Contents

i. ii. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The Beginning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 dam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Shth (Seth) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Idrs (Enoch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 N (Noah) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Hd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 li . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Ibrhm (Abraham) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Isml (Ishmael) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Isq (Isaac) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

10. Yaqb (Jacob) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 11. L (Lot) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 12. Shuayb (Jethro) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 13. Ysuf (Joseph) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 14. Ayyb (Job) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 15. Ynus (Jonah) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 16. Dhal-Kifl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Introduction
NUMBER OF PROPHETS
Total 120 000 according to a narration by Abu Dhar (H. Ahmad) 124 000 in another narration Mentioned in the Qurn Not more than 11 (Some are mentioned more frequently than others)

WHY DO WE STUDY THE STORIES OF THE PROPHETS?

Best Lessons & Stories

Understanding the Qurn

Renaissance and reformation

+
Means of Steadfastness

+
Loving the Qur'an

+
Reformation of our homes

+
Empowering the Creed

+
Khushu' in Salah

+
Role Models

+
Art of Giving Da'wah

SOURCES OF THE STORIES

Al-Qurn

Sunnah

Hadith Israiliyat Our position regarding Hadith Israiliyat Correspond Qurn and Sunnah Accept Contradict Qurn and Sunnah Reject Not mentioned in Qurn or Sunnah Neutral (neither accept nor reject)

The Beginning
ALLH AND HIS CREATIONS
In the beginning, there was only Allh. H. Ahmad Allh wrote the decrees before He created the heaven and the earth by 50 000 years. And His throne was above the water. H. Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi The first thing Allh created was the pen, and He ordered it to write everything that will happen until the Day of Judgement. H. Ahmad, Muslim (n. Abu Hurayrah) Allh created dust/earth on Saturday on Sunday mountain trees on Monday makruh/dislikes on Tuesday on Wednesday light animals on Thursday dam on Friday (after Asr) Allh also created angels, each one given a specific task. For example: Angels that

What was created first: The throne or the pen? Opinion of the Ahll-Ilm First from the earth: The pen First from out of the earth: The throne

WHO WAS CREATED FIRST: JINN OR MAN?

The jinn were created first. Q. Al-Hijr: 27 And the jinn We created before from scorching fire. H. (n. Ibn Abbas) 2000 years before mankind was created, there were jinn.

Adam (a.s.)

dams name is mentioned in the Qurn 25 times.

CREATION OF DAM (A.S)

Q. Al-Baqarah: 30 Allh informed the angels about the creation of man. The angels asked why create men who will cause corruption and bloodshed on earth. But Allh know what they do not know. H. Ibn Hibbn Allh ordered angels to collect soil from earth (red, white, black, brown) Soil + water Mud Clay statue Ibls would pass by the clay statue, which was open at both ends. Went in from one end and out from the other Kicked it Allh then blew the soul in. It came down from the head. When it reached the nose dam sneezed. He said: Alhamdulillah, and Allh replied: YarhamukAllh. When it reached the eyes dam looked at the Paradise. He wanted to go there but he couldnt move yet. Allh commanded the angels to prostrate to dam (to honour him). Q. Al-Baqarah: 34, Sad: 72 All of them prostrated, except for Ibls (he was among the jinns). H. Bukhari (n. Abu Hurayrah) dam was 60 cubits tall.

TEACHING DAM (A.S)

H. Bukhari (n. Abu Hurayrah) Allh told dam to go to a group of angels. dam went and greet them with Assalmualaykum. The angels replied with Assalmualayka wa rahmatullh. This will be the greeting of dam and his offspring. Q. Baqarah: 31-33 Allh taught dam the names of everything. Allh asked the angels the names of things, but the angels couldnt. They admitted that they have no knowledge except what Allh have taught them and that Allh is the All-Knower, the Wise. Allh then asked dam to inform them the names, and he did. Allh knows everything including the unseen, all that are revealed, and all that are concealed.

Adam (a.s.)

LONELY IN HEAVEN
H. (n. Ibn Abbas) dam was alone in the Paradise. Allh created a woman out of dams rib and made her as dams companion. One day, he woke up from sleep and found Hawa next to him. dam : Who are you? Hawa : A woman. dam : Why have you been created? Hawa : So that you could find tranquility in me. Angels passed and asked dam about her. dam replied that she is Hawa* (because she was created from dam and he is a living being) * Hawa: Derived from Hayy (something alive)

WARNING DAM (A.S.) AND HAWA

Q. Baqarah: 35 dam and Hawa were allowed to enjoy the pleasures of Paradise. But Allh warned them not to approach a tree.

DAMS (A.S) WEAKNESS

Q. Taha: 120 Ibls whispered to dam and said they will live forever if they ate from the tree. Hawa ate the fruit, followed by dam. When they tasted the fruit, their clothes fell off. Both of them tried to cover themselves with leaves of Paradise. dam ran away in Paradise. Allh asked him: Are you running away from me? dam replied: No my Lord, but I am ashamed.

DAMS (A.S.) REPENTANCE

Q. Al-Baqarah: 37 dam repented to Allh, and Allh accepted his repentance.

Adam (a.s.)

Q. Al-Arf: 23 Du of dam in repentance

They said: Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers. dam repented for 40 years for his disobedient.

DESCEND TO EARTH
Q. Al-Baqarah: 38 Allh sent dam and Hawa out of paradise and down to earth. Ibn Kathr (Ibn Abbas) dam India Hawa Jeddah Point of meeting: Arafah

THE FIRST TWINS

H. Tabari Hawa gave birth to 20 sets of twins. 1st : Qabl (Cain) and his sister 2nd : Habl (Abel) and his sister Differences between the two brothers Habl was stronger and was a shepherd. Qabl was lazier and was a farmer. The marriage arrangement Habl + Qabls twin sister (beautiful) Qabl +Habls twin sister (not beautiful) But Qabl wanted to marry his own sister dam advised them to offer sacrifice to Allh The sacrifice Q. Maidah: 27 Habl : a good, healthy she-goat accepted (a fire from the sky that took the goat away) Qabl : a poor harvest rejected

Adam (a.s.)

FIRST DEATH
Q. Al-Midah: 27-30 Qabl threaten to kill Habl out of jealousy and anger Although Habl was the stronger among the two, but he refused to fight Qabl Qabl hit Habls head with a rock and killed him H. Ahmad (n. Abdullh ibn Masud) Every soul unjustly killed until the end of time will be entered into Qabls record.

FIRST BURIAL
Q. Al-Midah: 31 Qabl didnt know what to do with Habls body. Allh sent two crows to teach Qabl how to bury his brother. The crows fought and one of them died. The other crow dug a hole, placed the dead crow in it, and covered it with sand. Qabl followed the method. The tragic news reached dam , Hawa, and their daughters Habl had died Qabl had ran away to live in the valley due to his guilt and ego

DAMS (A.S.) DEATH

Ibn Kathr dam lived for 960 years. When dam died, angels washed and buried him to teach his children the proper burial procedure.

. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 Allh created dam on Friday, after Fajr.
a) True b) False

2 The soul of dam was blown from the head to the feet.
a) True b) False

3 What did Ibls tell dam and Hawa about the tree?
a) b) c) d) The fruits were the tastiest The fruits were the sweetest If they eat the fruits, they would live forever If they eat the fruits, they would never go hungry again

4 The first set of twins delivered by Hawa was Qabil and his sister.
a) True b) False

5 Whose sacrifice was accepted by Allh, and what did he offer as a sacrifice?
a) b) c) d) Qabil, crops Qabil, goat Habil, crops Habil, goat

6 Which bird did Allh sent down to show Qabil how to bury Habil?
a) b) c) d) Crow Pidgeon Eagle Owl

7 Qabil went back to his father after killing his brother.

a) True b) False

- (a.s.) Shith

a.k.a. Seth

Shths name is not mentioned in the Qurn, but mentioned in a hadith (Bukhari).

SHTH A.S.
After Habls death, Allh blessed dam another son, Shth, who became a prophet. Out of 104 books, Allh revealed 10 to dam (a.s) 50 to Shth (a.s) Suhuf: Small books/scrolls 30 to Idrs (a.s) 10 to Ibrhm (a.s) Tawrah to Musa (a.s) Zabur to Dawud (a.s) Injil to Isa (a.s) Qurn to Muhammad (s.a.w.)

