Scribes of Divine Revelation W14/11

Scribes of the Holy Prophet(s) were the closest companions. The total number of Scribes were 40 (Abubker, Umar, Usman, Ali,
Abdullah bin Masood, Zaid bin Sabit, Ubbey bin Kaab, Ameer Muwiya, Khalid bin Waleed). Majority of the scribes were Hafiz-e-
Quran of the Holy Quran. As soon as there were revelations, they used to write it, learn and memorize. Many of them used to
write treaties for the Holy Prophet (pbuh) as Hazrat Ali (r.a) wrote treaty Hudaibiya. Many of them used to write invitation
letters for the Holy Prophet (pbuh) for other states.
The best known amongst the scribes was Zaid bin Thabit who was appointed by Holy Prophet(s)as a scribe after migration to
Madinah and wrote down the major part of the Quran' and later worked for it's compilation. Abdullah bin Masood was one of
the earliest companions and was the first one to recite the Quran loudly near the Kaaba. The Prophet(s) said "If anyone likes to
recite the Quran as fresh as it had descended then he must recite on the reading of Abdullah ibn Masood". Muaaz bin Jabl
(r.a) is also one of the best scribe about whom the holy Prophet (pbuh) said, “Anyone who wants know what Quran declares
lawful and declares unlawful, he needs to resort Muaaz bin Jabl”. This list also includes Khalid ibn-al waleed, Ubbay ibn al Kaab
and many others.
None of these scribes made any addition or omission in the divine revelation except Abdullah Ibn Saad Ibn Abi Sarah who
incurred the displeasure of the holy prophet(s) by making changes in the divine revelations. He was nearly executed at the time
of Conquest of Makkah. There was always a Scribe on hand to write down the revelation or to insert new ones as ordered by
Prophet under the divine guidance through Angel Jibrael from 622-632 AD. This is mentioned in Quran,"(written by) the hands
of scribes, honourable, pious and just".
The scribes of the holy prophet(s) assisted him as He could not Read or write. The prophet(s) dictated the revelations received
by him from time to time and then asked his companions to read out loud what they had written in order to ensure accuracy.
They wrote them down in portions on various material including animal skins, shoulder bones of camels, palm leaves, stone
tablets and pieces of wood etc. it was a practice of the prophet (s) to recite the Quran loudly every Ramadan in every year, so
that the scribes could check their written material for any mistakes.it is also said that at the time of the death of holy Prophet
(pbuh), there were at least 15 copies of Quran but not in compiled form.

Hazrat Zaid bin Sabit

Among the people to whom Muslims are to be grateful for the written preservation of the Holy Book of Islam is Hazrat Zaid bin
Sabit, who was principal scribe of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).He belonged to the Khazraj tribe of Madina and had accepted Islam
at the age of 11 before the Muslims moved to this city from Makkah.
As he was only 13 years old, inspite of his persistent please, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) did not allow him to participate in the
Battles of Badr and Uhad. However, subsequently, he took part in the battle of Khandaq and in the Tabuk Expedition. On the
directions of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), he learnt Hebrew and Syriac Languages and became an official interpreter and translator
for him. His deep knowledge of the Holy Quran made even the great Companions of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) resort to him and
show special respect to him, despite the fact that he was much younger than most of them, being only 22 at the time of the
death of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).He was the first Ansar to severe allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr as the Caliph. He participated
in the battle of Yamama and fought the apostasy war against Musailma, the liar.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (r.a)
The Holy Prophet (pbuh) said about Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud, “Whoever likes to recite the Quran as fresh (i.e., accurately) as
it was revealed, let him recite it the way it is recited by the son of Umm `Abd.” He had deep knowledge of the Holy Quran, both
in the form of recitation and content. He was the first Muslim who openly recited Surah Al-Rehman before the pagans of
Makkah, withstood their beating and did not care for the tortures which the Quraish inflicted upon him for such a daring act.
After conversion to Islam, he hardly ever missed an opportunity of accompanying the Holy Prophet (pbuh) to learn every
possible thing he could from him, to the extent that some people mistakenly thought that he was the member of the Holy
Prophet (pbuh)’s family. His enthusiasm for learning made the former shepherd a leading authority on the Quranic Recitation
as well as other matters of the faith. Hazrat Umar Khattab said of him, “He is full of knowledge.” Hazrat Abu Musa Ash’ari also
remarked about him, “Do not ask people like me about anything as long as you have this man of deep knowledge among you.”

Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (r.a) migrated twice to Abyssinia and then to Madina, took part in the battle of Badr and killed Abu
Jahal. He was sent to Kufa as an administrator by Hazrat Umar who always held him in high esteem because of his knowledge,
nobility, sobriety and commitment to the cause of Islam. He is reported to be the authority on some 800 traditions (Ahadith).
Some of his contemporaries described him in these words, “We have never seen a man who is better behaved, gentler in
teaching and more Allah (swt)-fearing than him.”

Hazrat Ubbay bin Kaab (r.a)

He belonged to the Khazraj tribe and was one of the most distinguished Companions and scribes of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).He
was one of the earliest converts as he had pledged allegiance to the Holy Prophet (pbuh) at Aqaba. Because of his commitment,
dedication and devotion, he was held in very high esteem by the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and the Companions. He knew the whole
Quran by heart which he used to recite in a melodious and beautiful manner. He was one of those few persons to whom Hazrat
Abu Bakr used to refer sensitive matters for consultation and opinion. He died during the Caliphate of Hazrat Usman in 29 A.H.

(b) The scribes had the Prophet as a source of information. How useful is the internet as a source of information about Islam? [4]

Candidates could say it is a useful source of information because e.g. there is a lot of information easily available on the internet
so it is possible to do a few searches and find a lot of sources available for you to read on a subject. The Qur’an and most hadith
books are all online now, so people can easily access the information they need. People who may not have access to books
about Islam can learn about it online, and would be useful for those interested / new to Islam. They could say it is not useful
because e.g., the internet has a lot of information about Islam that is questionable, and it would be difficult to know which sites
are presenting the material in the correct way / giving the correct information about an issue. Better answers may say that the
Prophet said, “go to those who know”, meaning that people should learn from scholars who have studied in a traditional way,
as they would provide an understanding that a person would not necessarily get from the internet. Those interested in Islam
may be put off by the sites that present Islam inaccurately, and it can also lead to people hating Islam / Muslims because they
have read information that is not true.

Wives of the Holy Prophet (pbuh)

Q.34 (a) Hazrat Khadija (r.a) S14/12

“The Holy Prophet (pbuh) is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his wives are [in the position of] their
mothers”. [Surah Al-Ahzab:6]

Hazrat Khadija, also known as Tahira, or the pure was the daughter of Khuwalid bin Asad and Fatima bint Za’idah. She came of
a noble and prosperous Quraish family. Her father who was a successful businessman and a chief of his family had left her a
large fortune. She had been married to AbuHala bin Zurarah and was the mother of two Sons i.e, Hala and Hind. As such Khadija
was also known as umm-e-Hind. After the death of her first husband, she was married to Ateeq Bin Aidh Makhzumi, who dead
leaving her a widow again. She had a daughter from him who was named Hindah.
After the death of her father in the battle of fijar, Khadija needed the services of an honest person to manage her trade. Several
notable people of Makkah recommended the Holy Prophet (pbuh) as a suitable choice. His very first expedition to Syria, in which
he was accompanied by Khadija’s slave, Maisra was very successful. His subsequent undertakings were of an equally fruitful
nature. As a result, Khadija prospered in her business.

