CONTENTS

1.HAZRAT  ADAM (peace be upon him)

2.HAZRAT  NOOH (peace be upon him)

3.HAZRAT  HOOD (peace be upon him)

4.HAZRAT  SUALEH (peace be upon him)

5.HAZRAT  IBRAHIM (peace be upon him)

6.HAZRAT  LOOT (peace be upon him)

7. HAZRAT YUSUF (peace be upon him)

8. HAZRAT SULEMAN (peace be upon him)

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Since quite long we require a book in English which may give us knowledge of past people’s evil deeds and their reformers sent by God in the form of His messengers time to time. The writer felt its necessity and wrote these methods of their reform adopted by messengers of Allah The Writer used quite simple language so that common people may understand easily about the lives of messengers All the facts explained in story form just to keep reader’s interest completely.

In this book writer explained about the role of Satan (disobeying angles). How he misguided Hadrat Adam (A.S) and Bibi Hawwa in the heaven and made conspiracy to bring them out of the heaven.  Since then human beings came into existence on earth.  The Writer explained the evil deeds of various people who were betrayed by Satan, and various messengers were sent by God to reform them time to time.  When these people became adamant to accept the orders of Allah preached by messengers continued worshipping idols, and remained indulge in ill deeds then God’s wrath fell to perish them completely and saved only those who were true followers of God’s Messengers.

The writer explained the various old situations faced by Hazrat Adam (A.S), Hazrat Noah (A.S), Hazrat Hood (A.S), Hazrat Sualeh (A.S), Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S), Hazrat Loot (A.S), Hazrat Yusuf (A.S), and Hazrat Suleman (A.S).  All the Messengers remained firm to their belief in Allah and discharged their duties according to God’s orders. They did not give up their mission even in hardships.

We hope the readers will be benefited after reading this book and will follow the right path through out their lives.

HAZRAT ADAM (Alaihis Salaam)

There was a time when no one lived on the earth. Then Allah Ta’ala willed to in habit it with human beings. The first human being, He created was Hazrat Adam (Alaihis Salaam). He was made of clay; All of us are his offspring’s.

Allah had created genii and angles even before the human beings, when he willed to create Hazrat Adam (A.S) he said to the angles, “we will send him as our khaleefa (vice gerent) on earth.”

Do you know who is a khaleefa? We tell you. Suppose you have some property. If you appoint some one, giving him necessary instructions, to manage the affairs of that property, he will be your khaleefa there. Similar is the meaning of appointing man as khaleefa on earth. This is Allah’s earth and He has sent here man to perform certain duties. He has also given him necessary instructions. Therefore man should do here everything according to Allah’s will; those who do accordingly, are Allah’s true khaleefa.

So, when Allah told the angels that He wanted to send man as His khaleefa on earth, they said, “we are afraid that this man will do mischief  and bloodshed on earth, while we are there to praise Thee and are always engaged in Thy worship,

Allah said, “You do not know what I know. How do you know what qualities we have stored in man? When sent to earth, he will discover the hidden treasures there with the help of his wisdom which we have granted him avail himself of our creations. Now tell me if you know about those things. “”Our Lord”, replied the angels, “We don’t know anything more than what you have told us. You are All-knower and All-wise.”

Than Allah asked Hazrat Adam [A.S] if he knew about those things. Hazrath Adam (A.S) told every thing because he had know about everything on earth with the help of the wisdom which Allah had given  “Do you see,” Allah, then said to the angels, “we had told you that we have knowledge of everything in the heavens and earth, whether they are open or hidden.

There after Allah ordered the angels to bow down before Hazrat Adam (A.S) and accept his superiority. All of them obeyed to Allah’s command, but Shaitan (Satan), who was also present there, did not do so. Instead, he proudly said, “I just can’t bow down before this man who is made of clay while I am better than him because I am made of fire.”

Allah did not like this proud attitude of Shaitan and expelled him from His court. He was abused and will continue to be cursed till the Doom’s day when he and all his followers will be thrown into Hell.

Allah also created for Hazrat Adam [A.s] wife ‘Hawwa (Eve), to live with. Hazrat Hawwa (A.S) is the mother of all mankind. Then Allah sent both of them to Paradise. There were very good fruits and other delicious eatables and comfort there. He asked them to live there and eat and drink whatever they wished. He, however, forbade them to go near a certain tree as it was of no use to them. They lived on in Paradise happily.

