When the Moon Split

What can be a better read than the Prophet’s (PBUH) biography? The Holy Prophet (PBUH) is one of the greatest gifts from Allah Almighty for the entire Universe. Allah has called the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) His blessing for the people. He said in the Holy Quran:

لَقَدۡ مَنَّ ٱللَّهُ عَلَى ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنِینَ إِذۡ بَعَثَ فِیهِمۡ رَسُولࣰا مِّنۡ أَنفُسِهِمۡ یَتۡلُوا۟ عَلَیۡهِمۡ ءَایَـٰتِهِۦ وَیُزَكِّیهِمۡ وَیُعَلِّمُهُمُ ٱلۡكِتَـٰبَ وَٱلۡحِكۡمَةَ وَإِن كَانُوا۟ مِن قَبۡلُ لَفِی ضَلَـٰلࣲ مُّبِینٍ

Indeed, Allah has done the believers a great favour by raising a messenger from among them—reciting to them His revelations, purifying them, and teaching them the Book and wisdom. For indeed they had previously been clearly astray.

(آل عمران: 164)

The Prophet (PBUH) was sent to this world in order to break the customs and traditions of the pre-Islamic era and make the religion of Islam exactly as it was brought by Ibraaheem (AS). The Prophet (PBUH) came to fulfill this religion but it was very strange that his prophethood was already mentioned in many of the previous divine books. Not just him but his companions were also mentioned.

From the study of Islamic history and seerah books on Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life, we know that Sayyadina Salman Farsi’s journey of migration and faith, cannot be ignored in any way. Until the time he came to Madinah, he lived a life of slavery in different parts of the country and used to hear about the arrival of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) from the priests there. When he was informed of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), he reached Him and asked Him, “Are you really the Messenger of Allah?” Then he fulfilled the three signs that were mentioned in the Torah and the Gospel with reference to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). When those signs were fulfilled, they believed in him.

This wasn’t simply the story of Sayyadina Salman Farsi, but it also marked the history of that period. The arrival of the last Prophet was eagerly awaited by the true believers at that time. This fact has been mentioned in multiple books written on the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). As Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran (البقرة: 146). Both the Jews and Christian were eagerly awaiting the Prophet (PBUH) arrival and proudly said that when He (Muhammad (PBUH)) would come He would free us from all kinds of humiliation.

Then Allah, the Exalted, sent Muhammad (PBUH) as His Messenger and a mercy not only for human beings but for all creatures. as He said:

وَمَاۤ أَرۡسَلۡنَـٰكَ إِلَّا رَحۡمَةࣰ لِّلۡعَـٰلَمِینَ

We have sent you O Prophet only as a mercy for the whole world.

(الأنبياء: 107)

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was sent as a mercy for the people as he led people out of ignorance and set an ideal example that would last till the end of times. He not only had the ideal character but set practical examples of Islam which also made him the best teacher for mankind. Islam and people flourished when people followed the life of the Prophet (PBUH) but Islamic history fell into a deep pit of humiliation when people abandoned His teachings. In this day and age once again we have strayed away from the teachings of Islam and this era too demands us to follow the Seerah and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). 

Darussalam has done a very distinguished job in this regard by publishing the book When the Moon Split to encourage people to learn about the true essence and teachings of Islam.

There are countless books on the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH)  life including publications by non- Muslims scholars on the subject of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings.

The important aspect of writing a biography is to mention authentic events with credible references to maintain its authenticity.

The art of writing a biography is not so easy and can not be accomplished by every author or scholar. This field is usually left to the senior scholars. This book When the Moon Split is written by the late Indian scholar Sheikh Safi ur Rahman Mubarakpuri who was not only a senior biographer but also a senior interpreter of Ahadith and the author of many other Islamic books like “The Sealed Nectar”. He won the 1st prize in the International Seerah competition which was held under the supervision of Rabita al Alam al Islami, in Saudi Arabia.

So, read this book to delve into the history of Islam and understand the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life from his birth and youth till the end of his days.

Extract 01: Take a look at this extract on the character of Muhammad (PBUH) and his personality before prophethood.

Muhammad’s character before prophethood

From childhood, Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) was exceptionally intelligent and chaste and was highly regarded for his honesty, valor, justice, piety, patience, modesty, loyalty and hospitality. Abu Talib described his beloved nephew in the following words:

“He is fair and handsome. From his face, mercy falls like rain. He is a shelter for the orphan and a protector of widows.”

The book covers all stages of His (PBUH) life and covers a wide range of topics. Take a look at the table of content to get a better idea of the subject matter of the book.

