّيْتُم مِّن قَبْلُ يُعَذِّبْكُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًۭا

Say to the people who remain from the Arabs (الْأَعْرَابِ): "You will be called to a punishing people, severe; You fight them, or they submit. Then if you obey, Allah will give you a good reward. And if you turn as you turned from before, He will punish you a punishment painful.- Holy Quran 48:16

Allah says:

قَالَتِ ٱلْأَعْرَابُ ءَامَنَّا ۖ قُل لَّمْ تُؤْمِنُوا۟ وَلَٰكِن قُولُوٓا۟ أَسْلَمْنَا وَلَمَّا يَدْخُلِ ٱلْإِيمَٰنُ فِى قُلُوبِكُمْ ۖ وَإِن تُطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُۥ لَا يَلِتْكُم مِّنْ أَعْمَٰلِكُمْ شَيْـًٔا ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌ

The Arabs (ٱلْأَعْرَابُ) say "We Believe". Say: "You believe not, [and] but say 'We submitted', and not enters the faith in your hearts. And if you obey Allah and His Messenger, He will lessen not your deeds anything. Verily Allah is Forgiving, Merciful"- Holy Quran- 49:14

Hazrat Fizza (SA): The Lofty Status of the Black Queen in Islam

Lofty status of the Black Queen in Islam by Bro. Asad AbdurRahman

In the time of the Messenger of Allah (S), there was a young princess (see etymology for Habesha below).

Habasha is the name of seventh century Kush which extended from Yemen (Shams) to North East Africa. Habesha people are known today as Abyssinian, Ethiopian, and Eritrean.

The young Princess from Habesha was kidnapped at the age of 11, and was intended for sale on the slave market. Prophet Muhammad (S) adopted her instead. It was common practice in the early days of Islam for a Believer to purchase a captive in bondage and set them free. According to Allah in His Holy Book, the freeing of a slave is a prerequisite to obtaining faith. In Surah Al-Balad Allah says:

"And what will explain to thee, the path that is steep? Freeing the bondman; Or the giving of food in a day of privation. To the orphan with claims of relationship, or to the indigent (down) in the dust. Then will he be of those who believe, and enjoin patience, and enjoin deeds of kindness and compassion." - Holy Quran 90:12-17

Prophet Muhammad (S), once an orphan himself, adopted, educated, and raised children to positions of authority. The Secretary of Defense, Zayd Ben Harith, was adopted and raised by Prophet Muhammad (S) Ref. Holy Quran 33:37.

The Blessing of being raised in the House of Prophet Muhammad (S)

To be raised in the House of the Messenger of Allah (S) was to be raised in a house that was blessed and purified by Almighty Allah ref Holy Quran 33:33

To be raised in the House of the Messenger of Allah (S) was to be raised in the house visited by the Arch Angel Jibril (AS) ref Hadith Kisa

To be raised in the House of the Messenger of Allah (S) was to be raised in the presence of the Holy Spirit- who taught the Messenger (S) the inner meanings of the Holy Quran. ref Kafi Book of Knowledge

To be raised in the House of the Messenger of Allah (S) was to become a Becon of Light ref Holy Quran 2:257. And this is what became of the young princess from Habesha. She was an Islamic scholar who knew the inner meanings of the Holy Quran, and Prophet Muhammad (S) named her Fizza (SA)

Hazrat Fizza (SA) was predestined to reflect the Light of Ahlul Bayt (AS)

Concerning the words and wisdom of Prophet Muhammad (S), Allah says:

"Nor does he speak of (his own) desire. It is naught save a revelation that is revealed" -Holy Quran 53:3-4

The word Fizza (Fidha فِضَّةٍ۬) is Quranic Arabic for silver. In Surah Al-Insaan Allah says:

"And amongst them will be passed round vessels of silver and goblets of crystal― Crystal-clear, made of silver: they will determine the measure thereof " -Holy Quran 76:15-16

"Upon them will be Green Garments of fine silk and heavy brocade, and they will be adorned with Bracelets of silver; and their Lord will give to them to drink of a Wine Pure and Holy" -Holy Quran 76:21

The attribute of Fizza (SA) is the attribute of silver which is the best known reflector of visible light. Metaphysically it means that Fizza is the best known reflector of spiritual light, raised by Fatimah Zahra (SA), who is known throught the Islamic and Christian worlds as the Lady of Light.