FIRST ZINA
The men of Qablat Qabl were very handsome. The women of Qablat Shth were very beautiful. Rule at the time of Shth: No mixing between Qablat Shth and Qablat Qabl Shayn came to the Qablat Qabl in the form of a man claimed to be from Qablat Shth, but wanted to join them introduced sounds (drum, flute) and made music They started having a festival every week. The music was loud and could be heard by some men from Qablat Shth. The men decided to join the festival and started mixing with the women from Qablat Qabl. The first sin of zina was committed.

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. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 How many books were revealed to humankind?
a) b) c) d) 100 104 105 110

2 How many scrolls were given to Shth?

a) b) c) d) 1 30 50 10

3 Shayn influence people to commit sin directly.

a) True b) False

4 The first thing Shaytn taught Qablat Qabl was how to sing.
a) True b) False

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- (a.s.) Idris

a.k.a. Enoch

Idrss name is mentioned in the Qurn 2 times.

HIS BIRTH & TEACHING

Idrs was from the progeny of dam & Shth. He was born in Babylon. His characteristics: Tall Had a long beard (Ibn Kathr) Very patient Articulate Loved studying o His name, Idrs , comes from the root word da-ra-sa which means to study His history: Invented the process of writing and taught the people how to write First to initiate war (Jihad) against the Qablat Qabl 30 scrolls were revealed to him

HIS DEATH
He asked an angel to bring him to Malakul Maut for asking him to give him some more time before taking his soul away. They reached the 4th heaven and met the Malakul Maut who was on his way descending . The angel asked Malakul Maut how much time Idrs had left. Malakul Maut told them that Allh has ordered him to take the soul of Idrs at the 4th heaven. Idrs died in the 4th Heaven.

This story is mentioned by Ibn Kathr, and he noted that the story is from Israiliyat and has flaws. H. Bukhari Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) met Prophet Idrs at the 4th heaven during Miraj.

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. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 How many scrolls were revealed to Idrs ?
a) b) c) d) 30 1 50 10

2 Where was Idrs born?

a) b) c) d) Makkah Palestine Iraq Damascus

3 Idrs was the first person to

a) b) c) d) teach writing make an armour build an ark received miracle from Allh soul taken by the Angel of Death

4 At which level was Idrss

a) b) c) d) 3 heaven 4th heaven 5th heaven 6th heaven
rd

13

- (a.s.) Nuh .

a.k.a. Noah

Ns name is mentioned in the Qurn 43 times.

PERIOD BETWEEN DAM A.S AND N A.S.

H. Muslim, Ibn Hibbn (n. Abu Umamah) N came 10 qurun after dam Either 10 centuries or 10 generations In that period of time, there was only Tawheed and no Kufr.

STORY OF WADD, SUWAA, YAGHUTH, YAUQ AND NASR

They were righteous men who preached people to good and the worship of Allh SWT alone. Shaytn could not do much as long as there is someone who is calling towards good. Shaytn waited for 10 centuries and all these 5 righteous men died. Then, he started inviting the people to visit the graves of the 5 righteous men. Next, he told the people to take things from the graves and make images of them as remembrance. Next, he told the people that their forefathers used to worship the 5 righteous men, and they should too. The people started worshipping idols named after the righteous men.

NHS A.S. REASONING WITH HIS PEOPLE

Q. Ankabt: 14 N lived for 1000 sanah (tough years) and 50 ama (good years) Q. N: 3 N called his people to Worship Allh alone and have taqwa Follow him He called to them Day and night (Q. Nh: 5) Privately and openly (Q. Nh: 8-9) Q. Nh: 10-20 He told them about Forgiveness and Allhs mercy Doors of success Pondering the creation of Allh Everyones final destination

Ask forgiveness from Allh, and He shall give rain and increase wealth, children, and provisions. Q. Nh: 10-12

Q. Ash-Shuar: 108 He was not asking for reward; his reward would be from Allh.

14

- (a.s.) Nuh .

a.k.a. Noah

THE DISBELIEVERS ARGUMENT

His people were arrogant and went away with fingers plugged in their ears. (Q. Nh: 6-7) They people accused him of being a liar (Q. Hd: 27) being astray (Q. Al-Arf: 60) being insane (Q. Al-Qamar: 9) and they said he was only like them (Q. Hd: 27) mocked him (Q. Hd: 38) threaten to stone him (Q. Ash-Shuar: 116)

NHS A.S. PRAYER

Only 83 people believed after 950 years of dawah. Allh revealed to N that no others else would believe in him (Q. Hd: 36) N wanted to save the believers from being misled by the non-believers. So he asked Allh to remove non-believers from the earth (Q. Nh: 26-27)

NHS A.S. BUILDS THE ARK

Q. Al-Muminn: 27, Hd: 37-40 Allh instructed N to build an ark under His observation and supervision when oven overflowed, bring the believers and two mates from each creature into the ship Q. Hd: 41 N started embarking with a du

And [Nh] said: Embark therein; in the name of Allh is its course and its anchorage. Indeed, my Lord is Forgiving and Merciful.

THE FLOOD BEGINS

Q. Al-Qamar: 11-12 The gates of heaven were opened and rain came pouring down. Water sprang out from the earth. Ibn Kathr Water rose from cracks in the earth. Rain poured in quantities never seen before on earth.

15

- (a.s.) Nuh .

a.k.a. Noah

The ark began to float The ship sailed through mountain-like waves (Q. Hd: 42) The believers were scared N taught them to make Dhikr of Allh

FATHER AND SON

Q. Hd: 42-43 N called his own son to come on board. The son refused, saying that he will take refuge at the top of a mountain. But no non-believers was safe from the decree of Allh. His son drowned with other non-believers.

THE FLOOD ENDS

Ibn Kathr They stayed on the ship was for 6 months N sent a bird to bring in some soil from somewhere to examine if the water has been drained. Q. Hd: 44-48 Allh had ordered the Earth to swallow the water and the sky to stop raining. The water subsided. The ship came to rest at Mount Judi

16

. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 How many years did N called to his people?
a) b) c) d) 600 years 900 years 950 years 1000 years

2 In Arabic, the word Sanah signifies years that are hard whereas Ama signifies years that are easy.
a) True b) False

3 Which of the following statements are true?

i) ii) iii) iv) a) b) c) d) The disbelievers said N was in error. The disbelievers said N was crazy. His people listened to him but chose not to believe. His people threatened to stone him. i, ii, iii i, ii, iv i, iii, iv All of the above

4 What was the signal given by Allh for the believers to start embarking on the ship?
a) b) c) d) Rain started Water sprang from earth Oven overflowed Bird brought some soil

5 Who from among Nhs family had disbelieved him?

i) ii) iii) iv) a) b) c) d) His father His wife His son His daughter i and ii i and iii ii and iii iii and iv

17

- (a.s.) Hud

Hds name is mentioned in the Qurn 7 times.

AFTER THE FLOOD

Population started to increase and the people began to spread around the earth. From Sam b. Nh, came the Arab. From Ham b. Nh, came the African. From Yafith b. Nh, came the Asian/Russian.

THE PEOPLE OF D
The d tribe is a progeny of Sam b. Nh. The lived in Al-Ahqaf area in the Empty Quarter, Sham (between Oman and Yemen). Their characteristics: Humongous Tallest = 100m Strong Could pull out palm trees just using their hands Civilized Great craftsmanship Built tall buildings with lofty towers Wealthy The d was the first people to return to shirk after the flood. da Yadu (return)

They became arrogant stubborn

HDS A.S. MESSAGE

Allh sent to d a prophet from among them, Hd. H. Ibn Hibbn Among the prophets, only 4 were Arabs: Hd a.s. li a.s. Shu ayb a.s. Muammad s.a.w. Q. Hd: 50-52 Hd said to his people Worship Allh alone; there is no god other than him Ask forgiveness from Allh Do not turn away as wrongdoers Q. Hd: 51, Ash-Shuara: 127 He was not asking for reward; his reward would be from Allh Ask forgiveness from Allh, and He shall give rain and increase strength. Q. Hd: 52

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- (a.s.) Hud

DS REFUSAL TO BELIEVE
Q. Hd: 44-48 d replied to Hd There was no evident that Hd was speaking the truth They will not leave their gods They disbelieved in Hd They accused Hd of being possessed by their gods

THE PUNISHMENT
First, drought occurred several years. 70 of their righteous men went to pray for rain. 3 clouds came: white, red, and black. They thought it would rain. But the black cloud brought a blasting wind that lasted for 8 days and 7 nights (Q. Haqqah: 7) The people was blown by the wind and crashed down: their heads and torso went into the ground, but their feet remained above the ground like trees.

