LQA

Half Yearly Examination

Acquiring knowledge in Islamic Perspective Knowledge is not memorizing many hadiths, rather
this is fearing Allah much. (Ibn Kathir)
1. What is knowledge? Describe the importance
of acquiring knowledge. 3. What knowledge must we acquire?
Answer: Generally, by knowledge we mean the Answer: The following are the categories of
facts, information and understanding of different knowledge which we must acquire:
subjects or affairs. The Arabic word for knowledge, a) Essential religious knowledge necessary to lead
‘‘ilm’, literally has several meanings, like our life as sincere and pious Muslim. This
understanding of something with its meaning and includes the knowledge about iman (faith),
significance, firm faith and conviction (yaqin), akhlaq (characters), ‘ibadah (acts of worship),
acquaintance, familiarity (ma‘rifah), light of guidance mu‘amalat (behaviours), adab (manners) etc. The
(nur) etc. (Mu‘jamul Wasit) Quran and the sunnah are the basic sources of
In Islamic terminology, knowledge is a light that this knowledge. Therefore, Rasulullah (sallallahu
Allah creates in the hearts (of people) in order to show ‘alayhi wa sallam) has said, Knowledge is of
them the right path. Guess is no substitute for truth. three things: a) ayatun muhkamah- clear ayat of
Knowledge is very important for us. Therefore, the the Quran, b) sunnatun qa’imah- established
first order of Allah in the very first wahi of the Quran sunnah (of Rasulullah, sallallahu ‘alayhi wa
is ‘Iqra-Read’. In another ayah, Allah (subhanahu wa sallam), and c) faridatun ‘adilah- balanced and
ta‘ala) says, just rules derived from the Quran and the sunnah.
Say, Are those who know and who do not know What is beyond these is extra. (Abu Dawud)
equal? (Al-Quran-39: 9) b) Knowledge of some skills or some subjects in
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has said, order to earn livelihood in a halal way.
To search for knowledge is obligatory for all Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has
Muslims. (Ibn Majah) said,
Earning livelihood in a halal way is a fard
2. What is the basis of knowledge? For what after the fard. (Bayhaqi)
purpose should we acquire knowledge? If anything is fard, acquiring knowledge necessary
Answer: According to the teachings of Islam, the to do that thing properly is also fard. Therefore,
basis of knowledge and education is faith in Allah, knowledge of some skills or subjects in order to
the Creator, the Lord and the God of the universe. earn livelihood in a halal way is essential.
Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says in the very first These two categories are obligatory on every
wahi (revelation), individual of Muslims (fardul ‘ayn). In addition to
Read in the name of your Lord Who has created. these, there are two more categories, which are not
(Al-Quran-96: 1) obligatory on every individual of Muslims, but
Here, Allah has ordered us to read in His name. obligatory on a sufficient number of them necessary
Therefore, reading, which is a means of acquiring to fulfill their purposes (fardul kifayah). Otherwise,
knowledge, must be based on faith in Allah, the Lord. the whole ummah will be sinful. They are:
As the basis of knowledge is faith in Allah, the c) The detailed knowledge of the Quran, the hadith,
purpose of its acquisition is to persuade us to fear and fiqh and other sciences of Islamic studies. This is
obey Him. Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says, necessary for the guidance of the ummah.
It is only those who have knowledge among His d) The knowledge of science, technology, military
servants that fear Allah. (Al-Quran-35: 28) tactics, economics and other subjects, which are
From this ayah, it is clear that acquiring knowledge necessary for the security, progress and
must result in fearing Allah and obedience to Him. development of the state and the ummah as a
Regarding this purpose, Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Mas‘ud whole.
(radiyallahu ‘anhu) has said,
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We should acquire these categories of knowledge seek shelter in Allah saying ‘A‘udhu billahi
properly. minash Shaytanir Rajeem’ before saying
‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem’.
4. What does ‘lahwal hadith’ mean? What is the
c) We should read and study very attentively.
ruling of Islam about this?
Without attentiveness, we cannot learn properly.