On the other hand, Shaitan was very sad over his expulsion. But instead of accepting his guilt, repenting, and seeking Allah’s forgiveness he became adamant with anger and pride. Believing that Hazrat Adam (A.S) and Hazrat Hawwa (A.S) had caused his expulsion from Allah’s court he decided to take revenge. As he was aware of Allah’s command to the two about the particular tree, he one day approached them with an innocent face and said. “Do you know why Allah has given everything to you in Paradise but forbidden you from going near that tree! In fact, this is a very good tree and anyone who eats its fruit will never die. He will rather become an angle.” Swearing repeatedly, he said, “I am telling all this only because I am your friend well wisher.”

Deceived by the innocent-looking man who claimed to be their friend but was, in fact their enemy, Hazrat Adam (A.S) and Hazarat Hawwa (A.S) one day ate the forbidden fruit. As soon as they did so, their bodies were stripped of the heavenly attire and they were left naked. Poor Adam and Hawwa covered themselves with tree leaves. But unlike Shaitan, they immediately realized that they had committed a grave mistake and annoyed their Lord. Soon, they started beseeching Allah and seeking His forgiveness. Allah liked this and forgave their mistake. He also told them Shaitan was their open enemy and that they should not be deceived by these words.

           After that Allah sent both of them to earth. He asked them to live there for some time and do such deeds as pleased Allah. He also told them all such things that please Him. Thus Hazrat Adam (A.S) was the first Messenger of Allah. Allah also told them that whoever of them did good deeds and lived in the world as His true khaleefa, would be sent back to Paradise after death and whoever did not tread His path, would be thrown into Hell along with Shaitan.

                 Things to Remember

1. Man has always been man, and the offspring of Hazrat Adam (A.S). Those who say that men’s ancestors were monkeys or apes, are wrong. They are in darkness and deprived of Allah’s teachings.
2. To err is human, but those who repent and seek Allah’s forgiveness are loved by Him while those who do not accept their mistake and repent, the brothers of Shaitan. They will be thrown into Hell.
3. The first man who inhabited this earth, Hazrat Adam (A.S), was the Messenger of Allah. Thus Allah not only provided food and shelter, to man but also arranged for his guidance to the right paths from the very beginning.
4. Man is the khaleefa of Allah on earth. It is his duty to utilize His bounties according to His will; Man has no authority or claim of ownership over anything here. The state belongs to Allah and should be governed according to His will and command.
5. Those who obey Allah and follow His orders are His noble servants. They will find a place in Paradise in the Hereafter. Those who deny Allah’s existence and are not His true khaleefa, will be thrown into Hell because they annoy Allah.

HAZRAT NOOH (Alaihis Salaam)

Hazrat Adam and Hazrat Hawwa (Alaihumas Salaam) lived on in the world for a long time. Their offspring increased manifold, spread all over and settled in far flung areas. Go some days they kept in mind what their grand father Hazrat Adam (A.S) had told them. But with the Passage of time, they began to forget the good things preached by Hazrat Adam (A.S) and their God. They would make idols of their ancestors and worship them on any thing that benefited or frightened them. Then Allah sent another of his noble servants, Hazrat Nooh (A.S) as his prophet to preach them good things.

Do you know who is a prophet! A prophet is a noble man chosen by Allah to convey His commandments and will to His servants on earth.  Such noble men are called prophets. These prophets convey Allah’s message to His servants and preach them to follow the path shown by Allah. They have been sent by Allah in all parts of the world to spread Allah’s message to every people.

Similarly, Hazrat Nooh (A.S) called his people towards virtue, prevented from the evil and stopped them from worshipping false gods and deities. He said, “My brothers, obey and worship none else than Allah, who is your God. Listen to me and give up worshipping all other gods. If you do so, Allah will forgive you, bestow on you honour in the world and a place in Paradise in the Hereafter.

When one accepts Allah as one’s Lord and follows His orders, one cannot do anything according to his own will nor can one usurp others property nor he will be free to do any or everything. He will have to live like a noble man and serve others, sometimes sacrificing his own benefit and sometime putting his life in danger for the sake of truth and justice. But those who put their own benefits and pleasures before any thing else are incapable of doing all this. Some what similar had become the condition of the people of Hazrat Nooh (A.S).  They had got so much spoilt as to defy any reformation attempts. They would close their ears and run away when told good things or asked to act according to Allah Will they were very proud.

Hazrat Nooh (A.S) made every attempt to back them, conveyed Allah’s message at their meetings and in the markets and approached them individually at their home. He repeatedly asked them to not to revolt against to one who had created them and provided food and shelter. He asked them seek Allah’s forgiveness and return to Him who was most Merciful, who sent down showers, provided wealth and children caused rivers to flow and grew fruit and grain. He asked them why they had turned their face from their Lord who had given them wisdom, made them good human beings, created the heavens, the earth, the sun and the moon, which gave them warmth and  light, and grew plants from the earth in which they walked, and lived.