PROPHETS S.A.W. SUPPLICATION DURING A BLOWING WIND

H. Bukhari (n. Aisha) If the Prophet s.a.w. saw a cloud in the sky, he would become agitated. If it rained, he would become relaxed. He feared that something similar to the punishment of d would happen. Hisnul Muslim Supplication s when the wind blows

O Allaah, I ask You for its goodness and I take refuge with You from its evil.

O Allaah, I ask You for its goodness, the good within it, and the good it was sent with, and I take refuge with You from its evil, the evil within it, and the evil it was sent with.

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. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 The d people came from the progeny of
a) b) c) d) Sam b. Nh Ham b. Nh Yafith b. Nh Yam b. Nh

2 Hd was one of the Arab prophets sent by Allh.

a) True b) False

3 The d said that some of their gods had seized Hd with evil.
a) True b) False

4 The punishment to the people of d started with a

a) b) c) d) flood drought plaque infestation

5 The blowing wind that was sent to d lasted for

a) b) c) d) 6 days and 7 nights 7 days and 8 nights 8 days and 7 nights 9 days and 8 nights

20

- (a.s.) Salih . .

lis name is mentioned in the Qurn 9 times.

THE PEOPLE OF THAMD

The People of Thamd succeeded the d. They lived in a place called Al-Hijr, in Madain li (rocky mountains 300-400 km north-west of Madinah) Their characteristics: Big Large in number Powerful Wealthy Build palaces and homes in mountains

LIS A.S. MESSAGE

Allh sent to the People of Thamd a prophet from among them, li. H. Ibn Hibbn li was one of the 4 Arab prophets Q. Hd: 50-52 li said to his people Worship Allh alone; there is no god other than Him Allh created them Ask forgiveness from Allh Q. Shuara: 145 He was not asking for reward; his reward would be from Allh.

THAMD DEMANDS A MIRACLE

The People of Thamd disbelieved. Q. Hd: 62 They used to have high hope on li (and wanted to make him a leader), but now they were doubting him. Q. Shuara: 153-154 Thamds replies to li They accused Hd of being affected by magic They demanded a sign from him

21

- (a.s.) Salih . .
The first miracle

They pointed at a rock and asked li to bring out an attractive she-camel, which must be 10 months pregnant. And they promised to believe in li if he were able to do so. Allh ordered the rock to split, and out came a great, pregnant she-camel

li told his people The she-camel was a sign (Q. Al-Arf: 73, Hd: 64) Let her eat from the earth (Q. Al-Arf: 73, Hd: 64) They were to share the water source: one day for the camel and one day for the people (Q. Ash-Shuara: 155) Do not harm the camel, or they would be punished (Q. Al-Arf: 73, Hd: 64, Ash-Shuara: 156) Some people started to believe in li. Others remained arrogant and stubborn.

THE PLOT
Ibn Kathr The disbeliever hated the li and she-camel. They laid a plot to kill the camel. (her husband was a believer) Saduq Unayzah offered herself to her cousin offered her daughters to Masra Qudar

Masra, Qudar and 7 other men went to kill the she-camel. When the camel came to drink, Masra shot it in the leg. The camel tried to run away, but Qudar followed it and struck its other leg, and slaughtered it. The baby ran away, but they followed and killed it as well.

THE PUNISHMENT
li warned the disbelievers that punishment will come in 3 days (Q. Hd: 65) The disbelievers decided to kill li and his family by night. (Q. Al-Naml: 49) Ibn Kathr 9 men came to kill li, but Allh rained down stones that smashed their heads before punishing the rest of the tribe. 1st day 2nd day 3rd day 4th day Faces turned yellow (pale) Faces turned red Faces turned black A loud, continuous shriek (sayhah) came from the sky and killed them all.

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- (a.s.) Salih . .

Q. Al-Arf: 73 li came back after they had perished and said: O my people! I have indeed conveyed to you the Message of my Lord and have given you good advice, but you do not like good advisers.

PROPHET S.A.W. AND COMPANIONS PASSING BY AL-HIJR

H Bukhari The Prophet s.a.w. and his companions passed by Al-Hijr and rested there during the Tabuk expedition. The companions took water from its well, filled their water skin and also kneaded dough with it. The Prophet s.a.w. ordered them to throw away the water and the dough (it was a cursed area). The Prophet s.a.w. told them not to enter the area except in a weeping state, lest they should suffer the same punishment. The Prophet s.a.w. then covered his face with his cloth.

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. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 The People of Thamd lived in
a) b) c) d) Al-Hijr Midian Al-Ahqaf Hijaz

2 The first miracle of prophethood was given to li a.s.

a) True b) False

3 What was the sign that the People of Thamd asked for?
a) b) c) d) A meal from the Heaven An angel coming down to them A dead man brought to life A pregnant she-camel coming out of a rock

4 The 9 men who went to kill li died in when the blast came on the 4th day.
a) True b) False

5 Two days before their punishment came, the faces of the Thamd turned
a) b) c) d) white yellow red black

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- - (a.s.) Ibrahim

a.k.a. Abraham

Ibrhms name is mentioned in the Qurn 69 times.

WHY IS IBRHM A.S. EQUIVALENT TO AN UMMAH

Q. Al-Baqarah: 124 Allh gave Ibrhm tests and trials, and he passed them all. Ibrhm was appointed as the imam. Q. An-Najm: 37 Ibrhm had fulfilled his obligations Q. Hd: 75 Ibrhm was Halm Awwh Munb

Forbearing Used to invoke Alllah with humility Repentant to Allh

Q. An-Nis: 125 Ibrhm was khalilullah (companion/friend of Allh)

BACKGROUND
Ibrhm was born in Babylon, Iraq. His father was an idol maker. When Ibrhm was still a child, he asked his mother: Who is your lord? His mother answered: Your father. Ibrhm asked again: Who is fathers lord? His mother answered: Namrd. Ibrhm asked again: Who is Namrds lord? His mother answered: The idol that your father made.

THE INGREDIENT OF SUCCESS

What we can learn from Ibrhm (a.s.) Know how to deal with people Know when to speak or let others speak Know how to convince people Know how to plan our lives Be an action taker Be a profound thinker

25

- - (a.s.) Ibrahim
Stage 2: Migration Confronting Namrd Migration from Irq to al-Shm Migration from al-Shm to Egypt

a.k.a. Abraham
Stage 3: Elderly age Abandoning Hjar and Ismal (a.s.) The sacrifice The building al-Kabah His death

THE STAGES
Stage 1: Childhood Calling his father Calling his people Destroying the idols Being cast into the fire

Migration from Egypt to Palestine Migration to Makkah

STAGE 1: CALLING HIS FATHER

Q. Maryam: 42-45 Ibrhm called* to his father softly Why worship something that cannot hear, see, or benefit Follow me to the straight path Dont worship Shaytn I fear punishment of Ar-Rahmn** will overtake you if you do so * He used Y Abati, a softer form of Y Abi, in each of his sentence. ** He used Allhs name, Ar-Rahmn, The Most Gracious, instead of other stronger names. Q. Maryam: 46 His father responded harshly I will punish you Leave me Q. Maryam: 46 Ibrhm responded softly Peace be upon you I will ask forgiveness of Allh for you

26

- - (a.s.) Ibrahim

a.k.a. Abraham

STAGE 1: CELESTIAL WORSHIPPERS

Q. Al-Anm: 76-79 Ibrhm saw a star This is my Lord. He saw the moon rising This is my Lord. He saw sun the sun This is my Lord. This is greater. but the star set. I dont like those that disappear. but the moon set. Unless my Lord guide me, I shall be among the misguided. but the sun set. I am indeed free from what you associate with Allh. I have turned my face toward He who created the heaven and the earth.