The name Fizza translates into silver. Silver metal is brilliant, eye catching, and attractive. It has the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of all metals. Silver remains stable in pure air and water.

The House of the Messenger of Allah (S) was a pure environment. Allah says in the Holy Quran that he purifies the members of this household with a thorough purification. Concerning Ahlul Bayt (AS) Allah says:

"...Allah's wish is but to remove uncleanness far from you, Ahlul Bayt, and purify you with a thorough purification." -Holy Quran 33:33

It was this environment which kept Fizza (SA) in her natural state, pure and untarnished. Fizza (SA) was cultivated in the environment of Ahlul Bayt (AS).  She is known as Malka-e-Habesha, which means Abysinian, Eithiopian, or more literally "Black Queen".

Fizza (SA) mastered the Quran to such a degree, that she could give any answer to any question, by reciting a verse from the Quran. She could easily hold a conversation by reciting the Quran. And she is reported to have spoken a language which consisted of Quran and nothing but Quran. Some reports say that she spoke nothing but Quran for a full twenty years!

Princess Fizza (SA) was not an avarage princess. She was raised in the house of the descendants of Abraham (AS), about whom Allah says:

"Verily Allah did choose Adam and Noah the family of Abraham, and the family of Imran above all the worlds." -Holy Quran 3:33

Princess Fizza (SA) was raised with Chiefs of the Youths in Paradise, Hassan and Hussein (AS), the beloved grandsons of Prophet Muhammad (S). She was raised in the home of the Manifesting Imam, Ali Ibn Abi Talib (AS), about whom Allah says:

"Verily We shall give life to the dead, and We record that which they sent before and that which they leave behind, and of all things have We taken account in a Manifesting Imam." -Holy Quran 36:12

Fatimah Zahra (SA), daughter of the Holy Prophet (S), on her deathbed said to Imam Ali (AS): "I loved her (Fizza) like my daughter".- Nahjul Balagha

The respected companion Salman Farsi once came to the door of Ahlul Bayt (AS), searching for Imam Ali (AS). When Hazrat Fizza (SA) opened the door she was asked the whereabouts of Imam Ali (AS), and replied by saying: "He is probably on the stars distributing the gifts of provision." Without realising the wisdom of her statement, Salman Farsi (RA) became agitated and took offence to her reply. So he went in search of Imam Ali (AS).

Salman Farsi (RA) eventually found Imam Ali (AS) working in the garden of a non-Muslim. He complained to Imam Ali (AS) about Hazrat Fizza (SA), mentioning what Fizza (SA) said about Imam Ali (AS) being on the stars distributing the gifts of provision. Imam Ali (AS) smiled and said: "Salman, do you have any doubts?"

Etymology: Habesha is from Abesha

Abesha, a variant of Habesha is a word used to refer to both Eritreans and Ethiopians, or, more specifically, to the Semitic-speaking inhabitants of those countries. The first inscription to refer to "Habesha" is a Sabaean South Arabian inscription ca. 200 AD referring to king GDRT of Aksum (an ancient Kingdom located in modern Ethiopia and Eritrea) as king of the city of Aksum and the "clans of Habesha."

As Sabaic and Ge'ez (the ancient language and alphabet of Ethiopia, still used) it was unvocalized, it is written as "h.bs't" (put the dot under the h and the apostrophe on top of the s) and later as vocalized as h.abs'aat (put the dot under the h, apostrophe over the s, and make the two a's a long "a" - meaning an a with a line over it), which evolved into today's Habesha.

The term was translated by the famous Christian King Ezana of Aksum in the mid 4th century as "Ethiopia" in Greek, which previously referred to Africa south of Egypt in general, or Nubia (in modern-day Sudan) in particular. The term is not, as commonly assumed, of Arabic origin, but of local Semitic origin. Spurious Arabic etymologies tend to connect the term with the meaning "mixed," on the false assumption that the peoples of the Horn of Africa are the product of African-Arab mixes.

