seeratunnabi QNS SET-4
I can jump straight into Questions 301–400, moving systematically into the Year of Delegations, his interactions with foreign religious scholars, and the deep, final guidelines he left behind for humanity.
Here is the fourth installment containing questions and answers 301–400. This section covers the final consolidation of Islam across Arabia, the diplomatic peak of the Islamic state, the profound details of the Farewell Pilgrimage, and the highly specific events leading up to the final days of the Prophet (PBUH).
Part 14: The Year of Delegations and Inter-Faith Dialogues (Questions 301–325)
Q301: Why is the 9th year of Hijrah historically known as “Sanat al-Wufud” (The Year of Delegations)?
A301: Because tribes from all corners of the Arabian Peninsula sent diplomatic delegations to Madinah to pledge allegiance and accept Islam.
Q302: Which famous Christian delegation from southern Arabia visited the Prophet (PBUH) in Madinah to debate theology?
A302: The Christian delegation of Najran.
Q303: Where did the Prophet (PBUH) allow the Christian delegation of Najran to perform their church prayers while visiting?
A303: Inside his own mosque, Masjid an-Nabawi.
Q304: What treaty terms did the Prophet (PBUH) grant the Christians of Najran regarding their faith?
A304: He granted them full religious freedom, guaranteeing that their churches, property, and crucifixes would be completely protected by the Islamic state.
Q305: Who was Adi bin Hatim, and what was his significance?
A305: He was a tribal chief and the son of Hatim al-Tai (famous for legendary generosity); he fled from the Prophet but later returned, witnessed his humility, and embraced Islam.
Q306: Which notorious enemy chieftain from Yamamah was captured, tied to a pillar in Masjid an-Nabawi, and later freed unconditionally, causing him to accept Islam?
A306: Thumamah bin Uthal.
Q307: What economic weapon did Thumamah bin Uthal (RA) use against the Quraysh immediately after his conversion?
A307: He cut off all grain and wheat supplies from Yamamah to Makkah until the Prophet (PBUH) personally requested him to lift the embargo out of mercy.
Q308: Who was the false prophet who arose from the Banu Hanifa tribe in Yamamah during the latter part of the Prophet’s life?
A308: Musaylimah al-Kaddhab (Musaylimah the Liar).
Q309: What ridiculous proposal did Musaylimah send in a letter to the Prophet (PBUH)?
A309: He claimed to be a co-prophet and proposed dividing the earth equally between the Quraysh and the Banu Hanifa.
Q310: What brief and firm reply did the Prophet (PBUH) send back to Musaylimah?
A310: “In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. From Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, to Musaylimah the Liar. Peace be upon him who follows the guidance. Verily, the earth belongs to Allah. He gives it as a heritage to whom He wills of His servants; and the ultimate victory is for the righteous.”
Q311: Who was the companion appointed by the Prophet (PBUH) as the governor of Yemen to teach Islam and manage state finances?
A311: Hazrat Mu’adh bin Jabal (RA).
Q312: What famous advice did the Prophet (PBUH) give Mu’adh bin Jabal (RA) regarding public relations before he left for Yemen?
A312: “Make things easy for people and do not make them difficult. Give them glad tidings and do not repel them.”
Q313: What did the Prophet (PBUH) tell Mu’adh bin Jabal (RA) that caused Mu’adh to weep bitterly at their parting?
A313: He said, “O Mu’adh, you may not meet me again after this year. Perhaps you will pass by this mosque of mine and my grave.”
Q314: Who was appointed by the Prophet (PBUH) to lead the first official Islamic Hajj delegation to Makkah in the 9th year of Hijrah?
A314: Hazrat Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA).
Q315: Which companion was sent immediately after Abu Bakr’s Hajj party to publicly announce the opening verses of Surah At-Tawbah at the Kaaba?
A315: Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (RA).
Q316: What major geopolitical declaration was made at the Kaaba during the Hajj of 9 AH?
A316: It was declared that no polytheist would be allowed to perform Hajj after that year, and no one would be allowed to circumambulate (Tawaf) the Kaaba unclothed.
Q317: What was the “Masjid al-Dirar” (The Mosque of Harm/Opposition) built by hypocrites in 9 AH?
