What is Risalah?
Prophethood, means of communication between Allah and human beings
Allah cannot directly communicate with humans, he is merciful and wants muslims to be guided through prophets and books etc
Role of prophets
Guidance on how to follow Allah and live a pleasing life to him
Some left holy books
Prophet Adam
- first creation, created from clay, made in Allah’s image
- was Allahs kalifia (vice regent)
- Was disobedient so was sent out of paradise onto earth
- all humans are descendants from Adam
Prophet Ibrahim
- built Ka’aba
- was a hannif = believer in one god
- tested devotion to sacrifice son was provided a ram though
- isma’il was his son
Prophet Isma’il
Son of Ibrahim as a blessing from Allah
Left with no food/water, kicked his heels and water sprung out
Built Ka’aba
Prophet Musa
Found in a basket by Pharaohs wife on river nile, Musa’s mother hired as nanny shows Allahs care and protection
Leader of Israelites, under guidance of Allah
Freed the Israelite slaves from power of Pharaoh
Revealed Tawrat to Musa, and gave him 10 commandments
Prophet Dawud
- king of Israelites
- did many heroic things like killing Goliath
- salu rewarded him by making him commander of the army
- Saul died and Dawud became king, all Israelites worshiped Allah
- Zabur revealed to him
Prophet Isa
- performed Miracles
- Foretold coming of Muhammad
- dont believe he died but Allah took him into his presence
- Sunni believe he will return at the end of the world
Prophet Muhammad
Sunni believe he is the final prophet
Qur’an was revealed through him
not divine but lived a perfect life
Muhammad early life
Born in 570 CE, part of Quarish tribe
Orphaned
Grew a reputation for justice and honesty gaining titles like Al Amin and As Sadiq
Night of Power - Laylat Ul Qadr
Revelation of the Qur’an
Outside Mekka age 40, angel Jibril appeared to Muhammad
Commanded him to read - refused
Shook three times - recited
Recieved revelations for the rest of his life
Night journey - Lailat Ul Mijraj
- Woken by an angel and taken to jerusalmen on a winged horse named Al Buraq
Flew through 7 heavens, shown paradise and hell
Met with other prophets
Discussed with Musa, deciding muslims should pray 5 times
Entered into Allahs presence at his throne, he was aware of peace and blessings of Allah
Then taken back to Makkah, no time passed
Different beliefs on Lailat Ul Mijraj
- some believe it is a spiritual renewing of Muhammads faith not actual journey
- sunni muslims believe that this is an experience all muslims can share in as they draw spiritually close to Allah
Hijrah - emigration
Muhammad persecuted for preaching Allahs word
Muhammad left Mekka and travelled to Youthrib, this journey is known as Hijrah
Emigration became beginning of islamic calendar
Effects of Hijrah
- islam became more organised with prayer, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimage
- yathrib renamed Medina = city of the prophet
630 CE
After battles against people of Mekkah and muslims of Medina, Muhammad reclaimed Makkah as holy city of Islam and destroyed the Idols
632 CE
Muhammad delivered his farewell speech on Mount of Mery to 140,00 muslims
Reminding them to
- live according to Allahs law in the Quran
- live in peace and harmony with fellow humans
Muhammad died at the age of 63
