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FESTIVALS THIS MONTH:

APRIL 2: HANUMAN JAYANTI

APRIL 14: BAISAKHI

	Dr. Husain Nagamia.

PART I

The prophet�s birthday was celebrated on March 31, corresponding with the 12th Rabbial Awwal of Islamic Calendar 1428 AH.

To every Muslim on earth, one of the most beloved personalities in his/her life is the Prophet of Islam, Mohammed, peace be unto him.

Prophet Mohammed was born in Mecca about 570 CE. His father Abdalla belonged to the powerful tribe of Koreish, died before his birth. His mother died soon after leaving him orphaned at a young age of 6. He was taken up by his grandfather Abd al Mutallib, and after his death, by his uncle Abu Talib who loved and protected him. From early age, Mohammed was a different child subject to deep contemplation, inquiry and observation. Because of his inherent qualities of truthfulness and trustworthiness early in his youth, he earned the title of Al-Amin.

For these qualities he was spotted by a rich widow Khadija who hired him to be a manager for her business. These businesses thrived under the able management of Mohammed. Ultimately, she married him. This marriage was to last for the lifetime of Khadija and the prophet always admired and respected Khadija all his life.

During this period and at the age of 40, the first revelation came to Mohammed. One time, while contemplating in a cave on Mount Hira, the prophet had a vision. The angel Gibreel (Gabriel) came to him and asked him �To Read��� The Prophet was perplexed, as he did not know how to read. The angel said again to him: �Read� When he did it for the third time, he went on further: �READ in the name of thy Sustainer, who has created � created man out of a germ-cell! Read - for thy Sustainer is the Most Bountiful One, who has taught [man] the use of the pen � taught man what he knew not!�

(Quran Chapter 96 Verse 1-5) These were the first verses of the Holy Quran. It was the word of God sent to the Prophet to convey to mankind.

The Prophet was disturbed by this vision. He went home to his wife nervous, scared and almost ill. He then revealed his vision to his wife Khadija. It was his wife who consoled him and said to him that this must be a divine message. They later consulted with a Christian wise man who concurred that this had to be a divine message. The Prophet thereafter continued to get these messages brought by the angel and this is how the entire Quran was revealed.

Although the prophet was unlettered and never educated, the language of the Quran was unparalleled and it contained discourses on every aspect of a human�s life laying down rules and regulation of conduct with parents, spouses, children, relatives, with members of the community, even with nations and countries. It spelled out laws of inheritance, rights of individuals and communities, conduct of war and peace.

It also emphasized that this was not a new message but it had been sent down time and again through different prophets through the ages to remind humanity to do good and desist from evil, but that humanity had erred and repeatedly forgotten this message and this was now being sent down for the benefit of humanity, for the final time. Few prophets were named and included (to name a few) Adam, Suleman (Solomon), Yusuf (Joseph) Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), Isa (Jesus), to name a few. The Ultimate message was simple. �There was no God but one God and He was Allah, and Mohammed was his messenger and servant,� �God alone was the creator of the Universe and the heavens He was alone worthy of worship� �He was going to be the Master of the day of reckoning and He alone would judge every human being according to the deeds performed during his/her lifetime and reward or punish him/her in the hereafter.�

Prior to his death, which he foresaw, he delivered a sermon on the mount of Arafaat. (Near Mecca): Wherein he stated:

�O People, lend me an attentive ear, for I know not whether after this year I shall ever be amongst you again. Therefore listen to what I am saying very carefully and take these words to those who could not be present here today.

O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust. Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you. Remember that you will indeed meet your Lord, and that he will indeed reckon your deeds��..�

�O People, it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women but they also have rights over you. Remember that you have taken them as your wives only under Allah's trust and with His permission. If they abide by your right, then to them belongs the right to be fed and clothed in kindness. Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with anyone of whom you do not approve, as well as never to be unchaste. O People, listen to me in earnest, worship Allah, say your five daily prayers, fast during the month of Ramadhan, and give your wealth in Zakat. Perform Hajj if you can afford.

All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a white has no superiority over a black nor a black has any superiority over a white - except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly. Do not therefore do injustice to yourselves. Remember one day you will meet Allah and answer your deeds. So beware: do not stray from the path of righteousness after I am gone��.. �

To be continued next month.

Dr. Husain Nagamia of Tampa can be reached at [email protected]

	Swami Suryadevananda

Swami Suryadevananda is with The Divine Life Society, Sivananda Ashram, Rishikesh, India. He can be reached at [email protected] by email.