Answer: ‘Lahwal hadith’ literally means idle talk or
Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says,
alluring tale. In the Quran, it is used to mean those
When the Quran is read, listen to it with
stories, novels, poems, songs, music, games etc,
attention and keep silent. (Al-Quran-7: 204)
which misguide us, lead us to immorality and
d) We must try hard for acquiring knowledge.
obscenity, or make us forget Allah and His
Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says,
instructions. We must keep ourselves away from all
Man cannot achieve anything except what
kinds of ‘lahwal hadith’. This is haram. Allah
he strives for. (Al-Quran-53:39)
(subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says,
e) Writing has a great importance in acquiring
And of people, there is such a man who buys
knowledge. Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says,
‘lahwal hadith’ to mislead (people) from the
Who (Allah) taught with the pen.
path of Allah without any knowledge, and
(Al-Quran-96: 4)
makes a mockery of the way of Allah (or the
Therefore, we should write more and more in
Quran). For such people, there is disgraceful
order to make our learning perfect. A proverb
punishment. (Al-Quran-31: 6)
is as follows: Writing makes a man perfect.
5. With what intention should we acquire We should follow these manners in our study.
knowledge?
Answer: Behind acquiring knowledge, we must have 7. What are the attitudes and the behaviours we
the proper intention and niyyah i.e. the pleasure of must avoid in order to acquire perfect
Allah and the revival of Islamic teachings. Rasulullah knowledge?
(sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has said, Answer: There some attitudes and the behaviours
The person who is about to die, even in that which are harmful to knowledge. We must avoid
state, he is searching for knowledge in order to them in order to acquire perfect knowledge. They are:
revive Islam with this, there will be a difference a) pride b) greed for worldly things, c) forgetting
of only one stage between him and prophets in knowledge, d) describing it to a person unworthy of
paradise. (Daremi) receiving it, and e) sins. Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala)
It is very much harmful and destructive to have says
wrong intention behind acquiring knowledge or to be I shall turn away from My ayat those who
proud of knowledge. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi behave arrogantly on earth. (Al-Quran-7: 146)
wa sallam) has said, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has said,
He who searches for knowledge in order to The danger of knowledge is to forget it and its
defeat the scholar in debate with this (his destruction is describing it to a person unworthy
knowledge), or to argue with the ignorant with of receiving it. (Daremi)
this, or to draw the attention of people to him Hazrat Ka‘b (radiyallahu ‘anhu) has said,
with this, Allah will make him enter the fire (of Greed (brings out knowledge from the minds of
hell). (Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah) scholars.) (Daremi)
6. Describe five of the Islamic manners in study
and acquiring knowledge. TAWHID AND ITS THREE ASPECTS
Answer: Study is one of the most important ways of
acquiring knowledge. The following are the 1. What is tawhid? What is the opposite of
important manners about this: tawhid?
a) The Quran is the most authentic source of true Answer: Tawhid is the most important teaching of
knowledge and right guidance. Therefore, we Islam. The word ‘tawhid’ is related to the word
should give the top-most priority to the study of ‘wahid’ meaning one. Literally ‘tawhid’ means to
the Quran. It does not mean that we will neglect make something one and unique. In Islamic
the study of other subjects. However, the Quran terminology, it means the oneness of Allah, that is, to
should be the centre of our education. believe and declare that Allah is one and unique with
b) We should start reading and study in the name of His existence, powers, qualities, names and rights,
Allah i.e. with ‘Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem’. sharing no partners. Its opposite is ‘shirk’, that is, the
Moreover, before reading the Quran, we will idea of more than one God or attributing Allah’s
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powers or rights to anyone other than Allah. We must we obey and serve anyone against Him. All kinds of
have clear idea about ‘tawhid’and remove all kinds of ‘ibadah must be to Allah alone. ‘Ibadah includes also
shirk to be proper Muslim. du‘a (prayer), salah, sawm, zakah, hajj, sacrifice etc.
These acts must be for Allah alone. We promise to
2. How many aspects of tawhid are there? Allah in suratul Fatihah,
Describe them briefly. Only You we obey and worship and alone You we ask
Answer: Tawhid is the oneness of Allah. It has three
for Help. (Al- Quran —1: 4)
aspects:
It is also essential to follow the Rasul Muhammad
1. Tawhidur rububiyyah
(sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and not to follow
2. Tawhidul asmai was sifat
anyone who does not follow him. It is the practical
3. Tawhidul uluhiyyati wal ‘ibadah:
manifestation of tawhidul uluhiyyati wal ‘ibadah.