He also reminded them that they had to die one day and would not live the world of ever. He told them that after death they would return to Allah and get reward for their deeds, good and bad. He reminded them that they could not escape from Him.

Hazrat Nooh (A.S) preached his people for 950 years but none, except a few, listened to him. Instead, they followed their elders who were proud of their wealth and children Even his son did not need to his call and reminded with the Kafirs. [A Kafir is one who does not believe in the existence of Allah and His prophets.] These Kafirs became the enemy of Hazrat Nooh (A.S). They were led by those who were rich and chieftains of their people. They started hatching conspiracies against Hazrat Nooh (A.S). They would laugh at him and ask who, except a few bad mannered persons, had heeded to his call. They would say that none among the notables was with him and that these mean and low caste people should not be allowed to sit with them.

Hazrat Nooh (A.S) tolerated all this but continued his mission. He was firm in his resolve and knew fully well that he was doing everything only to please his Lord. He did not give up his mission and remained stuck to his work.

Evil does not always prosper. Allah keeps His grip loses as long as there is the slightest hope of reform among His servants. Therefore, when the people of Hazrat Nooh (A.S) refused to follow their prophet, Allah decided to eliminate them from the surface of the earth and informed Hazrat Nooh (A.S) that His wrath would soon befall his people. He was also ordered to build an ark; big enough to accommodate all the Muslims and one pair each of all the animals in that habitation.

Hazrat Nooh (A.S) got on with the job of making the ark. People were amazed because there was neither sea river to float the ark on.  They ridiculed him and said: “See, the old man will float the ark on land.” Aware of the matter, Hazrat Nooh (A.S) replied, “Don’t laugh’ because you will soon know what is the matter.  Then we will be laughing at you.”

The day finally arrived when the wrath of Allah was to fall lone the Kafirs. Suddenly water streams began to rush out of the earth and even ovens were filled with water. From the sky also, heavy rains started falling, rivers started overflowing and there was a deluge everywhere. Everything was under water.

Hazrat Nooh (A.S) had already climbed on to the ark along with his companions. The ark was floating on the water while the entire habitation was sinking.

For the last time Hazrat Nooh (A.S) turned to his son who ad joined the Kafirs, and said, “My son, leave the company of these cruel people. Obey Allah’s order and climb on the ark.” Not heeding to his father’s advice, he replied that he would save himself from water by climbing on top of a mountain.

“None except my Beneficent Allah can save you today,” cried Hazrat Nooh (A.S) even as he was saying so, a high wave carried away his son along with all the others outside the ark. Hazrat Nooh (A.S) pleaded with Allah: “O” Lord, My son has also drowned. You had promised me that you will save my family but it was my son who has also drowned.”

“No”, Allah replied,” he was no more from among your family members as he would not do good deeds. He was, in fact, from amongst the Kafirs. If you do no know even this, why do you plead with us?”

Then Hazrat Nooh (A.S.) understood everything. He sought Allah’s forgiveness and realized that everyone would get the reward according to his deeds, even if he was a prophet’s son.

None except those who were in the ark was alive. The deluge had by now started receding and the raining stopped. The ark of Hazrat Nooh (A.S) stopped atop a mountain, Judea by name. The noble servants of Allah and Hazrat nooh (A.S) came out of it and lived and settled there with all the families and mercies of Allah in the world. Evil vanished and virtue started prospering. Only those noble servants of Allah, who were called as mean and low-caste, had survived and were made the owners of the earth.

Things to Remember

1. Habitual evil-doer does not like good things.
2. It is not an easy task to call people towards good because one has to face a lot of big problems for this.
3. When the noble servants of Allah show the Right Path to the people they do not think who listens to them and who does not. They go on doing their work. Hazrat Nooh (A.S.) also continued to do this for 950 years.
4. Allah allows His servants to go their own as long as He wills and till there is the slightest hope of their reforms. But when they do not accept His sovereignty, Allah’s wrath befalls them and then He clears the earth of evil-doer.

HAZRAT HOOD (Alaihis Salaam)

After Hazrat Nooh (A.S.), Allah bestowed wealth and strength on another people called “Aad” people were very proud of their strength. They had large gardens. They would build high buildings and lived so luxuriously as if they would never die. Proud of their affluence, they had started committing atrocities on the poor people. The rich and the high ups among them had created a lot of disorder Drunk with the power of wealth; they had forgotten Allah and started worship of hundreds of gods and goddesses.

When the people of “Aad” were totally spoilt and had forgotten the good things told by Allah, Allah created for them a messenger to show the right path. He was Hazrat Hood (A.S.)

