BEFORE PROPHETHOOD• An orphan of a noble, but not well-to-do, family that lived in Mecca. • His father(Abdullah) died before his birth. His mother (Amna) died when he was six and his grandfather (AbdulMuttalib) became his guardian. • His grandfather died at the age of 12 and uncle (Abu Talib) raised him. • He was known for being honest and truthful before prophethood. • Worked as a shepherd and later as a trader • Married his first wife Khadija, and the mother of his surviving children, when he was 25. She was 40. HIS PROPHETHOOD • He received his first revelation at 40. These revelations were compiled later into the Quran; the holy book of Muslims • The nobles of Mecca refused his call, ostracized and persecuted him and his followers. • After 13 difficult years, he immigrated to Medina whose people welcomed him. • In Medina, he was a prophet and a statesman. • He died in Medina after 10 years at the age of 63 • His personality revolves around the traits of mercy, generosity and forgiveness. THE MESSAGE • The oneness of God, the creator of the whole universe • Islam is the continuation of divine messages that God sent to humanity through prophets like Abraham, Isaac, Moses, and Jesus. • The moral principles of the ten commandments are reflected in the message of Muhammad. • It acknowledges the diversity of the human race and freedom of religions PROOFS OF PROPHETHOOD 1. The Prophet (pbuh) was unlettered. "And you did not recite any Book before it, nor did you write one with your right hand; in that case the liars would have doubted." (29:48) 2. The Arabs were challenged to bring forth something similar to the Qur’an, and they were unable to do so! The Messenger of God (pbuh) said: "The miracles of the Prophets (before Muhammad pbuh) were confined to their times. The miracle I have been given is the Qur’an, which is everlasting; therefore, I hope to have the most followers." (Bukhari 4598) 3. The Prophet p.b.u.h. continued preaching and calling people to Islam, even though he faced many hardships and was confronted by his people, who were plotting to kill him. 4.Didn’t care about tempting offers given to him and fought for the islam: Thomas Carlyle, said: "They called him a prophet, you say? Why, he stood there face to face with them, here, not enshrined in any mystery, visibly clouting his own cloak, cobbling his own shoes, fighting, counseling ordering in the midst of them. They must have seen what kind of a man he was, let him be called what ye like. No emperor with his tiaras was obeyed as this man in a cloak of his own clouting. During three and twenty ears of rough, actual trial, I find something of a veritable hero necessary for that of itself. PROOFS OF PROPHETHOOD 5. Allah instilled great love for Muhammad (may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him) in the hearts of all who believed in and met him. This love reached such a degree that any of his companions would willingly sacrifice his (or her) self, mother or father for him. Till today, those who believe in Muhammad honor and love him. Anyone of those who believe in him would ransom his own family and wealth to see him, even if but once. 6. All of history has not preserved the biography of any person in the manner it has preserved the life of Muhammad, who is the most influential human in history. Nor has the entire earth known of anyone whom every morning and evening, and many times thereafter throughout the day, are thought of by those who believe in him. Upon remembering Muhammad, the believers in him will greet him and ask Allah to bless him. They do such with full hearts and true love for him. 7. Veracity and truthfulness of his principles and that they are good and suitable for every time and place. The results of the application of Islam are clear and well known, which in turn testify that it is indeed a revelation from God. Further-more, is it not possible for Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) to be a Prophet, as many Prophets and Messengers were sent before him? If the answer to this query is that there is nothing that prevents this - we then ask, ‘why do you reject his Prophethood, and confirm the Prophethood of the Prophets be-fore him?’ 8. Man cannot bring about laws similar to the laws of Islam which deal with every aspect of life, such as transactions, marriage, social conduct, politics, acts of worship and the like. So, how can an unlettered man bring something like this? Isn’t this a clear proof and sign of his Prophethood? What non-muslims said about Mohammed (p.b.u.h.) "My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of the world's most influential persons may surprise some readers and may be questioned by others, but he was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular level." Michael H. Hart, The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History, 1978 "That marvelous and gifted teacher created a vast empire of new belief and new civilization, and prepared a sixth part of humanity for the developments and reconciliations which later times will bring. For Islam must be conciliated; it cannot be thrust scornfully inside or rooted out. It shares the task of the education of the world with its sister religions." Edwin Arnold, Victorian poet What non-muslims said about Mohammed (p.b.u.h.) "He must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today.“ George Bernard Shaw, The Genuine Islam, 1936 lf a man like Muhammad were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness.” George Bernard Shaw “If ever a man ruled by a right divine, it was Muhammad, for he had all the powers without their supports. He cared not for the dressings of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life." Reverend Bosworth Smith in 'Muhammad and Muhammadanism,' London, 1874 What non-muslims said about Mohammed (p.b.u.h.) Muhammad founded and promulgated one of the world’s great religions, and became an immensely effective political leader. Today, thirteen centuries after his death, his influence is still powerful and pervasive. Michael Hart ‘The 100’ A ranking of the most influential persons in history "His military triumphs awakened no pride nor vain glory as they would have done had they been effected by selfish purposes. In the time of his greatest power he maintained the same simplicity of manner and appearance as in the days of his adversity. So far from affecting regal state, he was displeased if, on entering a room, any unusual testimonial of respect was shown to him." Washington Irving WHAT IS ISLAM?? The Arabic meaning of Islam is submission to God/Allah; the creator of the universe. Islam provides a comprehensive concept to humanity’s eternal question: who are we? Islam is a comprehensive and balanced system of life encompassing the spiritual and the temporal realms. Five tenets of Islam • Declaring your faith (Shahada) • Five daily prayers and one communal on Friday • Fasting one month every year • Pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia once in a life time • Helping the needy and the poor (Zakat) Humanity on Earth A purpose and a design Trustees of God on Earth Relationship with Nature & Environment • Harmony • Complementary • Animals are like us Relationship with fellow humans Relationship with other religions • Inherent designed diversity • Based on justice & fairness • Obligations towards the poor • Freedom of faith; no compulsion in religion • Freedom of religious practice • Special status for Christian and Jews (monotheist outlook) THE QURAN • • • The revelation of God to Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) It has been preserved as revealed 14 centuries ago. It consists of 114 chapters of various lengths. In Arabic, it numbers about 604 pages. • The translation of its meaning is available in English, French and most of the world’s languages THE QURAN • • • • Appeals to the mind to reflect on creations and the creator Glad tidings for the believers Admonitions to the non-believers Stories of previous messengers of God such as Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Moses, Jesus, Mary, etc. • Rulings on social and commercial issues. What the Quran says about…. “ And we sent Moses with our signs; get your people from darkness to light and remind them of the miracles of Allah. For in it are signs for the thankful” (14:5) “The angels said. “O Mary! Allah has chosen, purified and chosen you among the women of this world. Mary, worship your Lord devoutly: Prostrate and bow with those who bow down.”