The term was also used by the Turks as "Habesh" or "Habeshistan" to refer to their small territory taken from Ethiopia in 1557, comprising of the port cities of Massawa and Hergigo (Habeshistan also included Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, the capital of the province, Suwakin in Sudan, and Aden in Yemen).
Abesha neh? Translation: Are you Abesha (male)/from Ethiopia or Eritrea?

Abesha nesh? (for a female, as above)
"Abesha timeslaleh, abesha neh (You look abesha, are you abesha ? masculine) or
Abesha timesyalesh, abesha nesh (You look abesha, are you abesha ? - feminine).

Hazrat Fizza (SA): According to Surah Al-Insaan (76)- Tafsir

Hazrat Fizza (SA) had the honour of taking part in the "Three Days Fast". Once, when Imam Hasan (AS) and Imam Husain (AS) fell sick, the Holy Prophet (S) suggested that Imam Ali (AS) make a vow (Nazr) to fast for three days when the children recovered.

When the children were better, Imam Ali (AS), Hazrat Fatimah (SA), Imam Hasan (AS), Imam Husain (AS) and Hazrat Fizza (SA) all fasted to fulfil the vow.

However, on each of the three days, when they sat to break their fast, a hungry person called at their door. The first said he was poor, the second said he was an orphan and the third said he was a freed captive. Each time, the big-hearted members of the house, including Bibi Fizza, gave away their food and broke their fast with water.

In praise of this selfless action Allah revealed the 76th Chapter of the Holy Qur'an. The incident is described as follows:

يُوفُونَ بِٱلنَّذۡرِ وَيَخَافُونَ يَوۡمً۬ا كَانَ شَرُّهُ ۥ مُسۡتَطِيرً۬ا (٧) وَيُطۡعِمُونَ ٱلطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ مِسۡكِينً۬ا وَيَتِيمً۬ا وَأَسِيرًا (٨) إِنَّمَا نُطۡعِمُكُمۡ لِوَجۡهِ ٱللَّهِ لَا نُرِيدُ مِنكُمۡ جَزَآءً۬ وَلَا شُكُورًا (٩) إِنَّا نَخَافُ مِن رَّبِّنَا يَوۡمًا عَبُوسً۬ا قَمۡطَرِيرً۬ا (١٠) فَوَقَٮٰهُمُ ٱللَّهُ شَرَّ ذَٲلِكَ ٱلۡيَوۡمِ وَلَقَّٮٰهُمۡ نَضۡرَةً۬ وَسُرُورً۬ا (١١

"They who fulfil their vows, and fear the day, the woe of which stretches far and wide. And they give away food, out of love for Him, to the poor and the orphan and the captive, (saying), We feed you only for the sake of Allah, we do not want anything from you, not even thanks. Verily we fear from our Lord a stern day of distress. So Allah will guard them from the evil of that day and give them freshness and pleasure". (Surah Dahr - Insaan 76:7-11)

Mahir (RA)

Mahir (RA) (1)

Mahir was also a Copt. and had been sent to the Holy Prophet by the King of Egypt.(2) He later became a Muslim but further details of his life are not available.

1. Sima'i Tabnak-i Bilal

2. Isabah, vol. I

Mabur Al-Hahi (RA)

Mabur Al-Hahi (RA)(1)

Mahir was a Copt. He had been sent to the Holy Prophet by the together with Mariya Qibitiyya by the King of Egypt. He became a Muslim during the lifetime of the Prophet. According to some reports he was one of the cousins of Mariya Qibtiyya. (2)

1. Sima'i Tabnak-i Bilal

2. Usudul Ghabah, Vol. IV.

Yasir (RA)- Man of Prayers

Yasir- A Man of Prayers (1)

This Yasir was one of the servants of the Holy Prophet. He looked after the Prophet's ten milk-camels.

His abstinence from worldly pleasures, his piety and his deep attachment to prayers so impressed the Holy Prophet that he liberated him. He moved to a place called Hirah, where despite being free, he continued to look after the Prophet's camels which were kept there.

Some men from the tribe of Umayyah came to the Prophet and accepted Islam. They were all suffering from the effects of malnutrition and their bellies were swollen. The Prophet sent them to Yasir. They then drank the milk from the camels and after some their stomachs returned to the usual size.