A317: A structure built near Quba by hypocrites to serve as a secret base for plotting against Muslims, under the guise of being a place of worship.
Q318: What did the Prophet (PBUH) order to be done to Masjid al-Dirar based on divine revelation?
A318: He ordered it to be completely demolished and burned down to prevent internal subversion.
Q319: How many times did the Prophet (PBUH) perform Hajj after migrating to Madinah?
A319: Only once.
Q320: In which Islamic year did the Prophet (PBUH) perform his Farewell Hajj (Hajjat al-Wada)?
A320: 10 AH.
Q321: How many Muslims accompanied the Prophet (PBUH) from Madinah and surrounding areas to perform the Farewell Hajj?
A321: Over 100,000 Muslims.
Q322: At which location outside Makkah did the Prophet (PBUH) put on his Ihram (pilgrim garments) for the Farewell Hajj?
A322: Dhul-Hulayfah (modern-day Abyar Ali).
Q323: On what specific day of the Islamic calendar did the Prophet (PBUH) deliver his historic Farewell Sermon?
A323: 9th of Dhul-Hijjah, 10 AH (The Day of Arafah).
Q324: From where exactly on the plains of Arafat did the Prophet (PBUH) deliver his sermon?
A324: From the back of his camel, Al-Qaswa, in the valley of Uranah near Mount Arafat.
Q325: Who acted as the human loudspeaker, repeating the Prophet’s words loudly across the plains so the massive crowd could hear?
A325: Hazrat Rabiah bin Umayyah bin Khalaf (RA).
Part 15: The Human Rights Charter of the Farewell Sermon (Questions 326–350)
Q326: What did the Prophet (PBUH) declare regarding human life and property in his Farewell Sermon?
A326: He declared that human life, honor, and property are sacred and inviolable until everyone meets their Lord, just as the day, month, and city of Hajj are sacred.
Q327: What was his landmark declaration regarding racial equality?
A327: He stated: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white, except by piety (Taqwa) and good action.”
Q328: What economic practice of the pre-Islamic era did the Prophet (PBUH) completely abolish in the sermon?
A328: Usury (Riba/Interest). He waived all outstanding interest owed to people, starting with that owed to his own uncle, Abbas.
Q329: What did the Prophet (PBUH) command men regarding their treatment of women?
A329: He said, “Fear Allah regarding women. Verily you have taken them on the security of Allah and have made their lawful presence honorable by the words of Allah… treat them with kindness.”
Q330: What did the Prophet (PBUH) say regarding the old tribal blood feuds?
A330: He completely abolished all claims of blood vengeance from the days of ignorance, starting with the murder of his own relative, Ibn Rabiah bin al-Harith.
Q331: What two primary sources of guidance did the Prophet (PBUH) state he was leaving behind to ensure humanity would never go astray?
A331: The Book of Allah (The Quran) and his Sunnah (his prophetic lifestyle/tradition).
Q332: What final question did the Prophet (PBUH) ask the massive crowd at the end of his sermon to witness his mission?
A332: He asked, “O people, have I conveyed the message?”
Q333: What did the 100,000+ companions reply when asked if the message was conveyed?
A333: They roared in unison, “Yes, we bear witness that you have conveyed the message, fulfilled your duty, and advised us sincerely.”
Q334: What did the Prophet (PBUH) do physically immediately after the crowd gave their witness?
A334: He raised his index finger toward the sky, pointed it back down at the crowd, and said three times, “O Allah, bear witness! O Allah, bear witness! O Allah, bear witness!”
Q335: What final instruction did he give regarding those who were present at the sermon?
A335: He said, “Let the one who is present convey this message to the one who is absent.”
Q336: How many sacrificial animals did the Prophet (PBUH) bring for his Hajj, and how many did he slaughter with his own hands?
A336: He brought 100 camels; he sacrificed 63 with his own hands (matching his lifespan in years), and gave the remaining 37 to Hazrat Ali (RA) to sacrifice.
Q337: What was the name of the final military expedition commissioned by the Prophet (PBUH) shortly before his passing to secure the northern borders?
A337: The Expedition of Usama bin Zayd.
Q338: Why did some companions voice concerns over the appointment of Usama bin Zayd as general?