Hazrat Hood (A.S.) called his people towards Allah. He said to them, ‘None except Allah is worthy of worship. No god or goddess deserves this.  Man is the servant of only one God, and that is Allah. Man should always follow only Allah’s order as none else’s can reform one’s life. The Lord and Creator of everyone is Allah. You have no right to rule over the weak and to perpetuate atrocities on them.”

On this chieftains of “Aad” said, “O Hood (A.S.), you are stupid. Whatever you are saying is all falsehood and concocted by you.”

“No brothers, “replied Hazrat Hood (A.S.), “It is not so. I have been sent by Allah as His prophet. I am saying everything on behalf of the Creator of this universe and for your good. I am calling you towards the one who is the Sustainer of the whole world. See, the same Lord has made you the owner of this earth after the people of Hazrat Nooh (A.S.) and you are aware of their fate. They has also refused to accept these things and adopted the course of evil, leaving that of virtue. They had also forgotten Allah and you know their fate. You too will not be spread if you refused to obey Allah who has given you wealth and strength.”

After listening to all this, the chief  of the Aad people said, “How can discard the religion of our forefathers and describe as wrong their traditions? Were our ancestors so stupid as to have worshipped these gods and goddesses? We cannot agree with you.”

“O brothers”, replied Hazrat Hood (A.S.), “It is not good to blindly follow the earlier people. Your Lord has granted you wisdom. Why don’t you yourself think whether I am saying right or wrong? Why don’t you consider that I am not demanding anything from you. Remember, if you did not heed to my advices, the Lord of his world will sent His wrath on you in the same manner as He did on those before you. If you pay scant attention to His word, its consequences will be very bad.”

The people of Aad were drunk with wealth. All these talks looked odd to them in view of their luxuries and comforts. They laughed these away and said,”O Hood (A.S), you seem to have been cursed by one of your gods and you have gone mad. That is why you are talking like this. Any way, you often threaten of the wrath, then why don’t you call it right now. We have decided no to follow you as we have heard such things so my times in the past.”

Not impressed by their argument, Hazrat Hood (A.S) continued to teach them but succeeded inpermading very few people. The rest of the people remained unchanged.

Finally, Allah decided to send His wrath on this people. One day a cloud appeared from one side of the sky. Every one became happy and said, “Today a cloud has appeared. Heavy rain will fall as it is needed.” But they were unaware that the cloud there were happy at was, in fact, the wrath of Allah for which they had wished. It was not a cloud but a hurricane the like of which had never been seen before. The hurricane was the wrath of Allah to destroy the people of Aad. It continued for seven or eight days and up rooted everything with its force. High building and big tree came down and non one except Hazrat Hood (A.S.) and his Muslim companions were spared in the entire habitation. It was totally razed to the ground and looked deserted for ages,

The remnants of the Aad people’s habitations can be seen even today in the south of Arabia, where this people lived. When the Holy Quran was being revealed, the Arabs passed through these remnants knowing that there lived a very strong people.

Things to Remember

1.      A man drunk with wealth often forgets Allah and tends to worship the gods of his own choice.

2.      Man is the servant of Allah and he should live as such, obeying Allah’s orders.

3.      To follow the prophets of Allah is a must for obedience to Allah. Without it the obedience is in complete.

4.      The traditions of our forefathers may be right as well as wrong, but we should accept only the right ones and give up the wrong ones.

5.      Continuous disobedience to Allah leads to nothing but destruction and devastation. The disobedient peoples fall a prey, later or sooner, to Allah’s wrath.

6.      We have a lesson in the circumstance of the people before us.

HAZRAT SUALEH (Alaihis Salaam)

After the people of Aad, Thamud’s people progressed and prospered. They had everything like wealth, higher buildings, green fields, and orchards of dates. But gradually they also fell to evil ways and began to forget Allah. The elders among them became rich and proud and oppressed the poor and the low, Like capitalists, they wanted to possess everything even at the cost of there miseries and difficulties. They did not bother about others and always looked for their own benefits. The excess of wealth had made them blind and they had begun to do whatever they liked, forgetting Allah.

Then Allah created Hazrat Sualeh (A.S.) to show the Right Path to the people of Thamud. Hazrat Sualeh (A.S) said to them, “Brothers, do you not fear Allah ? Don’t forget that none else is your Lord and Sustainer. It is He who created you, inhabited you on this earth and provided you various kinds of things for your living. Therefore, you should worship only Him.”

The Thamud people did not heed as these things appeared strange to them. They said, “O Sualeh (A.S.), we had pinned high hopes on you because you are an enterprising young man among us. But it is strange that you ask us to abandon our gods, whom even our forefathers respected and worshipped. We have doubts about what you are saying.”

