History would have by-passed this man as it had bypassed thousands of Arabs before him. He, like them, would have had no  claim to attention or fame. The greatness of Islam, however, gave to Abdullah ibn Hudhafah the opportunity to meet two  world potentates of his time–Khusraw Parvez the King of Persia and Heraclius, the [...]

Abdullah was the son of Abbas, an uncle of the noble Prophet. He was born just three years before the Hijrah. When the  Prophet died, Abdullah was thus only thirteen years old. When he was born, his mother took him to the blessed Prophet who put some of his saliva on the babe’s tongue even  [...]

It was the fourth year after the Hijrah. The city of the Prophet was still under threat from within and without. From within.  the influential Jewish tribe. the Banu anNadir. broke their agreement with the Prophet and made plans to kill him. For this,  they were banished from the city. This was in the month [...]

The life of Aishah is proof that a woman can be far more learned than men and that she can be the teacher of scholars and  experts. Her life is also proof that a woman can exert influence over men and women and provide them with inspiration and  leadership. Her life is also proof that [...]

“You [Ali] are my brother in this world and the next.” (Ahaadeeth) Ali (RA)’s Election After Uthman(RA) ‘s martyrdom, the office of the caliphate remained unfilled for two or three days. Many people insisted that Ali(RA) should take up the office, but he was embarrassed by the fact that the people who pressed him hardest [...]

“Every Prophet has an assistant, and my assistant will be Uthmaan(RA).” (Prophet Muhammad, pbuh, in a Ahaadeeth) Uthmaan(RA) ‘s Election When ‘Umar(RA) fell under the assassin’s dagger, before he died the people asked him to nominate his successor. ‘Umar(RA) appointed a committee consisting of six of the ten companions of the Prophet Muhammad(Pbuh) about whom [...]

“God has placed truth upon Umar’s tongue and heart. (Prophet Muhammad, pbuh, in a Ahaadeeth)” Umar(RA) ‘s Life During his last illness Abu Bakr(RA) had conferred with his people, particularly the more eminent among them. After this meeting they chose ‘Umar(RA)as his successor. ‘Umar(RA)was born into a respected Quraysh family thirteen years after the birth [...]

“If I were to take a friend other than my Lord, I would take Abu Bakr as a friend.” (Prophet Muhammad, pbuh, in a Ahaadeeth) Meaning of the Word ‘KHALIFAH’ The word ‘Caliph’ is the English form of the Arabic word ‘KHALIFAH,’ which is short for Khalifatu Rasulil-lah. The latter expression means Successor to the [...]