A338: Because he was extremely young (around 18 or 19 years old) and was chosen to lead an army that included veteran senior companions like Abu Bakr and Umar.
Q339: How did the Prophet (PBUH) defend his appointment of young Usama bin Zayd?
A339: He said that Usama was fully capable of command, just as his father Zayd bin Harithah had been worthy of command before being martyred at Mu’tah.
Q340: What happened to Usama’s army when news arrived that the Prophet (PBUH) had fallen critically ill?
A340: They halted their march and camped just outside Madinah at a place called Al-Jurf to monitor his health.
Q341: In which month and year did the Prophet (PBUH) first begin experiencing the severe headaches and fever that led to his death?
A341: Late Safar or early Rabi-ul-Awwal, 11 AH.
Q342: Where was the Prophet (PBUH) when he first felt the sudden onset of his terminal illness?
A342: Returning from Baqi al-Gharqad (the cemetery of Madinah) late at night, where he had gone to pray for the deceased companions.
Q343: How did the Prophet (PBUH) ensure fairness among his wives when he became too weak to walk from house to house during his illness?
A343: He asked their permission to be cared for in one single place; all his wives willingly agreed that he should stay in the apartment of Hazrat Aisha (RA).
Q344: What did the Prophet (PBUH) order to be poured over his burning body to temporarily break his high fever so he could speak to the public?
A344: Seven skins of water drawn from seven different wells in Madinah.
Q345: What did the Prophet (PBUH) declare from the pulpit (Minbar) during his final week regarding financial debts he might owe anyone?
A345: He announced that if he had ever unjustly whipped anyone’s back, they should step forward and whip his back, and if he owed anyone money, they should claim it from his wealth right then and there.
Q346: Did anyone step forward to claim a financial debt during that emotional public announcement?
A346: Only one man stepped forward to claim a debt of a few silver coins (Dirhams), which the Prophet (PBUH) ordered to be paid to him immediately.
Q347: Whom did the Prophet (PBUH) officially appoint to lead the daily prayers (Salah) when he became physically unable to stand?
A347: Hazrat Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA).
Q348: Why did Hazrat Aisha (RA) initially request the Prophet to change his choice of Abu Bakr leading the prayers?
A348: She feared that her father was too tender-hearted and wept so much during Quran recitation that the congregation would not be able to hear him clearly.
Q349: How did the Prophet (PBUH) respond when Aisha repeatedly suggested someone else lead the prayer?
A349: He insisted firmly, saying, “Order Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer!”
Q350: How many times did Abu Bakr (RA) lead the public prayers during the Prophet’s lifetime illness?
A350: Seventeen prayers.
Part 16: The Final Sunset and Legacy (Questions 351–375)
Q351: What did the Prophet (PBUH) do on the final Monday morning of his life that brought joy to the companions praying in the mosque?
A351: He parted the curtain of Aisha’s room and looked out into the mosque at the companions standing in perfect rows for the Fajr prayer, smiling with profound satisfaction.
Q352: What did Abu Bakr (RA) attempt to do when he noticed the Prophet looking out from Aisha’s room?
A352: He tried to step backward to join the rows, thinking the Prophet (PBUH) was coming out to lead the prayer himself.
Q353: What gesture did the Prophet (PBUH) make to the congregation from his doorway?
A353: He motioned with his hand for them to stay in their places and complete their prayer.
Q354: What tool did the Prophet (PBUH) use to clean his teeth on his very last day, showing his commitment to hygiene?
A354: A fresh Miswak (wooden tooth-stick), which was softened for him by Hazrat Aisha (RA) using her teeth.
Q355: What final warnings did the Prophet (PBUH) repeat continuously in his dying breaths regarding ritual practice?
A355: “The prayer! The prayer! And fear Allah regarding those whom your right hands possess (servants/dependents).”
Q356: What final warning did he give regarding the graves of past prophets?
A356: “May Allah’s curse be upon the Jews and Christians; they took the graves of their prophets as places of worship. Do not turn my grave into an idol.”
Q357: Who was the daughter who sat by his bedside, weeping as he suffered, whom he whispered to twice—first making her cry, then making her laugh?
A357: Hazrat Fatima (RA).
Q358: What did the Prophet (PBUH) whisper to Fatima (RA) that made her cry, and what made her laugh?
