The Life of Prophet Muhammad - by Sheikh Azhar Nasser

The Battle of Mu'tah was triggered when a messenger Prophet Muhammad sent to Ghassani Shurahbil was murdered. This was a declaration of war.While Prophte Muhammad himself didn't participate in this battle, thanks to the treaty of Hudaybiyya he was able to send 3000 Muslims to fight without compromising the securit of Medina.As the army departed, the Prophet reminded them to maintain taqwa, keep to treaties kept, and to not attack women or children. He also insturcted them to offer the enemy three different surrender conditionsAs they marched closer to the enemy, the Muslims realized that despite their large numbers, the opposing army outnumbered them more than 3 to 1.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=661.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foTI7fQ3ks8&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Prophet Muhammad led the Muslims on a second attempt at Umra, thet qazaa for the last one which they couldn't complete.Rumor spread among the Mushrikeen that the Muslims were weakened, so the Prophet instructed his followers to show extra strength and bravado to dispel that notion.During the Umra:- Meccans removed their idols from the kaba for the Muslims- Muslims stashed their weapons nearby, under guard, in case the Meccans tried to attack them- The Prophet's Uncle Abbas, who had secretly converted to Islam and stayed in Medina, openly revealed his conversion- Bilal, the ex-slave, was instructed to recite the Adhan on top of the kaba, which outraged the class conscious Meccans- The prophet married Maymuna ibnt al-harith, most likely to establish a kinship with some of his fierce opponentsLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=657.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdRc7uHHodo&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Prophet Muhammad had given the garden of Fadak to his daughter Fatima, but after his passing it snatched away from her by Abu Bakr and Umar.This lecture explains: - How Fadak became the Prophet's property - Why he gifted it to Lady Fatima - Fadak was a source of immense wealth, generating enough income to fund an army. - How Umar adviced Abu Bakr to take Fadak away from her, since it would strip Imam Ali of his strength and make people less likely to follow him - Abu Bakr's twisting of Fiqh laws to create an excuse to take Fadak away - Fadak's history of being alternatively taken away from and being given back to the Ahlul Bayt, based on whether the ruler of the time needed to look like he supported the Ahlul Bayt, or if he needed to deprive them of their source of funding.The lecture also describes: - How the Prayer of Jafar al-Tayyar came to be, it being a special gift Prophet Muhammad gave to Jaffer ibn Abi Talib. - During a severe drought, Prophet Muhammad sent gold nuggets from the spoils of Khaybar to the Meccans (who were still pagan) to be distributed among the poorLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=653.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUXztsqZ25w&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

The victory at Khaybar changed the lives of the Muslim community and became a source of financial strength for them.The lecture includes:- The surrender treaty, where the Jews were allowed to remain on Khaybar in return for a share of the harvest- How the prophet distributed the khums from the war- The Muhajireen using their share of khums to return what the Ansaar had given them and become financially independent- Prophet Muhammad's marriage to Safiyyah Bint HuyayyLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=643.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddKpkuawxHs.

The Muslims marched to the Fort of Khaybar, attack and defeat it's treacherous occupants.Along the way, various miracles occur:- An assassin attempts to kill Prophet Muhammad, but he miraciously is suddenly mentally handicapped.- Imam Ali's unable to fight due to an illness in his eyes. Prophet Muhammad heals him and Imam Ali leads the Muslims to victory.- Imam Ali single handedly moves the fallen gate of Khaybar, which was so heavy it normally take many men to open and close it.In addition, while Imam Ali was sick, Prophet Muhammad also offered the army's standard (i.e. leadership) to Abu Bakr and Umar, giving them a chance to take on the fortress. Both returned unsuccessful, with them blaming their men, and their men blaming them.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=639.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkLiVO6T2Vc&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Khaybar was manned by Jewish tribes that had previously reacted treasonously against the Muslims and had been exiled from Medina in turn.They had already attacked the Muslims once, by participating in the Battle of Khandak, and Prophet Muhammad received intel that those Jewish tribes were again planning to ally with another pagan tribes to attack Medina.The Prophet again attempted a diplomatic outreach to the tribes in Khaybar, but it fell on deaf ears. Realizing that the Jews at Khaybar were determined to march against Mecca yet again, Prophet Muhammad prepared to strike against them first.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=635.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBqMqgP0ERk&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Prophet Muhammad continues his outreach to foreign leaders, sending messengrs to the Persian emperor Khosrow II and the Coptic ruler Muqawqis of Alexandria.The outreach teaches us:- Islam was always meant to be globalized, not just for the Arabs. We need to also think deeply about how to universalize the messaging- The way people respond to the Prophet had an impact on their dunya and akhira- The prophet addresses world leaders with their respective titles. This is part of the etiquette of dialogue.- Even when people are tyranical rulers, it doesn't give us the right to be abusive (especially when we're unprovoked). Even Musa was instructed to speak gently to Feron- Communicate using simple language and get to the point. The letters were short and succinct.- Customize your communication to cater to your audienceLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=628.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hDuHQa1oDOs&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