What a pity! When these people, having once recovered their health, thrust thin bars into Yasir's eyes and killed him. After his murder, Yasir's body was brought before the Holy Prophet at a place called quba, where he was eventually buried. (2)

1. Sima'i Tabnak-i Bilal

2. Usudul Ghabah, Vol. V.

Yasir- The Martyr of Khaibar

Yasir- The Martyr of Khaibar (1)

Yasir was a slave of a Jew named Kamir and lived at Khaibar. He used to look after the sheep of his master. During the time the Muslim army laid siege on some on some of the forts of Khaibar, Yasir approached the Prophet and asked him to explain to him about Islam. The Holy Prophet enlightened him on Islam and he became a Muslim.

Yasir, on becoming a Muslim, joined the Muslim army but he was worried about his responsibility to look after his master's sheep. He therefore asked the Prophet, 'What shall I do with these sheep whose master has entrusted them to me and are under my care!?' The Holy Prophet replied, 'Turn their faces towards the house of their master and before long they will have got to him'.

So Yasir took a handful of earth and hurled it at the faces of the sheep saying, 'Turn you all back to your master. By Allah, I shall not be back with you.' At this all the sheep, without any herdsman, moved back into the fort where their master lived. It seemed as if some invisible shepherd was guiding them.

Yasir then joined the Muslim army and died a martyr's death whilst fighting. He was hit by a large stone flung from one of the forts to which the Muslims had laid seige. The Holy Prophet rushed to his sacred dead body and personally shrouded him and performed his burial ceremony. At his funeral the Prophet said, 'With him now are the celestial-brides as his wives.'

Thus Islam bestowed upon him a three-fold honour; he became a man of supernatural powers, he achieved martyrdom and recieved celestial-brides to look after him in heaven. (2)

1. Sima'i Tabnak-i Bilal, Husayn Malika Ashtiyani

2. Usudul Ghabah, Vol. V, by Ibn-e-Athir al Jazaeri; Isti'ab; Isabah

Ayman Ben Ubaid (RA)- Martyr of Hunain

Ayman Bin Ubaid - The Martyr Of Hunain (1)

Ayman was the son of Umme Ayman, the wet nurse of the Holy Prophet, and was the brother of Usama son of Zaid (adopted son of the Holy Prophet), on his mother's side. In the pre-Islamic period Umme Ayman had married 'Ubaid bin Amarah of Ethiopia and had moved to Madina from Mecca with her husband. Zaid was born to her at Madina. When her husband died, she returned to Mecca.

Ayman was a staunch Muslim who gave his life for the sake of Islam whilst fighting in the Battle of Hunain. When most of the Muslims were panic-stricken in the Battle of Hunain and fled from the battle-ground, Ayman Ibn 'Ubaid was one of the eight people, including Imam Ali and 'Abbas, uncle of the Holy Prophet, to stand steadfast with the Prophet. He fell down and died, a martyr in fighting for Islam in this battle.

However, the Muslims finally won this battle and after it was over 'Abbas bin 'Abdul Muttalib, one of the uncles of the Holy Prophet, composed couplets praising the bravery and steadfastness shown by Ayman bin 'ubaid and saluting his martyrdom. (2) Ayman bin 'Ubaid was a shepherd and he also looked after the eight milk-goats of the Holy Prophet.

(1) Bilal of Africa, page 120, Husayn Malika Ashtiyani

(2) Al-Isti'ab by Abul Bir.

King Negus of Ethiopia

Asmaha Najjashi - Emperor Of Ethiopia (1)

When the persecutions reached their highest point, the Holy Prophet advised some of his followers to take refuge in Abyssinia. In the fifth year of his preaching, 11 men and 14 women departed from Mecca to Abyssinia (now called Ethiopia) and lived a peaceful life there under Emperor Asmaha's shelter. (The Emperor's actual name was Asmaha and his title was Najashi, which in English is often written 'Negus').



