When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was asked how this universe started to exist, he said:

Allāh existed [eternally] and nothing else existed with Him. He created the ‘Arsh (Throne) [and placed it] above the water. Then He [ordered the Pen to] write in the (Guarded) Tablet everything that would happen. Then Allāh created the heavens and Earth. [Related by al-Bukhariyy]

The Prophet ﷺ answered this question by first stating that Allāh’s Existence does not have a beginning, i.e., He is Eternal. There is no one attributed with eternity other than Him. In other words, nothing existed eternally except Allāh, and Allāh created everything, i.e., He brought all the creation from non-existence into existence.

One of the most beautiful passages in the Quran reads:

Allah is the Light (noor) of the heavens and the earth.
The Parable of His Light (noor) is as if there were a Niche
and within it a Lamp (misbah): the Lamp (misbah) enclosed in Glass:
the glass as it were a brilliant star:
Lit from a blessed Tree, an Olive,
neither of the east nor of the west,
whose oil is well-nigh luminous,
though fire scarce touched it:
Light (noor) upon Light (noor)!
God does guide whom He will to His Light (noor):
God does set forth Parables for men: and God does know all things.
Quran, surah An-Noor (The Light) 24:35

The Throne #

One of the first creations of Allah was the Throne (Al-‘Arsh). The Arsh is a platform with pillars. It is considered to be the largest of bodies that Allāh created, and it is the ceiling of Paradise.

There is a Hadith that means the seven heavens in relation to the Kursiyy are like a ring in a very big open space. Likewise, the Kursiyy in relation to the Throne is like a ring in a very big open space. This indicates the huge size of the Throne, which is now carried by four huge angels.

The Quran mentions the throne some 25 times (33 times as Al-‘Arsh). ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib, said: “Allah created the Throne as an indication of His power, not for taking it as a place for Himself.”

Indeed, your Lord is Allah, who created the heavens and the earth in six days and then established Himself above the Throne (Arsh), arranging the matter [of His creation]. There is no intercessor except after His permission. That is Allah, your Lord, so worship Him. Then will you not remember?
Quran, surah Yunus (Jonah) 10:3

Bearers of the Throne or hamlat al-arsh are a group of angels. The Quran mentions them in Quran 40:7 and Quran 69:17. The portrayal of these angels is comparable to the seraphim in the Book of Revelation. They might be identified with cherubim or seraphim of Jewish traditions.

Those who bear the Throne, and all who are round about it, hymn the praises of their Lord and believe in Him and ask forgiveness for those who believe (saying): Our Lord! Thou comprehendest all things in mercy and knowledge, therefor forgive those who repent and follow Thy way. Ward off from them the punishment of hell.
Quran, surah Ghafir (The Forgiver) 40:7

And the angels will be on its sides, and eight will, that Day, bear the Throne of thy Lord above them.
Quran, surah Al-Haaqqa (The Reality) 69:17

Al-Qalam (The Pen) #

‘Ubadah ibn al-Samit reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, the first to be created by Allah was the pen.” Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3319

Chapter 68 in the Quran is named ‘Al-Qalam’ (the pen). It opens up with the verse:

"By the pen and what they inscribe."
Quran, surah Al-Qalam (The Pen) 68:1

In Chapter 96 of the Quran one finds another reference to the high value placed on the might of the pen:

"Who taught by the pen. Taught mankind that which he knew not" 
Quran, surah Al-Alaq (The Clot) 96:4-5

Allah told it to write, so the Pen wrote all that will happen until the Final Hour.

‘Pen’ is the name of that thing by whose instrumentality Allah has caused the writing on the Tablet. Hence, Allah has ordained the Tablet to serve as an original record, through which the angels, peace be upon them, acquire the knowledge of what is going to happen concerning what is hidden and what is inspired.

Guarded (Preserved) Tablet #

The Preserved Tablet is the record in which Allah The Almighty has recorded the fate of His creatures before He created them. In this regard, the Quran says:

"Do you not know that Allaah knows what is in the heaven and earth? Indeed, that is in a Record." 
Quran, surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage) 22:70 

In his interpretation of this verse, Ibn ‘Atiyyah said that the record in this verse refers to the Preserved Tablet. Allah The Almighty also Says (what means):

No disaster strikes upon the earth or among yourselves except that it is in a Record before We bring it into being.
Quran, surah Al-Hadid (The Iron) 57:22

The Maaliki scholar, Al-Qurtubi, may Allah have mercy upon him, mentioned in his interpretation of this verse that the record mentioned here refers to the Preserved Tablet.

It was narrated in the description of the Guarded Tablet that it is a white pearl and its edge is made of red ruby. Its width is the traveling distance of five hundred (500) years.

Allāh ordered the Pen to write. The Pen wrote, by the Will of Allāh, without anyone holding it. It wrote on the Guarded Tablet what was and what will be in this life until its end. According to some narrations, fifty thousand (50,000) years after this event, Allāh created the heavens and Earth in six yawm. No person is born and no drop of water falls except in accordance to what was written in the Guarded Tablet.

Water #

In some narrations, water was created before the Throne.

Allâh, taâlâ, did not create all the creations at one time. Had He willed for this, it would have occurred. Rather, in six yawm, He created the heavens and Earth ; and for Earth Allāh created rivers, mountains, and valleys.

The first creation is water. The Prophet, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, said:

« Allāh created everything from water. » [Related by Ibn Hibban]

Allah knows best. This means that Allāh created water before creating light, darkness, Earth, the heavens, the Throne, or the Guarded Tablet. Allāh made water the origin for other creations. He created the Throne from water. Then He created the Upper Pen, then the Guarded Tablet. After these creations, Allāh created the rest of the creations: the Earth, heavens, animals, mountains, trees 🌳, and rivers. Adam, peace be upon him, was of the last kind of creation, humans.

God it is who has created seven heavens, and similar number of the earths. The commandments come down among them slowly.. 
Quran, surah At-Talaaq (The Divorce) 65:12

Have not "those who disbelieve" known that heavens and earth were of one piece, We parted them and, We made every living thing of water, will they not then believe?"
Quran, surah Al-Anbiyaa (The Prophets) 21:30

After Allāh created the Earth, He created the seven heavens. Each heaven is a solid body that is held up without any pillars. The heavens are separated. From one heaven to the other is a distance of five hundred (500) years, and every heaven has a gate.

The first heaven is so far away from the Earth. Some people are unable to encompass this to the extent that they believe that the space which contains the stars and planets is the entire universe. They also falsely believe that it extends without an end. There is no point to their claims, because Allāh told us in the Qur’an and the Prophet also informed us in his Hadith what is contradictory to their claims. Paradise exists above the seventh heaven.

The heavens, We have built with power, And We are expanding it.
Quran, surah Adh-Dhaariyat (The Winnowing Winds) 51:47

No! Indeed, these verses are a reminder;
So whoever wills may remember it.
[It is recorded] in honored sheets
Exalted and purified
[Carried] by the hands of messenger-angels,
Noble and dutiful.
Quran, surah Abasa (He frowned) 80:11-16

Allah created angels from nur (luminous light).

One of the Islamic major characteristic of angels their lack of bodily desires: they never get tired, do not eat or drink, and have no anger. As with other monotheistic religions, angels are characteristics of their purity and obedience to God. They have different roles, including their praise of God, interacting with humans in ordinary life, defending against devils and carrying on natural phenomena. Islam acknowledges the concept of angels both as anthropomorphic creatures with wings and abstract forces advising good. Belief in angels is one of the main articles of faith in Islam.

Angels are dwellers of the seven heavens. Angels worship and exalt Allah.

Indeed, those who are near your Lord are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, and they exalt Him, and to Him they prostrate.
Quran, surah Al-Araf (The Heights) 7:206

[The angels say], ‘ There is not among us any except that he has a known position.
And indeed, we are those who line up [for prayer].
And indeed, we are those who exalt Allah.’
Quran, surah As-Saaffat (Those drawn up in Ranks) 37:164-166

To Him belongs whoever is in the heavens and the earth. And those near Him are not prevented by arrogance from His worship, nor do they tire.
They exalt [Him] night and day [and] do not slacken.
Quran, surah Al-Anbiya (The Prophets) 21:19-20

Angels never disobey Allah.

O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones, over which are [appointed] angels, harsh and severe; they do not disobey Allah in what He commands them but do what they are commanded.
Quran, surah At-Tahrim (The Prohibition) 66:6

Jibril #

Jibril (Gabriel) or the Ruh is venerated as one of the primary archangels and as the Angel of Revelation in Islam. Jibrīl is regarded as the archangel responsible for revealing the Quran to prophet Muhammad ﷺ , verse by verse; he is primarily mentioned in the verses 2:97, 2:98, and 66:4 of the Quran, although the Quranic text doesn’t explicitly refer to him as an angel.

Jibrīl (Ruh or The Spirit) is the angel who communicated with all of the prophets and also descended with the blessings of God during the night of Laylat al-Qadr (“The Night of Divine Destiny (Fate)").

The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.
Quran, surah Al-Qadr (The Night of Decree) 97:4

Jibrīl is further acknowledged as a magnificent warrior in Islamic tradition, who led an army of angels into the Battle of Badr and fought against Iblis, when he tempted ʿĪsā (Jesus).

Say, "Whoever is an enemy to Gabriel – it is [none but] he who has brought the Qur’an down upon your heart, [O Muhammad], by permission of Allah, confirming that which was before it and as guidance and good tidings for the believers."
      
Whoever is an enemy to Allah and His angels and His messengers and Gabriel and Michael – then indeed, Allah is an enemy to the disbelievers.
Quran, surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) 2:97-98

Muslims also revere Gabriel for a number of events predating what they regard as the first revelation, narrated in the Quran. Muslims believe that Gabriel was the angel who informed Zachariah (Zakariyyā) of John’s birth, as well as Mary (Maryam) of the future nativity of Jesus; and that Gabriel was one of three angels who had earlier informed Abraham (ʾIbrāhīm) of the birth of Isaac (ʾIsḥāq). Gabriel also makes a famous appearance in the Hadith of Gabriel, in which he questions Muhammad on the core tenets of Islam.

Gabriel in Islam also believed to be the one who delivers punishment from God to the Sodomite by leveling the entire Sodom city with a tip of his wing. According to a Hadith narrated by Abu Dharr al-Ghifari which compiled by al-Hakim al-Tirmidhi, Gabriel has an ability to regulate Feeling or Perception of human, particularly a feel of happiness or sadness.

Accordingly, in Islam, Gabriel is believed to have helped Muhammad overcome his adversaries significantly during the Battle of Badr.

Some mentions of Jibril in the Bible:

• Daniel saw Gabriel.
• Ezekiel saw Gabriel.
• Gabriel came to Zakariyah and told him that his prayers are heard and that they his wife will give birth to John.

Jibril came to Maryam and told the good news that she will give birth to a child Isa.

Jibril had special relation with the prophet Muhammadﷺ . In most cases he used to come to the prophet in a human form and give a Revelation or explain religious and worldly matters. Documented occasions when Jibril communicated with the prophet Muhammadﷺ :

• There is an authentic hadith that when the prophet Muhammadﷺ was 4-6 years old, Jibril came to him opened up his chest and cleaned his heart in Zamzam water.
• Close to the prophecy times, the prophet Muhammadﷺ starts to see a man in a dream who later turns out to be Jibril.
• In the cave of the mount Hira, Jibril comes to the prophet Muhammadﷺ and says “Iqra!” (“Recite!"). After the prophetﷺ says that he does not know what to recite, Jibril huggs him tight and transfers the first surah of the Quran. The prophet Muhammadﷺ was so overwhelmed by this experience, that he hurries back home and asks Hadija to cover him with cloth.

Other Angels #

Mikail the archangel of mercy, is often depicted as providing nourishment for bodies and souls while also being responsible for bringing rain and thunder to Earth. Some scholars pointed out that Mikail is in charge of angels who carry the laws of nature.

Israfil (frequently associated with the Jewish and Christian angel Raphael), is the archangel who is responsible for signaling the coming of Qiyamah (Judgment Day) by blowing a horn.

Azrail is the archangel of death. He and his subordinative angels are responsible for parting the soul from the body of the dead and will carry the believers to Barzakh.

Mentioned in Quran:

• Nāzi’āt and Nāshiṭāt, helpers of Azrail who take the souls of the deceased.
  • Nāzi’āt: they are responsible for taking out the souls of disbelievers painfully.
  • Nāshiṭāt: they are responsible for taking out the souls of believers peacefully.
• Hafaza, (The Guardian angel):
  • Kiraman Katibin (Honourable Recorders), two of whom are charged to every human being; one writes down good deeds and another one writes down evil deeds. They are both described as ‘Raqeebun ‘Ateed’ in the Quran.
  • Mu’aqqibat (The Protectors) who keep people from death until its decreed time and who bring down blessings.
• Angels of Hell:
  • Maalik, Chief of the angels who govern Jahannam (Hell).
  • Nineteen angels of hell, commanding the Zabaniyya, to torment sinful people in hell.
• Those angels who distribute provisions, rain, and other blessings by God’s Command.
• Those angels who drive the clouds.
• Cherubim, who are close to God and request forgiveness for the sinners.
• Hamalat al-‘Arsh, those who carry the ‘Arsh (Throne of God), comparable to the Christian Seraph.
• Harut and Marut, often depicted as angels who taught the humans in Babylon magic; mentioned in Quran (2:102).

Also, there is a hadith about Munkar and Nakir, two angels that question the souls of people in the grave after they die. For details, see #barzakh.

Angels Messengers #

Allah chooses from the angels messengers and from the people. Indeed, Allah is Hearing and Seeing.
Quran, surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage) 22:75

He sends down the angels, with the inspiration of His command, upon whom He wills of His servants, [telling them], "Warn that there is no deity except Me; so fear Me."
Quran, surah An-Nahl (The Bees) 16:2

By those [angels] lined up in rows
And those who drive [the clouds]
And those who recite the message
Quran, surah As-Saaffat (Those drawn up in Ranks) 37:1-3

[All] praise is [due] to Allah, Creator of the heavens and the earth, [who] made the angels messengers having wings, two or three or four. He increases in creation what He wills. Indeed, Allah is over all things competent.
Quran, surah Fatir (The Orignator) 35:1

And [by] the winds that spread [clouds]
And those [angels] who bring criterion
And those [angels] who deliver a message
As justification or warning
Quran, surah Al-Mursalat (Those sent forth) 77:3-6

Angels came to prophet Ibrahim and prophet Lut to tell about the fate of Soddom and Homorra and good news that Ibrahim is going to have a son.

And certainly did Our messengers come to Abraham with good tidings; they said, "Peace." He said, "Peace," and did not delay in bringing [them] a roasted calf.
Quran, surah Hud (Hud) 11:69

Angels who write deeds of humans #

And We have already created man and know what his soul whispers to him, and We are closer to him than [his] jugular vein
When the two receivers receive, seated on the right and on the left
Man does not utter any word except that with him is an observer prepared [to record]
Quran, surah Qaf (The Letter Qaf) 50:16-18

Or do they think that We hear not their secrets and their private conversations? Yes, [We do], and Our messengers are with them recording.
Quran, surah Az-Zukhruf (The Gold Adornment) 43:80

And indeed, [appointed] over you are keepers, 
Noble and recording
They know whatever you do.
Quran, urah Al-Infitar (The Cleaving) 82:10-12

Angels Protectors #

There is no soul but that it has over it a protector.
Quran, surah At-Tariq (The Night-Comer) 86

For each one are successive [angels] before and behind him who protect him by the decree of Allah. Indeed, Allah will not change the condition of a people until they change what is in themselves. And when Allah intends for a people ill, there is no repelling it. And there is not for them besides Him any patron.
Quran, surah Ar-Ra’d (The Thunder) 13:11

Angels ask Allah to forgive believers #

Those [angels] who carry the Throne and those around it exalt [Allah] with praise of their Lord and believe in Him and ask forgiveness for those who have believed, [saying], "Our Lord, You have encompassed all things in mercy and knowledge, so forgive those who have repented and followed Your way and protect them from the punishment of Hellfire.
  
Our Lord, and admit them to gardens of perpetual residence which You have promised them and whoever was righteous among their fathers, their spouses and their offspring. Indeed, it is You who is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.

And protect them from the evil consequences [of their deeds]. And he whom You protect from evil consequences that Day – You will have given him mercy. And that is the great attainment."
Quran, surah Ghafir (The Forgiver) 40:7-9

It is Allah Who has made for you the earth as a resting place, and the sky as a canopy, and has given you shape - and made your shapes beautiful -, and has provided for you Sustenance
Quran, surah Gafir 40:64

The Quran says that the heavens and the earth were joined together as one “unit of creation”, after which they were “cloven asunder”.

The heavens and the earth were joined together as one unit, before We clove them asunder 
Quran, surah Al-Nabiyaa (The Prophets) 21:30

Following this explosion 💥, the heavens and the earth came into their present shape after going through a phase when they were smoke-like.

Then He turned to the heaven while it was smoke. He said to the heaven and the earth: "Come (into being), willingly or unwillingly." They said: "We come willingly."
Quran, surah Fussilat (Explained in Detail) 41:11

The Quran states that “Allah created the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, in six youm(يوم))” (7:54). While on the surface this might seem similar to the account related in the Bible, there are some important distinctions.

The verses that mention “six days” use the Arabic word “youm” (day). This word appears several other times in the Quran, each denoting a different measurement of time. In one case, the measure of a day is equated with 50,000 years (70:4), whereas another verse states that a day in the sight of your Lord is like 1,000 years of your reckoning (22:47). The word “youm” is thus understood, within the Quran, to be a long period of time – an era or eon. Therefore, Muslims interpret the description of a “six day” creation as six distinct periods or eons. The length of these periods is not precisely defined, nor are the specific developments that took place during each period.

Thus the elements and what was to become the planets and stars began to cool, come together, and form into shape, following the natural laws that Allah established in the universe.

The Quran further states that Allah created the sun, the moon, and the planets, each with their own individual courses or orbits.

"See ye not how Allah has created the seven heavens one above another,
and made the moon a light (noor) in their midst,
and made the sun as a lamp (siraaj)?"
Quran, surah Nooh (Noah) 71:15-16

"It is He Who created the night and the day, and the sun and the moon; all (the celestial bodies) swim along, each in its rounded course" 
Quran, surah Al-Nabiyaa (The Prophets) 21:33

"The heavens, We have built them with power. And verily, We are expanding it"
Quran, surah Adh-Dhaariyat (The Winnowing Winds) 51:47

There has been some historical debate among Muslim scholars about the precise meaning of this verse, since knowledge of the universe’s expansion was only recently discovered. In the beginning of 20th century, the consensus among scientists was that the universe is static. So, the science was contradicting the Quran until Einstein discovered the theory of relativity.

"(Such is) the artistry of Allah, Who disposes of all things in perfect order" 
Quran, surah Al-Naml (The Ant) 27:88

13.8 billion years ago: the Universe started to expand.
4.56 billion years ago: the Earth appeared.
4.51 billion years ago: the Moon 🌙 appeared. 
3.5 billion years ago: Life on Earth began.
600 million years ago: Animals appeared.
245-66 million years ago: 🦖 🦕​ Dinosaurs!! And also crocodiles and cockroaches!!
~200.000 years ago: Modern Homo-Sapiens appeared. Scientific Adam and mithochondrial Eve is estimated by geneologists 140-200k years ago.
    - Evolution is an instrument of God. Evolution changed the shape of all animals on Earth but Adam and Eve were created by Allah directly. And after the first humans Adam and Eve were created, evolution continued to affect them because it is in their genes. Humans have bodies of Homo-Sapiens but not only the body defines a human. 

Before 19th century there was a scientific consensus that the Universe 🌌 is static. But after Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, science stated that the Universe is expanding. So, until 19XX science contradicted the Quran. 100 years ago, the world’s best scientific minds thought that the universe had always existed. Since it always existed, it didn’t need a Creator.

Einstein changed all that. Einstein’s ‘field equations’ suggested that the universe was expanding like a balloon. The mathematician and Belgian Priest, George Lemaître, realised that this expansion had to have started from somewhere. It must have come from an initial, dense point. This idea became known as the Big Bang. Today, it is the basis for understanding the origin of the universe.

What few people know however is that the Holy Quran described the Big Bang perfectly, 1400 years earlier.

"Do not the disbelievers see that the heavens and the earth were a closed-up mass (ratqan), then We opened them out? And We made from water every living thing. Will they not then believe?" 
Quran, surah Al-Nabiyaa (The Prophets) 21:31

The arabic word ratqan means a closed-up mass. It also means darkness. A dark, closed-up mass is a perfect description of what we know the universe looked like in its earliest moments. The heavens and the Earth were indeed opened out from this mass to produce the universe we see today.

The verse further says that water is the basis of life. This is now an accepted scientific fact. When NASA look for planets that can bear life, they look for water.

For many centuries the Quran contradicted the established opinion of scientists who thought that the universe was static.

Einstein’s equations tell us that the universe is expanding. This discovery surprised everyone. For decades thereafter, scientists thought the universe exploded out of the Big Bang, and has been slowing down ever since. But they were wrong. The universe’s expansion has recently been speeding up. This mysterious re-expansion is driven by what we call dark energy. About 5 billion years ago, this mysterious anti-gravity began pushing the universe outwards once more.

The Holy Quran says:

"And We have built the heaven with might and We continue to expand it indeed."
Quran, surah Adh-Dhaariyat (The Winnowing Winds) 51:48

• About the big bang
• A brief history of the universe
• The whole history of Earth and Life
• Just about how small we are
• Sheikh Yasir Qadhi on Adam and theory of evolution

Allah ﷻ   created the Heavens and the Earth and all kinds of beasts. 
The Quran, surah Luqman (Luqman)

After completing the Creation, the Quran describes that Allah “settled Himself upon the Throne” (57:4) to oversee His work. A distinct point is made to counter the Biblical idea of a day of rest: “We created the heavens and the earth and all that is between them in six youm, nor did any sense of weariness touch Us” (50:38).

Allah ﷻ is never “done” with His work, because the process of creation is ongoing. Each new child who is born, every seed that sprouts into a sapling, every new species that appears on earth, is part of the ongoing process of Allah’s creation.

"He it is Who created the heavens and the earth in six youm, then established Himself on the Throne. He knows what enters within the heart of the earth, and what comes forth out of it, what comes down from heaven, and what mounts up to it. And He is with you wherever you may be. And Allah sees well all that you do" 
Quran, surah Al-Hadid (The Iron) 57:4

There are many types of creatures living on earth, including plants, animals, insects, all kinds of microorganisms, human. There are also creature that are not visible for a human eye: the jinn.

With Him are the keys of the unseen—no one knows them except Him. And He knows what is in the land and sea. Not even a leaf falls without His knowledge, nor a grain in the darkness of the earth or anything—green or dry—but is ˹written˺ in a perfect Record.
Quran, Al-Am'an

[short version]

Allah ﷻ created jinns from fire. Jinns live on the same planet as humans. Jinn are able to see humans, humans are not able to see the jinn. There is a rule for the jinn not to cross the barrier between their world and human world, and the tresspassers will be asked for it.

The community of the jinn race were like those of humans, but then corruption and injustice among them increased and all warnings sent by God were ignored. Consequently, God sent his angels to battle the infidel jinn. Only a few jinn survived, and were ousted to far islands or to the mountains. With the revelation of Islam, the jinn were given a new chance to access salvation.

Jinn can be bad and they also can be good and righteous jinn who worship God alone.

Satan was the best among jinns but he transgressed and disobeyed Allah, and swore to be an enemy to Adam and his descendands.

Who are the Jinn? #

Allah created jinns from smokeless fire 🔥, the edge of the flame. Jinns live in the same earth as we do but they are hidden from our sight. Humans cannot see jinns, jinns can see humans and jinns cannot see angels.

The lives of jinn are very similar to the humans, they eat, they drink, they marry, they have their children, and even they are instructed and guided the same way as humans. We can understand this statement by the following verse of Surah Al-An’am.

"O company of jinn and mankind, did there not come to you messengers from among you, relating to you My verses and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say, "We bear witness against ourselves"; and the worldly life had deluded them, and they will bear witness against themselves that they were disbelievers. 
Quran, surah Al-Anaam (The Cattle) 6:130

This verse shows that messengers were not only sent down to guide the humans but they were sent down to guide both the humans and jinn.

Jinns have males and females, they have different religions, tribes, nations. The jinn live in the parallel world to the humans and since they live in the different dimension the flow of time there is different too. Hence, the lifespan of jinn is different and believed to be much longer than the human lifespan.

Al-Safaareeni mentioned a hadith which says: “The jinn produce offspring, just as the sons of Adam produce offspring, but they are greater in number.” Allah (swt) told us that the Satan has offspring. Allah says, rebuking those who take the Satan and his offspring as friends.

"Will you then take him (iblees) and his offspring as protectors and helper rather than Me while they are enemies to you?"
Quran, surah Al-Kahf (The Cave) 18:50

Jinns are the only creatures besides human beings that have a free will and they will be judged according to their deeds. Jinns are capable of deciding things on their own and just as with us, can do things opposing God’s commands.

Jinn are mentioned approximately 29 times in the Quran.

"And I did not create the jinn and mankind except to worship Me."
Quran, surah Al-Dhariyat ayah 56

The above verse shows the same core purpose of life for both the humans and the jinn. Their purpose of life is not very different from the humans as they are ordered by Allah to do the same good deeds as humans do and they are supposed to obey and worship one and only God “Allah”. Like in humans there are two broader categories, Muslims and Non-Muslims, similarly in jinn there are the same two main divisions (the Muslims and Non-Muslims).

They have the power to choose between true and false, right and wrong as Allah said in sura al-Jinn verse 11:

And among us are the righteous, and among us are [others] not so; we were [of] divided ways.
Quran, surah Al-Jinn 72:11

The dwelling places, gathering and haunts of the jinn #

The jinn inhabit the same earth on which we live, and they tend to gather in greater numbers in ruins and deserted places, and in dirty places such as bathrooms, privies, garbage dumps and graveyards. Hence – as Ibn Taymiyah said – many of the ‘syaikhs’ who are accompanied by the devils dwell in many of these places.

There are hadiths which forbid praying in bathrooms, because of the impurity in such places, and because they are the abode of the devils, and in graveyards because that is a means that leads to shirk.

They often gather in places where they can cause mischief, such as marketplaces. Salman advised some of his companions,” Do not, if possible, be the first person to enter the marketplace, or the last one to leave, because it is the battle-ground of the devils, and in it he sets up his banner.”

The devils stay in the houses in which people live, but they may be expelled by saying bismillah, remembering Allah and reciting Qur’an, especially surah Al-Baqarah and ayat al-Kursi. The Messenger (saw) mentioned that the devils spread out and increase when darkness falls, hence he commanded us to keep our children inside at dusk. The devils flee from the adhan, and in Ramadhan the devils are chained up.

⚔️ War Between Jinn and Angels #

[Most of information in this section cannot be found in the Quran and the Sunnah. But it is derived from early interpretators of the Quran, including the ones from sahaba.]

• War between Angels and Jinn by Omar Suleiman

Allah knows best.

At-Tabari narrated in his Tafseer from Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said:

The first ones to dwell on earth were the jinn, and they caused mischief therein, shedding blood and killing one another.

It was narrated from ar-Rabee‘ ibn Anas that he said:

Allah created the angels on Wednesday, and He created the jinn on Thursday and He created Adam on Friday. Then some of the jinn disbelieved, and the angels used to come down to earth to fight them, and there was bloodshed and corruption on earth.

The jinn started living on the earth before humans and they didn’t behave good and didn’t treat the creatures on the earth in a good manner.

Satan or Iblis is one of the first jinns. He was the best among the jinn and he was even raised to the rank of angels. But there was evil in his heart and he wanted to rule his own kingdom. He asked Allah to send him and some angels to destroy the transgressing jinn on the earth and Allah gave the permission.

After the battle there were only a small amount of jinn left here and there.

Omar Suleiman on creation of evil

The biblical version is a little different. The war between angels lead by Michael and “fallen angels” lead by dragon or serpent is mentioned in the New Testament.

Iblis (Satan) #

Iblis was amongst the best of jinn. Some narrations say he worshipped Allah in all of the heavens and he was raised almost to the rank of angels. Then he came to Allah and asked to send him and some angels to punish the transgressing jinn who were living on the earth. So they started destroying the jinn that lived on earth. Only a scarce amount of jinn remained here and there. and Allah knew that Iblis wanted his own kingdom for himself. so He created Adam to test Iblis, to reveal his intentions.

Allah said that He will create a new creation – Adam – and make him the khalifa on earth. Allah told angels and Iblis to prostrate before Adam. Iblis refused to prostrate because of his arrogance, he refused to follow God’s command.

And We have certainly created you, [O Mankind], and given you [human] form. Then We said to the angels, "Prostrate to Adam"; so they prostrated, except for Iblees. He was not of those who prostrated.
Quran, surah 7 Al-Araaf (The Heights)

So Allah banished Iblis from heaven but Iblis asked for respite until humans are resurrected and he was granted respite.

Satan disobeyed God and made a vow that he will lead Adam and his descendands astray.

I will come from in front of them and I will come from behind them, from their right and their left; nor will you find that most of them are grateful." except for those of them who were righteous.
Quran, surah Al-Araaf (The Heights) 7:17

Iblis has children.

Iblis uses waswasa to influence humans. And the waswasa does not work on devout worshippers of Allah.

Shaytan are Enemies to Humans #

Iblis tricked Adam and Eve and managed to get them out of Heaven. He made himself many followers among jinn. So they all started leading descendands of Adam astray. This special type of jinn are called shayatin (devils). According to most sources, after Satan disobeyed Allah and vowed to lead humans astray, some jinns followed Satan, and they became shayatin, whose job is to lead people astray. and when a person is born, a shayatin is assigned to follow this person every day and whisper bad thoughts.

Each person has a shaytan (or a bad jinn) assigned to follow him anywhere and misguide him and lead him astray so that he forgets about Allah, does not repent for his sins and eventually ends up in hell.

Allah has already made us aware of this in the Surah Al-Araf, verse 27:

"O children of Adam, let not Satan tempt you as he removed your parents from Paradise, stripping them of their clothing to show them their private parts. Indeed, he sees you, he and his tribe, from where you do not see them. Indeed, We have made the devils allies to those who do not believe".

The above verse states that jinn have the power to see humans and to take possessions on the humans. The only way to keep ourselves safe from the evil beings is to pray five times, to walk on the path which Allah and His messenger ﷺ has shown us, and to follow the teaching of Quran, Sunnah, and Hadith.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Allah, may He be blessed and exalted, says: ‘I created all of My slaves as hunafa’ (sing. haneef, i.e., believing in monotheism), but the devils diverted them from their belief.’” End quote from Ta’weel Mukhtalaf al-Hadith.

"Will you o human beings take him and his children as allies while he is your enemy."
Quran, surah Al-Kahf (The Cave) 18:50

Suleyman (Solomon) Had Power Over Jinn #

In the story of Solomon jinns appear as nature spirits comparable to Talmudic shedim. Solomon was gifted by God to talk to animals and spirits. God granted him authority over the rebellious jinn and devils forcing them to build the First Temple in Jerusalem.

In addition, the Quran also mentions Ifrit in sura al-Naml (The Ant) verse 39. Ifrit who brought Suleiman smo’s throne.

The Quran relates that Solomon died while he was leaning on his staff. As he remained upright, propped on his staff, the jinn thought he was still alive and supervising them, so they continued to work. They realized the truth only when Allah sent a creature to crawl out of the ground and gnaw at Solomon’s staff until his body collapsed. The Qurʾan then comments that if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the humiliating torment of being enslaved.

"Then, when We decreed (Solomon's) death, nothing showed them his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept (slowly) gnawing away at his staff: so when he fell down, the jinn saw plainly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have tarried in the humiliating penalty (of their task)." 
Quran, surah Saba (Sheeba) 34:14

Jinn and Magic #

The Quran tells about Pagan Arabs, calling jinn for help, instead of God.

And they followed [instead] what the devils had recited during the reign of Solomon. It was not Solomon who disbelieved, but the devils disbelieved, teaching people magic and that which was revealed to the two angels at Babylon, Harut and Marut. But the two angels do not teach anyone unless they say, "We are a trial, so do not disbelieve [by practicing magic]." 

And [yet] they learn from them that by which they cause separation between a man and his wife. But they do not harm anyone through it except by permission of Allah. And the people learn what harms them and does not benefit them. But the Children of Israel certainly knew that whoever purchased the magic would not have in the Hereafter any share. And wretched is that for which they sold themselves, if they only knew.
Quran, Surah Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:102

Jinns flying to heavens #

Before the revelation of the Quran, the Jinn were allowed to enter heavens to listen to angels. This was the way they could tell what is decreed in some acpects of this dunya. After the first surah of the Quran came to the prophet Muhammad ﷺ , some obstacle appeared between jinn and heavens so they could not tresspass it no more.

"And we have sought [to reach] the heaven but found it filled with powerful guards and burning flames."
Quran, Surah Al-Jinn (The Jinn) 72:8

Prophet Muhammad Talked to Jinn #

In Islamic tradition, Muhammad was sent as a prophet to both human and jinn communities, and that prophets and messengers were sent to both communities. Traditionally, the 72nd surah, Al-Jinn, named after them, is held to tell about the revelation to jinn and several stories mention one of Muhammad’s followers accompanied him, witnessing the revelation to the jinn.

At the time of Prophet Mohammad ﷺ , a group of jinn were turned into Muslims when they heard the recitation of Holy Quran. At that time, Allah revealed the following verses of Surah Jinn:

Say, [O Muhammad], "It has been revealed to me that a group of the jinn listened and said, 'Indeed, we have heard an amazing Quran. It guides to the right course, and we have believed in it. And we will never associate with our Lord anyone.'" 
Quran, surah Al-Jinn (The Jinn) 72:1-2

Classification of Jinn #

According to Arabic linguists there are different categories of jinn:

1. jinni, in general terms.
2. Amir or dweller if the jinn lives in houses with people
3. Arwah or spirits who interact with children.
4. Shaytan or Satan if the jinn is wicked.
5. if he is worse than that, called marid or demon.
6. Ifrit, if he is worse than that and strong (al-Shibli, 1985).

In general, the pagan believe that jinn have hidden powers, giving some benefit and harassment. As Allah says in the Quran:

They will say, "Exalted are You! You, [O Allah], are our benefactor not them. Rather, they used to worship the jinn; most of them were believers in them."
Quran, surah Saba (Sheeba) 34:41

Similarly in Sura al-Jinn verse 6, Allah explains that most pagan seek help and protection to jinn. In view of them there is collaboration between man and poets of jinn which they can produce beautiful poetry to listen to (Shihab, 2002)

Demons in Christianity #

Modern Christian view on jinn is a little different than the Islamic view. In modern Christian tradition, demons are fallen angels and have the same characteristics as their good angel counterparts: spirituality, immutability and immortality. Demons are not omniscient, but each one has a specific knowledge (sometimes on more than one subject). Their power is limited to that which God allows, so they are not omnipotent.

Christian demonology states that the mission of the demons is to induce humans to sin. Demons are also believed to try to tempt people into abandoning the faith, committing heresy or apostasy, remaining or turning into Pagans, or venerating idols (the Christian term for cult images). It is also believed that demons torment people during their life or through demonic possession or simply by showing themselves before persons to frighten them or by provoking visions that could induce people to sin or to be afraid.

Demons can take any desired appearance, even that of an “angel of light”.

The Devil has been popularly symbolized as various animals, including the serpent 🐍, the goat and the dragon.

The idea that demons have horns seems to have been taken from chapter 13 of the Book of Revelation. This idea has also been associated with the depiction of certain ancient gods like Moloch and the shedu, etc., which were portrayed as bulls, as men with the head of a bull, or wearing bull horns as a crown.

In the Gospel of Luke, it is stated that demons walk “arid places”, and finding no rest return to their previous home:

“When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. Then it says, ‘I will return to the house I left.’ When it arrives, it finds the house swept clean and put in order. Then it goes and takes seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there. And the final condition of that person is worse than the first.”

Shedim in Judaism #

Shedim (singular: Shed) are spirits or demons in the Tanakh and Jewish tradition. However, they are not necessarily equivalent to the modern connotation of demons as evil entities.

They appear only twice (always plural) in the Tanakh, at Psalm 106:37 and Deuteronomy 32:17. Both times it deals with child or animal sacrifices. Although the word is traditionally derived from the root šwd (Hebrew: שוד shûd) that conveys the meaning of “acting with violence” or “laying waste,” it was possibly a loan-word from Akkadian in which the word shedu referred to a spirit which could be either protective or malevolent. With the translation of Hebrew texts into Greek, under influence of Zoroastrian dualism, shedim were translated into daimonia with implicit negativity. Otherwise, later in Judeo-Islamic culture, shedim became the Hebrew word for Jinn with a morally ambivalent attitude.

35. And they mingled with the nations and learned their deeds. 36. They worshipped their idols, which became a snare for them. 37. They slaughtered their sons and daughters to the demons [shedim]. 38. They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons and daughters whom they slaughtered to the idols of Canaan, and the land became polluted with the blood. 39. And they became unclean through their deeds, and they went astray with their acts. Tehillim (Psalms), 106.35-39

17. They sacrificed to demons [shedim], which have no power, deities they did not know, new things that only recently came, which your forefathers did not fear. Devarim (Deuteronomy), 32.17

According to one legend, the shedim are descendants of serpents 🐍, or of demons in the form of serpents, alluding to the serpent in Eden as related in Genesis.

The people who build the Tower of Babel were divided by their motivations into three groups. Those who wished to wage war against God were transformed into shedim.

The Talmud describes the shedim as possessing some traits of angels, and some traits of humans:

In three ways they are like ministering angels: They have wings like ministering angels; and they fly from one end of the world to the other like ministering angels; and they know what will be in the future like ministering angels. And in three ways they are similar to humans: They eat and drink like humans; they multiply like humans; and they die like humans. Babylonian Talmud Hagigah 16a

The shedim are not always seen as malicious creatures and are also considered to be helpful to humans. They are said to be even able to live according to the Torah, like Asmodeus.

Conjuring shedim isn’t necessarily forbidden, depending on whether or not, author’s view summoning them as sorcery or not. Even if summoning shedim is an act of sorcery and thus forbidden, consulting shedim conjured by a non-Jew would be permissible.

Shedim can shapeshift and assume a human form. The Talmud tells of Asmodeus assuming King Solomon’s form and ruling in his place for some time. However, he was never seen barefoot because he could not disguise his feet.

According to Quranic creation narrative, Godﷻ informed angels that He was going to create a khalifa (vicegerent) on earth.

And mention [O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, "Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority." They said, "Will You place upon it one who causes corruption therein and sheds blood, while we declare Your praise and sanctify You?" Allah said, "Indeed, I know that which you do not know." 
Quran, surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) 2:30

While Islam recognizes the general idea of the development of life in stages, over a period of time, human beings are considered as a special act of creation. Islam teaches that human beings are a unique life form that was created by Allah in a special way, with unique gifts and abilities unlike any other: a soul and conscience, knowledge, and free will. In short, Muslims do not believe that human beings randomly evolved from apes 🐒. The life of human beings began with the creation of two people, a male and a female named Adam and Hawwa (Eve).

The Quran describes how Allah created Adam.

"We created man from sounding clay, from mud moulded into shape..." 
Quran, surah Al-Hijr (The Rock) 15:26

"He began the creation of man from clay, and made his progeny from a quintessence of fluid"
Quran, surah As-Sajda (The Prostration) 32:7-8 

According to a hadith, Allah created the body of Adam ﷺ and it lay still for some time. During that time Iblis went through Adam’s body and got thoughts that he will be able to control Adam because his body was hollow.

Then, Allahﷻ breathed a soul into Adam.

There is a hadith from Abu Huraira 🐈:

When Allah breathed a soul into Adam, Adam sneezed and said “Alhamdulillah!” (Praise to God!). Allah replied “Yarmukallah, o Adam (Let God give you of His Mercy!). Go to those angels that sit in the gathering and say to them “Assalamu Aleykum!” (Peace be upon you). Angels replied “Waaleykum Assalam wa Rahmatullah (And peace to you and mercy)!”

When Adam returned to his Lord, He said: “Indeed, this will be your greeting, and greeting of your sons among each other”.

The hadith further says that then Allah opened His hand and showed Adam all of his descendands. Each person had his life expectancy written on his forehead. Adam saw a man whose light was one of the brightest and he asked “Who is this man?”. Allah replied “This is Dawud (David) and he is prescribed to live 40 years”. Adam said “Oh my Lord, extend his life”, Allah replied “This is the term I prescribed him”. Adam asked again “Oh my Lord, I give him 60 of my years” for which Allah replied “Let it be your way”.

Sheikh Al-Albani called this hadith authentic.

Allah gave Adam knowledge and taught him names. One of the version of interpretation is that Adam was taught the names of animals and birds 🐦. The other version is that he was taught speech.

Every human soul testifies in front of God #

Angels asked Allah why He want to send to Earth humans knowing that they will transgress. Allahﷻ told angels that He knows what they know not.

And Allahﷻ made all children of Adam as souls to testify that their Lord is Allah.

And ˹remember˺ when your Lord brought forth from the loins of the children of Adam their descendants and had them testify regarding themselves. ˹Allah asked,˺ "Am I not your Lord?" They replied, "Yes, You are! We testify." ˹He cautioned,˺ "Now you have no right to say on Judgment Day, "We were of this unaware."
Quran, surah Al-A'raf (The Heights)

It is the fitrah (natural inclination/sound human nature) which is instilled in our souls and hearts, that drives us to believe in Allah and long to know Him, may He be glorified. In fact, it reaches the level of urgency that pushes and compels us to acknowledge that the Creator, may He be glorified and exalted, is the only, perfect Lord Who bestows His blessings upon us and upon all other created beings.

This spiritual and rational urge (to believe in Allah) is the strongest factor that prompts man to believe in Allah and affirm His Oneness, because it is usually stronger than any other impulses that may lead man to fall into ignorance and doubt. Often this urge (to believe) may overwhelm a person and make him realise the belief in divine Oneness (Tawheed) deep in his heart at times of crisis and calamity, even if the one who still has that sound natural inclination (fitrah) is pretending today to be an atheist. The call of Tawheed is still urging him from deep inside to believe, because of this natural inclination (fitrah) which is the first covenant taken from the sons of Adam.

This also means that souls of humans are created right after Adam. But at that time souls did not have a physical body.

Characteristics of Adam #

According to hadith:

• Adam ﷺ was eloquent.
• He had a beautiful voice.
• The prophet Adam used to talk with his children with clear words and not with signs.
• The prophet Adam knew all the names of the creations such as the name of the sky, the earth, the sea, the air, the angel, the jinn, and the like.
• The prophet Adam plants and harvests.
• Allāh created in our master Adam the knowledge of the matters of earning a living.
• Allāh created in Adam the knowledge of how to plant seeds, vegetables, and fruits, and how to harvest.
• There is a narration that Adam Alayhissalam was the first to build the first place of worship – The Kaabah.

Iblis wanted to rule over his own kingdom and kept it to himself. Allah wanted to reveal his dark thoughts, so He created Adam. The Qur’an tells the story of Iblis several different times, each time offering different facets of the story.

We created you, We formed you; and then We commanded the angels, "bow down before Adam," and they bowed. But not Iblis; he refused to be one of those who bow.
  
God said: "What prevented you from bowing down as I commanded you?" And he [Iblis] said: "I am better than he: You created me from fire and him from clay."
  
God said: "Get down from here! Here is no place for your arrogance, Get out! You are the lowest of creatures!"
but Iblis said, "Give me respite until the day they are raised."
and God said, "You have respite."

And then Iblis said, "Because you have put me in the wrong, I shall lie in wait for them on Your straight path; I will come from in front of them and I will come from behind them, from their right and their left; nor will you find that most of them are grateful." except for those of them who were righteous.

God said, "Get out! You are disgraced and expelled! I swear I shall fill Hell with you and all who follow you."
Quran, Surah Al-Araaf (The Heights) 7

Adam’s spouse, although commonly referred to as Eve or Hawa, is not mentioned by name in the Quran despite being referred to in many places. The details regarding how Eve was created are not mentioned in the Quran. However, it is made evident that Eve was created from Adam.

While the creation of Eve is not described in detail, the Quran does make it clear that a “mate” was created with Adam, from the same nature and soul.

It is He Who created you from a single person, and made his mate of like nature, in order that he might dwell with her in love
Quran, surah Al-Araaf (The Heights) 7:189 

She is not mentioned by name in the Quran, but in Islamic tradition she is known as “Hawwa” (Eve).

From these two individuals, generations of human beings have inhabited the earth.

"Oh humankind! We created you from a single pair of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, so that you may know each other (not that ye may despise each other). Verily the most honored among you in the sight of Allah is the who is the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things)" 
Quran, surah Al-Hujuraat (The Inner Apartments) 49:13

"O mankind, fear your Lord, who created you from one soul and created from it its mate and dispersed from both of them many men and women…." 
Quran, surah An-Nisas (The Woman) 4:1

The hadith or traditions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ further reveal that Eve was created from Adam’s rib which was taken while he was asleep. The narrations that describe this story of the rib is often used to emphasize being gentle and kind to women.

“O Muslims! I advise you to be gentle with women, for they are created from a rib, and the most crooked portion of the rib is its upper part. If you try to straighten it, it will break, and if you leave it, it will remain crooked; so I urge you to take care of the women.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 5185; Sahih Muslim 8:3468]

Adam and Eve are placed in Paradise #

After Eve was created, the couple was given a place in heaven.

And We said, "O Adam, dwell, you and your wife, in Paradise and eat therefrom in [ease and] abundance from wherever you will. But do not approach this tree 🌳, lest you be among the wrongdoers." 
Quran, surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) 2:35

Eve was created to accompany Adam as his companion and life partner, and they were instructed to live together in tranquility. In heaven, Adam and Eve were free to eat and enjoy everything with the exception of one tree 🌳.

The Quran does not describe what kind of tree it was, however, this prohibition set the stage for the test that was to come.

Satan tempted Adam and Eve by whispering. Adam and Hawwa disobeyed Allah and ate from the forbidden tree. They asked for forgiveness and Allah forgave them. And they were sent to live on the Earth.

In the Quran, the forbidden tree served as a test for Adam and Eve. Furthermore, God warned Adam and Eve that the devil was an enemy and that they should be on their guard.

So We said, "O Adam, indeed this is an enemy to you and to your wife. Then let him not remove you from Paradise so you would suffer." 
Quran, surah Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) 20:117

Satan, eagerly targeting the weakness of mankind, tempted Adam and Eve by whispering into their hearts. Claiming to be a sincere advisor, he planted in their minds ideas that would make the forbidden tree appealing. Thoughts of the tree preoccupied both Adam and Eve. Forgetting the warning, they gave in and erred.

But Satan whispered to them to make apparent to them that which was concealed from them of their private parts. He said, "Your Lord did not forbid you this tree 🌳 except that you become angels or become of the immortal." 

And he swore [by Allah ] to them, "Indeed, I am to you from among the sincere advisors." 
  
So he made them fall, through deception. And when they tasted of the tree, their private parts became apparent to them, and they began to fasten together over themselves from the leaves of Paradise. And their Lord called to them, "Did I not forbid you from that tree and tell you that Satan is to you a clear enemy?" 
Quran, surah Al-Araaf (The Heights) 7:20-22

By forgetting God’s command, Adam and Eve bore equal responsibility for their error. This too was a test for Satan, who in fact, furthered his disobedience by exploiting mankind through their desires.

Through this test, God prepared Adam for his role on earth, as a caretaker and a Prophet. This experience taught Adam firsthand that Satan was a deceptive enemy to mankind.

After eating from the tree, Adam and Eve became ashamed and deeply regretted their actions. They acknowledged their errors and sought mercy, repenting sincerely.

"Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers."
Quran, surah Al-Araaf (The Heights) 7:23

The story of Adam and Eve in the Quran teaches the virtue of repentance and supplication. Adam and Eve recognized their errors and prayed for forgiveness. This, in turn, earned them Allah’s forgiveness and guidance.

"Then his Lord chose him and turned to him in forgiveness and guided [him]." 
Quran, surah Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) 20:122

Free will of Adam and Eve #

Could it be said that Adam and the rest of mankind were predestined to sin and to be expelled from Paradise and sent to the earth? In fact, this fiction is as naive as the first one. Adam had complete free will, and he bore the consequences of his deed. He disobeyed by eating of the forbidden tree, so Allah dismissed him from Paradise. His disobedience does not negate his freedom. On the contrary, it is a consequence of it.

The truth of the matter is that Allah knew what was going to happen, as He always knows the outcome of events before they take place. However, Allah does not force things to happen. He grants free will to His human creatures. On that He bases His supreme wisdom in populating the earth, establishing the vicegerents, and so on.

Adam understood his third lesson. He knew now in a practical way that Iblis was his enemy, the cause of his losing the blessing of living in Paradise, and the cause of his distress. Adam also understood that Allah punishes disobedience and that the way to Paradise has to be through submission to the will of Allah. And he learned from Almighty Allah to ask for forgiveness.

Allah accepted Adam’s repentance and forgave him. He then sent him to the earth as His first messenger.

In the Quran, God consoles Adam. Since the sin of Adam stemmed from desire, and not from arrogance, his repentance was accepted.

"Then Adam received from his Lord [some] words, and He accepted his repentance. Indeed, it is He who is the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful." 
Quran, surah Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:37

Despite being forgiven, Adam and Eve were no longer granted the comforts of paradise and would be sent to Earth. It is important to note that since Allah had mentioned Adam’s mission on Earth long before his test, Adam and Eve’s appointment to earth is not viewed as punishment, instead, it aligns with God’s Plan. The Quran describes the Earth to Adam and Eve as a place in which to reside and enjoy for a period of time, until the day they die and are resurrected (Quran 7:24-25).

We said, "Go down from it, all of you. And when guidance comes to you from Me, whoever follows My guidance – there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve. And those who disbelieve and deny Our signs – those will be companions of the Fire; they will abide therein eternally." 
Quran, surah Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:38-39

Furthermore, Adam is informed by God that he and his progeny will be sent guidance during their time on Earth. In contrast, Satan, unlike Adam, had not begged for forgiveness and had instead requested respite: a chance to mislead and reveal the inadequacy of mankind. God facilitated this request, but warned that Satan would be powerless over the believers.

Therefore, in the Quran, Adam, Eve, and Satan are all sent down to Earth. On Earth, Adam ﷺ assumes the role as the first Prophet and the father of mankind.

There is a difference of opinions on the question of where Adam and Eve landed on earth. The majority of tabi’un and sahabi said that Adam came from the Heavens to the land oh Hind (modern day India). Other opinions include that he landed in Mecca or in Sri-Lanka. When it comes to Hawwah, some say that she came with Adam to Mecca, some say to India with Adam, and most say that she came in Jedda. The place where they came down is not mentioned in the Quran and ahadith, thus these are only presumptions. There are narrations that Adam and Eve came together again in the Mount of Arafat.

God told mankind that He did not create them except that they should worship Him. Everything in this world was created for Adam ﷺ and his descendants, in order to aid us in our ability to worship and know God. Due to God’s infinite Wisdom, Adam and his descendants were to be the caretakers on earth, so God taught Adam what he needed to know to perform this duty.

God gave Adam the ability to identify and designate names to everything; He taught him language, speech and the ability to communicate. God imbued Adam with an insatiable need for and love of knowledge: {He taught Adam all the names of everything.} (2: 31) The Angels were given no specific knowledge or freedom of will, their sole purpose being to worship and praise God. Adam, on the other hand, was given the ability to reason, make choices and identify objects and their purpose. This helped to prepare Adam for his coming role on earth.

Adam knew he bade farewell to peace when he left Paradise. On earth he had to face conflict and struggle. No sooner had one ended than another began. He also had to toil to sustain himself. He had to protect himself with clothes and weapons and protect his wife and children from the wild beasts.

Above all, he had to struggle with the spirit of evil. Satan, the cause of his expulsion from Paradise, continued to beguile him and his children in an effort to have them thrown into the eternal hellfire. The battle between good and evil is continuous, but those who follow Allah’s guidance should fear nothing, while those who disobey Allah and follow Iblis will be damned along with him.

Adam grasped all of this, and, with the knowledge of this suffering, he started his life on the earth. The only thing that allayed his grief was that he was master of the earth and had to make it yield to him. He was the one who had to perpetuate, cultivate, construct and populate the earth. He was also the one who had to procreate and raise children who would change and improve the world.

Adam and Eve were descended from Heaven and they began their life on earth. Allah had prepared them in many ways. Allah gave them the experience of struggling against whisperings and tricks of shaytan. He taugh Adam the names of certain things and instructed in its properties and usefulness. Adam took his position as a caretaker of the earth.

Adam (as) was the first prophet of God, who was responsible for teaching his wife and children how to worship Allah (swt) and seek his forgiveness. Adam established the laws of God and set about trying to support his family and learning to subdue and care for the earth. His task was to raise children, cultivate, construct and populate. He was to raise children who would live according to God’s instructions and care for and improve the earth.

Quran and the hadith do not clarify the number of children of Adam and Hawwah. History books mention that they had 40 children. Ibn Al-Jawzi said that Hawwah gave birth to 20 twins, each time a boy and a girl.

According to the Quran and Bible, lifespan of some prophets was much longer than of modern people. They lived for up to one thousand years. According to Genesis, Adam died when he was 930.

Quran says that the first place of worship was built in the current location of Kaaba. There is no information in the Quran or authentic hadith on who built the first House of God. Some commentators of the Quran say that it was built by angels, some that Adam was directed by skies to travel until he arrived at the deserts of Hijaz and he was guided to build a santuary there.

"The first sanctuary ever constructed for mankind was that at Bakkah (the old title of Makkah), a fortunate location and advice for the worlds".
Quran, surah Al-Imran (The Family of Imran, The House of Imran) 3:96

Islam teaches to eliminate racism #

Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Verily, Allah has removed from you the pride of the time of ignorance with its boasting of ancestors. Verily, one is only a righteous believer or a miserable sinner. All of the people are the children of Adam, and Adam was created from dust.”

Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 3955 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani

Habyl and Qabyl (Abel and Cain) we children of Adam and Eve. Cain tilted the land while Abel raised cattle.

Both the brothers were asked to offer up individual sacrifices to God. God accepted Abel’s sacrifice because of Abel’s righteousness and Cain, out of jealousy, threw a rock at Abel, leading to the first murder in human history: the murder of Abel by Cain. 27th verse of chapter 5 (sūrat al-Māidah).

And (O Muhammad) recite to them (the Jews) the story of the two sons of Adam (Habil and Qabil) in truth; 

when each offered a sacrifice (to Allah), it was accepted from the one but not from the other. 

The latter said to the former: "I will surely kill you." The former said: "Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious)." "If you do stretch your hand against me to kill me, I shall never stretch my hand against you to kill you: for I fear Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn, and all that exists)."

"Verily, I intend to let you draw my sin on yourself as well as yours, then you will be one of the dwellers of the Fire; and that is the recompense of the Zalimin (polytheists and wrong-doers);" So the Nafs (self) of the other (latter one) encouraged him and made fair-seeming to him the murder of his brother; he murdered him and became one of the losers. 
Quran, surah Al-Maidah (The Table) 5:27-30

Shaytan taught Cain how to kill. Cain regretted that he killed his brother and became of the regretful.

There are different narrations on the reason of the sacrifice. Here is one of the hadith:

Narrated As-Sadiy on the authority of Abu Malik and Abu Salih after Ibn Abbas and on the authority of Ibn Masud and other Companions that Adam (Peace be upon him) used to get the male brought by one birth married to the female brought by the other. Hence, it was supposed that Abel would get married to Cain’s sister who was better and more beautiful than anyone else. At the same time, Cain wanted to keep her for himself. Adam (Peace be upon him) ordered him to allow’ Abel to marry her, but he totally refused. Then, Adam (Peace be upon him) ordered both (Abel and Cain) to offer a sacrifice to Allah Almighty. Meanwhile, Adam set forth towards Mecca to perform Pilgrimage. Just before leaving, Adam tried to entrust (the affairs of) his children to the heavens, the earth and finally to the mountains, but all declined to shoulder the (heavy) trust. Thereupon, Cain accepted the trust and after Adam went away they (Abel and Cain) offered their sacrifices to Allah. Abel offered a fat she-goat, while Cain offered a bundle of bad plants. Later, a fire came down from heaven and consumed the sacrifice offered by Abel and left untouched that of Cain. Cain became livid with rage and said to his brother: I will kill you so as not to marry my sister, Abel said: “Verily, Allah accepts only from those who are Al-Muttaqun (the pious)”.

Cain did not know what to do with his brother’s corpse. Allah sent two ravens that began fighting, causing the death of one. The victorious bird used its beak and claws to dig a hole in the ground, wolled the victim bird into it and covered it with sand.

Then Allah sent a crow searching in the ground to show him how to hide the disgrace of his brother. He said: "O woe to me! Have I failed to be like this crow and hide the body of my brother? And he became of the regretful."
Quran, surah Al-Maidah (The Table) 5:31

This was the first murder and burial on earth by a man.

Adam’s grief #

Adam grieved over the loss of his two sons: one was dead, the other was won over by the devil. Adam prayed for his son and turned to mundane matters, for he had to toil for his sustenance. At the same time, he was a prophet, advising his children and grandchildren, telling them about Allah, and calling them to believe in Him. He told them about Iblis and warned them by recounting his own experience with the devil and of how the devil had tempted Cain to kill his brother.

Although the Quran makes no mention of Sheeth ibn Adam, he is revered within Islamic tradition as the third and righteous son of Adam and Eve and seen as the gift bestowed on Adam after the death of Abel.

Medieval historian and exegete al-Tabari and other scholars say that Seth buried Adam.

The Islamic literature holds that Seth was born when Adam was past 100 and that Adam appointed Seth as guide to his people. The 11th-century Syrian historian and translator Al-Mubashshir ibn Fātik recorded the maxims and aphorisms of the ancient philosophers in his book Kitāb mukhtār al-ḥikam wa-maḥāsin al-kalim and included a chapter on Seth. Within Islamic tradition Seth holds wisdom of several kinds; knowledge of time, prophecy of the future Great Flood, and inspiration on the methods of night prayer. Islam, Judaism and Christianity trace the genealogy of mankind back to Seth since Abel left no heirs and Cain’s heirs, according to tradition, were destroyed by the Great Flood. Many traditional Islamic crafts are traced back to Seth, such as the making of horn combs.

At that time, 🎷 flute, music and dancing was invented. According to the Bible, Jubal the descendant of Cain invenved flute and music.

According to Genesis 4:25, Seth was born after Abel’s murder by Cain, and Eve believed that God had appointed him as a replacement for Abel. According to Genesis, Seth died at the age of 912 (that is, 14 years before Noah’s birth).

Adam’s successors #

After Adam’s death, his son Seth (Shiith) took over the responsibilities of prophethood, according to a hadith narrated by Abu Dhar. Abu Dhar also narrated that Prophet Muhammad said: “Allah sent down one hundred four psalms, of which fifty were sent down to Seth.”

When the time of his death came, Seth’s son Anoush succeeded him. He in turn, was succeeded by his son Qinan, who was succeeded by his son Mahlabeel. The Persians claim that Mahlabeel was the King of the Seven Regions, that he was the first one to cut down trees to build cities and large forts and that he built the cities of Babylonia. He reigned for a period of forty years. When he died his duties were taken over by his son Yard, who on his death, bequeathed them to his son Khonoukh, who is Idris according to the majority of the scholars (Ulama).

Idris was born when Adam ﷺ was alive. Idris is mentioned in the Quran that he was of high class and a prophet. According to some narrations, Idris was the first to write.

Idris is mentioned twice in the Quran, where he is described as a wise man. In surah 19 of the Quran, God says:

"Also mention in the Book the case of Idris: He was a man of truth (and sincerity), (and) a prophet:
And We raised him to a exalted place."
Quran, surah Maryam (Mary) 19:56–57

"And (remember) Isma'il, Idris, and Dhu al-Kifl, all (men) of constancy and patience;
We admitted them to Our mercy: for they were of the righteous ones."
Quran, surah Al-Anbiyaa (The Prophets) 21:85–86 (Yusuf Ali)

According to later Muslim writings, Idris was born in Babylon, a city in present-day Iraq. Before he received the Revelation, he followed the rules revealed to Prophet Seth, the son of Adam. When Idris grew older, God bestowed Prophethood on him. During his lifetime all the people were not yet Muslims. Afterwards, Idris left his hometown of Babylon because a great number of the people committed many sins even after he told them not to do so. Some of his people left with Idris. It was hard for them to leave their home.