With the repreieve provided by the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, Prophet Muhammad can focus on spreading Islam by doing dawah to surrounding leaders. This lecture covers encounters with two prominent leaders:1. The Abysinnian king Najashi, who converted to Islam2. The Roman emperor Heraclius, who questioned Abu Sufyan and acertained Prophet Muhammad's legitimacy, but did not openly convertLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=624.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqptIDOW2fU&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

The many of the Muslims had seen the Treaty of Hudaybiyya as a humiliating loss, yet Prophet Muhammad knew the treaty paved the way for their ultimate success.This lecture discusses the various ways this treaty helped the Muslims, along with how Allah sent Surah Al-Fath right afterwards to bolden the Muslims and help them understand the victory which had just been won.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=620.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysbzCY4_cdc&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

The Quraysh sent Suhayl ibn Amr to negotiate the Treaty of Hudaybiyya with Prophet Muhammad. Suhayl had a vested interest in the outcome since two of his sons had converted to Islam, one of whom he was keeping captive.The Muslim masses were surprised by the treaty though, which they saw as an insult. Umar ibn Al-Khattab was particularly outraged, later saying that on that day he "doubted the Prophet's prophethood like [he] had never doubted it before"While on the surface the treaty looked like a setback, it set the stage for the Muslims' eventual victory over Quraysh.Lessons include:- The importance of writing down agreements- Importane of making concessions for the greater good (when they don't violate Islamic values)Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=616.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rqh2rS-Y4cQ&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

While camped outside Mecca at Hudaybiyya, the Prophet Muhammad sends an emissary into the city. The Quraysh kill his camel, and he's barely allowed to leave.The Prophet then tries to send Umar ibn Al-Khattab, but he refuses out of fear. Uthman, who had strong tribal ties with people in the city, is sent instead. However, he's prevented from leaving for three days, and Muslims fear the worstGiven the shakiness of the Muslims, the Prophet is inspired to renew their pledge to him in The Pledge of Ridhwan, and many verse of the Quran are revealed in praise of those who would stick with that pledgeLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=612.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaDUZ8PRumQ&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Prophet Muhammad saw a dream of the Muslims entering the Ka'bah to worship, and he instructs his followers to begin preparations to go to Mecca. They would go in peace, without arms.The call to go for this pilgrimage turns into an opportunity to expose more of the Munafiqeen as they make excuses to avoid the seemingly dangerous journey.When the Quraysh get word of the Muslims arriving, they panic, fearing that allowing their enemies into the city would make the Meccans appear weak. While they negotiate with the Muslims, the friendly local tribe of Khuza'ah helps the Muslims settle in Hudaybiyyah and even advocates for them to teh Quraysh, reminding them of their oath to allow all pilgrims to the holy KabaLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=608.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXkknql5HqY&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

The tribe of Bani Mustaliq were planning to launch a surprise  attack against the Muslims, and rumor of it reached Prophet Muhammad. He sent a companion named Buraydah ibn al-Husayb to investigate. The rumor was confirmed.This lecture covers:- The attack Prophet Muhammad led in response - The secret hypocrites who joined this battle - The battle's outcome - The Prophet's political marriage to Juwayriyya bint al-Harith, the daughter of Bani Mustaliq's chief - Prophet Muhammad's response to munafiq Abdullah ibn Ubayy criticizing the Muhajireen during the return trip to Medina - Allah revealing Surah Munafiqun to expose ibn Ubayy, and an explanation of the versesLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=602.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOFFolfr8a8&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Sa'd was a very high ranking companion and a shaheed. Prophet Muhammad took much more care during his burial than he normally would, yet he still chided someone who said that he would go straight to heaven.Lesson: If you have bad akhlaq, even the prophet cannot help you against the consequences Later, Prophet Muhammad proposed Zaynab bint Jahash marry his adopted son and ex-slave Zayd ibn Haritha. When the couple was unable to get along and got a divorce, the Prophet married Zaynab instead. This broke multiple societal taboos: 1) Making marriage between the upper class and lower class seem acceptable and2) Showing that the rules between father/son relations do not apply to adopted sons.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=598.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xWV9lPelWs&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