Table of Contents

1. Publisher’s note
2. From the author
3. Preface
4. Chapter 1: Early life of Rasulullah (Peace be upon Him)
5. The Prophet Muhammad’s Ancestors
6. The Prophet’s tribe
7. Lineage
8. Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) is born
9. Foster Brothers
10. In the care of Haleemah Sa’diya
11. Haleemah’s house is unexpectedly blessed
12. Haleemah asks to keep Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) longer
13. Muhammad’s chest is opened
14. Muhammad’s time with his mother
15. A grandfather’s affection
16. Under his uncle’s care
17. Bahira’s warning
18. Lessons and Morals from the Early Life of Rasulullah
19. Questions

*Complete table of contents is mentioned at the end of the blog

The aspect which a reader of Seerah should follow is to make sense of the biography according to the conceptions of the pre-Islamic era and especially the religion of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) because it is directly linked to his religion, culture and traditions from which the religions of the Jews and Christians have also been derived. The content of this book is based on those concepts.

The people of that time were bitter enemies of each other. They considered it trivial to kill others for their own benefit. They buried their young daughters alive. Theft, adultery, drunken murder and vandalism was enrooted in their culture. Dozens of battles were fought over a trivial matter that lasted for generations. 

These people were traders by nature and although they were well versed in the art of trade, they held no distinction between halal and haram. They knew how to fulfil a promise, but they had forgotten the promise of Allah. Oppression was common. Among all evils, their kind deeds were also astray. They were generous but their generosity did not align with the word of Allah.

 The society was in a deplorable state and Allah sent the Prophet (PBUH) to bring them to the right path, and although the people felt that his teachings were strange and even they could not deny the universal nature of Islam. Its teachings were applicable to every human and no one could present a better religion in comparison to it. However the spread of Islam in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did not come easy and Islam was rejected in the beginning, it will be rejected in the end as well, as the Prophet (PBUH) said that Islam was a stranger in the beginning and it will end in a strangeness:

بَدَأَ الإسْلامُ غَرِيبًا، وَسَيَعُودُ كما بَدَأَ غَرِيبًا، فَطُوبى لِلْغُرَباءِ

Islam initiated as something strange, and it would revert to its (old position) of being strange. so good tidings for the stranger.

(صحيح مسلم: 145)

The rejection of Islam has been depicted in the book in the following words.

Extract 02: The rejection of Islam

The polytheists demand a sign

The Makkan pagans had been shown many signs that confirmed the truthfulness of Muhammad’s claim to be a prophet, but they ignored them all. Although they were not prepared to accept any further signs, they demanded that Muhammad (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) show them clear proof from Allah that he was indeed a messenger. Their intention of course was simply to humiliate him before the people.

One day the pagans were assembled at the Ka‘bah and sent for the Prophet. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) hurried to meet them, thinking that they wished to discuss the possibility of entering Islam. He sat down with them to hear the same demands they had made before: “Muhammad, you tell us that the prophets had signs: Musa [Moses] had a miraculous staff, Saleh had a camel, and Isa [Jesus] resurrected the dead. The prophets of yore came with clear signs. We want you to also show us something to confirm that you are like them.”

Prophets, the Quraysh thought, should have the power to perform miracles at will. They did not understand that Allah performed these miracles through His prophets.

Deaf, dumb, and blind, as Allah characterizes them in the Qur’an, the disbelievers refused to see the numerous signs of Allah manifest in His creation and in the Qur’an. Instead, they wanted to see flamboyant acts of sorcery. Accordingly, they asked the Prophet it to do any of the following: turn Mount Safa into a mountain of gold, carry the mountains somewhere else and change the surrounding area into a wide valley, cause a spring to gush forth, or bring back to life their ancestors so that they could testify that Muhammad (PBUH) was truly a prophet.

One of the best things about this book on the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is that it includes questions and lessons at the end of each chapter. Reviewing these is a great way to review the contents of the chapter and increase retention. Grab the book today and give it a read for yourself. Let us know your opinion of the book in the comments below.

Interested in similar books? Take a look at these books.