They are described below:
1. Tawhidur rububiyyah - Oneness of the lordship 3. ‘Sovereignty belongs to Allah alone.’ Discuss this
and sovereignty of Allah. This is to believe that only statement.
Allah is our ‘Rob’- Creator, Sustainer, Lord and God.
Answer: Allah is the sovereign. Sovereignty belongs
He is also the Organizer, the Giver of Security, the
to Allah alone. Human beings have no right in
Sovereign, the Ruler, the Law-Giver and the Gatherer
sovereignty i.e. deciding the lawful and the unlawful.
of all human beings on the Day of Judgement. Allah
They are just the servants of Allah to obey His
(subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says,
commands. Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says,
The praise is for Allah, the Lord of worlds.
The command is for none but Allah. He has
(Al- Quran —1: 1)
commanded that you obey and worship none but
Of the meanings of the word’ Rob’, the Sovereign is
Him; that is the right religion.
very important. Sovereignty belongs to Allah alone.
(Al- Quran —12: 40)
Human beings have no right in sovereignty i.e.
Yes, the legal authority can make laws in the light of
deciding the lawful and the unlawful. They are just
the Quran and the sunnah in cases in which the Quran
the servants of Allah to obey His commands.
or the sunnah has given instructions without giving
2. Tawhidul asmai was sifat - Oneness of the names any specific law.
and qualities of Allah. It is to believe in all the names
and attributes of Allah as mentioned in the Quran and 4. How is faith in Muhammadur Rasulullah (sm)
the hadith without changing their meanings or related to tawhidul uluhiyyti wal ‘ibadah?
comparing them to those of His creatures. Allah
(subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says, Answer: It is essential to follow the Rasul
There is nothing like Him. (Al- Quran —42: 11) Muhammad (sm) and not to follow anyone who does
We must not name or qualify Allah except with what not follow him. It is the practical manifestation of
He or His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) has tawhidul uluhiyyati wal ‘ibadah. Because our
named or qualified Him and none can be named or worship and obedience to Allah must be as shown by
qualified with the names or qualities of Allah in the Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Allah
sense used for Him. Allah has many names and (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says in the Quran:
attributes. We should know and understand all of Say, (0 Muhammad, sm, to mankind) “If you
them gradually and correct our faith and character love Allah, then follow me, Allah will love you
accordingly. and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Oft-
Some ayat of the Quran describing some of the Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Al- Quran —3: 31)
qualities of Allah are mutashabihat (metaphorical,
meaning and implication are not clearly understood). KUFR
We must believe in these qualities also, but we
should not compare them to those of any creature, 1. What is kufr? How many kinds of kufr are
nor should we try to define any specific meaning of there?
them. Answer: Kufr is basically disbelief in any articles of
3. Tawhidul uluhiyyati wal ‘ibadah - Oneness of the iman or any parts of Islam or denial to accept any
‘ibadah-service, obedience and worship of Allah. It is commands of Allah. It is of two kinds: major and
to believe that no one is worthy of our ‘ibadah – minor. Major kufr excludes one completely from the
service, obedience and worship but Allah. We cannot fold of Islam, that is, he does not remain Muslim
worship anyone or anything other than Allah, nor can until he accepts Islam newly making sincere tawbah.
On the other hand, minor kufr does not exclude one
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from the fold of Islam, but he becomes severely (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says in the Quran describing
sinful and needs to make sincere tawbah from this. this meaning of kufr,
We did not create the heavens and the earth and
2. Describe five aspects of major kufr briefly. all between them except with truth and for an
appointed term. But those who disbelieve turn
Answer: Kufr is basically disbelief in any articles of away from what they are warned of.
iman or any parts of Islam or denial to accept any (Al-Quran- 46:3)
commands of Allah. It is of two kinds: major and
minor. Major kufr has five aspects. e) Kufr of hypocrisy- This implies hypocritical
disbelief. Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says in this
a) Kufr of disbelief, denial and falsification-This regard,
implies disbelieving the Divine truth or denying any They made their oaths a screen (for their
articles of faith. Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says in hypocrisy). Thus they hindered (people) from the
the Quran, path of Allah. Truly evil is what they used to do.