STAGE 1: REASONING WITH THE IDOLATORS

Q. Al-Anm: 52-67 Ibrhm asked his people what were these idols that they worshipped. The people told him they found their fathers worshipping the idols (they have no other evidence). Ibrhm told them that they and their fathers were wrong, but they did not believe him. One day, the people went out to celebrate a festival. They passed by Ibrhm and asked whether he would come along, but Ibrhm said he was sick. While everyone was away, Ibrhm took an axe and smashed all of the idols except the biggest one. He put the axe next to this idol. The people came back and saw the idols were destroyed. Some people mentioned about a young man, Ibrhm, who spoke bad about the idols. They brought him before the people and asked Ibrhm if he was the one who did this. Ibrhm told them the big one did it and he told them to ask the idols. The people admitted that the idols could not speak. Ibrhm admonished them for worshipping something that cannot benefit or harm them.

STAGE 1: IBRHMS A.S. TAWAKKUL: THE STORY OF THE FIRE

Q. Al-Anm: 68-70 The people became angry after being defeated by Ibrhm. They said: BURN him! They made a big fire. It took 6 months to lit up. It was so hot that birds could not fly over it without being killed.

27

- - (a.s.) Ibrahim

a.k.a. Abraham

Because the fire was so big and they could not go near it, they put Ibrhm on a catapult and launched him into the fire. Before being thrown into the fire, an angel came and asked if he need anything. Ibrhm said: Nothing from you. When they threw him into the fire, he said: Sufficient for me is Allh, and He is the best disposer of affairs. Alllah told the fire to be cool and safe for Ibrhm. When the fire had extinguished, the people were surprised to find Ibrhm alive and untouched by the fire. Their plot was foiled and they were defeated.

STAGE 2: IBRHM A.S. AND NAMRD

Namrd, the king, had proclaimed himself as god. When he heard about Ibrhm, he summoned Ibrhm to the palace to have a dialogue with him. Q. Al-Baqarah: 258 Ibrhm said: My Lord is He who gives life and causes death. Namrd said: I give life and cause death. He took two prisoners out. He set one free. He killed the other one. Namrd could not say anything. He was defeated.

Ibrhm said: Allh causes the sun to rise from the east, then cause it you to rise from the west.

Namrd decided to banish Ibrhm from his kingdom.

STAGE 2: MIGRATION TO AL-SHAM AND THEN TO EGYPT

Ibrhm married Srah, the most beautiful woman created after Hawa. They migrated to Al-Sham, Damascus, where Ibrhm continued to preach. However, the people there did not believe in Ibrhm. Then, they migrated to Egypt.

28

- - (a.s.) Ibrahim

a.k.a. Abraham
The three lies of Ibrahim When he said to his people, I am sick when they asked him if he would come to the festival. When he told his people that the biggest idol where the one that had destroyed all other idols. When he told the tyrant of Egypt that Sarah was his sister H. Bukhari (n. Abu Hurayrah)

They passed by a place ruled by a tyrant. The tyrant was told that Ibrhm and a beautiful woman had entered the city. When he was asked about Srah, Ibrhm said Srah was his sister. The tyrant took Srah, but when he wanted to touch her, he became paralysed. He told Srah to pray to Allh to cure him and he would not harm her, so she did. But he tried to touch her again, and the same thing happened. The third time it happened, he told his servant that he had brought him not a human being, but a devil. The tyrant set Srah free and gifted her Hjar. (H. Bukhari)

STAGE 2: BACK TO PALESTINE

They went back to Palestine, and Ibrhm married Hjar. When he was aroung 60-70 years old, Hjar gave birth to Isml. Ibrhm was again tested by Allh; he was ordered to leave his wife, Hjar, and his baby son, Isml, in the desert.

STAGE 2: JOURNEY TO MAKKAH

Ibrhm asked Hjar to get Isml and prepare for a long journey. They set out, and when they reached an uncultivated valley, Ibrhm turned and walked away, leaving Hjar and Isml behind. Hjar asked him: Where are you going? But Ibrhm did not reply. She repeated the question, but again, he did not reply. Then, she said: Has Allh ordered you to do so? He said: Yes. She said: Then He will not neglect us. The Dua of Ibrahim Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House Our Lord, that they may establish prayer So make hearts among the people incline toward them And provide for them with fruits So that they may be thankful Q. Ibrahim: 37

29

- - (a.s.) Ibrahim

a.k.a. Abraham

Their water ran out, and Isml was crying out of hunger. Hjar ran between As-Safa and Al-Marwah 7 times to look for water and other people. She then heard a voice and saw an angel digging the earth with his heel/wing. Water flowed from that place, and Hjar started making something like a basin to contain the water. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: May Allh bestow mercy on Ishmaels mother! Had she let the Zam-Zam (flow without trying to control it or had she not scooped from that water to fill her water-holder), Zam-Zam would have been a stream flowing on the surface of the earth. A tribe of Jurhum (from Yemen) was travelling through the desert when they saw a bird flying over an area (a sign of the presence of water). They came and asked Hjar to allow them to stay there. Hjar agreed with a condition that they would have no right over the water. (H. Bukhari)

STAGE 3: THE SACRIFICE

Ibrhm would come and visit Hjar and Isml every now and them. Q. Saffat: 102-107 When Isml was old enough to walk with him, Ibrhm received a dream, an order from Allh, to slaughter his son, Isml. He asked Isml for his opinion. Isml said: O my father*! Do that which you are commanded, InshaAllh (if Allh wills), you shall find me of the patient. Ibrhm laid Isml face down (so that they would not have to face each other), and started moving the knife, but it would not cut, by the will of Allh. Ibrhm then heard a call: O Ibrhm, you have fulfilled the dream! Allh had accepted their submission and ransomed Isml with a ram. * Isml also used Y abati when speaking to his father, Ibrhm.

STAGE 3: THE BUILDING OF AL-KABAH

One day, Ibrhm came to Isml and inform him of Allhs order to build the Kabah. They began building the Kabah together. While building, they prayed: O our Lord! Accept this service from us, verily, You are the All-Hearer, the Knower. (Q. Al-Baqarah: 127)

30

- - (a.s.) Ibrahim

a.k.a. Abraham
The Maqam of Ibrahim The stone where Ibrahim stood on when building the Kabah Allh said in the Qurn: and take from the standing place of Ibrahim a place of prayer (Q.. Al-Baqarah: 125) The Prophet (s.a.w.) prayed 2 rakah behind Maqam Ibrahim after performing his tawaf. (H. Bukhari)

Ibrhm asked Isml to go and find the final rock to complete the building. An angel brought them a rock from the heaven, al-Hjar al-aswad, which was said to be originally white but it turned black. After they had built the Kabah, Allh ordered Ibrhm to call the people to Hajj. (Q. Al-Hajj: 27) It was said that Ibrhm did not know how to convey the message for his voice would not reach them, but Allh said: Call them and We will convey it. Ibrhm called out: O mankind! Your Lord has established a House, so come on pilgrimage to it. (Ibn Kathr) And the response to this call is the talbiyah (Labbaik Allhumma labbaik) that the pilgrims say during Hajj or Umrah.

STAGE 3: HIS DEATH

Ibrhm died in Palestine. Some people say that he was buried in a place called Al-Khalil (no authentic prove)

31

. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 Ibrhm was born in
a) b) c) d) Palestine Babylon Al-Sham Egypt

2 King Namrd took Srah from Ibrhm.

a) True b) False

3 Allh ordered the fire to be to Ibrhm.

i) ii) iii) iv) a) b) c) d) Hot Cool Cold Peaceful i and ii ii and iii ii and iv iii and iv

4 After leaving his birth place, Ibrhm migrated to

a) b) c) d) Al-Sham, and then to Egypt, and then to Palestine Egypt, and then to Palestine, and then to Al-Sham Iraq, and then to Egypt, and then to Makkah Iraq, and then to Palestine, and then to Makkah

5 Hjar ran ... times, starting from to and back.

a) b) c) d) 6, Al-Safa, Al-Marwa 6, Al-Marwa, Al-Safa 7, Al-Marwa, Al-Safa 7, Al-Safa, Al-Marwa

6 The tribe of Jurhum was from

a) b) c) d) Oman Iraq Damshik Yemen

32

- - (a.s.) Ismail

a.k.a. Ishmael

Ismls name is mentioned in the Qurn 18 times.