After some time, they returned to Mecca. But on their return, the polytheists of Mecca increased their persecutions and tortured the new converts to Islam. The Holy Prophet advised them to take refuge in Ethiopia once again. A group of 85 men and 11 women from the tribe of Quraysh and 7 people from other tribes took shelter in Ethiopia where they led a peaceful and safe life.



When the polytheists of Makaah learnt of this, they sent two representatives, 'Amr son of 'As and 'Amr son of Walid, with gifts for the Emperor and a request that the Muslims be returned to Makaah from his empire.



On gaining access to the Emperor, they presented the gifts and requested him to return the Muslims as they claimed they were trouble makers. Emperor Najjashi replied that he could not do so until he had investigated the matter himself. He therefore called Ja'far son of Abu Talib, brother of Imam Ali, who was the leader of the refugees, to his court and asked him to explain their new faith. Ja'far delivered a lengthy speech explaining the position they were in before accepting Islam and what Islam had taught them. He then recited from Surah Maryam (Chapter - 19) of the Holy Qur'an which contains the following verses about the birth of Prophet 'Id (Jesus Christ):



"And make mention of Mary in the Scripture, when she had withdrawn from her people to a chamber looking East And had chosen seclusion from them. Then we sent unto her our spirit and it assumed for her the likeness of a perfect man. She said, 'I seek refuge in the Beneficent One from you, if you are God-fearing."

He said: 'I am only a messenger of your Lord, that I may bestow on you an infallible son.', She mid: 'How can I have a son when no mortal has touched me, neither have I been unchaste?', He said: 'So (it will be).' Your Lord said: 'It is easy for me.

And (it will be) that We may make of him a revelation for mankind and a mercy from Us, and it is a thing ordained.'

And she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place And the pangs of childbirth drove her near the trunk of the palm tree. She said: 'Oh, would that I had died of this and had become a thing forgotten.'

The (one) cried unto her from below her; saying: 'Grieve not! Your Lord has placed a rivulet beneath you. And shake the trunk of the palm-tree toward you, you will cause ripe dates to tall upon you.

So eat and drink and be consoled. And if you meet any mortal, say: I have vowed a fast upon the Beneficent, and may not speak this day to any mortal'

Then she brought him to her own folk, carrying him. They said: 'O Mary! You have come with an amazing thing O sister of Aaron! Your father was not a wicked man nor was your mother a harlot'

Then she pointed to him. They said: 'How can we talk to one who is in the cradle, a young boy?'

He spoke: '1 am the slave of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and has appointed me a Prophet And has made me blessed where so ever 1 may be, and has enjoined upon me prayer and alms-giving so long as I remain alive. And (has made me) dutiful toward her who bore me, and has not made me arrogant, unblessed. Peace on me the day I was born and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive.'

Such was Jesus, son of Mary: (this is) a statement of the truth concerning which they doubt ' (Surah Maryam, 19:1-34)


On hearing the speech of Ja'far and these Divine verses of the Holy Qur'an from the chapter named 'Maryam' (Mary), the Emperor was moved and he said, 'By the Great God, the truth is that this verdict and what was revealed to Moses and Jesus have sprung from the same source.



Then, turning to the two representatives of the polytheists, he said: 'I take a vow that I shall never hand these people over to you and I shall help them to the extent I can. The two representatives of the polytheists also told Emperor Najjashi that the Muslims considered Jesus Christ a Messenger of God and not a God Himself as believed by the Christians.



The leader of the Muslim refugees, Ja'far bin Abi Talib, replied that the Muslims believed Jesus Christ to be a 'Servant of God and His Messenger’. Emperor Najjashi was convinced by the arguments presented by Ja'far and after Ja'far's speech, he said, 'There is little difference between the facts we know about Christ and what has been narrated by you Muslims, blessed be you and the person who has sent you, I bear testimony to the fact that he (Muhammad peace be on him) is a Messenger of God.'



Then turning to the polytheists he returned the presents they had given him and bade them leave his country. They left disappointed and returned to Arabia empty-handed whilst Ja'far and his companions continued to live in Abyssinia peacefully.



Having realised the truthfulness of Islam through the preaching of Ja'far son of Abti Talib, the Emperor became a Muslim and as a consequence a number of Christians in his empire embraced Islam too.