They asked Prophet Idris: “If we leave Babylon, where will we find a place like it?” Prophet Idris said: “If we immigrate for the sake of Allah, He will provide for us.” So the people went with Prophet Idris and they reached the land of Egypt. They saw the Nile River. Idris stood at its bank and mentioned Allah, the Exalted, by saying: “SubhanAllah.”

Islamic literature narrates that Idris was made prophet at around 40, which parallels the age when Muhammad began to prophesy, and lived during a time when people had begun to worship fire. Exegesis embellishes upon the lifetime of Idris, and states that the prophet divided his time into two. For three days of the week, Idris would preach to his people and four days he would devote solely to the worship of God. Many early commentators, such as Tabari, credited Idris with possessing great wisdom and knowledge.

Exegesis narrates that Idris was among “the first men to use the pen as well as being one of the first men to observe the movement of the stars and set out scientific weights and measures.” These attributes remain consistent with the identification of Enoch with Idris, as these attributes make it clear that Idris would have most probably lived during the Generations of Adam, the same era during which Enoch lived. Ibn Arabi described Idris as the “prophet of the philosophers” and a number of works were attributed to him. Some scholars wrote commentaries on these supposed works, all while Idris was also credited with several inventions, including the art of making garments.

The commentator Ibn Ishaq narrated that he was the first man to write with a pen and that he was born when Adam still had 308 years of his life to live. In his commentary on the Quranic verses 19:56-57, the commentator Ibn Kathir narrated:

“During the Night Journey, the Prophet passed by him in fourth heaven. In a hadith, Ibn Abbas asked Ka’b what was meant by the part of the verse which says, “And We raised him to a high station.” Ka’b explained: Allah revealed to Idris: “I would raise for you every day the same amount of the deeds of all Adam’s children” – perhaps meaning of his time only. So Idris wanted to increase his deeds and devotion.

A friend of his from the angels visited and Idris said to him: “Allah has revealed to me such and such, so could you please speak to the angel of death, so I could increase my deeds.” The angel carried him on his wings and went up into the heavens. When they reached the fourth heaven, they met the angel of death who was descending down towards earth. The angel spoke to him about what Idris had spoken to him before. The angel of death said: “But where is Idris?” He replied, “He is upon my back.” The angel of death said: “How astonishing! I was sent and told to seize his soul in the fourth heaven. I kept thinking how I could seize it in the fourth heaven when he was on the earth?” Then he took his soul out of his body, and that is what is meant by the verse: “And We raised him to a high station.”

Early accounts of Idris’ life attributed “thirty portions of revealed scripture” to him. Therefore, Idris was understood by many early commentators to be both a prophet as well as a messenger. Several modern commentators have linked this sentiment with Biblical apocrypha such as the Book of Enoch and the Second Book of Enoch.

After Idris, his son and successor Mehthusaleh continued in Allah’s path, calling His servants to Him.

In the Bible, Enoch receives visions of how the Earth will be destroyed in the End of Times and how people who did good will receive their reward and how people who did bad deeds will receive their punishment.

Abdullah Ibn Al-Iman Ahmad Ibn Hanbal narrated that Ubai Ibn Kab said:

“When Adam’s death was near, he said to his children: ‘0 my children, indeed, I feel an appetite for the fruits of Paradise.’ So they went away searching for what Adam had requested. They met with the angels, who had with them his shroud and what he was to be embalmed with. They said to them: ‘0 Children of Adam, what are you searching for? What do you want? Where are you going?’ They said: ‘Our father is sick and has an appetite for the fruits of Paradise.’ The angels said to them: ‘Go back, for your father is going to meet his end soon.’ So they returned (with the angels), and when Eve saw them she recognized them. She tried to hide herself behind Adam. He said to her: ‘Leave me alone. I came before you; do not go between me and the angels of my Lord.’ So they took his soul, embalmed and wrapped him, dug the grave and laid him in it. They prayed on him and put him in his grave, saying: ‘0 Children of Adam, this is your tradition at the time of death."’

Before his death Adam reassured his children that Allah would not leave man alone on the earth, but would send His prophets to guide them. The prophets would have different names, traits and miracles, but they would be united in one thing: the call to worship Allah alone.

This was Adam’s bequest to his children. Adam finished speaking and closed his eyes. Then the angels entered his room and surrounded him. When he recognized the Angel of Death among them, his heart smiled peacefully.

There was a time of righteous people. Pople lived in tawhid and five of them were most righteous and most popular: Wadd, Suwa’, Yaghuth, Ya’uq, Nasr. So people started celebrating anniversaries of these men. They made statues of these noble men to remind people of their piety and nobility, but some generations later, some people started worshiping these statues.

And they have said: "You shall not leave your gods: nor shall you leave Wadd, nor Suwa', nor Yaghuth, nor Ya'uq nor Nasr"(these were the names of their idols).
Quran, surah Nooh (Noah) 71:23

Ibn Abbas said in his commentary of the above ayah: “These were idols of Prophet Nuh’s nation which in time ended up among the Arabs… These idols were named after some righteous men among Nuh’s people…” [Sahih Al-Bukhari]

Long before the arrival of Prophet Nuh ﷺ people used to practice Tawheed. They worshipeed none but Allah as taught by Prophet Adam ﷺ . Among them were some righteous men, who were well-known for their piety and devotion. When these righteous men died, shaitaan came to the people and inspired them to make statues of them. bearing their names. The intention was to remember their devotion to Allah and to encourage people to be more like them.

People agreed to this seemingly noble idea. They placed the statues where those righteous people used to frequently meet. But they did not worship them.

However, years later, after that generation died, people slowly forgot the purpose of those statues. Shaitaan now came to their descendants and told them that their predecessors used to worship these statues for rain and other blessings. Due to a lack of knowledge, they were fooled by Shaitaan into worshiping the idols, which then their descendants followed as well.

Thus, Shaitaan introduced idol worship among the people of Nuh ﷺ . So strong was their belief in the idols that later when Prophet Nuh ﷺ asked them to worship Allah alone, they would not listen.

They put their fingers in their ears, covered themselves with their garments, persisted, and were arrogant with [great] arrogance.
Quran, surah Nooh (Noah) 71:7

How Shaitan Plans his Tricks #

Consider how Shaitan did not simply suggest to the people to worship idols. He gradually and patiently poisoned their minds. A couple of generations later, Shirk seemed normal and even ‘sensible’ to them.

Shaitan has been using this trick for ages and continues to do so today. One has to only see the fitnah among people nowadays and compare it with a few decades ago.

Nuh ﷺ is the second most narrated prophet in the Quran. he was the first prophet who was sent to people who were committing shirk.

950 years he has been giving da’wah to his people, only about 10 to 80 people believed him. And after all these years he lost hope and made dua to Allah not to leave disbelievers on earth.

Allah told Nuh to build a giant arc, take onboard the believers and pairs of animals. Then the great flood began, water was coming both from rains and from the ground. All disbelievers drowned. Only believers on the Arc survived.

After the Flood, Nuh with the believers started life on earth anew.

Many ancient civilizations have stories of the Great Flood. There are many different variations but the main theme is the same: God sent the Flood to punish evil-doers, and those who were left alive started the human life on earth once again.

The Quran tells the story of Noah, the flood story and his people in many places. As a summary of the flood story, it appears in surah number 7 (Surah Al-A’raf) for the first time, and for the last time, in Surah number 71 (Surah Nuh). Mainly, three Surahs details the story, namely Surah Nuḥ, Surah Hud, and Surah al-Mu’minun.

According to Islam, Nuh was a prophet, sent to warn mankind of that region and his people to change their ways. He conveyed the message for over 950 years. Islamic literature recounts that in the Generations of Adam, many men and women continued to follow Adam’s original teachings, worshiping God alone and remaining righteous. Among Adam’s descendants there were many brave and pious men, greatly loved and revered by their respective communities. Exegesis goes on to narrate that, upon the death of these elders, people felt enormous grief and some felt prompted to make statues of these people in remembrance of them. Then gradually, through the generations many forgot what such statues were for and began to worship them, (as the Shaytan (Satan) slowly deceived each generation) along with many other idols. In order to guide the people, God appointed Noah with the duty of being the next prophet to humanity.

Early preaching of Noah #

According to Islamic belief, Noah began preaching to his people both verbally and by example. He would praise God consistently and he urged his people to do the same, warning his tribe of the punishment they would face if they did not mend their ignorant ways. The Quran states that Noah repeatedly told his people:

"O my people, worship Allah; you have no deity other than Him. Indeed, I fear for you the punishment of a tremendous Day!"
Quran, surah al-Araf (The Heights, The Elevated Places) 7:59

Early on, a few were moved by Noah’s words but the powerful and wealthy members of the tribe refused to hear his call. The unbelievers at the time were impelled to rebel by various evil motives. Firstly, they were extremely envious and jealous of men superior to them in any way. Secondly, the people were ignorant of the weak and lowly, who were frequently superior intellectually, morally and spiritually.

As a result of their ignorance, they were arrogant and mocked all who they felt were inferior to them. Saying “Are we to believe you, when those who follow you are the most abject of people?” Noah responded: “Their judgment rests only with my Lord, if you could perceive.” When Noah preached the faith of God to them, all they did was revile the messenger, abuse the message and call the whole warning a lie. He then went on to explain the Message in greater depth, ensuring them that it was not a message of destruction but it was a message with the mercy from God, and that their acts would lead to destruction if they did not accept the faith. He questioned them, asking why they would not accept what would benefit them in the near future. Noah went onto further, and told his community that he asked of no reward from them, telling them his only reward would be from God. But his people threatened him with being stoned.

Accusation #

As time passed, Noah became firmer in his preaching. When the unbelievers began insulting those who accepted God’s message, believing that Noah would send those faithful away to attract the wealthy unbelievers, Noah revealed that they — the arrogant and ignorant rich — were the wicked and sinful ones. His people accused him of being soothsayer or diviner. Noah declared that he was by no means a mere fortune-teller, pretending to reveal secrets which are not worth revealing. Noah also denied accusations claiming he was an angel, always maintaining that he was a human messenger. When the people refused to acknowledge their sinfulness Noah told them that it was not Noah, but God that would punish them — however God pleased.

Nuh prays to God against disbelievers #

The Quran states that Noah prayed to God, telling him that his preaching only made his people disbelieve further. Noah told God how they had closed their minds to accepting the message, so that the light of the truth should not affect their thinking. Noah told God how he had used all the resources of the classical preacher, conveying the message both in public places and with individuals in private. Noah spoke of how he had told the people the rewards they would receive if they became righteous, namely that God would supply plentiful rain as a blessing, and that God would also guarantee them an increase in children and wealth.

He said, "My Lord! Verily, I have called my people day and night. But my calls only made them run farther away. And verily, every time i called unto them than You might forgive them, they thrust their fingers into their ears, covered themselves with garments, and persisted (in their refusal), and magnified themselves in pride. Then verily, I called to them openly (aloud). Then verily, I proclaimed to them in public, and I have appealed to them in private."
Quran, surah Nooh (Noah) 71:5-9

And Noah prayed to God not to leave disbelievers on earth.

Noah had prayed, "My Lord! Do not leave a single disbeliever on earth.
For if You spare ˹any of˺ them, they will certainly mislead Your servants, and give birth only to ˹wicked˺ sinners, staunch disbelievers.
My Lord! Forgive me, my parents, and whoever enters my house in faith, and ˹all˺ believing men and women. And increase the wrongdoers only in destruction."
Quran, surah Nooh (Noah) 71:26-28

According to the Quran, one day, Noah received a revelation from God, in which he was told that no one would believe the message now aside from those who have already submitted to God. Noah’s frustration at the defiance of his people led him to ask God to not leave even one sinner upon earth.

Although there is no proof that God accepted his prayer (as there are many examples of accepted prayers, such as in case of Yunus, Lut (Lot), Suleyman (Solomon) etc., even Noah’s prayer in some other shape was accepted), God decreed that a terrible flood would come (and yet, Quran doesn’t say it came to cover the whole Earth) and He ordered Noah to build a ship (Fulk) which would save him and the believers from this dreadful calamity.

Ever obedient to God’s instructions, Noah went out in search of material with which to build the vessel. When Noah began building the Ark, the people who saw him at work laughed at him even more than before. Their conclusion was that he was surely a madman – they could not find any other reason why a man would build a huge vessel when no sea or river was nearby. Although Noah was now very old, the continued to work tirelessly until, at last, the Ship was finished.

Noah’s Family #

Little is known of Noah’s personal history before his call to prophecy. However, Ibn Kathir records him to have been the son of Lamech and grandson of Methuselah, one of the patriarchs from the Generations of Adam. Noah was neither the leader of the tribe nor a very rich man but, even before being called to prophecy, he worshiped God faithfully and was, in the words of the Quran, “a devotee most grateful”.

Noah was married to a woman whose name is not mentioned in the Quran. Islamic scholars agree that Noah had four sons whose names were Ham, Shem, Yam and Japheth. According to the Quran, one of Noah’s sons was a disbeliever who refused to come aboard the Ark, instead preferring to climb a mountain, where he drowned. It is agreed among most Islamic scholars that Yam was the one who drowned; the other three remained believers.

The Quran states that Noah’s wife was not a believer with him so she did not join him; neither did one of Noah’s sons (Yam), who was secretly a disbeliever but had pretended faith in front of Noah. The sons of Noah are not expressly mentioned in the Quran, except for the fact that one of the sons was among the people who did not follow his own father, not among the believers and thus was washed away in the flood. Also the Quran indicates a great calamity, enough to have destroyed Noah’s people, but to have saved him and his generations to come. Noah’s wife is referred to in the Quran as an evil woman. When God emphasizes upon the notion that everyone is for themselves on the Day of Judgement and that marital relations will not be to your aid when the judgement takes place.

In contrast, the wife of the Pharaoh of the Exodus, Asiya, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, are referred to as among the best of women. This adds to the notion that, on the Last Day, everyone will be judged according to their own deeds. The “Stories of The Prophets” explain that the son who declined to embark was a non-believer.

At the day of the flood, Noah saw the sign of the boiling oven as God had said to him. God ordered Noah to load his ark with believers and representative animals in pairs.

[So it was], until when God’s command came and the oven overflowed, God said, "Load upon the ship of each [creature] two mates and your family, except those about whom the word has preceded, and [include] whoever has believed." But none had believed with him, except a few.
Quran, surah Hud (Hud) 11:40

As a result of being one of the disbelievers, his son denied coming with him, and he chose to go up on the mountain instead. The son of Noah drowned in the flood water. Noah cried to God to save his son, but God denied to accept his prayer and let him (Noah’s son) be drowned. Noah begged pardon for asking help to save his son from God.

Another disbeliever in Noah’s family was his wife herself. She did not join Noah in the Ark. And as a result, she was also drowned in the flood water. The number of believers was not clearly specified in the Qur’an. According to Ibn Abbas, that there were 80 believers and the historian Ka’ab Al Akbar proclaimed that the number of believers was 72 and other source stated that the number of believers was 10 in the Ark of Noah.

Noah entered into the ark while the flood water began to come forth heavily. Before entering the Ark, Noah prayed to God to forgive him and his ancestors for saying the following prayers:

"My Lord, forgive me and my parents and whoever enters my dwelling (boat) as a believer (believing men and believing women)."

On the other hand, he also prayed to ruin the disbelievers by saying:

"And do not increase the wrongdoers except putting in destruction."
Quran, surah Nooh (Noah)

God also opened the gate of heaven (water gate) to be mixed with the water of the earth. Flood water submerged everything on the face of the earth. Such heavy rainfall had never been seen before. The rainfall and the sea water and waves washed away all living beings except Noah and those believers who were with him in the Ark. The Qur’an describes the flood”

And then, [Allah] opened the gates of the heavens with rain pouring down.

In this verse, the Arabic word ر مِهَنْم , ُّderived from root (ر م ه ,(means pouring down). That means rain water came so vigorously from the sky like someone was pouring it down.

And God caused springs to stream from the earth. Therefore, the waters from the earth and the heaven joined for a matter of predetermined (programmed long before).

Here in this verse, the Arabic word ر َدِ ُق is a verb, derived from root ر د ق , and the meaning is predestined. That indicates the magnitude of the flood was planned beforehand to make sure the definitive destruction of the nation. God also pre-planned how He would save the believers under His surveillance. According to the Quran, God says:

"And I carried him on a construction (boat) made of planks and nails, the carrier on which Noah (as) and his followers embarked Floated under my Eyes (surveillance). It was a Reward for him who had been denied of the suffering."

The dry land was covered by the flood water and all the disbelievers drowned in the water. The earth was flooded showing a clear sign of punishment for disbelieving in one and only God. But Noah was safely floating on the flood water only by the mercy of Allah. None but Allah helped him to survive.

"Indeed, when the water overflowed, I (Allah) carried you (Noah) in the sailing (ark)."

After The Flood #

After the flood, humankind started over and for some time they lived in tawhid.

And it was said: "O earth! Swallow up your water, and O sky! Withhold (your rain)." And the water was diminished (made to subside) and the Decree (of Allah) was fulfilled (i.e. the destruction of the people of Noah). And it (the ship) rested on Mount Judi, and it was said: "Away with the people who are Zalimeen (polytheists and wrong-doing)!" 
Quran, surah Hud (Hud) 11:44

It was said: "O Noah! Come down (from the ship) with peace from Us and blessings on you and on the people who are with you (and on some of their offspring), but (there will be other) people to whom We shall grant their pleasures (for a time), but in the end a painful torment will reach them from Us." 
Quran, surah Hud (Hud) 11:48

With the issue of the divine command, calm returned to earth, the water retreated, and the dry land shone once again in the rays of the sun. The flood had cleansed the earth of the disbelievers and polytheists.

Noah released the birds and the beasts, which scattered over the earth. After that the believers disembarked. Noah put his forehead to the ground in prostration. The survivors kindled a fire and sat around it. Lighting a fire had been prohibited on board so as not to ignite the ship’s wood and burn it up. None of them had eaten hot food during the entire period of the flood. Following the disembarkation there was a day of fasting in thanks to Allah.

The Quran draws the curtain on Noah’s story. We do not know how his affairs with his people continued. All we know or can ascertain is that on his deathbed, Noah requested his son to worship Allah alone. Noah then passed away.

Abdullah Ibn Amru Ibn Alaas narrated that Prophet Muhammad said: “When the death of the Messenger of Allah Noah approached, he admonished his sons: ‘Indeed I would give you far-reaching advice, commanding you to do two things, and warning you against doing two as well. I charge you (to believe) that there is no god but Allah and that if the seven heavens and the seven earths were put on one side of a scale and the words ‘There is no god but Allah’ were put on the other, the latter would outweigh the former. And I warn you against associating partners with Allah and against pride.'”

Mention of the great flood occurs in stories of many old nations: the Mesopotamian flood stories, the Genesis flood narrative, Nuh (Noah) in Islam, manvantara-sandhya in Hinduism, the Gun-Yu in Chinese mythology, Deucalion and Pyrrha in Greek mythology, Bergelmir in Norse mythology, the arrival of the first inhabitants of Ireland with Cessair in Irish mythology, in parts of Polynesia such as Hawaii, the lore of the K’iche’ and Maya peoples in Mesoamerica, the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa tribe of Native Americans in North America, the Muisca and Cañari Confederation in South America, Africa, and some Aboriginal tribes in Australia.

One example of a flood story is the Epic of Gilgamesh. Many scholars believe that this account was copied from the Akkadian Atra-Hasis, which dates to the 18th century BC. In the Gilgamesh flood myth, the highest god, Enlil, decides to destroy the world with a flood because humans have become too noisy. The god Ea, who had created humans out of clay and divine blood, secretly warns the hero Utnapishtim of the impending flood and gives him detailed instructions for building a boat so that life may survive. Both the Epic of Gilgamesh and Atra-Hasis are preceded by the similar Sumerian creation myth (c. 1600 BC)—the oldest surviving example of such a flood-story narrative, known from tablets found in the ruins of Nippur.

Additional sources:

• List of Flood myths
• Comparison of Biblical and Quranic narration about the Flood

‘Ad was an ancient tribe in Arabian Peninsula. People of Aad were tall, strong and famous for their craftsmanshift, especially in building construction.

In Islamic tradition, the Adites are believed to be among the first inhabitants of Arabia. They belong to what is known as the Extinct Arabs.

After ʽAd’s death, his sons Shadid and Shedad reigned in succession over the Adites. ʿĀd then became a collective term for all those descended from ʽAd.

According to the Quran, Iram is the place to which the prophet Hud was sent in order to guide its people back to the righteous path of God. The citizens continued in their polytheistic ways and Allah destroyed their city in a great storm.

Quran 89:6-14 mentions ʿĀd:

Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with Aad - [With] Iram – who had lofty pillars, the likes of whom had never been created in the lands. And [with] Thamud, who carved out the rocks in the valley? And [with] Pharaoh, owner of the stakes? [All of] whom oppressed within the lands and increased therein the corruption. So your Lord poured upon them a scourge of punishment. Indeed, your Lord is in observation.
Quran, surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) 89:6–14 

At first, Ad people worshipped only Allah but then they made idols from stones. and Allah sent them their brother Hud. and they called their prophet a fool and a liar and said Hud to tell Allah to send his punishment if you are truthfull. Then a draught happened. Plants died but people continued to worship idols. The draught lasted 3 years. Allah told Hud to gather his followers and leave.

And then a black cloud approached them. People of Aad thought that this cloud will bring them rain. The weather changed. The wind ripped their houses apart and destroyed their buildings. The storm did not stop until the entire region was reduced to ruins.

We sent to the people of Ad their brother Hud, who said: "O my people, worship God; you have no other god but He. (As for the idols,) you are only inventing lies.

O my people, I ask no recompense of you for it: My reward is with Him who created me. Will you not, therefore, understand?
O my people, beg your Lord to forgive you, and turn to Him in repentance. He will send down rain in torrents for you from the skies, and give you added strength. So do not turn away from Him as sinners."

They said: "O Hud, you have come to us with no proofs. We shall not abandon our gods because you say so, nor believe in you.
All we can say is that some of our gods have smitten you with evil." He replied:" I call God to witness, and you be witness too, that I am clear of what you associate (in your affairs)

Apart from Him. Contrive against me as much as you like, and give me no respite.
I place my trust in God who is my Lord and your Lord. There is no creature that moves on the earth who is not held by the forelock firmly by Him. Verily the way of my Lord is straight.

If you turn away, then (remember) I have delivered to you the message I was sent with. My Lord will put other people in your place, and you will not be able to prevail against Him. Indeed my Lord keeps a watch over all things."
Quran, sura Hud (Hud) 11:50-57

After Hud has been left alone by the people of ʿĀd for a long time. The majority of them, however, refused to pay any notice to his teachings and they kept ignoring and mocking all he said. As their aggression, arrogance and idolatry deepened, God, after plenty of warning, sent a thunderous storm to finish the wicked people of ʿĀd once and for all. The destruction of the ʿĀd is described in the Quran:

So when they saw it as a cloud advancing towards their valleys, they said: "This is just a passing cloud that will bring us rain." "No. It is what you were trying to hasten: The wind which carries the grievous punishment!
It will destroy everything at the bidding of its Lord." So in the morning there was nothing but their empty dwellings to be seen. That is how We requite the sinners.
Quran, surah Al-Ahqaf (The Dunes) 46:24-25

The King Saud University from The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stated the interpretation from Al-Tabari of Quran 69:6–129 were narrated about the disaster which caused the extinction of ʿĀd. Wahbah al-Zuhayli, Salih bin Abdullah al Humaid, Imam of Grand Mosque of Mecca, along with the officials of Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance also agreed the verse were speaking about the punishment from God towards ʿĀd peoples.

Meanwhile, another Quran verse that describe further the characteristic of winds that bear calamity were Adh-Dhariyat:

And in ‘Ad when We unleashed upon them a barren wind.
Quran, surah Adh-Dhariyat (The Winnowing Winds) 51:41

Exegesis experts translate the “al-Rih ul-Aqeem” (الريح العقيم) literally as “fruitless wind” or “barren wind”, a winds that does not bring benefit or any positive reaction to any biological existences. According to Arabic linguists and tafseer experts has examined the al Aqeem are in it literal form as “sterile” in this verse context, which correlate the antithesis of common characteristic of natural winds that usually benefitted the natural cycle or any biological progressions or reproductions whether for humans, animals, or plants.

In addition for its barren characteristic, another verse also described additional feature about the catastrophic tornado which decimated the ‘Ad were Al-Qamar:

Surely We sent on them an evil omen (catastrophes), the wind (a furious very cold of harsh voice) that lasts throughout the day.
Quran, surah Al-Qamar (The Moon) 54:19

Hud has been sometimes identified with Eber, but according to the Bible Selah is the father of Eber which would go againt the Quranic narration that people of ‘Ad were predecessors of Thamud.

There are some contradictory opinions regarding the time of the Thamud. There are mentions that Thamud were a tribal confederation in the northwestern region of the Arabian Peninsula, mentioned in Assyrian sources in the time of Sargon II (8th century BC). The tribe’s name continues to appear in documents into the fourth century CE, but by the sixth century they were regarded as a group that had vanished long ago. It is possible that the Thamud were not one tribe, and that other tribes took on the name of Thamūd after the original tribe by that name had gone extinct.

According to the Quran, the city that Salih was sent to was called al-Hijr, which corresponds to the Nabataean city of Hegra. The city rose to prominence around the first century AD as an important site in the regional caravan trade. Adjacent to the city were large, decorated rock-cut tombs used by members of various religious groups.

Salih’s life in his community had been so righteous that the people of Thamud virtually relied upon him for support. He was chosen by God as a Messenger and sent to preach against the selfishness of the wealthy and to condemn the practice of Shirk (Idolatry or Polytheism). Although Salih preached the message for a sustained period of time, the people of Thamud refused to hear his warning and instead began to ask Salih to perform a miracle for them.

To the Thamūd, We sent their brother, Ṣāliḥ. He said, "My people, worship God. You have no god other than Him. It was He who brought you into being from the earth and made you inhabit it, so ask forgiveness from Him, and turn back to Him: my Lord is near, and ready to answer." 

They said, "Ṣāliḥ, We used to have such great hope in you. Will you forbid us to worship what our fathers worshiped? We are in grave doubt about what you are asking us to do." 

He said, "My people, just think: if I did have clear proof from my Lord, and if He had given me mercy of His own, who could protect me from God if I disobeyed Him? You would only make my loss greater." 
Quran, surah Hud (Hud) 11

Salih reminded his people of the countless castles and palaces they built out of stone, and of their technological superiority over neighboring communities. Furthermore, he told them about their ancestors, the ʿĀd tribe, and how they too were destroyed for their sins. Some of the people of Thamud believed Salih’s words, but the tribal leaders refused to listen to him and continued to demand that he demonstrate a miracle to prove his prophethood.

In response, God gave the Thamud a blessed she-camel, as both a means of sustenance and a test. The tribe was told to allow the camel to graze peacefully and avoid harming her. But in defiance of Salih’s warning, the people of the tribe hamstrung the camel. Salih informed them that they had only three more days to live before the wrath of God descended upon them. The people of the city were remorseful, but their crime could not be undone, and all the disbelieving people in the city were killed in an earthquake. Al-Hijr was rendered uninhabited and remained in ruins for all time thereafter. Salih himself and the few believers who followed him survived.

My people, this camel belongs to God, a sign for you, so leave it to pasture on God’s earth and do not harm it, or you will soon be punished.”

But they hamstrung it, so he said, "Enjoy life for another three days: this warning will not prove false." 

And so, when Our command was fulfilled, by Our mercy We saved Ṣāliḥ and his fellow believers from the disgrace of that day. [Prophet], it is your Lord who is the Strong, the Mighty One. The blast struck the evildoers and they lay dead in their homes, as though they had never lived and flourished there. 

Yes, the Thamūd denied their Lord—so away with the Thamūd!
Quran, surah Hud (Hud) 11:61–68

The story is expanded upon in Sūrat an-Naml, whilst the she-camel is not mentioned explicitly here, it states that nine men plotted to kill Salih and his whole family, a crime for which they were struck down by God 3 days later.

Salih in the Bible #

Salih is mostly associated with biblical Selah (Hebrew: שֶׁלַח, romanized: Šélaḥ), Salah or Sala (Greek: Σαλά – Salá) or Shelah is an ancestor of the Ishmaelites and Israelites according to the Table of Nations in Genesis 10. He is thus one of the table’s “seventy names.” He is also mentioned in Genesis 11:12–15, 1 Chronicles 1:18–24, and Luke 3:35-36. In the ancestral line from Noah to Abraham, he is the son of Arpachshad (in the Masoretic Text and Samaritan Pentateuch) or Cainan (in the Septuagint ) and the father of Eber.

~ 2nd millenium BCE (2100-1900, according to Biblical scholars)

Ibrahim (peace be upon him) was born in the ancient city of Ur of the Chaldees in the Ancient Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq). The ziggurat of Ur stand in the desert till this day. Ibrahim traditionally believed to have lived some time in the 2nd millennium BC.

In Jewish and Islamic traditions a confrontation between Nimrod and Abraham is said to have taken place.

Archaeologist and biblical scholar William F. Albright maintained (c. 1961) that the narratives of Abraham and Jacob could be dated to about the 19th century BCE.

There is no agreed opinion on how many generations passed from Adam till Nuh, from Nuh till Ibrahim. The Jewish sources claim that the humanity lived only 6000 years but Muslims don’t have this fixed timeline, we can extrapolate. There is scientific evidence that Homo-Sapiens existed for several hundred thousand years, and there is no contradiction to the Quran because there is no certain timeline given in The Book. Also, the prophet Muhammad ﷺ said that the distance between me and Al Qiyamah is like distance between my two fingers.

The best answer to this issue is Allahu ‘Alim, God knows best.

Ibrahim ﷺ plays an important role in Islam. Islam regards Abraham as a link in the chain of prophets that begins with Adam and culminates in Muhammad. Ibrāhīm is mentioned in 35 chapters of the Quran, more often than any other prophet apart from Moses. He is called both a hanif (monotheist) and muslim (one who submits), and Muslims regard him as a prophet and patriarch, the archetype of the perfect Muslim, and the revered reformer of the Kaaba in Mecca. Islamic traditions consider Ibrāhīm the first Pioneer of Islam (which is also called millat Ibrahim, the “religion of Abraham”), and that his purpose and mission throughout his life was to proclaim the Oneness of God. In Islam, Abraham holds an exalted position among the major prophets and he is referred to as “Ibrahim Khalilullah”, meaning Abraham the Beloved of God or Friend of God.

Besides Ishaq and Yaqub, Ibrahim is among the most honorable and the most excellent men in sight of God. Ibrahim was also mentioned in Quran as “Father of Muslims” and the role model for the community.

Hajj was established by Ibrahim. Kurban sacrifice was established by the example of Ibrahim and his son. The main mosque of Muslims the Kaaba was built by Ibrahim and his son. The Zamzam well was discovered to console Ibrahim’s wife Hajar and their son Ismail. Ibrahim had two sons Iskhak and Ishmael. Iskhak became the father of Jewish people. Ismail helped Ibrahim to build the Kaaba and became the father of Arab people. And Ibrahim made a dua to have a righteous descendand and a prophet from Ismail, to which Allah answered by sending the prophet Muhammad ﷺ .

Ibrahim is from Iraq, Hajar is from Egypt. Accroding to Bible, Ishmael and Isaac buried Ibrahim together.

Ibrahim was born in a house of idolaters in the ancient city of Ur of the Chaldees, likely the place called ‘Ur’ in present-day Iraq, in which case, the idolaters would have been practitioners of the hypothesized Ancient Mesopotamian religion.

His father Azar was a well-known idol-sculptor that his people worshiped. As a young child, Ibrahim used to watch his father sculpting these idols from stones or wood. When his father was finished with them, Ibrahim would ask his father why they could not move or respond to any request and then would mock them; therefore, his father would always scold him for not following his ancestors’ rituals and mocking their idols.

When Ibrahim was young, he used to laugh whenever he saw them entering the temple, lowering their heads, silently offering the statues the best of their food, crying and asking forgiveness from them. He started feeling angry towards his people, who could not realize that these are only stones that could neither benefit nor harm them.

And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said to his father Azar, "Do you take idols as deities? Indeed, I see you and your people to be in manifest error."
And thus did We show Abraham the realm of the heavens and the earth that he would be among the certain [in faith].
Quran, surah Al-Anaam (The Cattle) 6:74-75

Searching for Truth #

One night, Abraham went up to the mountain, leaned against a rock, and looked up to the sky.

So when the night covered him [with darkness], he saw a star. He said, "This is my lord." But when it set, he said, "I like not those that disappear."

But when it set he said: “I don’t like those that set.” The star had disappeared so it could not be God. God is always present. Then he saw the moon rising in splendor.

And when he saw the moon 🌙 rising, he said, "This is my lord." But when it set, he said, "Unless my Lord guides me, I will surely be among the people gone astray."
      
And when he saw the sun rising, he said, "This is my lord; this is greater." But when it set, he said, "O my people, indeed I am free from what you associate with Allah.
      
Indeed, I have turned my face toward He who created the heavens and the earth, inclining toward truth, and I am not of those who associate others with Allah."
Quran, surah Al-Anam (The Cattle) 6:74-79

After this declaration, Abraham heard Allah calling him, “O Abraham” Abraham trembled and said, “Here I am O my Lord!” Allah replied, “Submit to Me! Be a Muslim!” Abraham fell to the ground, crying. He said: “I submit to the Lord of the universe!” Abraham kept prostrating himself until nightfall. He then got up and went back to his home, in peace and full of conviction that Allah has guided him to the truth.

Being a wise son, Ibrahim did not make his father feel foolish; nor did he openly laugh at his conduct. He told him that he loved him, thereby hoping to generate fatherly love.

Then he gently asked him:

"Behold, he said to his father: "O my father! why worship that which heareth not and seeth not, and can profit thee nothing?"
Quran, surah Maryam (Mary) 19:42

And before his father could become angry, he hastily said:

O my father! to me hath come knowledge which hath not reached thee: so follow me: I will guide thee to a way that is even and straight. O my father! serve not Satan: for Satan is a rebel against (Allah) Most Gracious. O my father! I fear lest a Penalty afflict thee from (Allah) Most Gracious, so that thou become to Satan a friend.
Quran, surah Maryam (Mary) 19:43-45

In the same way, he again used reasoning with the idol-worshipers and said:

"Behold, he said to his father and his people: "What worship ye?" They said: "We worship idols, and we remain constantly in attendance on them." He said: "Do they listen to you when ye call (on them), or do you good or harm?" They said: "Nay, but we found our fathers doing thus (what we do)." He said: "Do ye then see whom ye have been worshipping" 
Quran, surah Al-Shuaraa (The Poets) 26:71-75

However, they (the idolaters) did not give up but clung fast to idolatry, then he said:

"And by God, I have a plan for your idols - after ye go away and turn your backs."
Quran, surah Al-Anbiya (The Prophets) 21:57

It was time for a religious festival, perhaps dedicated to Sin, for which they left the town. Abraham was invited to attend the festivities, but he excused himself, and then he destroyed all idols in the temple and left only the biggest one. after people came back and accused Ibrahim of destroying idols, he said that that biggest one did it.

"Then did he turn to their aliha (gods) and said, "will ye not eat (of the offerings before you)? "What is the matter with you that ye speak not (intelligently)?" Then did he turn upon them, striking (them) with the right hand." 
Quran, surah Al-Saffat (Those drawn up in Ranks) 37:91-93

"So he broke them to pieces, (all) but the biggest of them, that they might turn (and address themselves) to it." 
Quran, surah Al-Anbiya (The Prophets) 21:58

He enacted this scene, to make the people ashamed of worshiping powerless and senseless stocks and stones. He broke all the idols except the biggest, so as to show that a fight had taken place between the idols, and the biggest idol had smashed the others. So, when they came back:

They said, "Who has done this to our aliha (gods)? He must indeed be some man of impiety!" They said, "We heard a youth talk of them: He is called Ibrahim." They said, "Then bring him before the eyes of the people, that they may bear witness." 

They said, "Art thou the one that did this with our gods, O Ibrahim?" He said: "Nay, this was done by - this is their biggest one! ask them, if they can speak intelligently!"

So they turned to themselves and said, "Surely ye are the ones in the wrong!" Then were they confounded with shame: (they said), "Thou knowest full well that these (idols) do not speak!" 

(Ibrahim) said, "Do ye then worship, besides Allah, things that can neither be of any good to you nor do you harm? "Fie upon you, and upon the things that ye worship besides Allah! Have ye no sense?" 

They said, "Burn him and protect your gods, If ye do (anything at all)!" We said, "O Fire! be thou cool, and (a means of) safety for Ibrahim!" Then they sought a stratagem against him: but We made them the ones that lost most!" 
Quran, surah Al-Anbiya (The Prophets) 21:59-70

Prophet Ibrahim was able to subdue them with logical arguments. However, their arrogance would not allow them to admit their foolishness. All they could do was to use their power of authority, as tyrants usually do, to punish Ibrahim. They kept him in chains and planned their revenge.

The decision to have Abraham burned at the stake was affirmed by the temple priests and the king of Babylon, Nimrod. The news spread like fire in the kingdom and people were coming from all places to watch the execution. A huge pit was dug up and a large quantity of wood was piled up. Then the biggest fire people ever witnessed was lit. The flames were so high up in the sky that even the birds could not fly over it for fear of being burnt themselves. Ibrahim’s hands and feet were chained, and he was put in a catapult, ready to be thrown in.

During this time, Angel Jibril came to him and said: “O Ibrahim! Is there anything you wish for?” Ibrahim could have asked to be saved from the fire or to be taken away, but Ibrahim replied, “God is sufficient for me, He is the best disposer of my affairs.”

The catapult was released and Ibrahim was thrown into the fire. God then gave an order to the fire:

"O fire, be coolness and safety for Ibrahim."
Quran, surah Al-Anbiya (The Prophets) 21:69

A miracle occurred, the fire obeyed and burned only his chains. Abraham came out from it as if he was coming out from a garden, peaceful, his face illuminated, and not a trace of smoke on his clothes. People watched in shock and exclaimed: “Amazing! Abraham’s God has saved him from the fire!”

Confrontation with Nimrod #

Ibrahim ﷺ had established a definite reasoning against idolaters. Nothing was left to prove for him except to reason against the rulers who proclaimed themselves gods.

The Quran discusses a certain conversation between an unrighteous ruler and Ibrahim (A.S.). Although in the narration of Quran, name of the king/ruler has not been revealed, many historical sources suggest that it was Nimrod or Namrud.

Nimrod became extremely arrogant due to his wealth and power, to the point that he made the claim that he possessed the power of creation and claimed divinity for himself. Namrud proclaimed himself as a living god and was worshipped as such by his subjects.

Namrud, King of Babylon, felt that his throne was in danger, and that he was losing power because upon witnessing Ibrahim ﷺ coming out of the fire unharmed, majority of his people started believing in Allah and Ibrahim being a true prophet of Allah. Namrud wanted to debate with Ibrahim and show his people that he, the king, is indeed the god and that Ibrahim was a liar. He feared that the status of godhead he had proclaimed for himself was not challenged by an ordinary human being. In order to safeguard his interests, he summoned Ibrahim to the palace and held a dialogue with him which Allah has narrated in Al-Quran:

Have you not thought about him who disputed with Abraham about his Lord (Allah) because Allah had given him the kingdom? When Abraham said to him: "My Lord (Allah) is He Who gives life and causes death." 
He said: "I give life and cause death." 

Abraham said: "Verily, Allah causes the sun to rise from the east; then cause it you to rise from the west." 

So the disbeliever was utterly defeated. Allah guides not the people who are Zalimeen (wrongdoers etc).
Quran, surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) 2:258

As mentioned above, Allah deliberately does not mention the name of the king as it is considered unimportant. The Quran also does not mention the long dialogue between Ibrahim and the king.

King did not know what to say and what to do. After Namrud was silenced by Ibrahim, he (Ibrahim) left the royal palace. Then the truth of the Prophet Ibrahim spread throughout the land. Humans start talking about his miracle and his salvation from the fire and his arguments with king that made the king speechless.

Ibrahim ﷺ continued calling people to believe in Allah, exerting a great effort to guide his people to the right path. He tried every possible means to convince them. However in spite of his love and care for the people, they did not listen to him and deserted him. Only one woman and one man of his people shared his belief in Allah. The woman was named Sarah who later became his wife while the man was Lut who later became a prophet after him. When Ibrahim realized that no one else was going to believe in his call, he decided to migrate. Before his migration, he invited his father to believe in Allah. He knew that his father was the enemy of Allah and he would not believe. Allah says in Al-Quran:

And the request of forgiveness of Abraham for his father was only because of a promise he had made to him. But when it became apparent to Abraham that his father was an enemy to Allah, he disassociated himself from him. Indeed was Abraham compassionate and patient.
Quran, surah At-Tawbah (The Repentance) 9:114

After going to Palestine, Ibrahim went to Egypt. During this journey Prophet Ibrahim invited people to worship Allah, show them the right path and helped the poor.

There is a hadith about what happened to Ibrahim ﷺ on his journey. Narrated Abu Huraira (R.A.):

Abraham did not tell a lie except on three occasion. Twice for the Sake of Allah when he said, “I am sick,” and he said, “(I have not done this but) the big idol has done it.” The (third was) that while Abraham and Sarah (his wife) were going (on a journey) they passed by (the territory of) a tyrant. Someone said to the tyrant, “This man (i.e. Abraham) is accompanied by a very charming lady.”

So, he sent for Abraham and asked him about Sarah saying, “Who is this lady?” Abraham said, “She is my sister.” Abraham went to Sarah and said, “O Sarah! There are no believers on the surface of the earth except you and I. This man asked me about you and I have told him that you are my sister, so don’t contradict my statement.”

The tyrant then called Sarah and when she went to him, he tried to take hold of her with his hand, but (his hand got stiff and) he was confounded. He asked Sarah. “Pray to Allah for me, and I shall not harm you.” So Sarah asked Allah to cure him and he got cured. He tried to take hold of her for the second time, but (his hand got as stiff as or stiffer than before and) was more confounded. He again requested Sarah, “Pray to Allah for me, and I will not harm you.” Sarah asked Allah again and he became alright. He then called one of his guards (who had brought her) and said, “You have not brought me a human being but have brought me a devil.”

The tyrant then gave Hajar (Hajrah) as a girl-servant to Sarah. Sarah came back (to Abraham) while he was praying. Abraham, gesturing with his hand, asked, “What has happened?” She replied, “Allah has spoiled the evil plot of the infidel (or immoral person) and gave me Hajar (Hajrah) for service.” (Abu Huraira then addressed his listeners saying, “That (Hajarah) was your mother, O Bani Ma-is-Sama (i.e. the Arabs, the descendants of Ishmael, Hajarah’s son). (Bukhari: 3358)

According to some scholars, what was intended by lying in those situations was only to use equivocations – Tawriyah Tawriya means saying something which has more than one meaning and intending a meaning different from what the listener is likely to understand) rather than explicit lies.. The scholars stated that attributing lies to Ibrahim in this context, does not mean explicit lying.

Following are the meaning, according to some other scholars, of these three lies:

1. Ibrahim told his father he was sick in order to avoid going to the temple/festival and indulging in the polygamous practices.
2. After breaking all the idols, Ibrahim placed the axe in the hands of the largest idol. When the people returned and saw that their idols were smashed they accused Ibrahim of being the perpetrator. He, in reply, said that the biggest idol had broken the rest of the statues in order to prove the point that these statues were man-made and not capable of human actions.
3. The tyrant/king wanted Sarah for his own evil intentions and Ibrahim knew that Allah would protect her. Therefore, when the tyrant/king asked who she was, instead of responding that she was his wife, Ibrahim responded that she was his sister in Islam, which she technically was.

Ibrahim ﷺ lived on the earth worshipping Allah, sanctifying Him and calling people to worship Allah and Allah alone. But he knew that his days on earth were limited and that these days would be followed by death and finally resurrection. The knowledge of life after death filled Abraham with peace and love and certitude. One day Ibrahim ﷺ asked Allah how dead people will come back on The day of judgment. Allah commanded him to take four birds, tear them apart into pieces and then mix the bodies up. He then divided the mix into four parts and placed each part on the top of four hills. He asked Ibrahim ﷺ to call back the birds by Allah’s name. Immediately, the birds reassembled to their original parts, came back to life. Allah Has revealed this in Al-Quran:

Remember when Abraham said: "My Lord Show me how You give life to the dead." Allah said: "Do you not believe?" Abraham said: "Yes I believe, but to be stronger in Faith." He said: "Take four birds, the cause them to incline towards you (then slaughter them, cut them into pieces) and then put a portion of them on every hill and call them they will come to you in haste. And know that Allah is All Mighty and All Wise." 
Quran, surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) 2:260

Ibrahim is the only person that the Quran commands our prophet to look up to as a role model. Allah Says in Al-Quran:

Then, We have inspired you (O Muhammad, saying): "Follow the religion of Ibrahim (Abraham) Haneefa" (Islamic Monotheism – to worship none but Allah)
Quran, surah An-Nahl (The Bee) 16:123

Lut, known as Lot in the Old Testament, is a prophet of God in the Quran. According to Islamic tradition, Lut (peace be upon him) was born in Haran and spent his younger years in Ur, later migrating to Canaan with his uncle Abraham. He was sent to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah as a prophet, and was commanded to preach to their inhabitants on monotheism and the sinfulness of homosexuality 🏳️‍🌈 and their lustful and violent acts.

Though Lut was not born among the people he’d been sent to preach to, the people of Sodom are still regarded as his “brethren” in the Quran. Like the Biblical narrative, the Quran states that Lut’s messages were ignored by the inhabitants of the cities, and Sodom and Gomorrah were subsequently destroyed. The destruction of the cities is traditionally presented as a warning against male rape and went on to be used as a warning against homosexual acts.

While the Quran does not elaborate upon Lut’s later life, Islam holds that all prophets were examples of moral and spiritual righteousness.

Lut is referenced a relatively large number of times in the Quran. Many of these passages place the narrative of Lut in a line of successive prophets including Noah, Hud, Salih and Shuayb. Islamic scholars have stated that these particular prophets represent the early cycle of prophecy as described in the Quran. These narratives typically follow similar patterns: a prophet is sent to a community; the community pays no heed to his warnings instead threatens him with punishment; God asks the prophet to leave with his followers the community and its people are subsequently destroyed in a punishment. Elsewhere in the Quran, Lut is mentioned alongside Ishmael, Elisha and Jonah as men whom God favored above the nations.

The Quran states that Lut was a nephew of Abraham who had been sent to the twin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah as a prophet after migrating to Canaan, but he was rejected by the cities’ inhabitants. One day, a group of angels visited Abraham as guests in the guise of handsome men in order to inform him of the fact that his wife Sarah was pregnant with Isaac. While there, they also told him that they had been sent by God to the “guilty people” of Lut to destroy them with “a shower of stones of clay”. Lut and those who believed in him, were to be spared, but his wife was to die in the destruction, with the angels stating that “she is of those who lag behind”. The Quran also draws upon Lot’s wife as an “example for the unbelievers” as she was married to a righteous man but refused to believe in his message and was thus condemned to Hell.

The people of the twin cities transgressed against the bounds of God. According to the Quran, their sins included inhospitality and robbery they hated strangers and robbed travellers, apart from other abuses and rape. It was their sin of sexual misconduct as well which was seen as particularly egregious, with Lut strongly chiding them for approaching men with sexual desire instead of women. Lut told and tried to help them to abandon their sinful ways, but they ridiculed him and threatened to evict him from the cities. Lut prayed to God and begged to be saved from the consequences of their sinful acts.

Angels appear to Lut #

Then three Angels in the disguise of handsome young boys came to Lot, who became distressed knowing the character of the people, and feeling himself powerless to protect the visitors; he said: “This is a distressful day.” When the people - overjoyed at the news of new young boys in the village - came to snatch them away from Lot, he tried to convince them to refrain from practising their lusts on the visitors, and offered his own daughters in marriage to them in return for the boys’ free release, but they were unrelenting and replied “we have no need of your daughters: indeed you know quite well what we want!” The Quran remarks “… they moved blindly in the frenzy of approaching death”.

Prophet Lut advised to leave the city #

Lut ﷺ was powerless to protect the young boys, but they revealed to him that they were indeed Angels sent by Allah to punish the people for their transgressions. They advised Lot to leave the place during the night and not look back, informing him that his wife would be left behind on account of her sinful nature and that they “…were about to bring down upon the folk of this township a fury from the sky because they are evil-doers”. Keeping his faith in Allah, Lot left his home and the cities during the night with his family and others who believed in him, and only his wife stayed behind.

The exegetes Ibn Kathir, Qurtubi and Tabari do not read ‘daughters’ to mean Lot’s literal daughters. They argue that since a prophet is like a father to his nation, Lot was directing the evildoers to turn away from their sins and engage in healthy and pious relationships with the daughters of the nation, i.e. women in general.

The angels then revealed their true identities to Lot and said to him, “We are (here) to deliver thee and thy following, except thy wife: she is of those who lag behind.” They advised Lot to leave the cities during the night, telling him not to look back. Keeping his faith in God, Lot left the cities in the darkness of night, bringing with him his followers and believing family members. Finally, morning came, and the Decree of God passed whereupon the Quran reads, “We turned (the cities) upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay, spread, layer on layer,-” And thus was sealed the fate of the twin cities, falling into destruction and despair and marking the end of the civilisations of Sodom and Gomorrah.

And Lot, who said to his nation: 'Do you commit such indecency (sodomy) in a way that no one has preceded you in the worlds? You approach men lustfully instead of women. Truly, you are a nation who exceed (in sin).' The only answer of his nation was: 'Expel them from your village. They are people who keep themselves purified.' We saved him and all his family, except his wife, who was made to remain, and We rained down upon them a rain. So look how was the end of the evildoers.
Quran, surah Al-Araaf (The Heights) 7:80-84

The Quran, in the following passage, suggests that Ibrahim and Sarah found out about the destruction of Lot’s people after being given the good news of having a son:

And when Our envoys brought Abraham the good news, they said, "We are going to destroy the people of this town; its people are wrongdoers."

He said, "Yet Lot is in it." They said, "We are well aware of who is in it. We will save him, and his family, except for his wife, who will remain behind."
Quran, surah Al-Ankaboot (The Spider) 29:31-32

Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah #

When morning came, Allah ‘turned the cities upside down, and rained down on them brimstones hard as baked clay, spread, layer on layer’ putting an end to the lives of the people and describing it as “So taste ye My Wrath and My Warning!” in the Quran. The Quran refers to the sites of Sodom and Gomorrah as ‘signs for those who understand by example’, those who ‘care to understand’ and those who ‘fear a grievous penalty or a painful doom’. The Quran also uses the story as an example stating:

"And most surely you pass by them (the cities) by the day, and at night; do you not then understand?"

There is a narration that Jibril participated in the desctruction of the cities.

Differences of stories in Quran and Bible #

The major difference between the story of Lut in the Quran and the story of Lot in the Bible is that the Biblical version includes a story of Lot’s being induced to incestuous relations with his own daughters. The Quran says that Lut is a prophet, and holds that all Prophets were examples of moral and spiritual rectitude. Though it is not altogether clear in the Bible story that Lot consented to his action, in Islam these stories of incest are thus considered to be false.

Sodom and Gomorrah are not mentioned by name in the Quran. The Islamic use of the term Sodomite was borrowed therefrom by the Ulama(Scholars) of Islamic law which teach that capital punishment/or flogging is the penalty for this action to be meted out on both the sodomite (the penetrator) and the catamite (the receptive member). These punishments were adopted by the blooming Islamic Empires approximately two centuries after the death of the Prophet Muhammad according to oral traditions and they are not Sunnah.

• A Christian looking for evidence of the Sodom and Homorra destruction

Sarah knew that her husband, Ibrahim ﷺ , was longing for a child. As Allah has mentioned Ibrahim’s dua in Quran:

"O my Lord! Grant me a righteous son!"
So We gave him the good news of a forbearing son.
Quran, surah Al-Saffat (Those drawn up in Ranks) 37:100-101

She also knew that she was getting old and may not be able to provide Ibrahim with a child. She suggested to Ibrahim ﷺ that he should marry her servant Hajar and maybe Allah would bless them with a child through her. Ibrahim accepted the advice of his beloved wife Sarah and married Hajar. It wasn’t long before Ibrahim and Hajar were blessed with a baby boy whom they named Ishmael/Ismail. Ibrahim was overjoyed with happiness at the birth of his first son. They all celebrated and thanked Allah for such a great and beautiful blessing. Some scholars say that Ibrahim was 86 years old at the time of Ismail’s birth.

When Abraham was in old ages, three angels come to Abraham and bring them the good news that Sarah will conveive a child. Sarah laughs because she is very old but angels tell her that this is the will of God.

When they entered upon him, and said, "Peace." He said, "We are wary of you."

They said, "Do not fear; we bring you good news of a boy endowed with knowledge."

He said, "Do you bring me good news, when old age has overtaken me? What good news do you bring?"

They said, "We bring you good news in truth, so do not despair."

He said, "And who despairs of his Lord’s mercy but the lost?"

He said, "So what is your business, O envoys?"

They said, "We were sent to a sinful people." 
Quran, surah Al-Hijr (The Rock) 15:52-58

God made his covenant with Abram thirteen years after the birth of Ishmael. Abram’s name was changed to Abraham and Sarai’s to Sarah. The covenant was sealed by Abraham’s Circumcision, and the first commandment relating to circumcision. Ishmael was also circumcised on that day, at the age of 13, as were the other men of Abraham’s household.

God says that the sign of the covenant is circumcision. Circumcision is practiced nearly universally by Muslim males. Islam bases its practice of circumcision on the Genesis 17 narrative, the same Biblical chapter referred to by Jews. The procedure is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, however, it is a tradition established by Islam’s prophet Muhammad directly (following Abraham), and so its practice is considered a sunnah (prophet’s tradition) and is very important in Islam. For Muslims, circumcision is also a matter of cleanliness, purification and control over one’s baser self (nafs).

Accrding to Genesis, The Lord said to Abraham " go from the country and your kindred and your fathers house to the land that I will show you.” And I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you. And by you all the families of the earth shall bless themselves.” At this time Abraham was promised not only many descendants, but descendants through Sarah specifically, as well as the land where he was living, which was to belong to his descendants. The covenant was to be fulfilled through Isaac (Promised land of Canaan for Isaac), though God promised that Ishmael would become a great nation as well. The covenant of circumcision (unlike the earlier promise) was two-sided and conditional: if Abraham and his descendants fulfilled their part of the covenant, Yahweh would be their God, give them the land, and make a great nation and kings out of Abraham’s line.

The promise of a son to Abraham made Sarah “laugh,” which became the name of the son of promise, Isaac (Ishaq).

Iskhaq (Isaac) is the second son of Ibrahim. His mother is Sarah. Iskhaq’s son Yacub (Jacob) who is later renamed to Israel is the father of 12 Jewish tribes.

According to Bible: As had been prophesied in the Mamre valley the previous year, Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham on the first anniversary of the covenant of circumcision. Isaac continued to grow and on the day he was weaned, Abraham held a great feast to honor the occasion.

Isaac, along with Ishmael, is highly important for Muslims for continuing to preach the message of monotheism after his father Abraham. Among Isaac’s children was the follow-up Israelite patriarch Jacob, who is also venerated as an Islamic prophet.

Iskhaq is the father of Yaqub (Jacob) and grandfather of Yusuf (Joseph). Ishaq and Rebecca are parents of Jacob and Esau.

Islam considers Isaac (اسحاق ) a prophet of Islam, and describes him as the father of the Israelites and a righteous servant of God.

Isaac is mentioned seventeen times by name in the Quran, often with his father and his son, Jacob. The Quran states that Abraham received “good tidings of Isaac, a prophet, of the righteous”, and that God blessed them both (37: 112). In a fuller description, when angels came to Abraham to tell him of the future punishment to be imposed on Sodom and Gomorrah, his wife, Sarah, “laughed, and We gave her good tidings of Isaac, and after Isaac of (a grandson) Jacob” (11: 71–74); and it is further explained that this event will take place despite Abraham and Sarah’s old age. Several verses speak of Isaac as a “gift” to Abraham (6: 84; 14: 49–50), and 24: 26–27 adds that God made “prophethood and the Book to be among his offspring”, which has been interpreted to refer to Abraham’s two prophetic sons, his prophetic grandson Jacob, and his prophetic great-grandson Joseph. In the Quran, it later narrates that Abraham also praised God for giving him Ishmael and Isaac in his old age (14: 39–41).

Elsewhere in the Quran, Isaac is mentioned in lists: Joseph follows the religion of his forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (12: 38) and speaks of God’s favor to them (12: 6); Jacob’s sons all testify their faith and promise to worship the God that their forefathers, “Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac”, worshiped (2: 127); and the Quran commands Muslims to believe in the revelations that were given to “Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob and the Patriarchs” (2: 136; 3: 84). In the Quran’s narrative of Abraham’s near-sacrifice of his son (37: 102), the name of the son is not mentioned and debate has continued over the son’s identity, though many feel that the identity is the least important element in a story which is given to show the courage that one develops through faith.

The Quran mentions Isaac as a prophet and a righteous man of God. Isaac and Jacob are mentioned as being bestowed upon Abraham as gifts of God, who then worshipped God only and were righteous leaders in the way of God:

And We bestowed on him Isaac and, as an additional gift, (a grandson), Jacob, and We made righteous men of every one (of them).
And We made them leaders, guiding (men) by Our Command, and We sent them inspiration to do good deeds, to establish regular prayers, and to practise regular charity; and they constantly served Us (and Us only).
Quran, sura 21 (Al-Anbiya), ayah 72–73

And We gave him the glad tidings of Isaac, a Prophet, and one of the righteous.
Quran, sura 37 (As-Saaffat), ayah 112

After having her own son, Sarah tells Abraham to send away Hajar and Ismail so that Ismail doesn’t cause a threat to the inheritance of Ishaq. According to Bible, during celebration of Iskhaq’a weaning, Sarah found Ishmael mocking; an observation that would begin to clarify the birthright of Isaac. God also tells Abraham to send them away and he leaves them in emtpy lands which will later become the city of Mecca.

Allah commanded Prophet Ibrahim to leave his second wife, Hajar and their newly born son, Ismail, alone in an un-inhabited, barren valley. So, Ibrahim asked his wife, Hajar to prepare for a long journey.

Settling in Mecca #

Ibrahim takes Hajar and Ismail and they depart. They walked through cultivated land, deserts and mountains, until they reached the desert of the Arabian peninsula and came to a valley having no fruit, no trees, no food and no water; the valley had no sign of life. Acording to narrations, the Sakina (something like a wind or spirit sent by God), or the angel Gabriel (Jibril) guides them to the location of the Kaaba, at which point Abraham leaves the his wife and son. It is said that Hajar asks Abraham who he is entrusting herself and Ishmael to as he leaves them. He answers that he is entrusting them to God, to which Hajar then makes a reply that shows her faith, stating that she believes God will guide them.

Ibn Abbas narrated:

“… Ibrahim brought her (Hajar) and her son, Ismail while she was suckling him, to a place near the Kaaba under a tree on the spot of Zam-Zam, at the highest place in the mosque. During those days there was nobody in Makkah, nor was there any water. So he made them sit over there and placed near them a leather bag containing some dates, and a small water-skin containing some water, and set out homeward. Ismail’s mother followed him saying: “O Ibrahim! Where are you going, leaving us in this valley where there is no person whose company we may enjoy, nor is there anything (to enjoy)?” She repeated that to him many times, but he did not look back at her. Then she asked him: “Has Allah ordered you to do so?” He said: “Yes”. She said: “Then He will not neglect us.” and she returned (to her child) while Ibrahim proceeded on his way. On reaching the Thaniya (mountain) where they could not see him, Ibrahim faced the Kaaba, and raising both hands, invoked Allah saying the following prayer:“O our Lord! I have made some of my offspring to dwell in a valley without cultivation, by Thy Sacred House; in order, O our Lord, that they may establish regular Prayer: so fill the hearts of some among men with love towards them, and feed them with fruits: so that they may give thanks.” [Surah Ibrahim 14:37]…” [Sahih Bukhari Book# 55, Hadith# 583]

Safa and Marwah #

After some time in the desert, Hajar and Ishmael run out of water and Ishmael becomes extremely thirsty. Hajar is distressed and searches for water, running back and forth seven times between the hills of Al-Safa and Al-Marwah to see if there’s caravan. Hajar is later remembered by Muslims for this act during the Hajj, or pilgrimage, in which Muslims run between these same hills as part of the Sa’yee.