ISML AND THE JURHUM

Isml grew up and lived with the Jurhum. He learned Arabic from them. He married from their women. He ordered his wives and children to pray and give zakah. He continued to live in Al-Hijaz and served the pilgrims.

ISMLS WIVES
One day, Ibrhm went to visit Isml, but he was not at home. He asked Ismls wife about their living condition. The wife complained of hardship and misery. Ibrhm left a message: Tell him to change the threshold of his gate. Isml came back and asked if someone had visited. The wife said yes. She conveyed Ibrhms message. Isml said: It was my father. He ordered me to divorce you.

Isml then married another woman. Another day, Ibrhm went to visit Isml again, but he was not at home. He asked Ismls wife about their living condition. The wife told him they were well off and thanked Allh. He asked: What do you eat? She answered: Meat. He asked: What do you drink? She answered: Water. Ibrhm said: O Allh, bless their meat and water.* * Ibrhm left a message: Tell him to keep firm the threshold of his gate. Isml came back and asked if someone had visited. The wife said yes, a good looking old man came. She conveyed Ibrhms message. Isml said: It was my father. You are the threshold, and he ordered me to keep you with me.

Because of Ibrahims invocation, there are blessings in Makkah. If someone has only these two things (meat and water) as his sustenance, his health and disposition will be badly affected, unless he lives in Makkah.

H. (n. Ibn Abbas)

33

. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 Isml was an Arab.
a) True b) False

2 What did Ibrhm mean by the threshold?

a) b) c) d) Ismls door frame Ismls wife Ismls occupation Ismls house

3 The first wife was divorced because she

a) b) c) d) Was rude Complained to a stranger Complained to her father-in-law Talked too much

4 During the second visit, Ibrhm made a du to Allh to bless their

i) ii) iii) iv) a) b) c) d) Water Meat Dates Grain i and ii i and iii i and iv iii and iv

34

- (a.s.) Ishaq .

a.k.a. Isaac

Isqs name is mentioned in the Qurn 17 times.

THE GLAD TIDINGS

Three angels (Jibrl, Mikal, Israfl) came in human form. Ibrhm welcomed them as his guests. He told Srah to sacrifice and roast a fat calf for them. He then invited his guests to eat, but they did not touch the food. Ibrhm began to fear them. But the guests said: Do not fear. We have been sent to the people of L . They brought him the glad tidings of the birth of Isq, and after him, Yaqb. Sara was astonished: how could she and her husband have a child when they were already very old? Sara was about 80-90 years old and said to be sterile. Ibrhm was about 100 years old. But Allh had decreed it and blessed them with another son. (Q. Hd: 69-73)

35

. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 Who were the three angels that became Ibrhm guests?
i) ii) iii) iv) a) b) c) d) Jibrl Izral Israfl Mikal i, ii, and iii i, iii, and iv ii, iii, and iv None of the above

2 Why was Ibrhm fearful of his own guests?

a) b) c) d) They were scary They would not eat like other guests normally did They would not speak to him He knew they were sent to destroy a nation

3 Why was Srah surprised by the news of the birth of Isq?

a) b) c) d) She was barren She was old He husband was old All of the above

36

10

- (a.s.) Yaqub

a.k.a. Jacob

Yaqbs name is mentioned in the Qurn 16 times.

ISQS SONS: YAQB AND AL-IS

Isq travelled to Iraq and settled there. H. Israiliyat (Ibn Kathr) Isq married Rebekah bint Bethuel bin Nahor. They had twins Al-Is (a.k.a. Esau) Yaqb (a.k.a. Jacob)

He was hairy He was not hairy

Esau disliked Jacob Jacob was favoured by Isaac Jacob received a du from Isaac that was meant for Esau When Isaac became old and his eyesight had weakened, he asked Esau to bring some cooked game. Esau went out. Jacob later came in, dressed like his brother (with goat skin on his arms and neck). He fed his father some food that his father liked. When Isaac finished eating, he made prayed for his son (whom he thought was Esau) to be the more blessed brother and to prevail over them and all people, and for Allh to sustain him and his children. When Esau came back with the food his father had asked, Isaac asked him: Did you bring it an hour ago and ask me to pray for you? Esau threatened to kill his brother. Rebekah heard about this and told Jacob to flee until his brother calmed down.

YAQBS A.S. PROMISE

H. Israiliyat (Ibn Kathr) Jacob left his family. At night, he rested at a place, took a stone, put it under his head, and slept. He had a dream There was a ladder from heaven to earth. Angels were ascending and descending The Lord said to him: I will bless you and your offspring and make this land for you and for those who come after you. He woke up feeling joyful and vowed, for Allhs sake, that if he returned to his family safely, he would Build a temple at this place Give one tenth of his property for the sake of Allh. He poured oil on the stone to recognize it and called the place Ayles House (Bethel), which means House of Allh. This place is the location of Jerusalem.

37

10

- (a.s.) Yaqub

a.k.a. Jacob

YAQBS A.S. CHILDREN (FROM THE PEOPLE OF THE BOOK)

H. Israiliyat (Ibn Kathr) Jacob married two sisters* Liya (a.k.a. Leah): older sister Rhil (a.k.a. Rachel): younger sister and two women slaves. Zilpah: Leahs slave Bilha: Rachels slave From his four wives, Jacob had 12 sons. * It was permissible at that time to marry sisters. The sisters were his cousins, and he worked for his uncle for 20 years.

YAQB A.S. BECOME ISRAIL

H. Israiliyat (Ibn Kathr) An angel appeared in the shape of a man. Jacob and the angel began to wrestle. The angel injured Jacob thigh and he became lame. The angel said: What is your name? Jacob answered: Jacob The angel said: After today you shall not be called (anything) but Israel. Jacob asked: And who are you? What is your name? The man had vanished. Then Jacob knew that he was one of the angels. Jacob was lame, and for this reason the children of Israel do not eat the thigh muscle on the hip socket.

ISQS A.S. DEATH

H. Israiliyat (Ibn Kathr) Yaqb came back to his father, Isq. They settled in a village of Hebron in Canaan (where Ibrhm had lived). Isq fell ill and died when he was 180 years old. Al-Is and Yaqb buried him with his father, Ibrhm*, in a cave which he bought. * It was said that Ibrhm died at the age of 175.

38

. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 Most of the stories of Yaqb came from
a) b) c) d) the Qurn the Sunnah the People of the Book Commentaries

2 Yaqb woke up from his wonderful dream and promised that, if he returned to his family safely,
he would i) Build a palace at that place ii) Build a temple at that place iii) Give a fifth of his property for Allhs sake iv) Give a tenth of his property for Allhs sake a) b) c) d) i and iii i and iv ii and iii ii and iv

3 Yaqb had two wives, Liya and Rhil.

a) True b) False

4 Who was called Israil?

a) b) c) d) Isq Al-Is Yaqb Yahud

5 Isq died at the age of

a) b) c) d) 170 175 180 185

6 Al-Is and Yaqb buried their father, Isq, with his father, Ibrhm.
a) True b) False

39

11

- (a.s.) Lut .

a.k.a. Lot

Ls name is mentioned in the Qurn 27 times.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PEOPLE OF SODOM

They committed Robbery Killing Homosexuality o No one had ever done before (Q. Al-Arf: 80) o They did it openly without shame

LS MESSAGE
L was Ibrhms nephew, and he believed in Ibrhms message. L was sent to the city of Sodom (Sadum, a.k.a. Al-Muktafikah) on the western of the Dead Sea (between Jordan and Pakistan). Q. Ash-Shuar: 160-166 L said to his people Fear and obey Allh He was not asking for reward; his reward would be from Allh. (Similar to the sayings of Nh, Hd, and li) Warned them for preferring to be with men than their wives Do not turn away as wrongdoers Q. Ash-Shuar: 167, Al-Arf: 82 His people threatened to drive him out. Q. Ash-Shuar: 168-171 L made du to Allh to save him and his family from their despicable action. Allh saved L and his family, except his wife.

ANGELS CAME TO MEET IBRHM A.S. REGARDING L

Q. Hd: 74-75 After hearing about the coming of punishment for the People of L , Ibrhm tried to plead for them (he was forbearing). n. Said bin Jubayr Ibrhm said: Will you destroy a town that has 300 hundred believers in it? They said: No. 200? No. 40? No. 30? No. 5? No. 1? No.