Forty of these new converts sought permission from the Emperor to visit Arabia to meet the Holy Prophet of Islam. The Emperor permitted this and gave them presents for the Holy Prophet. The leaders of this group have been mentioned in History as (i) Abraha, (II) Idris, (ill) Ashraf (iv) Ayman (v) Buhaira (vi) Tamin (vii) Tameem and (viil) Nile. It is to these people that the following verse of the Holy Qur'an refers:



'Those to whom We revealed the Scriptures before it, they believe in it '
(Surah al-Qasas, 28:52)



They reached Madina where they met the Holy Prophet and eventually took part with him in the Battle of Uhud. Emperor Najashi himself died a Muslim in his kingdom before the conquest of Mecca (8 A.H.) by the Prophet. The Holy Prophet said Salatul Mayyit (prayers for the dead) for him. (2)

1. Bilal of Africa, pages 116-120, Husayn Malika Ashtiyani

2. Tarikh-e-Bagdad vol. I, by Khatib Baghdadi

Ibrahim Ben Muhammad- Son of the Messenger of Allah (S)

Ibrahim Bin Muhammad

In the 8th year of the Exodus (Hijrah), Ibrahim, son of the Holy Prophet (S), was born to Mariya Qibtiyya. His mother was an Egyptian and had been a Copt (Native Egyptian Christian sect) prior to her acceptance of Islam.

Ibrahim resembled the Holy Prophet very much and the Prophet loved him greatly. He would carry him on his shoulders and show him with great pride to his other wives.

Ibrahim's mother was weak in health and could not suckle the baby. The Holy Prophet, therefore, bought a sheep whose milk was fed to the child. In spite of this, he did not live long and in the 10th year of the Exodus (Hijrah), Ibrahim died when he was only 18 months old.

The Holy Prophet was stricken with great grief and sorrow at his death. At his burial, the Prophet said: 'My eyes are wet and my heart is full of grief, but I shall utter what may but please Allah, '....O Ibrahim! I am grieved and moved at your departure.'

Ammar Ben Yasir (RA) according to Tafsir of Quran

Imam Al-Hasan Al-Askari (AS): Tafsir of Surah Al-Baqara 2:3

وَمِمَّا رَزَقۡنَـٰهُمۡ يُنفِقُونَ

"...and spend of what We have given them;" -Holy Quran 2:3

The Holy Prophet (S) turned towards his companions and asked: Has anyone of you today given any benefit to your believer brother by employing your rank? Ali (AS) replied: O Allah's Messenger! I have done so. The Holy Prophet (S) said: Describe your the event.

Ali (AS) said: Today I happaned to pass by Ammar Yasir who was apprehended by a Jew, who had loaned him thirty Dirhams. Ammar complained to me: Dear brother of Allah's Messenger! This Jew has apprehended me only to give pain to me and disgrace me, and that too, only because I befriend you Ahlul Bayt (AS). Kindly use your rank and position and get me released.

I intended to request that Jew to favor Ammar with kindness but Ammar (RA) spoke up: Dear brother of Allah's Messenger! Your honor in my eyes and heart is much more than that you make recomendation to him, who would never reject your word, even if you ask him to give feast to the whole world. Please just request Almighty Allah to help me to return his money and protect me from seeking loans in the future.

So I raised my hands to the sky and prayed: O Allah! Please fulfill Ammar's need. Thereafter I said to him: Pick up any stone or brick in front of you from the ground and it will turn into gold by Allah for you. So he picked up a stone weighing a few kilograms. It became gold in his hands. Then he asked the Jew: How much do I owe you? The Jew replied: Thirty Dirhams. He was asked how much in gold coins? He replied: Three Dinars.

Ammar (RA) prayed to Almighty Allah: O Lord! Kindly make this gold soft so that I amy slice it off and give to this Jew. Allah softened the metal. He took off three Mithqals gold and gave it to that Jew. Then, looking at the remaining gold, said: O Allah. I have heard that you have said in Holy Quran:

كَلَّآ إِنَّ ٱلۡإِنسَـٰنَ لَيَطۡغَىٰٓ أَن رَّءَاهُ ٱسۡتَغۡنَىٰٓ

"No, but verily man is rebellious. That he thinketh himself independent!" -Holy Quran 96:6-7

I don't wish to be that much wealthy. Therefore, O Allah: for the sake of one whom You made this stone gold, please return it to its original form. So it became a stone, and Ammar (RA) threw it away and exclaimed: O dear-most brother of Allah's Messenger! Your friendship in this world and Hereafter is enough for me.