(3:42-43) “ The angels said, “O Mary! Allah brings you good news; a word from Him whose name will be Christ Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and the hereafter and of those nearest to Allah. He shall speak to the people when infant and old and shall be of the righteous.” (3:45-46) WHY MUSLIMS ARE POSITIVE ABOUT ISLAM • Islam brought liberation and justice for the underprivileged; the poor and women. • No nation can claim a monopoly on Islam. Everyone is welcome to enter. • The Muslim clergy, in general, defended the rights of the oppressed and constituted the moral and vocal opposition to tyrants and dictatorships. PROPHET MUHAMMAD IN CHRISTIANITY Almighty God speaks to Moses in Book of Deuteronomy chapter 18 verse 18: “I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like unto thee, and I will put my words in his mouth; and he shall speak unto them all that I shall command him.” Muhammad (P.b.u.h) is prophesized in the book of Isaiah: It is mentioned in the book of Isaiah chapter 29 verse 12: “And the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I am not learned.” When Archangel Gabriel commanded Muhammad (P.b.u.h) by saying „IQRA‟– “Read”, he replied," I am not learned”. PROPHET MUHAMMAD IN CHRISTIANITY John chapter 14 verse 16: "And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever." Gospel of John chapter 15 verse 26: "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me." Gospel of John chapter 16 verse 7: "Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you". In Hindu Scriptures 1.NAME OF KALKI AVTAR: According to Kalki Puran the name of Kalki Avtar will be “SARWANAMA”. The meaning of "ANAMA" is praised one and "SARW" mean most of all, so "Sarwanama" means the most praised one and in Arabic language "Muhammad " has the same meaning, if we translate Sanskrit word Sarwanama in to Arabic language it will be "Muhammad" only difference is the language. 2. PARENTS OF KALKI AVTAR "He will be born from "SOOMATI" and his father's name will be "VAISHNUVESH". " (Kalki Puran 2, Shloka II) VAISHNUVESH and SOOMATI means servant of God (the cherisher) and peace, respectively. Prophet Muhammad father's name was ABDULLAH in Arabic language, which means God's servant, and his mother's name was AMINA in Arabic language, which means peace, so if we translate Sanskrit word "Vaishnuvesh & Soomati" in Arabic language it will be "Abdullah & In Hindu Scriptures *PLACE OF BIRTH "HE will be born at "SHAMBAL GARAM" in VAISHNUVESH'S Brahmin Mahant's (religious saint) respectable house“ (Bhagwat Puran, Khand 12, Shloka 18 and Kalki Puran Adhay 2, Shloka 4) SHAMBAL mean peace and GARAM mean city or village, so SHAMBAL GARAM means a peace full city or city of peace, and this quality & name has been specified only for Arabia's city "MAKKAH" no other city in the world has been named city of peace. In the Holy Quran this city has been called as "ALBALAD ALAMEEN" which mean peace full city or city of peace. For reference see Holy Quran (14:35) O God, make it (Makkah) a City of Peace". And Makkah is the city where prophet Muhammad (PBUH) born. VAISHNU-VESH, Vaishnu is actually God's name and VESH means servant or BHAGAT and man, Vaishnuvesh mean God's servant or God's In Hindu Scriptures *A FLYING HORSE FROM GOD * He will receive a flying horse from God, which will be faster than lightning. Riding it he will go around earth and seven skies" (Bhagwat Puran Khand 12, Adhay 2, Shloka19-20) This prediction is about Kalki Avtar also match with the Incidence of "MIRAJ" For reference see Holy Quran (17.1) and for detail Hadith s of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarding Incidence of Miraj. According to these references Prophet Muhammad traveled the seven skies and there he met with previous Prophets, and for this God gave him a horse name BARQ which mean lightning and word Miraj mean height and ladder. Please study life history of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for details. In Hindu Scriptures In the religious books of Hindus, it is mentioned that the staple food of Kalki Avatar would be dates and olives and he would be the most honest and truthful person in the region. Without any doubt the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) is acclaimed to possess these qualities. It is stated in Vedas (holy book of Hindu Religion) that the birth of Kalki Avatar would take place in an honourable clan. This perfectly fits the Quraysh where Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) belonged to. God would teach Kalki Avatar through His messenger (angel) in a cave. Allah taught Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)through His messenger Jibraeel(Gabriel) in a cave known as Ghaar-e-Hira. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad www.prophetofislam.com www.sunnah.com www.al-islam.org/lifeprophet/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muhammad's_views_on_Christians www.islamawareness.net/Hinduism/hindu.htm Prepared By :WASEEM ALI AKBAR Supervised by: Dr. Ahmed Al-Atawi ISLM 101 “Islamic Culture” University of Bahrin