40

11

- (a.s.) Lut .

a.k.a. Lot

Ibrhm said: But there is L in it. They said: We know better who is there. We will save him and his family except his wife. Q. Hd: 76 Ibrhm was told to give up his plea because Allh had decreed their destruction.

ANGELS CAME TO MEET L A.S.

Ibn Kathr The angels came in form of beautiful men. They reached the wall of Sodom in the afternoon. The first person to see them was one of L s daughter. One of them asked her if there is a place to rest. She told them to wait and do not enter, and she went to informed her father, L , of their arrival. L brought them home, but along the way, he tried to indirectly tell them to leave because of the nature of his people. At his house, L s wife (a disbeliever) saw the beautiful guests. She slipped out of the house and spread the news to the people. They rushed to L s house and wanted him to surrender the guests. L was embarrassed. He said: Here are my daughters, they are purer for you (Q. Hd: 76) i.e. He wanted them to be with women in a halal way. His people said: We have no need of your daughters You know well what we want. (Q. Hd: 79) Jibrl called L and brought him inside. With the tip of one of his wings, Jibrl struck the people outside, causing them to lose their sight. (Q. AlQamar: 37) The people then retreated. The angels said to L (Q. Hd: 81) Set out with your family during a portion of the night Do not look back Except your wife, she will be struck by that which strikes them o Some scholars said she stayed at home and was destroyed. o Some scholars said she turned and looked back, and a stone from the sky killed her. Their appointment is for the morning. Is not the morning near?

41

11

- (a.s.) Lut .

a.k.a. Lot

THE PUNISHMENT
Q. Hd: 82-83 At sunrise, the people of Sodom was punished: The earth turned upside down o With the tip of one of his wings, Jibrl lifted the entire town so high that the sounds of barking dogs can be heard from the heaven. The town then was turned and crushed down to earth. Stones rained down on them o The stones are marked with the names of the person it would hit

AFTER SODOM
L went back to Ibrhm and told him what happened. He was surprised that Ibrhm had already knew about the punishment to the People of Sodom.

42

. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 Sodom was situated near the
a) b) c) d) Red Sea Dead Sea Black Sea Baltic Sea

2 The people of Sodom committed

i) ii) iii) iv) a) b) c) d) robbery homosexuality incest murder i, ii, and iii i, ii, and iv i, iii, and iv ii, iii, and iv

3 The people of Sodom threatened to if he did not stop preaching.

a) b) c) d) kill L beat up L burn L in a fire threw L out of the city

4 Three angels came to Sodom in the form of

a) b) c) d) three old men three wise men three beautiful young men three matured men

5 Who was the first person to saw the angels (in the form of men)?
a) b) c) d) L L s daughter L s son L s wife

6 What were the punishments for the people of Sodom?

i) ii) iii) iv) a) b) c) d) Rain of stones Blasting wind Earthquake Drought i and ii i and iii ii and iii ii and iv

43

12

Shuayb (a.s.)

Shuaybs name is mentioned in the Qurn 10 times.

THE PEOPLE OF MADYAN

They are also known as the People of Al-Aykah. They lived in Madyan, in the Arab Peninsular. The people committed several crimes: Highway robbery Cheating in weight and measure during business Oppressing people with taxes

SHUAYBS A.S. MESSAGE

Allh sent to the People of Madyan a prophet from among them, Shuayb. H. Ibn Hibbn Shuayb was one of the 4 Arab prophets. Q. Al-Arf: 85-86 Shuayb said to his people Worship Allh alone; there is no god other than him Do not cheat in their weights and measures (and they were prosperous) Do not cause mischief and corruption Do not sit in the path, threatening Do not hinder people for the path of Allh Remember Allhs blessing Remember Allhs punishments to the wrongdoers Q. Ash-Shuar: 180 He was not asking for reward; his reward would be from Allh.

THE PEOPLE OF MADYAN DISBELIEVED

Q. Ash-Shuar: 185-187 The people of Madyan disbelieved. They accused Shuayb of being affected by magic They said he was just a man like them They accused him of lying They demanded him to make the sky fall down on them

44

12

Shuayb (a.s.)

Q. Hd: 91 They considered Shuayb as weak and they did not respect him. If it was not for his family, they would have stoned him. Q. Al-Arf: 88-89 The chiefs among the arrogant people replied We shall drive you and those who believed you out of town, unless you return to our religion Those who followed Shuayb would be losers.

THE PUNISHMENT
The people of Madyan were given several punishments: The people threaten to throw him out of the city. Q. Al-Arf: 91 Earthquake seized them.

Q. Ash-Shuar: 189 Torment of the Day of Shadow seized them. Ibn Abbas Allh sent thunder and intense heat. They entered their houses but it pursued them. They went into the fields. They found clouds that shaded them from the sun. When everyone had gathered beneath the cloud, Allh sent fire upon them.

The people asked him to make the sky fall on them.

The people spoke to him in disrespectful manner.

Q. Hd: 94 A loud cry (Sayhah) left them lifeless.

45

. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 The People of Madyan are also known as the People of Al-Aykah.
a) True b) False

2 Shuayb is one of the prophets who were Arab.

a) True b) False

3 The People of Madyan committed the following crimes:

i) ii) iii) iv) a) b) c) d) Robbery Killing Oppression Cheating in business i, ii, and iii i, ii, and iv i, iii, and iv ii, iii, and iv

4 The chiefs of Madyan threatened to kill Shuayb.

a) True b) False

5 Allh punished the People of Madyan with

i) ii) iii) iv) e) f) g) h) A flood An earthquake A blast A cloud i, ii, and iii i, ii, and iv i, iii, and iv ii, iii, and iv

46

13

Yusuf (a.s.)

a.k.a. Joseph

Ysufs name is mentioned in the Qurn 27 times.

WHY SURAH YSUF WAS REVEALED

Surah Ysuf was revealed in the Year of Sadness. Khadijah passed away Abu Talib passed away shortly after Allh revealed this surah to console the Prophet (s.a.w.).

THE HARDSHIPS OF YSUF

With his family Loved by his father Became a trustee Reunited with his family Wealth and power Forgiveness Thrown into a well Sold as a slave in Egypt Seduction Accused of evil intention Thrown into the jail Three types of patience In calamity In obedience From disobedience

Lived in the house of Al-Aziz

CONSTANT UPS AND DOWNS

Hated by his brother Left the family at the age of 12

THE VISION
Q. Ysuf: 4-5 Ysuf had a dream 11 stars the sun the moon prostrating to him He told his father, Yaqb * Also used Y abati Yaqb told him Not to tell his brothers Or they will plot against you Shaytn is an open enemy

47

13

Yusuf (a.s.)

a.k.a. Joseph

THE EVIL PLOT

Q. Ysuf: 6-18 Yusufs brothers were jealous of Ysuf and Binyamn (a.k.a. Benjamin) because Yaqb loved them more thought that their father was in error plotted to kill Ysuf or cast him out father would love them repent with Ysuf out of the way The eldest son suggested that they throw him into a well travelers would pick him up and brought him to a distant land They asked to take Ysuf out to eat and play with them. Ysuf and his brother were always with their father instead of being with the brothers Yaqb was reluctant because he feared that a wolf might eat him. But in the end, he let them go out with Ysuf. The brothers did as they had planned They threw Ysuf into a deep well They killed a sheep and soaked Ysufs shirt with its blood They went back to Yaqb with the shirt, telling him a wolf had ate Ysuf Yaqb knew they were not telling the truth. The shirt had no tear in it Yaqb said: Faabrun jaml (Patience is most fitting)

THE LIFE IN THE WELL

Q. Ysuf: 19-20 A caravan passed by and stopped to fetch water from the well. When the bucket was lowered, Ysuf hanged on to it. When they saw Ysuf coming out of the well, they were surprised. They sold him cheaply (for a few dirhams only) to the Trustee of Eqypt (Al-Azz)

LIFE IN EGYPT
Q. Ysuf: 21 Al-Azz told his wife make Ysufs stay comfortable maybe he will profit us or we shall adopt him as a son (they were childless)

48

13

Yusuf (a.s.)

a.k.a. Joseph

SEDUCTION
Q. Ysuf: 22 Ysuf grew up wiser and more knowledgeable more handsome Q. Ysuf: 23 The wife of Al-Azz tried to seduced Ysuf closed and locked the door called him to herself

10 METHODS OF SEDUCTION
Ysuf was Very handsome Strong Young A slave Alone A stranger (no one would know) Wife of Al-Azz was Beautiful A woman with power They were in a closed room with locked doors. No one was around.