1. Chapter 2: Rasulullah (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) as a Young Adult until Prophethood
2. The battle of Fijar
3. Hilf Al-Fudool
4. Choosing a profession
5. Journey to Syria on business for Khadeejah
6. Marriage to Khadeejah
7. Dispute over the Black Stone
8. Muhammad’s character before prophethood
9. Rasulullah as a young Adult until prophethood
10. Prelude to Prophethood
11. Lessons and Morals from Rasulullah as a Young Adult Until prophethood
12. Questions
13. Chapter 3: Revelation and the First Phase of Prophethood
14. The first revelation
15. Revelation and the first phase of prophethood
16. A hiatus
17. The mission begins
18. The first believers
19. Worship and training of the believers
20. Lessons and Morals from the Revelation and the first Phase of Prophethood
21. Questions
22. Chapter 4: The Beginning of the Open call to Islam
23. Open propagation of Islam
24. A warning from atop Mount Safa
25. The Quraysh warn pilgrims
26. Various strategies against Islam
27. Ridicule, contempt and mockery
28. Diversions
29. Propaganda
30. Argument and quibbling
31. Lessons and Morals from the beginning of the Open Call of Islam
32. Questions
33. Chapter 5: Persecution of the Muslim’s Begins
34. Persecution begins
35. Polytheists avoid openly abusing the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)
36. Talks between Abu Talib and the Quraysh
37. The Quraysh challenge Abu Talib
38. The Quraysh make Abu Talib a strange proposal
39. Persecution of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)
40. Dar Al-Arqam
41. Lessons and Morals from the Persecution of the Muslim Begins
42. Questions
43. Chapter 6: Hejirah to Abyssinia
44. Migration to Abyssinia
45. Polytheists prostrate along with Muslims
46. Return of the immigrants
47. Second migration to Abyssinia
48. Quraysh attempt to extradite Muslims
49. Polytheists are outraged
50. More persecution of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)
51. Lessons and Morals from the Hijirah to Abyssinia
52. Questions
53. Chapter 7: Hamza (R.A) and Umar (R.A) Enter Islam
54. Hamzah bin Abdul Muttalib embraces Islam
55. Umar bin Al-Khattab accepts Islam
56. The polytheists react to Umar’s conversion
57. Umar’s conversion strengthens Islam
58. Lessons and Morals from the Hamza R.A and Umar R.A Enter Islam
59. Questions
60. Chapter 8: The Quraish Attempt to Negotiate with Rasulullah (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)
61. An offer no ordinary man could refuse
62. Bargaining and renunciation
63. Hastening on the punishment
64. Lessons and Morals from the Quraish Attempt to Negotiate With Rasulullah
65. Questions
66. Chapter 9: The Boycott
67. Total boycott
68. Boycott ends
69. The Quraysh petition Abu Talib
70. Lessons and Morals from the Boycott
71. Questions
72. Chapter 10: The Year of Sorrow and the Prophet’s Visit to Ta’if
73. The year of sorrow
74. Khadeejah (May Allah be pleased with her) dies
75. Sorrow after sorrow
76. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) marries Saudah and then Aishah
77. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) journeys to Ta’if
78. The polytheists demand a sign
79. The moon splits in half
80. Lessons and Morals from the year of sorrow and the prophet’s visit to Ta’if
81. Questions
82. Chapter 11: The Israa and the Miraaj
83. The Night Journey and Ascension
84. Various tribes are invited to Islam
85. Lessons and Morals from Israa and the Miraaj
86. Questions
87. Chapter 12: Six Pilgrims from Yathrib
88. Seeds of faith sprout outside Makkah
89. Suwayd bin Samit
90. Ayas bin Mu’adh
91. Abu Dhar Ghifari
92. Tufayl bin Amr Dausi
93. Dhimad Azdi
94. Six pilgrims from Yathrib
95. First pledge of Aqabah
96. Islam spreads in Yathrib
97. The second pledge of Aqabah
98. Twelve chiefs
99. Lessons and Morals from the six pilgrims from yathrib
100. Questions
101. Chapter 13: Hejirah to Madinah
102. The Muslims migrate to Madinah
103. The council of Dar al-Nadwah
104. Jibreel (A.S) brings the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) happy news
105. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) leaves home
106. Three nights in the cave
107. On the way to Madinah
108. Arrival in Qubaa
109. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) enters Madinah
110. Ali migrates
111. The Prophet’s family migrates
112. Suhayb migrates
113. Muslims in Makkah