Upon hearing this, the Prophet of Allah said: Ammar's contentment made even the angels wonder. They described Allah's glory. Allah's Mercy continues to rain on him from high heavens.

Then turning towards Ammar Ben Yasir (RA) he said: O Abal Yaqdhan: Good news for you. You, in honesty, are Ali's A(AS) brother and are the most high ranking in his freindship. You are among those who will be killed due to your devotion for him. You will be killed by a rebellious group, and in this world your last provision will be some uncooked milk. AND YOUR SOUL SHALL JOIN WITH THE SOULS OF MUHAMMAD AND HIS PROGENY (AS). You are, in my sight, among the desired Shi'as.

The First Family of Martyrs in Islam!

Sumayyah Bint Khayaat (RA) was the first Believer to be martyred in Islam. She was tortured to death by Pagan Arabs, for declairing faith in the Oneness of Allah. A pagan Arab named Abu Jahl (father of ignorance) shoved a spear into her private parts.

Yasir Ben Amir (RA), husband of Sumayaah Bint Khayaat (RA), was the second Believer to be martyred in Islam. He was tortured to death by pagan Arabs, for declairing faith in the Oneness of Allah. He was tied to two horses and his body was ripped apart.

The first Muslims to recieve the good new of Jenna (Paradise), were Yasir (RA) and his family.

The Messenger of Allah (S) said to the first family of Martyrs: "O family of Yasir, bear this suffering patiently, for Allah has given you the promise of Jenna (Paradise)"- Al-Isabah

Ammar Ben Yasir (RA), son of Sumayyah Bint Khayyat (RA), was a Shi'a Muslim who supported Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS). He was martyred in the Battle of Siffin, 650 C.E., while defending the House of Prophet Muhammad (S).

Sunni traditions report that Ammar Ben Yasir (RA) would be inviting them to Paradise

Sahih Bukhari, volume 1, Book 8 Number 438

Narrated 'Ikrima: The Prophet said: "May Allah be Merciful to Ammar. He will be inviting them to Paradise and they will be inviting him to Hell-Fire. Ammar said: 'I seek refuge with Allah from affliction.'"

Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith Number 3800

Abu Huraira narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: "Rejoice Ammar, the transgressing party shall kill you."

Ammar Ben Yassir was martyred fighting against the Munafiqeen i.e. the internal enemies of Islam!

A Restatement of the History of Islam and Muslims, Sayed Ali Asgher Razwy

The first victims of pagan attrition and aggression were those Muslims who had no tribal affiliation in Makkah. Yasir and his wife, Sumayya, and their son, Ammar, had no tribal affiliation. In Makkah they were "foreigners" and there was no one to protect them. All three were savagely tortured by Abu Jahl and the other infidels. Sumayya, Yasir's wife, died while she was being tortured. She thus became the First Martyr in Islam. A little later, her husband, Yasir, was also tortured to death, and he became the Second Martyr in Islam.

Quraysh had stained their hands with innocent blood! In the roster of martyrs, Sumayya and her husband, Yasir, rank among the highest. They were killed for no reason other than their devotion to Allah and their love for Islam and Muhammad Mustafa. Those Muslims who were killed in the battles of Badr and Uhud, had an army to defend and to support them. But Yasir and his wife had no one to defend them; they bore no arms, and they were the most defenseless of all the martyrs of Islam. By sacrificing their lives, they highlighted the truth of Islam, and they built strength into its structure. They made the tradition of sacrifice and martyrdom an integral part of the ethos of Islam.

Bilal, Khabab ibn el-Arat, Suhaib Rumi, and other poor and unprotected Muslims were made to stand in the torrid sun, and were flogged by the infidels. Food and water were denied to them in the vain hope that hunger and thirst will compel them to abandon Muhammad and Islam