THE TRUTH
Q. Ysuf: 23 Ysuf refused her called He sought Allhs refuge His master had been kind; he would not betray him Q. Ysuf: 25-29 They raced towards the door. She tore Ysufs shirt from the back. When they reached the door, they found Al-Azz in front of it. She started accusing Ysuf of having evil intention towards her, but Ysuf defended himself. A witness from her family said that if Ysufs shirt was torn from the front she was telling the truth he was telling the truth from the back Yusufs shirt was torn from the back. Al-Azz said to Ysuf: Ignore this to his wife: Ask forgiveness for your sin Three types of people ignored by Allh on Judgement Day the one who dishonors his parents women that act like men the dayyt (someone who has no protective jealousy) (Classified as hadith a by Shaykh al-Albni)

49

13

Yusuf (a.s.)

a.k.a. Joseph

TALK OF THE TOWN

Q. Ysuf: 30-31 The women in the city started talking about the incident. The wife of Al-Azz got to know of this, and she invited them to a banquet. They were given fruits and knives. The wife of Al-Azz then summoned Ysuf. The women was astonished by his beauty. They said he was not a man, but a noble angel. They cut their own hands while admiring him Q. Ysuf: 32-34 The wife of Al-Azz threatened him: if he refused to obey her call, he will be imprisoned. Ysuf preferred the prison than what they invited him to, and Allh responded to him.

IN PRISON
Ysuf was imprisoned even though he was innocent. Q. Ysuf: 36 One day, his jailmates asked him to interpret their dream. They saw him as a good person Q. Ysuf: 37-40 Before interpreting their dreams, Ysuf told them He can tell them the food they would receive, and this was a gift from Allh He believed in the religion of his fathers, Ibrhm, Isq, Yaqb They do not associate anything with Allh Are separate god better than one god? Worship nothing except Allh Q. Ysuf: 41-42 Ysuf interpreted their dreams. Kings cook Dream Interpretation Birds were eating bread on his head. He would be crucified. King cupbearer Serving the king wine. He would return to service.

Ysuf asked the cupbearer to mention his name to the king. But Shaytn made the cupbearer forget about Ysuf, so Ysuf remained in the prison for several years.

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Yusuf (a.s.)

a.k.a. Joseph

QUALITIES OF A DAI
Have good manners/morals Have good appearance Be self-confident Use intellect and common sense Remind people of Allhs blessing Uses affectionate words

THE KINGS BEDCHAMBER

Q. Ysuf: 43-45 The king had a dream 7 fat cows eaten by 7 lean cows 7 ears of green grain 7 ears dry grain No one knew what the dream meant. When the news reached the cupbearer, he remembered Ysuf. The king sent him to Ysuf.

YSUFS A.S. INTERPRETATION

Q. Ysuf: 47-49 Ysuf interpreted the dream. There would be seven years of abundance Excess of good harvest Store what they harvested in the ears (preserving the grains longer), except a little needed for food followed by seven years of famine Nothing would grow Eat from the harvest they collected and a year which water will be plentiful. Grapevines and olive trees would grow in abundance People would press wine and oil as usual

Q. Ysuf: 50-53 The king was fascinated, and he asked Ysuf to be brought to him. Ysuf refused to leave until his innocence is proven regarding the ladies who cut their hands. The women and the wife of Al-Azz told the truth of Ysufs innocence.

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Yusuf (a.s.)

a.k.a. Joseph

AFTER HARDSHIP COMES EASE

Q. Ysuf: 54-55 The king offered Ysuf a high position. Ysuf asked to be made the controller of the storehouses. So that he could guard the nations harvest and thereby safeguard it during the anticipated drought. By He did not mean to seize an opportunity or get any personal gain He wanted to rescue hungry nations for a period of seven years. He was trustworthy. He had knowledge after years of living with Al-Azz. Q. Ysuf: 58-62 7 years later, people everywhere suffered from the drought, except in Egypt where they had stored grains.
1st

Visit

Yaqb told his 10 sons (all except Binyamn) to go to Egypt. Ysuf recognized his brothers and supplied them with provisions, and if they promised to bring the youngest brother (Binyamn), he would reward them with double rations. Ysuf secretly returned their money, so that they would come back.

A THIEF AMONG BROTHERS

Q. Ysuf: 63-80
2nd

Visit

The brothers told their father about Ysufs request for them to bring Binyamn, but Yaqb was reluctant. The brothers found that their money had been returned, and insisted that their father let Binyamn come. Yaqb set some conditions Bring Binyamn back unless you are surrounded Do not enter by one gate, but by different gates When they arrived in Egypt, Ysuf invited them to a feast. Later, he took Binyamn aside; he told him that he is Ysuf and informed Binyamn of his plan. The next morning, as the brothers were leaving, Ysuf ordered a servant to put the gold measuring cup into Binyamns bag. An announcer called out to them: Thieves! They denied stealing the cup, but the cup was found in Binyamns bag. The brothers said: If he steals, a brother of his has stolen before. Ysuf heard this, but he swallowed his resentment.

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Yusuf (a.s.)

a.k.a. Joseph

According to their law, a thief would be made a slave, so Binyamn was taken. The eldest son also stayed behind because he could not face his father. The others went back and informed Yaqb of what happened.

YAQBS A.S. PERSEVERANCE

Yaqb wept and repeated: Faabrun jaml. He lost his sight from crying. Nevertheless, he asked his children to go and look for both Binyamn and Ysuf; he never despaired.

YSUF A.S., THE GENTLE

Q. Ysuf: 88-100
3rd

Visit

The brothers came back to Egypt again, pleading for Ysuf to be charitable. Ysuf then spoke in their tongue and revealed himself. He forgave his brothers and asked them to bring his shirt to their father. The caravan then headed back to Palestine. Before the caravan arrived, Yaqb said he could smell Ysuf. They thought his mind had became weak. When the caravan had arrived, one of them put Ysufs shirt over Yaqbs face The brothers asked their father to asked Allh to forgive them, and he did.
4th

he could see again.

Visit

Yusufs father, mother, and his brothers all went to Egypt to see Ysuf. Ysuf raised his parents on the throne. They all bowed in prostration to him. Ysuf said to his father: This is the explanation of my vision.

YSUFS A.S. GRATITUDE

Q. Ysuf: 101 Ysuf made a du to Allh Grateful for the blessings Allh is the Creator of heavens and earth Allh is his Waliy in this world and the hereater Asked Allh to let him die as a Muslim Asked Allh to join him with the righteous

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. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 Ysuf had 12 brothers.
a) True b) False

2 The other sons of Yaqb feel jealous of Ysuf and his brother because they were more beloved to
their father. a) True b) False

3 The brothers plotted and discussed about

a) b) c) d) killing Ysuf kicking Ysuf out of town throwing Ysuf into a well all of the above

4 Ysuf was sold as a slave to

a) b) c) d) the king of Egypt a trustee of Egypt a magician of Egypt a merchant of Egypt

5 The king of Egypt dreamed of

i) ii) iii) iv) a) b) c) d) 7 fat cows eating 7 skinny cows 7 skinny cows eating 7 fat cows 7 ears of green grains and 7 dry ones 7 ears of green grains and 7 black ones i and ii ii and iii iii and iv i and iv

6 During Ysufs brothers first visit to Egypt during the drought, Binyamn came along.
a) True b) False

7 The eleven stars, the sun, and the moon in Ysufs dream were symbols for his brothers, his father,
and his mother. a) True b) False

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- (a.s.) Ayyub

a.k.a. Job

Ayybs name is mentioned in the Qurn 4 times.

BACKGROUND
Ibrhm (a.s.) Ayyb lived in Bathniyah, between Damascus and Adhrust (said to be north of the Gulf of Aqabah) He was sent to the Romans. Allh blessed Ayyb with 14 children slaves wealth properties The Story of Ayyub (a.s.): Lessons For those who are undergoing hardships (e.g. sickness, lost of family and friends) Ayyb (a.s.) For those who Allh had given many blessings, but are not thankful enough.