Then, who does more wrong than one who utters a That is because they believed, then disbelieved; so
lie against Allah and denies the truth when it a seal was set on their hearts; therefore, they do
comes to him? Is there not in hell an abode for not understand. (Al-Quran- 63:2-3)
unbelievers? (Al-Quran-39: 32)
3. What is minor kufr?
b) Kufr of rejection and pride- This implies rejection
and pride to submit to Allah’s commands with belief. Answer: Minor kufr does not exclude one from the
Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says in the Quran fold of Islam. It is termed as ‘kufrun ni‘mah’. This is
describing the story of Iblis — the shaytan, not to be grateful for the blessings and favours of
And (remember) when We said to Allah and not to express gratitude for them. Allah
angels,“Prostrate yourselves before Adam.” They (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says in the Quran,
prostrated except Ibils, he refused and became And be grateful to Me (for My favours on you) and do
proud and became one of those who are not be ungrateful to Me. (Al-Quran: 2:152)
unbelievers. (AI-Quran-2:34) Here the word ‘kufr’ is used in the opposite meaning
Iblis has faith in Allah, but he refused to obey the of the word ‘shukr’ which means gratefulness. So
command of Allah and became proud. That is why he here ‘kufr’ means ungratefulness.
is a kafir (unbeliever). Therefore, rejection and pride
is one kind of kufr. TAQWA
c) Kufr of doubt and lack of conviction- This
implies doubt or lack of conviction in any articles of 1. What is taqwa? Describe the three stages of
faith. Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says in the Quran taqwa.
describing the story of a person who had doubt about Answer-Taqwa is the most important quality of the
the life after death and the final judgement, believer. It has several meanings such as, fear of
And he entered his garden in the state of being Allah, being conscious and heedful of Allah and His
unjust to himself. He said, “I do not think that this laws, piety, distinguishing right from wrong, keeping
will ever perish; and I do not think the Hour (of away from unlawful and evil things etc. Hazrat Umar
judgement) will ever come; even if I am brought (radiyallahu ‘anhu) has said,
back to my Lord, I shall surely find better than The person who is heedful of Allah is like a
this in exchange.” His companion said to him person who is walking on a narrow path which
during the course of argument with him, “Do you has many thorns alongside it, the thorns snag his
disbelieve in Him who created you out of dust, clothes and he is trying to protect himself from the
then out of nutfah — a sperm drop, then fashioned thorns.
you into a man? But as for my part (I believe) that Taqwa has three stages:
He is Allah, my Lord and I shall not associate A. The lowest stage is to keep away from shirk
anyone as partner with my Lord. (associating partners with Allah) and kufr (disbelief
(Al-Quran-18: 35-38) and pride) and have faith in Allah and His Rasul
(sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). In this sense, all
d) Kufr of turning away from the truth- This implies Muslims are muttaqun though they are involved in
turning away from the truth knowingly or deviating sins.
from the obvious ayat Allah has revealed. Allah B. The middle stage is to refrain from all those things
which are forbidden and disliked by Allah and His

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Rasul (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) and perform all 2. ‘Ibadah- worship, service and obedience to
obligatory duties. This stage of taqwa is praised in Allah. Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says,
the Quran and the hadith. O people! Obey and worship your Lord Who
C. The highest stage of taqwa is to keep the mind created you, and those who were before you so
away from everything other than Allah and keep it that you can achieve taqwa. (Al-Quran 2: 21)
filled with the remembrance of Allah and His 3. Reciting the Quran, remembering its
pleasure. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) instructions and following them. Allah
has said: (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says,
The servant will not reach the stage of taqwa until Thus Allah makes His ayat clear to people so
he or she gives up those things with which there is that they may achieve taqwa.
no problem fearing to be involved in those with (Al-Quran- 2: 187)
which there are some problems. (Tirmidhi)
We must maintain taqwa in our life. THE LIFE OF MUHAMMAD (SM)
2. What benefits can we have from taqwa? 3C
Answer-The benefits of taqwa are as follows:
A. Allah will give the muttaqi a furqan- a criterion Key stage-3
between right and wrong. He or she will have the
Proper vision, knowledge and wisdom. Allah 1. What is the meaning of a) Muhajirun b) Ansar?
(subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says,
Answer-Muhajirun means migrants. The Makkan
O you who believed! If you fear Allah, He will
Muslims who migrated from Makkah to Madinah are
grant you a furqan – a criterion between right and
called Muhajirun. Ansar means helpers. They are
wrong. (Al-Quran- 8: 29)
Madanin Muslims who helped the muhajirun to settle
B. His life will be free from anxiety and tension and
in Madinah.
his affairs will be easy. Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala)
says, 2. What was the first qiblah and what was it
He who fears Allah, He (Allah) will make a way changed to?
for him to get out (from every difficulty) and give
him provision from where he never expected. Answer-The first qiblah was the Baitul Maqdin in
(Al-Quran- 65:2-3) Jerusselem. It was changed to the Kabah in Makkah.
C. He will have Allah’s mercy, love, blessing and
forgiveness. Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says, 3. Which uncle of the Prophet (sm) was martyred
Indeed Allah loves mttaqin. (Al-Quran 3:76) during the battle of Uhud?
Answer-The Prophet’s uncle Hazrat Hamza (ra) was
3. Which behaviours jeopardize taqwa? martyred during the battle of Uhud.
Actions that jeopardize taqwa and love of Allah are
as follows: 4. Who was Salman al Farisi, and how did he help
1. aggression, oppression or transgression the Muslims prepare for the battle of Ahzab?
2. corruption and mischief
Answer-Salman al-Farisi (ra) was a Persian Muslim.
3. ungratefulness
He was a Christian and converted to Islam in
4. rejection of faith, betrayal and treachery
Madinah. Before the battle of Ahazab, he advised
5. waste, arrogance and pride.
digging trenches around the city to hold the enemy
We must avoid these actions in order to achieve
hordes outside the boundary of the city of Madinah.
taqwa and love of Allah.
This noble idea was put into effect. In this way,
Salman al Farisi helped the Muslims prepare for the
4. What actions develop taqwa in us?
battle of Ahzab.
Actions which create and develop taqwa are as
follows:
1. Knowledge about and faith in Allah’s powers,
Key stage-4
qualities, rights and presence. Allah (
(subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says, 1. Why Madinah become so important to Muslims
Fear Allah and know that Allah is Severe in everywhere?
punishment. (Al-Quran 2: 196) Answer-When the Prophet (sm) migrated to
Madinah, it became centre of all Islamic activities.
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Muslims from Makkah and other palaces also they should share their property and other belongings
migrated to Madinah. The Prophet (sm) began to with their migrant brothers. The ansar did as they
establish the rules of Islam in Madanian society. were asked by the Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa
People could see the beauty of Islam practically in sallam). They practically shared their property with
the Madinah. It became the capital city of Islamic their muhajir equally on the basis of a shared faith. It
stated. These are the reasons, why Madinah become sounds too good to be true, it was the fact of the
so important to Muslims everywhere. Islamic history. This was unmatched in human
history; such was the powerful influence of Islam on
2. Why was adhan introduced? Write the the ansar. The worldly belongings and wealth were
sentences which are said loudly at the time of less important to them than the reward of Akhirah.
adhan in English? Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says
Answer-Adhan was introduced to call the people to Undoubtly those who believed and migrated for Allah
salah. Before adhan, people would make mistakes in and fought with their wealth and lives in the way of
coming to salah timely. Then adhan was introduced Allah and those who gave shelter and helped, are
through a dream seen by some sahabi. The Prophet alies to one another. (Al-Quran -8:72)
(sm) also confirmed this. The sentences of adhan are The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) became
as follows: the leader of the city of Madinah. With the cementing
Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! Allahu bond of brotherhood, he had virtually inaugurated the
Akbar! Islamic society. In that society, there was no
Ashhadu al la ilaha illa Allah. Ashhadu al la ilaha illa discrimination on the basis of colour, class and
Allah. descent. Every citizens enjoyed equal rights. Islam
Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasul Allah. Ashadu does not recognize any preference of one over
anna Muhammadan Rasul Allah. another except on the basis of piety. Allah
Hayya 'ala-s-Salah. Hayya 'ala-s-Salah. (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says,
Hayya 'ala-l-Falah. Hayya 'ala-l-Falah. The noblest among you to Allah is the one who is the
Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar! most pious. (Al-Quran -49:13)
La ilaha illa Allah.
5. Give some examples of from the Prophet’s life
The English translation of the adhan is: which show Islam’s rejection of any form of
racism.