While Hajar is running from one hill to the other, God sends them an angel that tells Hajar that God hears Ishmael crying.

When she returns to Ishmael, she finds either him or an angel scratching the ground with their heel or finger, whereupon water begins flowing and Hajar collects some or dams it up. This spring or well is known as Zamzam which fulfills the thirst of piligrims in Mecca p to recent days. The name of the well comes from the phrase Zomë Zomë, meaning “stop flowing”, a command repeated by Hajar during her attempt to contain the spring water.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “The best water on the face of the earth is the water of Zamzam; it is a kind of food and a healing from sickness.” Saheeh al-Jaami, 3302

First son of Ibrahim.

Ismael (Yishmael means “God will hear”) is regarded as a prophet and messenger and the founder of Ishmaelites in Islam. He is the son of Ibrahim (Abraham), born to Hājar (Hagar). Ismail is also associated with Mecca and the construction of the Kaaba. Ismail is considered the ancestor to the prophet Muhammad ﷺ. .

Ismail is the figure known as Ishmael in Judaism and Christianity. These sources include the Quran, Quranic commentary (tafsir), hadith, historiographic collections like that of Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari, and Isra’iliyat (Islamic texts about Biblical or ancient Israelite figures that originate from Jewish or Christian sources).

Ismail and Hajar taken to Mecca by Ibrahim #

Ibrahim, Bibi Hajar and Ismail came across the Makkah Valley. Ibrahim left his wife and infant son near the mount that now covered the Sacred House, under the divine instruction, leaving them with a few dates and a jar of water. Ismail and Hajar being taken to Mecca by Abraham in Islamic texts is an important part in the story of Ismail, as it brings the focus to Mecca and is the beginning of Mecca’s sanctification as a holy area. Islamic tradition says Abraham was ordered by God to take Hajar and Ismail to Mecca, and later Ibrahim returned to Mecca to build the Kaaba.

When Hajar ran out of food and water, she left the baby under the sheltered place and ran here and there in search of help or water. She ran toward the hilltop of Safa but didnot locate any sign of spring or habitation. Next, she ran to the neighboring hill, Marwah but again she found nothing. And Allah consoles her and sends angels to them and they find the well of Zamzam.

At some point, a passing tribe known as the Jurhum sees birds circling the water and investigates. They ask Hajar if they can settle there, which she allows, and many versions say as Ismail grew up he learned various things from the tribe. There are numerous versions of this story, each differing in various ways. The versions used in this summary, as well as others, can be found in al-Tabari’s history and are recounted in Reuven Firestone’s Journeys in Holy Lands.

The word Ismail إسماعيل mentioned 12 times in Quran in 12 verses. And he is praised by Allah multiple times.

And Ishmael and Elisha and Jonah and Lot – and all [of them] We preferred over the worlds.
Quran, surah Saad (The letter Saad) 38:48

And [mention] Ishmael and Idrees and Dhul-Kifl; all were of the patient.
Quran, surah Al-Anbiyaah (The Prophets) 21:85

There is a narration about how Ismail’s wifes. At some point, often believed to be after Hajar’s death, Ismail married a woman from the Jurhum, the tribe who settled in the area around Zamzam. Ibrahim visited Ismail in Mecca and when he arrived at his home, Ismail was not there. Instead Ismail’s wife greets Ibrahim, but she was not welcoming or generous to him. Ibrahim instructed her to tell Ismail some version of the statement that he was not pleased with or to change “the threshold of his door.” When Ismail returns home and his wife told him that, he knows it is from his father and taking the advice, divorced the woman. He then married another woman from Jurhum. Ibrahim once again visited and was met by Ismail’s second wife, as Ismail was out. This wife was very kind and provided food for him. Ibrahim instructed her to tell Ismail some version of the statement that he was pleased with “the threshold of his door.” When Ismail arrived and his wife repeated Ibrahim’s statement, Ismail knew it was from his father and kept his wife.

The Bible also says that Ishmael will have so many descendants that it will be difficult to count.

Prophetic career #

Ismail is considered a prophet in Islam and is listed in the Quran with other prophets in many instances. In other verses, such as 21:85 and 38:48, Ismail is praised for being patient, good, and righteous. A particular example which describes Ismail individually is 19:54-55 – “And call to mind, through this divine writ, Ismail. Behold, he was always true to his promise, and was an apostle [of God], a prophet, who used to enjoin upon his people prayer and charity, and found favour in his Sustainer’s sight.” As a descendant of Ismail, Muhammadﷺ. is considered justified as the Prophet and continues the line of prophets from pre-Islamic times.

Genealogy and association with Arabs #

Ishmael’s place as the “founder of the Arabs” was first stated by Josephus. As Islam became established, the figure Ishmael and those descended from him, the Ishmaelites, became connected, and often equated, with the term Arab in early Jewish and Christian literature. Before Islam developed as a religion, Ishmael was depicted in many ways, but after its establishment, Ishmael was almost always seen in a negative light in Jewish and Christian texts, as he becomes the symbol for the “other” in these religions. As the Islamic community became more powerful, some Jewish midrash about Ishmael was modified so that he was portrayed more negatively in order to challenge the Islamic view that Ishmael, and thus the Muslims, were the favoured descendants of Abraham. This became the genealogy according to Jewish sources and the Bible, in contrast with the genealogy of Arabs according to Muslims. The development of Islam created pressure for Islam to be somehow different from Judaism and Christianity, and accordingly, Ishmael’s lineage to Arabs was stressed.

In pre-Islamic times, there were three distinct groups of Arabs- the Ba’ida, Ariba, and Musta’riba. The Ba’ida were the “legendary Arabs of the past,” while the Ariba were the “Southern Arabs.” Ishmael’s descendants became the Northern Arabs known as the Musta’riba or the “Arabized Arabs.” The Musta’riba were described as Arabized since it is believed Ishmael learned Arabic when he moved to Mecca and married into the Arabic tribe of Jurhum. Ishmael’s line is then traced from his son Kedar, then down through to Adnan, then to the Musta’riba, to the Quraysh.  In this manner, Muhammad’s ﷺ. ancestry leads back to Ishmael, joining “original biblical ancestry of Abraham with a distinctively Arab afinal stock,” and connecting prophet Muhammad ﷺ. with Mecca and the Kaaba.

God had ordered Adam to build the Kaaba after his fall from the Garden of Eden. However, years had passed, the Kaaba was heavily damaged in the long course of time and was almost demolished. Therefore, God showed Ibrahim where the Kaaba was and ordered him and his son Ismail to build it once again. The Kaaba was in the same region Ibrahim left Hajar and Ismail, that is, Mecca. The prophet Ibrahim ﷺ received an order from Allah Almighty to rebuild this holy structure and immediately set to work with his son Ismael.

There are many versions of the construction of the Kaaba that differ in fairly significant ways, although all have Ibrahim build or cleanse the Kaaba and then immediately after, or at an unknown time, God called Ibrahim to establish the Hajj, or pilgrimage. These narratives differ in when these events occurred, if and how there was supernatural involvement, the inclusion or omission of the Black Stone, and whether Ismail assisted his father. Of those that say Ismail took part in the construction, most describe Ibrahim visited Ismail a third time in Mecca, during which they raised the Kaaba. Some say Ismail looked for a final stone, but Ibrahim did not accept the one he brought back. Instead an angel had brought the Black Stone, which Ibrahim put into place. Ismail was left at the Kaaba, in charge of its care and to teach others about the Hajj. The starting of the Hajj has many versions, and some scholars believe this reflects the late association of Ibrahim with the Hajj after Islam had developed to help remove its connection to early pagan rituals.

Adam’s altar and the stone were said to have been lost during Noah’s Flood and forgotten. Ibrahim (Abraham) was said to have later found the Black Stone at the original site of Adam’s altar when the angel Jibrail revealed it to him. Ibrahim ordered his son Ismael to build a new temple, the Kaaba, into which the stone was to be embedded.

And [mention] when We made the House a place of return for the people and [a place of] security. And take, [O believers], from the standing place of Abraham a place of prayer. And We charged Abraham and Ishmael, [saying], "Purify My House for those who perform Tawaf and those who are staying [there] for worship and those who bow and prostrate [in prayer].
Quran, surah Al-Bakarah (The Cow) 2:125

Then when the time for building the Ka’bah came, during one of Ibrahim’s subsequent visits from Sham (Syria and Palestine) to Makkah and his family, he said to his son Isma’il: “O Isma’il! Allah has given me an order.” Isma’il said: “Do what your Lord has ordered you to do.” Ibrahim asked: “Will you help me?” Isma’il said: “I will help you.” Ibrahim said: “Allah has ordered me to build a house here,” pointing to a hillock higher than the land surrounding it. The Prophet ﷺ added: “Then they raised the foundations of the House (i.e., the Ka’bah). Isma’il brought the stones and Ibrahim was building, and when the walls became high, Isma’il brought this stone and put it for Ibrahim who stood over it and carried on building, while Isma’il was handing him the stones, and both of them were praying to Allah to accept their service.

And [mention] when Abraham was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Ishmael, [saying], "Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing.
Quran, surah Al-Bakarah (The Cow) 2:127

The stone over which Ibrahim stood and built is called maqam Ibrahim (Ibrahim’s station). It is still in existence today and is revered by all Muslims. Even some religious rituals are directly associated with it. Just like Prophet Adam, Ibrahim, too, is said to have built the Ka’bah using building materials from five special earthly mounts: Hira’, Tur Sina’, Tur Zayta’, Jabal Lubnan and al-Judiyy. For the foundations, he used only materials from Hira’ (or the Nur hill), where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received his first revelation.

If the last account entails any symbolic significance, then it will be with respect to the notion that it was emblematically appropriate to use materials for the Ka’bah groundwork or foundations from a hill where the final prophethood contact between the heavens and the earth was made, and where Prophet Muhammad’s mission officially commenced. Such was an occurrence that, as a matter of fact, signified the climax of Ibrahim’s own mission and efforts, because he besought God to make happen that which indeed many centuries later started to happen on the Hira’ (Nur) hill in the Hira’ cave. It therefore was not by chance that in the course of constructing the Ka’bah Ibrahim prayed to God about Muhammad ﷺ and about the substance of his forthcoming mission.

Dua of Ibrahim #

Having completed to build Kaba, they opened their hands in supplication to Allah Almighty and prayed:

"Our Lord! Send a Messenger from our progeny to the Muslim Ummah so that he can read to them your ayahs (verses), teach them your books and their laws, and cleanse them from their sins!" 
Quran, surah Al-Bakarah (The Cow) 2:129

Hence, Ibrahim laid the spiritual foundation of Prophet Muhammad’s mission by invoking God to send him, and by (re)building the Ka’bah, the epicenter and nucleus of Muhammad’s prophethood and his overall spiritual and civilizational legacy. Making the matter more perceptible, suggestive and redolent with meaning, Ibrahim used the Hira or Nur hill resources for the groundwork of the Ka’bah.

And [mention, O Muhammad], when Abraham said, "My Lord, make this city [Makkah] secure and keep me and my sons away from worshipping idols.

My Lord, indeed they have led astray many among the people. So whoever follows me – then he is of me; and whoever disobeys me – indeed, You are [yet] Forgiving and Merciful.
      
Our Lord, I have settled some of my descendants in an uncultivated valley near Your sacred House, our Lord, that they may establish prayer. So make hearts among the people incline toward them and provide for them from the fruits that they might be grateful.

Our Lord, indeed You know what we conceal and what we declare, and nothing is hidden from Allah on the earth or in the heaven.

Praise to Allah, who has granted to me in old age Ishmael and Isaac. Indeed, my Lord is the Hearer of supplication.

My Lord, make me an establisher of prayer, and [many] from my descendants. Our Lord, and accept my supplication.

Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established."
Quran, surah Ibrahim (Abraham) 14:35-41

Allah Almighty did not leave this sincere supplication unanswered and sent a descendant of Ismael, the prophet Muhammad ﷺ , the chief of the prophets to the world. The Pride of the Universe ﷺ proclaimed this truth as:

“I am the supplication of my forefather Ibrahim (peace be upon him).”

Ibn Hisham, Sira: 1/175; Tabari, Tarikh: 2/128.

The Black Stone #

The Black Stone was given to Ibrahim from Jannah to be placed on the corner of the Holy Kaaba. Abd Allah Ibn Abbas – a cousin of Prophet Muhammad narrated that the Prophet said:

“The Black Stone came down from Paradise and it was whiter than milk, but the sins of the sons of Adam turned it black.”

The Black Stone carries greater importance, as according to an account, it is known that while Ibrahim AS was building the house of God, the Holy Kaaba, for spirituality and worship, it appeared that the stones to complete the wall were short. The Prophet Ibrahim sent his son Prophet Ismail AS to look for an appropriate stone to fit in the gap to finish the Holy wall of Kaaba. When he came back empty-handed, he noticed a shiny white colour stone already placed in the empty space. Ibrahim AS told him the unique stone was delivered to him by Jibreel.

Ismail and his mother lived in Mecca while Ibrahim would sometimes visit them. When Ismail grew to be a fine young man, Ibrahim had a dream:

When he was old enough to assist in his endeavour, he said, "My son! I see in dreams that I am sacrificing you. See what you think." He said, "Father! Do whatever you have been commanded. If Allah wishes, you will find me to be patient."
Quran, surah Ad-Saffat (Those drawn up in Ranks) 37

When prophets dream of something, it is the same as revelation. Therefore, when Prophet Ibrahim has a dream that he is sacrificing his son, it is in fact God’s command. Besides, the dream was a means for testing Ibrahim.

The story continues:

So when they had both surrendered [to Allah’s will], and he had laid him down on his forehead,
We called out to him, "O Abraham!
You have indeed fulfilled your vision! Thus indeed do We reward the virtuous!
This was indeed a manifest test."

Then We ransomed him with a great sacrifice,
and left for him a good name in posterity.
Quran, surah Ad-Saffat (Those drawn up in Ranks) 37

According to Quranic commentators God sent a ram to be sacrificed in his stead. Therefore, people came to call Ismail Dhabīḥullāh, meaning the one sacrificed for Allah. Jews say that Isaac was the son of Ibrahim whom he wanted to sacrifice, but according to the Quran this is wrong. Even though Ismail’s name is not mentioned, God gives the good news of his birth by calling him a forbearing son in verse 101 of chapter 37. After the story of the sacrifice is told, in the next verses God gives Ibrahim the good news of the birth of Isaac:

"Peace be to Abraham!"
Thus do We reward the virtuous.
He is indeed one of Our faithful servants.
And We gave him the good news of [the birth of] Isaac, a prophet, one of the righteous.
Quran, surah Ad-Saffat (Those drawn up in Ranks) 37:101

Therefore, the forbearing son that God gave the news of his birth first in verse 101 was Ismail as Ibrahim had only two sons, and verse 112 gives the good news of Isaac after telling the story of the sacrifice. As a result, it becomes clear that the forbearing son, that is, Ismail was the one who was to be sacrificed.

As Ibrahim attempts to slay Ismail, either the knife is turned over in his hand or copper appears on Ismail to prevent the death and God tells Ibrahim that he has fulfilled the command. Unlike in the Bible, there is no mention in the Quran of an animal (ram) replacing the boy; rather he is replaced with a ‘great sacrifice’ (dhibḥin ʿaẓīm). Since the sacrifice of a ram cannot be greater than that of Ibrahim’s son (and a prophet in Islam at that), this replacement seems to point to either the religious institutionalisation of sacrifice itself, or to the future self-sacrifices of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and his companions (who were destined to emerge from the progeny of Ismail) in the cause of their faith. Every Eid al-Adha once a year Muslims around the world slaughter an animal to commemorate Ibrahim’s sacrifice and to remind themselves of self-abnegation in the way of Allah. Later historiographic literature incorporates the Biblical narrative in which a ram is provided which is slaughtered instead of Ismail.

The actions of Ismail in this narrative have led him to become a prominent model of hospitality and obedience. This story in the Quran is unique when compared to that in the Bible because Ibrahim talks with his son, whichever it is believed to be, and the son is thus aware of the plan to become a sacrifice and approves of it. As noted above, in some versions, Ismail makes sure in different ways that neither he nor his father hesitate in their obedience to God. In this way, Ismail is a model of surrendering one’s will to God, an essential characteristic in Islam.

In looking solely at the text of the Quran to determine which son was to be sacrificed, there still are various views. The strongest case for Ismail in the Quran is that directly after the sacrifice narrative, Ibrahim is told of the coming of Isaac’s birth, therefore, it must be Ismail who was about to be sacrificed. However Tabari argues that because it is only Isaac who is indicated by birth announcements that the announcement at the start of the sacrifice narrative, “So We gave him good tidings of a forbearing boy” refers to Isaac. Authentic hadiths are said to not contradict each other because that negates the definition of the hadith.

Jacob was later renamed to Israel and became a father of 12 Jewish tribes.

Yaqub in the Quran and Hadith #

Two further references to Isra’il are believed to be mention of Jacob. The Arabic form Ya’qūb.

Yaqub (peace be upon him) is recognized in Islam as a prophet who received inspiration from God. He is acknowledged as a patriarch of Islam. Muslims believe that he preached the same monotheistic faith as his forefathers ʾIbrāhīm, ʾIsḥāq and Ismā’īl. Yaqub is mentioned 16 times in the Quran. In the majority of these references, Yaqub is mentioned alongside fellow prophets and patriarchs as an ancient and pious prophet. According to the Quran, Yaqub remained in the company of the elect throughout his life. (38:47) The Quran specifically mentions that Yaqub was guided (6:84) and inspired (4:163) and was chosen to enforce the awareness of the Hereafter. (38:46) Yaqub is described as a good-doer (21:72) and the Quran further makes it clear that God inspired Yaqub to contribute towards purification and hold the contact prayer. (21:73) Yaqub is further described as being resourceful and a possessor of great vision (38:45) and is further spoken of as being granted a “tongue [voice] of truthfulness to be heard.” (19:50)

Of the life of Yaqub, the Quran narrates two especially important events. The first is the role he plays in the story of his son Yusuf. The Quran narrates the story of Yusuf in detail, and Yaqub, being Yusuf’s father, is mentioned thrice and is referenced another 25 times. In the narrative, Yaqub does not trust some of his older sons (12: 11, 18, 23) because they do not respect him. (12: 8, 16–17) Yaqub’s prophetic nature is evident from his foreknowledge of Yusuf’s future greatness (12:6), his foreboding and response to the supposed death of Yusuf (12: 13, 18) and in his response to the sons’ plight in Egypt. (12: 83, 86–87, 96) Islamic literature fleshes out the narrative of Yaqub, and mentions that his wives included Rachel. Yaqub is later mentioned in the Quran in the context of the promise bestowed to Zechariah, regarding the birth of John the Baptist. (19:6) Yaqub’s second mention is in the Quran’s second chapter. As Yaqub lay on his deathbed, he asked his 12 sons to testify their faith to him before he departed from this world to the next. (2:132) Each son testified in front of Yaqub that they would promise to remain Muslim (in submission to God) until the day of their death, that is they would surrender their wholeselves to God alone and would worship only Him.

In contrast to the Judeo-Christian view of Yaqub, one main difference is that the story of Yaqub’s blessing, in which he deceives Isaac, is not accepted in Islam. The Quran makes it clear that Yaqub was blessed by God as a prophet and, therefore, Muslims believe that his father, being a prophet as well, also knew of his son’s greatness. Yaqub is also cited in the Hadith as an example of one who was patient and trusting in God in the face of suffering.

Yaqub in the Bible #

The biblical account of the life of Jacob is found in the Book of Genesis, chapters 25–50.

Birth #

Jacob and his twin brother, Esau, were born to Isaac and Rebecca after 20 years of marriage, when Isaac was 60 years of age. Rebecca was uncomfortable during her pregnancy and went to inquire of God why she was suffering. She received the prophecy that twins were fighting in her womb and would continue to fight all their lives, even after they became two separate nations. The prophecy also said that “the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:25 KJV).

When the time came for Rebecca to give birth, the firstborn, Esau, came out covered with red hair, as if he were wearing a hairy garment, and his heel was grasped by the hand of Jacob, the secondborn. According to Genesis 25, Isaac and Rebecca named the first son Hebrew: Esau. The second son they named Jacob (Ya’aqob or Ya’aqov, meaning “heel-catcher”, “supplanter”, “leg-puller”, “he who follows upon the heels of one”).

The boys displayed very different natures as they matured. “… and Esau was a cunning hunter, a man of the field; but Jacob was a simple man, dwelling in tents”. Moreover, the attitudes of their parents toward them also differed: “And Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebecca loved Jacob.”

Blessing of Isaac #

As Isaac aged, he became blind and was uncertain when he would die, so he decided to bestow Esau’s birthright upon him. He requested that Esau go out to the fields with his weapons (quiver and bow) to kill some venison. Isaac then requested that Esau make “savory meat” for him out of the venison, according to the way he enjoyed it the most, so that he could eat it and bless Esau.

Rebecca overheard this conversation. It is suggested that she realized prophetically that Isaac’s blessings would go to Jacob, since she was told before the twins' birth that the older son would serve the younger.

The Bible tells the story of how Rebecca and Jacob deceived blind Isaac to get the blessing instead of Esau. In the Muslim tradition we believe that Iskhaq and Yaqub being prophets would not do so.

Yusuf ibn Yaqub ibn Ishaaq ibn Ibrahim (Joseph, son of Jacob, son of Isaac, son of Ibrahim) is a prophet mentioned in the Quran, and corresponds to Joseph, a person from the Tanakh, the Jewish religious scripture, and the Christian Bible, who was estimated to have lived in Egypt before the New Kingdom. It is one of the common names in the Middle East and among Muslim nations. Of all of Jacob’s children, Yusuf was the one given the gift of prophecy. Although the narratives of other prophets are mentioned in various Surahs, the complete narrative of Yusuf is given only in one Surah, Yusuf, making it unique. It is said to be the most detailed narrative in the Quran and bears more details than the Biblical counterpart.

Yusuf (peace be upon him) is believed to have been the eleventh son of Yaqub, and, according to many scholars, his favorite. According to Ibn Kathir, “Jacob had twelve sons who were the eponymous ancestors of the tribes of the Israelites. The noblest, the most exalted, the greatest of them was Yusuf.” The story begins with Yusuf revealing a dream he had to his father, which Jacob recognizes. In addition to the role of God in his life, the story of Yusuf and Zulaikha (Potiphar’s wife of the Old Testament) became a popular subject in Persian literature, where it became considerably elaborated over the centuries.

The story of Yusuf in the Qurʾān is a continuous narrative. There are more than one hundred verses, and in totality they encompass many years and “present an amazing variety of sciences and characters in a tightly-knit plot, and offer a dramatic illustration of some of the fundamental themes of the Qurʾān.” The Qurʾān itself relates to the story’s importance in the third verse: “and We narrate unto you aḥsanal-qaṣaṣ (“best (or most beautiful) of stories”).” Most scholars believe this is referring to Yusuf’s story, while others, including Ṭabari, argue it is a reference to the Qurʾān as a whole. It asserts and documents the execution of God’s rulings despite the challenge of human intervention (And Allah hath full power and control over His affairs; but most among mankind know it not).

This is what the story of Yūsuf confirms categorically, for it ends with comfort and marvels, which is described in the Qurʾān. Along with the story there is also some commentary from some leading scholars of Islam.

Yusuf before the dream #

Muhammad at-Ṭabari provides exquisite detail and commentary of this narrative in his chapter on Yusuf relaying the opinions of well-known scholars. In Ṭabari’s chapter, the physical beauty of Yusuf and his mother Rahyl is introduced, in that they were said to have had “more beauty than any other human being.” His father, Yaqub, had given him to his oldest sister to be raised. Ṭabari comments that there was no greater love than what Yusuf’s aunt felt for him as she had raised him as her own.

The dream #

The story begins with a dream and ends with its interpretation. As the sun appeared over the horizon, bathing the earth in its morning glory, Yusuf, son of Yaqub awoke from his sleep, delighted by a pleasant dream he had. Filled with excitement he ran to his father and reported what he had seen.

Yusuf said to his father: "O my father! I did see eleven stars and the sun and the moon: I saw them prostrate themselves to me!
Quran, surah Yusuf (Joseph) 12:4

According to Ibn Kathir, Yaqub knew that Yusuf would someday become extremely important and would be in a high position, both in this world and the next — he recognized that the stars represented his brothers and the sun and moon represented himself and Yusuf’s mother, Rachel. Yaqub advised Yusuf to keep the dream to himself in order to protect him from the jealousy of his brothers, who were already unhappy about the love Yaqub felt for Yusuf. Ya’qub foresaw that Yusuf would be one through whom the prophecy of his grandfather, Ibrahim (Abraham), would be fulfilled, in that his offspring would keep the light of Ibrahim’s house alive and spread God’s message to mankind. Abu Ya’ala interpreted Yaqub’s reaction as an understanding that the planets, sun and moon bowing to Yusuf representing “something dispersed which God united.”

Ya'qub told Yusuf: "My son, relate not thy vision to thy brothers, lest they concoct a plot against thee: for Satan is a clear enemy to humanity. Thus your Lord has selected you and given you knowledge to interpret reports, and has perfected his blessing upon you and upon the family of Yaqub just as he perfected it on your forefathers before: Ibrahim and Is-haq (Isaac). Your Lord is Knowing, Wise" 
Quran, Surah Yusuf (Joseph) 12:5-6

Yusuf did not tell his brothers his dream, unlike in the version relayed in the Hebrew Bible, but their dislike of him was already too strong to subdue. Ṭabari demonstrates this by adding that they said to each other, “verily Yusuf and his brother (Benjamin) are dearer to our father than we are, though we may be a troop (‘usbah). By usbah they meant a group, for they were ten in number. They said, “Our father is plainly in a state of aberration.

Yusuf ﷺ was known, in addition for being very handsome, to be of gentle temperament. He was respectful, kind and considerate. His brother Benjamin was equally pleasant and both were from the same mother, Rachel. From a hadith (narration):

Narrated Abu Huraira 🐈:

Some people asked the Prophet ﷺ : “Who is the most honorable amongst the people?” He replied, “The most honorable among them is the one who is the most Allah-fearing.” They said, “O Prophet of Allah! We do not ask about this.” He said, “Then the most honorable person is Yusuf, Nabiyyullah (Prophet of Allah), the son of a Nabiyyillah, the son of a Nabiyyillah, the son of Khalilillah (Friend of Allah).” Sahih al-Bukhari collected by Muhammad al-Bukhari

Plot against Yusuf #

The Qurʾān continues with Yusuf’s brothers plotting to kill him. It relates: “in Yusuf and his brothers are signs for those who seek answers. When Yusuf’s brother said about him: “He is more loved by our father than we are, and we are a group. Our father is in clear error. Let us kill Yusuf or cast him to the ground, so that the face of your father will be toward you, and after him you will be a community of the truthful.”

But one of the brothers argued against killing him and suggested they throw him into a well, said to be Jubb Yusif (Well of Yusuf), so that a caravan might pick him up and take him into slavery. Mujahid, a scholar, says that it was Simeon and Suddi says it was Judah while Qatadah and Ibn Is-haq says that it was the eldest, Ruben. Said one of them: “Slay not Yusuf, but if ye must do something, throw him down to the bottom of the well: he will be picked up by some caravan of travellers.”

Killing Yusuf because of jealousy would have been extreme, but scholars also suggested that Yusuf was fairly young when he was thrown into the well, as young as twelve. He would live to be 110 or 120.

The brothers asked their father to let them take Yusuf out to the desert to play and promised to watch him. Yaqub, not thrilled with the idea knowing how much the brothers disliked Yusuf, hesitated. Ṭabari comments that Yaqubs’s excuse was that a dhi’b (wolf) might hurt him. But the brothers insisted. When they had Yusuf alone they threw him into a well and left him there, They returned with a blood stained shirt and lied that he had been attacked by a wolf, but their father did not believe them, as he was a sincere man who loved his son.

The Quran says:

They said: "O our father! why dost thou not trust us with Yusuf, -- seeing we are indeed his sincere well-wishers?
Send him with us tomorrow to enjoy himself and play, and we shall take every care of him."

(Yaqub) said: "Really it saddens me that ye should take him away: I fear lest the wolf should devour him while ye attend not to him."
They said: "If the wolf were to devour him while we are (so large) a party, then should we indeed (first) have perished ourselves!"

So they did take him away, and they all agreed to throw him down to the bottom of the well: and We put into his heart (this Message): "Of a surety thou shalt (one day) tell them the truth of this their affair while they know (thee) not"

Then they came to their father in the early part of the night, weeping.
They said: "O our father! We went racing with one another, and left Yusuf with our things; and the wolf devoured him.... But thou wilt never believe us even if we tell the truth."

They stained his shirt with false blood. He said: "Nay, but your minds have made up a tale (that may pass) with you, (for me) patience is most fitting: Against that which ye assert, it is Allah (alone) Whose help can be sought"...
Quran, surah Yusuf (Joseph) 12:11-18

Ṭabari comments that Judah stopped the brothers from causing more harm to Yusuf, and that he would bring him food. Ibn Kathir comments that Reuben suggested that they put him in the pit so that he might return later to bring him home. But when he returned, he found Yusuf gone. “So he screamed and tore his clothes. He put blood on the coat of Yusuf. When Yaqub learned of this, he tore his clothes, wore a black cloak, and was sad for many days.

God’s plan to save Yusuf #

A passing caravan took Yusuf. They had stopped by the well hoping to draw water to quench their thirst and saw the boy inside. So they retrieved him and sold him into slavery in Misr (Egypt), to a rich man referred to as “Al-‘Aziz” (“Great One”, “Nobleman”) in the Quran, or Potiphar in the Bible. ʿAzīz is also known as Qatafir or Qittin. Yusuf was taken into ‘Aziz’s home who told his wife to treat him well.

Then there came a caravan of travellers: they sent their water-carrier (for water), and he let down his bucket (into the well)...He said: "Ah there! Good news! Here is a (fine) young man!" So they concealed him as a treasure. But Allah knoweth well all that they do.

The (Brethren) sold him for a miserable price, for a few dirhams counted out: in such low estimation did they hold him!

The man in Egypt who bought him, said to his wife: "Make his stay (among us) honourable: maybe he will bring us much good, or we shall adopt him as a son." Thus did We establish Yusuf in the land, that We might teach him the interpretation of stories (and events). And Allah hath full power and control over His affairs; but most among mankind know it not.

When Yusuf attained His full manhood, We gave him power and knowledge: thus do We reward those who do right.
Quran, surah Yusuf (Joseph) 12:19-22

This is the point of the story that many scholars of Islam report as being central (contrasting to other religious traditions) to Yusuf’s story. Under ʿAzīz Misr (“The Dear One of Egypt”), Yusuf moves to a high position in his household. Later, the brothers would come to Egypt but would not recognize Yusuf but called him by the same title, “al-ʿAzīz.”

While working for ‘Aziz, Yusuf grew to be a man. He was constantly approached by the wife of ‘Aziz (Imra’at al-‘Aziz, presumably Zulayka or Zuleika) who intended to seduce him. Tabari and others are not reticent to point out that Yusuf was mutually attracted to her. Ṭabari, again, says “God turned him away from his desire for evil by giving him a sign that he should not do it.” It is also said that after the death of ʿAzīz, Yusuf married Zolayḵā.

But she in whose house he was, sought to seduce him from his (true) self: she fastened the doors, and said: "Now come, thou (dear one)!" He said: "Allah forbid! truly (thy husband) is my lord! he made my sojourn agreeable! truly to no good come those who do wrong!"

And (with passion) did she desire him, and he would have desired her, but that he saw the evidence of his Lord: thus (did We order) that We might turn away from him (all) evil and shameful deeds: for he was one of Our servants, sincere and purified.
Quran, surah Yusuf (Joseph) 12:23-24

Zolayḵā is said to have then ripped the back of Yusuf’s shirt and they raced with one another to the door where her husband was waiting. At that point she attempted to blame Yusuf and suggested that he had attacked her. However, Yusuf said that it was Zolayḵā who had attempted to seduce him and his account is confirmed by one of the household. ‘ʿAzīz believed Yusuf and told his wife to beg forgiveness.” One member of the family, it is disputed who (perhaps a cousin) told ʿAzīz to check the shirt. If it was torn in the front than Yusuf was guilty and his wife innocent but if it was torn in the back, Yusuf was innocent and his wife guilty. It was torn in the back so ʿAzīz reprimands his wife for lying.

Zuleikha’s circle of friends thought that she was becoming infatuated with Yusuf and mocked her for being in love with a slave. She invited them to her home and gave them all apples, and knives to peel them with. She then had Yusuf walk through and distract the women who cut themselves with the knives. Zuleikha then pointed out that she had to see Yusuf every day.

Yusuf prayed to God and said that he would prefer prison to the things that Zolayḵā and her friends wanted. According to Ṭabari, some time later, even though ʿAzīz knew that Yusuf was innocent, he “grew disgusted with himself for having let Yusuf go free … It seemed good to them to imprison him for a time.” It is possible that Zolayḵā had influence here, rebuking her husband for having her honor threatened.

The account of Yusuf and the wife of ‘Aziz is called “Yusuf and Zulaikha,” and has been told and retold countless times in many languages. The Quranic account differs from the Biblical version in which Potiphar believes his wife and throws Yusuf into prison.

Yusuf interprets dreams #

This account refers to the interaction between Yusuf and the ruler of Egypt. Unlike the references to the Pharaoh in the account of Musa, the account of Yusuf refers to the Egyptian ruler as a malik (king), not a fir’aun (pharaoh). After Yusuf had been imprisoned for a few years, God granted him the ability to interpret dreams, a power that made him popular amongst the prisoners. One event concerns two royal servants who, prior to Yusuf’s imprisonment, had been thrown into the dungeon for attempting to poison the food of the king – whose name is not given either in the Quran or the Bible – and his family. Yusuf asked them about the dreams they had, and one of them described that he saw himself pressing grapes into wine. The other said he had seen himself holding a basket of bread on his head and birds were eating from it. Yusuf reminded the prisoners that his ability to interpret dreams was a favor from God based on his adherence to monotheism. Yusuf then stated that one of the men (the one who dreamt of squeezing grapes for wine) would be released from the prison and serve the king, but warned that the other would be executed, and so was done in time.

Yusuf had asked the one whom he knew would be released (Ṭabari writes that his name was Nabu) to mention his case to the king. When asked about his time in prison, Ṭabari reports that prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “If Yusuf had not said that—meaning what he said (to Nabu)—he would not have stayed in prison as long as he did because he sought deliverance from someone other than God.”

The king had a dream of seven fat cows 🐄 being eaten by seven skinny ones and seven ears of corn being replaced with shriveled ones, and he was terrified. None of his advisors could interpret it. When the servant who was released from prison heard about it, he remembered Yusuf from prison and persuaded the king to send him to Yusuf so that he could return with an interpretation. Yusuf told the servant that Egypt would face seven years of prosperity and then suffer seven years of famine and that the king should prepare for it so as to avoid great suffering.

Scholars debate as to whether Yusuf agreed to interpret the dream right away or if he declared that his name should be cleared in the house of ʿAzīz first. Ṭabari notes that when the messenger came to Yusuf and invited him to come to the king, Yusuf replied “Go back to your lord and ask him about the case of the women who cut their hands. My lord surely knows their guile.” Ibn Kathir agrees with Ṭabari saying that Yusuf sought “restitution for this in order that ʿAzīz might know that he was not false to him during his absence” and that Zolayḵā eventually confessed that nothing happened between them. Ṭabari inserts an interesting interaction between Yusuf and the angel Gabriel in which Gabriel helps Yusuf both gain his freedom and admit to his own desires.

Yusuf was brought to king and interpreted the dream.

Yusuf said, "What you cultivate during the next seven years, when the time of harvest comes, leave the grains in their spikes, except for what you eat. After that, seven years of drought will come, which will consume most of what you stored for them. After that, a year will come that brings relief for the people, and they will, once again, press juice." 
Quran, surah Yusuf (Joseph) 12:47-49 

When he became aware of Yusuf's innocence, the king said, "Bring him to me that I may attach him to my person." Then, when he spoke to him, he said: "Verily, this day, you are with us high in rank and fully trusted." 
Quran, surah Yusuf (Joseph) 12:54 

Upon speaking with Yusuf, the king recognized his virtues, great ability, brilliance, good conduct and perfect mannerisms.

Yusuf said, "Set me over the storehouses of the land; I will indeed guard them with full knowledge" 
Quran, surah Yusuf (Joseph) 12:55

Thus Yusuf asked the king to appoint him as Minister of Finance.

Use of “king” versus “pharaoh” #

In the Quran, the title of the Ruler of Egypt during the time of Yusuf is specifically said to be “the King” (Arabic: al-Malik) whilst the Ruler of Egypt during the time of Moses is specifically said to be “Pharaoh” (Arabic: Firaun, though as a name without the definite article). This is interesting because according to historical sources, the title Pharaoh only began to be used to refer to the rulers of Egypt (starting with the rule of Thutmose III) in 1479 BCE - approximately 21 years after the prophet Yusuf died. But in the narration of Yusuf in the Bible, the titles King (Hebrew: Melekh) and Pharaoh are used interchangeably for the ruler of Egypt in Genesis chapters 39-41.

This proves that the Quran is accurate and fixes error that were incorporated into the Bible by various sources.

The Malik (of Egypt) said: "I do see (in a vision) seven fat kine, whom seven lean ones devour, and seven green ears of corn, and seven (others) withered. O ye chiefs! expound to me my vision, if it be that ye can interpret visions."
Quran, surah Yusuf (Joseph) 12:43

Then after them We sent Musa with Our Signs to Fir'aun and his chiefs, but they wrongfully rejected them. So see how was the end of al-Mufsidin (Arabic: ألمفسدين, "the Mischief-makers" or "the Corrupters").
Quran, surah Al-Araf (The Heights) 7:103 

And the Malik said: "Bring him to me." But when the messenger came to him, He (Yusuf) said: "Return to your lord and ask him, 'What happened to the women who cut their hands? Surely, my Lord (Allah) is Well-Aware of their plot.
Quran, surah Yusuf (Joseph) 12:50

And Joseph’s master took him, and put him into the prison, the place where the king’s prisoners were bound; and he was there in the prison. Genesis 39:20

And Joseph was thirty years old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypt. And Joseph went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt. Genesis 41:46

And Joseph placed his father and his brethren, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. Genesis 47:11

The Family Reunion #

Yusuf became extremely powerful. Ibn Kathir relates that the king of Egypt had faith in Yusuf and that the people loved and revered him. It is said that Yusuf was 30 when he was summoned to the king. “The king addressed him in 70 languages, and each time Yusuf answered him in that language.” Ibn Is-haq comments, “the king of Egypt converted to Islam at the hands of Yusuf.”

Yusuf’s brothers, in the meantime, had suffered while the people of Egypt prospered under Yusuf’s guidance. Yaqub and his family were hungry and the brothers went to Egypt, unaware that Yusuf was there and in such a high position. Yusuf gave them what they needed but questions them and they reveal that there were once twelve of them. They lie and say that the one most loved by their father, meaning Yusuf, died in the desert. Yusuf tells them to bring Benjamin, the youngest, to him. They return home to Yaqub and persuade him to let Benjamin accompany them in order to secure food. Yaqub insists that they bring Benjamin back—and this time the brothers are honest when they swear to it. According to Ibn Kathir, Yaqub ordered the brothers to use many gates when returning to Egypt because they were all handsome. The Qurʾān itself elaborates that Yaqub sensed Yusuf.

When the brothers return with Benjamin, Yusuf reveals himself to Benjamin. He then gives the brothers the supplies he promised but also put the king’s cup into one of the bags. He then proceeds to accuse them of stealing, which the brothers deny. Yusuf informs them that whoever it was who stole the cup will be enslaved to the owner and the brothers agree, not realizing the plot against them. Ṭabari reports that the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack.

After much discussion and anger, the brothers try to get Benjamin released by offering themselves instead — for they must keep their promise to their father. Reuben stays behind with Benjamin in order to keep his promise to his father. When the other brothers inform Yaqub of what has happened, Yaqub does not believe them and becomes blind after crying much over the disappearance of his son. Forty years had passed since Yusuf was taken from his father, and Yaqub had held it in his heart. Yaqub sends the brothers back to find out about Benjamin and Yusuf. Upon their return Yusuf reveals himself to his brothers and gives them one of his shirts to give to Yaqub.

When Yaqub receives the shirt, this time as good news, Yaqub lays it on his face and regains his vision. He says Did I not tell you that I know from God what you do not know? (12:96). Ṭabari says that this means that “from the truth of the interpretation of Yusuf’s dream in which he saw eleven planets and the sun and the moon bowing down to him, he knew that which they did not know.”

Yusuf was reunited with his family, and his dream as a child came true as he saw his parents and eleven of his brothers prostrating before him in love, welcome and respect. Ibn Kathir mentions that his mother had already died. Ṭabari says that she was alive. Yusuf eventually died in Egypt.

It is hard to find sources that consistently agree on the actual dates of Yusuf’s life. Scholars tend to see the story as a way for the descendants of Ibrahim to find their way to Egypt. Yusuf is the reason the Israelites move to Egypt, which then allows for the story of Moses and the Exodus from Egypt to take place.

Ayyub (Job) came after Yusuf. The Quran describes Ayyub as a righteous servant of Allah, who was afflicted by suffering for a lengthy period of time. However, it clearly states that Ayyub never lost faith in God and forever called to God in prayer.

Ibn Ishâq said that the Prophet Ayyub (Job) was Roman. His lineage was Ayyub Ibn Moos Ibn Razih Ibn ‛Ees ibn Ishaq Ibn Ibrahim. However, others said that his lineage was Ayyub ibn Moos ibn Ra‛ooeel ibn ‛Ees ibn Ishâq ibn Ya’qoob (may the Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon them all).

Ibn Asakir reported that his mother was the daughter of Loot. It is said that his father was among those who believed in Ibrahim on the day he was thrown in the fire and was to be burnt but survived. However, of all these opinions, the first opinion is the most popular because he was from the progeny of Ibrahim. This is seen in the saying of Allah:

"… and from his offspring Dawood, Sulaymân, Ayyub, Yusuf, Moosa and Hâroon…" 
Quran, surah Al-Anaam (The Cattle) 6:84

In this verse, the pronoun ‘his’ is referring to Ibrahim and not Nooh.

He is one of those Prophets who are mentioned specially that they received revelations. This is seen in Soorah an-Nisâ :

"Indeed We have revealed to you as We revealed to Nooh and the Prophets after him. And We revealed to Ibrahim, Isma’eel, Ishâq, Ya’qoob, the tribes, ‘Eesa and Ayyub…" 
Quran, surah An-Nisaa (The Woman) 4:163

So the correct opinion is that he is from the progeny of ‛Ees Ibn Ishaq Ibn Ibrahim. As regards his wife’s name, it is said she was Leea bint Ya‛qoob. Some others say that her name was Rahmah bint Ifratheem. Yet some others claim that she was Leea bint Mansa Ibn Ya‛qoob. This is the most popular opinion, and we have mentioned it here.

Allah said: "And Ayyub, when he called to his Lord, saying ‘Harm has inflicted me and You are the Most Merciful.' So We answered him and removed his affliction and We gave him his family and the like of them with them, as a mercy from Us and a reminder to Worshippers.'". 
Quran, surah Al-Anbiyah (The Prophets) 21:83-84

And in Soorah Sâd:

And mention Our slave Ayyub when he called his Lord, "The Shaytân has afflicted me with distress and torment." 

[Allah said], "Strike with your foot, this is [a spring of] water to wash in, cool and a [refreshing] drink." 

And We gave him his family and the like of thereof, as a mercy from Us and a reminder to those who understand. 

"And take in your hand a bundle of thin grass and strike therewith and do not break your oath." Truly, We found him patient. How excellent a slave. Verily, he was ever oft-returning in repentance." 
Quran, surah Saad (The letter Saad) 38:41-44

Quranic exegetes, historians and others said that Ayyub was a wealthy man who owned all kinds of wealth, such as cattle, sheep and servants, and vast property in a place called Hoorân. He also had many children and large family.

Then all of this was taken away from him. His body was inflicted with different kinds of diseases to such an extent that there was no part of his body that was healthy except his heart and tongue with which he remembered Allah. All throughout this, he remained patient and remembered Allah all the time, during the night and day, and in the morning and the evening.

His illnesses prolonged for such a long time that even his friends deserted him and his relatives stayed away from him. He was expelled from his town and thrown upon a dunghill. Everybody left him except his wife who fulfilled her duties. She did this because of the many good times she had with him and due to her compassion for him. She used to come to him and help him out in his necessities. It came to such an extent that she became weak and her money almost finished. She was in such a difficult situation that she started working to earn wages in order to provide for her husband. May Allah be pleased with her. She remained patient with him even through hard times that hit them when they were inflicted with loss of money, children and her husband became very ill.

It is established in an authentic hadith that the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said:

“The most severely tried among the people are the Prophets. Then after them the righteous and then the likes and so on.”

And said:

“And man is put to trial according to the strength of his religion thus if his religion was strong, his trial increased.” Ahmad, vol 1, p. 172

Mujahid is reported to have said that the Prophet Ayyub was the first to be inflicted by smallpox. Historians and scholars differed as regards the period of time he was inflicted with trials. Wahb ibn Munâbbih said that he suffered for three years, not more not less. Anas on the other hand said that he suffered for about seven years and a few months. Humayd said that the period was eighteen years. The severity of the disease has been described by as-Suddi that it was so severe, that his flesh dropped from his body and nothing remained on him except his bones and muscles. His wife used to bring ashes and spread it under his body. When the trial went for long, she said, “O’ Ayyub, if you pray to your Lord, He will free you from this suffering.” He answered, “I have lived for seventy years as a healthy person, so can I not be patient for Allah for another seventy years?” she worked for people to earn money in order to feed Ayyub (Tafseer at-Tabari, vol 23 p.107)

However, the people then started to be cautious of her and did not employ her because they knew that she was the wife of Ayyub and because of that, they too might get infected by the same illnesses or be put to the same trial. So when she did not find anybody to give work, she went to some of the daughters of high society and sold one of her plait in return for plenty of food. When she came to Ayyub with food, he asked her where did she get the food from. He showed his disapproval but she said, “I worked for the people.” Then when it was the following day and again she did not find anyone who gave her work, she sold the other plait in return for food. She then brought it to Ayyub. This time Ayyub swore that he would not eat the food till she tells him from where she has got it. At that, she removed her headscarf. When Ayyub ﷺ saw her head has been shaved, he supplicated to Allah:

And Ayyub when he called his Lord [saying], "Harm has inflicted me and You are the Most Merciful."
Quran, surah Al-Anbiyah (The Prophets) 21:83

Ibn Abi Hâtim reported on the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Ubayd ibn Umayr who said: “Ayyub had two brother. One day, they came to him but they could not go near him because of the bad smell which came from his body. So they stood at a distance and one of them said to another, ‘If Allah knew any good in Ayyub, He would not have put him to this trial.’ This grieved Ayyub ﷺ so much that he never got such grief before. He supplicated, ‘O’ Allah, if You know that I never spent a night with a full stomach if I knew someone hungry in that night, then prove me true.’ So he was proved true and a voice came from the heaven confirming his truth that was heard by the two brothers. He then supplicated further, ‘O’ Allah, if You know that I never had two shirts if I knew that someone did not have clothes, then prove me true.’ Again, he was proved true from the heavens while the brothers were listening. Finally, he supplicated, ‘O’ Allah, I seek help from Your Honour.’ When saying that, he fell down in prostration and said, ‘O’ Allah, by Your Honour, I will never lift my head till You cure me from my suffering.’ Then he did not lift his head till he was cured.”

Ibn Abi Hâtim reported on the authority of ‘Abdullah ibn ‘Abbâs who said: " Allah dressed Ayyub with a dress from Paradise, then he went aside and sat in a corner. His wife came and did not recognise him. So she asked, ‘O’ slave of Allah, where did the afflicted person go who was here? I am afraid that dogs or wolves have eaten him.’ She kept speaking to him for some time and then he finally said to her, ‘What is wrong with you, I am Ayyub, Allah has indeed returned to me my body.’”

Ibn Abbâs said: “Allah returned to him his wealth and children and others twice as many as them.”

Ibn Abi Hâtim reported that Wahb ibn Munabbih said: “Allah revealed to him, ‘I returned to you your family and your wealth, and the like of them along with them. So take a bath from this water, for there is a cure for you in it and offer sacrifice on behalf of your companions and seek forgiveness for them for verily they disobeyed Me concerning you.’”

It is narrated on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said:

When Allah cured Ayyub He rained on him golden locusts. Ayyub began collecting them with his hands and putting them in his clothes. It was said to him, ‘O’ Ayyub, are you not satisfied and full?’ He said, ‘O’ Lord, who will feel full from Your Mercy?’”

In another narration on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Prophet peace and blessings be upon him said:

“While Ayyub was bathing naked, golden locusts dropped on him, so he began collecting them in his clothes. So his Lord called him, ‘O’ Ayyub, did I not give you enough, so what do you do?’ Ayyub said, ‘Yes my Lord but there is no sparing from Your blessings for me.’ “Strike with your foot” was the divine order. So Ayyub did as ordained and struck the earth with his leg. Allah then caused a cold spring of water to gush forth and ordered him to take bath and drink from it. Allah then removed his suffering and pain, his illnesses and diseases that were both visible and hidden on his body and replaced all that with a healthy body, both visible and hidden. Allah also made him handsome and gave him abundant wealth, to the extent that golden locusts rained on him.

Allah also returned his family as He said, We gave to him his family, and the like of them with them. (Qur’an 21:84) It is said that Allah brought his children back to life. Some others said that Allah gave him other people in place of those who had died, wherein in the Hereafter, Allah will gather them all together. As regards the part of the verse, A mercy from Us, (Qur’an 21:83-84) it means that We removed his hardships and cured him from whatever he had as a mercy and grace from Us. The end of the verse, “And a reminder to worshippers” means that what happened to Ayyub is a reminder and a lesson for all those who are put to trial concerning their bodies, wealth, and family. All such people should take the example of Prophet of Allah, Ayyub, who was tried by Allah with something that was greater than what others would be inflicted with and despite that, he was patient and had hope that Allah would cure him from that.

Ayyub lived in the Roman land for a further seventy years after his affliction. He preached to them the religion of Monotheism, One God. However, they later changed the religion of Ibrahim after his death.

Allah said:

"And take in your hand a bundle of reeds and strike with it, and do not break your oath. And We found him patient, a good slave, verily he was patient."
Quran, surah Saad (The letter Saad) 38:44

This speaks about His mercy upon Ayyub when Ayyub had sworn that he would whip his wife one hundred lashes. It is said that he made the oath because she sold her plaits. It is also said that Shaytân came to her disguised as a doctor (physician) and described to her some medicines for Ayyub. When she came and informed Ayyub, he knew it was Shaytân and subsequently swore that he would whip her one hundred lashes. When Allah cured him, He told him to take a bundle of reeds, bunch them together as one and then to hit her only once. This one hit was considered one hundred, thus he could fulfill his oath this way.

This was a way out and relief for the one who feared Allah and obeyed Him, especially with respect to his wife who bore his illness patiently and had hope. She was a pious, righteous ans rightly guided woman. May Allah be pleased with her.

Ibn Jareer and others mentioned that when Ayyub (peace be upon him) died, he was ninety-three years old. Some others said that he lived longer than that.

Before Ayyub passed away, he entrusted his mission to his son Hawmal and after him to his other son Bishr. Many people claim that he was Dhul Kifl. And Allah knows best. These same people also claim that he was Prophet, who died at the age of ninety-five.

And [mention] Ayyub, when he called to his Lord, "Indeed, adversity has touched me, and you are the Most Merciful of the merciful." 
Quran, sura Al-Anbiyah (The Prophets) 21:83

Shuaib, Shoaib, Shuayb or Shuʿayb (“who shows the right path”) is an ancient Midianite Nabi (Prophet) in Islam. Shuaib is mentioned in the Quran a total of 11 times. He is believed to have lived after Ibrahim (Abraham), and Muslims believe that he was sent as a prophet to a community: the Midianites, who are also known as the Aṣḥāb al-Aykah (“Companions of the Wood”), since they used to worship a large tree. To the people, Shuaib proclaimed the straight path and warned the people to end their fraudulent ways. When the community did not repent, God destroyed the community.

Shuaib is understood by Muslims to have been one of the few Arabian prophets mentioned by name in the Quran, the others being Saleh, Hud, and Muhammad. It is said that he was known by Muslims as “the eloquent preacher amongst the prophets”, because he was, according to tradition, granted talent and eloquence in his language.

The Quran states that Shuaib was appointed by God to be a prophet to the people of Midian. The people of this land were said to be especially notorious for cheating others through dishonesty and for idolatry. Shuʿayb’s prophecy mainly involved calling the Midianites to the correct path of God, and forbidding them to worship false gods.

It is also said he told his people to stop being dishonest in their daily activities. Although he preached and prophesied for a sustained period of time, the majority of the people refused to listen to him. Shuayb, however, remained steadfast. He consistently preached powerfully against the wicked, telling them of the punishment that had befallen the sinful before them. Shuʿayb warned the people that their ignorance would lead to the destruction of Midian, giving historical examples of earlier prophets, including Noah, Hud, Saleh and Lot, all of whose people had been destroyed by God.

The people taunted Shuʿayb and told him that, were it not for the prestigious family he came from, he would surely have been stoned to death. Shuayb replied, “Is my family of more consideration with you than God?” When the Midianites refused to believe, they were destroyed by a mighty earthquake. The Quran, however, mentions that Shuʿayb, and his believing companions, were rescued from the thunderous punishment.

The area to which Shuʿayb was sent to is named ‘Madyan in the Quran, known in English as Midian, which is frequently referred to in the Bible. The Midianites were said to be of Arab descent, though being neighbors of the Biblical Canaanites, they intermixed with them. It is said they were a wandering tribe, and that their principal territory at the time of Musa (Moses) was the Sinai Peninsula.

Shuayb’s mission is often mentioned in the Quran with the mission of Noah, Hud, Saleh and Lot. Scholars have pointed out that these five prophets exemplify the early prophetic missions: The prophet would be sent to his community; the community would pay no attention to his warning and would instead threaten him with punishment; after years of preaching, God would ask him to leave his community, while his people were subsequently destroyed in a punishment. Scholars chronologically interpret the listing of the five prophets, so Shuʿayb was a descendant of Noah (preached about the Great Flood) and the Prophet Abraham.

Disputed identification with Jethro #

Jethro is mentioned in the Bible (Exodus 3:1) as the father in law of Moses. Although Shuaib is frequently identified with the Midianite priest Jethro, most modern scholars reject this identification. Classical commentators, such as Ibn Kathir, say Shuʿayb was a great-grandson of Abraham: Shuʿayb is believed to have been the son of Mikil, son of Issachar, son of Midian, son of Abraham. That would render impossible the identification with Jethro, who lived at the time of Moses, purportedly hundreds of years after Abraham.

In Islam, Mūsā ben ʿEmrān (‘Moses, son of Imran’Amram’Am), is an important prophet and messenger of God (Allah) and is the most frequently mentioned individual in the Quran, with his name being mentioned 136 times and his life being narrated and recounted more than that of any other prophet.

According to Islamic theology, all Muslims must have faith in every prophet and messenger of God, which includes Musa and his brother Harun. The tale of Musa is generally seen as a spiritual parallel to the life of prophet Muhammadﷺ , and Muslims consider many aspects of the two individuals’ lives to be shared. Islamic literature also describes a parallel relation between their people and the incidents that occurred in their lifetimes; the exodus of the Israelites from ancient Egypt is considered to be similar in nature to the migration of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina as both events unfolded in the face of persecution — of the Israelites by the ancient Egyptians, and of the early Muslims by the Meccans, respectively.

Musaﷺ is also viewed as a very important figure in Islam due to his reception of revelations such as the Ten Commandments, which form part of the contents of the Torah and are central to the Abrahamic religions of Judaism and Christianity. Consequently, Jews and Christians are designated as “People of the Book” for Muslims and are to be recognized with this special status wherever Islamic law is applied. According to Islamic tradition, Musa is one of the many prophets that meets Muhammad in the seven heavens following the latter’s ascension from Jerusalem during the Miʿraj. During the journey, Musa is said to have repeatedly sent Muhammad back to meet God and request a reduction in the number of required daily prayers—originally 50—until only the five obligatory prayers remained. Musa is further revered in Islamic literature, which expands upon the incidents of his life and the miracles attributed to him in the Quran and hadith, such as his direct conversations with God.

Verily, We did send down the Torah to Moses therein was guidance and light, by which the Prophets, who submitted themselves to God’s Will, judged the Jews.  And the rabbis and the priests too judged the Jews by the Torah for to them was entrusted the protection of God’s Book, and they were witnesses thereto.
Quran, Al-Maaida (The Table) 5:44

The period of Joseph and Jacob/Israel in Egypt (Genesis 39:50), where they were in favour at the Egyptian court and Joseph held high administrative positions next to the ruler of the land, would correspond to the time the Hyksos ruled in Egypt, during the Fifteenth Dynasty. The time of Moses and the expulsion to Palestine related in The Exodus could also correspond to the expulsion of the Hyksos from Egypt.

• Prophet Musa and pharaoh in historical sources
  
  

Childhood #

According to Islamic tradition, Musa (peace be upon him) was born into a family of Israelites living in Egypt. Of his family, Islamic tradition generally names his father ‘Imran, corresponding to the Amram of the Hebrew Bible, traditional genealogies name Levi as his ancestor. Islam states that Musa was born in a time when the ruling Pharaoh had enslaved the Israelites after the time of the prophet Yusuf (Yusuf). Islamic literature states that around the time of Musa’s birth, the Pharaoh has a dream in which he sees fire coming from the city of Jerusalem, which burns everything in his kingdom except in the land of the Israelites. When the Pharaoh is informed that one of the male children would grow up to overthrow him, he orders the killing of all newborn Israelite males in order to prevent the prediction from occurring. Experts of economics in Pharaoh’s court advise him that killing the male infants of the Israelites would result in loss of manpower. Therefore, they suggest that male infants should be killed in one year but spared the next. Musa’s brother, Harun, was born in the year when infants were spared, while Musa was born in the year when infants were to be killed.

"We recite to you some of the news of Moses and Pharaoh in truth, for a people who believe. Verily, Pharaoh exalted himself in the land and made its people sects, weakening (oppressing) a group (i.e. Children of Israel) among them; killing their sons and letting their females live.  Verily, he was of those who commit great sins and crimes, oppressors, tyrant."
Quran, surah Al-Qasas (The Stories) 28:3-4

On the Nile #

According to Islamic tradition, Jochebed, Musa’s mother, suckles him secretly during this period. When they are in danger of being caught, God inspires her to put him in a wicker basket and set him adrift on the Nile. She instructs her daughter to follow the course of the ark and report back to her.

So We sent this inspiration to the mother of Moses: "Suckle (thy child) but when thou hast fears about him cast him, into the river, but fear not nor grieve: for We shall restore him to thee, and We shall make him one of Our messengers."
Quran, surah Al-Qasas (The Stories) 28:7

As her daughter follows the ark along the riverbank, Musa is discovered by the Pharaoh’s wife, Asiya, who convinces the Pharaoh to adopt him. When Asiya ordered wet nurses for Musa, Musa refuses to be breastfed. Islamic tradition states that this is because God forbids Musa from being fed by any wet nurse in order to reunite him with his mother. His sister worries that Musa has not been fed for some time, so she appears to the Pharaoh and informs him that she knows someone who can feed him. After being questioned, she is ordered to bring the woman being discussed. The sister brings their mother, who feeds Musa, and thereafter, she is appointed as the wet nurse of Musa.