“Brothers,” “replied Hazrat Sualeh (A.S.),” the Lord of this universe, who is the Lord of you and me also, has sent me to you as his prophet. I am not saying anything my own but on behalf of that Lord. Fear Allah and accept what I say. And, you know, I don’t demand anything from you in exchange of it.”

The Thamud people said’ “strange you are a prophet. How can you be the prophet of Allah while you are also a man like us. It appears some one has cast a spell on you that is why you are talking all this.”

“My brothers,” said Hazrat Sualeh (A.S.), “It is not so. I say everything on your Lord’s behalf. And I am also scared who will protect me from His grip if I don’t obey Him and convey His message to you. All I ask you is to give up obeying the rebels against Allah, who spread mischief on earth and cannot bring about any reform. Only Allah is worthy of worship and obedience.”

After having listened to all this, they finally said, How can we accept that you after the prophet of Allah unless you show us a sign to prove it. Only then can we accept what you say.”

On this, Allah suddenly created a she-camel which was a little different from others. Hazrat Sualeh (A.S.) then said to those people, “see this she-camel is one of the signs of Allah’s creation. Let it graze freely and do not tease it. If you still did not at listen to me and started teasing it, will imply that you are not all prepared to accept Allah. If you do so, Allah’s wrath will befall you and you will be annihilated.

“You should not forget that the wealth you boast off has been given to you by the same Allah who provided you shelter on this earth after the people of Aad. Thank Allah for his bounties and do not spread mischief on earth.”

Agreeing with Hazrat Sualeh (A.S.) some poor and weak people joined him. But the rich and the elders, who were their enemy, asked them, “Do you really accept Sualeh (A.S.) as the prophet of Allah !”

“Yes,” the weak people replied,” we believe that Hazrat Sualeh (A.S.) that Hazrat Sualeh (A.S.) is the prophet of Allah,”

On this, the proud people said, “We call false whom you accept as true,” and turned to the she-camel which Allah had created as His sign. They first chopped off its legs and then killed it. Then they proudly said to Hazrat Sualeh (A.S.), “If you are the prophet of Allah, as you claim to be then inviting the wrath of Allah of which you often frighten us.”

“All right,” replied Hazrat Sualeh (A.S.) “enjoy yourselves for three more days in your houses and then you will see that my vow is not false,”

Do you see how much the people of Thamud had got spoiled? As there was no hope of their return to the Right Path, Allah decided to eliminate them. His wrath befell those who had refused to accept what Hazrat Sualeh (A.S) had said and Allah saved with His mercy Hazrat Sualeh (A.S.) and all those who had followed him.

It so happened that on the third day of the killing of she-camel, a big earthquake caught all the rebels against Allah unaware in their sleep and in the morning, all of them lay prostrate and dead. It looked as if no one ever lived in that habitation, because it was entirely rendered as a heap of bricks and debris.

We should not forget that Thamuds were deprived of Allah’s blessings because they had refused to accept His orders. We have a lesson in these incidents of the former peoples. There is no way to prosper with peace except thought the obedience of Allah and His Prophet. 

HAZRAT IBRAHIM (Alaihis Salaam)

Allah sent His messengers repeatedly because man has a tendency to forget Allah. These prophets showed man the Right Path. Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) was also one of these prophets.

The family in which Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) was born used to make idols, sell them in the markets and worship them.  Similarly, all the people of that country worshipped such gods and goddesses, forgetting Allah. They would bow down before them and seek the fulfillment of their wishes from them; they would worship stars, the sun and the moon too. In this way they had deified many gods, leaving God.

Recognition of God by HAZRAT IBRAHIM [A.S.]

After Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) attained some age one observed what his family and people had been doing and wondered how the idols made by them could have the strength to accomplish their tasks and incur loss or profit to them. This thought often haunted him. One night is so happened that he saw a bright star in the sky and the people started worshipping it. Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) said, “It is my Lord.” But, soon the star began to disappear, the disappearing star do not appeal me”.

After some time, the shining moon appeared and Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) said, “This is my Lord.” But that too disappeared after sometime on which he said, “This too is not my lord. He is someone else. Had He not shown me the Right Path, I too would have gone astray like my people”.

With the outset of the morning rose the sun, bright and shinning. Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) said, “Yes, this is milord. This is the biggest.” But came the evening and the sun too hid its face. Disappointed, Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) said to his people, “Brothers, I have got fed up with these “gods”. They seem to be subservient to someone’s command and abide by laws made by someone to fulfill his wish. They can neither rise nor disappear according to their own will.