114. Lessons and Morals from the Hejirah to Madinah
115. Questions
116. Chapter 14: Life in Madinah after the Hejirah
117. Difficulties in Madinah
118. The Prophet’s Mosque
119. The call to prayer
120. Brotherhood between the Muhajireen and the Ansar
121. Islamic community
122. The Quraysh test the Muslims’ resolve
123. Lessons and Morals from Life in Madinah after the Hejirah
124. Questions
125. Chapter 15: Legislation of Jihad
126. Permission to fight
127. Military expeditions (Saraya and Ghazawat)
128. A new Qiblah
129. Lessons and Morals from the legislation of jihad
130. Questions
131. Chapter 16: The Great Battle of Badr
132. The Battle of Badr
133. Challenge to single combat
134. The Battle of Badr begins
135. Abu Jahl killed
136. Day of Distinction
137. News of Badr reaches Makkah and Madinah
138. Return to Madinah
139. The captives
140. Ruqayyah dies and Uthman marries Umm Kulthoom
141. Lessons and Morals from the Great Battle of Badr
142. Question
143. Chapter 17: The Time between the Battle of Badr and the Battle of Uhud
144. Events after Badr
145. Expedition against Banu Qaynuqa
146. Expedition of Saweeq
147. Ka‘b bin Ashraf is killed
148. The Sariyya of Qardah
149. Lessons and Morals from the time between the Battle of Badr and the battle of Uhud
150. Questions
151. Chapter 18: The Battle of Uhud
152. The battle of uhud
153. Fighting begins
154. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) is rumored dead
155. Plight of the encircled Muslims
156. In the ravine
157. Dialogue and resolution
158. The Muslims tend to their own
159. Back to Madinah
160. The expedition of Hamra Al-Asad
161. Lessons and Morals from the Battle of Uhud
162. Questions
163. Chapter 19: After the Battle of Uhud
164. Incidents and expeditions
165. The incident of Raj’i
166. The tragedy at Bir Ma‘una
167. Expedition against Banu Nadir
168. An appointment at Badr
169. Lessons and Morals from the after the Battle of Uhud
170. Questions
171. Chapter 20: The Battle of the Trench
172. The Battle of the Trench
173. Digging the trench
174. Across the trench
175. Banu Quraydha’s treachery
176. The coalition splits and the battle ends
177. Battle of Banu Quraydha
178. Lessons and Morals from the battle of the trench
179. Questions
180. 11. Who judged them and what was his judgment?
181. Chapter 21: After the battle of the Trench
182. Abu Rafi Sallam Bin Abul Huqayq is killed
183. The chief of Yamamah is captured
184. Expedition of Banu Lihyan
185. Abul Aas accepts Islam
186. The expedition of Banu Al-Mustaliq or Muraysi
187. The slander against Aishah, Mother of the believers
188. Lessons and Morals from the After the Battle of the Trench
189. Questions
190. Chapter 22: The Treaty of Hudaybia
191. Departure for Umrah and arrival at Hudaybia
192. Negotiations between the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) and the Quraysh
193. Uthman’s mission and the pledge of Ridwan
194. A treaty is concluded
195. The Muslims’ dejection over the truce
196. The issue of Muhajir women
197. The Muslims in Makkah are freed
198. Effects of the truce
199. The Prophet’s letters to Monarchs and Potentates
200. Lessons and Morals
201. Questions
202. Chapter: 23 Invitation to King and Rulers
203. Letter to the king of Abyssinia
204. Letter to Muqauqis, king of Alexandria and Egypt
205. Letter to Chosroes (Khusro Pervez), the king of Persia
206. Letter to the Roman Emperor
207. Letter to Harith bin Abu Shammar Ghassani
208. Letter to the Amir of Basra is intercepted
209. Letter to Haudha Bin Ali, chief of Yamamah
210. Letter to the ruler of Bahrain
211. Letter to the rules of Oman
212. Expedition of Ghaba or Dhu Qarad
213. Lessons and Morals
214. Questions
215. Chapter 24: The Battle of khaybar
216. Conquest of Khaybar
217. The emigrants of Abyssinia return
218. Division of Khaybar
219. The Prophet is poisoned
220. Surrender of the people of Fadak
221. Wadi Al-Qur a
222. Reconciliation with the people of Taymaa
223. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) marries Safiyah
224. The expedition of Dhat Al-Riqa
225. Lessons and Morals
226. Questions
227. Chapter: 25 after Khaybar
228. Who will save you now?
229. Umrah is finally performed
230. The expedition to Muta
231. The Mission to Dhat Al-Salasil
232. Lessons and Morals from the After Khaybar
233. Questions
234. Chapter 26: The Conquest of Makkah
235. The battle for Makkah
