1996
A twelve-hour course on the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is important for us to know how the Prophet exemplified leadership, formed relations with Muslims and non-Muslims, and dealt with extreme hostility. Are the lessons we learn from his life relevant in our lives today as we deal with continued Islamophobia and work with non-Muslims? Dr. Hathout focuses on the lessons that can guide us in current times.
Why was Arabia chosen as the location of for the birth of the Prophet and why was Arabic the language of the Quran? Who was Muhammad before the revelation? Dr. Hathout examines these questions and also takes a look at the traditions, religion, and history of the Arabs before Islam.
In this lecture, Dr. Hathout discusses the process of revelation and how the Prophet and his community reacted. Who were the first believers and more importantly, why did they believe him? Dr. Hathout highlights the characteristics the Prophet had that led to the support of his people.
The main reasons why the Prophet’s message was a threat to the Quraysh are examined. A close look at the early revelations that helped spiritually prepare him for his prophethood. The persecution of the Muslims and the first martyrs in Islam are discussed.
As the blockage against Muslims in Mecca begins, a secret migration to Medina is formed as a way of escaping oppression. How did the Muslims leave and what was the result? Dr. Hathout also discusses Isra & Miraj and how it tested the faith and the trust of the Muslim believers.
As the Muslims settled in Medina, the Prophet Muhammad focused on three issues: the relationships between the Muslims and God, between one another, and between Muslims and non-Muslims. Also discussed are the Prophet’s first Khutba, the establishment of prayers, and the Medina Constitution.
The growing hostility between the Muslims and Quraysh leads to the Battle of Badr. Why was the battle significant? Dr. Hathout discusses the Battle and highlights examples of democratic leadership from the Prophet.
Was the Battle of Uhud a defeat? Dr. Hathout analyzes the results and discusses how the Quran responded. Also, Hamra al-Asad is discussed.
Dr. Hathout discusses the problems the Prophet faced within and outside his community. Specifically highlighted are the problems with the tribe Banu Nadir, tribal pride, and rumors regarding Aisha, the wife of the Prophet. How do these issues apply to us today and what can we learn from them?
The details of the treaty between the Muslim and the Quraysh (Treaty of Hudaybiyyah) are discussed.
The tribe of Hawazin makes an attempt to stop the spread of Islam and this leads to the Battle of Hunayn. What can we learn from this battle? Also, the Battle of Tabuk is discussed.
The Prophet performs his first and last Hajj. What is significant about this Hajj? Also, Dr. Hathout outlines the Prophet Muhammad’s last message to the Muslims in his final sermon, Khutba al-Wadaa.
In this final lecture, Dr. Hathout shares the dialogue between delegates from other tribes and the Prophet. How did the Prophet, as the leader of the state, deal with these non-Muslims entering Mecca? In conclusion, the Prophet’s final advice is discussed.