A358: He first told her that he would pass away during this illness (which made her cry); he then told her that she would be the very first member of his family to join him in the afterlife (which made her laugh).
Q359: In whose lap was the Prophet’s (PBUH) head resting when he drew his final breath?
A359: In the lap of his beloved wife, Hazrat Aisha (RA).
Q360: What did Aisha (RA) dip the Prophet’s hand into to help cool his body as he entered the final throes of death?
A360: A small container of cold water, while he said, “There is no god but Allah. Truly death has its severe agonies.”
Q361: What was the reaction of Hazrat Umar (RA) when he heard that the Prophet (PBUH) had passed away?
A361: He was frozen in deep shock and denial, drawing his sword and threatening to cut off the head of anyone who claimed the Prophet was dead.
Q362: What did Umar (RA) claim had happened to the Prophet instead of death?
A362: He claimed the Prophet had merely gone to meet his Lord for forty days, just as Prophet Musa (Moses) had done, and would return to punish the hypocrites.
Q363: Who restored calm and order to the panicked city of Madinah after the Prophet’s death?
A363: Hazrat Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA).
Q364: What legendary words did Abu Bakr (RA) address to the public to shatter their denial of the Prophet’s death?
A364: “O people! Whoever worshipped Muhammad, let them know that Muhammad has passed away. But whoever worships Allah, let them know that Allah is Alive and never dies!”
Q365: Which verse of the Quran did Abu Bakr (RA) recite to the companions to prove that the Prophet was mortal and could die?
A365: “Muhammad is no more than a messenger, and indeed many messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels?” (Surah Ali ‘Imran, 3:144).
Q366: Where did the Ansar and Muhajirun gather immediately after his death to discuss who would lead the Muslim community?
A366: At a shaded gathering place called Saqifah Bani Sa’idah.
Q367: Who was chosen as the first Caliph (successor) to lead the Muslim community?
A367: Hazrat Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA).
Q368: Which close family members performed the washing of the Prophet’s (PBUH) body for burial?
A368: Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib, Al-Abbas, and Al-Abbas’s two sons, Fadl and Qutham (RA).
Q369: Was the clothing of the Prophet (PBUH) removed during the ritual washing of his body?
A369: No, a divine sleep overcame the washers, and a voice commanded them to wash him while keeping his shirt on out of absolute modesty.
Q370: Why was there a disagreement among the companions regarding where the Prophet (PBUH) should be buried?
A370: Some suggested burying him in the Baqi cemetery, others suggested near the pulpit, and some suggested Makkah.
Q371: How did Abu Bakr (RA) resolve the issue of where to bury the Prophet (PBUH)?
A371: He quoted a Hadith he heard from the Prophet: “No Prophet dies except that he is buried in the exact spot where his soul was taken.”
Q372: Who dug the grave of the Prophet (PBUH) inside Aisha’s apartment?
A372: Hazrat Abu Talhah al-Ansari (RA), using the Lahd style (a niche dug into the side of the grave floor).
Q373: How was the funeral prayer (Janazah) for the Prophet (PBUH) organized?
A373: No single Imam led the prayer. Instead, people entered the small room in small groups (men, then women, then children), prayed individually over him, and left.
Q374: What worldly estate or wealth did the Prophet (PBUH) leave behind for his family?
A374: None. He explicitly stated during his life: “We prophets do not leave behind inheritance. Whatever wealth we leave behind is given as charity.”
Q375: What was the physical property left behind by the ruler of Arabia upon his death?
A375: His white mule (Duldul), his weapons, and a plot of land that he had already designated as public charity before his death, while his personal armor remained pawned to a Jewish merchant for a debt of barley.
Part 17: Summaries of Fundamental Milestones (Questions 376–400)
Q376: For how many total years did the Prophet (PBUH) live on this earth?
A376: Sixty-three lunar years.
Q377: How many years of his life were spent in Makkah prior to prophethood?
A377: Forty years.
Q378: How many years did his active mission of prophethood last?
A378: Twenty-three years.
Q379: How many years did he actively preach Islam within the city of Makkah?
A379: Thirteen years.
Q380: How many years did he spend building and governing the state of Madinah?
A380: Ten years.
