Belief In Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) JSS2 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

 BELIEF IN PROPHET MUHAMMAD (S.A.W)

Belief in Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a fundamental part of Islamic faith. In fact, a person cannot be a Muslim without believing in Prophet Muhammad. The Islamic declaration of faith (Shahada) states: “I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.”

S.A.W stands for “Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam,” which means “May Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him.” Muslims say or write this after mentioning the Prophet’s name as a sign of respect and love.

Who Was Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)?

Muhammad ibn Abdullah was born in Makkah (in present-day Saudi Arabia) in the year 570 CE. He was from the noble tribe of Quraysh and the family of Banu Hashim. His father, Abdullah, died before he was born, and his mother, Aminah, died when he was only six years old. He was then raised by his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, and after his grandfather’s death, by his uncle Abu Talib.

Even before receiving revelation, Muhammad was known among his people as “Al-Amin” (The Trustworthy) and “As-Sadiq” (The Truthful) because of his honest and upright character. He never worshipped idols like most people in Makkah did at that time.

The Beginning of Prophethood

When Muhammad was 40 years old, in the year 610 CE, he received his first revelation from Allah through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) while meditating in the Cave of Hira near Makkah. The first words revealed were “Read! In the name of your Lord who created…” (Surah Al-Alaq, 96:1-5).

This marked the beginning of his prophethood. The revelations continued for 23 years until shortly before his death. These revelations were compiled to form the Holy Qur’an, the literal word of Allah.

The Makkah Period (610-622 CE)

After receiving the divine message, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) began inviting people to Islam, first in private and then openly. For 13 years in Makkah, he faced severe opposition, persecution, and hardships. Despite this, he never gave up his mission and continued to call people to worship Allah alone.

During this period:

• The first Muslims were his wife Khadijah, his cousin Ali, his close friend Abu Bakr, and his adopted son Zaid.
• The Quraysh leaders tried to stop his preaching through offers of wealth, power, and marriage, but he refused.
• When these failed, they boycotted the Prophet and his followers, forcing them to live in a valley with limited food and resources for three years.
• Some early Muslims migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) to escape persecution.
• The Prophet experienced the miraculous night journey (Isra) and ascension to heaven (Mi’raj).

The Madinah Period (622-632 CE)

In 622 CE, when the persecution in Makkah became unbearable, Allah commanded the Prophet to migrate to Madinah (then called Yathrib), about 280 miles north of Makkah. This migration, known as the Hijrah, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

In Madinah, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W):

• Built the first mosque in Islam (Masjid Quba, then Masjid An-Nabawi)
• Established brotherhood between the Migrants (Muhajirun) and the Helpers (Ansar)
• Created the Constitution of Madinah, the first written constitution guaranteeing rights for different religious communities
• Sent letters to kings and rulers inviting them to Islam
• Signed the Treaty of Hudaibiyah with the Makkans, which allowed for peaceful spread of Islam
• Conquered Makkah peacefully in 630 CE and removed all idols from the Ka’bah
• Completed his final Hajj (Farewell Pilgrimage) in 632 CE, where he delivered his famous Farewell Sermon

The Character of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) had the most excellent character. Allah says in the Qur’an: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” (Surah Al-Qalam, 68:4)

Some aspects of his character include:

1. Mercy and Compassion

The Prophet was extremely kind and merciful to all people, even those who opposed him. Allah describes him in the Qur’an: “We have not sent you except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107)

When the people of Ta’if stoned him until he bled, he prayed for their guidance rather than their destruction.

2. Honesty and Trustworthiness

Even before prophethood, he was known as “The Trustworthy” (Al-Amin). People would leave their valuables with him for safekeeping, even those who later opposed his message.

3. Simplicity and Humility

Despite being Allah’s final messenger, he lived a simple life. He mended his own shoes, patched his own clothes, and helped with household chores. He never sought special treatment and would sit among his companions in a way that newcomers couldn’t tell which one was the Prophet.

4. Forgiveness

When he conquered Makkah, he forgave the very people who had persecuted him and his followers for years, saying: “Go, for you are free.” This was despite having full power to punish them.

5. Courage

He was always at the front during battles, encouraging his companions. He never ran away from danger and faced all hardships with patience and bravery.

6. Justice

He treated everyone fairly regardless of their social status, wealth, or lineage. He once said: “If Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would cut off her hand.” This showed that no one was above the law, not even his own family.

7. Generosity

He never refused anyone who asked for help. He gave so freely that he often had nothing left for himself and his family.

