Question 1: What is the significance of the story of the Monk Bahira? Why do you think it is relevant to the author (Ibn Ishaq) that the monk was a devout Christian? Please answer all parts of the question above in a paragraph of 200 words. Please find the answers in the source that I […]
What is the significance of the story of the Monk Bahira? Why do you think it is relevant to the author (Ibn Ishaq) that the monk was a devout Christian?
The story of the Monk Bahira is significant because it highlights the importance of the apostle of God and how his protection was vital to carry out the mission of Islam. Although Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) was just a young boy at the time, the monk recognized that he would be in danger if the Jews knew about his future. (Life of Prophet Muhammad - pg. 81)The monk Bahira essentially saved the apostle of God's life by warning his uncle about the threat he might face. Also, by protecting him from Zurayr, Tammam and Daris, who had also seen the same cloud that the monk Bahira saw. (Life of Prophet Muhammad - pg. 81) It was relevant to mention that the monk was a devout Christian to showcase his faithfulness in god and prove that he was a pious and knowledgeable individual. This adds credibility to Monk Bahira's claims.
Describe the Prophet Muhammad’s first revelation experience and his reaction to this experience. What is the role of his wife Khadija and Khadija’s cousin Waraqa in providing an explanation for this experience? How is this experience explained in the text?
Prophet Muhammad's (s.a.w) reaction to the revelation was extreme fear. He had felt and seen something he had never experienced before, so he was very scared. After explaining what happened to him to his wife, she decided to ask her knowledgeable cousin Christianity, about the situation. Waraqah told the prophet that the same angel came to Prophet Moses, so he confirmed that Muhammad was a prophet of God and eased Muhammad's (s.a.w) anxiety. (Life of Prophet Muhammad - pg. 106-107)
What is the significance of the story of the Monk Bahira? Why do you think it is relevant to the author (Ibn Ishaq) that the monk was a devout Christian?
The story of the Monk Bahira demonstrates how God protects his apostles and supports their efforts in executing the mission of Islam. As Muhammad accompanied his uncle Abu Talib on a trade journey to Syria, they met a Christian monk named Bahira. Bahira said that he had seen the stones and the trees prostrating to Muhammad as he had been walking by, which was an indication that he would grow to become a prophet of Allah (Life of Prophet Muhammad – pg. 81). The monk also realized that Muhammed would be in danger if the Jews discovered that he was a prophet of Allah. He, therefore, warned Abu Talib about the threat that his nephew would face. He also protected Muhammed from Zurayr, Tammam, and Daris, who had also learned of the sacred role of Muhammed. Therefore, the story demonstrates how God protects his apostles as they set out to execute his mission.
Describe the Prophet Muhammad’s first revelation experience and his reaction to this experience. What is the role of his wife Khadija and Khadija’s cousin Waraqa in providing an explanation for this experience? How is this experience explained in the text?
Prophet Muhammad’s first revelation was when he was visited by the angel Jibril, who revealed to him the beginnings of what would later become the sacred scripture of Islam. Being his first encounter with an angel of God, Muhammed was very frightened. When he got home, he discussed with his wife the experience of striving to understand God’s intention. His wife, Khadija, needed to consult her Nestorian cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, who was more knowledgeable about the situation. Upon hearing the description, Waraqah testified to Muhammed’s prophethood and convinced him that the revelation was from Allah (Life of Prophet Muhammad – pg. 107). She also told him the story of Moses and how the angel of God visited him. Therefore, Khadija and her cousin Waraqah helped Muhammed to realize his role in the development of the sacred scripture of Islam.
Life of Prophet Muhammad
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Published On: 01-01-1970
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