Then the household of Pharaoh picked him up, that he might become for them an enemy and a (cause of) grief Verily! Pharaoh, Haman and their hosts were sinners. And the wife of Pharaoh said: "A comfort of the eye for me and for you. Kill him not, perhaps he may be of benefit to us, or we may adopt him as a son." And they perceived not (the result of that). 
Quran, surah Al-Qasas (The Stories) 28:9

After having reached adulthood, according to the Quran, Musa is passing through a city when he comes across an Egyptian fighting with an Israelite. The Israelite man is believed to be Sam’ana, known in the Bible to be a Samaritan, who asks Musa for his assistance against the Egyptian who is mistreating him. Musa attempts to intervene and becomes involved in the dispute. Musa strikes the Egyptian in a state of anger, which results in his death. Musa then repents to God.

He said: "My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself, so forgive me." Then He forgave him. Verily, He is the Forgiving, the Most Merciful.
Quran, surah Al-Qasas (The Stories) 28:16

And the following day, he again comes across the same Israelite fighting with another Egyptian. The Israelite again asks Musa for help, and as Musa approaches the Israelite, he reminds Musa of his manslaughter and asks if Musa intended to kill the Egyptian.

Musa is reported, and the Pharaoh orders Musa to be killed. However, Musa flees to the desert after being alerted to his punishment.

So he escaped from there, looking about in a state of fear. He said: "My Lord! Save me from the people who are Zalimeen (polytheists and wrong-doers)!" 
Quran, surah Al-Qasas (The Stories) 28:15-21

According to Islamic tradition, after Musa arrives in Midian, he witnesses two female shepherds driving back their flocks from a well. Musa approaches them and inquires about their work as shepherds and their retreat from the well. Upon hearing their answers and about the old age of their father, Musa waters their flocks for them.

And when he arrived at the water of Midian (Midyan) he found there a group of men watering (their flocks), and besides them he found two women who were keeping back (their flocks). He said: "What is the matter with you ?" They said: "We cannot water (our flocks) until the shepherds take (their flocks). And our father is a very old man."

So he watered their flocks for them, then he turned back to shade, and said: "My Lord! Truly, I am in need of whatever good that You bestow on me!" 
Quran, surah Al-Qasas (The Stories) 28:22-24

The two shepherds return to their home and inform their father of Musa. They then invite Musa to a feast. At that feast, their father asks Musa to work for him for a period of eight years in return for marriage to one of his daughters. Musa consents and works for him for ten years.

Ten Years of Preparation #

Time passed, and he lived in seclusion far from his family and his people. This period of ten years was of importance in his life. It was a period of major preparation. Certainly Moses’s mind was absorbed in the stars every night. He followed the sunrise and the sunset every day. He pondered on the plant and how it splits the soil and appears thereafter. He contemplated water and how the earth is revived by it and flourishes after its death.

Of course, he was immersed in the Glorious Book of Allah, open to the insight and heart. He was immersed in the existence of Allah. All these became latent within him. The religion of Moses was the same as that of Jacob , which was Islamic monotheism. His forefather was Jacob the grandson of Abraham . Moses , therefore, was one of the descendants of Abraham and every prophet who came after Abraham was one of Abraham’s successors.

In addition to physical preparation, there was a similar spiritual preparation. It was made in complete seclusion, in the middle of the desert and in the places of pasture. Silence was his way of life, and seclusion was his vehicle. Allah the Almighty prepared for His prophet the tools he would need later on to righteously bear the commands of Allah the Exalted.

Call to prophethood #

And when he attained his full strength, and was perfect (in manhood), We bestowed on him Hukman (Prophethood, right judgment of the affairs) and religious knowledge of the religion of his forefathers i.e., Islamic Monotheism. And thus do We reward the Muhsineen (i.e., good-doers). 
Quran, surah Al-Qasas (The Stories) 28:14

According to the Quran, Musa departs for Egypt along with his family after completing the contracted time period (ten years). During their travel, as they stop near Tur, Musa observes a large fire and instructs the family to wait until he returns with fire 🔥 for them.

Almighty Allah narrated this event: And has there come to you the story of Moses? When he saw a fire, he said to his family: "Wait! Verily, I have seen a fire, perhaps I can bring you some burning brand therefrom, or find some guidance at the fire."

When Musa reaches the Valley of Tuwa, God calls out to him from the right side of the valley from a tree, on what is revered as Al-Buq‘ah Al-Mubārakah (“The Blessed Ground”) in the Quran.

And when he came to it (the fire), he was called by name: "0 Moses! Verily! I am your Lord! So take off your shoes, you are in the sacred valley, Tuwa, And I have chosen you. So listen to that which is inspired to you. Verily! I am Allah! La ilaha illa Ana (none has the right to be worshipped but I), so worship Me, and offer prayers perfectly, for My Remembrance. Verily, the Hour is coming - and My Will is to keep it hidden - that every person may be rewarded for that which he strives. Therefore, let the one who believes not therein (i.e. in the Day of Resurrection, Reckoning, Paradise and Hell, etc.), but follows his own lusts, divert you therefrom lest you perish. And what is that in your right hand, 0 Moses?"

He said: "This is my stick, whereon I lean, and wherewith I beat down branches for my sheep, and wherein I find other uses."

(Allah) said: "Cast it down, 0 Moses!"

He cast it down, and behold! It was a snake, moving quickly.

Allah said: "Grasp it, and fear not, We shall return it to its former state, - and press your (right) hand to your (left) side, it will come forth white (and shining), without any disease as another sign, - that We may show you (some) of Our Greater Signs.

"Go to Pharoah! Verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience, and has behaved as an arrogant, and as a tyrant)." 
Surah, surah At-Tawba (Repentance) 9-24

Musa is commanded by God to remove his shoes and is informed of his selection as a prophet, his obligation of prayer and the Day of Judgment. Musa is then ordered to throw his rod, which turns into a snake 🐍, and later instructed to hold it. The Quran then narrates Musa being ordered to insert his hand into his clothes and when he revealed it, it shines a bright light. God states that these are signs for the Pharaoh, and orders Musa to invite Pharaoh to the worship of one God. Musa expresses his fear of Pharaoh and requests God to heal his speech impediment and grant him Harun as a helper.

(Moses) said: "0 my Lord! Open for me my chest (grant me self-confidence, contentment, and boldness). And ease my task for me; and make loose the knot (the defect) from my tongue, (i.e. remove the incorrectness of my speech) that they understand my speech, and appoint for me a helper from my family, Aaron, my brother; increase my strength with him, and let him share my task (of conveying Allah's Message and Prophethood), that we may glorify You much, and remember You much, Verily! You are of us Ever a Well-Seer."

Allah said: "You are granted your request, 0 Moses!

According to Islamic tradition, both of them state their fear of Pharaoh, but are assured by God that He would be observing them and commands them to inform the Pharaoh to free the Israelites. Therefore, they depart to preach to the Pharaoh.

"And I have Istanatuka chosen you for My Inspiration and My Message for Myself Go you and your brother with My Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.), and do not, you both, slacken and become weak in My Remembrance.

"Go, both of you, to Pharaoh, verily, he has transgressed (all bounds in disbelief and disobedience and behaved as an arrogant and as a tyrant). And speak to him mildly, perhaps he may accept admonition or fear Allah."

They said. "Our Lord! Verily! We fear lest he should hasten to punish us or lest he should transgress (all bounds against us)."

He (Allah) said. "Fear not, Verily! I am with you both, Hearing and Seeing. So go you both to him, and say: 'Verily, we are Messengers of your Lord, so let the children of Israel go with us, and torment them not; indeed, we have come with a sign from your Lord! And peace will be upon him who follows the guidance! Truly, it has been revealed to us that the torment will be for him who denies believes not in the Oneness of Allah, and in His Messengers, etc., and turns away' (from the truth and obedience of Allah)." 
Quran, surah Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) 20

The Quran states that Musa was sent by God to confront the erstwhile (pharaoh) of ancient Egypt and to guide the Israelites, who were enslaved by the former. The Quran directly validates Musa and Harun as prophets chosen by God:

And mention in the Book, Moses. Indeed, he was chosen, and he was a messenger and a prophet. And We called him from the side of the mount at [his] right and brought him near, confiding [to him]. And We gave him out of Our mercy his brother Harun as a prophet.
Quran, surah Maryam (Mary) 19:51–53

Arrival at Pharaoh’s court #

When Musa and Harun arrive in the court of Pharaoh and proclaim their prophethood to the Pharaoh, the Pharaoh begins questioning Musa about the God he follows. The Quran narrates that Musa answers the Pharaoh by stating that he follows the God who gives everything its form and guides them. The Pharaoh then inquires about the generations who passed before them, and Musa answers that knowledge of the previous generations is with God.

The Quran also mentions the Pharaoh questioning Musa: “And what is the Lord of the worlds?” Musa replies that God is the lord of the heavens, the earth and what is between them. The Pharaoh then reminds Musa of his childhood with them and the killing of the man he has done. Musa admits that he has committed the deed in ignorance, but insists that he is now forgiven and guided by God. Pharaoh accuses him of being mad and threatens to imprison him if he continues to proclaim that the Pharaoh is not the true god. Musa informs him that he has come with manifest signs from God.

Allah said. "Nay! Go you both with Our Signs. Verily! We shall be with you, listening. And when you both come to Pharaoh, say: 'We are the Messengers of the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists), - So allow the children of Israel to go with us.

(Pharaoh) said (to Moses): "Did we not bring you up among us as a child? And you did dwell many years of you life with us. And you did your deed which you did (i.e. the crime of killing a man). And you are one of the ingrates."

Moses said: "I did it then, when I was an ignorant (as regards my Lord and His Message). So I fled from you when I feared you. But my Lord has granted me Hukman (i.e., religious knowledge, right judgments of the affairs and Prop het hood), and appointed me as one of the Messengers. And this is the past favor with which you reproach me, - that you have enslaved the children of Israel."

Pharaoh said: "And what is the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists)?"

Moses replied: "Lord of the heavens and the earth, and all that is between them, if you seek to be convinced with certainty."

Pharaoh said to those around: "Do you not hear (what he says)?"

Moses said: "Your Lord and the Lord of your ancient fathers!"

Pharaoh said: "Verily, your Messenger who has been sent to you is a madman!"

Moses said: "Lord of the east and the west, and all that is between them, if you did but understand!"

Pharaoh said: "If you choose an ilah (a god) other than me, I will certainly put you among the prisoners."

Moses said: "Even if I bring you something manifest (and convincing)."

Pharaoh said: "Bring it forth then, if you are of the truthful!" 
Quran, surah Ash-Shuraa (The Poets) 26:16-31

When the Pharaoh demands to see the signs, Musa throws his staff to the floor, and it turns into a serpent 🐍. He then draws out his hand, and it shines a bright white light. The Pharaoh’s counselors advises him that this is sorcery, and on their advice he summons the best sorcerers in the kingdom. The Pharaoh challenges Musa to a battle between him and the Pharaoh’s magicians, asking him to choose the day. Musa chose the day of a festival.

Confrontation with sorcerers #

When the sorcerers come to the Pharaoh, he promises them that they would be among the honored among his assembly if they won. On the day of the festival of Egypt, Musa grants the sorcerers the chance to perform first and warned them that God would expose their tricks. The Quran states that the sorcerers bewitch the eyes of the observers and cause them terror. The summoned sorcerers throw their rods on the floor, and they appear to change into snakes 🐍 by the effect of their magic. At first, Musa becomes concerned witnessing the tricks of the magicians, but is assured by God to not be worried. When Musa does the same his rod, the serpent devours all the sorcerers’ snakes. The sorcerers realize that they have witnessed a miracle. They proclaim belief in the message of Musa and fall onto their knees in prostration despite threats from the Pharaoh. The Pharaoh is enraged by this and accuses them of working under Musa. He warns them that if they insist in believing in Musa, he would cut their hands and feet on opposite sides, and crucify them on the trunks of palm trees for their betrayal of the Pharaoh. The magicians, however, remain steadfast to their newfound faith and are punished by Pharaoh.

He (Pharaoh) said: "Have you come to drive us out of our land with your magic, 0 Moses? Then verily, we can produce magic the like thereof, so appoint a meeting between us and you, which neither we, nor you shall fail to keep, in an open wide place where both shall have a just and equal chance (and beholders could witness the competition)."

(Moses) said: "Your appointed meeting is the day of the festival, and let the people assemble when the sun has risen (forenoon)."

So Pharaoh withdrew, devised his plot and then came back.

Moses said to them: "Woe unto you! Invent not a lie against Allah, lest He should destroy you completely by a torment. And surely, he who invents a lie (against Allah) will fail miserably."

Then they debated with one another what they must do, and they kept their talk secret. They said: "Verily! These are two magicians. Their object is to drive you out from your land with magic, and overcome your chiefs and nobles. So devise your plot, and then assemble in line. And whoever overcomes this day will be indeed successful."

They said: "0 Moses! Either you throw first or we be the first to throw?"

(Moses) said: "Nay, throw you (first)!" Then behold, their ropes and their sticks, - by their magic, - appeared to him as though they moved fast. So Moses conceived a fear in himself.

We (Allah) said: "Fear not! Surely, you will have the upper hand. And throw that which is in your right hand! It will swallow up that which they have made. That which they have made is only a magician's trick, and the magician will never be successful, no matter whatever amount (of skill) he may attain."

So the magicians fell down prostrate. They said: "We believe in the Lord of Aaron and Moses."

(Pharaoh) said: "Believe you in him (Moses) before I give you permission? Verily! He is your chief who taught you magic. So I will surely cut off your hands and feet on opposite sides, and I will surely crucify you on the trunks of palm-trees, and you shall surely know which of us I (Pharaoh) or the Lord of Moses (Allah) can give the severe and more lasting torment."

They said: "We prefer you not over the clear signs that have come to us, and to Him (Allah) Who created us. So decree (regarding) this life of the world. Verily! We have believed in our Lord, that He may forgive us our faults, and the magic to which you did compel us. And Allah is better as regards reward in comparison to your (Pharaoh's) reward, and more lasting (as regards punishment in comparison to your punishment)." 
Quran, surah Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) 20:58-73

Plagues of Egypt #

After losing against Musa, the Pharaoh continues to plan against Musa and the Israelites, ordering meetings with the ministers, princes and priests. According to the Quran, the Pharaoh is reported to have ordered his minister, Haman, to build a tower so that he “may look at the God of Musa”.

Turning his face to the other side, Pharaoh asserted impatiently: "I know he is a liar." Then he looked towards Haman (and cried): "0 Haman! Build me a tower that I may arrive at the ways, - the ways of the heavens, and I may look upon the Ilah (God) of Moses but verily, I think him to be a liar."

Thus it was made fair-seeming, in Pharaoh's eyes, the evil of his deeds, and he was hindered from the (Right) Path, and the plot of Pharaoh led to nothing but loss and destruction (for him). 
Quran, surah Ghafir (The Forgiver) 40:36-37

Gradually, the Pharaoh begins to fear that Musa may convince the people that he is not the true god, and wants to have Musa killed. After this threat, a man from the family of Pharaoh, who had years ago warned Musa, comes forth and warns the people of the punishment of God for the wrongdoers and reward for the righteous. The Pharaoh defiantly refuses to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt.

Pharaoh's terrorism infused the children of Israel with a spirit of defeat. They complained to Moses: "We (children of Israel) had suffered troubles before you came to us, and since you have come to us." He said: "It may be that your Lord will destroy your enemy and make you successors on the earth, so that He may see how you act." 
Quran, surah Al-Araaf (The Heights) 7:129

Almighty Allah revealed their dialogue: Pharaoh said: "Leave me to kill Moses, and let him call his Lord (to stop me from killing him)! I fear that he may change your religion, or that he may cause mischief to appear in the land!"

Moses said: "Verily, I seek refuge in my Lord and your Lord from every arrogant who believes not in the Day of Reckoning!"

And a believing man of Pharaoh's family, who hid his faith said: "Would you kill a man because he says: My Lord is Allah, and he has come to you with clear signs (proofs) from your Lord? And if he is a liar, upon him will be (the sin of) his lie; but if he is telling the truth, then some of that (calamity) wherewith he threatens you will befall on you. Verily, Allah guides not one who is a Musrif (a polytheist, or a murderer who shed blood without a right, or those who commit great sins, oppressor, transgressor), a liar! 0 my people! Yours is the kingdom this day, you are uppermost in the land. But who will save us from the Torment of Allah, should it befall us?"

Pharaoh said: "I show you only that which I see (correct), and I guide you only to the path of right policy!"

And he who believed said: "0 my people! Verily, I fear for you a fate like that day (of disaster) of the confederates (of old)! Like the fate of the people of Noah, and 'Ad, and Thamud and those who came after them. And Allah wills no injustice for (His) slaves. And, 0 my people! Verily! I fear for you the Day when there will be mutual calling (between the people of Hell and of Paradise)."

A Day when you will turn your backs and flee having no protector from Allah, and whomsoever Allah sends astray, for him there is no guide. And indeed Joseph did come to you, in times gone by, with clear signs, but you ceased not to doubt in that which he did bring to you, till when he died you said: "No Messenger will Allah send after him." Thus Allah leaves astray him who is a Musrif (a polytheist, oppressor, a criminal, sinner who commits great sins) and a Murtab (one who doubts Allah's warning and His Oneness). Those who dispute about the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) of Allah, without any authority that has come to them, it is greatly hateful in the Sight of Allah and in the sight of those who believe. Thus does Allah seal up the heart of every arrogant, tyrant. (So they cannot guide themselves to the Right Path).

And Pharaoh said: "0 Haman! Build me a tower that I may arrive at the ways, - the ways of the heavens, and I may look upon the Ilah (God) of Moses but verily, I think him to be a liar."

Thus it was made fair-seeming, in Pahraoh's eyes, the evil of his deeds, and he was hindered from the (Right) Path, and the plot of Pharaoh led to nothing but loss and destruction (for him).

And the man who believed said: "0 my people! Follow me, I will guide you to the way of right conduct (i.e. guide you to Allah's Religion of Islamic Monotheism with which Moses has been sent). 0 my people! Truly, this life of the world is nothing but a (quick passing) enjoyment, and verily, the Hereafter that is the home that will remain forever. Whosoever does an evil deed, will not be requited except the like thereof, and whosoever does a righteous deed, whether male or female and is a true believer (in the Oneness of Allah), such will enter Paradise, where they will be provided therein (with all things in abundance) without limit."

"And 0 my People! How is it that I call you to salvation while you call me to the Fire! You invite me to disbelieve in Allah (and in His Oneness), and to join partners in worship with Him, of which I have no knowledge, and I invite you to the All-Mighty, the Oft-Forgiving! No doubt you call me to (worship) one who cannot grant (me) my request (or respond to my invocation) in this world or in the Hereafter. And our return will be to Allah, and Al-Musrifeen (i.e. polytheists and arrogants, those who commit great sins, the transgressors of Allah's set limits)! They shall be the dwellers of the Fire! And you will remember what I am telling you, and my affair I leave it to Allah. Verily, Allah is the All-Seer of (His) slaves."

So Allah saved him from the evils that they plotted (against him), while an evil torment encompassed Pharaoh's people. 
Quran, surah Ghafir (The Forgiver) 40:26-45

The Quran states that God decrees punishments over the pharaoh and his people. These punishments come in the form of floods that demolish their dwellings, swarms of locust that destroy the crops, pestilence of lice that makes their life miserable, toads that croak and spring everywhere, and the turning of all drinking water into blood. Each time the Pharaoh is subjected to humiliation, his defiance becomes greater.

As often as they were troubled grievously, they appealed to Moses thus: "0 Moses! Invoke your Lord for us because of His Promise to you. If you will remove the punishment from us, we indeed shall believe in you, and we shall let the children of Israel go with you."
Quran, surah Al-Araaf (The Heights) 7:134

Moses prayed to his Lord and He relieved the suffering caused by the flood. The surging water ceased and withdrew from the land, and it became cultivatable. But when Moses bade them to fulfill their promise to release the children of Israel, they did not respond.

Then Allah sent swarms of locusts which ate whatever crops they had grown. The people hurried to Moses, asking him to invoke Allah to remove this affliction and promising they would send the children of Israel with him this time. The locusts departed, but they did not fulfill their promise.

Almighty Allah said: And indeed We punished the people of Pharaoh with years of drought and shortness of fruits (crops, etc.), that they might remember (take heed). But whenever good came to them, they said: "Ours is this." 

And if evil afflicted them, they ascribed it to euil omens connected with Moses and those with him. Be informed! Verily, their evil omens are with Allah but most of them know not. 

They said (to Moses): "Whatever Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) you may bring to us, to work therewith your sorcery on us, we shall never believe in you." 

So We sent on them: the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood: (as a succession of) manifest signs, yet they remained arrogant, and they were of those people who were Mujrimeen (criminals, polytheists, sinners, etc.) 
Quran, surah Al-Araaf (The Heights) 7:130-133

Almighty Allah also said: But when We removed the punishment from them to a fixed term, which they had to reach, behold! They broke their word! Quran, surah Al-Araaf (The Heights) 7:135

Pharaoh became ruder and more arrogant. He proclaimed to his people: “Pharaoh is the only god. Has he not the kingdom of Egypt and rivers flowing under it?” He declared that Moses was a liar, a magician, and a poor man who did not wear even one bracelet of gold.

Almighty Allah declared: And indeed We did send Moses with Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) to Pharaoh and his chiefs (inviting them to Allah's Religion of Islam). He said: "Verily, I am a Messenger of the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

But when he came to them with Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) behold! They laughed at them. And not an Ayah (sign etc.) We showed them but it was greater than its fellow, and We seized them with torment, in order that they might turn from their polytheism to Allah's Religion (Islamic Monotheism).

And they said (to Moses): "0 you sorcerer! Invoke your Lord for us according to what He has covenanted with you. Verily, we shall guide ourselves (aright)."

But when We removed the torment from them, behold! They broke their covenant (that they will believe if We remove the torment for them).

And Pharaoh proclaimed among his people, saying: '0 my people! Is not mine the dominion of Egypt, and these rivers flowing underneath me. See you not then? Am I not better than this one (Moses), who is Mahin has no honor nor any respect, and is weak and despicable and can scarcely express himself clearly? Why then are not golden bracelets bestowed on him, or angels sent along with him?"

Thus he (Pharaoh) befooled and misled his people, and they obeyed him. Verily, they were Fasiqeen (rebellious, disobedient to Allah).
Quran, surah Az-Zukhruf (Ornaments of Gold) 43:46-55

Splitting of the sea #

It appeared that Pharaoh would never believe in Moses’s message, nor would he stop the torture of the children of Israel. Therefore, Moses prayed to his Lord thus:

"Our Lord! You have indeed bestowed on Pharaoh and his chiefs splendor and wealth in the life of this world, our Lord! That they may lead men astray from Your Path. Our Lord! Destroy their wealth, and harden their hearts, so that they will not believe until they see the painful torment."

Allah said: "Verily, the invocation of you both is accepted. So you both keep to the Straight Way (i.e. keep on doing good deeds and preaching Allah's Message with patience), and follow not the path of those who know not (the truth i.e. to believe in the Oneness of Allah, and also to believe in the Reward of Allah: Paradise etc.)." 
Quran, surah Yunus (Jonas) 10:88-89

Allah inspired Moses to conduct his people out of Egypt, but only a few of his people believed in his message. Allah revealed: But none believed in Moses except the offspring of his people, because of the fear of Pharaoh and his chiefs, lest they should persecute them; and verily, Pharaoh was an arrogant tyrant on the earth, he was indeed one of the Musrifeen (polyt heists, sinners and transgressors, those who give up the truth and follow the evil, and commit all kinds of great sins).

The Quran mentions that God instructs Musa to travel at night with the Israelites and warns them that they would be pursued. The Pharaoh chases the Israelites with his army after realizing that they have left during the night.

Having escaped and now being pursued by the Egyptians, the Israelites stop when they reach the seafront. The Israelites exclaim to Musa that they would be overtaken by Pharaoh and his army. In response, God commands Musa to strike the Red Sea with his staff, instructing them not to fear being inundated or drowning in sea water. Upon striking the sea, Musa splits it into two parts, forming a path that allows the Israelites to pass through. The Pharaoh witnesses the sea splitting alongside his army, but as they also try to pass through, the sea closes in on them. As he is about to die, Pharaoh proclaims belief in the God of Musa and the Israelites, but his belief is rejected by God. The Quran states that the body of the Pharaoh is made a sign and warning for all future generations.

Almighty Allah narrated: And We inspired Moses, saying: "Take away My slaves by night, verily, you will be pursued." Then Pharaoh sent callers to (all) the cities. (Saying): "Verily! These indeed are but a small band. And verily, they have done what has enraged us; but we are host all assembled, amply fore-warned."

So, We expelled them from gardens and springs, treasures, and every kind of honorable place. Thus We turned them (Pharaoh's people) out and We caused the children of Israel to inherit them.

So they pursued them at sunrise. And when the two hosts saw each other, the people of Moses said: "We are sure to be overtaken."

Moses said: "Nay, verily! With me is my Lord, He will guide me."

Then We inspired Moses (saying): "Strike the sea with your stick." And it parted, and each separate (part of that sea water) became like the huge, firm mass of a mountain.

Then We brought near the others (Pharaoh's party) to that place. And We saved Moses and all those with him. Then We drowned the others. Verily! In this is indeed a sign (or a proof), yet most of them are not believers. And verily, your Lord! He is truly the All-Mighty, the Most Merciful." 
Quran, surah Ash-Shuaraa (The Poets) 26:52

Terror-stricken Pharaoh, realizing that his end had come, declared out of fear: “I believe that there is no god worthy of worship except Allah in Whom the children of Israel believe, and I am of those who surrender to Him.” But Allah did not accept this declaration from the tyrant, and the waters closed over him, drowning him and his entire army.

And We took the children of Israel across the sea, and Pharaoh with his hosts followed them in oppression and enmity, till when drowning overtook him, he said: "I believe that La ilaha illa (Huwa): (none has the right to be worshiped but) He, in whom the children of Israel believe, and I am one of the Muslims (those who submit to Allah's Will)."

Now (you believe) while you refused to believe before and you were one of the Mufsideen (evil-doers, corrupts, etc.). So this day We shall deliver your (dead) body (out from the sea) that you may be a sign to those who come after you! And verily, many among mankind are heedless or our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). 
Quran, surah Yunus (Jonas) 10:90-92

And after escaping the pharaoh with the help of Allah, Israelites continue their long journey to the Promised Land.

After leaving Egypt, the Israelites continue their journey to the Promised Land. Musa leads the Israelites to Mount Sinai (Tur). Upon arrival, Musa leaves the people, instructing them that Harun is to be their leader during his absence. Musa is commanded by God to fast for thirty days and to then proceed to the valley of Tuwa for guidance. God orders Musa to fast again for ten days before returning. After completing his fasts, Musa returns to the spot where he had first received his miracles from God. He takes off his shoes as before and goes down into prostration. Musa prays to God for guidance and begs God to reveal himself to him. It is narrated in the Quran that God tells him that it would not be possible for Musa to perceive God, but that He would reveal himself to the mountain, stating:

"By no means canst thou see Me (direct); But look upon the mount; if it abide in its place, then shalt thou see Me." When God reveals himself to the mountain, it instantaneously turns into ashes, and Musa loses consciousness. When he recovers, he goes down in total submission and asks forgiveness of God.
Quran, surah Al-Araaf (The Heights) 7:143

Musa is then given the Ten Commandments by God as Guidance and as Mercy. Meanwhile, in his absence, a man named Samiri creates a Golden Calf, proclaiming it to be the God of Musa. The people begin to worship it.

The Israelites worship a golden calf 🐄 #

Moses had been gone for forty days and his people were becoming restless, for they did not know that Allah had extended his time by a further ten days. Samiri, a man who was inclined towards evil, suggested that they find themselves another guide, as Moses had broken his promise. He said to them: “In order to find true guidance, you need a god, and I shall provide one for you.”

So he collected all their gold jewelry, dug a hole in which he placed the lot, and lit a huge fire to melt it down. During the casting, he threw a handful of dust, making actions like a magician’s to impress the ignorant. From the molten metal he fashioned a golden calf. It was hollow, and the wind passing through it produced a sound. Since superstition was imbedded in their past, they quickly linked the strange sound to something supernatural, as if it were a living god. Some of them accepted the golden calf as their god.

Harun attempts to guide Israelites away from the Golden Calf, but the Israelites refuse to do so until Musa returns.

Almighty Allah narrated: They said: "We broke not the promise to you, of our own will, but we were made to carry the weight of the ornaments of the (Pharaoh's) people, then we cast them (into the fire), and that was what As-Samiri suggested."

Then he took out (of the fire) for them a statue of a calf which seemed to low. They said: "This is your ilah (god), and the ilah (god) of Moses, but (Moses) has forgotten (his god)."

Did they not see that it could not return them a word (for answer), and that it had no power either to harm them or to do them good?

And Aaron indeed had said to them beforehand: "0 my people! You are being tried in this, and verily, your Lord is (Allah) the Most Beneficent, so follow me and obey my order."

They said: "We will not stop worshipping it (i.e. the calf), until Moses returns to us." 
Quran, surah Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) 20:87-91

Musa, having thus received the scriptures for his people, is informed by God that the Israelites has been tested in his absence, and they have gone astray by worshiping the Golden Calf.

(Allah) said: "Verily! We have tried your people in your absence, and As-Samiri has led them astray."
Quran, surah Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) 20:85

Musa comes down from the mountain and returns to his people. The Quran states that Musa, in his anger, grabs hold of Harun by his beard and admonishes him for doing nothing to stop them, but when Harun tells Musa of his fruitless attempt to stop them, Musa understands his helplessness, and they both pray to God for forgiveness. Musa then questions Samiri for creating the Golden Calf. Samiri replies that it had simply occurred to him, and he had done so. Samiri is exiled, and the Golden Calf is burned to ashes, and the ashes are thrown into the sea. The wrong-doers who have worshipped the Calf are ordered to be punished for their crime.

Musa then chooses 70 elites from among the Israelites and orders them to pray for forgiveness. Shortly thereafter, the elders travel alongside Musa to witness the speech between Musa and God.

Moses returned to Mount Sinai with the seventy elders and there he communicated with Allah. The elders heard Moses speaking with his Lord. (Allah spoke to Moses directly.) This was, perhaps, the last miracle that they would see, and it was hoped that it would be sufficient enough to convey the religion to their hearts forever. However, the seventy elite who heard the miracle were dissatisfied.

They said to Moses: "0 Moses! We shall never believe in you till we see Allah plainly. " 
Quran, surah Al-Bakarah (The Cow) 2:35

Despite witnessing the speech between them, they refuse to believe until they see God with their own eyes, so as punishment, a thunderbolt kills them. Musa prays for their forgiveness, and they are resurrected. They return to camp and set up a tent dedicated to worshiping God, as Harun had taught them from the Torah. They resume their journey towards the Promised Land.

And Moses chose out of his people seventy (of the best) men for Our appointed time and place of meeting, and when they were seized with a violent earthquake, he said: "0 my Lord, if it had been Your Will, You could have destroyed them and me before; would You destroy us for the deeds of the foolish ones among us? It is only Your Trial by which You lead astray whom You will, and keep guided whom You will. You are our Wali (Protector), so forgive us and have Mercy on us, for You are the Best of Those who forgive. And ordain for us good in this world, and in the Hereafter. Certainly we have turned unto You."
Quran, surah Al-Araaf (The Heights) 7:155

Allah the Almighty narrated: And (remember) when Moses said to his people: "Verily, Allah commands you that you slaughter a cow.

They said: "Do you make fun of us?"

He said: "I take Allah's Refuge from being among AlJahileen (the ignorants or the foolish)."

They said: "Call upon your Lord for us that He may make plain to us what it is!"

He said: "He says, 'Verily, it is a cow neither too old nor too young, but (it is) between the two conditions; so do what you are commanded."

They said: "Call upon your Lord for us to make plain to us its color."

He said: "He says, 'It is a yellow cow bright in its color, pleasing to the beholders.

They said: "Call upon your Lord for us to make plain to us what it is. Verily to us all cows are alike, and surely, if Allah wills, we will be guided."

He (Moses) said: "He says, 'It is a cow neither trained to till the soil nor water the fields, sound, having no other color except bright yellow.

They said: "Now you have brought the truth." So they slaughtered it though they were near to not doing it.

And (remember) when you killed a man and fell into dispute among yourselves as to the crime. But Allah brought forth that which you were hiding. So We said: "Strike him (the dead man) with apiece of it (the cow)." Thus Allah brings the dead to life and shows you His Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) so that you may understand.

Then after that your hearts were hardened and became as stones or even worse in hardness. And indeed, there are stones out of which rivers gush forth, and indeed, there are of them (stones) which fall down for fear of Allah. And Allah is not unaware of what you do. 
Quran, surah Al-Bakarah (The Cow) 2:67-74

Korah (Qaroun) refuses to pay zakat #

Moses began to face a difficult situation. He had to confront Pharaoh’s anger and his plots, while at the same time he had to deal with the mutiny of his people. In the midst of all this, Korah (Qaroun) moved.

Korah was a one of Moses’s people. He was very rich and lived in a magnificent mansion. He wore only the most expensive clothes. Numerous slaves waited on him and he indulged in every known luxury. His enormous wealth made him arrogant. Korah treated the poor with contempt and told them that their poverty was due to their lack of intelligence. He believed that what he owned was due to his own cleverness and business ability.

Moses reminded Korah to pay alms (zakat) on his wealth, a portion of which was rightfully due to the poor. Alms are compulsory upon all the believers. Korah was annoyed by this advice and told Moses that his being wealthy was proof that he was favored by Allah, Who approved of his life-style and increased his wealth daily. Moses argued with him and warned him of the result of his wicked thoughts.

When Korah did calculate the alms due on his wealth, he was shocked at the large amount he had to part with. He not only refused to give alms, but spread a rumor that Moses had invented the law of zakat for his own gain. He even bribed people to oppose Moses and to spread wicked rumors about him.

Allah warned Moses of Korah’s plot. Moses appealed to Allah to punish him for his stinginess and for defying His laws. Allah’s anger fell on Korah. The earth opened up and swallowed him, his mansion and all his wealth, as if he had never existed.

Almighty Allah revealed: Verily, Korah was of Moses's people, but he behaved arrogantly towards them. And We gave him of the treasures, that of which the keys would have been a burden to a body of strong men. When his people said to him: "Do not be glad (with ungratefulness to Allah's Favors). Verily! Allah likes not those who are glad (with ungratefulness to Allah's Favors). But seek, with that (wealth) which Allah has bestowed on you, the home of the Hereafter, and forget not your portion of legal enjoyment in this world, and do good as Allah has been good to you, and seek not mischief in the land. Verily, Allah likes not the Mufsideen (those who commit great crimes and sins, oppressors, tyrants, mischief-makers, corrupts)."

He said: "This has been given to me only because of knowledge I possess." Did he not know that Allah had destroyed before him generations, men who were stronger than him in might and greater in the amount (of riches) they had collected. But the Mujrimun (criminals, disbelievers, polyt heists, sinners, etc.) will not be questioned of their sins (because Allah knows them well, so they will be punished without account). So he went forth before his people in his pomp. Those who were desirous of the life of the world said: Ah, would that we had the like of what Korah has been given! Verily! He is the owner of a great fortune."

But those who had been given (religious) knowledge said: "Woe to you! The Reward of Allah (in the Hereafter) is better for those who believe and do righteous good deeds, and this none shall attain except those who are patient (in following the truth)."

So We caused the earth to swallow him and his dwelling place. Then he had no group or party to help him against Allah, nor was he one of those who could save themselves. And those who had desired (for a position like) his position the day before, began to say: "Know you not that it is Allah Who enlarges the provision or restricts it to whomsoever He pleases of His slaves? Had it not been that Allah was Gracious to us, He could have caused the earth to swallow us up (also)!" Know you not that the disbelievers will never be successful? 
Quran, surah Al-Qasas (The Stories) 28:76-82

Al-Khidr is a figure described but not mentioned by name in the Quran as a righteous servant of God possessing great wisdom or mystic knowledge

The story of Moses and Al-Khidr is also told in a hadith.

Said Ibn Jubair said: “I said to Ibn Abbas, ‘Nauf Al-Bukah claims that Moses, the companion of Al-Khidr, was not Moses (the prophet) of the children of Israel, but some other Moses.’ Ibn Abbas said: ‘Allah’s enemy (i.e. Nauf) has told a lie. Ubai Ibn Kab told us that the Prophet said: Once Moses stood up and addressed Bani Israel. He was asked who was the most learned man amongst the people. He said: “I.” Allah admonished him as he did not attribute absolute knowledge to Him (Allah). So, Allah said to him: ‘Yes, at the junction of the two seas there is a slave of Mine who is more learned than you.” Moses said: “0 my Lord! How can I meet him?” Allah said: “Take a fish and put it in a large basket and you will find him at the place where you will lose the fish.”

Moses took a fish and put it in a basket and proceeded along with his (servant) boy, Joshua (Yusha Ibn Nun), till they reached the rock where they laid their heads (i.e. lay down). Moses slept, and the fish, moving out of the basket, fell into the sea. It took its way into the sea (straight) as in a tunnel. Allah stopped the flow of water over the fish and it became like an arch (the Prophet pointed out this arch with his hands). They traveled the rest of the night, and the next day Moses said to his boy (servant): “Give us our food, for indeed, we have suffered much fatigue in this journey of ours.” Moses did not feel tired till he crossed that place which Allah had ordered him to seek after. His boy (servant) said to him: “Do you know that when we were sitting near that rock, I forgot the fish, and none but Satan caused me to forget to tell (you) about it, and it took its course into the sea in an amazing way?” So there was a path for the fish and that astonished them. Moses said: ‘This is exactly what we are seeking!”

They hurriedly retraced their steps to the place where the rivers met and where the fish had jumped out. There they found a man, his face partly covered with a hood. His bearing showed he was a saintly man. He was Al-Khidr, the guide.

Allah the Almighty narrated: And (remember) when Moses said to his boy-servant: "I will not give up (traveling) until I reach the junction of the two seas or (until) I spend years and years in traveling."

But when they reached the junction of the two seas, they forgot their fish, and it took its way throught the sea as in a tunnel. So when they had passed further on (beyond that fixed place), Moses said to his boy-servant: "Bring us our morning meal; truly, we have suffered much fatigue in this, our journey."

He said: "Do you remember when we betook ourselves to the ock? I indeed forgot the fish, none but Satan made me forget to remember it. It took its course into the sea in a strange (way)!"

(Moses) said: "That is what we have been seeking." So they went back retracing their footsteps.

Then they found one of Our slaves, unto whom We had bestowed mercy from Us, and whom We had taught knowledge from Us. 
Quran, surah Al-Kahf (The Cave) 18:60-65

Moses Speaks to Al-Khidr #

Moses said to him (Khidr) "May I follow you so that you teach me something of that knowledge (guidance and true path) which you have been taught (by Allah)?"

He (Khidr) said: "Verily! You will not be able to have patience with me! And how can you have patience about a thing which you know not?"

Moses said: "If Allah will, you will find me patient, and I will not disobey you in aught."

He (Khidr) said: "Then, if you follow me, ask me not about anything till I myself mention it to you.

So they both proceeded, till, when they were in the ship, he (Khidr) scuttled it. Moses said: "Have you scuttled it in order to drown its people? Verily, you have done Imra - a Munkar (evil, bad, dreadful) thing."

He (Khidr) said: "Did I not tell you, that you would not be able to have patience with me?"

(Moses) said: "Call me not to account for what I forgot, and be not hard upon me for my affair (with you)."

Then they both proceeded, till they met a boy, he (Khidr) killed him. Moses said: "Have you killed an innocent person who had killed none? Verily, you have done Nukra a great Munkar (prohibited, evil, dreadful) thing!"

(Khidr) said: "Did I not tell you that you can have no patience with me?"

(Moses) said: "If I ask you anything after this, keep me not in your company, you have received an excuse from me."

Then they both proceeded, till, when they came to the people of a town, they asked them for food, but they refused to entertain them. Then they found therein a wall about to collapse and he (Khidr) set it up straight. (Moses) said: "If you had wished, surely you could have taken wages for it!"

(Khidr) said: "This is the parting between me and you. I will tell you the interpretation of (those) things over which you were unable to hold patience.

'As for the ship, it belonged to poor people working in the sea. So I wished to make a defective damage in it, as there was a king after them who seized every ship by force.

"And as for the boy, his parents were believers, and we feared lest he should oppress them by rebellion and disbelief. So we intended that their Lord should change him for them for one better in righteousness and near to mercy.

"And as for the wall, it belonged to two orphan boys in the town; and there was under it a treasure belonging to them; and their father was a righteous man, and your Lord intended that they should attain their age of full strength and take out their treasure as a mercy from your Lord. And I did it not of my own accord. That is the interpretation of those (things) over which you could not hold patience. 
Quran, surah Al-Kahf (The Cave) 18:60-82

The Quran tells a story that happened to Jews in the town on the Red Sea. I could not find any hadith on this topic and mentions of when exactly this occasion took place.

The historical context of this story in the Quran is prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ persecution by his fellow Meccans before his Hijrah or Emigration from Mecca to Medina in AD 622. Still, despite this persecution, the prophet Muhammad ﷺ seeks to demonstrate that his revelations are superior to the Torah and Moses, and this brings us to the literary context, which is far more revealing of the content of Sura 7:166 than the historical context.

After recounting the stories of various prophets, rasulullah ﷺ comes to Moses (v. 103) and sketches out Moses’ mission: he liberates the Children of Israel from the grip of Pharaoh (vv. 103-137); he encounters God on Mt. Sinai on which receives the Two Tablets (vv. 142-147); and finally he confronts Israel’s transgression in worshipping the golden calf (148-156). Now the prophet Muhammad ﷺ turns to himself and asserts that the Torah (and the Gospels) describes himself and his Quran; he is now the one who commands people to do good and forbids them to do wrong; that is, he is the one who is rightly guided and who now fulfills and completes the mission of Moses (and Jesus).

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ then recounts a legend—not found in the Talmudists—about Jews fishing or working on the Sabbath in a town that tradition says was located on the Red Sea (vv. 163-167). God made fish appear on the surface only on the Sabbath, never on weekdays. This tempted some Jewish fishermen to break their holy day of rest, ignoring their teachers’ warnings.

And indeed you knew those amongst you who transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath (i.e. Saturday). We said to them: "Be you monkeys, despised and rejected."

So We made this punishment an example to their own and to succeeding generations and a lesson to those who are Al-Muttaqoon (the pious).
Quran, surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) 2:65-66 

And Allaah tells us their story in more detail in Soorat al-A’raf, where He says (interpretation of the meaning):

And ask them (O Muhammad) about the town that was by the sea; when they transgressed in the matter of the Sabbath (i.e. Saturday): when their fish came to them openly on the Sabbath day, and did not come to them on the day they had no Sabbath. Thus We made a trial of them, for they used to rebel against Allaah’s Command (disobey Allaah)

And when a community among them said: "Why do you preach to a people whom Allaah is about to destroy or to punish with a severe torment?" (The preachers) said: "In order to be free from guilt before your Lord (Allaah), and perhaps they may fear Allaah."

So when they forgot the reminders that had been given to them, We rescued those who forbade evil, but with a severe torment We seized those who did wrong because they used to rebel against Allaah’s Command (disobey Allaah).

So when they exceeded the limits of what they were prohibited, We said to them: "Be you monkeys, despised and rejected".
Quran, surah Al-Araaf (The Heights) 7:163-166 

And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

Say: "O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do you criticize us for no other reason than that we believe in Allah, and in (the Revelation) which has been sent down to us and in that which has been sent down before (us), and that most of you are Faasiqoon [rebellious and disobedient (to Allaah)]?"

Say (O Muhammad to the people of the Scripture): "Shall I inform you of something worse than that, regarding the recompense from Allah: those (Jews) who incurred the Curse of Allaah and His Wrath, and those of whom (some) He transformed into monkeys and swines, and those who worshipped Taaghoot (false deities); such are worse in rank (on the Day of Resurrection in the Hell-fire), and far more astray from the Right Path (in the life of this world)"
Quran, surah Al-Maaidah (The Table) 5:59-60 

His people were still wandering in the wilderness when he died.

Abu Hurairah narrated:

Azrail the Angel of Death was sent to Moses. When he came to Moses, Moses slapped him on the eye. The Angel returned to his Lord and said: You have sent me to a slave who does not want to die.’ Allah said: ‘Return to him and tell him to put his hand on the back of an ox and for every hair that will come under it, he will be granted one year of life.’ Moses said: ‘0 Lord! What will happen after that?’ Allah replied: ‘Then death.’ Moses said: ‘Let it come now!’ Moses then requested Allah to let him die close to the Holy Land so that he would be at a distance of a stone’s throw from it.” Abu Hurairah added: “Allah’s Messenger said: ‘If I were there, I would show you his grave below the red sandhill on the side of the road.”

According to Bible, Moses also dies very close to The Promised Land (also known as “The Land of Milk and Honey”, is the land which, according to the Tanakh (the Hebrew Bible or Old Testament), God promised and subsequently gave to Abraham and to his descendants).

Samuel (Shammil) is not mentioned by name in the Quran, but referred to as a “prophet”. The narrative of Samuel in Islam focuses specifically on his birth and the appointing of Talut a king (traditionally identified as Saul).

According to Islamic narrative, Israelites after Moses wanted a strong king to rule over their country and to lead them to victory. Allah sent prophet Shammil to help Israelites choose Saul as a king. Israelites mocked Saul but then agreed after seeing a sign from God.

Saul led them to a battle against Philistines and Goliath. Allah revealed to Saul that Israelities must not drink from one particular river but a part of people drank from the river and were not allowed to fight in the name of Allah. Despite righteous Israelites were scarse in numbers, Allah granted them victory.

In the Islamic narrative, the Israelites after Moses wanted a king 👑 to rule over their country. Thus, God sent a prophet, Samuel, to anoint Talut as the first king for the Israelites. However, the Israelites mocked and reviled the newly appointed king, as he was not wealthy from birth. But, assuming Talut to be Saul, in sharp contrast to the Hebrew Bible, the Quran praises Saul greatly, and mentions that he was gifted with great spiritual and physical strength. In the Quranic account, Samuel prophesies that the sign of Talut’s kingship will be that the Ark of the Covenant will come back to the Israelites.

Ibn Jarir reported that the condition of the Israelites deteriorated. They committed many sins and killed whom they wished of the prophets. Consequently Allah sent them tyrannous kings who ill-treated them and spilled their blood, and set their enemies from outside against them as well. They used to go to war, taking with them The Ark of the Covenant. They did this so that they would be victorious by its blessing, and it became a symbol of calm and a relic left behind by Moses’s people. When they went to war with the people of Gaza and Askalon, they were defeated because the Ark of the Covenant was captured from them. When the king of the Israelites heard of this he died on the spot.

The children of Israel remained like sheep without a shepherd until Almighty Allah sent them a prophet named Samuel (Shammil). They asked him to appoint a king over them to lead them in a war against their enemies.

According to Ibn Asaker, the Israelites believed their Ark of the Covenant to be very holy and an important symbol of their history. They carried the Ark even in battle and believed that, because of it, Allah would protect them from their enemies. This belief gave them peace of mind and great courage, and their enemies were terrified by it. Their enemies also believed that it was given special power by Allah. Gradually the Israelites started to ignore Allah’s law; evil habits became part of their lives. Allah sent upon them an enemy, the Philistines, who defeated the Israelites, captured their Ark, drove them out of their homes, and took away their children to use or sell as slaves. Their power was broken. They separated from one another and were very disheartened.

Then came Prophet Samuel among them to bring some relief. They asked the prophet’s help in appointing a strong leader, a king under whose banner they could unite and fight the Philistines. Prophet Samuel, knowing their weakness, told them: “I fear that when the time comes to fight you may refuse.” But they assured him that they had suffered enough insults and were now ready to fight in the way of God, even if they lost their lives.

Prophet Samuel prayed to Allah for guidance. Allah revealed to him that He had chosen one, Saul (Talut), to be their king. The prophet wanted to know how to recognize the future king. He was told that Saul would come to him by himself and that they should then hand over the control of the kingdom to him, for he would lead them in battle against the Philistines.

Saul is chosen to be the king of Israelites 👑 #

Saul was tall and sturdy, pious, and very intelligent. He lived and worked with his father on their farm. One day, several of their donkeys were lost. Accompanied by his servant, Saul went in search of them. They traveled for many days and were very tired. Saul said to his servant: “Let us rather go back, for I am sure that my father will be worried by now, and the other animals must also be cared for.” His servant suggested that as they were already in the land of Samuel the prophet, they should go to him to inquire about the lost donkeys.

Saul agreed, and they carried on. On their way, they asked directions from some maidens carrying water. They were told to go in the direction of the mountain. Here, a vast crowd was waiting for the Prophet Samuel. When Saul set eyes on him, he instantly recognized him as a prophet by his holy mien. Samuel also recognized Saul as the king that Allah had chosen for them. Saul greeted the prophet respectfully. When he asked about his missing donkeys, Samuel told him not to worry, his donkeys were already on their way to his father’s farm.

He then told Saul that Allah had chosen him as the king of the children of Israel. His duty would be to take charge of their affairs, to unite them under one banner, and to protect them from their enemies. If he carried out Allah’s commands, he would be given victory. Saul was surprised by this sudden honor offered to him. It was also a heavy responsibility. He protested to the prophet that he was of the Children of Benjamin, the least famous of the tribes of Jacob; he did not know anything of leadership or kingship and had no wealth. Samuel told him that it was the will of Allah that he should be the king, that he should thank Allah for His favor and be strong in faith.

Battle against Goliath and Philistines #

Taking Saul by the hand, Samuel led him to the children of Israel, but they insisted on a direct sign from Allah. Prophet Samuel told them to go outside the city to see the sign, which they did. Allah revealed:

"Have you not thought about the group of children of Israel after (the time of ) Moses? When they said to a Prophet of theirs: "Appoint for us a king and we will fight in Allah's Way."

He said: "Would you then refrain from fighting, if fighting was prescribed for you?"

They said: "Why should we not fight in Allah's Way while we have been driven out of our homes and our children (families have been taken as captives)?"

But when fighting was ordered for them, they turned away, all except a few of them. And Allah is All-Aware of the Zalimeen (polytheists, and wrongdoers).

And their Prophet (Samuel) said to them: "Indeed Allah has appointed Saul as a king over you."

They said: "How can he be a king over us when we are better fitted than him for the kingdom, and he has not been given enough wealth."

He said: "Verily, Allah has chosen him above you and has increased him abundantly in knowledge and stature. And Allah grants His Kingdom to whom He wills. And Allah is All-Sufficient for His creatures' needs, All-Knower."

And their Prophet (Samuel) said to them: "Verily! The sign of His kingdom is that there shall come to you At Tabut (a wooden box), wherein is Sakinah (peace and reassurance) from your Lord and a remnant of that which Moses and Aaron left behind, carried by the angels. Verily, in this is a sign for you if you are indeed believers."

Then when Saul set out with the army, he said: "Verily! Allah will try you by a river. So whoever drinks thereof, he is not of me, and whoever tastes it not, he is of me, except him who takes thereof in the hollow of his hand."

Yet, they drank thereof, all, except a few of them. So when he had crossed it (the river), he and those who believed with him, they said: "We have no power on this day against Goliath and his hosts."

But those who knew with certainty that they were to meet their Lord, said: "How often a small group overcame a mighty host by Allah's Leave?" And Allah is with the patient.

And when they advanced to meet Goliath and his forces, they invoked. "Our Lord! Pour forth on us patience and make us victorious over the disbelieving people." 
Quran, surah Al-Bakarah (The Cow) 2:246-250

Saul set about organizing his army with strong faith and wisdom. He ordered that only men free from responsibilities should join. Those engaged in building homes, men who were about to be married and those occupied with business should not join.

After establishing a well-trained army, he decided to put them to the test. He told them that along the route they would pass a river where they should drink enough water to quench their thirst but not more than that. To his disappointment, he discovered the majority of them drank more water than they should have. He discharged them for disobedience and kept only the few who had obeyed him, as they were the ones who proved their sincerity. This resulted in a split in the army, but he was not bothered. He believed in quality and not numbers; better a small band of true believers he could rely on than a huge army of unreliable men.

Saul’s men sighted the enemy on the other side of the river. Their opponents appeared physically strong and were armed with better weapons. They were led by the mighty warrior Goliath (Galut), known for his huge build and brute strength. A great number of Saul’s men ran away on seeing this strong force. The small band that remained was willing to fight, whatever the outcome, for they had heard that there had been many incidents in the past in which Allah had caused a small force to defeat a larger one.

Dawud is known as biblical David who was, according to the Hebrew Bible, the second king of the United Kingdom of Israel and Judah, reigning c. 1010–970 BCE.

Dawud (David), is a prophet and messenger of God and is righteous, divinely-anointed monarch of the United Kingdom of Israel. Additionally, Muslims honor David for having received the divine revelation of the Zabur (Psalms). Dawud is mentioned sixteen times in the Quran. Although he is not usually considered one of the “law-giving” prophets (ulū al-ʿazm), he is a significant figure in Islamic thought. In later Islamic traditions, he is praised for his rigor in prayer and fasting. He is also presented as the prototypical just ruler and as a symbol of God’s authority on earth, having been at once a king 👑 and a prophet.

Narrative in the Quran #

And when they went forth to [face] Goliath and his soldiers, they said, "Our Lord, pour upon us patience and plant firmly our feet and give us victory over the disbelieving people."
Quran, surah Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:250

So they defeated them by permission of Allah, and Dawud killed Goliath, and Allah gave him the kingship and prophethood and taught him from that which He willed. And if it were not for Allah checking [some] people by means of others, the earth would have been corrupted, but Allah is full of bounty to the worlds.
Quran, surah Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:251

David’s narrative in the Quran, in many respects, parallels that given in the Bible. He is named a prophet (nabī) and also a messenger (rasūl), David is included in lists of those who received revelation (waḥy; Q4:163) or guidance (hudā; 6:84) from God. In both lists his name appears next to that of his son Solomon. Elsewhere, the Quran explains that God gave to both of them the gifts of “sound judgment” (ḥukm; 21:79) and “knowledge” (ʿilm; 21:79; 27:15).

Yet the Quran also ascribes to David merits that distinguish him from Solomon: David killed Goliath (2:251) and received a divine revelation named “the Psalms” (Quran 17:55 uses an indefinite form, while 21:105 uses the definite form al-Zabūr), presumably a reference to the Psalms or the Psalter. The mountains and the birds 🐦🐦 praised God along with David (21:79; in 34:10 God commands them to do so; cfr. Psalm 148:7–10). God made David a “vicegerent” (khalīfa; 38:26), a title that the Quran otherwise gives only to Adam (2:30). This title suggests that, according to the Quran, David was something more than a messenger: he was a divinely guided leader who established God’s rule on Earth. This role is also suggested by 2:251.

"God gave him authority (mulk) and wisdom (ḥikmah) and taught him what He willed. If God did not drive back some people by others, the earth would become corrupt."

Among the things taught to David was the ability to make armour (21:80, 34:10–11), a suggestion that David’s military exploits were the act of God. It is also important that the Quranic reference to David’s “wisdom” was sometimes explained by the classical exegetes as the gift of prophecy. The Quran also connects David and Jesus, by insisting that both cursed those Israelites who did not believe (5:78). Moreover, according to the Quran, David was given the ability to distinguish between truth and falsehood when dispensing justice (faṣl al-khiṭāb, 38:20). Furthermore, there is the allusion to a test David was put through, wherein he prayed and repented and God forgave him (38:24-5). Surah Sad (38th chapter of the Quran) is also called “the sūra of David”. Exegetes explain that since David prostrated when asking God to forgive him, prophet Muhammad ﷺ was ordered to imitate him and to perform a prostration when reading this chapter.

Religious significance #

David is one of the few Islamic Prophets who received Kingship as well. While other prophets preached during the reign of kings, David, in his time, was the king. Thus, he received an extremely large task, of making sure that the people of Israel were not only held in check spiritually but that the country itself remained strong as well. His place as both leader and prophet is revered by all Muslims as one of extremely high rank. The figure of David, together with that of his prophetic son, Solomon, are iconic of people who ruled justly over their land. God frequently mentions David’s high rank as a prophet and messenger in the Quran. He is often mentioned alongside other prophets to emphasize how great he was. For example, God says:

And We gave him Isaac and Jacob and guided them, as We had guided Noah before them, and of his descendants, David and Solomon and Job and Joseph and Moses and Aaron. Thus We reward those who are upright and do good.
Quran, surah Al-Anaam (The Cattle) 6:84

When the Caliph ‘Umar visited Jerusalem, the Patriarch Sophronius accompanied him on the Temple Mount, while he searched for the Mihrab Dawud (David’s prayer-niche) to perform a prayer. Later commentators identified this site with the Tower of David. In a hadith, the prayer and fasting of David is mentioned to be dear to God.

Narrated Abdullah bin ‘Amr bin Al-‘As:

The Apostle of Allah told me, “The most beloved prayer to Allah is that of David and the most beloved fasts to Allah are those of David. He used to sleep for half of the night and then pray for one third of the night and again sleep for its sixth part and used to fast on alternate days.” — Muhammad al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Bukhari

The Book of David: Zabur #

The Zabur is the holy book attributed to David by God, just as Musa (Moses) received the Tawrat (Torah), Isa (Jesus) received the Injil (Gospel) and prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the Quran. In the current Hebrew Bible, the Zabur is known as the Psalms. However, like other scriptures of the past, the Psalms are believed to have been corrupted over time, with some of the original message now gone. Nonetheless, Muslims are told to treat the present Psalms with immense respect because, in their original form, they too were an inspired Book of God. The Quran states:

Your Lord knows whoever is in the heavens and the earth. We exalted some of the prophets over the others; and to David We gave the Book of Psalms.
Quran, surah Al-Isra (The Night Journey) 17:55

The term Zabur is the Arabic equivalent of the Hebrew Zimra, meaning “song/music.” It, along with Zamir (“song”) and Mizmor (“Psalm”), is a derivative of Zamar, meaning “sing”, “sing praise”, “make music”. Thus, David is also usually attributed the gifts of music and song.

Sulaimān ibn Dāwūd (Solomon son of David) was, according to the Quran, a malik (king) and Nabī (Prophet) of the Israelites. Islamic tradition generally holds that he was the third king 👑 of Jewish people, and a wise ruler for the nation.

Islam views Solomon as one of the prophets of God, who was bestowed with many God-given gifts, including the ability to speak to animals and jinn. After his father’s death, Solomon became king. He begged Allah for a kingdom such as none after him would have, and Allah granted his wish. Besides wisdom, Allah had blessed Solomon with many abilities. He could command the winds and understand and talk to birds and animals. Allah directed him to teach both men and jinns to mine the earth and extract its minerals to make tools and weapons. He also favored him with a mine of copper, which was a rare metal in those days

Muslims further maintain that he remained faithful to the one and only God throughout his life; and reigned justly over the whole of the Israelites; was blessed with a level of kingship which was given to none after him and before him; and fulfilled all of his commandments, being promised nearness to God in Paradise at the end of his life. Arab historians regarded Solomon as one of the greatest rulers around the world.

And (We made subservient) to Sulayman, the wind blowing violent, pursuing its course by his command to the land which We had blessed and we are knower of all things: And of the rebellious people there were those who dived for him and did other work besides that; and we kept guard over them;

And Sulayman was Dawud’s heir, and he said, "O men! we have been tangent the language of birds, and we have been given all things; most surely this is manifest grace". 
Quran, surah Saad (The letter Saad) 38:34-35

Unlike the Talmudic tradition, Solomon was unaware and never participated in idolatry. And the Quran rejects that Solomon was a magician:

"Solomon did not disbelieve, but the devils disbelieved, teaching men magic and". 
Quran, suraf Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:102

Judgment on the field #

In the earliest narrative involving Solomon, the Quran (21:78) briefly alludes to a story that Solomon was in the company of his father, when two men came to ask David to judge between them regarding a ḥarth (field). Later Muslim commentators expanded on the allusion, including Al-Tabari, Baidawi, and Ibn Kathir. They said that the first of the two men said that he owned a vineyard of which he took great care the whole year through. But one day, when he was absent, the other man’s sheep had strayed into the vineyard and devoured the grapes. He asked to be compensated for this damage. Upon hearing the man’s complaint, Solomon suggested that the owner of the sheep take the other man’s vineyard to repair and cultivate until the vines returned to their former state, whereupon he should return it to its owner. At the same time, the owner of the vineyard would care for the sheep and benefit from their wool and milk until his land was returned to him, at which point he would return the sheep to their owner.