“Brothers, I will worship only Him who created the earth and the heavens and on whose orders are moving the sun and the moon. My Lord is one and I do not accept anyone else as His associate. It is not correct to worship the sun and the moon as they themselves are moving on My Lord’s direction. I have abandoned all of them and become the worshipper of Allah alone. I cannot associate anyone else with Him.”

When his people heard all this, they said to Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) “It has been the practice of our forefathers to worship these things. Were our ancestors stupid? Would they not understand anything?”

Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) said, “Do you really make a dispute Allah, who showed me the Right Path. I am not scared of you nor do I fear your gods and goddesses, whom you have made associates of Allah. Everything happens according to my Lord’s will. He is All-Powerful, All-knowing.

“And why should I fear those things which you have made Allah’s associates since I know well that it is false and has no substance. All this is concocted by you yourselves. Those who have faith in Allah are strong and on the Right Path.

ADVICE TO FATHER

When Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) realized that Allah had shown him the Right Path and given the knowledge to discover the right thing, he one day talked his father who would make idols, sell them in the markets and also worship them. He said, “My father, why do you worship the idols who can neither hear nor see, nor are of any worth for you. My father, all that you are doing is Shaitan’s business. I advise you not to obey Shaitan as he himself has been distracted and has disobeyed Allah. I fear lest Allah’s wrath befall you. Then even your friendship with Shaitan will not come to your rescue.

“My father, Allah has given me knowledge and if you please. I can show you the Right Path.”

After hearing all this, the father of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) got very much annoyed and said: “So, you have finally turned your face from our gods and goddesses. Listen, if you don’t turn back, I will stone you too much. Get out of my sight.”

Saddened at his father’s harsh words, Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) said, “All right, turn me out if you so desire. I can only pray to my Allah to bless you, forgive your sins and show the Right Path. I am prepared to give up the gods and goddesses whom you worship but do not want to leave and forget my Lord.”

Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) was turned out of his house.  He gave up everything for the sake of truth.

Continuous Preaching

Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) told the people at his village what he had said to his father. He would preach them what he had accepted as truth. He said, “What is this that you make these idols with your own hands and then worship them. Can these idols incur you any benefit or are they capable of harming you?”

They replied, “But this has been the tradition of our forefathers and we have seen that they too used to worship idols in the same manner.”

“Brothers, “replied Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) “you are mistaken idol-worship is always wrong whether done by you or by your elders. An evil does not become a virtue only because it has been done by someone earliest. It is absurd to say that an age-old tradition is always good. Man should apply his own mind and judge what is good and what is bad.”

They said, “Well, you call idol-worship as wrong and not a good thing but please tell us if you have anything better and truer than this. It is not a joke or game to declare at will any thing as bad”.

Why not, “answered Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.), “I tell you that you’re true Lord I He who is the Lord of this earth and the heavens and created all these.”

The people listened to all this but could not refute since they knew that the creator and the Lord of this universe is someone else but it was very difficult for them to give up idol-worship practiced by their elders. They would listen to what Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) said but do what they wished. Therefore, he one day thought; “Now I will play a trick in their absence.”

New Style of Preaching

On day when all of them had gone somewhere leaving Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) behind, he pulled down all their idols except the big one. When they returned they got very angry and said, “Who has behaved like this with our gods it must be the handiwork of someone very cruel.” “Who else, “intervented one of them”, but the young man called Ibrahim (A.S.). We should call him and show to all the people what he has done.”

When Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) went there, they asked him, “O Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.), have you done all this to our god”?

Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) replied, “why don’t you ask this big one. It would have done all this. It will tell you everything if it can speak.”

Hearing this, all of them started thinking and wondering that they worshipped such gods as could not look after themselves what to say of others. Ashamed, they said to Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.), “you know that this big one cannot speak. Now, please you tell us how all this happened.”

Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) said, “Brothers, just think that you have rejected Allah and worship those who can incur you neither profit nor loss. I am fed up with you as well as your gods and goddesses whom you worship. It is strange that cannot you understand who is the real Lord and the Master of your fate.”

Decision to Kill the Prophet

All the people become furious at this as they could now come to know whose handiwork it was to destroy the idols. They suggested to throw Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) into fire as revenge. Soon a big heap of firewood was set aflame and Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) thrown into it.

And Lo. and behold, the fire became cool by the command of Allah because He had to assign him several tasks. We have not been told how it happened, but it so happened that Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) was saved from the fire.

None can kill whom Allah wants to save. The enemies Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) had done their work and thrown him into fire believing that his fate was sealed. But how can fire burn a thing unless ordered by its Creator to do so. One who can enable it to burn something is also capable of turning it into harmless and cool.

Migration (Hijrat)

By now Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) had fully know that his people would not accept what he had said to them and now it was futile to further preach them. Therefore, he decided to move to some other country and invite people there to the Path of Allah.