With the passage of time, her admiration for Muhammad (pbuh) developed into a deeper affection and she sent him a proposal
of marriage that was accepted after consultation with the elders of the family. At the time of their marriage, Hazrat Muhammad
(pbuh) was twenty-five years old, while Hazrat Khadija was forty years of age. The marriage proved to be a very happy one. The
Holy Prophet (pbuh) did not marry again as long as Hazrat Khadija lived. She bore him two sons and four daughters. Both the
sons died in infancy. Of the daughters, only the youngest, Fatima, survived to see the great events of her father’s life.
Hazrat Khadija died in the 10th year of prophet hood on 11th Ramazan, three years before Hijrat. She was then sixty-five. She
was buried at Makkah. Hazrat Khadija had the honor of being the first convert to Islam and the first to abandon the idolatrous
creed of her forefathers. She alongwith the Holy Prophet (pbuh) suffered persecution and hardships inflicted by the Quraish
during life in Makkah. Her death was a terrible loss to the Holy Prophet (pbuh) from the beginning, she had stood faithfully by
him. Her death meant that he could no longer find the compassion with which she comforted him after the disappointments he
faced with the Quraish.

Whenever he came home depressed, rejected by his own people, he always found her full of sympathy, she consoled him and
inspired him with renewed hope and courage. Besides her moral support, Hazrat Khadija placed all her wealth at his disposal,
so that he did not have to worry about financial matters. The Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) love and gratitude for Hazrat Khadija was so
great that Hazrat Aisha, the young wife of the Prophet (pbuh) (PBUH) whom he married after the death of Khadija became jealous.
One day, Hazrat Khadija’s sister Hala whose voice sounded exactly like Hazrat Khadija’s, came to visit The Prophet (pbuh). As
soon he heard the familiar voice, he said, “It must be Hala; her voice is just like that of Khadija”. Hazrat Aisha who was with
the Prophet (pbuh) burst forth, “How is it that you always think of the old woman who is no more living when Allah has given
you much better wives.” “Never better, replied the Holy Prophet (PBUH). She hailed my mission at a time when everyone was
against it and supported me when there was hardly believer. How can I forget her? On another occasion, he said, “Aisha!
Khadija’s love was given to me by Allah; never did Allah give me a better wife than Khadija.”
It is a historical fact that Hazrat Khadija was of immense help and strength to the cause of Islam. It is said by Ibn-e-Hashim that
she was a true counselor of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) of Islam. There are a number of traditions praising Hazrat Khadija. According
to Bukhari and Muslims, “The noblest women of the world are Hazrat Mariam and Hazrat Khadija”.

(b) Taking two aspects of their relationship, explain how the marriage of the Prophet and Khadija sets a good example for
Muslim marriages today? [4]

Candidates can take what they want from Khadija’s relationship with the Prophet, but they should be able to say why that aspect
of their relationship sets an example for others. They could for example say that they had a love and respect for each other that
people could learn from today; she had her own business which the Prophet never stopped her from, and she supported the
Prophet through all his difficulties. She reassured her husband when he told her about the revelation and never stopped
believing he was telling the truth because she knew his character. In times of difficulty people should be patient with each other
and try to reassure and support their partners. Candidates should choose two aspects and develop those points; whilst
developing answers candidates need to show application of it today.

Hazrat Sawdah (r.a)

The death of Hazrat Khadija (r.a) left the Prophet (pbuh) gloomy and inconsolable. He had to look after the children and attend
to the household chores that caused a hindrance in his Prophetic mission. His companions felt his sorrow and worry and desired
that he should re-marry. Someone proposed the name of Sawdah bint Zama’ah, one of the earlier converts to Islam. She had
been married to Sakran bin Amr, also a convert to Islam. She had migrated to Abyssinia along with her husband, but had returned
to Makkah about the time of Khadija’s death. Her Husband had died, leaving her a widow with one son. As she was the only
Muslims in her family which had turned against her, she needed help and protection.