Solomon’s level of judgment, which the Quran says, would characterize Solomon throughout his life. Ḥikmah (Wisdom), according to Muslim tradition, would always be associated with Solomon, who would later even be referred to as Sulaimān al-Ḥakīm (“Solomon the Wise”).

Solomon and Jinns #

When David died, Solomon inherited his position as the prophetic king of the Israelites. He prayed to God to grant him a kingdom which would be unlike any after him. God accepted Solomon’s prayer and gave him what he pleased.

The Quran narrates that the wind was made subservient to Solomon, and he could control it at his own will, and that the jinn also came under Solomon’s control. The jinn helped strengthen Solomon’s reign. The devils (shayatin), and demons were forced to build for him monuments. God also caused a miraculous ʿayn (عَيْن, ‘fount’ or ‘spring’) of molten qiṭr (قِطْر, ‘brass’ or ‘copper’) to flow for Solomon, to be used by the demons in their construction.

And (we made) the wind (subservient) to Sulayman, which made a month’s journey in the morning and a month’s journey in the evening and we made a fountain of molten copper to flow out for him; and of the jinn there were those who worked before him by the command of his Lord; and who ever turned aside from Our Command from among them, We made him taste of the punishment of burning. They made for him what he pleased of fortresses and usages, and bowls (large) as watering troughs and cooking pots that will not move from their place; give thanks, O family of Dawud! and very few of My Servants are grateful.

And certainly We tried Sulayman and we put on his throne a (mere) body, so he turned (to Allah). He said, My Lord! do Thou forgive me and grant me a kingdom which is not fit for (being inherited by) anyone after me; surely Thou art the great Giver. Then We made the wind subservient to him; it made his command to run gently wherever he desired, And the Shaitans, every builder and liver, And others fettered in chains, This is Our free gift, therefore give freely or with hold, with out reckoning.
Quran, surah Saad (The letter Saad) 38

Solomon and the Ant 🐜 #

Solomon was even taught the languages of various animals, such as ants.

One day Solomon gathered his army, which had different battalions of men, jinns, birds, and animals. He marched them to the country of Askalon.

While they were passing through a valley, an ant saw the approaching army and cried out to warn the other ants: “Run to your homes! Otherwise, unaware, Solomon and his army might crush you!” Solomon, hearing the cry of the ant, smiled. He was glad that the ant knew him to be a prophet who would not intentionally harm Allah’s creation. He thanked Allah for saving the ants’ lives.

Immediately understanding what the ant said, Solomon, as always, prayed to God, thanking him for bestowing upon him such gifts and further avoided trampling over the ant colonies. Solomon’s wisdom, however, was yet another of the gifts he received from God, and Muslims maintain that Solomon never forgot his daily prayer, which was more important to him than any of his gifts.

At length, when they came to a (lowly) valley of ants, one of the ants said: "O ye ants, get into your habitations, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you (under foot) without knowing it."

So he smiled, amused at her speech; and he said: "O my Lord! so order me that I may be grateful for Thy favours, which thou hast bestowed on me and on my parents, and that I may work the righteousness that will please Thee: And admit me, by Thy Grace, to the ranks of Thy righteous Servants."
Quran, surah An-Naml (The Ant) 27:18-19

Exegetical literature emphasizes the ant’s wisdom and explains the meaning behind Solomon’s gift to control the wind. According to Siracü’l-Kulub, the ant asks Solomon if he knows why he is called “Solomon” (Süleyman). Solomon negates and the ant went on to explain: “Although your heart was sound (selim) and you know the circumstances of the next world, you have accepted a few pleassures of this world and have been deceived by its possesion and kingship; therefore you are called Solomon.” Afterwards the ant asks Solomon, if he knows why God has subdued the wind for him. Once again, Solomon denies and the ant answers: “He has subdued the wind for a reason: that which you have accepted is nothing. Just as the wind passes, the world’s wealth and kingship pass too.” Scholars like Fakhr al-Din Razi and al-Qurtubi elevated the ant to the rank of an examplar for humans to follow.

Conquest of Saba’ #

Ruins of the Barran Temple at Ma’rib, the former capital of Saba’ in what is now Yemen.

In Jerusalem, on a huge rock, Solomon built a beautiful temple to draw the people to worship Allah. Today this building is known as ‘The Dome of the Rock.” From there, a large band of followers joined Solomon on pilgrimage to the Holy Mosque in Mecca. After they had completed their hajj, they traveled to Yemen and arrived in the city of Sana.

Solomon was impressed by their clever method of channeling water all over their cities. He was keen to build similar water systems in his own country but did not have enough springs.

He set out to find the hoopoe bird, which could detect water under the ground. He sent signals all over for the hoopoe to call on him, but it was nowhere to be found. In anger, he declared that unless the bird had good reason for its absence, he would punish it severely.

The hoopoe eventually came to Solomon and explained the reason for its delay:

"I have compassed (territory) which thou hast not compassed, and I have come to thee from Saba' with tidings true." 

The Hud-hud further told Solomon that the people of Sheba worshiped the Sun, and that the woman who ruled the kingdom was highly intelligent and powerful. Solomon, who listened closely, chose to write a letter to the land of Sheba, through which he would try to convince the people of Sheba to cease in worshiping the Sun, and to come to the worship of God. Solomon ordered the Hud-hud to give the letter to the Queen of Sheba (Bilqis), and then to hide and observe her reaction. The Hud-hud accepted Solomon’s orders, and flew to give the letter to her. The Queen then called her ministers in the court and announced the letter of Solomon stating to the people of Sheba.

The hoopoe dropped the letter in front of the queen and flew away to hide. She excitedly opened and read it: "Verily! It is from Solomon, and verily! It (reads): 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission)." 
Quran, surah An-Naml (The Ant) 27:30-31

She asked for suggestions from her minister and administration stating:

"O my people, I know that you all are powerful and brave warriors, and no one on the face of the Earth can defeat our army, but still I want your opinion." The people of the court replied: "You have all the power, and whatever order you deliver, you will find us obedient." 

She said: "0 chiefs! Verily! Here is delivered to me a noble letter. Verily! It is from Solomon, and verily! It (reads): 'In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful; Be you not exalted against me, but come to me as Muslims (true believers who submit to Allah with full submission)."

She said: 'O chiefs! Advise me in (this) case of mine. I decide no case till you are present with me."

They said: "We have great strength, and great ability for war, but it is for you to command; so think over what you will command."

She said: "Verily! Kings, when they enter a town (country), they despoil it, and make the most honorable amongst its people low. And thus they do. But verily! I am going to send him a present, and see with what (answer) the messengers return."

So when (the messengers with the present) came to Solomon, he said: "Will you help me in wealth? What Allah has given me is better than that which He has given you! Nay, you rejoice in your gift!" (Then Solomon said to the chief of her messengers who brought the present): "Go back to them. We verily shall come to them with hosts that they cannot resist, and we shall drive them out from there in disgrace, and they will be abased." 
Quran, surah An-Naml (The Ant) 27:29-37

The queen’s envoys returned with the gifts and delivered the message. They also told her of the wonderful things they had seen. Instead of taking offense, she decided to visit Solomon. Accompanied by her royal officials and servants, she left Sheba, sending a messenger ahead to inform Solomon that she was on her way to meet him.

Solomon asked the jinns in his employ whether anyone among them could bring her throne to the palace before she arrived. One of them said: “I will bring it to you before this sitting is over.” Solomon did not react to this offer; it appeared that he was waiting for a faster means. The jinns competed with each other to please him. One of them named Ifrit said: “I will fetch it for you in the twinkling of an eye!”

No sooner had this one - who had the knowledge of the Book - finished his phrase than the throne stood before Solomon. The mission had, indeed, been completed in the blinking of an eye. Solomon’s seat was in Palestine, and the throne of Bilqis had been in Yemen, two thousand miles away. This was a great miracle performed by one of those sitting with Solomon.

He said: "0 chiefs! Which of you can bring me her throne before they come to me surrendering themselves in obedience?"

An Ifrit (strong) from the jinns said: "I will bring it to you before you rise from your place (council). And verily, I am in deed strong, and trustworthy for such work."

One with whom was knowledge of the Scripture said: "I will bring it to you within the twinkling of an eye!" - then when (Solomon) saw it placed before him, he said: 'This is by the Grace of my Lord - to test me whether I am grateful or ungrateful! And whoever is grateful, truly, his gratitude is for (the good of) his ownself and whoever is ungrateful, (he is ungrateful only for the loss of his ownself). Certainly! My Lord is Rich (Free of all wants), Bountiful."

He said: "Disguise her throne for her that we may see whether she will be guided (to recognize her throne), or she will be one of those not guided."

So when she came, it was said (to her): "Is your throne like this?"

She said: "(It is) as though it was the very same."

And (Solomon said): 'Knowledge was bestowed on us before her, and we were submitted to Allah (in Islam as Muslims before her)."

And that which she used to worship besides Allah has prevented her (from Islam), for she was of a disbelieving people.

It was said to her: "Enter As-Sarh "(a glass surface with water underneath it) or a palace, but when she saw it, she thought it was a pool, and she (tucked up her clothes) uncovering her legs.

Solomon said: "Verily, it is Sarh paved smooth with slab of glass."

She said: 'My Lord! Verily, I have wronged myself and I submit (in Islam), together with Solomon, to Allah, the Lord of the Alamin (mankind, jinns, and all that exists)." 
Quran, surah An-Naml (The Ant) 27:38-441

During Bilqis’ travel, Solomon asks his servants to deliver her throne to his court. An ifrit offers his service (Q27:38-40), but Solomon declines. Another man is endowed with this task instead, who prays to God for the throne. Afterwards, the prayer is answered and the throne appears thanks to God’s power in Solomon’s palace. When Bilqis arrives, Solomon asks if she can recognize her throne. She gives him an evasive answer, because she can not grasp the miracle performed here. Since this miracle was done by God (and not by the ifrit), she surrenders to the faith of Solomon. Solomon declined the ifrit’s temptatious offer, because he wants to rely on God only and not on the demonic, this leading to his successful conversation of Bilqis.

Solomon and horses 🐎🐎🐎 #

During his time horses were the common mode of transportation. They were very essential for defense, to carry soldiers and cart provisions and weapons of war. The animals were well cared for and well trained. One day Solomon was reviewing a parade of his stable. The fitness, beauty and posture of the horses fascinated him so much that he kept on stroking and admiring them. The sun was nearly setting, and the time for the middle prayer was passing by. When he realized this, he exclaimed: “I surely love the finer things of life than the service of my Lord! Return them to me.”

Almighty Allah revealed: And to David We gave Solomon. How excellent a slave! Verily, he was ever oft-returning in repentance (to Us)!

When there were displayed before him, in the afternoon, well trained horses of the highest breed (for jihad in Allah's cause). And he said: 'Alas! I did love the good (these horses) instead of remembering my Lord (in my Asr prayer)" till the time was over, and (the sun) had hidden in the veil (of night). Then he said: "Bring them (horses) back to me." Then he began to pass his hand over their legs and their necks till the end of the display.

And, indeed We did try Solomon and We placed on his throne Jasadan (a devil, so he lost his kingdom for a while) but he did return (to his throne and kingdom by the Grace of Allah and he did return) to Allah with obedience and in repentance. He said: 'My Lord.' Forgive me, and bestow upon me a kingdom such as shall not belong to any other after me: verily, You are the Bestower."

So, We subjected to him the wind, it blew gently to his order whither-so-ever he willed - and also the devils from the jinns (including) every kind of builder and diver, - and also others bound in fetters. (Saying of Allah to Solomon): 'This is Our gift, so spend you or withhold, no account will be asked." And verily, he enjoyed a near access to Us, and a good final return (Paradise). 
Quran, surah Saad (The letter Saad) 38:30-40

Death #

The Quran relates that Solomon died while he was leaning on his staff. Then a creature (an ant or a worm) gnaw at Solomon’s staff, until his body collapsed.

Allah the Exalted revealed: And We caused a fount of (molten) brass to flow for him, and there were jinns that worked in front of him by the Leave of his Lord, and whosoever of them turned aside from Our Command, We shall cause him to taste of the torment of the blazing Fire. They worked for him what he desired, (making) high rooms, images, basins as large as reservoirs, and (making) cauldrons fixed (in their places). 'Work you, 0 family of David, with thanks!" But few of My slaves are grateful.

Then, when We decreed (Solomon's) death, nothing showed them his death except a little worm of the earth, which kept (slowly) gnawing away at his staff: so when he fell down, the Jinn saw plainly that if they had known the unseen, they would not have tarried in the humiliating Penalty (of their Task).
Quran, surah Saba (Sheba) 34:12-14

As he remained upright, propped on his staff, the jinn thought he was still alive and supervising them.

The jinn realized the truth only when God sent a creature to crawl out of the ground and gnaw at Solomon’s staff, until his body collapsed. This verse is understood to teach the audience that jinn do not know the unseen (Al-Ghaib), since if they had known the unseen, they would not have stayed in the service of Solomon.

Almighty Allah said:

Did you (0 Muhammad) not think of those who went forth from their homes in thousands, fearing death? Allah said to them, 'Die." And then He restored them to life. Truly, Allah is full of Bounty to mankind, but most men thank not. 
Quran, surah Al-Bakarah (The Cow) 2:243

Mohammad Ibn Ishaaq stated of Wahb Ibn Munbah said that

when Allah took Kalih Ibn Yofra (Jephtha) after Joshua, Ezekiel Ibn Buzi succeeded him as the prophet to the Israelites. The people had fled from Palestine for fear of the plague and settled on a plateau. Allah said to them: “Die you all,” and they all perished. A few centuries passed, and then Ezekiel, passing by, stopped over them, wondering. There came a voice: Do you want Allah to resurrect them while you watch?” He said: “Yes.” Then he was commanded to call those bones to join one to the other and to be covered with flesh. So he called them by the power of Allah, and the people arose and glorified Allah in the voice of one man.

According to Ibn ‘Abbas, this place was called “Damardan.” Its people were inflicted with plague, so they fled, while a group of them who remained in the village perished. The Angel of Death called to the survivors: “Die you all,” and they perished. After a long time a prophet called Ezekiel passed by them and stood wondering over them, twisting his jaws and fingers. Allah revealed to him: “Do you want Me to show you how I bring them back to life?” He said: ‘Yes.” His idea was to marvel at the power of Allah over them. A voice said to him: “Call: ‘0 you bones, Allah commands you to gather up."’ The bones began to fly one to the other until they became skeletons. Then Allah revealed to him to say:

“Call: ‘0 you bones, Allah commands you to put on flesh and blood and the clothes in which they had died."’ And a voice said: “Allah commands you to call the bodies to rise.” And they rose. When they returned to life they said: “Blessed are You, 0 Lord, and all praise is Yours.”

Ibn ‘Abbas reported that the dead who were resurrected were four thousand, while Ibn Salih said they were nine thousand.

Muhammad Ibn Ishaaq stated that we do not know how long Ezekiel stayed among the Israelites before Allah took him away. After him, the Israelites deviated from the right way of life, as they usually did, and deserted Allah’s covenant with them. They worshiped many idols, among them Ba’al, so Allah sent to them the Prophet Elijah.

Traditional depiction of the cherubim and chariot vision, based on the description by Ezekiel in the Bible.

Ilyas is mentioned 4 times in the Quran. He was the one who perfected his character.

After death of the prophet Suleyman as, his kingdom was divided into two: Israel (Samaria) and Judah (Jerusalem). They started to go astray. Allah sent Ilyas to Samaria because they started worshipping an idol. They did not listen to Ilyas, so Allah sent a long-lasting draught. Ilyas challenged priests of the idol Ball.

Ilyas is first mentioned as a prophet in Al-An’am 6:85. He invited his people who lived in Baalbek to monotheism, obeying God and abandoning sins. His main task was to prevent the idol-worshipping. After he faced persistence of his people for many years, cursed them with drought and people were inflicted with starvation. Ilyas’ narrative in the Quran and later Muslim tradition resembles closely that in the Hebrew Bible and Muslim literature records Elijah’s primary prophesying as taking place during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel as well as Ahaziah.

Ilyas in the Quran #

Ilyas is mentioned in the Quran, where his preaching is recounted in a concise manner. The Quran narrates that Ilyas told his people to come to the worship of God and to leave the worship of Baal, the primary idol of the area. The Quran states:

Verily Ilyas was one of the apostles. When he said to his people: "Will you not fear God? Will ye call upon Ba'al and leave the Best of Creators, God, your Lord and Cherisher and the Lord and Cherisher of your fathers of old?"
Quran, surah As-Saaffat (Those drawn up in ranks) 37:123–126

The Quran makes it clear that the majority of Ilyas’ people denied the prophet and continued to follow idolatry. However, it mentions that a small number of devoted servants of God among them followed Elijah and believed in and worshiped God. The Quran states, They denied him (Elijah), and will surely be brought to punishment, Except the sincere and devoted Servants of God (among them). And We left his (memory) for posterity.

In the Quran, God praises Elijah in two places:

Peace be upon Elijah! This is how We reward those who do good. He is truly among our believing servants.
Quran, surah As-Saaffat (Those drawn up in Ranks) 37:129–132

And Zakariya and Yahya and Isa and Ilyas, they were all from among the righteous.
Quran, surah Al-Anam (The Cattle) 6:85

Numerous commentators, including Abdullah Yusuf Ali, have offered commentary on verse 85 saying that Ilyas, Zakariya, Yahya and Isa were all spiritually connected. Abdullah Yusuf Ali says, “The third group consists not of men of action, but Preachers of Truth, who led solitary lives. Their epithet is: “the Righteous.” They form a connected group round Jesus. Zachariah was the father of John the Baptist, who is referenced as “Ilyas, which was for to come” (Matt 11:14); and Elias is said to have been present and talked to Jesus at the Transfiguration on the Mount (Matt. 17:3).”

Legacy #

Muslim literature and tradition recounts that Ilyas preached to the Kingdom of Israel, ruled over by Ahab and later his son Ahaziah. He is called a “prophet of the desert—like Yahya”. Ilyas is believed to have preached with zeal to Ahab and his wife Jezebel, who according to Muslim tradition was partly responsible for the worship of false idols in this area. Muslims believe that it was because the majority of people refused to listen to Elijah that Elisha had to continue preaching the message of God to Israel after him.

Ilyas has been the subject of legends and folktales in Muslim culture, usually involving his meeting with Khidr.

Alyasa is a prophet and messenger of God (Allah) who was sent to guide the Children of Israel. In the Quran, Alyasa is mentioned twice as a prophet, and is mentioned both times alongside fellow prophets. He is honored by Muslims as the prophetic successor to Ilyas (Elijah).

The name of Alyasa is mentioned twice in Al-An’am 6:86 and Sad 38:48. In those verses, without mentioning anything about the personality or prophethood of Alyasa, he is mentioned as “graced” and “among the elect”. According to the Quran, Elisha is exalted “above the rest of creation” (Arabic: “among the excellent”. Alyasa is mentioned along with Ismail:

"And Ismail and Alyasa and Yunus, and Lut; and each one We graced over the worlds"
Quran, surah Al-Anam (The Cattle) 6:86

"And remember Our servants Ismail, Alyasa, and Dhul-Kifl, each of them truly good."
Quran, surah Sad (The letter Saad) 38:48

Elisha in the New Testament #

Elisha is venerated as a prophet in Judaism, Christianity and Islam and writings of the Baháʼí Faith refer to him by name.

In the biblical narrative he is a disciple and protégé of Elijah, and after Elijah was taken up in a whirlwind, he gave Elisha a double portion of his power and he was accepted as the leader of the sons of the prophets. Elisha then went on to perform twice as many miracles as Elijah.

~ VIII-IX century BCE

Yunus is called in the Quran as a companion of the fish 🐟. He was in three darknesses: the darkness of the night, darkness of the ocean’s depth, darkness of the whale’s stomach.

Yunus ibn Matta (يُونُس ابن ماتا, ) is a prophet and messenger of God (Allah). Yunus is traditionally viewed as highly important in Islam as a prophet who was faithful to God and delivered His messages. Yunus is the only one of the Bible’s Twelve Minor Prophets to be named in the Quran. The tenth chapter of the Quran is named after him.

In the Quran, Yunus is mentioned several times by name, as an apostle of Allah, and as Dhul-Nun ( ذُو ٱلنُّوْن)).

In Al-Anbiya 21:87 and Al-Qalam 68:48, Yunus is called Dhul-Nūn (ذُو ٱلنُّوْن, lit. ‘The One of the Fish’). In An-Nisa 4:163 and Al-An’am 6:86, he is referred to as “an apostle of Allah”.

The Quran does not mention Yunus’ heritage, but Muslim tradition teaches that Yunus was from the tribe of Benjamin.

The inhabitants of the town of Nineveh were idolators who lived a shameless life. Prophet Jonah was sent to teach them the worship of Allah. The people disliked his interference in their way of worship, so they argued: “We and our forefathers have worshipped these gods for many years and no harm has come to us.”

Try as he might to convince them of the foolishness of idolatry and of the goodness of Allah’s laws, they ignored him. He warned them that if they kept on with their foolishness, Allah’s punishment would soon follow. Instead of fearing Allah, they told Jonah that they were not afraid of his threats. “Let it happen,” they told him. Jonah was disheartened. “In that case I will leave you to your misery!” So saying, he left Nineveh, fearing that Allah’s anger would soon follow. “And (remember) Dhan-Nun (Jonah), when he went off in anger, and imagined that We shall not punish him (i.e., the calamities which had befallen him)!” Surah, surah Al-Nabiyaa (The Prophets) 21:87

People of Yunus repent #

Hardly had Yunus left the city when the skies began to change color and looked as if they were on fire. The people were filled with fear by this sight. They recalled the destruction of the people of ‘Ad, Thamud and Noah. Was theirs to be a similar fate? Slowly faith penetrated their hearts. They all gathered on the mountain and started to beseech Allah for His mercy and forgiveness. The mountains echoed with their cries. It was a momentous hour, filled with sincere repentance.

Allah removed His wrath and showered His blessings upon them once again. When the threatening storm was lifted, they prayed for the return of Yunus so that he could guide them.

Yunus in a storm #

Meanwhile, Jonah had boarded a small ship in the company of other passengers. It sailed all day in calm waters with a good wind blowing at the sails. When night came, the sea suddenly changed. A horrible storm blew as if it were going to split the ship into pieces. The waves looked wild. They rose up as high as mountains then plunged down like valleys, tossing the ship and sweeping over the deck.

Behind the ship, a large whale was splitting the water and opening its mouth. A command had been issued from Almighty Allah to one of the greatest whales of the sea to surface. It obeyed. The whale hurried to the surface of the sea and followed the ship as it had been commanded.

The tempest continued and the chief crewman asked the crew to lighten the ship’s heavy load. They threw their baggage overboard, but this was not enough. Their safety lay in reducing the weight further, so they decided among themselves to lighten their load by removing at least one person.

Yunus jumps into the sea #

The captain directed: “We will make lots with all the travelers’ names. The one whose name is drawn will be thrown into the sea.” Jonah knew this was one of the seamen’s traditions when facing a tempest. It was a strange polytheistic tradition, but it was practiced at that time. Jonah’s affliction and crisis began.

Here was the prophet, subjected to polytheistic rules that considered the sea and the wind to have gods that riot. The captain had to please these gods. Jonah reluctantly participated in the lot, and his name was added to the other travelers’ names. The lot was drawn and “Jonah” appeared.

Since they knew him to be the most honorable among them, they did not wish to throw him into the angry sea. Therefore, they decided to draw a second lot. Again Jonah’s name was drawn. They gave him a final chance and drew a third lot. Unfortunately for Jonah, his name came up again.

Jonah realized that Allah’s hand was in all this, for he had abandoned his mission without Allah’s consent. The matter was over, and it was decided that Jonah should throw himself into the water. Jonah stood at the edge of the ship, looking at the furious sea. It was night and there was no moon. The stars were hidden behind a black fog. But before he could be thrown overboard, Jonah kept mentioning Allah’s name as he jumped into the raging sea and disappeared beneath the huge waves.

A whale swallows Yunus #

The whale found Yunus floating on the waves before it. It swallowed Yunus into its furious stomach and shut its ivory teeth on him as if they were white bolts locking the door of his prison. The whale dived to the bottom of the sea, the sea that runs in the abyss of darkness.

Three layers of darkness enveloped him, one above the other: the darkness of the whale’s stomach, the darkness of the bottom of the sea, the darkness of the night. Jonah imagined himself to be dead, but his senses became alert when he found he could move. He knew that he was alive and imprisoned in the midst of three layers of darkness. His heart was moved by remembering Allah. His tongue was released soon after saying: “La ilaha illa Anta (none has the right to be worshipped but You (0, Allah), Glorified (and Exalted) be You above all that (evil) they associate with You. Truly, I have been of the wrong-doers.”

Jonah continued praying to Allah, repeating this invocation. Fishes, whales, sea-weeds, and all the creatures that lived in the sea heard the voice of Jonah praying, heard the celebration of Allah’s praises issuing from the whale’s stomach. All these creatures gathered around the whale and began to celebrate the praises of Allah in their turn, each in its own way and in its own language.

Allah forgives Yunus #

The whale also participated in celebrating the praises of Allah and understood that it had swallowed a prophet. Therefore it felt afraid; however, it said to itself: “Why should I be afraid? Allah commanded me to swallow him.”

Allah Almighty saw the sincere repentance of Jonah and heard his invocation in the whale’s stomach. Allah commanded the whale to surface and eject Jonah onto an island. The whale obeyed and swam to the farthest side of the ocean. Allah commanded it to rise towards the warm, refreshing sun and the pleasant earth.

The whale ejected Jonah onto a remote island. His body was inflamed because of the acids inside the whale’s stomach. He was ill, and when the sun rose, its rays burned his inflamed body so that he was on the verge of screaming for the pain. However, he endured the pain and continued to repeat his invocation to Allah.

Almighty Allah caused a vine to grow to considerable length over him for protection. Then Allah Exalted caused Jonah to recover and forgave him. Allah told Jonah that if it had not been for his praying to Him, he would have stayed in the whale’s stomach till the Day of Judgment.

Gradually he regained his strength and found his way to his hometown, Nineveh. He was pleasantly surprised to notice the change that had taken place there. The entire population turned out to welcome him. They informed him that they had turned to believe in Allah. Together they led a prayer of thanksgiving to their Merciful Lord.

Surah 37:139-148 retells the full story of Yunus:

Hadithic mentions #

Yunus is also mentioned in a few incidents during the lifetime of prophet Muhammad ﷺ . In some instances, Yunus’ name is spoken of with praise and reverence by the prophet. According to historical narrations about prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ life, after ten years of receiving revelations, prophet Muhammad ﷺ went to the city of Ta’if to see if its leaders would allow him to preach his message from there rather than Mecca, but he was cast from the city by the people. He took shelter in the garden of Utbah and Shaybah, two members of the Quraysh tribe. They sent their servant, Addas, to serve him grapes for sustenance. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ asked Addas where he was from and the servant replied Nineveh. “The town of Yunus the just, son of Amittai!” Muhammad exclaimed. Addas was shocked because he knew that the pagan Arabs had no knowledge of the prophet Yunus. He then asked how prophet Muhammad ﷺ knew of this man. “We are brothers,” prophet Muhammad ﷺ replied. “Yunus was a Prophet of God and I, too, am a Prophet of God.” Addas immediately accepted Islam and kissed the hands and feet of prophet Muhammad ﷺ .

One of the sayings of prophet Muhammad ﷺ , in the collection of Imam Bukhari, says that Muhammad said “One should not say that I am better than Yunus”. Ibn Abi al-Salt, an older contemporary of the prophet ﷺ , taught that, had Yunus not prayed to Allah, he would have remained trapped inside the fish until Day of Resurrection but, because of his prayer, Yunus “stayed only a few days within the belly of the fish”.

The ninth-century Persian historian Al-Tabari records that, while Jonah was inside the fish, “none of his bones or members were injured”. Al-Tabari also writes that Allah made the body of the fish transparent, allowing Yunus to see the “wonders of the deep” and that Yunus heard all the fish singing praises to Allah. Kisai Marvazi, a tenth-century poet, records that Yunus’ father was seventy years old when Yunus was born and that he died soon afterwards, leaving Yunus’ mother with nothing but a wooden spoon, which turned out to be a cornucopia.

Dhu al-Kifl (“Possessor of the Kifl”; also spelled Dhu l-Kifl, Dhul-Kifl, Zu al-Kifl, or Zu l-Kifl) is an Islamic prophet. Although his identity is unknown, his identity has been theorised and identified as various Hebrew Bible prophets and other figures, most commonly Ezekiel and Gautama Buddha. Dhu al-Kifl is believed to have been exalted by Allah to a high station in life and is chronicled in the Quran as a man of the “Company of the Good”. Although not much is known of Dhu al-Kifl from other historical sources, all the writings from classical commentators, such as Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Kathir, speak of Dhu al-Kifl as a prophetic, saintly man who remained faithful in daily prayer and worship.

Dhu al-Kifl has been mentioned twice in the Quran, in the following verses. In both cases, Dhu al-Kifl is mentioned in the context of a list of Quranic prophets, including many others not mentioned.

Uzair (عزير, ʿUzayr) is a figure who is mentioned in the Quran, Surah At-Tawba, verse 9:30, which states that he was revered by the Jews as “the son of God”. Uzair is most often identified with the biblical Ezra. Modern historians have described the reference as “enigmatic”, since such views have not been found in Jewish sources. Islamic scholars have interpreted the Quranic reference in different ways, with some explaining that it alluded to a specific group of Jews.

According to Ibn Kathir, Uzair lived between the times of King Solomon and the time of Zachariah, father of John the Baptist. Some Quranic commentators viewed Uzayr as a learned scholar who sought to teach the people the forgotten laws of God. He is sometimes identified as the protagonist in the Quranic story of the man who slept for a hundred years (2:259). Some Islamic scholars held Uzayr to be one of the prophets.

The Jews call Uzair a son of Allah, and the Christians call the Christ a son of Allah. That is a saying from their mouth; (in this) they but imitate what the unbelievers of old used to say. May Allah destroy them: how they are deluded away from the Truth!(Quran 9:30)

In February 624, when the qibla (direction of prayer) changed from Jerusalem to Mecca. Sallam ibn Mishkam, a Jew who lived in Medina and his friends asked Muhammad: “How can we follow you when you have abandoned our qibla and you do not allege that Uzair (Ezra) is the son of God?":269. This verse is situated in a context of theological disputes with the Jewish community of Medina. The Quran emphasizes the absolute divinity of God and warns against associating any being with him (shirk). It further condemns Jewish and Christian leaders of the time for deceiving the masses into taking “their priests and their anchorites to be their lords in derogation of God”. In casting doubt on claims about the divine status of Uzayr and Christ, the Quran also instructs Muslims to reject such beliefs. These arguments reflect the tensions between the new Muslim community and the more established Christian and Jewish communities of Arabia.

In some Islamic texts, Ezra is identified as the person mentioned in Quran 2:259

Or (take) the similitude of one who passed by a hamlet, all in ruins to its roofs. He said: "Oh! how shall God bring it (ever) to life, after (this) its death?" but God caused him to die for a hundred years, then raised him up (again). He said: "How long didst thou tarry (thus)?" He said: (Perhaps) a day or part of a day." He said: "Nay, thou hast tarried thus a hundred years; but look at thy food and thy drink; they show no signs of age; and look at thy donkey: And that We may make of thee a sign unto the people, Look further at the bones, how We bring them together and clothe them with flesh." When this was shown clearly to him, he said: "I know that God hath power over all things." 
Quran, surah Al-Bakarah (The Cow) 2:259

According to the classical Quranic exegete, Ibn Kathir, after Ezra questioned how the resurrection will take place on the Day of judgment, God had him brought back to life many years after he died. He rode on his revived donkey and entered his native place. Ezra then led the people to locate the only surviving copy of Torah as the remaining were burnt by Nebuchadnezzar. It was rotting and crumpled, so Ezra had a new copy of the Torah made which he had previously memorized. He thus renovated the Torah to the Children of Israel. Ibn Kathir mentions that the sign in the phrase “And that We may make of thee a sign unto the people” was that he was younger than his children. After this miracle, Ibn Kathir writes that Jews began to claim that Ezra was the ‘son of God’.

The modern Quranic exegesis of Abul Ala Maududi states:

Uzair (Ezra) lived during the period around 450 B.C. The Jews regarded him with great reverence as the revivalist of their Scriptures which had been lost during their captivity in Babylon after the death of Prophet Solomon. So much so that they had lost all the knowledge of their Law, their traditions and of Hebrew, their national language. Then it was Ezra who re-wrote the Old Testament and revived the Law. That is why they used very exaggerated language in his reverence which misled some of the Jewish sects to make him ‘the son of God’. The Quran, however, does not assert that all the Jews were unanimous in declaring Ezra as ‘the son of God’. What it intends to say is that the perversion in the articles of faith of the Jews concerning Allah had degenerated to such an extent that there were some amongst them who considered Ezra as the son of God.

According to Maulana Muhammad Ali’s Quranic commentary, there indeed existed a group of Jews who venerated Ezra as the son of God. According to Ali, Qastallani held that in the Kitan al-Nikah, that there was a party of Jews who held this belief.

And put forward to them a similitude; the Dwellers of the Town, when there came Messengers to them. 
When We sent to them two Messengers, they denied them both; so We reinforced them with a third, and they said: "Verily, we have been sent to you as Messengers.'' 
They said: "You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Gracious has revealed nothing. You are only telling lies.'' 
The Messengers said: "Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you,'' 
"And our duty is only to convey plainly.''
Quran, surah Ya-Seen 36:13-17

Below is the tafsir from Ibn Kathir.

In the reports that he transmitted from Ibn Abbas, Kab Al-Ahbar and Wahb bin Munabbih - Ibn Ishaq reported that it was the city of Antioch, in which there was a king called Antiochus the son of Antiochus the son of Antiochus, who used to worship idols. Allah sent to him three Messengers, whose names were Sadiq, Saduq and Shalum, and he disbelieved in them. It was also narrated from Buraydah bin Al-Husayb, ‘Ikrimah, Qatadah and Az-Zuhri that it was Antioch. Some of the Imams were not sure that it was Antioch, as we shall see below after telling the rest of the story, if Allah wills.

Ibn Jurayj narrated from Wahb bin Sulayman, from Shuayb Al-Jaba’i, “The names of the first two Messengers were Shamun and Yuhanna, and the name of the third was Bulus, and the city was Antioch (Antakiyah).

(Verily, we have been sent to you as Messengers.) meaning, ‘from your Lord Who created you and Who commands you to worship Him Alone with no partners or associates.’ This was the view of Abu Al-Aliyah. Qatadah bin Diamah claimed that they were messengers of the Messiah, peace be upon him, sent to the people of Antioch.

(They said: “You are only human beings like ourselves…'') means, ‘so how could you receive revelation when you are human beings and we are human beings, so why do we not receive revelation like you If you are Messengers, you should be angels.’ This is like what many of the nations said who disbelieved, as Allah has told us in the Ayah: (That was because there came to them their Messengers with clear proofs, but they said: “Shall mere men guide us’') (64: 6) meaning that they were amazed by that and they denied it. And Allah says:

(They said: “You are no more than human beings like us! You wish to turn us away from what our fathers used to worship. Then bring us a clear authority.'') (14:10). And Allah tells us that they said:

(“If you were to obey a human being like yourselves, then verily, you indeed would be losers.'') (23:34). And Allah says:

(And nothing prevented men from believing when the guidance came to them, except that they said: “Has Allah sent a man as (His) Messenger’') (17:94). These people said:

(You are only human beings like ourselves, and the Most Gracious has revealed nothing. You are only telling lies.’’ The Messengers said: “Our Lord knows that we have been sent as Messengers to you.'') This means that the three Messengers answered them saying: “Allah knows that we are His Messengers to you. If we were lying, He would have taken the utmost vengeance against us, but He will cause us to prevail and will make us victorious against you, and you will come to know whose will be the happy end in the Hereafter.’’ This is like the Ayah:

(Say: “Sufficient is Allah for a witness between me and you. He knows what is in the heavens and on earth.’’ And those who believe in falsehood, and disbelieve in Allah, it is they who are the losers.) (29:52)

(And our duty is only to convey plainly.) means, ‘all we have to do is to convey to you the Message with which we have been sent; if you obey, then happiness will be yours in this world and the Hereafter, and if you do not respond, you will soon know the consequences of that.’ And Allah knows best.

Side-Note #

Antioch on the Orontes was a Hellenistic city founded by Seleucus I Nicator in 300 BC. The city served as the capital of the Seleucid Empire and later as regional capital to both the Roman and Byzantine Empire. During the Crusades, Antioch served as the capital of the Principality of Antioch, one of four Crusader states that were founded in the Levant. Its inhabitants were known as Antiochenes. The modern city of Antakya, in Hatay Province of Turkey, was named after the ancient city, which lies in ruins on the Orontes River and did not overlap in habitation with the modern city.

There is also Antioch of Pisidia: Ancient hilltop ruins at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Aegean & Central Anatolian regions.

Wife of Imran (Joahim) makes dua #

The Family of Imran) is the third chapter (sūrah) of the Quran with two hundred verses (āyāt).

Imran in Islam is regarded as the father of Mary. This chapter is named after the family of Imran, which includes Imran, Saint Anne (wife of Imran), Mary, and Jesus.

His wife thought that he was going to give birth to a boy, but it was Mary.

Birth of Mary #

Maryam (مريم بنت عمران, Maryam bint Imran), daughter of Imran, mother of Isa (Jesus), holds a singularly exalted place in Islam as the only woman named in the Quran, which refers to her seventy times and explicitly identifies her as the greatest of all women, stating, with reference to the angelic salutation during the annunciation, O Mary, God has chosen you, and purified you; He has chosen you above all the women of creation. In the Quran, her story is related in three Meccan chapters (19, 21, 23) and four Medinan surahs (3, 4, 5, 66), and the nineteenth Surah titled Maryam, is named after her. The Quran refers to Mary more often than the Bible.

According to the Quran, divine grace surrounded Mary from birth, and, as a young woman, she received a message from God through the archangel Gabriel that God had chosen her, purified her, and had preferred her above all “the women of the worlds.” This event, according to the same narrative, was followed by the annunciation of a child who was to be miraculously conceived by her through the intervention of the divine spirit while she was still virgin, whose name would be Jesus and who would be the “anointed one,” the Promised Messiah.

The birth of Mary is narrated in the Quran with references to her father as well as her mother. Mary’s father is called Imran. He is the equivalent of Joachim in Christian tradition. Her mother, according to al-Tabari, is called Hannah, which is the same name as in Christian tradition (Saint Anne). Muslim literature narrates that Imran and his wife were old and childless and that, one day, the sight of a bird 🐦 in a tree feeding her young aroused Anne’s desire for a child. She prayed to God to fulfill her desire and vowed, if her prayer was accepted, that her child would be dedicated to the service of God.

Hannah thought that she would conceive a boy. When she delivered Mary, she said Oh my Lord! Verily I have delivered a female, and the male is not like the female, for a girl will not be a prophet to which Allah replies And God knows better what has been delivered.

Early years #

The Quran does not, specifically, point to the fact that Mary lived and grew up in a temple as the word miḥ’rāb in Quran 3:36 in its literal meaning refers to a private chamber or a public/private prayer chamber. The definitive idea of Mary growing up in a temple derived via external literature (i.e. see the narration below by Ja’far al-Sadiq). She was placed under the care of the prophet Zechariah, the husband of Hannah’s sister and Mary’s maternal uncle and caretaker. As often as Zechariah entered Mary’s prayer chamber, he found her provided with food and he would ask her where she received it from, to which she would reply that God provides to whom He wills. Scholars have debated as to whether this refers to miraculous food that Mary received from God or whether it was normal food. Those in favor of the former view state that it had to be miraculous food, as Zechariah being a prophet, would have known that God is the provider of all sustenance and thus would not have questioned Mary, if it was normal food.

Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq narrates that when Maryam was grown, she would go into the mihrab and put on a covering so no one saw her. Zechariah went into the mihrab and found that she had summer fruit in the winter and winter fruit in the summer. He asked "From whence is this?" She said, "It is from Allah. Indeed, Allah provides for whom He wills without account".

Zakariya was a righteous priest and prophet of God whose office was in the Second Temple in Jerusalem. He would frequently be in charge of managing the services of the temple and he would always remain steadfast in prayer to God.

Praying for a son #

As he reached his old age, Zakariya began to worry over who would continue the legacy of preaching the message of God after his death and who would carry on the daily services of the temple after him. Zakariya started to pray to God for a son. The praying for the birth of an offspring was not merely out of the desire for a child. He prayed both for himself and for the public – they needed a messenger, a man of God who would work in the service of the Lord after Zakariya. Zakariya had character and virtue and he wanted to transfer this to his spiritual heir as his most precious possession. His dream was to restore the household to the posterity of the Patriarch Jacob, and to make sure the message of God was renewed for Israel. As the Quran recounts:

A mention of the mercy of your Lord to His servant Zakariya. When he cried unto his Lord a cry in secret, saying: My Lord! Lo! the bones of me wax feeble and my head is shining with grey hair, and I have never been unblest in prayer to Thee, my Lord. Lo! I fear my kinsfolk after me, since my wife is barren. Oh, give me from Thy presence a successor who shall inherit of me and inherit (also) of the house of Jacob. And make him, my Lord, acceptable (unto Thee). 
Quran, surah Maryam (Mary) 19:4–6

Fathering Yahya (John) #

As a gift from God, Zakariya was given a son named Yaḥyá (يحيى, identified with John the Baptist), a name specially chosen for this child alone. Muslim tradition narrates that Zakariya was ninety-two years old when he was told of John’s birth.

In accordance with Zakariya’s prayer, God made John (Yahya) renew the message of God, which had been corrupted and lost by the Israelites. As the Quran says:

O Zachariah! Lo! We bring thee tidings of a son whose name is John; we have given the same name to none before (him). He said: My Lord! How can I have a son when my wife is barren and I have reached infirm old age? He said: So shall it be, your Lord says: It is easy to Me, and indeed I created you before, when you were nothing. He said: My Lord! give me a sign. He said: Your sign is that you will not be able to speak to the people three nights while in sound health.
Quran, surah Maryam (Mary) 19:7–10

Guardian of Maryam #

According to the Quran, Zakariya was the guardian of Maryam. The Quran states:

(Remember) when the wife of 'Imran said: My Lord! I have vowed unto Thee that which is in my belly as a consecrated (offering). Accept it from me. Lo! Thou, only Thou, art the Hearer, the Knower! And when she was delivered she said: My Lord! Lo! I am delivered of a female - Allah knew best of what she was delivered - the male is not as the female; and lo! I have named her Mary, and lo! I crave Thy protection for her and for her offspring from Satan the outcast. And her Lord accepted her with full acceptance and vouchsafed to her a goodly growth; and made Zachariah her guardian. Whenever Zachariah went into the sanctuary where she was, he found that she had food. He said: O Mary! Whence cometh unto thee this (food)? She answered: It is from Allah. Allah giveth without stint to whom He will.
Quran, surah Aal-i-Imran (The House of Imran) 3:35–37

The fact that, of all the priests, it was Zakariya who was given the duty of keeping care of Mary (Maryam) shows his status as a pious man. Zakariya is frequently praised in the Quran as a prophet of God and righteous man. One such appraisal is in sura al-An’am:

"And Zakariya and Yahya and Isa and Eliyas. Each one was of the righteous."
Quran, surah Al-Anaam (The Cattle) 6:85

The virgin birth of Jesus (peace be upon him) is important in Islam as one of miracles of God. The first explicit mention of an annunciation foreshadowing the birth of Jesus is in Quran 19:20 where Mary asks Gabriel (Jibril) how she will be able to conceive, when no man has touched her. Gabriel’s reply assures Mary that for God all things are easy and that Jesus’s virgin birth will be a sign for mankind. The birth is later referred in Quran 66:12, where the Quran states that Mary remained “pure”, while God allowed a life to shape itself in Mary’s womb. A third mention of the annunciation is in Q3:42–43, where Mary is also given the glad tidings that she has been chosen above all the women of creation.

Commentators on the Quran remark on the last verse that Mary was as close to a perfect woman as there could be, and she was devoid of almost all failings. Although Islam honors numerous women, including Zipporah, Hajar, Sarah, Asiya, Khadijah, Fatimah, Aisha, Hafsa, many commentators followed this verse in the absolute sense, and agreed that Mary was the greatest woman of all time.

According to exegesis and literature, Gabriel appeared to Mary, who was still young in age, in the form of a well-made man with a “shining face” and announced to her the birth of Jesus. After her immediate astonishment, she was reassured by the angel’s answer that God has the power to do anything. The details of the conception are not discussed during these angelic visits, but elsewhere the Quran states (Quran 21:91) and 66:12) that God breathed “His Spirit” into Mary while she was chaste.

According to the Quran, Mary was chosen twice by the Lord.

"O Mary! Verily Allah has chosen you and purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds"
Quran, surah Aal-i-Imraan (The House of Imraan) 3:42

And the first choosing was her selection with glad tidings given to Imran. The second was that she became pregnant without a man, so in this regard, she was chosen over all other women in the world.

The Quran narrates the virgin birth of Jesus numerous times. In chapter 19 (Maryam), verses (ayat) 17–21, the annunciation is given, followed by the virgin birth in due course. Quran 3:47 also supports the virginity of Mary, revealing that "no man has touched [her]".

According to the Quran, the following conversation transpired between the angel Gabriel and Mary when he appeared to her in the form of a man:

And mention, [O Muhammad], in the Book [the story of] Mary, when she withdrew from her family to a place toward the east. And she took, in seclusion from them, a screen. Then We sent to her Our spirit, and he represented himself to her as a well-proportioned man. She said, "Indeed, I seek refuge in the Most Merciful from you, [so leave me], if you should be fearing of Allah." 

He said, "I am only the messenger of your Lord to give you a pure boy." She said, "How can I have a boy while no man has touched me and I have not been unchaste?" He said, "Thus [it will be]; your Lord says, 'It is easy for Me, and We will make him a sign to the people and a mercy from Us. And it is a matter [already] decreed.'
Quran, surah Maryam (Mary) 19:16-21

The Quran’s narrative of the virgin birth is somewhat different from that in the New Testament. The Quran states that when the pains of childbirth came upon Mary, she held onto a nearby palm tree 🌴, at which point a voice came from “beneath the (palm-tree)” or “beneath her”, which said " "Grieve not! for thy Lord hath provided a rivulet beneath thee; "And shake towards thyself the trunk of the palm-tree: It will let fall fresh ripe dates upon thee." The Quran goes on to describe that Mary vowed not to speak to any man on that day, as God was to make Jesus, who Muslims believe spoke in the cradle, perform his first miracle. The Quran goes on to narrate that Mary then brought Jesus to the temple, where immediately she began to be taunted by all the men, excluding Zechariah, who believed in the virgin birth. The Israelites questioned Mary how she came to be with child whilst unmarried, to which Mary pointed to the baby Jesus. It was then that, according to the Quran, the infant Jesus began to speak in the cradle, and spoke of his prophecy for the first time.

Yahya ibn Zakariya (John, son of Zechariah), identified in English as John the Baptist, is considered in Islam a prophet and messenger of God (Allah) who was sent to guide the Children of Israel. He is believed by Muslims to have been a witness to the word of God who would herald the coming of Isa Masih (Jesus).

Yahya is mentioned five times in the Quran.

Yahya is also honored highly in Sufism as well as Islamic mysticism, primarily because of the Quran’s description of John’s chastity and kindness. Sufis have frequently applied commentaries on the passages on John in the Quran, primarily concerning the God-given gift of wisdom which he acquired in youth as well as his parallels with Jesus. Although several phrases used to describe John and Jesus are virtually identical in the Quran, the manner in which they are expressed is different.

In the Quran, God frequently mentions Zakariya’s continuous praying for the birth of a son. Zakariya’s wife, was barren and therefore the birth of a child seemed impossible. As a gift from God, Zechariah was given a son by the name of Yaḥya, a name specially chosen for this child alone. In accordance with Zakariya’s prayer, God made Yahya and Isa, who according to exegesis was born six months later, to renew the message of God, which had been corrupted and distorted by the Israelites.

The Quran claims that Yahya was the first to receive this name (Quran 19:7–10) but since the name Yoḥanan occurs many times before John the Baptist,this verse is referring either to Islamic scholar consensus that “Yaḥyā” is not the same name as “Yoḥanan” or to the Biblical account of the miraculous naming of John, which accounted that he was almost named “Zacharias” (Greek: Ζαχαρίας) after his father’s name, as no one in the lineage of his father Zacharias (also known as Zechariah) had been named “John” (“Yohanan”/“Yoannes”) before him. As the Quran says:

"O Zakaryya, indeed We give you good tidings of a boy whose name will be Yahya, and whose we never before have created sameness for.
He said: "O my Lord! How shall I have a son, when my wife is barren and I have grown quite decrepit from old age?"
He said: "So (it will be) thy Lord saith, 'that is easy for Me: I did indeed create thee before, when thou hadst been nothing!'"

(Zakarya) said: "O my Lord! give me a Sign." "Thy Sign," was the answer, "Shall be that thou shalt speak to no man for three nights."
Quran, surah Maryam (Mary) 19:7–10

Prophethood #

Yahya was exhorted to hold fast to the scripture and was given wisdom by God while still a child. He was pure and devout, and walked well in the presence of God. He was dutiful towards his parents and he was not arrogant or rebellious. John’s reading and understanding of the scriptures, when only a child, surpassed even that of the greatest scholars of the time. Muslim exegesis narrates that Isa sent Yahya out with twelve disciples, who preached the message before Jesus called his own disciples. The Quran says:

"O Yaḥya! take hold of the Book with might": and We gave him Wisdom even as a youth,
Quran, surah Maryam (Mary) 19:12

Yahya was a classical prophet, who was exalted high by God for his bold denouncing of all things sinful. Furthermore, the Quran speaks of Yahya’s gentle piety and love and his humble attitude towards life, for which he was granted the purity of Life.

According to Islamic tradition, Yahya used to go to the Haram esh-Sharif (Temple Mount) to deliver his sermons.

Isa ibn Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary), is the second-last prophet and messenger of God (Allah) and the Messiah, who was sent to guide the Children of Israel with a revelation: Injīl (Arabic for “gospel”).

Isa (Jesus) has a very important role in Islam as a prophet and the Messiah, who is to return to earth before the Judgement Day to unite Muslims and defeat Dajjal (Antichrist).

As in the Christian New Testament, the Quran (the central religious text of Islam) describes Jesus ﷺ as al-Masīḥ (Arabic for messiah), born of a virgin, performing miracles, accompanied by disciples, rejected by the Jewish establishment, and being raised to heaven. The Quran firmly states that Jesus is not divine and he is not the Son of God. Also, the Quran differs from the New Testament in proclaiming that Jesus was neither crucified nor died on the cross.

The significance of Jesus in Islam is reflected in his being mentioned in the Quran in 93 verses with various titles attached such as "Son of Mary", “Spirit of God", and the "Word of God", and other relational titles, mentioned directly and indirectly, over 187 times. Jesus is more briefly described in Surah Maryam, Chapter 19 of Quran. Thus, he is one of the most mentioned people in the Quran by reference; 25 times by the name Isa, third-person 48 times, first-person 35 times and the rest as titles.

The Quran and ahadith (testimonial reports) mention Jesus to have been born a “pure boy” (without sin) to Maryam (Mary) as the result of virginal conception, similar to the event of the Annunciation in Christianity. The Quran denies Jesus as a deity in several verses, including one that mentions that Jesus did not claim to be divine (Q5:116). According to the Quran, he was not crucified, but was rather saved by God. Muslims believe that Jesus did not die on the cross, but still believe that he was raised alive to heaven.

In Islam, Jesus is believed to have been the precursor to the Islamic prophet Muhammad ﷺ . According to the Quran, the coming of Muhammad ﷺ was predicted by Jesus in As-Saff 61:6. Through this verse, early Arab Muslims claimed legitimacy for their new faith in the existing religious traditions and the alleged predictions of Jesus. Like all prophets in Islam, Jesus is also called a Muslim, as he preached that his followers should adopt the “straight path”. In Islamic eschatology, Jesus will return in a Second Coming to fight Al-Masih ad-Dajjal or the “False Messiah” as well as Gog and Magog and establish peace and justice on earth.

It is generally agreed that Jesus spoke Aramaic, the common language of Judea in the first century A.D. and the region at-large.

Birth narrative #

According to the Quran, the pains of labor took Mary to the trunk of a palm tree 🌴.

The most detailed account of the annunciation and birth of Jesus is provided in Surah 3 (Al Imran) and 19 (Maryam) of the Quran where the story is narrated that God (Allah) sent an angel to announce that Maryam could shortly expect to bear a son, despite being a virgin.

Some scholars have noted that the account in Surah 19 is particularly close to that in the Christian Gospel of Luke. The Annunciation to Mary is mentioned twice in the Quran and in both instances Mary/Maryam is told that she was chosen by God to deliver a son. In the first instance, the bearer of the news (who is believed by most Muslims to be the archangel Gabriel), delivered the news in (Q3:42-47) as he takes the form of a man (Q19:16-22). The details of the conception are not discussed but when Mary asks how she can bear a son in view of her chastity she is told that God creates what he wills and that these things are easy for God. The Quran (Q21:91 and Q66:12) says that God blew through his angel into Mary and she, although being chaste, bore Jesus without any father.

The account of the birth of Jesus follows the Quran’s narrative, adding that the birth occurred in Bethlehem beside a palm tree.

"And we made the son of Maryam and his mother a sign; and we made them abide in an elevated place, full of quiet and watered with springs." 

Maryam and Isa return to the city #

Then she brought him (the baby) to her people, carrying him. They said: "0 Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing Fariyya (an unheard mighty thing). 0 sister (i.e. the like) of Aaron (not the brother of Moses, but he was another pious man at the time of Mary)! Your father was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor was your mother an unchaste woman."

Then she pointed to him. They said: "How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?"

He (Jesus) said: "Verily! I am a slave of Allah. He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet; And He has made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me prayer, and Zakat, as long as Ilive, and dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblest. And Salam (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!" 
Quran, surah Maryam (Mary) 19:27-33

Speaking from the cradle #

Speaking from the cradle is mentioned in three places in the Quran: al-Imran (3) 41, 46, al-Maida (5) 109–110 and Maryam (19) 29–30. Part of the narrative has the infant Jesus defending his mother Mary from the accusation of having given birth without a known husband. Jesus speaks as the angel Gabriel had mentioned at the annunciation: Jesus proclaims he is a servant of God, has been given a book, is a prophet, is blessed wherever he will go, blesses the day he was born, the day he will die, and the day he is raised alive.

Quran says that God has no son #

Almighty Allah refuted the claims of the Jews and the Christians in many verses of the Glorious Quran.

And they say: "The Most Beneficent (Allah) has begotten a son (or offspring or children) as the Jews say: Ezra is the son of Allah, and the Christians say that He has begotten a son (Christ), and the pagan Arabs say that He has begotten daughters (angels, etc.)."

Indeed you have brought forth (said) a terrible evil thing Where by the heavens are almost torn, and the earth is split asunder, and the mountains fall in ruins, that they ascribe a son (or offspring or children) to the Most Beneficent (Allah).

But it is not suitable for (the Majesty of) the Most Beneficent (Allah) that He should beget a son (or offspring or children). There is none in the heavens and the earth but comes unto the Most Beneficent (Allah) as a slave. Verily He knows each one of them, and has counted them a full counting And everyone of them will come to Him alone on the Day of Resurrection (without any helper, or protector or defender).
Quran, surah Maryam (Mary) 19:88-95

Almighty Allah commanded: O people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians)! Do not exceed the limits in your religion, nor say of Allah aught but the truth. The Messiah Jesus, son of Mary was (no more than) a Messenger of Allah and His Word, ("Be" - and he was) which He bestowed on Mary and a spirit (Ruh) created by Him; so believe in Allah and His Messengers. Say not: "Three (trinity)!" Cease! (It is) better for you. For Allah is (the only) One Ilah (God), Glory be to Him (Far Exalted is He) above having a son. To Him belongs all that is in the heavens and all that is in the earth. And Allah is All-Sufficient as a Disposer of affairs.
Quran, surah An-Nisa (The Woman) 4:171-173

Miracles performed by Isa #

The Quran attributes at least six miracles to Jesus.

These six miracles in the Quran are without detail unlike the Gospel and their non-canonical Gnostic sources, which include details and mention other attributed miracles.

(Remember) when Allah will say (on the Day of Resurrection): "O Jesus, son of Mary! Remember My Favor to you and to your mother when I supported you with Ruh-ul-Qudus (Gabriel) so that you spoke to the people in the cradle and in maturity and when I taught you writing Al-Hikmah (the power of understanding), the Torah and the Gospel; and when you made out of the clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, by My Permission, and you breathed into it, and it became a bird by My Permission, and you healed those born blind, and the lepers by My Permission, and when you brought forth the dead by My Permission; and when I restrained the Children of Israel from you (when they resolved to kill you) since you came unto them with clear proofs", and the disbelievers among them said: "This is nothing but evident magic".

And when I (Allah) put in the hearts of the disciples (of Jesus) to believe in Me and My Messenger, they said: "We believe. And bear witness that we are Muslims." 
Quran, surah Al-Maaida (The Table) 5:110-111

Creating birds 🐦🐦 from clay #

The miracle story of creating birds from clay and breathing life into them when a child is mentioned in al-Imran (3) 43, 49 and al-Maida (5) 109–110. Although this miracle is also not mentioned the canonical Gospel, the same narrative is found in at least two pre-Islamic sources: the Infancy Gospel of Thomas and the Jewish Toledot Yeshu, with few variant details between the Quran and these two sources.

Healing the blind and the lepers #

Similar to the New Testament, the Quran mentions Jesus healing the blind and the lepers in al-Imran 3:49. Muslim scholar and judge al-Baydawi (d. 1286) wrote how it was recorded that many thousands of people came to Jesus to be healed and that Jesus healed these diseases through prayer only. Medieval scholar al-Tha’labi wrote about how these two particular diseases were beyond medical help, and Jesus’ miracles were meant to be witnessed by others as clear signs of his message.

Raising the dead #

Jesus is believed to have raised people from the dead, as mentioned in al-Imran (3) 49. Although no detail is given as to who was raised or the circumstance, at least three people are mentioned in detail in the Gospel (a daughter of Jairus, a widow’s son at Nain, and Lazarus).

Prescience #

Jesus was able to predict, or had foreknowledge, of what was hidden or unknown to others. One example is Jesus would answer correctly any and every question anyone asked him. Another example is Jesus knew what people had just eaten, as well as what they had stored in their homes.

Table of food from heaven #

In the fifth chapter of the Quran, al-Ma’ida 5:112–115, a narration mentions the disciples of Jesus requesting a table laden with food, and for it to be a special day of commemoration for them in the future.

Allah the Exalted said: (Remember) when the disciples said: "0 Jesus, son of Mary! Can your Lord send down to us a table spread (with food) from heaven?" Jesus said: "Fear Allah, if you are indeed believers." They said: "We wish to eat thereof and to be stronger in Faith, and to know that you have indeed told us the truth and that we ourselves be its witnesses."

Jesus, son of Mary, said: "0 Allah, our Lord! Send us from heaven a table spread (with food) that there may be for us -- for the first and the last of us -- a festival and a sign from You; and provide us sustenance, for You are the Best of sustainers." Allah said: "I am going to send it down unto you, but if any of you after that disbelieves, then I will punish him with a torment such as I have not inflicted on anyone among (all) the Alamin (mankind and jinn)."
Quran, surah Al-Maaida (The Table) 5:112-116

In a record by the Sunni exegete Tabari, before the last supper, the threat of death made Isa anxious. Therefore, Jesus invited his disciples for the last supper. After the meal, he washed their hands and performed their ablutions to wipe their hands on his clothing. Afterwards Jesus replied to them: “As for that I have done to you tonight, in that I served you the meal and washed your hands in person, let it be an example for you. Since you indeed consider me to be better than you, do not be haughty in relation to each other but rather expand yourselves for each other as I have expanded myself for you.” After instructing the disciples in his teachings, Jesus foretells that one of them would deny him and another betray him.