Leaving his house, his father, other family members, relatives and everything behind, Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) started traveling from one place to another and preached Allah’s teachings to the people and invited them to the fold of Allah. Now Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) had become very old.

Service of Islam by the two sons

In his old age, Allah endowed Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) with two sons, Hazrat Ismael (A.S.), the elder, and Hazrat Ishaq (A.S.) the younger.

Like a man prepared to utilize all his means to accomplish a task, Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) decided to involve his two sons in the task which he had been doing all through his life. He left Hazrat Ishaq (A.S.) in Syria and settled Hazrat Ismael (A.S.) at a place in Arabia where Makkah is situated. Leaving his wife and the elder son at the lonely and barren field, he prayed to Allah, “O my Lord, I have left my offspring at a land which is completely barren.

O Lord, save me and my sons from worshipping idols as many people have gone astray and begun to worship idols and forget you. Lest my sons should also follow them. O my Lord, I have settled my sons in this part of the earth. So that they establish Namaz. O my Lord, provide them food and water and create various kinds of fruits by your infinite mercy.”

Test Case for Hazrat Ibarahim

Calling Allah’s name is easy but dedicating one’s entire life for His sake is not. Allah also tests those who decide to tread His Path. Similarly, when Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) decided to give up the religion of his fore fathers and adopt Allah’s Deen, he was put to a severe test by Allah. He had to abandon his land, abode and everything and put his life at stake. With all this, he proved that nothing is dear to him before Allah’s will. But one test still remained for him and it was to be seen whether his love for his sons was any more than for Allah.

Sacrifice of the Son

It so happened that one night Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) saw in his dream that he was slaughtering his son, Ismael (A.S.) He soon realized its implication and called Ismael (A.S.) and told him what he had seen in the dream. After listening to this and also realizing what Allah demanded of his father, Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.), the son of a man who had never gone against the will of his Lord given up everything to please his Allah and given away his sons for the establishment of Allah’s Deen, replied: “My father obey the command given by Allah. You will, God willing, find me steadfast.”

How good were those fathers to whom nothing was dearer than Allah and the sons who got ready even to sacrifice their lives at the call of Allah. As a matter of fact, whatever we possess belongs to Allah and no to us. This is what Islam means; that is what man should accept and be prepared to sacrifice everything in the way of Allah when called for. He should learn that he will obey Allah’s command and nothing will be dearer to him than Allah.

So, when the two noble servants of Allah Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) (may Allah bless them both) got ready to execute Allah’s order and the moment Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) laid down his son, Ismael (A.S.), it was proved that to Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) Allah’s commandment was dearer than his own son, and that was what was to be judged, Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) materialized what he had seen in his dream and like a Muslim, got ready to sacrifice the thing which was dearest to him at the will of Allah.

Allah accept his sacrifice and said, “No doubt, you have materialized your dream and now there is no need to sacrifice your son.”

Lesson for us

All of us are also Muslim and believe that whatever we possess is not ours but belongs to Allah. We have also affirmed to obey Allah’s orders, to reject others nor care for others wishes. There is a lesson also for us in what Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) had done. That is why we commemorate it every year by sacrificing animals on Baqr-Eid (Eidul Azha). When we sacrifice the God-given animals in his way, we, in fact, refresh our belief that our life and property belong to Allah and after ready to sacrifice everything in His way when called to do so.

Allah’s Friend

How severe tests were Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) put to; He lost his abode, was expelled from his country, thrown into fire and had to wander from one country to another. But he proved himself up to the mark and, above all, surprised everyone by getting ready to sacrifice his beloved son at the slightest instance of his Lord. That is why Allah called him as His friend and made him the leader of the mankind.

When told by Allah that “we make you the leader of world,” Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) asked Him if the same status was being awarded to his sons also. On this Allah replied.” See, my declaration is not for those who tread the wrong Path and oppress themselves.” It is not true that a person is dear to Allah only because he belongs to a particular race of family. But the one who does good deeds and passes one’s life with the belief in Allah as one’s Lord and sustainer, is dear to Allah.

Construction of Kaabah

After this Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) began to construct Kaabah by the order of Allah. Kaabah is a place in the Arabian city of Makkah and was exclusively built for the worshippers of Allah. While raising its walls, Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) and Hazrat Ismael (A.S) were busy in praying, “O our Lord, accept our effort. You are the listener to our supplications and All-wise. You are fully aware that we are building this house only to earn your pleasure. O Lord make us true Muslims and created such persons (Muslims) amongst us as would obey only your orders. Teach us how to worship you and forgive our sings. You are the Merciful the Forgiver.

“O our Lord, create amongst us a prophet who would recite your scriptures and convey your orders to the people, enable them to understand your Deen and clean them of evils.