When the matter was brought to the notice of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), he decided to marry her and bring her under his protection.
In marrying this lady, the Prophet (pbuh) had the consideration that an early convert to Islam may be helped and honored.
Hazrat Sawdah was extremely devoted to the Prophet (pbuh). She led a very simple and pious life. Later on, when the Prophet
(pbuh) married Hazrat Aisha (r.a), the young daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr, Sawadah loved her and attended to all her needs.
Afterwards, when The Prophet (pbuh) divided his time equally among all his wives according to the command of justice enjoined
by the Holy Quran. Hazrat Sawdah gave up her turn in favor of Hazrat Aisha. She migrated to Madinah in the first year of the
Hijrat. Her dwellings and Hazrat Aisha’s were the first to be built in the Masjid.

The Prophet (pbuh) loved her for her piety as well as simplicity. She was of a meek and humble nature as well as kind and
affectionate. Holy Prophet (pbuh) referred to her as the most charitable and generous of his wives. She is distinguished for her
sense of duty and obedience. On the eve of the last pilgrimage, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) enjoined his wives to remain in retirement
after his death. Hazrat Sawadah followed this directive so much so that she never left her house even for Hajj and Umrah.
Hazrat Sawdah was a devouted person and was very punctual about her hours of prayers. She would get up for her prayers with
The Prophet (pbuh) before dawn and remain absorbed in her devotion till after sunrise. She died in the 22 nd year of the Hijrat
towards the end of the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar. She was buried in Jannat-al-Badqi, the graveyard where those close to the Holy
Prophet (pbuh) were buried. Five traditions are said to be narrated by her.

Q.(a) Hazrat Aisha (r.a) W11/12

Shortly before his migration to Madinah, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) married Hazrat Aisha. At the time of marriage, she was ten years
old. On attaining maturity, her marriage was solemnized in Madinah. It was her first marriage. She was the daughter of Hazrat
Abu Bakr, the most intimate companion of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and the first Khalifa of Islam. She was also known by the titles
of Humaira and Umm-e-Abdullah.

Hazrat Aisha was married to the Holy Prophet (pbuh) ten years after he received the first revelation. At the time of the death the
Holy Prophet (pbuh), she was twenty-five years old. She spent the remaining forty-eight years of her life as a widow, preaching
and propagating the message of the Holy Quran and Hadis. Hazrat Umar succeeded Hazrat Abu Bakr as the Khalifa. He respected
Hazrat Aisha very much. She herself acknowledge this in these words, “Ibn-e-Khattab has done me great favors after the death
of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).”
Hazrat Umar had fixed an annual allowance of ten thousand dirhams for each wife of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), but in the case of
Hazrat Aisha, the amount was fixed at twelve thousand dirhams. This was so, because she was very close to the Holy Prophet
(pbuh). On 17th Ramzan 58 A.H., towards the end of the rule of Muawiya, Hazrat Aisha died at the age of seventy-three. According

to her will, she was buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi in Madinah. Her place as interpreter of religious issues and as a jurist of Sunnah and
Shariat is very high. Imam Zuhri, a leading jurist says,“Hazrat Aisha was the most learned person among the people. Senior
and learned companions used to consult her.”
Abu Musa Ashri said, “We never faced any difficulty on which, when we enquired from Aisha, we did not get information
relating to it.” Umar bin Zubair Says, “Aisha was the most scholarly person of her time in Quran, fundamentals of religion,
fiqh, poetry, medicine, Arabian history and genealogy and discrimination between lawful and unlawful things.”

Hazrat Aisha was far ahead in knowledge of Islam, not just ahead of the other wives of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) or other women,
but except for a few eminent men, even ahead of the companions of The Prophet (pbuh) as testified by Imam Zuhri, “If the
knowledge of all men and the wives of the Prophet (pbuh) (pbuh) were put together, the knowledge of Aisha would exceed it
all.”
Hazrat Aisha is ranked among the prominent companions of the Holy Prophet (pbuh). She used to convey decisions on religious
matters even during the days of the first three Khalifas. About her intelligence and good judgment, Nabia Aboot, an American
writer and a teacher at the University of Chicago says that she stands shoulder to shoulder with eminent jurists of her time like
Abu Huraira, Ibn-e-umar and Ibn-eAbbas. Her memory was excellent and she had memorized 2210 traditions.