Why We Must Believe in Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)

1. Allah’s Command

Allah commands us in the Qur’an to believe in His Messenger: “Believe in Allah and His Messenger…” (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:158)

2. Final Messenger

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) is the final messenger of Allah. After him, no new prophet will come. Allah says: “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the last of the prophets.” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:40)

3. Universal Message

Unlike previous prophets who were sent to specific nations or tribes, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was sent to all of humanity: “Say, ‘O mankind! Indeed, I am the Messenger of Allah to you all…'” (Surah Al-A’raf, 7:158)

4. Perfect Example

Allah has made the Prophet a perfect example for us to follow: “Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent pattern (of conduct)…” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:21)

What Belief in the Prophet (S.A.W) Means

True belief in Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) requires:

1. Accepting His Prophethood

Believing that he was truly chosen by Allah to be His final messenger to all humanity.

2. Obeying His Commands

Following his teachings and guidance in all aspects of life. Allah says: “Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah…” (Surah An-Nisa, 4:80)

3. Loving Him

The Prophet said: “None of you truly believes until I am more beloved to him than his child, his parent, and all mankind.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

4. Respecting Him

Showing proper respect when mentioning his name, discussing his life, or quoting his words.

5. Following His Sunnah

Trying to follow his example in worship, character, and dealings with others.

6. Defending His Honor

Protecting his reputation and standing up against false accusations or mockery.

Miracles of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W)

Allah supported Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) with many miracles, including:

1. The Holy Qur’an

The greatest miracle given to the Prophet is the Qur’an. Its language, wisdom, predictions, and scientific facts could not have come from an unlettered man in 7th century Arabia. The Qur’an remains preserved without any change for over 1,400 years.

2. The Night Journey and Ascension (Isra and Mi’raj)

The Prophet was taken on a miraculous night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and then ascended through the heavens where he met earlier prophets and was shown Paradise and Hell.

3. Splitting of the Moon

The people of Makkah asked for a sign, so Allah caused the moon to split into two parts before joining them again.

4. Water Flowing from His Fingers

On several occasions, water flowed from between the Prophet’s fingers when his companions needed water.

5. Multiplying Food

Small amounts of food would increase to feed large numbers of people through his blessing.

6. Healing the Sick

The Prophet healed many sick people through his touch and prayers.

7. Foretelling Future Events

Many events that the Prophet predicted have come true, such as the conquest of Jerusalem, the defeat of the Persian Empire, and various trials that would face the Muslim community.

The Prophet’s Family (Ahl al-Bayt)

The Prophet’s immediate family includes:

• His wives, especially Khadijah (his first wife) and Aisha
• His daughters: Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah
• His sons (who all died young): Al-Qasim, Abdullah, Ibrahim
• His son-in-law and cousin: Ali ibn Abi Talib
• His grandsons: Hasan and Husain (sons of Ali and Fatimah)

Muslims respect and honor the Prophet’s family because of their close relationship with him and their service to Islam.

The Companions (Sahabah)

The companions of the Prophet were those who met him, believed in him, and died as Muslims. They include:

• The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali
• Early converts like Khadijah, Zaid ibn Harithah, and Bilal
• Great supporters like Hamza, Abbas, and Abu Talib
• The Mothers of the Believers (the Prophet’s wives)
• The youth companions like Anas ibn Malik and Abdullah ibn Abbas

The companions learned Islam directly from the Prophet, memorized the Qur’an, preserved his teachings, and spread Islam after his death.

The Prophet’s Death

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) passed away on Monday, 12th Rabi’ al-Awwal, in the 11th year of Hijrah (632 CE) at the age of 63. Before his death, he had completed his mission of delivering Allah’s message and establishing Islam.

His last sermon emphasized:

• The sanctity of life and property
• Prohibition of racism and tribalism
• Women’s rights
• The importance of following the Qur’an and Sunnah
• Brotherhood among Muslims

Lessons from the Prophet’s Life

1. Patience in Hardship

The Prophet faced many difficulties but remained steadfast in his faith and mission.

2. Forgiveness Instead of Revenge

He consistently chose to forgive those who wronged him rather than seek revenge.

3. Balance in All Aspects of Life

He balanced worship, family life, social duties, and leadership perfectly.

4. Kindness to All Creation

He taught kindness not only to humans but also to animals and the environment.

5. Continuous Self-Improvement

He constantly strived to improve himself and encouraged others to do the same.

Conclusion

Belief in Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) is essential for Muslims. He was chosen by Allah to deliver the final message to humanity. His life serves as a perfect example for us to follow in all aspects. By learning about his character, teachings, and struggles, we can better understand how to practice Islam in our daily lives.

The Prophet left us with two precious gifts: the Qur’an and his Sunnah. He said: “I am leaving you with two things. If you hold fast to them, you will never go astray: Allah’s Book and my Sunnah.” By following these two sources of guidance, we can live our lives according to Allah’s will and achieve success in this world and the Hereafter.

May Allah help us understand and follow the beautiful example of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W). Ameen.