236. On the way to Makkah
237. Abu Sufyan appears before the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)
238. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) enters Makkah
239. The Ka’bah is purified
240. Have no fear this day
241. The Quraysh pledge allegiance
242. Death for criminals
243. Prayer of victory
244. Bilal calls the Adhan from the Ka’bah
245. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) in Makkah
246. Uzza, Suwa and Manah are destroyed
247. Khalid is sent to Banu Judhayma
248. Lessons and Morals from the conquest of Makkah
249. Questions
250. Chapter: 27 The battle of Hunayn and Taif
251. Battle of Hunayn
252. The polytheists take flight
253. The battle of Ta’if
254. The spoils of war
255. The Ansar’s Complaint
256. Banu Hawazen petition the Prophet
257. The Umrah of Je‘rana
258. Lessons and Morals from the Battle of Hunayn and Ta’if
259. Questions
260. Chapter 28: The Expedition of Tabuk
261. Banu Tameem enter Islam
262. Mission against Banu Tai
263. The Muslims prepare to meet the Romans
264. The expedition to Tabuk
265. Twenty days in Tabuk
266. Ukaydir is captured
267. Return to Madinah
268. Lessons and Morals from the Expedition of Taboo
269. Questions
270. Chapter 29: Return from Tabuk
271. Demolition of the Hypocrites’ Mosque
272. The Prophet -M is welcomed back
273. The case of those who stayed behind
274. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) mourns three deaths
275. Ghazawat
276. Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with him) performs Hajj
277. Lessons and Morals from the Return from Tabuk
278. Questions
279. Chapter 30: The Year of the Delegation
280. The year of delegations
281. The delegation of Banu Abdul Qays
282. Damam bin Tha‘laba interrogates the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him)
283. The delegations of Adhra and Bala
284. The delegation of Banu Asad bin Khuzaymah
285. The delegation of Tujib
286. The delegation of Banu Fazara
287. The delegation from Najraan
288. The delegation from Ta’if
289. The delegation of Banu Amir bin Sa‘sa‘a
290. The delegation of Banu Haneefa
291. The kings of Hamir send an envoy
292. The delegation of Hamdaan
293. The delegation of Banu Abdul Madan
294. Banu Mazhaj accept Islam
295. The delegation of Azd Shanwah
296. Dhul Khalasa is destroyed
297. The rise and fall of Aswad Ansi
298. Lessons and Morals from the year of the delegations
299. Questions
300. Chapter 31: The Farewell Hajj
301. Hajjatul –Wada’: The Farewell Pilgrimage
302. Expedition to Palestine
303. Lessons and Morals from the Farewell Hajj
304. Questions
305. Chapter 32: Death of Rasulullah
306. Signs of the Prophet’s imminent death
307. The Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him) falls ill
308. Covenant and counseling
309. Abu Bakr leads Prayer
310. All for charity
311. The Prophet’s death draws near
312. The Prophet dies
313. Abu Bakr unites the Mourners
314. Abu Bakr chosen as Khalifah
315. Funeral rites and burial
316. Lessons and Morals from the death of Rasulullah
317. Questions
318. Chapter 33: The Family of Rasulullah and his description
319. Mothers of the believers
320. 1) Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid (May Allah be pleased with her)
321. 2) Saudah bint Zam’a (May Allah be pleased with her)
322. 3) Aishah Siddeeqah bint Abu Bakr Siddeeq (May Allah be pleased with her)
323. 4) Hafsah bint Umar bin Khattab (May Allah be pleased with her)
324. 5) Zaynab bint Khuzaymah (May Allah be pleased with her)
325. 6) Umm Salamah, or Hind bint Abu Umayyah (May Allah be pleased with her)
326. 7) Zaynab bint Jahsh bin Riqab (May Allah be pleased with her)
327. 8) Juwayriyah bint Al-Harith (May Allah be pleased with her)
328. 9) Umm Habeebah, or Ramla bint Abi Sufyan (May Allah be pleased with her)
329. 10) Safiyah bint Huyayy bin Akhtab (May Allah be pleased with her)
330. 11) Maymoona bint Harith Hilaliya (May Allah be pleased with her)
331. The Prophet’s children
332. 1) Qasim
333. 2) Zaynab
334. 3) Ruqayyah
335. 4) Umm Kulthoom
336. 5) Fatimah
337. 6) Abdullah
338. 7) Ibraheem
339. The Prophet’s features and character
340. The Prophet’s face
341. Head, neck and hair
342. Limbs
343. Build and stature
344. Fragrance
345. The Prophet’s gait
346. Voice and speech
347. Character
348. CONCLUSION
349. Lessons and Morals from the family of Rasulullah and his descriptions
350. Questions