Revelation #

Muslims believe that God revealed to Jesus a new scripture, al-Injīl (the Gospel), while also declaring the truth of the previous revelations: al-Tawrat (the Torah) and al-Zabur (the Psalms). The Quran speaks favorably of al-Injīl, which it describes as a scripture that fills the hearts of its followers with meekness and piety.

Regarding the Law of Moses, the Quran indicates that Jesus never abolished Jewish laws but rather confirmed them, while making partial abrogations only. Islam rejects Paul’s theology of justification before God by faith alone as held by some Protestants or faith through grace as held by Catholics, Orthodox and most mainline Protestants. Jesus' legal perspective did not involve a New Covenant concerning works, but to simply modify those existing laws. Shabir Ally considers this understanding to corroborate with the canonical gospels that include Matthew 5:17.

Event of Crusifixion #

Quranic story about crusifixion and nature of Jesus is quite different from that of the extant gospels.

The Glorious Quran affirms that Allah the Exalted did not permit the people of Israel to kill Jesus or crucify him. What happened was that Allah saved him from his enemies and raised him to heaven. They never killed Jesus; they killed someone else.

And because of their saying (in boast), "We killed Messiah Jesus, son of Mary the Messenger of Allah," - but they killed him not, nor crucified him, but the resemblance of Jesus was put over another man (and they killed that man), and those who differ therein are full of doubts. They have no (certain) knowledge, they follow nothing but conjecture. For surely; they killed him not (i.e. Jesus, son of Mary): But Allah raised him (Jesus) up (with his body and soul) unto Himself (and he is in the heavens). And Allah is Ever All-Powerful, all- Wise.

And there is none of the people of the Scripture (Jews and Christians), but must believe in him (Jesus, son of Mary as only a Messenger of Allah and a human being), before his (Jesus or a Jew's or a Christian's) death (at the time of the appearance of the angel of death). And on the Day of Resurrection, he (Jesus) will be a witness against them.
Quran, surah An-Nisa (The Woman) 4:157-159

Almighty Allah also revealed:

[Mention] when Allāh said, "O Jesus, indeed I will take you and raise you to Myself and purify [i.e., free] you from those who disbelieve and make those who follow you [in submission to Allāh alone] superior to those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. Then to Me is your return, and I will judge between you concerning that in which you used to differ."
Quran, surah Aal-i-Imraan (The Family of Imran) 3:55

Both Islam and Christianity expect the return of Jesus at the end of times, and both expect trials and tribulations to occur at the time. Many of the themes of these trials are similar, but they are also very different in detail and definition. Both religions expect the nation of believers to be the final victors, but the Christian believes that these are defined as the believers in the Gospel of the New Testament and in Christ as ‘the Savior’ and ‘the Incarnation’ of God, whilst the Muslim knows that it refers to those who believe in the pure monotheism entailed in submission to the One and Only True God.

The return of Jesus is preceded in both religions by signs, again similar in general description, but subtly different in detail. Both religions teach that the return of Jesus will be preceded by a great and powerful figure of falsehood and temptation, called the Maseeh ad-Dajjal (The False Messiah) by the Muslims and the Anti-Christ by the Christians. Before this event other signs that agree with each other include a general increase in immorality and fornication, murder and crime, and general lawlessness, debauchery and falling away from religion and true knowledge. Accompanying these signs of civil malaise will be internecine wars, and natural disasters following closely one upon the other.

Second coming of Jesus #

According to Islamic tradition which describes this graphically, Jesus' descent will be in the midst of wars fought by the Mahdi (lit. “the rightly guided one”), known in Islamic eschatology as the redeemer of Islam, against al-Masih ad-Dajjal (the Antichrist “false messiah”) and his followers. Jesus will descend at the point of a white minaret, east of Damascus (believed to be the Minaret of Isa in the Umayyad Mosque), dressed in yellow robes. He will say prayer behind al-Mahdi then join him in his war against the Dajjal. Jesus, considered as a Muslim, will abide by the Islamic teachings. Eventually, Jesus will slay the Antichrist, and then everyone who is one of the People of the Book (ahl al-kitāb, referring to Jews and Christians) will believe in him. Thus, there will be one community, that of Islam.

Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 43: Kitab-ul-Ilm (Book of Knowledge), Hâdith Number 656:

Allah’s Apostle said, “The Hour will not be established until the son of Mary (i.e. Jesus) descends amongst you as a just ruler, he will break the cross, kill the swine, and abolish the Jizya tax. Money will be in abundance so that nobody will accept it (as charitable gifts).” Narrated by Abu Huraira 🐈.

In another hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“I hope that I would live long enough to see ʿĪsā, but if my death comes before that, whoever meets him should convey my salām to him.”

ʿĪsā (AS) will not have returned as a new Prophet but rather as follower of the Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ , adhering to the Sharīʿah he brought. As such, he will accede to the authority of the Khalīfah at the time, the Mahdī. Allāh’s Messenger ﷺ said, “How will you be when the son or Maryam descends amongst you, judging by the law of the Qurʾān and not the law of the Injīl?” and he once told ʿUmar b. al-Khaṭṭāb, “Were Mūsā alive today, he would have no option but to follow me.”

The ummah of Islām will start with the best of people and end with the best of people. The Prophet ﷺ said, “An ummah that has me at its beginning, the Mahdī in its middle, and ʿIsā at its end can never be destroyed.”

After defeating Dajjal, Isa will work as a judge. There will be a good life for some time untill Yajuj and Majuj come out of their dwelling places. Isa and the ummah will make dua against them and Allah will save the people.

Īsā (AS) will remain on earth for forty years after killing the Dajjāl and then pass away. The Muslims will offer the funeral prayer for him, and bury him.

The disciples of Jesus are known in the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, as Al-Hawariyoon. This is an Arabic word meaning simply, the disciples of Jesus. However, hawariyoon, like many words in the Arabic language, has specific and general meanings, and in some cases, particularly in Islamic words, there are layers of meanings.

Hawari is derived from the root Arabic word hawr that means to whiten, to bleach, to purify, to clean, to change, to transform, to amend and to alter. Hawari is a singular word and literally means, he who whitens clothes, he who has been appointed, chosen, and purified from all kinds of defects, and a companion or a helper. The plural is hawariyoon.

Prophet Jesus’ companions were also known as apostles. The words apostles or disciples were used to differentiate Jesus’ close companions from followers whose numbers were steadily growing. Islamic scholars have pondered and discussed the reason for calling the disciples Al-Hawariyoon throughout Islamic history. Renowned Islamic Quran scholar Ibn Kathir states that the disciples were so named because of their white clothes and he also mentions the meaning of a helper or supporter.

It is interesting to note that the majority of Jesus’ disciples were fishermen and their clothes would have been white due to their daily toil. The whiteness could then be extrapolated to include the whitening of people’s hearts through the teachings of Prophet Jesus. Other scholars have stated that hawari implies one who is capable of being a leader, and almost all scholars agree that a hawari is a sincere person or friend.

The scholars of Christianity and Islam agree that Prophet Jesus was surrounded by twelve supporters, who were his close friends, companions. Quran has addressed Jesus’ companions as Al-Hawariyoon five times in four different verses.

At the time Jesus began his mission many Israelites were so far astray from the truth that Jesus considered it to be disbelief. He called them back to the worship of the One True God, yet most of those around him rejected his call and failed to heed his message. After revealing and clarifying that he is a Messenger from God, Jesus asks those listening to his message, who among them would be his helpers in God’s cause.

Then when Jesus came to know of their disbelief, he said, "Who will be my helpers in God’s cause?" Al-Hawariyoon (the disciples) replied, "We are the helpers of God; we believe in God, so bear witness that we submit to God."
Quran, surah Aal-i-Imraan (The Family of Imran) 3:52

They continued to pledge their allegiance to God and His Messenger Jesus.

"‘Our Lord! We believe in what You have sent down and we follow the Messenger (Jesus); so write us down among those who bear witness (to the truth).’" 
Quran, surah Aal-i-Imraan (The Family of Imran) 3:53

Then in another chapter God Himself reveals that He was responsible for the people who became the disciples of Jesus, Al-Hawariyoon.

"I (God) put it in the hearts of Al-Hawariyoon to believe in Me and My Messenger, they said: ‘We believe. And bear witness that we are submitted to God.’"
Quran, surah Al-Maaida (The Table) 5:111

The disciples were submitted to God; they followed the teachings of Jesus and were his companions and supporters. They helped him call the Israelites back to the worship of One God. Jesus never called himself God and the disciples were fully aware that they worshipped God and followed a man. It is the man known as the apostle Paul who called people to worship Jesus. It is wrong to assume that Paul was a disciple — he never met Jesus nor did he hear him speak or teach.

Paul was a Pharisee, a Jewish sect that is strict in its observance of religious ceremonies and practices, and adherence to oral laws and traditions. Remarkably the secondary definition is a sanctimonious, self-righteous, or hypocritical person. Many thinkers and scholars believe that Paul almost singlehandedly destroyed the teachings of Jesus.

The scholars of Islam reflect that there are two reasons why Paul would have joined the disciples after Jesus’ death. Either, in his role as a Pharisee, he was sent to undermine and sabotage the new movement, or the experience he had on the road to Damascus was a trick from Satan, designed to undermine and sabotage Jesus’ teachings. Quran is silent about Paul and also does not mention or imply that any of Jesus’ companions, Al-Hawariyoon, ever betrayed him.

Chapter five of the Quran is named The Table Spread with Food. It refers to Al-Hawariyoon asking Jesus if God could send down a table spread with food. Jesus warned them not to speak so flippantly but nevertheless asked God to perform a miracle.

Among the reasons for their request was that the disciples wanted to be witnesses before all of humankind. They wanted to spread the message of Jesus by proclaiming the miracles they witnessed with their own eyes. The disciples followed the teaching of Jesus even after his death. Unfortunately, over time, the true message of Jesus and the faith of the disciples was discarded and forgotten.

Islam holds the disciples of Jesus, Al-Hawariyoon, in high esteem. Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, mentions Jesus and his disciples in his traditions. The Quran mentions their faith and their status as the helpers of Jesus, highlights their faith and sacrifice, and calls on the Companions of Prophet Muhammad to be like them.

O believers! Be supporters of God, as when Jesus, son of Mary, asked the disciples, "Who are my supporters for God?" The disciples replied, "We are supporters of God." Some of the Children of Israel believed and some disbelieved. We then supported the believers against their enemies, so they prevailed.
Quran, surah As-Saff (The Ranks) 61:14

This verse tells us that some of the Children of Israel heard Jesus’ message and believed him, while others disbelieved. Six hundred years later some people believed Prophet Muhammad while others turned their back and actively fought against Islam. Prophet Jesus and Prophet Muhammad both needed strong people around them. They needed helpers; they needed trustworthy people with conviction of faith. Al-Hawariyoon were the people of the inner circle, the ones Prophet Jesus could depend on, and the Companions were the ones who stood by and supported Prophet Muhammad.

Prophet Muhammad said, “There is no Prophet who was sent by God to a nation before me except that he had hawariyoon and companions.”

During the campaign of al-Ahzab, the Prophet asked his Companions three times which of them would scout the disbeliever’s camp, and al-Zubayr volunteered each time. The Prophet said, “Every Prophet has a disciple (hawari), and my disciple is al-Zubayr.” This story reflects a narration in Ibn Kathir’s commentary on the above verse, Quran 61:14, in which a young disciple volunteered three times to take the place of Jesus when Jesus and Al-Hawariyoon knew that harassment and arrest were probable.

Some groups of Prophet Muhammad’s Companions can be directly likened to the disciples of Jesus. When the fledgling Muslim community migrated to Medina, they were met and taken in by the residents of Medina, who came to be known as the Helpers, or the Ansar. They played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Islamic community. They embraced the emigrants as if they were family; they shared their homes, their food, their businesses and their wealth — all for the sake of God, and out of respect for Prophet Muhammad and his message.

The leaders of the Children of Israel harassed Jesus and tried to make it very difficult for him to spread his message. While his followers understood that he was calling them back to the teachings of the Torah, the Jewish government of the time accused him of blasphemy. Jesus needed helpers to keep him safe, and he needed them to have a deep understanding of the message.

Some of the Companions of Prophet Muhammad were given glad tidings of Paradise long before their deaths. They can also, in some respects, be compared to Al-Hawariyoon.

God chose Prophet Muhammad as a mercy to humankind and thus to spread the message of Islam. He also chose the people that would be close to him. In part one we mentioned that God Himself chose Al-Hawariyoon. He knew which people would be the best supporters of Prophet Jesus. God also knew who the best supporters of Prophet Muhammad would be. If we examine their lives, we will notice that there was something about the close Companions of Prophet Muhammad that made them different from all other men at the time, and this is why God chose them; they were trustworthy, honest and truthful men. They were men with strong characters, and they shared all these qualities with their Prophet.

We are blessed to know a great deal about Prophet Muhammad’s Companions however we do not know as much about Al-Hawariyoon. What we do know is limited to what is in the Quran and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad. We do know that they possessed the same qualities as the Companions and were also chosen by God. From the freely available Christian texts we can glean very little. The Gospels can be interpreted in many ways and are colored by their contributors' and editors' reflections on events that had happened 60 or more years before they were written.

Peter (Cephas) the man formerly known as Simon was very close to Jesus. Jesus changed his name; this was also one of Prophet Muhammad’s practices. If the name of a Companion had a bad meaning or a meaning in conflict with Islamic principles, Prophet Muhammad gave that person a better name. Jesus changed Simon’s name to one that was full of meaning. Peter (Cephas) means stone or rock, and scholars of the Gospels generally agree that Peter was a man of strong, unmovable conviction.

Prophet Muhammad mentions Jesus in some of his sayings and from his words we are able to deduce a little more about Jesus and his disciples. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ considered Jesus to be like a brother.

“Both in this world and in the Hereafter, I am the nearest of all people to Jesus, the son of Mary. The Prophets are paternal brothers; their mothers are different, but their religion is one.”

Both Prophet Muhammad and Prophet Jesus shared a mission and were both surrounded and protected by men who shared their devotion to God and His cause.

Early Christianity is generally reckoned by church historians to begin with the ministry of Jesus (c. 27–30) and end with the First Council of Nicaea (325). It is typically divided into two periods: the Apostolic Age (c. 30–100, when the first apostles were still alive) and the Ante-Nicene Period (c. 100–325).

Jewish Christians #

The Apostolic Age is named after the Apostles and their missionary activities. It holds special significance in Christian tradition as the age of the direct apostles of Jesus. A primary source for the Apostolic Age is the Acts of the Apostles, but its historical accuracy has been debated and its coverage is partial, focusing especially from Acts 15 onwards on the ministry of Paul, and ending around 62 AD with Paul preaching in Rome under house arrest.

The earliest followers of Jesus were a sect of apocalyptic Jewish Christians within the realm of Second Temple Judaism. The early Christian groups were strictly Jewish, such as the Ebionites, and the early Christian community in Jerusalem, led by James the Just, brother of Jesus. According to Acts 9,they described themselves as “disciples of the Lord” and [followers] “of the Way”, and according to Acts 11, a settled community of disciples at Antioch were the first to be called “Christians”.

Early Christians were all Jews as Jesus himself.

• They were fulfilling the covenant by circumsising their male children;
• They did not eat pork;
• They worshiped one God and prayed to God alone;
• They greeted each other with “Shalom!” (Peace!)
• And they considered Jesus to be a promised Messiah

In the New Testament, in Matthew 5:17 Jesus states why he came:

“Think not that I have come to abolish the law of the prophets but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17

The Law that he is referring to is the Torah, which is the first five books of the Hebrew Bible (The Old Testament). Jesus' mission was to bring Jews back to the old ways of theology. He said:

“You change not a jot or a title in Scripture”

Paul, who never saw Jesus personally, was prosecuting Christians. But at some point he declared himself a convert and an Apostole. Paul could not convince Jews that Jesus was divine so he went outside of Israel to the Gentiles (anyone who is not a Jew).

He started preaching to Gentiles that Jesus died for sins of all humankind and that Christians do not need to follow the Law anymore.

Early Christians opposed Paul. Paul wrongfully began calling people to worship Jesus Christ and spread strange teachings. Due to his power, wealth, and relationships, people started to adopt these strange beliefs and teachings, while the true disciples of Jesus Christ disapproved.

The disciples clashed and argued with Paul because of his innovative and bizarre teachings, and the New Testament references this fact. Many Christians mistakenly took him as one of the disciples of Jesus Christ due to his claim that he was, but he was not, nor did he ever meet Jesus Christ. While some Christians elevate Paul to sainthood, Paul was responsible for destroying the teachings of Jesus Christ. He told people they did not need to follow God’s laws, even though Jesus Christ suffered and struggled to convey the Message of God, which included teaching people to obey God’s commandments.

The Bible clearly states the importance of following the law.

Till Heaven and earth pass, the one that breaks the Law will be called the least person in the Kingdom of Heaven. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished’ ‘Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.’ Matthew 5:18–19

Almost all the concepts of the modern-day teachings of Christianity, including the concept of Jesus Christ being the son of God and Atonement, are from Paul — and not from the teachings of Jesus Christ. As such, the teachings of Paul contradict the teachings of Jesus.

While Prophets of God performed miracles to prove they were sent from God, such as when Jesus Christ healed leprosy and the blind, Paul did not perform any miracles or show any proof whatsoever that he was carrying the Word of God or even the words of the Prophet Jesus ﷺ . Paul changed his name from Saul to distance himself from his former reputation as an enemy of Jesus Christ and a prosecutor of Jesus Christ’s disciples.

Paul met the disciples of Christ occasionally but was not fortunate enough to live in their company. When he later came into the picture after the departure of Jesus Christ, he made some severe changes to the religion to win over the Gentiles (non-Jewish people). He introduced what became vital concepts of Christianity, including the idea that Christ is the Son of God, that he sacrificed himself on the cross to save humanity, and that all one needs to do to earn Paradise is to believe Christ died for his sins. Half of the New Testament is written by this man who never met Jesus Christ in his lifetime.

The New Testament that is now in existence contains more writings of Paul than any other source. All his reports were written before the four Gospels. They are influenced mainly by the teachings and innovations of Paul, even though his writings consist of hundreds of inconsistences and contradictions! Paul abolished God’s laws, such as not eating pork, fasting, observing the Sabbath, and the instruction of circumcision.

The early devoted followers of Jesus Christ struggled for years to uphold the teaching that only One God (the Father) should be worshiped, and Jesus Christ was only His human Messenger. The real followers of Jesus Christ opposed the blatant misrepresentations that Paul was wrongfully decimating.

Because of Paul’s preaching Christianity was divided into two denominations: Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians.

Paul is a self-proclaimed Apostle, who never saw Jesus. The agenda of Paul was significantly different from the agenda of Jesus. Paul is viewed in Islam in a very negative way because he corrupted original teachings of Jesus.

Paul never met Jesus in person. Paul brought many innovations from Greek mythology, including the concept of “human sacrifice” and “died for your sins”. Not only he went astray from the straight path but he also led many people to the wrong path.

How Paul corrupted original teachings of Jesus

Since the innovative teachings of Paul appealed to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people), Jesus’ faithful followers were unable to stop Paul’s misguidance. Although the first Christians were Unitarians who asserted the unity of God and would have rejected the doctrine of the Trinity, Jesus Christ’s message of the absolute Oneness of God lasted in its original purity for only a short time, then diminished over the years. The very first Christians were not Trinitarians and, in fact, never had heard of the Trinity, as many current-day Biblical scholars acknowledge.

Some Christians developed different beliefs about the Prophet Jesus ﷺ over the next few centuries. They claimed that he was divine, calling him the Son of God, which eventually became the dominant Christian belief. Sadly, Christian leaders took Paul’s beliefs as their religion even though his teachings contradict the Bible, and Christian leaders abandoned the actual teachings of Jesus Christ. Many Biblical scholars recognize and admit that the formulation of modern Christianity did not begin with Jesus Christ; instead, the faith started with Paul, as shocking as that sounds. Sadly, Paul, not Jesus Christ, is the true founder of modern Christianity. Today, only Muslims follow the actual teachings of Jesus Christ, which we will prove later in this book.

About a 150 years later, after the departure of Jesus Christ, a Church father by the name of Tertullian began teaching and spreading the concept of the Trinity.

Quran disclaims Trinity #

Allah the Exalted warned: Surely they have disbelieved who say: "Allah is the Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary." But the Messiah (Jesus) said: "O Children of Israel! Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord." Verily whosoever sets up partners in worship with Allah, then Allah has forbidden Paradise for him, and the Fire will be his abode. And for the Zalimun (polytheists and wrong-doers) there are no helpers.

Surely disbelievers are those who said: "Allah is the third of the three (in a Trinity)." But there is no Ilah (god) (none who has the right to be worshipped) but One Ilah (God- Allah). And if they cease not from what they say verily a painful torment will befall the disbelievers among them.

Will they not repent to Allah and ask His Forgiveness? For Allah is Oft-Forgiving Most Merciful.

The Messiah (Jesus), son of Mary, was no more than a Messenger; many were the Messengers that passed a way before him. His mother (Mary) was a Siddiqah i.e. she believed in the Words of Allah and His Books. They both used to eat food (as any other human being, while Allah does not eat). Look how We make the Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) clear to them, yet look how they are deluded a way (from the truth). 
Quran, surah Al-Anaam (The Cattle) 6:72-75

The story of the Companions of the Cave ( أصحاب الکهف, ) is referred to in Quran 18:9-26. Several righteous people and one dog hid inside the cave outside the city of Ephesus around AD 250 to escape one of the Roman persecutions of Christians and emerged some 300 years later.

According to narrations these righteous young men did not know each other and unaware of each other they refused to attend Roman pagan rituals of sacrifice to idols. One day the Roman emperor said that he will visit the city. So the local governer started opressing Christians to convert to paganism. His aim was to not leave any person who didn’t worship idols. When the emperor came, one of the righteous believers declared the following in front of the emperor:

"Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth; 
We shall never invoke any God other than him. Otherwise, we would be saying something far from the truth."
Quran, surah Al-Kahf (The Cave) 18:14

Upon hearing this, all the rest believers declared their belif in one God. The emperor did not want to kill them and make them heroes, so he gave them 2 days to reject their words. The believers and a dog managed to leave the city and found refuge in a cave. In the cave, the believers and fell asleep and they have slept for 300 years.

˹Remember˺ when those youths took refuge in the cave, and said, “Our Lord! Grant us mercy from Yourself and guide us rightly through our ordeal.”

So We caused them to fall into a dead sleep in the cave for many years,

then We raised them so We may show which of the two groups would make a better estimation of the length of their stay.
We relate to you ˹O Prophet˺ their story in truth. They were youths who truly believed in their Lord, and We increased them in guidance.

And We strengthened their hearts when they stood up and declared, "Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. We will never call upon any god besides Him, or we would truly be uttering an outrageous lie."

˹Then they said to one another,˺ "These people of ours have taken gods besides Him. Why do they not produce a clear proof of them? Who then does more wrong than those who fabricate lies against Allah?

Since you have distanced yourselves from them and what they worship besides Allah, take refuge in the cave. Your Lord will extend His mercy to you and accommodate you in your ordeal."

And you would have seen the sun, as it rose, inclining away from their cave to the right, and as it set, declining away from them to the left, while they lay in its open space. That is one of the signs of Allah. Whoever Allah guides is truly guided. But whoever He leaves to stray, you will never find for them a guiding mentor.

And you would have thought they were awake, though they were asleep. We turned them over, to the right and left, while their dog stretched his forelegs at the entrance. Had you looked at them, you would have certainly fled away from them, filled with horror.

And so We awakened them so that they might question one another. One of them exclaimed, "How long have you remained ˹asleep˺?" Some replied, "Perhaps a day, or part of a day." They said ˹to one another˺, "Your Lord knows best how long you have remained. So send one of you with these silver coins of yours to the city, and let him find which food is the purest, and then bring you provisions from it. Let him be ˹exceptionally˺ cautious, and do not let him give you away.

For, indeed, if they find out about you, they will stone you ˹to death˺, or force you back into their faith, and then you will never succeed."

That is how We caused them to be discovered so that their people might know that Allah’s promise ˹of resurrection˺ is true and that there is no doubt about the Hour. When the people disputed with each other about the case of the youth ˹after their death˺, some proposed, "Build a structure around them. Their Lord knows best about them." Those who prevailed in the matter said, "We will surely build a place of worship over them."

Some will say, "They were three, their dog was the fourth," while others will say, "They were five, their dog was the sixth," ˹only˺ guessing blindly. And others will say, "They were seven and their dog was the eighth." Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ "My Lord knows best their ˹exact˺ number. Only a few people know as well." So do not argue about them except with sure knowledge, nor consult any of those ˹who debate˺ about them.

And never say of anything, "I will definitely do this tomorrow,"

without adding, "if Allah so wills!" But if you forget, then remember your Lord, and say, "I trust my Lord will guide me to what is more right than this."

They had remained in their cave for three hundred years, adding nine.

Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ "Allah knows best how long they stayed. With Him ˹alone˺ is ˹the knowledge of˺ the unseen of the heavens and the earth. How perfectly He hears and sees! They have no guardian besides Him, and He shares His command with none."
Quran, surah Al-Kahf (The Cave) 18:9-27

The precise number of the sleepers is not stated. The Quran furthermore points to the fact that people, shortly after the incident emerged, started to make “idle guesses” as to how many people were in the cave. To this the Quran asserts that: “My Sustainer knows best how many they were”.

Similarly, regarding the exact period of time the people stayed in the cave, the Quran, after asserting the guesswork of the people that “they remained in the cave for 300 years and nine added”, resolves that “God knows best how long they remained [there].” The Quran says the sleepers included a dog, who sat at the entrance of the cave (verse 18).

Christian Interpretation #

The story says that during the persecutions by the Roman emperor Decius, around AD 250, seven young men were accused of following Christianity. They were given some time to recant their faith, but they refused to bow to Roman idols. Instead they chose to give their worldly goods to the poor and retire to a mountain cave to pray, where they fell asleep. The Emperor, seeing that their attitude towards paganism had not improved, ordered the mouth of the cave to be sealed.

Decius died in 251, and many years passed during which Christianity went from being persecuted to being the state religion of the Roman Empire. At some later time — usually given as during the reign of Theodosius II (408–450) — in AD 447 when heated discussions were taking place between various schools of Christianity about the resurrection of the body in the day of judgement and life after death, a landowner decided to open up the sealed mouth of the cave, thinking to use it as a cattle pen. He opened it and found the sleepers inside. They awoke, imagining that they had slept but one day, and sent one of their number to Ephesus to buy food, with instructions to be careful.

Upon arriving in the city, this person was astounded to find buildings with crosses attached; the townspeople for their part were astounded to find a man trying to spend old coins from the reign of Decius. The bishop was summoned to interview the sleepers; they told him their miracle story, and died praising God.

About three hundred years after the departure of Jesus Christ, the Roman Pagan Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and adopted this strange minority view of Christianity. He believed that Jesus was the Son of God and that all one has to do to attain salvation is to accept the fact that he died for our sins. Constantine believed in many concepts that date back to Roman Paganism. So, the Roman Empire became Christian.

Constantine I initiated the First Council of Nicea that changed the original course of Christianity.

Fun fact: It is the same Constantine the founder of Constantinople.

Modern Christianity is based on the following unfortunate turn of events that corrupted original teachings of Jesus:

– 31–36 AD: Paul, who never saw Jesus, proclaimed himself an Apostol.

– Paul preached that Jesus is the son of God to non-Jewish people.

– Paul preached that Jesus died for sins of the humanity.

– Paul preached that people do not need to follow the Law of the Old Testament.

– Modern version of the New Testament mostly consists of Paul’s letters that contain many contradictions.

– 150 AD: The first mention of the Trinity appears only some 150 years after Jesus left the earth.

– Early Christians who believed that Jesus was a prophet were prosecuted. After Paul’s preaching Christianity divided into two main branches. One of them believed that Jesus as a prophet and a messiah, the others supported Paul’s version.

– 312 AD: Roman Emperor Contantine I converted to Christianity.

– 325 AD: Nicaean Creed. Contantine gathers church representatives and they decide that the Paul’s version of Christianity will be official, thus declaring Jesus to be the son of God. They also decided that the Spirit is a God as well. This contradicted the original Arbrahamic dogma of a “monotheistic” religion in which there could be only one God. So, they decided that all three Gods are united in one entity, making it the Trinity and destroying the logic.

– At the Nicaean Creed, Arius (an Alexandrian priest who claimed that God alone is Almighty and Jesus is dependend from God) was declared a herethic and was exiled.

– After Nicaean Creed, Constantine and the Pauline Church took hundreds of manuscripts and Gospels that contradicted Paul’s views banned and destroyed them. Some of these manuscripts were written by the Disciples themselves. The ancient manuscripts, written initially in the original Aramaic and Hebrew, were destroyed, and only the Greek and Latin manuscripts were spared.

– People from non-Pauline branches of Christianity were persecuted, tortured and killed as herethics. Up until they slowly vanished.

First counsil of Nicaea. After converting to Christianity, the Emperor Constantine contacted the Council of Nicaea to discuss and resolve whether Jesus Christ is the Son of God and other related matters. The council of the Christian leaders at Nicaea understood Paul’s strange belief set as the sect of Christianity they would follow. Constantine was the first Emperor to make Christianity a state religion after Christians had been persecuted and killed for three hundred years — simply for being Christian. The worship of the Roman sun god was rampant during this period.

Constantine’s strange sect of Christianity slowly grew in numbers, and the Pauline Church eventually gave birth to the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Protestant Church. Constantine banned all other Christian sects and executed millions who followed other Christian denominations. Only a tiny remnant remained of the actual teachings of Jesus Christ. God says in his final Book that modern-day Christianity is based upon the whims of misguided people, who in turn misguide others:

Say, "People of the Book, do not overstep the bounds of Truth in your religious beliefs. Do not follow the whims of the people who went astray before you. They have led many others astray, and they continue to stray from the right path"
Quran, surah Al-Maaida (The Table) 5:7

It is very problematic that Christians take the words of Paul and others who came after the teachings of Jesus Christ to be more valid than the words of Jesus Christ. Modern Christianity has been reduced to an interpretation of the words of Jesus Christ within the context of Paul. Constantine and the Pauline Church also took hundreds of manuscripts and Gospels that contradicted Paul’s views banned and destroyed them. Some of these manuscripts were written by the Disciples themselves. The ancient manuscripts, written initially in the original Aramaic and Hebrew, were destroyed, and only the Greek and Latin manuscripts were spared.

Nicaea was all about Arius and Constantine wanted to establish peace among his own ruling lands. Unfortunately, they chose the corrupted version of Christianity.

Peter the Venerable said that prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the successor to Arius. The original Christianity was very close to original Jewish religion and Islam. Jesus was Jewish and he was circumsized, he prayed to God prostrating to earth and he greeted people with “Shalom”.

Jesus attended Jewish temples and he just logically couldn’t claim that he is God. The disciples also attended Jewish temples and worshipped God alone. Jesus came to revive the religion of Moses, not to build new churches and invent a new religion.

God is self-sufficient. Jesus ate, slept and prayed. God is not born. Jesus and his followers went to Jewish temples and prayed the same way Moses and Ibrahim prayed. There are multiple times in the Gospels a statement that noone has seen God. According to the Bible, even Jesus himself said: “I have never seen God”. And in that time period, many good people were called son of God.

It is important to take into account that the Bible cannot be fully called the Word of God because it was translated from its original language and corrupted by writers of multiple epochs. The Quran, on the contrary, remains in the original Arabic language up to this day.

• 10 Resons why Jesus is not divine from Islamic perspective

O Prophet! Truly We have sent thee as a Witness,
a Bearer of Glad Tidings and a Warner
and as one who invites to Allah's (Grace) by His leave
and as a lamp spreading light.
Quran, surah Al-Ahzaab (The Clans) 33:45-46

8.2.1 Meccan Period #

"I cast (the garment of love) over thee from Me, so that thou might be reared under My eye. ... We saved thee from all grief, although We tried thee with various trials. ... O Moses, I have chosen thee for Mine Own service"
Quran, surah Taa-Haa (Taa-Haa) 20:39-41

8.2.2 Iqra: First Revelation 📗 #

"Read! in the name of your Lord who created
Man from a clinging substance.
Read: Your Lord is most Generous,–
He who taught by the pen–
Taught man that which he knew not."
Quran, surah Al-Alaq (The Clot) 96

Perish the two hands of Abu Lahab (an uncle of the Prophet), and perish he!
His wealth will not avail him or that which he gained.
He will be burnt in a Fire of blazing flames!
And his wife too, who carries wood (thorns of Sadan which she used to put on the way of the Prophet (Peace be upon him), or use to slander him).
In her neck is a twisted rope of Masad (palm fibre).
Quran, surah Al-Masad (The Palm Fibre) 111

and I gave him extensive wealth, and sons present before (his) eyes.
Quran, surah Al-Muddaththir (The Cloaked One) 74:12-13

He pondered and suggested. Death onto him! How [ bad ] is the suggestion he has put forward! Again, death unto him! How [ bad ] is the suggestion he has put forward! Then he looked [ to those around him,] then he frowned and scowled, then turned his back, and waxed proud, then said, "This is nothing but traditional magic; this is nothing but saying of a mortal.
Quran, surah Al-Muddaththir (The Cloaked One) 74

Say: "It has been revealed to me that a band of the jinn listened and said, 'We have heard a most amazing Recitation. It leads to right guidance so we believe in it and will not associate anyone with our Lord.'" 
Quran, surah Al-Jinn (The Jinn) 72:1-2

[The Jinn said] "And when we heard the guidance, we believed in it. Anyone who believes in his Lord need fear neither belittlement nor tyranny. Some of us are Muslims and some are deviators. Those who have become Muslim are those who sought right guidance." 
Surah al-Jinn: 13-14

When the servant of Allah stands calling on Him, they almost swarm all over him. 
Quran, surah Al-Jinn (The Jinn) 72:19

And [mention, O Muhammad], when We directed to you a few of the jinn, listening to the Quran. And when they attended it, they said, "Listen quietly." And when it was concluded, they went back to their people as warners. Surah Ah’kaf- 29

Glory to Him who made His servant travel by night from the sacred place of worship (Al-Masjid Al-Haram) to the furthest place of worship (Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa), whose surroundings We have blessed, to show him some of Our signs. He alone is the All Hearing, the All Seeing.
Remember when We said to you that your Lord encompasses mankind in His knowledge. Nor did We make the vision We showed you except as a test to people, as also the accursed tree in the Quran.
Quran, surah Al-Israa (The Night Journey) 17:60

His sight never wavered, nor was it too bold.
And he saw some of the greatest signs of his Lord.
Quran, surah An-Najm (The Star) 53:13–18

"I will descend and kill him, then the people will return to their own lands and will be confronted with Gog and Magog, who will, "swoop down from every mound" 
Quran, surah Al-Anbiyaa (The Prophets) 21:96 

"He certainly saw some of his Lord’s greatest signs".
Quran, surah An-Najm (The Star) 53:18

The ˹Prophet’s˺ heart did not doubt what he saw.
How can you ˹O pagans˺ then dispute with him regarding what he saw?
And he certainly saw that ˹angel descend˺ a second time
at the Lote Tree of the most extreme limit ˹in the seventh heaven˺—
near which is the Garden of ˹Eternal˺ Residence—
while the Lote Tree was overwhelmed with ˹heavenly˺ splendours!
The ˹Prophet’s˺ sight never wandered, nor did it overreach.
He certainly saw some of his Lord’s greatest signs.
Quran, surah An-Najm (The Star) 53:11–18

"Then Allah revealed to His servant what He revealed". 
Quran, surah An-Najm (The Star) 53:10

8.2.3 Hijrah #

8.2.4 Medina Period 🕌 #

But those who, before them, had homes (in Medina) and had adopted the faith, – show their affection to such as came to them for refuge, and entertain no desire, in their hearts for things given to the (latter), but give them preference over themselves, even though poverty was their (own lot). And those saved from the covetousness of their own souls, – they are the ones that achieve prosperity.
Quran, surah Al-Hashr (The Exile) 59:9

Alif - Lam - Mim. 
This beyond doubt is the Book, a guidance unto the God-fearing, who believe in the Unseen and perform the prayer and give ofthat which We have bestowed upon them; and who believe in that which is revealed unto thee and in that which was revealed before thee, and who are certain ofthe Hereafter. These are they who follow guidance from their Lord and these are they who shall prosper.
Quran, surah Al-Bakarah (The Cow) 2:1-2

"Many a time We have seen you turn your face owards heaven. We will make you turn towards a 'qiblah' that will please you."
Quran, surah Al-Bakarah (The Cow) 2:144 

"Permission to fight is granted to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged, and God indeed has the power to help them. They are those who have been driven out of their homes unjustly only because they affirmed: "Our Lord is God"" 
Quran, surah Al-Hajj (The Pilgrimage) 22:39-40

"And if God had not repelled some men by others, the earth would have been corrupted. But God is a Lord of Kindness to (His) creatures" 
Quran, surah Al-Bakarah (The Cow) 2:251

And why should you not fight in the cause of God and for those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from Thee one who will protect; and raise for us from Thee one who will help!" 
Quran, surah An-Nisa (The Woman) 4:75

 And you (Muhammad SAW) threw not when you did throw but it was God that threw.
 Quran, surah Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War) 8

˹Remember˺ when you cried out to your Lord for help, He answered, "I will reinforce you with a thousand angels—followed by many others."
Quran, surah Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War) 8:9

When thy Lord revealed unto the angels: Lo, I am with you, so make firm the believers. I shall cast terror into the hearts of the disbelievers. It is for you to strike off their heads, and to smite their every finger.
Quran, surah Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War) 8

It is not for a prophet to hold captives until he hath made great slaughter in the land. Ye would have for yourselves the gains of this world and God would have for you the Hereafter, and God is Mighty, Wise.
Quran, surah Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War) 8:67

O Prophet, say unto those captives who are in your hands: If God knoweth any good in your hearts, He will give you better than that which hath been taken from you, and He will forgive you. Verily God is Forgiving, Merciful.
Quran, surah Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War) 8:70

What ye suffered on the day the two armies met, was with the leave of Allah, in order that He might test the believers. And in order that He might test the Hypocrites also, these were told: "Come, fight in the way of Allah, or (at least) drive (The foe from your city)." They said: "Had we known how to fight, we should certainly have followed you." They were that day nearer to Disbelief than to Faith, saying with their mouths what was not in their hearts but Allah hath full knowledge of all they conceal. (They are) the ones that say, of their brethren slain, while they themselves sit (at ease): "If only they had listened to us they would not have been slain." Say: "Avert death from your own selves, if ye speak the truth."
Quran, surah Aal-i-Imran (The House of Imran) 3:166–168

"If you see us prevail and start to take spoils, do not come to assist us. And if you see us get vanquished and birds eat from our heads, do not come to assist us."
Quran, surah Al-Anfal (The Spoils of War) 8:48

Indeed, Allah fulfilled His promise to you when you ˹initially˺ swept them away by His Will, then your courage weakened and you disputed about the command and disobeyed after Allah had brought victory within your reach. Some of you were after worldly gain while others desired a heavenly reward. He denied you victory over them as a test, yet He has pardoned you. And Allah is Gracious to the believers.
Quran, surah Aal-i-Imran (The House of Imran) 3:152

And [remember] when you left your family in the morning to post the believers at their stations for the battle [of Uhud]. Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.

And recall when two groups from among you were inclined to flag95 although Allah was their protector; it is in Allah that the believers should put their trust.

For sure Allah helped you at Badr when you were utterly weak. Beware, then, of Allah; perhaps you will be thankful.
Quran, surah Aal-i-Imran (The House of Imran) 3:121-123

˹Remember˺ when they came at you from east and west, when your eyes grew wild ˹in horror˺ and your hearts jumped into your throats, and you entertained ˹conflicting˺ thoughts about Allah.

Then and there the believers were put to the test, and were violently shaken.

And ˹remember˺ when the hypocrites and those with sickness in their hearts said, "Allah and His Messenger have promised us nothing but delusion!"

And ˹remember˺ when a group of them said, "O people of Yathrib! There is no point in you staying ˹here˺, so retreat!" Another group of them asked the Prophet’s permission ˹to leave˺, saying, "Our homes are vulnerable," while ˹in fact˺ they were not vulnerable. They only wished to flee.

Had their city been sacked from all sides and they had been asked to abandon faith, they would have done so with little hesitation.

They had already pledged to Allah earlier never to turn their backs ˹in retreat˺. And a pledge to Allah must be answered for.

Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ "Fleeing will not benefit you if you ˹try to˺ escape a natural or violent death. ˹If it is not your time,˺ you will only be allowed enjoyment for a little while."

Ask ˹them, O  Prophet˺, "Who can put you out of Allah’s reach if He intends to harm you or show you mercy?" They can never find any protector or helper besides Allah.

Allah knows well those among you who discourage ˹others from fighting˺, saying ˹secretly˺ to their brothers, "Stay with us," and who themselves hardly take part in fighting.

˹They are˺ totally unwilling to assist you. When danger comes, you see them staring at you with their eyes rolling like someone in the throes of death. But once the danger is over, they slash you with razor-sharp tongues, ravenous for ˹worldly˺ gains. Such people have not ˹truly˺ believed, so Allah has rendered their deeds void. And that is easy for Allah.

They ˹still˺ think that the enemy alliance has not ˹yet˺ withdrawn. And if the allies were to come ˹again˺, the hypocrites would wish to be away in the desert among nomadic Arabs, ˹only˺ asking for news about you ˹believers˺. And if the hypocrites were in your midst, they would hardly take part in the fight.

Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever has hope in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often.

When the believers saw the enemy alliance, they said, "This is what Allah and His Messenger had promised us. The promise of Allah and His Messenger has come true." And this only increased them in faith and submission.
Quran, surah Al-Ahzab (The Clans) 33:10-22

"Verily we have granted thee a manifest victory"
Quran, surah Al-Fath (The Victory) 48:1

Allah's Good Pleasure was on the Believers when they swore Fealty to thee under the Tree: He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down Tranquillity to them; and He rewarded them with a speedy Victory;

And many gains will they acquire (besides): and Allah is Exalted in Power, Full of Wisdom.

Allah has promised you many gains that ye shall acquire, and He has given you these beforehand; and He has restrained the hands of men from you; that it may be a Sign for the Believers, and that He may guide you to a Straight Path;

And other gains (there are), which are not within your power, but which Allah has compassed: and Allah has power over all things.

If the Unbelievers should fight you, they would certainly turn their backs; then would they find neither protector nor helper.

(Such has been) the practice (approved) of Allah already in the past: no change wilt thou find in the practice (approved) of Allah.

And it is He Who has restrained their hands from you and your hands from them in the midst of Makka, after that He gave you the victory over them. And Allah sees well all that ye do.

They are the ones who denied Revelation and hindered you from the Sacred Mosque and the sacrificial animals, detained from reaching their place of sacrifice. Had there not been believing men and believing women whom ye did not know that ye were trampling down and on whose account a crime would have accrued to you without (your) knowledge, (Allah would have allowed you to force your way, but He held back your hands) that He may admit to His Mercy whom He will. If they had been apart, We should certainly have punished the Unbelievers among them with a grievous Punishment.

While the Unbelievers got up in their hearts heat and cant - the heat and cant of ignorance,- Allah sent down His Tranquillity to his Messenger and to the Believers, and made them stick close to the command of self-restraint; and well were they entitled to it and worthy of it. And Allah has full knowledge of all things.

Truly did Allah fulfil the vision for His Messenger: ye shall enter the Sacred Mosque, if Allah wills, with minds secure, heads shaved, hair cut short, and without fear. For He knew what ye knew not, and He granted, besides this, a speedy victory.

It is He Who has sent His Messenger with Guidance and the Religion of Truth, to proclaim it over all religion: and enough is Allah for a Witness.

Muhammad is the messenger of Allah; and those who are with him are strong against Unbelievers, (but) compassionate amongst each other. Thou wilt see them bow and prostrate themselves (in prayer), seeking Grace from Allah and (His) Good Pleasure. On their faces are their marks, (being) the traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Taurat; and their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Unbelievers with rage at them. Allah has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness, and a great Reward.
Quran, surah Al-Fath (The Victory) 18-29

Indeed, We have granted you a clear triumph ˹O Prophet˺

so that Allah may forgive you for your past and future shortcomings, perfect His favour upon you, guide you along the Straight Path,

and so that Allah will help you tremendously.

He is the One Who sent down serenity upon the hearts of the believers so that they may increase even more in their faith. To Allah ˹alone˺ belong the forces of the heavens and the earth. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

So He may admit believing men and women into Gardens under which rivers flow—to stay there forever—and absolve them of their sins. And that is a supreme achievement in the sight of Allah.

Also ˹so that˺ He may punish hypocrite men and women and polytheistic men and women, who harbour evil thoughts of Allah. May ill-fate befall them! Allah is displeased with them. He has condemned them and prepared for them Hell. What an evil destination!

To Allah ˹alone˺ belong the forces of the heavens and the earth. And Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.
Quran, surah Al-Fath (The Victory) 48:1-7

"And We covenanted with Abraham and Ismael that they should sanctify My house".
Quran, surah Al-Bakarah (The Cow) 2:125

Truth has come, and Falsehood has vanished. For Falsehood is (by its nature) bound to vanish.
Quran, surah Al-Isra (The Night Journey) 17:81

O People! We created you from a male and a female and distributed you among tribes and families for the facility of reference only. But in the sight of God only those people have a place of honor who are God-fearing and God-loving. Verily, God is knowledgeable and understanding. 
Quran, surah Al-Hujurat (The Inner Apartments) 49:13

"There is no blame on you today."
Quran, surah Yusuf (Joseph) 12:92

8.2.5 Last Years of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ #

This day the disbeliever's despair of prevailing against your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me (Allah)! This day have I perfected for you, your religion and fulfilled My favor unto you, and it hath been My good pleasure to choose Islam for you as your religion. 
Quran, surah Al-Maaida (The Table) 5:3

Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [those who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [those who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and it is those who are the righteous.
Quran, surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) 2:177

The Messenger has believed in what was revealed to him from his Lord, and [so have] the believers. All of them have believed in Allah and His angels and His books and His messengers, [saying], "We make no distinction between any of His messengers." And they say, "We hear and we obey. [We seek] Your forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the [final] destination."
Quran, surah Al-Baqarah (The Cow) 2:285

O you who have believed, believe in Allah and His Messenger and the Book that He sent down upon His Messenger and the Scripture which He sent down before. And whoever disbelieves in Allah, His angels, His books, His messengers, and the Last Day has certainly gone far astray.
Quran, surah An-Nisa (The Women) 4:136

as a witness and a bringer ofglad tidings, a warner and a summoner unto Allah by His permission, and a lamp that gives light 
Quran, surah Al-Ahzaab (The Clans) 33:45-46

the one who was sent as a mercy and blessing to mankind 
Quran, surah Al-Anbiyaa (The Prophets) 21:10

Now has come unto you light from Allah and a clear book whereby Allah guides him who seeks His pleasure unto the paths ofpeace. He brings them out of the darkness into the light by His decree and guides them unto a straight path.
Quran, surah Al-Maaida (The Table) 5:16

A Book which We have revealed to you (O Muhammad!) so that you may thereby bring forth mankind from darkness unto the light, by the permission of their Lord, unto the path of Him, the Exalted in power, the One worthy of all praise.
Quran, surah Ibrahim (Abraham) 14:2

O people! There has come to you an admonition from your Lord which is a healing for what is in the breasts, and a guidance and mercy for the believers. 
Quran, surah Yunus (Jonas) 10:57

Accept what the Messenger gives you and stay away from whatever he forbids you. 
Quran, surah Al-Hashr (The Exile) 59:7

"(O Muhammad) Verily you will die, and they also will die."
Quran, surah Az-Zumar (The Groups) 39:30

"Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to God, and God will give reward to those who are grateful." 
Quran, surah Aal-i-Imran (The House of Imran) 3:144

In Islam, the arrival of Judgement Day is prophesied in various ḥadīth collections to be preceded by “signs” or portents of its arrival. These signs tend to fall into disruptions in the order of human morality (music, wine drinking, usury, fornication, homosexuality, and disobedience by wives, senseless murders, lying and cheating, disinterest in and ignorance of religion) and the natural world (frequent unexpected deaths, excessive lightning, destructive rainfall, terrible drought, a huge cloud of smoke, the opening up of huge cracks in the earth – khasf – to swallow masses of people alive, the sun rising in the west, poisonous winds that kill all the faithful); include the appearance of wicked forces such as the AntiChrist figure al-Dajjāl, Gog and Magog, and Sufyani. but also savior(s) the Mahdi and Jesus, who along with divine intervention, will restore order and crush the Dajjal, gog and Magog will perish as well. Some time after Isa will pass and no believer will be left on Earth. The Quran will be lifted.

The signs may be divided into “minor” signs (these happen first), or “major” signs. (scholars agree there are ten of these but not what they are). They may also be divided into signs that have already happened, are currently happening, or have yet to happen.

The first minor sogn was the coming of the prophet Muhammad SAW.

Events that have already taken place:

• A form of death, which will kill thousands of Muslims (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 4: book 53: 401)
• A major fighting in Madinah (understood to be the battle of al-Harrah during the caliphate of Yazid)
• The Muslim conquest of Jerusalem (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 4: book 53: 401)
• The Muslim conquest of Constantinople (Sahih Muslim, book 41: 6924)
• Two large groups of Muslims will fight in a war (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 9: book 88: 237)
• A war between the Muslims and a reddish people with small eyes, wearing sandals made of hair ( Sahih Bukhari, Vol 4: book 52: 179)
• Splitting of the moon (Sahih Bukhari, Book 56: 830)
• A peace agreement between the Muslims and non-Muslims from the yellow race (understood to be the Chinese, Mongols etc.)
• 30 impostors will appear, each thinking he is a prophet (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 9: book 88: 237)

Events that are happening at present:

• Naked, destitute, barefoot shepherds will compete in building tall buildings (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1: book 2: 47) There were two types of tribes in Saudi Arabia: city people and bedouns.This hadith is related to bedoun tribes that throughout history lived in poverty. Even during Islamic Golden Age they lived in the desert with their tribe and camels; they didn’t even have houses. In the 13th century, 700 years ago, imam Qurtubi said this is the prediction of a reversal in society whereby the people of the desert will take over the construction of affairs and rule every region by force. They will become extremely rich and their primary concern will be to erect tall buildings and take pride in them.
• The slave-woman will give birth to her master or mistress (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 6: book 60: 300)
• A trial (fitnah) which will enter every Arab household (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 4: book 53: 401)
• Knowledge will be taken away (by the death of people of knowledge), and ignorance will prevail (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1: book 3: 80)
• Wine (intoxicants, alcohol) will be drunk in great quantities (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1: book 3: 80)
• Zina (adultery, fornication) will become widespread (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1: book 3: 80)
• Earthquakes will increase (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2: book 17: 146)
• Time will pass more quickly (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2: book 17: 146)
• Tribulations (fitana) will prevail (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2: book 17: 146)
• Bloodshed will increase (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 2: book 17: 146)
• A man will pass by the grave of another and wish he was in the latter’s place (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 9: book 88: 237)
• Trustworthiness will be lost, i.e. when authority is given to those who do not deserve it (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1: book 3: 56)
• People will gather for prayer, but will be unable to find an imam to lead them (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 2: 0581)
• The spread of riba (usury, interest)
• The prevalence of musical instruments.
• Widespread drinking of alcohol.
• Appearance of women who are clothed yet naked.
• Believer’s dreams coming true.
• Widespread giving of false testimony and concealment of true testimony.
• Large numbers of women.
• The land of the Arabs becoming once again meadows and rivers.

Events that are yet to happen:

• The number of men will decrease, whilst the number of women will increase, until for every man there are 50 women (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 1: book 3: 81)
• The Euphrates will reveal a treasure of gold, and many will die fighting over it, each one hoping to be the one who gains the treasure (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 6918)
• The Romans (Europeans) will come to a place called A’maq or Wabiq, and an army of the best people will go forth from Madinah to face them (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 6924)
• The Muslim conquest of Rome (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 6721)
• The Mahdi (guided one) will appear, and be the Imam of the Muslims (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 36: 4272)
• Jesus Christ will descend in Damascus, and pray behind the Mahdi (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 3: book 43: 656)
• Jesus will break the cross and kill the swine, i.e. destroy the false Christianity (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 3: book 43: 656)
• The Antichrist (al-masih al-dajjal, the false christ) will appear, with all his tools of deception, and be an immense trial. He will be followed by 70,000 Jews from Isfahan (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 7034)
• The appearance of Ya’juj and Ma’juj (Gog and Magog), and the associated tribulations ) (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 6931)
• The emergence of the Beast from the Earth, carrying the Staff of Moses and the Seal of Solomon, who will speak to the people, telling them they did not believe with certainty in the Divine Signs ) (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 6931)
• A major war between the Muslims (including Jews and Christians who truly believe in Jesus after his return) led by the Imam Mahdi, and the Jews plus other non-Muslims led by the Antichrist (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 4: book 52: 177)
• Jesus will kill the Antichrist at the gate of Ludd (Lod in present-day Israel, site of an airport and a major Israeli military base) (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 7015)
• A time of great peace and serenity during and after the remaining lifetime of Jesus (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 3: book 43: 656)
• Arabia will become a land of gardens and rivers (Sahih Muslim, Book 005: 2208)
• Society will then decay (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book 14: 2529)
• The buttocks of the women of the tribe of Daws will again sway in circumambulation (tawaf) around the idol Dhul-Khulsah (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 9: book 88: 232)
• A great fire in the Hijaz, seen by the inhabitants of Busra (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 9: book 88: 232)
• Three major armies will sink into the earth: one in the east, one in the west, one in Arabia (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 6931)
• An Abyssinian leader with thin shins will destroy the Ka’bah (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 6951)
• The huge cloud of smoke (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 6931)
• The sun will rise from the west (its place of setting) (Sahih Bukhari, Vol 6: book 60: 159)
• A gentle wind which will take the souls of the believers (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 7015)
• There is no-one left on the earth saying, “Allah, Allah” or “There is no god except Allah.” (Sahih Muslim, Book 001: 0273)
• Eventually, the Day of Judgment is established upon the worst of the people, who copulate like donkeys in public (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 7015)
• The blowing in the Trumpet by the Angel Israfil, upon which everyone will faint except as Allah wills (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 7023)
• The second blowing in the Trumpet, upon which everyone will be resurrected (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 7023)

There is a hadith that prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “If you encounter the beginning of Al Qiyamah while planting a palm seed, continue planting the seed”.

Many of the signs of the Day of Judgement mentioned in hadith has already appeared. The Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) did once say, whilst gesturing with his index and middle fingers, "The time of my advent and the Hour are like these two fingers". [Al-Bukhari]

Continue planting a seed #

Anas ibn Malik raḍyAllāhu ‘anhu (may Allāh be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ṣallallāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam (peace and blessings of Allāh be upon him) said, “If the Final Hour comes while you have a palm-cutting in your hands and it is possible to plant it before the Hour comes, you should plant it.” [Al-Abani]

Prepare for the Hour #

“A man asked the Prophet ﷺ about the Hour (i.e. Day of Judgment) saying, ‘When will the Hour be?’ The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘What have you prepared for it?'” [Al-Bukhari]

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also said Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim. Study the Quran and hadith about the End Times. When the turmoil and the end times come, the more you know what to expect, the better you may react to it in the right way.

Do good deeds #

Abu Hurairah said, “The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘Hasten to do good deeds before six things happen: the rising of the sun from the west, the smoke, the Dajjal, the beast and (the death) of one of you or the general turmoil. [Muslim]

Do not engage in fitnah (turmoil) #

Abu Hurairah said, the Prophet ﷺ said, “There will be soon a period of turmoil in which the one who sits will be better than one who stands and the one who stands will be better than one who walks and the one who walks will be better than one who runs. He who would watch them will be drawn by them. So he who finds a refuge or shelter against it should make it as his resort.” [Muslim]

Get ready to be strange for others #

’Abdullah bin Mas’ud narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Indeed Islam began as something strange and it will return to being strange as it began. So Tuba [good tidings] is for the strangers.” [At-Timirdhi] Someone asked, “Who are the strangers?” He ﷺ said, “The ones who break away from their people (literally, ‘tribes’) for the sake of Islam.”

Protection from Dajjal #

Learn Surah Al-Kahf [Qur’an: Chapter 18], study it and recite it every Friday.

Abu Darda’ reported Allah’s Apostle ﷺ as saying: “If anyone learns by heart the first ten verses of the Surah Al-Kahf, he will be protected from the Dajjal.” [Muslim]

According to the Prophet ﷺ , there are 10 major signs that will precede the last Hour and will announce of the finality of the Day of Reckoning. These 10 signs are explained in the following hadith:

Muslim narrated that Hudhayfah ibn Aseed al-Ghifaari (may Allaah be pleased with him) said:

The Prophet ﷺ came out to us when we were discussing. He said: “What are you discussing?” They said: “We are talking about the Hour.” He said: “It will never begin until you see ten signs before it.” He mentioned the smoke, the Dajjaal, the Beast, the rising of the sun from its place of setting, the descent of ‘Eesa ibn Maryam ﷺ , Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj, and three landslides, one in the east, one in the west and one in the Arabian Peninsula, and the last of that is a fire which will emerge from Yemen and drive the people to their place of gathering (Sahih Muslim, Book 041: 6931)

Abu Huraira said The Prophet ﷺ said, “Hasten to do good deeds before six things happen: the rising of the sun from the West, the Smoke, the Dajjal, the Daabba (Beast), the (death) of one of you or general tribulation.” (Sahih Muslim)

These signs are connected to each other. When one comes, the other one follows.

Do they wait but that come unto them the angels (of death; or those who would bring the doom of the unbelievers) or comes (the final order of) thy Lord, or come some of the signs of thy Lord? On the day when come some of the signs of thy Lord, its faith shall profit not a soul -Which believed not before, or earned not good through its faith. Say, wait you: verily we too are waiting.
Quran, surah Al-Anaam (The Cattle) 6:158 

There is no sahih text which states the order in which these signs will occur, rather the order of some of them is to be understood from the context of the texts.

Shaykh Muhammad al-Salih al-‘Uthaymin (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked: Will the major portents of the Hour occur in a certain order?

He replied: “The order of some of the major portents is known , and in the case of others the order is not known. Among those whose order is known are the descent of ‘Isa ibn Maryam, the emergence of Yajuj and Majuj, and the Dajjal, for the Dajjal will be sent, then ‘Isa ibn Maryam will come down and kill him, then Yajuj and Majuj will emerge.

Al-Safarini (may Allah have mercy on him) listed the order of these portents in his ‘Aqidah, but some of the order is acceptable whilst some of it is not. But what matters is that there are major signs of the Hour and when they happen, the Hour has drawn nigh. Allah has decreed portents of the Hour, because it is a serious event and people need to know when it is about to happen.” (Majmu’ al-Fatawa (2/question no. 137)

And Allah knows best.

• Yasir Qadhi about Mahdi

Mahdi is not a name but a title. Mahdi is the last of the minor signs after which Dajjal will come.

Mahdi means “the rightly guided”.

Before Mahdi injustice will be spread.

Mahdi will be a link or bridge between the minor signs and the major signs. and the beginning of major signs will be coming of Dajjal.

Hadith says “Noone should attack Mecca accept for its own ahla. The Kaaba will be destroyed only after there are no muslims left on earth.

constantinople will be conquered.

There will be war and muslims will be successful. and then the rumors will spread that Dajjal has come. and muslims will try to find Dajjal but they relize that rumors are not true. then Dajjal will appear for real.

Mahdi shall rule for 7 years. those will be the best 7 years for muslims. In Damascus in the mosque with a white minaret people will gather to pray fajr and then Isa will descend. (Umawi masjid) Isa Aleihissalam will be holding on to two angels

Mahdi will not know that he is Mahdi and Allah will prepare him in one ocassion. His name will be Muhammad and his father’s name will be Abdallah.

A king will die and his sons will start fighting for power and Mahdi will leave Medina to Mecca not to get involved in the turmoil. But people will follow him to Mecca and give him bayat in Al Haram. Then an army will come to Mecca to kill Mahdi but the earth will swallow the army leaving only several people to tell the story.

The Sufyani is a tyrant whose career of murdering innocent women and children will be cut short when he and his army are swallowed up by the earth on their way to seize and kill the Mahdi.