Allah is Great! Allah is Great! Allah is Great! Allah Answer-Racism is to discriminate among people on
is Great! the basis of colour, language, race or tribe. This is not
I bear witness that there is no god except the One at all supported by Islam. According to the teaching
Allah. of Islam, all people are equal with respect to their
I bear witness that there is no god except the One origin. All of them are from the same parents. The
Allah. Prophet (sm) has said,
I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of O people, none is higher than other unless he is
Allah. higher in obedience to Allah. No Arab is any
I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of superior to a non-Arab except in piety.
Allah. Islam rejects all kinds of racism. Some examples of
Hurry to the prayer. Hurry to the prayer. this are as follows:
Hurry to salvation. Hurry to salvation. a) The Prophet (sm) appointed Hazrat Bilal (ra) as
Allah is Great! Allah is Great! the first muadhdhin though he was a black
There is no god except Allah. Negro. He was a slave and Abu Bakr (ra) bought
him and set him free. Hazrat Umar (ra) used to
3. How did the Prophet (sm) ensure solidarity say,
between the Muhajirun and Ansar in Madinah? Our leader Abu Bakr (ra) set our leader Bilal
Answer- After coming to Madinah, the Prophet (ra) free.
formed a solid bond of faith and brother hood b) Salah in jamah is another example of rejection of
between the ansar and the muhajir. He called a racism. Here all people irrespective of their
meeting of both the communities. He established a colour, language, race stand side by side.
new bond of brotherhood between the ansar and the c) Rituals in hajj also shows that Islam does not
muhajir. He asked each of the ansar to take one of the admit any kind of racism. Here all people do the
muhajir as his brother-in-faith. He also suggested that
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 same thing irrespective of their colour, language The Quraysh placed themselves on the other side of
or race. Badr. On the morning of Friday, the 17th of
Ramadan, 2 A.H., (March 17th, AD), the two armies
Key stage-5 advanced and drew closer to one another. The
Prophet (sm) prayed for the help which Allah had
1. Write an account of the battle of Badr and promised him. These were some of his words.
comment of this this battle. '0 Allah, here come the Quraysh full of vanity and
pride, who oppose You and call Your Messenger a
Answer- Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says,
liar. O Allah, if this little band (the Muslims) perishes
And Allah helped you at Badr, when you were a weak
today, there will be none left in the land to worship
little force. (Al-Quran -3:123)
You.'
The unbelievers of Makkah were raging with anger at
Allah accepted his prayer. At first the battle began in
the comparative safety of the Muslims in Madinah.
single combat when one of the Quraysh swore that he
All their previous attempts to finish Muhammad
would drink from the Muslims' reservoir and then
(sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) had failed. Their trade
destroy it, or die in the attempt. Hamzah (ra), the
route to Syria was now within the easy reach of the
Prophet's uncle, came forward to face him and killed
Muslims. They became restless and were simmering
him. Three of the most important men of Quraysh
with anger within themselves. Having been unuble to
then stepped forward and gave out a challenge for
find a way to tackle Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhi
single combat. The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa
wa sallam), they were desperately looking for some
sallam) sent out 'Ali, Hamzah, and Ubaydah ibn al-
excuse to attack the new Islamic society in Madinah
Harith (ra), to face them. It was not long before
and get rid of it once and for all.
Hamzah and Ali (ra) had killed their opponents. As
Such was the situation when news came of an
for 'Ubaydah (ra), he had wounded his enemy but
unusual caravan of about a thousand camels laden
was wounded himself, and so his two companions
with goods and arms travelling to Makkah from
killed the wounded Makkan and carried 'Ubaydah
Syria. The leader of the caravan was Abu Sufyan-a
back to the safety of the Muslim ranks. After this, the
chief of the Quraysh of Makkah. Abu Sufyan feared
two armies attacked each other and fighting broke out
there might be an attack from the Muslims and lost
all around. The sky was filled with arrows. The
no time in sending exactly such a message to
Muslims responded to the Quraysh’s attack with
Makkah. Soon an army of a thousand was ready to
unmatched bravery, determination and faith in Allah.
march on to Madinah to attack the Muslims. Abu Jahl
Even though the Muslims were much fewer in
had already set off with a 1000 strong army as he was
number, they gained a great victory, destroying the
keen tofind an excuse to attack the Muslims.