After Bani Qurayzah surrendered, the punishment for their betrayal had to be decided.This lecture covers:- The penalty set by Bani Qurayzah's pre-Islamic ally, Sa'd ibn Mu'adh, and Prophet Muhammad's reaction to it- Why the punishment was so harsh- How even Bani Qurayzah's tribal custom at the time was to treat treachery with a similar punishment- Rebutting claims that the punishment was driven by anti-semitismLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=594.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBeT7uNIv_s&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

After the enemy coalition gave up and retreated from Medina, the Muslims had to deal with the Banu Qurayzah's treachery during the seige. This lecture covers:- Events during the three weeks the Muslims beseiged Bani Qurayzah- Options Bani Qurayzah considered in response- Their attemps to find allies to support them during their surrender, who would be lenient despite their deadly betrayalLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=590.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z8FvpXBhtw&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Multiple factors came together to demoralize the Qurayshi coalition and got them to retreat, ending the battle:- Imam Ali's victory over Amr ibn al-Wadd - Shortage of food and fodder. They had prepared for quick battle, not a month-long seige - A violent storm that trashed the Qurayshi camp - Distrust sown between the kuffar and the jews by a secret convert - Some Arabs deciding they'd rather be ruled by Arab than by Jews, even of those Arabs are MuslimsLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=586.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IL9k-WuTfFE&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

The Qurayshi army arrive in Medina and are stumped by the trench, and persuade the Jewish tribe of Banu Quraydha in Medina and convince them to betray their oath of neutralityThe Muslims stand vigilant day and night to defend the trench, even missing their obligatory prayers.Surah 33, Al Ahzaab captures the tension, covering the hypocrites who exposed themselves when they saw the pagan army, and the believers who saw the army as confirmation of what Prophet Muhammad had said to them.Amr ibn al-Wadd, a feared warrior, crosses over the trench and calls for one on one combat. Imam Ali ibn Talib is the only one who's willing to answer and defeats him in combat.Lessons: - Do not broadcast and sensationalize evil, even if it is true, unless there's a benefit in making it public - Trust Allah and know that there is something positive in every difficulty and hardshipLecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=582.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmsL_Ex8pxg&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

Prophet Muhammad led by example, digging the trench harder than anyone else. When Fatima cooked some bread and brought it to him, she learned that it was the first thing the prophet had eaten in three days.During the digging, Imam Ali also dug relentlessly and the Prophet praised him saying "May my father be ransomed for the one who digs", highlights Imam Ali's high position in his the eyes. Prophet Muhammad never said this about any other companion.When some companions uncovered a large rock that no one could move, Prophet Muhammad hit it with three miraculous strikes, shattering it.At the end, Jabir ibn Abdullah al Ansari invited Prophet Muhammad to dinner. The prophet extended the invitation to the rest of the exhausted companions. Jabir worried the food would run short, but when the Prophet arrived at Jabir's home he blessed the food and there ended up being enough to feed every guest.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=578.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pINIJqCUd_8&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.

All the Muslim's enemies band together in a final attempt to defeat them.In the year 5 AH, the two banished Jewish tribes ally with the Meccans to mobilizing the masses for the ultimate battle against the Muslims, in what would later be known as the Battle of the Azhab, aka Battle of Khandaq.The Quraysh had been humbled by their constant failure to wipe out the Muslims, and now that Muslims were blocking their trade routs the Quraysh were feeling the pain in their wallets. Abu Sufyan, receptive to the invitation by the Jewish tribes, rallies the Meccans and other Pagan tribes to raise the largest army the Arab peninsula had ever seen so far and they begin marching against Medina.The Muslims in Mecca learn of this, and with Salman Al-Farsi's advice, begin digging a tranch along the city's border.The banished Jews reach out to the one Jewish tribe still remaining in Mecca and convince them to also break their truce with the Muslims (now that a huge army is coming towards the city). The tribe openly reveals that they'll break their covenant, and the Muslims realize they have to guard against enemies both outside and inside Medina.Lecture notes available at http://www.why-quran.org/?p=574.Subscribe at http://www.why-quran.org/subscribe to watch the lectures live and participate in the Q&A at the end of each class.Video recording of this lecture + Q&A available on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAlQEbGoO8U&list=PLpkB0iwLgfTat-Pgh4W3WFmupPamiC9UT.