While the Mahdī is ruling as the Imām or Khalīfah of the Muslims, and preparing for battle against the forces of the Dajjāl in Syria, shortly after having conquered Constantinople, ʿĪsā b. Maryam (AS) will return to earth. He will descend close to the white minaret to the east of Damascus just before Fajr time.

The Mahdī and others will ask him to lead them in prayer but he will refuse saying, ‘Your Imām should lead, as a grace from Allāh.’”

Al-Masih ad-Dajjal (‘Deceitful Messiah’), is blind in one eye, and will deceive starving masses – especially the Jews – by performing miracles. He will raise an army that will kill and conquer, and corner his nemesis, the Mahdi, along with a small army of Muslim fighters in Jerusalem. Jesus will descend from heaven just in time to kill him and defeat his army.

• One of Dajjal’s eyes will be like a bad grape.
• One third of the earth for one year the rain will stop. on the second year 2/3 will be rainless.
• Dajjal will pretent that he can resurrect people from the dead but it will be jinns who will imitate people’s parents.
• Dajjal will be the biggest trial for humankind since they were sent to the Earth.

Narrated Mu’adh ibn Jabal: The Prophet ﷺ said: The flourishing state of Jerusalem will be when Yathrib is in ruins, the ruined state of Yathrib will be when the great war comes, the outbreak of the great war will be at the conquest of Constantinople and the conquest of Constantinople when the Dajjal (Antichrist) comes forth. He (the Prophet) struck his thigh or his shoulder with his hand and said: This is as true as you are here or as you are sitting (meaning Mu’adh ibn Jabal).

Before coming of Dajjal, there will be years of deception. Also, seems like there will be a devastating war before Dajjal comes. For details, see Khutbah about the war before Dajjal by Yasir Qadhi.

Thawban ibn Kaidad narrated that prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“There will be 30 dajjals among my Ummah. Each one will claim that he is a prophet; but I am the last of the Prophets (Seal of the Prophets), and there will be no Prophet after me.” Related by Ahmad ibn Hanbal as a sound hâdith.

Abu Hurairah narrated that prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The Hour will not be established until two big groups fight each other whereupon there will be a great number of casualties on both sides and they will be following one and the same religious doctrine, until about 30 dajjals appear, and each of them will claim that he is Allah’s Apostle…” Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 9, Book 88: Afflictions and the End of the World, Hâdith Number 237.

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also stated that the last of these dajjals would be the Islamic Antichrist, al-Masih ad-Dajjal (lit. ‘the Deceitful Messiah’). The Dajjal is never mentioned in the Quran but he’s mentioned and described in the ḥadīth. Like in Christianity, the Dajjal is said to emerge out in the east, although the specific location varies among the various sources. The Dajjal will imitate the miracles performed by ʿĪsā (Jesus), such as healing the sick and raising the dead, the latter done with the aid of demons (Shayāṭīn). He will deceive many people, such as weavers, magicians, half-castes, and children of prostitutes, but the majority of his followers will be Jews.

Hadith also report on the “Greater Signs” of the end, which include the appearance of the Antichrist (Dajjal) and the reappearance of the prophet Jesus to join in battle with him at Dabbiq in Syria, as well as the arrival of the Mahdī, the “guided one.” As another hadith attributed to Alī ibn Abī Talib puts it, “Most of the Dajjal’s followers are Jews and children of fornication; God will kill him in Syria, at a pass called the Pass of Afiq, after three hours are gone from the day, at the hand of Jesus”.

Jews are prophesied to be followers of the dajjal, as narrated by Anas bin Malik.

Seventy thousand of the Jews of Isbahan will follow the Dajjal, wearing Tayalisahs. Sahih Muslim 2944

Samra ibn Jundab reported that once prophet Muhammad ﷺ , while delivering a ceremonial speech at an occasion of a solar eclipse, said:

Verily by Allah, the Last Hour will not come until 30 dajjals will appear and the final one will be the One-eyed False Messiah. Related by Imam Ahmed and Imam Tabarani as a sound hâdith.

Anas ibn Malik narrated that prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

There is never a prophet who has not warned the Ummah of that one-eyed liar; behold he is one-eyed and your Lord is not one-eyed. Dajjal is blind of one eye. On his forehead are the letters k. f. r. (Kafir) between the eyes of the Dajjal, which every Muslim would be able to read.” Sahih Muslim, Book 41: The Book Pertaining to the Turmoil and Portents of the Last Hour, Chapter 7: The Turmoil Would Go Like The Mounting Waves of the Ocean, Ahâdith 7007-7009.

Omar Suleiman about Dajjal

Authentic hadith from Nawwas bin Sam’an Al-Kilabi says:

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) mentioned Dajjal, one morning, as something despised but also alarming, until we thought that he was in the stand of date-palm trees. When we came to the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) in the evening, he saw that (fear) in us, and said: ‘What is the matter with you?’ We said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, you mentioned Dajjal this morning, and you spoke of him as something despised but also alarming, until we thought that he was in the stand of date-palm trees.’ He said: ‘There are things that I fear more for you than the Dajjal. If he appears while I am among you, I will contend with him on your behalf, and if he appears when I am not among you, then each man must fend for himself, and Allah will take care of every Muslim on my behalf.

He (Dajjal) will be a young man with curly hair and a protuberant eye; I liken him to ‘Abdul-‘Uzza bin Qatan. Whoever among you sees him, let him recite the first Verses of Surat Al-Kahf over him. He will emerge from Khallah, between Sham and Iraq, and will wreak havoc right and left. O slaves of Allah, remain steadfast.’ We said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, how long will he stay on earth?’ He said: ‘Forty days, one day like a year, one day like a month, one day like a week, and the rest of his days like your days.’

We said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, on that day which is like a year, will the prayers of one day suffice us?’ He said: ‘Make an estimate of time (and then observe prayer).’ We said: ‘How fast will he move through the earth?’ He said: ‘Like a rain cloud driving by the wind.’ He said: ‘He will come to some people and call them, and they will respond and believe in him. Then he will command the sky to rain and it will rain, and he will command the earth to produce vegetation and it will do so, and their flocks will come back in the evening with their humps taller, their udders fuller and their flanks fatter than they have ever been. Then he will come to some (other) people and call them, and they will reject him, so he will turn away from them and they will suffer drought and be left with nothing. Then he will pass through the wasteland and will say: “Bring forth your treasures,” then go away, and its treasures will follow him like a swarm of bees. Then he will call a man brimming with youth and will strike him with a sword and cut him in two. He will put the two pieces as far apart as the distance between an archer and his target. Then he will call him and he will come with his face shining, laughing.

While they are like that, Allah will send ‘Eisa bin Maryam, who will come down at the white minaret in the east of Damascus, wearing two Mahrud (garment dyed with Wars and then Saffron), resting his hands on the wings of two angels. When he lowers his head, beads of perspiration will fall from it. Every disbeliever who smells the fragrance of his breath will die, and his breath will reach as far as his eye can see. Then he will set out and catch up with him (the Dajjal) at the gate of Ludd, and will kill him. Then the Prophet of Allah ‘Eisa will come to some people whom Allah has protected, and he will wipe their faces and tell them of their status in Paradise. While they are like that, Allah will reveal to him: “O ‘Eisa, I have brought forth some of My slaves whom no one will be able to kill, so take My slaves to Tur in safety.”

Then Gog and Magog will emerge and they will, as Allah describes, “swoop down from every mound."[21:96] The first of them will pass by lake Tiberias and drink from it, then the last of them will pass by it and will say: “There was water here once.” The Prophet of Allah, ‘Eisa and his companions will be besieged there until the head of an ox would be dearer to any one of them than one hundred Dinar are to any one of you today. Then, the Prophet of Allah, ‘Eisa and his companions will supplicate Allah. Then Allah will send a worm in their necks and the next morning they will all die as one. The Prophet of Allah ‘Eisa and his companions will come down and they will not find even the space of a hand span that is free of their stink, stench and blood. They will pray to Allah, and He will send birds with necks like the necks of Bactrian camels, which will pick them up and throw them wherever Allah wills … "

Dajjal in the Bible #

There are also depictions of Dajjal (Anti-Christ) in the Bible. In Daniel 8:23-26, Daniel sees a vision of a ram the horns of which grow up to the skies an he doesn’t know the interpretation of this vision. So then he sees a man llike looking figure and hears: “Gabriel, tell him the meaning of the vision”. Gabriel explains to Daniel that in the latter part of their reign when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking king, a master of intrigue will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy priests. He will cause deceit to prosper, and he will consider himself superior. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.

The vision of the evenings and mornings that has been given you is true, but seal up the vision, for it concerns the distant future.

Gabriel had such strong impact on Daniel that he had to recover several days.

Jesus (‘Isa son of Maryam’) will make a second coming, descending to earth, but unlike in Christianity it will be to assist the Mahdi by killing the dajjal, “break[ing] the cross, kill[ing] the pigs, and abolish[ing] the Jizya tax”, i.e. put an end to Christians misconceptions about his being the Son of God and there being no need to follow dietary laws. Jesus and the Mahdi will then rule the earth in perfect justice for a time before Judgement Day. (Shia believe it is the Mahdi who will kill the dajjal; others believe “the Mahdi” is not a distinct person but just the title given to Jesus.)

Isa will die in Medina. and later Medina would be destroyed. no Muslims will be left there. The Quran will be lifted up.

Later there will be a ruler from Abyssinia, who will destroy the Kaaba. while believers would march to figt the Abyssinain ruler, Allah will send a light breeze that will take away the souls of all believers. and only unbelievers will be left on the Earth and they will live like animals.

Everything in ad-dunya is cursed except the remembrance of Allah and whoever are the allies of the remembrance of Allah.

https://wise-web.org/2020/09/06/isa-as-second-coming/

Isa defeats Dajjal #

After they have prayed Fajr, the Muslims will go out to face him; this will be the final battle fought between them and the armies of the Dajjāl. The very fragrance of the breath of ʿĪsā will kill any disbeliever it reaches, and it will extend out for as far as the eye can see. The battle will be so fierce that the forces of the Dajjāl will flee and hide behind boulders and trees, but those boulders and trees themselves will cry out, ‘Muslims, there is a Jew behind me, come kill him!’ except for the Gharqad tree because that is a tree of the Jews.

As soon as the Dajjāl sees ʿĪsa (AS), he will start to dissolve just like salt dissolves in water and run away. ʿĪsā (AS) will pursue him and kill the Dajjāl with his lance at the gate of a place called Ludd (near Tel Aviv, in today’s Israel). He will show the blood on his lance to those around him, proving conclusively that he was just a human being and in no way divine.

He will be a judge, fair and even-handed. He will break the cross, literally and symbolically proving once and for all the falsehood of Christianity; destroying their symbol. He will abolish the jizya, and kill all swine.

Wealth will become abundant, flowing so copiously throughout the lands that there will be none to accept it if offered in charity, even the most valuable camels will be left untended because people are just not concerned about their worth anymore. At that time a single prostration will be worth more than the earth and all that it contains. Abū Hurayrah, after quoting this ḥadīth, commented, ‘Recite if you want,

There is not one of the People of the Book who will not believe in him before his death, and on the Day of Resurrection he will be a witness against them.’

He added, ‘Meaning that they will believe in him before he dies.’

He will call the people to Islām and during his time, Allāh will end all religions except Islām. Safety will fill the earth, so much so that the lions will mingle with camels, tigers with cattle and wolves with sheep. Children will play with snakes, and they will not harm them, the sting or poison of every such animal will have been taken away. Rancour, hatred and envy will disappear for a time.

After the Yaʾjūj and Maʾjūj (discussed next) are killed, the time of Jihād will have ended, and so swords will be taken as scythes, the sky will bring down rain, the earth will freely grow its produce and people will take to tilling the land.

ʿĪsā (AS) will perform Ḥajj or ʿUmrah, saying the talbiyah from Rawḥāʾ (a place on the way to Mecca from Medina).

eople will flee in terror, barricading themselves and their livestock in cities and fortresses. Once all the people have fled, and Yaʾjūj and Maʾjūj reach Bayt al-Maqdis, they will say, ‘This is the people of earth sorted.’ They will then shoot arrows and spears into the sky which will fall back down covered in blood, and they will claim that they have killed the inhabitants of the heaven.

ʿĪsā and his companions will withdraw to Mount Ṭūr after Allāh tells them that they have no hope of defeating Yaʾjūj and Maʾjūj and there, they will be besieged; food will become so scarce that the head of an ox would be dearer to them than one hundred dīnārs.

ʿĪsā and his companions will make duʿā to Allāh and eventually Allāh will send a type of worm to the back of their necks which will kill them, and they will die like locusts piled one on top of the other. The Muslims will awake the next day and hear no sound from them and so send one of their own to investigate what has happened. He will return and give them the glad tidings that the enemy has died. The Muslims will then leave and find that there is not even a hand span of land that is free of their corpses. They will let loose their animals to graze, but having nothing to eat, they will instead grow fat on their flesh, as if they were grazing on the best vegetation they ever found. The earth will fill with the stench of their rotting corpses, and ʿĪsā will again make duʿā for relief. Allāh will send birds with necks like the necks of Bactrian camels, which will pick them up and throw them wherever He wills. Then Allāh will send down rain that will wash them away into the sea, and clean house and earth until it is left like a smooth rock or mirror. Then it will be said to the earth, ‘Bring forth your fruits and bring back your blessings.’ On that day a group of people will eat from a (single) pomegranate and it will suffice them, and they will seek shelter beneath its skin. Allah will bless a milk-camel so that it will be sufficient for a large number of people, and a milk-cow will be sufficient for a whole tribe and a milk-ewe will be sufficient for a whole clan.

The time of war will have come to an end, and the Muslims will use the shields, bows and arrows of the Yaʾjūj and Maʿjūj as firewood for seven years. And they will once again make Ḥajj and ʿUmrah at the Kaʿbah.

ʿĪsā (AS) Passes Away

ʿĪsā (AS) will remain on earth for forty years after killing the Dajjāl and then pass away. The Muslims will offer the funeral prayer for him, and bury him.

Until, when Yajooj and Majooj are let loose (from their barrier), and they swiftly swarm from every mound. And the true promise (Day of Resurrection) shall draw near (to fulfillment) 
Quran, surah Al-Anbiyaa (The Prophets) 21:96-97

Gog and Magog are mentioned in the Quran as doing “great mischief on earth”, and being suppressed by a figure called Dhul-Qarnayn (“the two-horned one”) who builds a wall to contain their mischief, warning their local victims that when the time comes (believed to mean the end times), Allah will remove the barrier. Non-Quranic Islamic apocalyptic literature describes Gog and Magog as a subhuman pestilence who are released from thousands of years of imprisonment to do much killing, pillaging and devouring of vast resources until being wiped out after “God commands an insect or worm to burrow into their necks and kill them”.

Two chapters of the Quran, Al-Kahf and Al-Anbiya, discuss Gog and Magog. In the Quran Yajuj and Majuj (Gog and Magog) are suppressed by Dhul-Qarnayn “the two-horned one.” Dhul-Qarnayn, having journeyed to the ends of the world, meets “a people who scarcely understood a word” who seek his help in building a barrier that will separate them from the people of Yajuj and Majuj who “do great mischief on earth”. He agrees to build it for them, but warns that when the time comes (Last Age), Allah will remove the barrier.

Then he followed (another) way, until, when he reached between two mountains, he found, before (near) them (those two mountains), a people who scarcely understood a word. They said: "O Dhool-Qarnayn! Verily! Yajooj and Majooj are doing great mischief in the land. Shall we then pay you a tribute in order that you might erect a barrier between us and them?" 

He said: "That (wealth, authority and power) in which my Lord has established me is better (than your tribute). So help me with strength (of men), I will erect between you and them a barrier. Give me pieces (blocks) or iron," then, when he had filled up the gap between the two mountain-cliffs, he said, "Blow," till when he had made it (red as) fire, he said, "Bring me molten copper to pour over it." 

So they [Yajooj and Majooj] were made powerless to scale it or dig through it. (Dhool-Qarnayn) said: "This is a mercy from my Lord, but when the Promise of my Lord comes, He shall level it down to the ground. And the Promise of my Lord is ever true." And on that Day [i.e., the day Yajooj and Majooj will come out], We shall leave them to surge like waves on one another, and the Trumpet will be blown, and We shall collect them all together.
Quran, surah Al-Kahf (The Cave) 18:92-99

Quran states that in the past there were some nations Yajuj and Majuj that were doing mischief and Dhul Karnayn helped to build some gate in order to protect some nation. Some scholars hold the opinion that Yajuj and Majuj are not literally behind the wall in the current times. At some point at time people who have these characteristics or descendands of them will be let loose.

Destruction and death of Yajuj and Majuj by Isa (Jesus) #

After Prophet Jesus (Isa) (AS) will kill the Dajjal (Anti-Christ), Allah will inform him about the arrival of this disbelieving tribe that is undefeated and he will take refuge in the Mount of Toor until Allah will destroy them.

According to Sahih Muslim, the Prophet said:

Then a people whom Allah had protected from him (dajjal) would come to Isa, son of Maryam, and he would wipe their faces and would inform them of their ranks in Paradise and it would be under such conditions that Allah would reveal to Isa (alaihis salam) these words: I have brought forth from amongst My servants such people against whom none would be able to fight; you take these people safely to Tur, and then Allah would send Gog and Magog and they would swarm down from every slope. The first of them would pass the lake of Tiberias and drink out of it. And when the last of them would pass, he would say: There was once water there.

Hadith is narrated by Imam Ahmed in his Musnad that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Verily, Gog and Magog dig through the dam every day, till they could see the sun rays (through it), and their leader would say: ‘Go back and you will finish it tomorrow.’ On the next day, they find it as strong as before. Till when their appointed term comes and Allah desires to send them against mankind, they dig it till they could see the sun rays (through it) and their leader says: ‘Go back and you will finish it tomorrow, if Allah wills!’ On the next day, they find it as they had left the day before and they dig through it and come against mankind. They will drink (every drop of water they pass by). The people will resort to strongholds. And, Gog and Magog will throw their arrows towards the sky. When they come back to them stained with what looks like blood, they will say: ‘We have defeated the people on earth and those in the heaven as well.’ Then, Allah the Almighty will send against them worms in their necks that will kill them all. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said: “By Him in Whose Hand Muhammad’s soul rests! Living creatures of the earth would go fat and be thankful due to eating their flesh and (drinking their) blood.” (Also transmitted by Imam Ahmed on the authority of Hasan Ibn Musa after Sufyan after Qatadah and by At-Tirmidhi on the authority of Abu, Awanah after Qatadah.)

Al-Nawaas ibn Sam’aan reported that Prophet ﷺ , while describing the signs of the Day of judgement said:

“… and Allah will send Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj, swiftly swarming from every mound. They will pass the lake of Tiberias [in Palestine] and will drink everything that is in it. Then the last of them will pass by and will say, ‘There used to be water here once.’ The Prophet of Allah, Eesaa (Jesus), and his companions, will be besieged until a bull’s head will be more precious to one of them than a hundred dinars are to any of you today. Eesaa (Jesus) and his companions will pray to Allah, and Allah will send a kind of worm (like that found in the noses of camels and sheep) on their (Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj) necks, and they will fall down dead, all at once. Then Eesaa (Jesus) and his companions will come down out of the place where they were besieged, and they will find hardly a hand span of land that is not filled with the stench (of Ya’jooj and Ma’jooj), so Eesaa (Jesus) and his companions will pray to Allah, and He will send birds like the necks of camels to carry them away and throw them wherever Allah wills.” (Reported by Muslim, 18/68).

After the end of Gog and Magog, the other signs of the arrival of day of judgment will come shortly one after another till the trumpet will be blown and the world in its present state will end.

There will be three significant Land Collapses (or landslides) before Day of Resurrection. One in the East, one in the West and one in Arabia. The Earth will swallow everything above it and as a result, many people will die. This will take place when evil prevails.

Umm Salmah reported that I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saying, “After me, there will be a Khusf (landslide) in the East, a Khusf (landslide) in the West and a Khusf (landslide) in the Peninsula of Arabia.” I asked, “Oh Messenger of Allah will the land give way, though there are some pious people above it?” The Prophet ﷺ replied, “When its inhabitants do a lot of evil deeds.” (Tabarani’s book Awsat)

Umm Salamah narrated: The Prophet ﷺ said: “Disagreement will occur upon the death of a Caliph and a man of the people of Medina will flee to Mecca. Some of the people of Mecca will come to him, bring him out against his will and make him accept their Bay’a (being chosen as a leader) (at a location) between the Rukn (corner of the Ka’aba containing the Black Stone) and the Maqam (Place) of Abraham (located on a side of the Ka’ba). An army from the people of AshSham (Greater Syria) will then be sent against him from but Khusf (Land Collapse) will happen to them (they will die) in the Baidaa (desert) between Mecca and Medina…” (Abu Dawud)

The Khusf (Land Collapse or Landslide) that will cause the army of the Mahdi’s enemies to perish could be the same Khusf (Land Collapse) expected to occur in Arabia as a Sign of the Day of Resurrection according to the above Hadiths. However, it is also possible that the Arabian Peninsula may experience another larger Land Collapse later.

The Khusf (Land Collapse or Landslide) expected to happen in the East, according to the Hadith.

Maskh, Khusf, and Qazf #

Some people will experience the following: Maskh (change in physical appearance such as a human becoming an animal), Khusf (landslide), and Qazf (bombardment).

It has been reported by several different narrators that Prophet Mohammad ﷺ said:

“For those at the end of my nation (or close to the Hour of Resurrection), there will be (they will experience) Maskh (change in physical appearance such as a human becoming an animal), Khusf (landslide), and Qazf (bombardment).” (Tirmizi & Ibn Maja)

Abu Malik Al-Ash’ari narrated that Prophet Mohammad ﷺ said:

“People of my nation will drink Khamr (alcoholic drinks) and call it by a different name and will have musical instruments and female singers playing (music & singing) over their heads. Allah will make cause Khusf of Earth (landslide) to them and turn them into apes and pigs (meaning cause Maskh to them).” (Ibn Maja)

Anas bin Malik said that the Prophet ﷺ said:

" The people will establish cities, Anas, and one of them will be called Al-Basrah or Al-Busayrah. If you should pass by it or enter it, avoid its salt-marshes, its Kilaa (vicinity in Basra), its marketplace, and the gate of its princes, and stay in its suburbs (or outskirts), because for it, there will be Khusf (landslide or the earth will swallow up people), Qazf (bombardment, pelting with stones, Earth will throw out the dead people after they get buried ) and Rajf (tremor or earthquake), and there will be people who will spend the night in it and become apes and swine in the morning. (Abu Dawud) Al-Tibi commented that the Maskh is supposed to happen to those who do not believe in Qadar.” (Abu Dawud)

Huzaifa said that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

“There will be a battle in AzZawra. They said: O Messenger of Allah, what is AzZawra? He said: “A city in the East between rivers, inhabited by the most wicked creatures of Allah and tyrants from my nation. It will be afflicted with 4 types of suffering: by the sword, Khusf (landslide), Qazf (bombardment), and Maskh (change in physical appearance such as a human becoming an animal).” (Abu Amru Uthman bin Saeed Ad-Dani’s Kitab Al-Sunan Al-Waredah fi al-Fitan)

Islam is the only religion that prophesies that the sun will rise from the West, instead of from rising from the East, in the the End Times, before Day of Judgement. Both the Quran and the Hadith affirm that this phenomenon will take place. The occurrence of this phenomenon is considered in Islam as one of the major signs that indicate the Day of Judgement is close.

Allah says in the Quran:

"No good will it do to a person to believe then, if he believed not before, nor earned good (by performing deeds of righteousness) through his faith."
Quran, surah Al-Anaam (The Cattle) 6:158

This verse is referring to the rising of the sun from the West, according to the opinion of the majority of Quran commentators such as Tabari and Ibn Kathir.

Imam Tabari, after mentioning the different opinions of the commentators writes, “The most correct opinion in regards to the meaning of this verse is that what is apparent from the reports narrated from the Prophet ﷺ that he said, “Becoming a Believer will be of no benefit after the sun rises from the West.” (Tabari)

Abu Huraira reported that the Holy Prophet ﷺ said, “Hasten to do good deeds before six (things happen): Rising of the sun from the West…” (Mishkat)

Abdullah-bin-Umar said, “I memorized a Hadith of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ which I have not forgotten. I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, ‘The first of the Signs that will come is the rising of the sun from the place of its setting and the emergence of the Daabba to people in Duha (later portion of the morning before noon). Whichever of these two (signs) occurs before the other, then the other one will occur immediately after it.” (Sahih Muslim)

Door of Tawba (Repentance) will be Closed #

Once the sun has risen from the West, the door of repentance for sins committed will be closed by Allah and will remain closed until the Day of Judgement. The following Hadiths clearly specify that the deadline for repentance to be accepted by God ends when the sun rises from the West. Once the sun rises from the West, repentance will no longer be accepted.

Abu-Musa Al-Ashari narrated that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Verily Allah extends his hand at night so that the sinners of the day may repent and verily extends his hand during the day so that the sinners of the night may repent, (He will keep on doing this) as long as the sun does not rise from the West.” (Sahih Muslim)

Sun will come up from the West and since then, the repentance will not be accepted anymore. Abu Huraira reported:

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever repents before the sun rises from the west, Allah will accept his repentance.” Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2703 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Muslim

Becoming a Believer will not be accepted anymore #

Abdullah bin Abu-Owfa reported:

I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say, “Verily a night equivalent to three of your nights will come upon people. When it comes, those who engage themselves in worship during the night will recognize it. A person will stand in prayer, read a section of the Quran and then go to sleep. Thereafter, he will wake up, stand in prayer and read a section of the Quran, then go to sleep. While this condition remains, the people will begin to shout, scream and call one another. They will say, “What is this?” With fear, they will run to the mosque. To their surprise, they will see that the sun has risen from the West. When it reaches the middle of the sky, it will return and set in the West.” He said ﷺ , “That is when becoming a believer (in Islam after witnessing this Sign) will no longer be of benefit (because after the sun rises from the West, Allah will no longer accept declarations of faith).”

Ibn Kathir’s book Al-Bidaya wa An-Nihaya

Narrated by Abu Huraira, “Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, ‘The Hour (of Resurrection) will not come until the sun rises from the West. When the people witness this, everyone who will be living on the face of the Earth will develop faith ( believe in Allah), but that is when believing will no longer be of benefit…” (Sahih Bukhari)

The Daabba (referred to in the Bible as The Beast) is generally thought of as an animal or creature with a unique task that will appear at the End Times and is one of the major signs of the Day of Resurrection. It will emerge from the earth and shake the dust from its head. It will have with it the ring of Solomon and the rod of Moses. People will be terrified of it and will try to run away, but they will not be able to escape, because such will be the decree of Allah. It will destroy the nose of every unbeliever with the rod, and write the word “Kafir” (unbeliever) on his forehead; it will adorn the face of every believer and write the word “Mu’min” (faithful Believer) on his forehead, and it will speak to people.

Some ahadith say that the Beast will be one of the first major signs of the Last Day, along with the sun rising in the west.

The Beast of the Earth (Dābbat al-Arḍ), in Islamic eschatology, will be one of the signs of the coming of the Last Day. It will appear before or after the sun rises in the west, where the Beast will be sighted for the very first time. The Beast is mentioned in the Quran (in Sura An-Naml) and is also mentioned in the ahadith, which expand upon the characteristics of the beast. Islamic tradition holds that the Beast will precipitate the death of all true believers and the removal of the Quran from the world. The Quran mentions that the Beast will address the unbelievers and admonish them for their lack of attention towards God:

And when the Word is fulfilled against them (the unjust), we shall produce from the earth a beast (Dabbat'ul-Ardh) to (face) them: He will speak to them, for that mankind did not believe with assurance in Our Signs.

And on the day when We will collect from every people a party from those who believed our signs; then will they be formed into groups.
Quran, surah An-Naml (The Ant) 27:82-83

Dabbat’ul-Ardh means a “walker of the earth”. Allah says in the Quran: “And when the word shall come to pass on them, We shall bring forth unto them a Walking one from the earth who shall speak unto them that people believed not in our signs.

This gathering of a group from every people will happen in Raj’at (Return) and will precede Qiyamat (because in Qiyamat all people will be gathered, not just a group from them.) And at that time a “Walker of the Earth” will be brought forth to speak to the people.

Accroding to Shia sources, there is a narration from Ali ibn Abi-Talib:

Appearance of Dabbat’ul-Ardh, from near (the Hill) Safa (near Kaaba); with it will be the ring of Sulayman, and the walking stick (staff) of Musa. It will put the ring (seal) on the face of every believer, and it will be printed (branded) there, ‘He is truly a believer’; and will put it on the face of every unbeliever, and it will write thereon “He is truly a non-believer.” Then the believer will say, “Woe unto thee, O non-believer!” and verily the non-believer will say: “Tuba for thee, O Believer, I would have liked to be like thee today, so that I also could succeed.

Then that Dabbat’ul-Ardh will raise its head, and all between east and west will see it by the permission of Allah, after the rising of the sun from its setting place. At that time ‘Tauba’ (Repentance) will be revoked. So from that time no repentance will be accepted, nor any (good) deed will be credited (i.e. from that time, the accounts of the deeds will be closed); and will not benefit any soul its faith which had not believed before or had not earned good (deeds) in its faith.

Dabbat-ul-ard will touch a Believer with the staff of Musa. Then “He is destined for Paradise” will be written on his forehead, and his face will glitter. It will hit a disbeliever with the seal of Sulaiman. Then “He is destined for Hell” will be written on his forehead, and his face will blacken.) [Tirmidhi]

The Sun rising from the West and the Daabba will be the First Extraordinary Signs. In comparison, the Dajjal, the descent of Jesus (from Heaven), the emergence of Gog and Magog, are less unusual in that they are all human beings. But the emergence of the Daabba, whose form will be very strange, its addressing the people and classifying them as Believers or Disbelievers, is something truly extraordinary. The Daabba will the first of the earthly signs, while the rising of the sun from the West will the first of the heavenly signs.

Sura 44 of the Quran which is titled Al-Dhukan (means The Smoke) in some of its verses that talk about how distinctive Smoke (probably covering the whole World) that will be brought forth by God as a punishment.

The Day of Judgement will not take place until you experience Ad-Dukhan. A smoke that will appear in the sky. You will see it, you will feel it. Some hadiths say “dark smoke”. It will come into everyone. Smoke will come upon the believers like a flu or cold. And it will come upon non-believers causing disaster, death, severe illness and losing consciousness.

The Smoke is mentioned in the Quran.

So wait for the Day when the sky will bring a visible smoke, covering the people; this is a painful torment. 

[They will say], "Our Lord, remove from us the torment; indeed, we are believers." How can they be reminded when a messenger has already come to them, making things clear.

and yet they turned their backs unto him and said: '(He is) tutored (by other humans), a mad man.

Verily, We shall remove the torment a little; (but) verily you shall return (unto evil).

(Then shall come) the Day. We shall seize (them) with a great seizure; verily, We shall retribute.
Quran, Ad-Dukhan (The Smoke) 44:10-16

According to many traditions, these Ayats refer to the smoke which will appear near the Day of Judgement. It will penetrate into ears (and eyes), and people’s heads will look like they have been roasted. But it will not trouble the believers very much; they will feel irritation just like in common cold. And the whole earth will be just like a house in which fire has been lighted and the house has no window or ventilation. This condition will remain for forty days.

This Sign will be a warning; and as appears from the Ayat, people will be given a chance to come onto right path, and mend their ways. The words “We shall remove the torment a little” show that the Smoke will be removed, but the next words “Verily, you shall return (unto evil)” show that after its removal, not many people will heed to the voice of reason. Perhaps they will invent some physical or geographical reason for that calamity, and will forget their pledges to Allah that “Verily, (now) we are believers.”

Ibn Abbas, Ibn Umar, Hasan, and others said, “The smoke referred to in the verses is the smoke before Qiyamah which will enter in the ears of the Kuffar and the hypocrites and will affect the Muslims like a common cold. The whole World will be like a house on fire. It has not happened. It will happen.” (Muhammad ibn Ahmad AsSaffarini’s book Lawami Al-Anwaar Al-Bahiyya)

A Pleasant Breeze will take souls of all believers, and after that, only unbelievers will remain on earth.

The Pleasant Wind (or Breeze) will take the souls of all the remaining Believers. After this wind, only the UnBelievers will remain on Earth. This is what is known in the Bible as “The Rapture”. However, the Hadith (sayings) of Prophet Mohammad ﷺ seem to indicate that this “rapture” of the believers is going to happen after the return of Jesus and even after his death. Thus, the believers will be able to experience several blissful, wonderful years, under the rule of Jesus (peace be upon him), after the Dajjal (Anti-Christ) is killed and Gog & Magog perish. This is contrary to what Christians believe that the rapture is going to be before the rise of Anti-Christ and the return of Jesus.

The Quran will be lifted from the earth as well.

There is a long sahih hadith from Nawwas bin Sam’an Al-Kilabi about the major signs including Dajjal, Isa, Gog and Magog. The ending of this hadith says the following:

… “They will pray to Allah, and He will send birds with necks like the necks of Bactrian camels, which will pick them up and throw them wherever Allah wills. Then Allah will send rain which will not leave any house of clay or hair, and it will wash the earth until it leaves it like a mirror (or a smooth rock). Then it will be said to the earth: “Bring forth your fruits and bring back your blessing.” On that day a group of people will eat from a (single) pomegranate and it will suffice them, and they will seek shelter beneath its skin. Allah will bless a milch- camel so that it will be sufficient for a large number of people, and a milch-cow will be sufficient for a whole tribe and a milch-ewe will be sufficient for a whole clan. While they are like that, Allah will send a pleasant wind which will seize them beneath their armpits and will take the soul of every Muslim, leaving the rest of the people fornicating like donkeys, and upon them will come the Hour.”

Aisha (may Allah bless her) narrated that Prophet Mohammad ﷺ said:

“… Allah will send a good (pleasant) wind that will cause death to everyone who has even the weight of a speck of mustard (the smallest bit) of faith in his heart. Shall remain (on Earth) whoever has no goodness; they will return to the religion of their fathers (a religion other than Islam).” (Sahih Muslim)

Abd Rahman bin Shamasah al-Mahri narrated:

“I was in the company of Maslamah bin Mukhallad, and Abdullah bin Amr ibn ‘As was with him. Abdullah bin Amr ibn ‘As said: " The Hour shall come only when the worst type of people are left on the earth. They will be worse than the people of pre-Islamic days. They will receive whatever they ask of Allah. While we were still sitting, Uqbah bin Amir came and Maslamah said to him: Uqbah, listen to what Abdullah says. Uqbah said: He knows better so far as I am concerned. I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say: “A group of people from my nation will continue to fight in obedience to the Command of Allah, remaining victorious over their enemies. Those who oppose them shall not do them any harm. They will remain in this condition until the Hour overtakes them. Abdullah bin Amr ibn ‘As said: Yes. Then, Allah will send a wind, which will be fragrant like musk and whose touch will be like the touch of silk, that will cause the death of all (faithful) persons, not leaving behind a single person with an iota of faith in his heart. Then only the worst of men will remain to be overwhelmed by the Hour (of Resurrection).” (Sahih Muslim)

In the Tafsir (interpretation) of the Ayah “Until the Gog and Magog are let through (their barrier)'” (al-Anbiya 21:96), it is reported by Ka’b Al-Ahbar that Zul-Suwayqatayn will first emerge at the time of Jesus, son of Mary. Jesus will lead a army of seven and eight hundred Muslim soldiers and march to fight Zul-Suwayqatayn. While they are marching towards Zul-Suwayqatayn, Allah will send a breeze from the direction of Yemen, which will take the soul of every faithful believer. Only the worst of people will be left, and they will begin to copulate like animals. Ka’b said: “At that time, the Hour (of Resurrection) will be very close.”

Quran will be lifted from earth #

Huzaifah bin Al-Yaman said, the Prophet ﷺ said,

" Islam will become worn out like clothes are, until there will be no-one who knows what fasting, prayer, charity and rituals are. The Quran will disappear in one night, and no Ayah (verse) will be left on Earth. Some groups of old people will be left who will say, “We heard our fathers saying La ilaha illa Allah, so we repeat it.” Silah asked Huzaifah, “What will saying La ilaha illa Allah do for them when they do not know what prayer, fasting, ritual and charity are?” Huzaifah ignored him; then Silah repeated his question three times, and each time Huzaifah ignored him. Finally he answered,’ O Silah, it will save them from Hell ' and said it three times.” (Ibn Majah)

One of the last signs of the Day of Resurrection is the destruction of the Ka’ba by Zul-Suwayqatayn. He is from Abyssinia (Ethiopia) and will destroy the Ka’ba in order to steal its treasure and Kiswah (Ka’ba’s cover). The Ka’ba is a holy shrine for Muslims, located at the center of the main mosque of Mecca, known as Masjid Al-Haram. It is the ancient shrine which was built by Abraham, and whose foundations were laid by Adam.

The Destruction of the Ka’ba will occur after no faithful Muslim remains, after the rapture of Muslims:

In the Tafsir (interpretation) of the Ayah “Until the Gog and Magog are let through (their barrier)'” (al-Anbiya 21:96), it is reported by Ka’b Al-Ahbar that Zul-Suwayqatayn will first emerge at the time of Jesus, son of Mary. Jesus will lead a army of seven and eight hundred Muslim soldiers and march to fight Zul-Suwayqatayn. While they are marching towards Zul-Suwayqatayn, Allah will send a breeze from the direction of Yemen, which will take the soul of every faithful believer. Only the worst of people will be left, and they will begin to copulate like animals. Ka’b said: “At that time, the Hour (of Resurrection) will be very close.”

AbduAllah ibn Amr said I heard the Prophet ﷺ say:

" Zul-Suwayqatayn from Al-Habasha ( Abyssinia or Ethiopia) will destroy the Ka’ba and steal its treasure and Kiswah (cover). It is as if I could see him now: he is bald-headed and has a distortion in his wrists. He will strike the Ka’ba with his spade and pick-axe.” (Musnad Ahmad)

Ibn ‘Abbas narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“It is as if I can see him now: he is Black and his legs are widely spaced (bow-legged). He will destroy the Ka’bah stone by stone.” (Musnad Ahmad)

Narrated Abu Huraira:

The Prophet;; said, “Dhus-Suwaiqa-tain (literally: One with two lean legs) from Ethiopia will demolish the Ka’ba.”

Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 26, Number 661

It was reported from ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“Leave the Ahbash (Abyssinians or Ethiopians) alone so long as they do not disturb you, for no one will recover the treasure of the Ka’ba, except Zul-Suwayqatayn from Abyssinia.” (Abu Dawud)

Umar bin al-Khattab reported that he heard the Prophet ﷺ say:

“The people of Mecca will leave, and only a few people will pass through it. Then, it will be resettled and rebuilt; then, the people will leave it again, and no-one will ever return.”

Narrated Abu Said Al-Khudri:

The Prophet said “The people will continue performing the Hajj and ‘Umra to the Ka’ba even after the appearance of Gog and Magog.”

Narrated Shu’ba extra:

The Hour (Day of Judgment) will not be established till the Hajj (to the Ka’ba) is abandoned.

Bukhari, Volume 2, Book 26, Number 663

Shu’ba narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

" The Hour (of Resurrection) will not be occur till the Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca) is abandoned.” (Bukhari)

The last major sign to appear before the Day of Resurrection is the Fire which will originate from the Yemen and drive people to gather in the place of their final assembly before the Day of Resurrection occurs.

The fire will come out and it will spread, making people run to the destination where the Judgement will take place.

The fire would come out of Yemen. And it will spread.

Abu Huraira narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“The people will be gathered in three methods:

1. The first batch will be of those who wish or have a hope (for paradise) and have a fear (of punishment).

2. The second batch will be those who will come to gather, riding: two on a camel, three on a camel, or ten on a camel.

3. The third batch will be the rest of the people who will be urged to gather by the Fire which will accompany them at the time of their afternoon nap and stay with them where they will spend the night, and will be with them in the morning wherever they may be then, and will be with them in the afternoon wherever they may be then.”

Bukhari

Abu Haraira narrated that Prophet Mohammad ﷺ said:

“The Hour (of Resurrection) will occur while two men spread a garment (clothing item) and cannot finish buying & selling it or folding it. And the the Hour (of Resurrection) will occur while a man is about to drink the milk of his camel, but will not be able to even taste it. And the the Hour (of Resurrection) will occur while he is repairing his water basin, but will not be able to water from it (or have his livestock drink from it). And the the Hour (of Resurrection) will occur while he is about to put a bit of food in his mouth, but will not be able to eat it. " (Bukhari)

Aqaba bin A’mir narrated that Prophet Mohammad ﷺ said:

" Before the Hour (of Resurrection), a black cloud will appear from the West, like a shield. It starts to rise until it fills the sky. Then, a caller will say ‘O People’ three times and in the third time, ‘Obey the Command of Allah’. He (the Prophet) said: ' I swear by the One whom my soul in his hands, two men will spread a garment (clothing item) between them, but cannot finish folding it’. " (Al-Haakim)

The Trumpet will be sounded three times (two in some narrations): (1) upon the first blow, everyone will feel terrified; (2) at the second blow, people will drop dead; (3) at the last blow, everyone will be resurrected. (This is the Day of Resurrection)

The Day of Judgment will occur a long time later than the Day of Resurrection.

Allahu ‘Alim.

There is no explicit order of events in the Quran and Sunna.

As Saffaranini said there will be 8 things:

• First blow of the Trumpet: Destruction of the Earth
• Second blow of the Trumpet: Resurrection (Al Baghf)
• Coming out of the grave and running aroung (An Nushurr)
• The gathering (Al Hashshar)
• Al Qiyama – The standing up
• The showing of the deeds (Al Ard)
• The judgement on the left and right side (Hisab)
• The Scales (Al Mizan)
• Sirat bridge crossing
• Kawthar
• The hereafter
  • Jannah (Paradise)
  • Al-Ar’af
  • Jahannam (Hell)
    • Some people after they have received their punishment will be brought back to Jannah

Also, not mentioned above: angels will come in rows, Shafagha, seeing of Allah, The Cistern (the pool), Wurud, The Qantara (open area in front of Jannah).

Narrated Abu Huraira 🐈:

The people said, “O Allah’s Messenger ﷺ ! Shall we see our Lord on the Day of Resurrection?” He replied, “Do you have any doubt in seeing the full moon on a clear (not cloudy) night?” They replied, “No, O Allah’s Messenger ﷺ !” He said, “Do you have any doubt in seeing the sun when there are no clouds?” They replied in the negative. He said, “You will see Allah (your Lord) in the same way.

On the Day of Resurrection, people will be gathered and He will order the people to follow what they used to worship. So some of them will follow the sun, some will follow the moon, and some will follow other deities; and only this nation (Muslims) will be left with its hypocrites. Allah will come to them and say, ‘I am Your Lord.’ They will say, ‘We shall stay in this place till our Lord comes to us and when our Lord will come, we will recognize Him. Then Allah will come to them again and say, ‘I am your Lord.’ They will say, ‘You are our Lord.’

Allah will call them, and As-Sirat (a bridge) will be laid across Hell and I (Muhammad) shall be the first amongst the Apostles to cross it with my followers. Nobody except the Apostles will then be able to speak and they will be saying then, ‘O Allah! Save us. O Allah Save us.’ There will be hooks like the thorns of Sa’dan in Hell. Have you seen the thorns of Sa’dan ?” The people said, “Yes.” He said, “These hooks will be like the thorns of Sa’dan but nobody except Allah knows their greatness in size and these will entangle the people according to their deeds; some of them will fall and stay in Hell forever; others will receive punishment (torn into small pieces) and will get out of Hell, till when Allah intends mercy on whomever He likes amongst the people of Hell, He will order the angels to take out of Hell those who worshipped none but Him alone. The angels will take them out by recognizing them from the traces of prostrations, for Allah has forbidden the (Hell) fire to eat away those traces.

So they will come out of the Fire, it will eat away from the whole of the human body except the marks of the prostrations. At that time they will come out of the Fire as mere skeletons. The Water of Life will be poured on them and as a result they will grow like the seeds growing on the bank of flowing water. Then when Allah had finished from the Judgments amongst his creations, one man will be left between Hell and Paradise and he will be the last man from the people of Hell to enter paradise. He will be facing Hell, and will say, ‘O Allah! Turn my face from the fire as its wind has dried me and its steam has burnt me.’ Allah will ask him, “Will you ask for anything more in case this favor is granted to you?’ He will say, “No by Your (Honor) Power!” And he will give to his Lord (Allah) what he will of the pledges and the covenants. Allah will then turn his face from the Fire. When he will face Paradise and will see its charm, he will remain quiet as long as Allah will. He then will say, ‘O my Lord! Let me go to the gate of Paradise.’ Allah will ask him, ‘Didn’t you give pledges and make covenants (to the effect) that you would not ask for anything more than what you requested at first?’ He will say, ‘O my Lord! Do not make me the most wretched, amongst Your creatures.’ Allah will say, ‘If this request is granted, will you then ask for anything else?’ He will say, ‘No! By Your Power! I shall not ask for anything else.’ Then he will give to his Lord what He will of the pledges and the covenants. Allah will then let him go to the gate of Paradise.

On reaching then and seeing its life, charm, and pleasure, he will remain quiet as long as Allah wills and then will say, ‘O my Lord ! Let me enter Paradise.’ Allah will say, May Allah be merciful unto you, O son of Adam! How treacherous you are! Haven’t you made covenants and given pledges that you will not ask for anything more that what you have been given?’ He will say, ‘O my Lord! Do not make me the most wretched amongst Your creatures.’ So Allah will laugh and allow him to enter Paradise and will ask him to request as much as he likes. He will do so till all his desires have been fulfilled. Then Allah will say, ‘Request more of such and such things.’ Allah will remind him and when all his desires and wishes; have been fulfilled, Allah will say “All this is granted to you and a similar amount besides.”

Abu Said Al-Khudri, said to Abu Huraira, ‘Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, “Allah said, ‘That is for you and ten times more like it.’ “Abu Huraira said, “I do not remember from Allah’s Messenger ﷺ except (his saying), ‘All this is granted to you and a similar amount besides.” Abu Said said, “I heard him saying, ‘That is for you and ten times more the like of it.”

Names of Yawm Al-Qiyamah #

Among the names of the Day of Resurrection/Judgement used in the Qur’an are

• Al-Qari’ah—the Calamity; Surah 101 is named al-Qari’ah; the word is found in Q.69:4, 101:1, 101:2, 101:3
• Al-Zalzalah—the Earthquake; (Arabic: الزُلْزِلَتِ) Surah 99 is name al-Zalzalah; the word is found in Q.99.1
• Al-Sa’iqah—the Blast;
• Yawm an Thaqila—the Hard Day;
• Al-Yawm al-Muhit—the Encompassing Day;
• Yawm al-Fasl—the Day of Separation;
• Al-Tammah al-Kubra—the Great Disaster;
• Al-Haqqah—the Reality;
• Yawm al-Din—the Day of Judgement;
• Yawm al-Haqq—the True (inevitable) Day;
• Yawm al-Ḥisāb—the Day of Reckoning;
• Yawm al-Khuruj—the Day of Exodus (from the graves);
• As-sa’a—the [Last] Hour (Arabic: ٱلسَّاعَةُ) is reportedly mentioned 39 times in the Quran (54:46, 25:11, 33:63, 30:55, 45:32, 69:2, 79:42, 30:12, 54:1, 43:66, 21:49, 30:14, 22:1, 22:7, 20:15, 40:59, 43:61, 42:17, 12:107, 15:85, 18:36, 45:27, 22:55, 43:85, 47:18, 6:40, 40:46, 42:18, 6:31, 16:77, etc.)
• Yawm al-Qiyamah—Day of Resurrection; (Arabic: يَوْمَ ٱلْقِيَـٰمَةِ) Literally means the “rising up at the resurrection” although it “has come to signify the entire series of events to take place” on Judgement day, “although technically “al-sā’a means the actual hour”

And when the trumpet is blown,
That Day will be a difficult day
Quran, surah Al-Muddaththir (The One Enveloped) 74:8-9

Only Allah knows when the Hour comes. And at some point in time, the last hour will come.

The Akhirat will start after Israfil blows the trumpet for the first time. There is a hadith that prophet Muhammad said:

How can I ever relax when I know that Israfil is already holding the trumpet in his mouth and looking at the Throne of Allah waiting for the signal to blow it.

There is a hadith that says the Trumpet or the Horn will not be blown until there is no one left in this dunya who says La ilaha illallah. So before the beginning of the Hereafter, Allah will send a warm wind to this world, which will take away the souls of the believers.

Therefore, the people who will be then alive on the face of the earth will hear this blow that will cause the end of the world, and all of a sudden they will be struck insensible and will fall dead to an extent that none of them will be able to make a will. Allah Says (what means):

They do not await except one blast, which will seize them while they are disputing. And they will not be able [to give] any instruction, nor to their people can they return.
Quran, surah Yaseen (Yaseen) 36:49-50

On the other hand, a Hadeeth reads: “Then the Trumpet will be blown, and no one hears it except that he will bend his neck to one side (in an attempt to listen to it) and raise it from the other side.” Then he [the Prophet ﷺ ] said: “And the first to hear it (the Trumpet) will be a man who is busy in repairing the tank meant for supplying water to his camels. He [the Prophet ﷺ ] said: “He will fall dead and the people will also fall dead.” Moreover, the Prophet ﷺ told us about the speed of the death of the people when the Hour will take place, as he said:

“The Hour will occur while two men spreading a garment in front of them but they will not be able to sell it, nor fold it up; and the Hour will be established when a man has milked his she-camel and has taken away the milk but he will not be able to drink it; and the Hour will be established before a man repairing a tank (for his livestock) is able to water (his animals) in it; and the Hour will be established when a person has raised a morsel (of food) to his mouth but will not be able to eat it.”

"And when the Trumpet is blown, a single blast; and the earth and the mountains shall be borne away and crushed with a single crushing; on that Day shall happen the Great Event; and the heaven shall cleave asunder, so that on that day it shall be mere frail; and the angels shall be on the sides of it; and above them shall bear on that Day 'Arsh' of thy Lord eight (angels)."
Quran, 69:13-17

After the first blow, everything on the Earth will be destroyed. And the heavens will be rolled up.

An earthquake will flatten the earth; mountains, rivers, valleys and depressions, all will disappear. A flat earth will re-emerge, which will be the ‘Mah-shar’, i.e., the Place of Gathering.

The sun, moon and stars also will lose their lustre and light.

The day when, We shall roll up the heavens as a recorder rolls up a written scroll. As We began the first creation We shall repeat it.
Quran, surah Al-Anbiyaa (The Prophets) 21:104

When earth is shaken with her final earthquake.
Quran, surah Az-Zalzala (The Earthquake) 99:1

When the sky will be like molten copper and the hills will be like flakes of wool.
Quran, surah Al-Maarij (The Ascending Stairways) 70:8-9

"The Day when the earth will be changed to a different earth, and so will be the heavens; and (men) will be marshalled forth before Allah, The One, The Subduer."
Quran, surah Ibrahim (Abraham) 14:48

"They ask thee concerning the mountains; say, 'My Lord will uproot them and scatter them as dust, thus He will leave them as smooth and level plains; Thou wilt not see in their place anything crooked or curved."
Quran, surah Taahaa (Taahaa) 20:105-107

I’ve come across this interesting theory of physics of Destruction of the earth on the Day of Judgement: Physics of the Day of Judgement.

This is just a theory. Shortly:

• The earth’s gravity will be reversed.
• The planet earth will explode and it will be turned inside out making a hollow sphere.
• The sphere’s inner surface will be white and smooth.
• In the center of the sphere, black holes will open like portals to other dimansions. From them the angels will descend.

The Quran says the following:

"When the sun is wrapped up [in darkness]
And when the stars fall, dispersing,
And when the mountains are removed
And when full-term she-camels are neglected
And when the wild beasts are gathered
And when the seas are filled with flame
And when the souls are paired
And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked
For what sin she was killed
And when the pages are made public
And when the sky is stripped away
And when Hellfire is set ablaze
And when Paradise is brought near,
A soul will [then] know what it has brought [with it]."
Quran, surah At-Takwir (The Overthrowing) 81:1-14

On the Day the earth and the mountains will convulse and the mountains will become a heap of sand pouring down.
Quran, surah Al-Muzzammil (The One wrapped in Garments) 73:14


Then how can you fear, if you disbelieve, a Day that will make the children white- haired?
Quran, surah Al-Muzzammil (The One wrapped in Garments) 73:17

Every Living Creature Dies #

The earth with the mountains shall be lifted and crushed with one crash. 
Quran, surah Haqqa (The Reality) 69:14

A day when the heaven with the clouds will be rent asunder, And the angels will be sent down, a grand descent.
Quran, surah Al-Furqan (The Criterion) 25:25

When the destruction begins, every living thing on Earth dies. Animals, people, jinn. There is no authentic source that says that angels will die as well but there are some narrations with weak isnad that suggest that.

Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet said, “The sun and the moon will be folded up (deprived of their light) on the Day of Resurrection.”

There is a narration that after the trumpet is blown, Iblis goes from one side of the Earth to another trying to escape death. But the Angel of Death somes to him and he dies.

Shaytan (Satan), who gave up the hope of divine mercy, and completely became alone as a result of assuming self-importance when he was commanded to prostrate for Hazrat Adam (peace be upon him), started to worry about his life. Then he begged Allah as follows: “Give me respite till the day they are raised up.” (Qur’an, al-A’raf, 7/14). What is meant by “till the day they are raised up” is the second blowing of the Sur (the trumpet of the day of Judgement) by the angel Israfel. (Qur’an, Az-Zumar, 39/68) (Qur’an, Al-Mutaffifin, 83/6).

As Satan knew that after resurrection there will no more be resurrecting, he was thinking that by asking for a respite he would be saved from death. His begging for immortality was answered as "Be you among those who have respite." (Qur’an, Al-Araf, 7/15) with the condition "Till the Day of the Time Appointed." (Qur’an, Al-Hijr, 15/38). What is meant by “Till the Day of the Time Appointed.”, is the first blowing of the Sur (Qur’an, An-Naml, 27/87).

There is a hadith with a weak chain of narrations:

The prophet ﷺ said after the horn is blown and the only ones that stand are the ones that your Lord willed, Allah SWT will have in front of Him Jibreel, Israfeel, Mikail, and angel of death. Those who apportion the command of Allah and Allah asks the angel of death who remain and he says O Allah Your Noble Face, your servant me, your servant Mikail, your servant Israfeel, and your servant Jibreel, Allah says take the soul of Mikail.

Then Allah says who remain he Azrail said O Allah You, me, Jibreel and Israfeel. And Allah says take the soul of Israfeel and Israfeel’s soul is taken and Allah says who remain O Allah Your Noble Face, me and Jibreel.And Allah says take the soul of Jibreel.

The prophet ﷺ said Jibreel would fall on his face as his wings spread glorifying Allah the Most High. He would die in Tasbih, subhanallah. Then Allah says who remain. O Allah it’s just me and You, and Allah says to the angel of death to die and he dies.

And then Allah SWT says Every single soul perishes. And only the Noble Face of Your Lord remain, and Allah SWT would ask Himself " To Whom Belong The Dominion Today? " Allah SWT says to Himself " To Allah The One, The Subduer”

Where are the ones with pride, the one with glory?

In another version, eight angels who carry the Throne of Allah die before the Angel of Death.

And they say: 'When is this promise (going to happen), if you are truthful?'

“They wait not but for a single (terrible) cry which will seize them while they will be wrangling with each other. Then they shall not be able to make a bequest, nor shall they (be able to) return to their families.
Quran, surah 39

At the second blow of The Trumpet, everyone will come out of their graves. Humans, jinns and every animal will be resurrected.

And the Trumpet will be blown; then lo! they shall hasten from (their) graves unto their Lord.

They shall say: "Oh, Woe unto us! Who did raise us up from our place of repose?"
Quran, surah Az-Zumar (The Groups) 39:67-75

"This is what the Beneficent (Allah) had promised, and the Messengers did speak the truth."

"There will be but a single cry, when lo! They shall all be brought unto Us. So, this day no soul shall be dealt with unjustly in the least, noi shall you be recompensed but that which you were doing."
Quran, surah Yaseen (Yaseen) 36:48-54

And man (mockingly) asks: "Will I really be raised back to life after I die?"
Does man not remember that We created him (once) before, when he was nothing?
So I swear by your Lord, We will most certainly gather all of them again -- and the Shayatin -- and bring them around Jahannam on their knees...
Quran, surah Maryam (Mary) 19

It is God, Who sends the winds and they raise a cloud, Then leads it to a dead land and revives the earth after its death. Such is the Resurrection.
Quran, surah Fatir (The Originator) 35:9

The first resurrected creature will be the angel Israfil. Allah will resurrect him and command him to blow the trumpet for the second time.

The second blow will signal the resurrection from the dead of all creatures that were once alive.

From the earth We created you, and into it We will return you, and from it We will extract you another time.
Quran, surah Taha (Taha) 20:55

The dead will then be resurrected and Afterlife commence with yet another trumpet blast, (different sources give different numbers of trumpet blasts) The first to arise will be Muhammad, followed by the other members of the Muslim community. with all gathering at the place of assembly [al-maḥshar]. In between resurrection and the actual judgement will be an agonizing wait (Q.21:103, Q.37:20) for the unbelievers.

Allah will send rain to the earth. The water of the rain will be something like sticky gooey substance. And through it and from it Allah will remake the bodies of men.

The Supreme Horror ˹of that Day˺ will not disturb them, and the angels will greet them, ˹saying,˺ "This is your Day, which you have been promised."   
Quran, surah Al-Anbiya (The Prophets) 21:103

Then ask them (i.e. these polytheists, O Muhammad ): "Are they stronger as creation, or those (others like the heavens and the earth and the mountains, etc.) whom We have created?" Verily, We created them of a sticky clay.

Nay, you (O Muhammad ) wondered (at their insolence) while they mock (at you and at the Qur’an).
And when they are reminded, they pay no attention.
And when they see an Ayah (a sign, a proof, or an evidence) from Allah, they mock at it.

And they say: "This is nothing but evident magic!
"When we are dead and have become dust and bones, shall we (then) verily be resurrected?
"And also our fathers of old?"

Say (O Muhammad ): "Yes, and you shall then be humiliated."
It will be a single Zajrah [shout (i.e. the second blowing of the Trumpet)], and behold, they will be staring!
They will say: "Woe to us! This is the Day of Recompense!"

(It will be said): "This is the Day of Judgement which you used to deny."

(It will be said to the angels): "Assemble those who did wrong, together with their companions (from the devils) and what they used to worship.
"Instead of Allah, and lead them on to the way of flaming Fire (Hell);
"But stop them, verily they are to be questioned.

"What is the matter with you? Why do you not help one another (as you used to do in the world)?"

Nay, but that Day they shall surrender,
And they will turn to one another and question one another.

They will say: "It was you who used to come to us from the right side [i.e. from the right side of one of us and beautify for us every evil, order us for polytheism, and stop us from the truth i.e. Islamic Monotheism and from every good deed]."

They will reply: "Nay, you yourselves were not believers.
"And we had no authority over you. Nay! But you were transgressing people (disobedient, polytheists, and disbelievers).

"So now the Word of our Lord has been justified against us, that we shall certainly (have to) taste (the torment).
"So we led you astray because we were ourselves astray."

Then verily, that Day, they will (all) share in the torment.
Certainly, that is how We deal with Al-Mujrimun (polytheists, sinners, criminals, the disobedient to Allah, etc.).

Truly, when it was said to them: La ilaha ill-Allah "(none has the right to be worshipped but Allah)," they puffed themselves up with pride (i.e. denied it).

And (they) said: "Are we going to abandon our aliha (gods) for the sake of a mad poet?

Nay! he (Muhammad ) has come with the truth (i.e. Allah’s Religion – Islamic Monotheism and this Qur’an) and he confirms the Messengers (before him who brought Allah’s religion – Islamic Monotheism).
Quran, surah As-Saffaat (Those drown up in Ranks) 37

The Day of Judgement lectures by sheikh Yasir Qadhi

There is a hadith that says that the prophet Muhammadﷺ will be resurrected and he will see that Musa is already holding to the Throne of Allah.

when people die their body dies but their soul still remains alive. and when the trumpet blows for the second time, the soul dies as well.