Isq (a.s.)

Al-s

Razeh Mose

THE TRIAL BEGINS

Allh tested Ayyb with one calamity after another. Ayyb became sick made zikrullah o Nothing of his body could move except his head and tongue He lose his business and properties His slaves and friends left him A test from Allh is His children became sick and died one by one a sign of His love He lived in this condition for 50-70 years. For 7/8 years of hardship, Ayyb did not asked Allh to heal him. His wife asked him why. Ayyb said that he had a good life for 70 years, should he not be patient for another 70 years? a way to expiate sin, to wake the person up and bring him closer to Allh.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------H. Muslim Du of the Prophet (s.a.w.) O Allh! I seek refuge in You from the decline of Your blessings the removal of our state of well-being the suddenness of Your punishments and from all that displeases You

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- (a.s.) Ayyub

a.k.a. Job

ALLH PRAISES AYYB A.S.

Q. Sad: 44 Allh commended Ayyb for being an excellent slave for being patient for returning in repentance

THE LOYAL WIFE

Ayybs wife started working as a maid to support their family. However, there was a rumour that Ayybs disease was contagious, so no one would hire her anymore. She cut her hair and sold it to buy food. When Ayyb got to know of what she did, he vowed to beat her a hundred times.

HEALTH IS RESTORED
Q. Al-Anbiy: 83 Ayyb then supplicated to Allh (indirectly asking Him to cure his condition): Verily! Distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy. Q. Sad: 83 Allh instructed Ayyb to Strike the ground with his foot a spring of water gushed out Wash and drink from the spring of water golden locusts began to fall on him (H. Bukhari) Ayyb became healthy and young again

AYYBS OATH
Q. Sad: 44 Allh ordered Ayyb to fulfill his oath to beat his wife for selling her hair: And take in your hands a bunch of grass and strike with it. Allh then gave Ayyb blessings more than what he had previously, as a reward for his patience.

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. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 Ayyb came from the progeny of Isq and Ibrhm through Yaqb.
a) True b) False

2 How many children did Ayyb have before he was tested by Allh?
a) b) c) d) 13 14 15 16

3 How many years did Ayyb live a good life before he was tested by Allh?
a) b) c) d) 60 70 80 90

4 Why did Ayyb make and oath to beat his wife?

a) b) c) d) Because she was rude to him Because she asked him to make du to Allh to cure himself Because she started working as a maid Because she cut and sold her hair to buy food

5 Allh praises Ayyb for being

i) ii) iii) iv) a) b) c) d) patient strong repentant wise i and ii i and iii i and iv ii and iv

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15

Yunus (a.s.)

a.k.a. Jonah

Ynuss name is mentioned in the Qurn 4 times.

THE PEOPLE OF NINEVEH

Ynus b. Matta was sent to the people of Nineveh (Ninawa), Iraq. The people of Nineveh were idol-worshippers. Initially, they rejected Ynus. After Ynus had left, the skies began to change colour. They were reminded of the destruction of nations before them and realized Ynus was telling the truth. They all gathered outside and started beseeching Allh for mercy and forgiveness with pure sincerity. Allh spared them from the punishment. (Ibn Kathr) The people of Nineveh were the only nation which Allh removed His torment from them (Q. Ynus: 98) the only nation where all its inhabitant (100 000 people or more) became believers. (Q. Saffat: 147148)

YNUS A.S. LEFT HIS PEOPLE

Q. Ynus: 98 After his people had rejected him, Ynus left in anger and disappointment. He went to the shore and boarded a ship to leave the town. A horrible storm started, with waves as high as mountains. The crew tossed baggages overboard to lighten the ship, but this was not enough. They decided to throw at least one of them overboard. They made lots with names of everyone. The one whose name is drawn will be thrown into the sea. 1st time 2nd time 3rd time Ynus Ynus Ynus

MISTAKE: He did not have the permission of Allh to leave.

The crew did not want to throw him as they knew he was honourable. Ynus knew this was from Allh, so he decided to throw himself off.

IN THE BELLY OF THE WHALE

Allh ordered a whale to swallow Ynus. Ynus stayed in the belly of the whale for 40 days. Yunus is called Dhan-Nn, which means the man of the fish (Q. Al-Anbiya: 87)

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Yunus (a.s.)

a.k.a. Jonah

3 TYPES OF DARKNESS
Ynus was in 3 layers of darkness: The darkness of the belly of the whale The darkness of the ocean The darkness of night

THE AMAZING SUPPLICATION

Q. Al-Anbiy: 87 Ynus supplicated to Allh: The supplication of Dhun-Nun None has the right to be worshipped but You, Glorified are You. Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers. The angels in the heaven heard a weak voice coming from an unusual place, so they asked Allh. Allh informed them that was Ynus. The angels asked Allh to save Ynus. Allh replied that He would. No Muslim ever prays to his Lord with these words for anything, but He will answer his prayer. (H. Ahmad, Tirmidhi, An-Nasai)

SUPPLICATION GRANTED
Allh then ordered the whale to swim towards the shore and ejected Ynus. Ynus body was weak; he skin could not protect him from the sun and the wind. Allh gave him a tree with big leaves shade a female deer milk When Ynus health had been restored, he went back to Nineveh and found that all his people had believed. NOTE: The Prophet (s.a.w.) said: None should say that I am better than Yunus bin Matta. (H. Bukhari)

59

. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 Ynus was sent to the people of
a) b) c) d) Madyan Nineveh Al-Ahqaf Al-Aykah

2 The people of rejected Ynus were saved from the torment of Allh.
a) True b) False

3 What was the mistake that Ynus made?

a) b) c) d) He did not preach to everyone. He became angry at his people. He left his people without Allhs order. He went to another land.

4 How long did Ynus stay inside the belly of the whale?
a) b) c) d) 10 days 20 days 30 days 40 days

5 The supplication of Ynus could be heard by angels in the heaven.

a) True b) False

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Dhal-Kifl (a.s.)

Dhal-Kifls name is mentioned in the Qurn 2 times.

THE MEANING OF DHAL-KIFL

Q. Al-Anbiy: 85-86, Al-Qasas: 45-48 Dhal-Kifl was mentioned together with other prophets. Majority of scholars : He was a prophet. Some scholars : He was not a prophet. Ibn Jarr He was not a prophet but he was a righteous man. Supported his people to suffice their needs Administered justice among them That is why he was called Dhal-Kifl literally means possessor of, or giving, a double requital or portion

A qadhi said to his people: Anyone who could fast every day stay up at night for prayers would take his position.

No one fit the descriptions except for Dhal-Kifl (slept only during the qailulah/siesta time). He was appointed as the qadhis successor.

HIS STORY WITH IBLS

Day 1: Siesta Ibls came to Dhal-Kifls house, disguised as a poor old man. He claimed that his people had wrong him. He prolonged his story until siesta time ended. Dhal-Kifl asked him to come to the court in the evening. Dhal-Kifl looked for the old man, but he was not there. The old man still did not turn up. The old man came to his house. Dhal-Kifl asked why he did not come. The old man said, while Dhal-Kifl was in the court, his people pretended to agree to give the old man his right, but when Dhal-Kifl was not in the court, they resisted him. Siesta time ended. Dhal-Kifl asked him to come to the court again. The old man did not turn up.

Day 1: Evening Day 2: Morning Day 2: Siesta

Day 2: Evening

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Dhal-Kifl (a.s.)
The old man still did not turn up. Dhal-Kifl told his wife to lock the door and not let anyone in, because he was very sleepy. The old man appeared, but the wife would not let him in. Ibls slipped through and got inside the house. Dhal-Kifl saw the old man and knew he who he was: the enemy of Allh! Dhal-Kifl kicked Ibls out of the house. He passed the test.

Day 3: Morning Day 3: Siesta

62

. . . . . Quiz . time! . . . . .
1 According to the majority of scholars, Dhal-Kifl was not a prophet.
a) True b) False

2 Dhal-Kifl worked as a
a) b) c) d) farmer shepherd judge minister

3 When did the old man come to Dhal-Kifl house?

a) b) c) d) Morning Mid-afternoon Evening Night

4 Who was the old man?

a) b) c) d) One of the townpeople A traveler An angel Ibls

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Coming up next: The Story of Musa (a.s.)

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