As a wife of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), she had a privileged position and she enjoyed constant companionship with her husband.
As such, her knowledge of the meaning of the Holy Quran and the traditions and practices of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was better
than many others. She is the pioneer of devising a system of coordination of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. In Islamic
jurisprudence of Fiqh, the interpretation of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (pbuh), eminent jurists and
theologians of Islam, like Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Bukhari followed the principles laid down by Hazrat Aisha. This privilege
gave her first place among the Traditionists of Islam. She never accepted a Hadis that was in conflict with the Holy Qruan. She
is one of the most authentic sources of traditions. Her apartment was chosen for the distinction of being made the everlasting
resting place of the Holy Prophet (pbuh).
Hazrat Aisha was a very pious and God-fearing lady. Apart from the five obligatory prayers, she would offer extra prayers as
well. She fasted very often and was particular about the pilgrimage. She would often purchase slaves in order to free them.

(b) ‘Aisha is a role model for Muslim women around the world.’ Say whether you agree or disagree with this statement, giving
reasons for your answer. [4]

Candidates should say whether they agree with the statement or disagree with it, and then give reasons for their answer. They
could say, e.g., that she is a role model because she was one of the main teachers of hadith, having narrated over 2000 hadith,
and that men and women came to learn from her but it didn’t take away from her religious obligations. Or they could say that
she is not a role model because e.g., men and women now need modern role models that are more relevant to their lives so it
is easier to understand them. The Shi’i point of view could also be mentioned, and valid answers with explanation should be
credited.

Hazrat Hafsa (r.a)

Hazrat Hafsa was the daughter of the second Khalifa, Hazrat Umar bin Khattab, she was born five years before Prophethood.
She was first married to Khunais, son of Huzaifa. Hafsa became a Muslim along with her parents and her husband. He was among
those who had migrated to Abyssinia. Later, both Hafsa and her Husband migrated to Madinah, Khunais took part in the Battle
of Badr in which he was martyred, leaving no issue. After the prescribed period of iddat was over, the Holy Prophet (pbuh)
expressed his desire to marry Hazrat Hafsa with a view to strengthening his ties with Hazrat Umar and his tribe.

Hazrat Hafsa died in the month of Shaban 45 A.H during the reign of Muawiya. Before her death, she asked her brother Abdullah
bin Umar to distribute her property to the poor and the needy. She had no issues. She was buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi. Her
knowledge of religious matters was very sound. Her thirst for knowledge ranks second to Hazrat Aisha. She spent much of her
time in reading and writing. The Holy Prophet (pbuh) had instructed her in religion and other related topics. As a result, she became
a teacher, guide and an authority on complicated matters. At least, sixty traditions have been quoted by her, which she heard
from the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and her father, Hazrat Umar. She was an extremely religious lady, known for her devotin to prayer
and fasting.
Hazrat Hafsa was also the custodian of the original copy of the Holy Quran complied by Zaid bin Sabit under orders from Khalifa,
Abu Bakr. This script first remained in the custody of Khalifa Abu Bakr. After his death, it passed into the possession of Hazrat
Umar who finally bequeathed it to Hazrat Hafsa for safe custody. This copy subsequently known as Mashal-e-Hafsa, the
authentic version of the Holy Quran.

(b) What can the life of any one of these wives teach Muslims about marriage? [4]

Candidates can choose any one of these marriages and talk about the lessons that they can give Muslims about marriage and
married life, and in particular could give examples of how these lessons could be put into practice. Answers could mention that
piety is a more important factor than age or whether someone has been married before; that women can play a vital role in
society and should not be deprived of education; that compassion and fairness should be practiced. Candidates can talk about
other lessons as long as they show their relevance. Better answers will be able to give examples of how these lessons can be
practiced by Muslims.