It is going to come suddenly.

there will be a slight rain and men will start resurrecting, bodies will start coming out of the graves.

Some people will be resurrected upside down. the prophet Muhammad said Allah who caused men walking on their legs will cause them walk on ther faces. Surah Isra. some will be resureccted deaf and blind. some of those who rejected signs will be resurrected in this manner.

Ibn Abbas said that Judgement Day is a very very long day. It will feel like many many lifetimes. ibn Abbas said to the Harajite that the punishment willl be in stages.

And when Paradise is brought near
Quran, surah At-Takwir (The Overthrowing) 81:13

Shahid will be resurrected with their scars red as blood and they will smell of musk.

People who died in ihram will be resurrected in ihram.

Arrogant people will be resurrected small as ants.

People will be recognized for what they used to do in this dunya. The one who made athan will be known.

People will be resurrected naked and later some of people will be clothed.

The first to come out of the grave is prophet Muhammad SAW. The first to be clothed will be Ibrahim AS.

All animals will be resurrected to make sure that jusice is done completely. After hisab of animals, they will turn to dust. some people who commited injustice will wish to be perished to dust as those animals.

Some transformations of the earth will take place. Hadith says people will be resurrected on a land pure white and clean and flat, no any hills, and markings. it will be strenched as far as the eye can see. A pure land upon which no sin is commited.

The one who calls, his voice will be heard, the one who wants to see will be seen. Somehow people will be able to see anyone they want to see.

Creations will be in a state of fear and panic. Their necks are stretched, their hearts are empty in their chests, their eyes are glazed.

The ones who rejected prophet Muhammad will wish that the earth swallowed them.

Quran says "Don't ever think that Allah is unaware", the Justice will be done.

The sun will come close to mankind and people will start to sweat according to their sinfulness. others will be in sweat by their ankles, some will be in sweat up their chest, some will drown completely in their sweat.

The righteus people will be protected from the terror.

How long will the Day of Judgement be? Sura Hajj 47, on a day as long as 50 thousand years. Magarij. Surah Sajda verse 5 “There shall be an ascent 1000 years”. Answering to this question Ibn Abbas said “La adri” – “I do not know”. For the mumeen the Day will be like the time between Asr and Maghrib.

Hadith from Abu Huraira:

Anyone who owns gold or silver that he doesn’t pay zakat on it, that zakat will turn into fire that will be used to burn his sides in a day that will stretch to 50 thousand years. Then he will see whether he will go to Heaven or Hell.

There are different interpretations. There is clearly evidence that for some people the Day of Judgement will be a very difficult and long day.

Hadith:

Whoever wants to see the day in vivid detail as if you are looking at it, let him read Shamsu Qubirat and Fatarat.

The sun is rolled up, stars are diminished, mountaines are moving in motion, when all realtionships are broken and suspended, when all animals will be gathered together, when oceans will become flames, when souls are paired up, when a child that was killed will be asked why was she killed and buried alive, when your scrolls that remained hidden are made public. when the sky is peeled away, when the fire is set ablaze, Jamah is brought close. On that Day every soul will have in front of him what that souls prepared for the Day of Judgement.

People will run around and they will not care about their brothers, wives or relatives. People will be silent, they will not be allowed to speak. Only walking feat or mumbling will be heard. Only prophets will be allowed to speak that Day.

The Day will last like 50 thousand years #

As the earth and heavens will change, and the sun and stars will die, the ‘Time’ also will change.

"The angels and the Spirit [Jibril] will ascend to Him during a Day the extent of which is fifty thousand years."
Quran, surah Al-Ma’arij (The Ways of Ascent) 70:4

Everyone will be silent #

The Day that the Spirit and the angels will stand in rows, they will not speak except for one whom the Most Merciful permits, and he will say what is correct.
Quran, surah An-Naba (The Great News) 78:38

Imam Muhammad Baqir (A) said: “When the Day of Resurrection will come, Allah will gather the people in one (vast) field; they will be barefooted, naked; then they will be made to stand in the gathering place (Mah-shar) till they will sweat profusely, and the breathing will come heavy, they will remain in that condition for fifty years as Allah says:

"And the voices will be subdued for the Merciful (Allah), so that thou will not hear but a whisper." 
Quran, surah Taha (Taha) 20:108

During that time people will be so exasperated, so that some will be ready to go to Jahannam.

The Judgement will not start for a long time, maybe thousands of years.

People will worry about their deeds all the time. and they will come to prophets asking them to intercede in front of Allah to start the Jidgement because they can no longer wait. They will come to Adam, but Adam will say “Nafsi, nafsi”, meaning that he is worried about himself because he disobeyed Allah and ate from the Tree 🌳 and Allah is so angry at this point as He has never been before.

Then people will come to Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa and Jesus, and they all say Nafsi, nafsi.

And finally they will come to the prophet Muhammad ﷺ begging him to ask Allah to start the Judgement. and the prophet Muhammad ﷺ will say “This is a job for me”.

The following version appears in Sahih Bukhari:

Sayyiduna Abu Hurayrah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah ﷺ was once given some meat. The shoulder was handed to him. Rasulullah ﷺ was fond of the shoulder. He took a bite and then said,

‘I will be the master of people on the Day of Qiyamah. Do you know the reason for this? The people will be gathered, the first and the last on the same plain, a person calling out will be able to make them hear and [an observer] will be able to see them. The sun will be close to them and people will experience such sorrow and distress that they will not be able to bear or endure.

The people will say, ‘Do you not see what [calamity] has afflicted you? Why do you not look for someone to intercede to your Rabb on your behalf?’

People will say to one another, ‘Go to Adam!’ They will come to Adam (‘alayhis salam) and say, ‘You are the father of mankind. Allah created you [through his might] and blew some of His Ruh into you and He ordered the Angels and they prostrated to you. Intercede on our behalf to your Rabb. Do you not see what we are going through, do you not see what has afflicted us?’

Adam (‘alayhis salam) will say, ‘My Rabb is extremely angry today, he has never been so angry before nor will he ever be so angry again. He forbade me from the tree and I disobeyed. I am concerned regarding myself, I am concerned regarding myself, I am concerned regarding myself. Go to someone else. Go to Nuh.’

“They will go to Nuh (‘alayhis salam) and say, ‘O Nuh! You were the first Rasul to be sent to the people of the earth and Allah called you a thankful slave. Intercede on our behalf to your Rabb. Do you not see what has happened to us?

‘He will say, ‘My Rabb is extremely angry today, he has never been so angry before nor will he ever be so angry again and I had made a du’a against my nation. I am concerned regarding myself, I am concerned regarding myself, I am concerned regarding myself. Go to someone else! Go to Ibrahim.’

“They will go to Ibrahim (‘alayhis salam) and say, ‘O Ibrahim! You are the Nabi of Allah and His close friend. Intercede on our behalf to your Rabb. Do you not see what we are going through?

He will say to them, ‘My Rabb is extremely angry today, he has never been so angry before nor will he ever be so angry again. I had spoken three untruths and I am concerned regarding myself, I am concerned regarding myself, I am concerned regarding myself. Go to someone else. Go to Musa.’

“They will go to Musa (‘alayhis salam) and say, ‘O Musa, you are the Rasul of Allah. Allah preferred you with His message and His Word above all other people. Intercede on our behalf to your Rabb. Do you not see what we are going through?

‘He will say, ‘My Rabb is extremely angry today, he has never been so angry before nor will he ever be so angry again. I killed a person and I was not commanded to kill him. I am concerned regarding myself, I am concerned regarding myself, I am concerned regarding myself, Go to someone else. Go to ‘Isa.’

“They will go to ‘Isa (‘alayhis salam) and say, ‘O ‘Isa! You are the Rasul of Allah and His Word which He cast to Maryam and a Ruh from Him. You spoke to people while in the cradle. Intercede on our behalf. Do you not see what we are suffering?’

‘Isa (‘alayhis salam) will say, ‘My Rabb is extremely angry today, he has never been so angry before nor will he ever be so angry again. -[‘Isa ‘alayhis salam] will not mention a mistake he had committed-. I am concerned regarding myself, I am concerned regarding myself, I am concerned regarding myself. Go to someone else. Go to Muhammad.’

“They will come to Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alayhyi wa sallam) and say, ‘O Muhammad! You are the Rasul of Allah and the Seal of the Anbiya. Allah has forgiven your past and future sins. Intercede on our behalf to your Rabb. Do you not see what we are suffering?’

Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) says, ‘I will proceed under the ‘Arsh and fall down in sajdah to my Rabb. Then Allah will inspire me with such words to praise him which He has never inspired anyone else before.

Then it will be said, ‘O Muhammad, raise your head. Ask and you will be granted. Intercede and your intercession will be accepted.’

I will lift my head and say, ‘O my Rabb, my ummah! O my Rabb, my ummah!’

It will be said, ‘O Muhammad, enter those who will not be subjected to any reckoning from your ummah through the right hand door of the doors of Jannah, and they will share the other gates with others as well.”

Then he said, “By the One in whose control my life is, the distance between the two door panels of the doors of Jannah is the distance between Makkah and Himyar (Yemen) or Makkah and Busra (in Sham).”

Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 4712

Heaven will split open #

"And [mention] the Day when the heaven will split open with [emerging] clouds, and the angels will be sent down in successive descent."
Quran, surah Al-Furqan (The Criterion) 25:25

God and Ranks of Angels #

"No! When the earth has been leveled – pounded and crushed 
And your Lord has come and the angels, rank upon rank"
Quran, surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) 89:21-22

The prophet ﷺ said As we all come back, the earth is flattened out of the glory and obedience to Allah SWT and each and every single person will not be able to move from the spot that they are standing in the place of assembly. And I would be the first person to be called to Allah and fall in prostration.

When I raise my head and suddenly see Jibreel (as) on the right side of the Most Merciful and you know what he says in this “I swear by Allah Jibreel never saw Allah before that Day.”

Jahannam is brought near #

People will hear Jahannah roar and it will have desire to take the sinners.

Jahannam is pulled with 70,000 chains trying to control it. and each chain is handled by 70,000 angels.

"There is no intercessor except after His permission"
Quran, surah Yunus (Jonas) 10:3

"And they do not intercede except for whom He approves, and for fear of Him they tremble" 
Quran, surah Saba (Sheba) 34:23

And then will be the intercession of prophet Muhammad SAW.

There wil be intercession of some people if Allah gives permission. Allah will allow children who died during childhood to intercede on behalf of their parents. There is no guarantee that their shafa’a will be accepted. If Allah allows, their shafa’ah will be accepted.

At the time of panic, Allah will honor some people to speak and to intercede. The higher their iman, the more people will be allowed for them to intercede.

Abu Umamah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:

I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ saying, “Read the Quran, for it will come as an intercessor for its reciters on the Day of Resurrection.” [Muslim]

People will be gathered by the ummahs #

The Qur’an al-karim says (what means): "You all will come in groups" (An-Naba’ 18).

The meaning of this Quranic verse was asked to our master the Prophet, and he explained it at length. It was stated that people would come to the Gathering Place in various forms according to their deeds. The following is said at the end of the hadith-i sharif:

The ones who will be in the shape of monkeys will be those who carry one’s talk to the other. The ones who will be in the shape of pigs will be eaters of haram. The ones who will move on their heads will be eaters of interest. The ones who will be blind will be those who do injustice when passing judgment. The ones who will be dumb and deaf will be those who have a high opinion of their deeds. The ones whose tongues will hang down to their chests will be scholars who do not practice what they preach. The ones whose hands and feet will be cut off will be those who harass their neighbors. The ones who will come spreading obnoxious smell will be those who drink, who commit fornication, and who do not pay the zakat. The ones who will be wearing garments made of tar will be those who are arrogant and conceited toward people. May Allahu ta’ala protect from them all. [Tibyan]

All people will be gathered and displayed in front of Allah.

It is also reported that there will be people who will come to the Gathering Place by assuming different forms in addition to the mentioned ones. However, it should be noted that the points explained above concern people who commit sins and have died without making repentance for them. Those who have made repentance or those whose rewards are more than their sins will not be brought to the Gathering Place in such forms.

Mahshar is the place where the people who were resurrected will come out of their graves and gather. People will be questioned in that place, their books of deeds will be given to them; after their deeds are weighed, they will cross a thin bridge called Sirat; and then, they will go to either Paradise or Hell.

[This might be at the beginning of the gathering..]

Hadhrat Fatima Zahra(A) asked her Father (SAW): “O Father tell me what will be (the condition of) people on the Day of Qiyamat?” The Holy Prophet (SAW.) said: “O Fatimah! Every one will be busy (i.e., one will be submerged in one’s worries). Thus nobody will look towards anyone-neither father towards his son nor the son towards his mother.”

Hadhrat Fatima (A) asked: “Will there be shrouds on them when they will come out of the graves?” The Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “O Fatimah! Shrouds will perish, and the bodies will be preserved; (but) the private parts of a believer will remain hidden, while those of the unbelievers will be without any cover.”

Hadhrat Fatima (A): “O Father! What will be the cover of the believers?”.

The Holy Prophet (S): “A Light, dazzling in brilliance, their bodies will not be seen because of that Light.” Fatimah (A): “O Father! Where should I meet you on the Day of Qiyamat?”

The Holy Prophet (S): “Look (for me) near the Weighing scale and I shall be entreating, ‘My Lord! Increase the weight of (the good deeds of) him who solemnly declared that there is no god except Allah’; and look (for me) near the Books (of deeds) when the scrolls (of deeds) will be distributed, and I will be pleading, ‘My Lord! Take account of my Ummat (people) leniently’! And look (for me) at the place of my intercession near the bridge of Jahannam (Hell) when every man will be busy in his own aflairs (with his own soul) and I will be preoccupied with (the salvation of) my Ummat, praying, ‘My Lord! Save my Ummat’; and the prophets (will be) around me praying ‘Our Lord! Save the Ummat of Muhammad’.”

The prophet Muhammad SAW will recognize Muslims because of Wudu. There is a hadith about black horses with white spots.

Questioning of Prophets and their Ummah #

Before questioning the people, Allah, in His Justice, will first of all, ask the Prophets and Imams whether they had truly conveyed the message of Allah to their people.

When the Prophets will affirm that they had indeed done so, they will be asked to produce their witness. They will declare that Hadhrat Muhammad Mustafa (S) is their witness. The Holy Prophet of Islam will testify on their behalf; and after establishing the fact that the prophets had really conveyed the message of Allah to their peoples, questions will be put to the people as to how they received that message and how they followed it.

Some Ayats, which mention one or the other aspect of this event are given here for guidance:

"The Day when Allah will gather the Messengers together and ask: 'What was the response you received?' They will say: 'We have no knowledge (Thou knowest better than we!), verily, Thou art the Knower of (all that is) hidden'."
Quran, surah Al-Maaida (The Table) 5:109

"So, surely, shall We question those to whom (the prophets) were sent, and surely We shall question the Messengers."
Quran, surah Al-Araf (The Heights) 7:6

Addressing the Holy Prophet (S), Allah says:

"Then, how will it be when We will bring a witness from every Ummat, and will bring thee as witness over those witnesses."
Quran, surah An-Nisa (The Women) 4:41

The witness over the people are the prophets, and our Holy Prophet (S) will be the prophets’ witness.

Diagram of the “Plain of Assembly” (Ard al-Hashr) on the Day of Judgment, from an autograph manuscript of Futuhat al-Makkiyya written by the Sufi mystic and Muslim philosopher Ibn Arabi, ca. 1238.

The Judgement will not begin until thousands of years people will wait.

It will be the time of Ultimate Justice. Allah’s promise will be fulfilled for everyone.

People will have pass through the Sirat bridge above Jahannam. and it will be easy to pass for good people and it will be difficult to pass for bad people and they will fall to Jahannam. Animals sacrificed in the name of Allah will assist people to pass the Sirat.

The angel that guards the gates of Heaven will ask: “Who is there?”. The prophet Muhammad will reply Muhammad. And malak will say that he is the one for whom the gates must be open. and he will be the first to enter Jannah.

There are several narrations that some of the people who ended up in Jahannam will be allowed to enter Jannah after some time passes and their sins are burned. They will be placed into the river of Jannah where they will regain their shape and start living in Jannah.

Certainly, to us is their return, then certainly upon us is their reckoning.
Quran, surah al-Ghāshiyah, 88:25-26

"And the earth will shine with the light of its Lord, and the record [of deeds] will be placed, and the prophets and the witnesses will be brought, and it will be judged between them in truth, and they will not be wronged."
Quran, surah Az-Zumar 39:69

"And every soul will be fully compensated [for] what it did; and He is most knowing of what they do."
Quran, surah Az-Zumar 39:70

At the Mizan, the separation of the righteous and the damned will take place.

According to some scholars, the Hisab will take place after people get the scroll with their deeds. Another group of scholars say that the hisab and the sukhuf (getting scrolls of deeds) are simultaneous events.

People will have their good deeds on the right side and their bad deeds on the left side.

Kurtubi said that there will be three groups at the Hisab stage.

1. There will be a small group of people who will go to Jannah without hisab. There is a hadith that it will be 70 thousand Muslims.
2. Some people will get an easy hisab.
3. Others will have a difficult hisab.

The prophets will have another kind of hisab. Allah will ask the prophets what response did you get from your nation.

The hisab for the believers will be private. And the hisab for disbelievers will be public and humiliating.

The Prophet (PBUH) informed us that men will definitely be questioned of the following five things on the Day of Judgment:

1. Where they spent their life
2. Where they spent their youth
3. Where they earned their property
4. Where they spent their property
5. Whether they applied what they knew or not

At divine judgment, the resurrected will stand in a grand assembly, each person’s Book of Deeds – where “every small and great thing is recorded” – will be read, and ultimate judgment made. The resurrected will then walk over the bridge of As-Sirāt, those judged worthy for the Garden continuing to their heavenly abode, those damned to The Fire, falling off the bridge into the pit of Jahannam. There will also be a punishment of the grave (for those who disbelieved) between death and the resurrection.

Not everyone consigned to hell will remain there, as it is believed by both scholars and lay Muslims that “all but the mushrikun, those who have committed the worst sin of impugning the tawḥīd of God, have the possibility of being saved;” and God’s intercession to save sinners from hellfire is a “major theme” in popular Islamic stories about Judgement Day.

Allah will give the deeds a sort of material form, and that will be weighed in weighing-scales, created for the purpose.

Whatever the meaning of ‘scale’, Justice of Allah will always be there.

The word ‘Mizan’ (Scale) has one essential meaning (the device, standard and principle by which other things may be judged, measured or weighed); that essential meaning may take any of the forms (measures to find out length, weight, volume, mass, time, heat and various other such items); it may even be a device without any material form: like ‘logic’ which is also called ‘Mizan’ because it weighs the correctness (or otherwise) of an argument, and ‘prosody’ which determines the correctness (or otherwise) of metre of poetry.

Thus, we have ‘Mizan’ of various shapes and types to ‘measure’ various things: there is the rain-gauge to measure rain-fell, seismograph to measure earthquake, ECG, to measure electrical impulses in the heart-muscles.

On the Day of Qiyamat, people will be judged according to their belief or disbelief and their good or evil deeds.

The first matter of hisab will be person’s salah (prayers).

Jibril will be the one who brings the scales. The Scales will be placed in front of Allah’s Throne. On the right side will be Jannah, and on the left side will be Jahannam.

Imam Kurtubi says that the mizan will occur after the Hisab.

The opinion of many scholars is that the Mizan will be only for those who have faith in their heart. For others, there will be no hope.

“The heaviest thing on the Day of Judgement will be good manners.”

If a believer repented and compensated for his sin #

If a believer had committed a sin and was fully punished for it during his lifetime on earth, that sin would not be brought up again for reckoning (because Allah is Just and does not punish twice for one thing.) If he had committed a sin against another creature of Allah, it will not be pardoned by Allah; he will have to repay it (or seek pardon from the wronged party). If he had committed a sin against Allah (but no creature of Allah was wronged by it), and then had done Tawba (had repented), then, in the words of Hadhrat Ali (A), “we hope that the Mercy of Allah will cover him, but, at the same time, we are afraid of His punishment to him.”

On that Day, Allah will give His creatures opportunities to seek pardon from their fellows and forgive them.

People’s Deeds #

As an outline, the translation of relevant paragraphs from ‘Itiquadiyyah’ of Shaykh as-Saduq is given here (with some relevant verses in brackets):

“Our faith concerning the writing of Deeds: It is our faith that there are two angels deputed on every servant of Allah; they write down each and every deed he performs.

“And if someone intends to do a good deed but does not do it, one virtue (of good intention) is written in his record; and if he performed that good deed, ten virtues are written (to his credit). And if someone intends to do an evil deed (but does not do it) nothing is written against him, till he actually does that evil deed. Even after doing that, he is given seven hours grace. If he repents then nothing is written against him. But if he did not repent in that time, only one evil act is written against him.

As Allah says in the Qur’an:

"He who brought one good deed, for him are ten like it; and he who brought one evil deed, he will not be paid but only its equal."
Quran, surah Al-Anaam (The Cattle) 6:160

And the two angels write every thing, even blowing into ash. (As Allah says: "And on you are the guards, noble writers, they know whatever you do."
Quran, surah Al-Infitaar (The Cleaving) 82:10-12

And Ali once passed near a person who was talking vain words; Ali said: ‘O man! Verily, you are dictating a book to your angels which will be taken to your Lord; therefore, talk only what is useful to you, and leave useless talks.’ Also he said: ‘A Muslim is recorded as engaged in good deeds as long as he remains silent. Then when he talks, he is counted either as a virtuous man or an evil-doer (according to what he says.) And the place of the two angels is the collar-bone: the one on the right side writes good deeds, and the one on the left writes evil deeds. And the two angels of the day write his actions during day-time; and the two angels of the night write his deeds during the night.

Everyone will receive a scroll with all his deeds #

Then as for he who is given his record in his right hand, he will be judged with an easy hisab (reckoning).
Quran, surah al-Inshiqāq, 84:7-8

Imam Ja’far as Sadiq (A) said: “On the Day of Judgement, a man will be given his scroll, to read. Then Allah will make him remember: there will be not a single look, or a single word, or a single step, or anything which he had done but that he will remember as though he had done it that very moment. It is for this reason that they will say: “O Woe unto us! What is about this book: it had not left any small or big thing without recording it thoroughly.”

The distribution of the scrolls is mentioned in many Ayats. Those whose good deeds exceed the bad will be given their scroll in their right hands: those whose bad deeds outweigh their good deeds will receive it in their left hands.

Their respective reactions are mentioned in these Ayats: “The Day that you shall be brought to Judgement; no secret of yours shall remain hidden. Then he that shall be given his book in his right hand will say: ‘Ah here! Read you my book. I did really believe that my accounts will (one day) reach me.’ So he will be in a life of Bliss, in a Garden on high, the fruits whereof (will hang in bunches) low and near. Eat and drink, with full satisfaction (in reward) of the (good) that you sent before you, in the days that are gone.

“But he that will be given his records in his left hand, will say: ‘Ah! Would that my record had not been given to me! And that I had never known what my account was! Ah! Would that the (death) had made an end of me! Of no profit to me had been my wealth! My power has gone from me! (The stern command will be issued:) ‘Seize you him and bind him, burn him in the blazing fire.” (Qur’an, 69:18-31)

People’s organs will testify against their owners #

On this Day We will seal their mouths, their hands will speak to Us, and their feet will bear witness to what they used to commit.
Quran, surah Faatir (The Originator) 36:65-66

While the “People of Right Hand’ will be happy and well-pleased with the outcome of their belief and actions, the ‘People of Left Hand’ will try to find some loop-holes in the overwhelming adverse records. Some of them will deny that they had done any of the things mentioned in those records. Then the Angels (who had written those records) will testify against them. The culprits will say: “O Lord! Thy Angels are testifying to please Thee.” Finally, they will swear that they had not done any of the bad things recorded therein. Allah refers to it in the Qur’an in these words: “The Day Allah will resurrect them all, then they will swear before Him as they swear before you.” (Qur’an, 58:18)

Then they will be silenced, and their limbs will speak against them. The following Ayats are about this aspect of Qiyamat:

"On the Day when their tongues, and their hands, and their feet will testify against them about their actions. On that Day Allah will pay them back their just dues, and they will realize that Allah is the Truth that makes all things manifest."
Quran, surah An-Nur (The Light) 24:24-25

"On the Day that the enemies of Allah will be gathered together to the Fire, they will be marched in ranks. At length, when they reach the (Fire), their hearings, and their sights, and their skins will bear witness against them as to their deeds. They will say to their skins: 'Why bear you witness against us?' The (limbs) will say: 'Allah gave us speech - He who gives speech to every thing. He created you for the first time, and unto Him you were to return. You did not seek to hide yourselves, lest your hearing and your eyes and your skins should bear witness against you! But you did think that Allah knew not many of the things that you used to do! And that thought of yours which you did entertain concerning your Lord, has brought you to destruction, and now you have become of those utterly lost."
Quran, surah Fussilat (Explained in Detail) 41:19-23

In a long Hadith, The Holy Prophet (S) has said:

“As Allah has commanded you to safeguard yourselves and your religion and your wealth by getting witnesses of approved probity for your affairs, in the same way He has made sure about the affairs of His servants, by keeping witnesses on them. Thus there are for Allah on every being guards from among His various creations, and there are (angels) in succession in front of and behind him, and they guard him by order of Allah and note down whatever he does - his actions, words and looks. And the places where he lives are the witnesses of Allah, for or against him; And the nights, days and months are His witnesses, for or against him; and the Guardian (Angels) who write his deeds are His witnesses, for or against him.

“Therefore, how many on the Day of Qiyamat will be pleased by the testimonies of those witnesses for them? And how many on the day of Qiyamat will be disgraced by the testimony of those witnesses against them?

Al-Mawqif (The Plains of Judgement Day)

Qiyamah literally means “to stand up” or “to prepare”. There are three reasons why the Day of Judgment was given this name. First, we stand up to Allah on that day and are held accountable. Secondly, people will be brought to testify against each other and will get up on that day to do so. Finally, on that Day, the balance will be prepared to weigh the good deeds and the sins.

People will somehow see their deeds. Good deeds and bad deeds of a person will become as some sort currency.

We warn you of doom at hand. A day when a man will look on that his own hand has sent before, And the non-believers will cry: "Wish that we were dust." 
Quran, surah An-Naba (The Announcement) 78:40

People will be all gathered in a white space without mountains naked. And they will have to handle between each other all their debts, all unfinished business.

Every criminal every tyrant will be marked and stamped. everyone’s sin will be revealed unless Allah choses to hide some of them.

The Hadith as narrated by Jābir ibn Abdullah.

It reached me that a man heard a Hadith from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ , so I purchased a camel, then traveled quickly to him. I travelled for one month until I reached Sham.

The man was Abdullah ibn Unays. I said to the doorman, tell him Jābir is at the door. He replied, “Ibn Abdullah?” I said, “Yes.” He came out dragging his thobe. He hugged me and I hugged him.

I said to him, “It has reached me that there is a Hadith which you heard from the Messenger of Allah ﷺ concerning the retribution. I was afraid that you might die, or I might die before I heard it.”

Abdullah ibn Unays said, “I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ , ‘The people will be gathered on the Day of Standing—and he pointed with his hand towards Sham. They will be gathered naked, uncircumcised, and buhman.’ We said, ‘And what is buhman?’ He ﷺ replied, ‘They will not have anything with them. Then a Caller will call out with a voice heard equally by those far and near (saying), ‘I am the King, I am the Reckoner. It is not befitting that anyone from the inhabitants of the Hellfire should enter the Hellfire while someone from the inhabitants of Paradise owes him a right, until he settles it. And it is not befitting that anyone from the inhabitants of Paradise enters Paradise while someone from the inhabitants of the Hellfire owes him a right, until he settles it, even if it is only a slap.’’ We said, ‘And how will this be, when we will stand before Allah, naked, uncircumcised, without anything?’ He ﷺ replied, ‘With good deeds and bad deeds.’” Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, #970, declared Hasan by al-Albani

Not only people and jinn but also animals will settle their debts. Animals will be then turned to dust. And some of disbelievers will say “I wish we were turned into dust like them.”

Abu Hurairah (May Allah bepleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “On the Resurrection Day, the rights will be paid to those to whom they are due so much so that a hornless sheep will be retaliated for by punishing the horned sheep which broke its horns”. [Muslim].

Then people will recognise each other and catch each other, till everyone has found the person (s) who had done any wrong to him.

On Judgement day, after the dead have been resurrected, assembled, and judged by God, the saved and the damned now being clearly distinguished, the souls will traverse over hellfire via the bridge of As-Sirāt. The faithful, will “move easily and swiftly across a broad path”, led first of all by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself and other leading lights of the community on their way to paradise (Jannah); those judged guilty of sin but still considered to be mu’minun (believers) will fall from the bridge into Hellfire (jahannam) but remain there only for a limited period of purgation; unbelievers, however, will find the bridge has become “sharper than a sword and thinner than a hair” and darkness blinds their way. Their inevitable fall from the bridge will be an “inescapable descent” into their fiery destination of everlasting punishment.

Although the term the “Bridge of Sirat” hasn’t been used in the Quran, it has been mentioned in hadiths and traditions. For example Imam Sadiq (as) has mentioned this term while explaining the word “mirsad” in verse 14 of Surah Fajr, saying that it is a bridge that extends across Hell.

For further explanation we will note some points regarding the word “Sirat”. “Sirat” literally means way and path and what is meant by the term “Al-Siratul Mustaqim” that is mentioned in some Quranic verses is the right and straight path of guidance in this world that if one follows, will also remain on in the hereafter, and that if he strays from in this world, will stray from in the hereafter likewise.

People will need to cross the bridge (Sirat) that lays above Jahannam (hell). Those who were rightheous believers will cross the bridge and enter Paradise. Those who were unreighteous disbelievers in this life will fall and the hellfire will take them.

There is a hadith that says the Sirat bridge will be placed over Jahannam, which may indicate that the bridge will appear at some point in time during The Day of Judgement.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is waiting on the other side of Sirat with a cup of water from his fountain (Kawthar).

Abu Sai’d al-Khudri reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “A bridge will come and be placed across Hell.” We said, “O Messenger of Allah, what is the bridge?” The Prophet said, “It is shaky and slippery, over which are claws, pincers, and broad spikes with curved thorns like the seed found in Najd known as al-Sa’dan. The believer will cross over it like the blink of an eye, or like lightning, or like wind, or like powerful horses, or like camels. Thus, one will be unharmed, another will be lacerated, and another will plunge into the fires of Hell, until the last one will be dragged across it.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1338, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2870 Grade: Muttafaqun Alayhi (authenticity agreed upon) according to Al-Bukhari and Muslim

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri reported: We said, “O Messenger of Allah, will we see our Lord?” The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Do you have trouble seeing the sun on a day without clouds?” Abu Sa’id said, “I have come to know that the bridge over Hell is thinner than a hair and sharper than a sword.”

Source: Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 183 Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Muslim

There are 7 stops and 7 questions on the bridge.

Sirat is thin as a hair and sharp as a sword.

Some people will pass at the speed of light. Some will crawl till the end of the journey. Many will fall.

There will be hooks that will drag sinners down.

Hadith says that the first one to pass the Sirat will be the prophet Muhammad ﷺ and then his ummah.

The Hell will be asked “Are you full?”. And the Hell will reply “Is there no more?”

Some people will not know that they crossed the Sirat and will ask angels, “Where is the Sirat, and where is Hell? Did we cross over them?” Angels will answer, “You crossed the Sirat, which was over Hell. However, Hellfire receded and was covered because of your light.”

Jami-us-saghir

The Hellfire will say to a believer, “O Believer! Go over me swiftly; your light diminishes my flames.”

The siraat is a bridge that stretches over the Hellfire, and every soul ever created must walk on this bridge. The verse in the Chapter of Maryam refers to the siraat:

And there is none of you except he will come to it [the siraat]. This is upon your Lord an inevitability decreed.
Quran, surah Maryam (Mary) 19:71

The happy ones are those who will cross the bridge to its end; arriving in Heaven, without stumbling and falling down into the pits of the Hellfire. It is a difficult and treacherous bridge to pass.

As described by prophet Muhammad ﷺ , the siraat is thinner than a human hair and shaper than the edge of a sword. It is a slippery bridge on which there are clamps and hooks that are like the branches of a sharp, thorny plant. These hooks will snatch and grab at the people walking over the bridge. How difficult it is to pass and whether an individual makes it across to safety or not, depends on each person’s deeds.

Some people will be ruined because of their evil deeds. Some will be cut into pieces and fall down to Hell for eternity, but some will be saved afterwards and taken out of the Hellfire. Some people will get by with a few cuts and scratches, and others will be completely unscathed.

The pious believers, the righteous men and women will sail over the bridge swiftly, without distress or anxiety. Some will pass by as fast as the wind, some like lightening, some like a falling star, others like a racing horse. For these believers, the Hellfire will call out to them from underneath, “O Believer! Pass over me quickly, for your light is extinguishing my fire.” Some believers will run across the bridge, others will walk, and some will crawl.

People will immuninate light #

On the Day you see the believing men and believing women, their light proceeding before them and on their right, [it will be said], "Your good tidings today are [of] gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein you will abide eternally." That is what is the great attainment.
Quran, surah Al-Hadid 57:12

On the Judgement Day, iman of a person will turn into light. If the light of people is strong, they will see the path. If the light is weak, they will see very little.

The hypocrites will say to the believers “Wait for us, give us some of your light.” It will be said “Go back and search for the light for yourself.”

The tormented will cry out to those graced, “Were we not with you?” They will reply, “Yes ˹you were˺. But you chose to be tempted ˹by hypocrisy˺, ˹eagerly˺ awaited ˹our demise˺, doubted ˹the truth˺, and were deluded by false hopes until Allah’s decree ˹of your death˺ came to pass. And ˹so˺ the Chief Deceiver1 deceived you about Allah.

So Today no ransom will be accepted from you ˹hypocrites˺, nor from the disbelievers. Your home is the Fire—it is the ˹only˺ fitting place for you. What an evil destination!”
Quran, surah Al-Hadid 57:13-15

Stations of the Sirat #

Not only are there the clamps and hooks to dodge and avoid, but there are seven stations where we will be stopped and asked about how we performed certain acts of worship and how we treated one another in this life. Whoever fails at any of these obstacles will slip and fall into the Hellfire, to be punished until their sins are expiated or until Allah wills.

"And stop them, for they must be asked."
Quran, surah As-Saaffat (Thwose drawn up in Ranks) 37:24

1. Believing in one God

   We will be asked about our faith, our eman. The six pillars of faith are the belief in Allah, the Angels, the Holy Books, the Prophets, the Day of Judgment, and fate (both good and bad).

2. Salah (Prayers)

   We will be asked about our obligatory prayers, our salah, the five daily prayers and if we performed them or not, performed them correctly and on time. For the one who was keen on praying on time and praying mindfully, the prayer will serve as a bright light, showing the way and aiding him/her to cross the siraat.

3. Zakat (Charity)

   We will be asked about paying the zakat to the poor. A severe punishment awaits those who withhold their wealth, and do not give the required 2.5% of the wealth each year to the poor. For those who pay the zakat each year and give even more in charity, they will pass by this obstacle like a cool breeze.

4. Fasting

   We will be asked about fasting the month of Ramadan. Fasting and reading the Holy Qur’an will come to the aid of the believer when enduring the hardships of the Day of Judgment. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “The fast and the Qur’an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: “O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.” The Qur’an will say: “I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.” And their intercession will be accepted.” (Ahmad)

5. Pilgrimage (Hajj)

   We will be asked about the Haj. In order to successfully pass this station, every Muslim who is physically and financially capable must perform the pilgrimage once in a lifetime.

6. Rights of others and looking after your relatives

   We will be asked about the rights of other people. Did we uphold others’ rights and treat them with dignity, respect, and kindness, or did we violate people’s rights and oppress them and harm them? How did we treat our parents, children, siblings, neighbors, friends, grandparents? Abusing, backbiting, robbing, and harming others will cast a dark cloud on the siraat, making it harder to see the way. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Beware of oppression (dhulm), for oppression will be darkness (dhulumaat) on the Day of Resurrection.” (Muslim)

7. Cleanliness (Wudu & Ghusl)

   We will be asked about our wudu and ghusl, the ablution and ritual bathing, to cleanse and purify our bodies before performing acts of worship. Cleanliness is a cornerstone of the Islamic faith. Muslim children are taught from a young age the steps of ablution. In our times, the information age, ignorance is no excuse. Even if we were not taught as children, we have access to a wide range of sources to learn the proper, step-by-step ablution and bathing.

If our answers were satisfactory, we will be free to pass. Once the believer passes the siraat, he/she is safe, blissful, relieved; no more difficulty, no more worry.

When the believers cross the siraat, they will come to two springs of water; the banks of which are of jewels. The believers will bathe in one spring and drink from the other.

˹They will be told,˺ "This is the Day of ˹Final˺ Decision which you used to deny."
˹Allah will say to the angels,˺ "Gather ˹all˺ the wrongdoers along with their peers, and whatever they used to worship
instead of Allah, then lead them ˹all˺ to the path of Hell [ṣirāṭ al-jahīm].
And detain them, for they must be questioned."
˹Then they will be asked,˺ "What is the matter with you that you can no longer help each other?"
Quran, surah As-Saaffaat (Those drawn up in Ranks) 37:21-25

When the shackles are around their necks and the chains; they will be dragged
In boiling water; then in the Fire they will be filled [with flame].
Quran, surah Ghafir (The Forgiver God) 40:71-72

And We have certainly created for Hell many of the jinn and mankind. They have hearts with which they do not understand, they have eyes with which they do not see, and they have ears with which they do not hear. Those are like livestock; rather, they are more astray. It is they who are the heedless.
Quran, surah Al-Araf (The Heights) 7:179

And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups until, when they reach it, its gates are opened and its keepers will say, "Did there not come to you messengers from yourselves, reciting to you the verses of your Lord and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say, "Yes, but the word of punishment has come into effect upon the disbelievers".

[To them] it will be said, "Enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein, and wretched is the residence of the arrogant."
Quran, surah Az-Zumar (The Groups) 39:71-72

[Allah will say], "Throw into Hell every obstinate disbeliever,
Preventer of good, aggressor, and doubter,

Who made [as equal] with Allah another deity; then throw him into the severe punishment."

His [devil] companion will say, "Our Lord, I did not make him transgress, but he [himself] was in extreme error."

[Allah] will say, "Do not dispute before Me, while I had already presented to you the warning.

The word will not be changed with Me, and never will I be unjust to the servants."

On the Day We will say to Hell, "Have you been filled?" and it will say, "Are there some more,"
Quran, surah Qaf (The Letter Qaf) 50:24-30

Dwellers of Hell will argue among each other.

The Fire, they are exposed to it morning and evening. And the Day the Hour appears [it will be said], ‘ Make the people of Pharaoh enter the severest punishment.’

And [mention] when they will argue within the Fire, and the weak will say to those who had been arrogant, ‘ Indeed, we were [only] your followers, so will you relieve us of a share of the Fire?’

Those who had been arrogant will say, ‘ Indeed, all [of us] are in it. Indeed, Allah has judged between the servants.’

And those in the Fire will say to the keepers of Hell, ‘ Supplicate your Lord to lighten for us a day from the punishment.’

They will say, ‘ Did there not come to you your messengers with clear proofs?’ They will say, ‘ Yes.’ They will reply, ‘ Then supplicate [yourselves], but the supplication of the disbelievers is not except in error.’
Quran, surah Ghafir (The Forgiver) 40:46-50

"And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups until, when they reach it, its gates are opened and its keepers will say, "Did there not come to you messengers from yourselves, reciting to you the verses of your Lord and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say, "Yes, but the word of punishment has come into effect upon the disbelievers."
Quran, surah Az-Zumar 39:71

"[To them] it will be said, "Enter the gates of Hell to abide eternally therein, and wretched is the residence of the arrogant.""
Quran, surah Az-Zumar 39:72

The Hell also has its gates and keepers.

"And those who disbelieved will be driven to Hell in groups until, when they reach it, its gates are opened and its keepers will say, "Did there not come to you messengers from yourselves, reciting to you the verses of your Lord and warning you of the meeting of this Day of yours?" They will say, "Yes, but the word of punishment has come into effect upon the disbelievers."
Quran, surah Az-Zumar 39: Verse 71)

Abu Said al Khudree reports that the Prophet ﷺ said:

“When the believers cross the Hellfire, they will be stopped at a small arched bridge (Qantarah) before entering the paradise and will be given retribution for injustices between them until they become purified. (Then) they will be permitted to enter Jannah. So, by the One in Whose Hands is my soul, they will know their way to their homes in Jannah, better than they know their ways to their homes in dunya.” [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]

Al-Qantarah is a small bridge after the Siraat that the believers will have to cross before entering Jannah. Allah will ask the believers to settle their issues here.

There is a hadith narrated in Mustadarak al-Haakim with an authentic chain that states that there will be two men from this Ummah that will come before Allah. One man will say, “so and so has transgressed against me and I want from his good deeds.” Allah will tell him, “do you see this great palace in paradise?” And the man will look at the palace, and Allah will say to him, “it will belong to you if you forgive your brother today.” And the man will forgive him. Rasulullah ﷺ said at the end of this hadith “safeguard yourselves from Allah, and reform and reconcile amongst yourselves, indeed Allah will reconcile between the believers (on the Day of Judgment).”

If Allah will reconcile among you on that Day, our role today should be to reconcile between ourselves.

Then bridge of Qantarah to allow people complete their arguments. People will forgive each other. this will cause the delay because they didn forgive them in dunya.

And we removed every grudge from their hearts. They will be brothers, reclining on thrones that Day, looking at one another.
Quran, surah Al-Hijr (The Rock) 15:47

Indeed, We have granted you, [O Muhammad], al-Kawthar.
So pray to your Lord and sacrifice [to Him alone].
Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off ˹from any goodness˺.
Quran, surah Al-Kawthar 108:1-3

There will be pool from Al Kawthar near the prophet Muhammad ﷺ , and it will be allowed to sincere Muslims to drink from it.

Allah says in the Quran that He has already gifted the prophet Muhammad ﷺ Al Kawthar, the main river of Jannah. It’s water is pure white and whoever drinks for it will not feel thirst for thousands of years.

Narrated Sahl ibn Sa’d: I heard the Prophet saying, “I am your predecessor at the Lake-Fount (Kauthar), and whoever will come to it, will drink from it, and whoever will drink from it, will never become thirsty after that. There will come to me some people whom I know and they know me, and then a barrier will be set up between me and them.” Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri added that the Prophet further said: “I will say those people are from me. It will be said, ‘You do not know what changes and new things they did after you.’ Then I will say, ‘Far removed (from mercy), far removed (from mercy), those who changed (the religion) after me! "

Narrated Asma’: The Prophet said, “I will be at my Lake-Fount (Kauthar) waiting for whoever will come to me. Then some people will be taken away from me whereupon I will say, ‘My followers!’ It will be said, ‘You do not know they turned Apostates as renegades (deserted their religion).'” (Ibn Abi Mulaika said, “Allah, we seek refuge with You from turning on our heels from the (Islamic) religion and from being put to trial”).

Narrated ‘Abdullah: The Prophet said, “I am your predecessor at the Lake-Fount (Kauthar) and some men amongst you will be brought to me, and when I will try to hand them some water, they will be pulled away from me by force whereupon I will say, ‘O Lord, my companions!’ Then the Almighty will say, ‘You do not know what they did after you left, they introduced new things into the religion after you.'”

There will be a barrier [ḥijāb] between Paradise and Hell. And on the heights [al-aʿrāf] of that barrier˺ will be people who will recognize ˹the residents of˺ both by their appearance. They will call out to the residents of Paradise, “Peace be upon you!” They will have not yet entered Paradise, but eagerly hope to (Q.7:46).

Araf is the name given to the high place (some say a castle and tower) separating Paradise and Hell. In other words, Araf is a buffer zone between Paradise and Hell, separating them. There are some disputes over who will be the people of Araf; there are two views that became prominent.

1. People who were not informed about the call of any prophets and children of polytheists who died very young.

2. Believers whose good deeds and bad deeds are equal. They will have to wait between Paradise and Hell before they enter Paradise.

The followings is stated in the Quranic verse about the people of Araf::

Between them shall be a veil, and on the Heights will be men who would know everyone by his marks: they will call out to the companions of the Garden "peace on you" they will not have entered, but they will have an assurance (thereof.) When their eyes shall be turned towards the companions of the Fire, they will say: "Our Lord! Send us not to the company of the wrong-doers."
Quran, surah Al-Araf (The Heights) 7:46-47

However, Araf is not a place of permanent resident. After making the people of Araf wait there for a while temporarily, Allah will make a decision for them and send them to Paradise with his blessing.

As for who the inhabitants of the inhabits al-aʿrāf are, the “majority of exegetes” support the theory that they are persons whose actions balance in terms of merit and demerit – whose good deeds keep them from the Fire and whose evil deeds keep them from the Garden. They will be the last to enter the Garden, at the mercy of their Lord.

[To the righteous it will be said], ‘ O reassured soul
Return to your Lord, well-pleased and pleasing [to Him] 
And enter among My [righteous] servants
And enter My Paradise.
Quran, surah Al-Fajr (The Dawn) 89:27-30

• Jannah series by Yaqeen

In the hadith about intercession that the Prophet (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “I will come to the gate of Paradise on the Day of Resurrection and will ask for it to be opened. The keeper will say: ‘Who are you?’ I will say, ‘Muhammad.’ He will say: ‘I was commanded not to open it for anyone before you.” Narrated by Muslim (197)

Another report in the Sahihayn is in different words.

“The first group to enter Paradise will be glittering like the moon (as it appears) on a full moon night. Those to follow them will be like the most shiny star in the sky. They will not spit therein, nor blow their noses, nor attend a nature’s call. Their combs will be of gold and silver, and sweat of misk. Their incense of pearls, and aloe wood used for fire. Their spouses will be wide-eyed Houries. All of them on one nature, on the face of their father Adam, sixty feet (tall) in the heaven.”

There are a few other reports about those who will enter first through the gates of Paradise. The following is in the Sahihayn: Abu Hurayrah reported the Prophet as having (once) said, “Seventy-thousand of my Ummah will enter Paradise, their faces shining as bright as the moon on a full moon night.” Abu Hurayrah said, “At that Ukk asha got up lifting a shroud on him and said, “Messenger of Allah. Supplicate to Allah that He place me as one of them.” He said, “O Allah, make him one of them.” Then another man of the Ansar stood up and said, “Messenger of Allah. Supplicate to Allah that He place me as one of them.” He replied, “Ukk asha overtook you therewith.” According to another report (of Bukhari and Muslim), the Prophet (saws) said,“Surely, seventy thousand of my followers, or seven hundred thousand, the first of whom will not enter Paradise until the last of them enters. Their faces shining bright like the moon on a full-moon night.”

According to another tradition recorded by Tirmidhi, the Prophet said,“My Lord has promised me that He will admit seventy thousand of my followers into Paradise, without they undergoing any reckoning or any punishment, along with another seventy thousand and (over and above them) three handfuls from the Handfuls of my Lord” (Ibn Kathir).

The above report was declared Hasan Gharib by Tirmidhi. However, after mentioning the above in his “Fath”, Ibn Hajr quoted another hadith on the above topic from Ibn Hibb an and Tab arani, which he declared trustworthy. It says,“Then every thousand will intercede for seventy thousand. Thereafter, my Lord will usher in three handfuls of His two Handfuls.” When Umar said “Allah is the Greatest” the Prophet added, “The seventy thousand will be allowed to intercede for their fathers, mothers and family members, and I hope that the handfuls will be from the lowest of my followers.”

But those who believed and did righteous deeds – We charge no soul except [within] its capacity. Those are the companions of Paradise; they will abide therein eternally.
      
And We will have removed whatever is within their breasts of resentment, [while] flowing beneath them are rivers. And they will say, "Praise to Allah, who has guided us to this; and we would never have been guided if Allah had not guided us. Certainly the messengers of our Lord had come with the truth." And they will be called, "This is Paradise, which you have been made to inherit for what you used to do."
      
And the companions of Paradise will call out to the companions of the Fire, "We have already found what our Lord promised us to be true. Have you found what your Lord promised to be true?" They will say, "Yes." Then an announcer will announce among them, "The curse of Allah shall be upon the wrongdoers."
Quran, surah Al-Araf (The Heights) 7:42-44

When people enter Jannah, they will be told that they will be forever young, don’t be sad or sick and they will stay in Paradise forever. It would take thousand years to pass by your property.

Allah says I will be forever pleased with you. and people will see Allah. There’s nothing in Jannah more beautiful than seeing Allah.

"Some faces that Day will be shining and radiant, looking at their Lord…" 
Quran, surah Al-Qiyamah (The Resurrection) 75:22-3

Say, "Is that better or the Garden of Eternity which is promised to the righteous? It will be for them a reward and destination.
      
For them therein is whatever they wish, [while] abiding eternally. It is ever upon your Lord a promise [worthy to be] requested".
Quran, surah Al-Furqan (The Criterion) 25:15-16

And the forerunners, the forerunners
Those are the ones brought near [to Allah]
In the Gardens of Pleasure,
A [large] company of the former peoples
And a few of the later peoples,
On thrones woven [with ornament],
Reclining on them, facing each other.
There will circulate among them young boys made eternal
With vessels, pitchers and a cup [of wine] from a flowing spring
No headache will they have therefrom, nor will they be intoxicated
And fruit of what they select
And the meat of fowl, from whatever they desire.
And [for them are] fair women with large, [beautiful] eyes,
The likenesses of pearls well-protected,
As reward for what they used to do.
They will not hear therein ill speech or commission of sin
Only a saying: "Peace, peace."

The companions of the right – what are the companions of the right?
[They will be] among lote trees with thorns removed
And [banana] trees layered [with fruit]
And shade extended
And water poured out
And fruit, abundant [and varied],
Neither limited [to season] nor forbidden,
And [upon] beds raised high.
Indeed, We have produced the women of Paradise in a [new] creation
And made them virgins,
Devoted [to their husbands] and of equal age,
For the companions of the right [who are]
A company of the former peoples
And a company of the later peoples.
Quran, surah Al-Waqiah (The Event) 56:10-40

Indeed the companions of Paradise, that Day, will be amused in [joyful] occupation
They and their spouses – in shade, reclining on adorned couches
For them therein is fruit, and for them is whatever they request [or wish]
      
[And] "Peace," a word from the Merciful Lord.
Quran, surah Ya-seen (Yaseen) 36:55-58

Shaykh as-Saduq (r.a..) has written:

“And it is our belief that before entering the Garden, the believer will be shown his place in the Fire and informed that, that was the place where he would have gone if he had disobeyed Allah.

“And before entering the Fire, the unbeliever will be shown his place in the Garden and told that, that was the place where he would have gone if he had obeyed Allah.

“Then those vacant places in the Garden will be added to the rewards of the people of the Paradise; and those vacant places in the Fire will be added to the punishments of the people of Fire: And this is the meaning of the words of Allah: “those will be the heirs who will inherit the Paradise; they will dwell therein for ever.”

The words ‘heir’ and ‘inherit’ refer to this episode, whereas the believers will get the places which were kept for others who did not make it and whose rejection of faith led them to die Fire.

Yasir Qadhi says that there will be several intercession rounds througout the Day of Judgement and maybe after.

It means for the believers who have sins to ask prophets, ulama (scholars) and martyrs, whom Allah allowed to intercede, to pray and beg Allah for their forgiveness and for those who do not have any sins to ask for ascension to higher degrees.

The Quran gives special significance to intercession and connects it with the issue of oneness. Some of the Quranic verses related to this issue are as follows:

"O Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth?"
Quran, surah Al-Baqara (The Cow) 2:255

"They offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable" 
Quran, surah Al-Anbiya (The Prophets), 21:28

Allah can consent to the intercession of only His slaves who deserve to be forgiven as a necessity of His divine justice. The Prophet said the following in a hadith:

“Every prophet has a prayer peculiar to him that is accepted, and they have always prayed. However, I keep my prayer for the intercession for my umma in the hereafter.” (Bukhari, Daawat, 1.)

Allah, in His Mercy, has opened many doors for His sinner servants to seek His pleasure and forgiveness. Two very important doors are ‘Tawbah’ (Repentance) and Shafa’at (Intercession).

Before explaining the Shafaat, a few details about ‘Tawbah’ will not be out of place here.

"O ye who believe! Turn to Allah with sincere repentance, in the hope that your Lord will remove from you your ills (evil deeds) and admit you into the Gardens beneath which rivers flow."
Quran, surah At-Tahrim (The Prohibition) 66:8

"When those come to thee who believe in our signs, say 'Peace be on you' your Lord has inscribed for Himself (the rule of) Mercy. Verily, if any of you did evil in ignorance, and thereafter repented and amended (his conduct), lo! He is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful"
Quran, surah Al-Anaam (The Cattle) 6:54

Thus Allah forgives all sins and transgressions if a sinner repents sincerely during his lifetime. The key word is ‘sincerely’. A repentance without a change of heart is no repentance. It must produce change in habit, and enhance the love and fear of Allah in one’s dealings.

According to Ali ibn Abu Talib (AS), “Repentance must have six elements: the repentant must be really sorry for what he had done; he must have firm determination not to do so again; he must make amends for whatever wrong he might have done to others; he must fulfil all the obligations of religion which he had previously neglected; he should fast long enough to shed away the flesh grown of unclean and unlawful food; and he should make his Self feel the taste of obedience of Allah, as he had previously enjoyed the taste of sin.”

When a man repents sincerely, Allah makes him as clean (from sins) as he was the day he was born. The Holy Prophet ﷺ has said:

“One who repents from sin is like the one who has never committed any sin.”

It is for this reason that the Holy Prophet ﷺ has said: “There is no intercessor more successful than repentance.”

Now we come to Shafa’at. It is accepted by all Muslims that the prophet Muhammad ﷺ will intercede on behalf of the sinners of his Ummat. A few Ayats on this subjects:-

"Who is there that can intercede in His presence except by His permission?"
Quran, surah Al-Bakarah (The Cow) 2:255

"He knows what is before them and what is behind them, and they offer no intercession except for those who are acceptable (to Allah); and they stand in awe and reverence of His (glory)."
Quran, surah Al-Anbiyah (The Prophets) 21:28

Other Ayats show that for the unbelievers there will not be any intercessor. But the above-mentioned two Ayats show that those with whom Allah is pleased will intercede on behalf of the sinner believers, by permission of Allah.

Shaykh as-Saduq (r.a..) has, written: “It is our belief about Shafa’at that it is meant for (the benefit of) those whose faith was acceptable to Allah (i.e., for the true believers) who might have committed sins - capital or trivial. And those who had repented from their sins will not need any intercession. And the Prophet said: “He who does not believe in my intercession, Allah will not permit him to get my Shafa’at.” Also he said: “There is no intercessor more successful than repentance.”

The verses of the Bible about the Day of Judgement are worth mentioning. In some places, I deliberately missed the parts that talk about our beloved prophet Isa (Jesus) (peace be upon him) as a son of God. We, as Muslims, believe that he was one of the greatest human beings and the messiah of God.

According to the Bible, The Judgment Day will reveal that God’s justice will triumph over all the injustices committed by men and that His love will be stronger than death.

“My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.”

Isaiah 26:9

In the Bible verses, the Judgment Day corresponds to the parousia, the end time when Christ will return in His glory when the dead will be raised.

A Christian thought designates the return of Christ to this earth, his second coming among men. The word parousia, which our versions usually translate as “coming”, is found several times in the New Testament.

Not everyone will want to do God’s will, indeed, it says in the following bible verses:

“But when grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and do not regard the majesty of the Lord.”

Isaiah 26:10

“Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed.”

Isaiah 65:20

At the end of Judgment Day, those who survive will ‘come to life’ fully as perfect humans. (Revelation 20:5) In the land of righteousness, the wicked will be put to death. (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) So the Day of Judgment will see the return of mankind to its original perfection.

(1 Corinthians 15:24-28) Then a final test will take place. (Revelation 20:3, 7-10) Satan will be released from his imprisonment and will be allowed to try to lead mankind astray one last time. (Revelation 20:3, 7-10)

Those who resist him will experience the full realization of the Bible promise:

“The righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.” Psalm 37:29

The Structure of the Heavenly Court (Christianity) #

1. The Judge – God Psalm 50:6; Hebrew 12:23
2. Jury – 24 elders (?) Revelation 4:4
3. Defendant (the accused) – People Romans 3:10, 23; Romans 14:12; Jeremiah 32:19
4. Defence Attorney (advocate) – Jesus (Isa AS) John 2:1; Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25
5. Prosecuting attorney – Satan Revelation 12:10
6. Witnesses – Angels Revelation 5:11

Verses from Bible about the Day of Judgement #

“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.”

Revelation 20:11-15

According to Jewish belief, the Day of Judgement, or Yawm ad-Din, will occur after the coming of the Messiah.

Jews believe that God judges how good or bad people have been in order to decide their destiny in the afterlife. This is often seen as motivation to behave well and obey all of God’s rules.

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Ecclesiastes 12:14

Some Jews believe that they will be judged as soon as they die, while others believe that they will be judged by both God and the Messiah on the Day of Judgement. On this day, some Jews believe that everyone will be resurrected so that they can be judged, while others believe that only those who are morally good will be resurrected.

Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake; some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.

Daniel 12:2

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.

Corinthians 4:5

But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken.

Matthew 12:36

“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor [Jesus], but only [God].”

Matthew 24:36

He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people:

Psalms 50:4

Let all creation rejoice before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his faithfulness.

Psalms 96:13

‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 21:4

Doom has come upon you, upon you who dwell in the land. The time has come! The day is near! There is panic, not joy, on the mountains.

I am about to pour out my wrath on you and spend my anger against you. I will judge you according to your conduct and repay you for all your detestable practices.

Ezekiel 7:7-8

11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them.

12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.

13 The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done.

14 Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death.

15 Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:11-15

Hades, in the Greek Old Testament, translation of the Hebrew Sheol, the dwelling place of the dead.

Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;

Romans 14:10

Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer, until the thousand years were ended. After that he must be released for a little while. Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded […], and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands…

Revelation 20:1-15

… and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

Matthew 25:31-46

“Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from [your Father] God who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And [your Father] God who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. …

Matthew 6:1-34

For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.

Matthew 7:2

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.

Peter 3:10-13

In just a little while, the wicked will be no more; though you look carefully at his place, he will not be there. But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace. The wicked plots against the righteous and gnashes his teeth at him, but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he sees that his day is coming.

Psalm 37:10-13

But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

Romans 2:5

“As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.

Daniel 7:9-10

A Psalm of David. The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. …

Psalm 23:1-6

I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,

Revelation 22:18

Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous.

Hebrews 13:4

“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;

Luke 6:37

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. …

Luke 16:19-31

And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Matthew 25:46

So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James 2:12-13

And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.

Revelation 20:13

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Matthew 7:21-23

And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

Matthew 10:14-15

The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.

Revelation 3:5

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

Matthew 7:3

My soul yearns for you in the night; my spirit within me earnestly seeks you. For when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.

Isaiah 26:9

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Matthew 25:34

And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 20:15

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.

Revelation 20:11-12

So it will be at the close of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous

Matthew 13:49

His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Matthew 3:12

Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the close of the age.

Matthew 13:40

The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints, and those who fear your name, both small and great, and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”

Revelation 11:18

Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.

Romans 14:4

Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him.

Romans 14:3

And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. They will long to die, but death will flee from them.

Revelation 9:6

Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.

Proverbs 21:2

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit,

Peter 3:18

And the devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

Revelation 20:10

It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones, to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

Jude 1:14-15

For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Matthew 24:24

Rejoice, young man, during your childhood, and let your heart be pleasant during the days of young manhood. And follow the impulses of your heart and the desires of your eyes. Yet know that God will bring you to judgment for all these things.

Ecclesiastes 11:9

But by His word the present heavens and earth are being reserved for fire, kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

Peter 3:7

And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,

Hebrews 9:27

each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.

Corinthians 3:13

The sins of some men are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after.

Timothy 5:24

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

Corinthians 9:27

The Queen of the South will rise up with this generation at the judgment and will condemn it, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.

Matthew 12:42

Blow a trumpet in Zion; sound an alarm on my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the LORD is coming; it is near.

Joel 2:1