Makkan army and killing most of its leaders. Among
The news of the Makkan army reached the Prophet
the leading Makkans who died were Abu Jahl and
(sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). He gathered together
Umayyah ibn Khalaf, who was killed by his former
both the ansar and muhajir and informed them of the
slave, Bilal (ra). Seeing that their leaders were nearly
situation. He told them unequivocally that the
all dead, the remainder of Quraysh retreated. They
Quraysh trading caravan was in the north whereas the
left seventy dead and another seventy were taken as
invading Quraysh army was in the south and moving
prisoners of war by the Muslims.
towards Madinah. He also informed them Allah had
The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) sent word
promised the Muslims that they would be able to
to Madinah to tell them of the victory. He then
seize any of the two parties they wished.
gathered up the spoils of war and divided them
The Prophet (sm) consulting with the companions
equally among the Muslims. The Prophet (sallallahu
decided to face the Quraysh army. A small army of
‘alayhi wa sallam) gave orders that the prisoners
three hundred and thirteen people, including young
should be treated well until their relatives from
teenagers, ill-equipped with arms and ammunition,
among Quraysh came to fetch them.
started from Madinah on the Prophet’s (sallallahu
The victory at Badr was possible only with the help
‘alayhi wa sallam) command and camped at a place
of Allah and His mercy. He says,
called Badr, 128 km south-west of Madinah. The
You (Muslims) did not slay them, but Allah slew them
Muslim army had only a few horses and a small
and you (Muhammad) threw not when you did throw,
quantity of armour but they had courage, valour and
but Allah threw, so that He might test the believers by
determination and above all, and an unweavering
a fair test from Him. Lo! Allah is All-hearing, All-
faith in Allah’s help. They knew they were on the
Knowing. (Qur'an- 8:17)
right side.

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The battle of Badr proved beyond doubt that real others. This is another lesson of this battle. Allah
strength lies in faith in Allah and not in arms and says,
ammunition. This battle also proved that who were Their affair is settled with consultation.
right and who were wrong. That is why, this battle is (Al-Quran-42:38)
called ayah-sign of Allah and the day of the battle is The Muslims did regroup and challenged the
called- yawmul furqan- the day of the criterion Meccans to return to the battlefield. The Prophet
between right and wrong in the Quran. The battle (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) worked to rebuild lost
decided the future course of history for the Muslims. prestige in the eyes of other tribes. So, there are
lessons in determination, learning from mistakes, and
maintaining faith.
2. What vital lessons should we learn from the
battle of Uhud? (Learn also the event of this battle)
Answer- Allah (subhanahu wa ta‘ala) says,
Among you are some that desire this world and some
that desire the hereafter. Then He made you flee from
them (your enemy), that He might test you.
(Al-Quran -3:152)
The battle of Uhud is the second greatest battle in the
history of Islam. In that battle, the Muslims first
defeated the unbelievers. But later they were defeated
by the unbelievers because of some of their
weakness. The battle has some very costly lessons for
us. Our life is not a bed of rose. We might be tested
in different ways as the Muslims were tested in the
battle of Uhud. In this test, we should have patience
and be steadfast in the way of Allah depending on
His mercy.
The disobedience and indiscipline of the archers at
the mountain pass, spurred on by their love for the
spoils of war caused the Muslims to suffer badly in a
battle which they had almost won. Therefore love for
this world should not distract us from our true goal of
salvation and reward in akhirah. Again discipline and
obedience to the commander are very important for
us. The absence of this may cause disorder, chaos and
defeat.
We should not believe in rumours, rather make our
psychology strong. The psychological impact of low
morale caused by their own actions led the Muslims
to believe rumours of the Prophet’s death and so
there was chaos and confusion. Again the defeat at
Uhud might be attributed to what happens when there
is a lack of faith in God and the Prophet (sallallahu
‘alayhi wa sallam). Therefore we must make our faith
strong in order to avoid this type situations.
We should also be very careful about the conspiracy
of hypocrites. They are ready to do harm to us as they
tried to demoralize the Muslims by leaving the
Muslim army just before the battle.
There are some positve lessongs also in this battle.
The Prophet (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) consulted
his companions about the course of the battle. We
should also settle our affairs by consulting with

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