Q381: What is the collective name given to the companions who pledged to fight to the death at Hudaybiyyah?
A381: Ashab al-Shajarah (The Companions of the Tree).
Q382: What is the name of the final valley expedition where the Prophet (PBUH) personally targeted the remnants of the Ghassanid threat?
A382: The Expedition of Tabuk.
Q383: Which companion was known as the “Keeper of the Secret of the Messenger of Allah” regarding the list of hypocrites?
A383: Hazrat Hudhayfah bin al-Yaman (RA).
Q384: Why did Hazrat Umar (RA) closely watch Hudhayfah bin al-Yaman (RA) during funeral processions?
A384: To see if Hudhayfah joined the funeral prayer; if Hudhayfah skipped a funeral, Umar knew the deceased person was a hypocrite.
Q385: Who was the first person to call the Prophet (PBUH) by the phrase “O Seal of the Prophets” (Khatam an-Nabiyyin) based on the Quran?
A385: Allah Almighty Himself in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:40).
Q386: What was the primary miracle of the Prophet (PBUH) that remains completely unchanged and preserved for eternity?
A386: The Holy Quran.
Q387: Name the physical mark between the Prophet’s shoulder blades that verified his identity to scriptural scholars.
A387: Khatam an-Nubuwwah (The Seal of Prophethood), a raised birthmark covered in fine hair.
Q388: Who was Salman al-Farsi (RA) searching for when he traveled through slavery across the world to Madinah?
A388: He was searching for the final Prophet, tracking the exact physical signs taught to him by his last Christian monk master.
Q389: What were the three signs Salman al-Farsi (RA) used to instantly verify that Muhammad (PBUH) was the true Prophet?
A389: He did not eat food given as charity, he accepted and ate food given as a gift, and he possessed the Seal of Prophethood between his shoulders.
Q390: What miracle occurred regarding a dried date-palm tree trunk inside Masjid an-Nabawi?
A390: The tree trunk wept out loud like a crying child when the Prophet (PBUH) stopped leaning against it and moved to a newly built pulpit, until he stepped down and comforted it.
Q391: What happened when a thirsty Muslim army ran completely out of water during the journey of Hudaybiyyah?
A391: The Prophet (PBUH) placed his hand into a small water vessel, and water began gushing out from between his fingers like springs, allowing 1,400 men and their animals to drink and perform Wudu.
Q392: What astronomical miracle did the Makkans demand from the Prophet (PBUH) during the early days of public preaching?
A392: They demanded he split the moon in two as a sign of his truthfulness.
Q393: Did the Prophet (PBUH) split the moon, and what was the response of the Quraysh?
A393: Yes, by the permission of Allah, he pointed to the moon and it split visibly into two halves over Mount Abu Qubais. The Quraysh dismissed it, calling it “continuous magic.”
Q394: What was the name of the valley where the Prophet (PBUH) took refuge under a tree after being driven out of Makkah during the Hijrah?
A394: The Valley of Fatima (formerly known as Wadi Marr al-Zahran).
Q395: Which aunt of the Prophet (PBUH) fought bravely and killed a spy during the siege of the Battle of Khandaq?
A395: Hazrat Safiyyah bint Abdul-Muttalib (RA).
Q396: What was the name of the special treaty designed to allocate and protect the rights of Jewish tribes within Madinah?
A396: The Charter of Madinah.
Q397: How many major battles did the Prophet (PBUH) personally command from the front line?
A397: Twenty-seven military expeditions (Ghazwat), though active combat occurred in only about nine of them.
Q398: What is the specific term used for military expeditions dispatched by the Prophet (PBUH) where he did not personally participate?
A398: Saraya (singular: Sariyah).
Q399: What is the ultimate message of the Prophet’s (PBUH) life as summarized in Surah Al-Anbiya?
A399: “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds” (Surah Al-Anbiya, 21:107).
Q400: What is the linguistic and religious meaning of sending “Durood” or “Salawat” upon the Prophet (PBUH)?
A400: Invoking the peace, blessings, and mercy of Allah upon him, as commanded in the Quran: “Indeed, Allah and His angels send blessings upon the Prophet. O you who have believed, ask [Allah to send] blessings upon him and ask for him peace” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:56).