Category: Prophetic Biography

Reflections on the Isra’ and Mi’raj

Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him) reflects upon the Isra’ (Night Journey) and Mi’raj (Ascension). A summary of several lectures on the topic.

We are approaching 27th Rajab, the night on which the Islamic world traditionally celebrates the Isra’ (Night Journey) and Mi’raj (Ascension) of our Prophet, the Chosen One ﷺ. The Isra’ and Mi’raj was a great sign and an immense miracle which Allah gave to the Master of the people of the heavens and the earth, to demonstrate his superiority over mankind, jinn-kind, angels and the whole of creation. Continue reading Reflections on the Isra’ and Mi’raj

Sayyiduna Ja’far: A Tale of Love and Sacrifice

Narrated by Sayyidi Habib Umar bin Hafiz (may Allah protect him and benefit us by him).

When Sayyiduna Ja’far’s right hand was cut off, he seized the standard with his left hand until that too was cut off. He then clasped the standard with both arms until he was mortally wounded. His companions took the standard from him and took him to the side. They found that he had been struck eighty times (by swords, spears and arrows) but all these wounds were on the front part of his body, not on his back or his side. This was because he remained firm and did not for a moment turn his back to the enemy. He was offered water but he refused to drink it, saying that he was fasting. Continue reading Sayyiduna Ja’far: A Tale of Love and Sacrifice

Martyrs of Mu’tah

The Battle of Mu’tah, in modern-day Jordan, took place in Jumada al-Ula in the eighth year of the Hijrah. The Prophet ﷺ had sent al-Harith bin ‘Umayr Al-Azdi with a letter for the ruler of Busra in Syria. On his way, however, he was intercepted and killed by Shurahbil bin ‘Amr Al-Ghassani. As a result, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ sent an army to discipline the transgressors. He appointed Sayyiduna Zayd bin Harithah to lead the army and gave him the standard. Sayyiduna Ja’far bin Abi Talib would replace him if he was killed, and Sayyiduna `Abdullah bin Rawahah would succeed Ja’far in case the latter fell. These were among the greatest of the Companions. Continue reading Martyrs of Mu’tah