“O our Lord, you are All-Powerful, all-wise.”

At the completion of the world on Kaabah Allah ordered Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) to keep it clear of the filth of idol worship.

He told him that it was Allah’s house only and asked him, therefore, to keep it from those associating others with Allah and turns it into a house of peace so that people from all over the world could come there and return after learning the lesson of worshipping only one God.

Then these people should spread the message of the oneness of God all over the world, circumambulate the house, and bow down before Allah, i.e., practice Namaz.

Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) fulfilled Allah’s command and made Kaabah the biggest centre of the oneness of God.

This is the description of the life and teachings of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.). Now think how great a stupid he is who neglects these things. The best thing for a man is to recognize his true sustainer and obey only His orders. This is what Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) displayed during his entire lifetime. Whenever his Lord ordered him to perform some task, he did it immediately said,” I am an obedient servant of only the Lord of this entire universe.”

Last will

During the last hours of his death, Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) called his sons, grand son and other family members and said to them, “O my sons, Allah has liked for you the Deen which I have taught and preached you. Now I advise you to live all your life as Muslim and die as a Muslim.” 

HAZRAT LOOT (Alaihis Salaam)

Hazrat Loot (A.S.) was the nephew of Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.). He was also the prophet of Allah. When Hazrat Ibrahim (A.S.) left his country, his nephew also accompanied him, He was sent to Syria to show the Right Path to a people there who lived near a small ocean called the Dead Sea. This sea is several thousands of feet below the sea level.

Hazrat Loot (A.S.) told first these people some salient features of Islam.

He said: [1] “O people, your Lord is the one who created you. You should, therefore, worship Him and follow His orders only, [2] Brothers, do everything according to the will of Allah and always fear Him lest you should earn His displeasure, [3] to please Allah, do what I ask you to do and follow me, [4] I do not demand anything from you as price of my work. Allah ill reward me and I do not have to take anything from you.

After these sermons, Hazrat Loot (A.S.) tried to prevent these people fro the dirty practice of sodomy (sexual intercourse with males) which they were addicted to. Before those people, none was aware of this thing and they were the first to do this shameless act.

As you know a man involved in evils gradually tends to like them. Therefore, when they heard Hazrat Loot (A.S.) advising them to give up the practice of sodomy, they got annoyed and retorted, “So you are the one to have descended on us a noble man. If you happen to be so, we will turn you out from our habitation. Deliver these sermons somewhere else; we have no place for you.”

Hazrat Loot (A.S.) tried a lot to make them understand and openly told them about the bad consequences of displeasing Allah, who is All-Powerful and whose grip is very stiff. He asked them to fear Allah’s wrath. “I will lose nothing. You all will be annihilated in the world and earn Allah’s wrath and Hell will be your permanent abode in the Hereafter,” he told them.

But the people gave no ear to what he would say. Consequently Allah’s wrath befell them. One day it so happened that some guests came to the house of  Hazrat Loot (A.S.).

They were apparently boys and very beautiful. When those people saw them evil intention overtook them. Hazrat Loot (A.S.) got very much worried on this attitude and asked them not to insult his guests. What has happed to you? Is there not a single one to teach you good things,” he asked and said, “Allah has created woman for man marry them since it is good for you. Anything instead of this is very dirty and a great sin. There are a lot of girls amongst the people who are like my daughters. Marry them.”

Ignoring what Hazrat Loot (A.S.) said the bad elements from amongst the people replied, “You are aware of our object. We have nothing to do with women and we are not going to agree with you.”

Hazrat Loot (A.S.) was very much worried as to what he should do, at the same time his guests said to him, “You need not worry. We are angels and sent by Allah we have brought, which is not far away.”

Allah uses His angels to implement His orders. These angels run the entire administration of the world and bring Allah’s bounties as well as His wrath for the people. This time they came in the form of beautiful boys. And what the bad elements of those people did with them proved beyond doubt that they could not be reformed.

Hazrat Loot (A.S.) once again told them everything but they were unmoved and refused to follow him. The angels said to him, “Now the time for Allah’s wrath has approached. You, along with all you Muslim companions, go far away from this habitation.”

Hazrat Loot (A.S.) did the same and left his wife behind with the Kafirs as she had not so far believed in Allah. These are only a man’s own good deeds that can save him from Allah’s wrath. No relative can do this. A woman can not be dear to Allah just because she is the wife of a prophet. Only those men and women are ear to Him who does everything in accordance with his well.

As soon as Hazrat Loot (A.S.) and his companions left the habitation. Allah’s wrath befell it in the form of a volcano. The entire habitation was up side down. Stones rained on it and