Seerah - Lesson 11


		Lesson 11

The Cave of Thawr The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu secretly made for the cave of Thawr. Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu instructed his son Abdullah to find out the hostile plans and conversations of the Quraish and then communicate these to him. His daughters, Asma and Aisha Radhi Allahu Anhuma, used to prepare food and bring it to them at night. When the two arrived at the cave of Thawr Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu requested the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam to wait until he had searched and cleaned up the cave. Then he remembered that he had not searched one hole. He again asked the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam to wait and went in to see it for the second time. He let the Prophet Sallalahu Alaihi Wasallam into the cave only after he had fully satisfied himself that the cave did not harbour any wild beasts or reptiles. (1) Miracle of Love Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu had tremendous love for the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. When they set out for the cave of Thawr Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu sometimes went ahead of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and then behind him until the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam noticed his uneasiness and asked: "Abu Bakr, what is the matter? Often you come behind me and sometimes you go ahead!" Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu replied: "0 Prophet of Allah, when I think of those in pursuit I come behind you but then I think of others ahead and I go in front of you." (2) While in the cave of Thawr the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam fell asleep on the lap of Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu. A poisonous insect stung Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu but he dared not move and wake the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam from his sleep. Tears began to fall from his eyes onto the face of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam. The Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam applied his saliva to the spot and he was cured.



	Lessons to learn The role of Abdullah the son of Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu as a youth proves the critical nature of the youth in Islam. They are the pillars of the cause. Their sacrifice helps to further the cause rapidly. Islamic history is replete with examples of young men and women who gave their life for the cause of Islam. The sacrifice of Asma and Aisha Radhi Allahu Anhuma to brave the night and secretly deliver food to the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam shows the necessity of females in the cause of Islam. Their sincerity and courage despite the dangers proved crucial for the survival of Islam. Women of this nature provide crucial backup for their husbands, sons and brothers. Numerous other examples during the life of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam prove the glorious legacy left by the early women of Islam for all women to come. If we study Islamic history we will see that the great character and achievements of many Sahaba and Taabieen were due to the encouragement and upbringing they had received from their mothers and sisters. These women had created a love for Islam and its etiquettes in the lives of the people that were close to them. Muslim women, today, need to develop this very same spirit in order for Muslims to gain the respect and honour they had during the early era of Islam. They need to learn Islamic history, the life of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam and the beauty of Islam and impart this to their husbands and children. Click here for a special supplement on Muslim Women - Models of distinction.

Divine Assistance After the two companions had entered the cave a spider spun its web across the mouth of the cave and two doves sat over the cave for a time and laid their eggs there. (3) The most critical moment in world history drew near as the Quraishi men on the look out for the two fugitives came to the mouth of the cave where the two were hiding. The pursuers who stood debating among themselves at the mouth of the cave had only to look down inside but the web on the mouth of the cave convinced them that nobody could be inside it. One may find it surprising but this was divine assistance from Allah. Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu looked over his head. He saw the blood-thirsty warriors of the Quraish standing at the mouth of the cave. He said to his companion with a trembling heart: "O Prophet of Allah, they will see us if any one of them steps forward." What misgivings have you," replied, the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam, "about the two with whom the third is Allah?" (4) The Qurán explained this event : "When they two were in the cave, when he said to his companion: Grieve not, verily Allah is with us." (Surah Tawbah, verse 40)

	Lessons to learn The blindness of the Quraish, the spiders web and birds eggs are all perfect examples of divine assistance and the love and care from Allah for those who are true in the cause of Islam. In the hour of difficulty Allah can turn the tables easily and quickly. The answer of the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam to Abu Bakr Radhi Allahu Anhu showed his trust in Allah and belief in His help. He was at peace knowing that Allah would help him. It was proof that he was a man of Allah - a prophet. This is the critical difference between men of truth and falsehood. Men of truth do not fear failure and do not loose hope as Allah guides them. Men of evil have no helper and guide to fall back on for comfort. Allah has complete control of all of the creation. He can use a small spider or bird to protect a person against an army. Allah mentions in the Quran : "And to Allah belongs the hosts of the heavens and the earth." (Surah Al-Fath, verse 4)
		________________________________________ (1) Ibn Hisham (2) Ibn Kathir, Al Bidayah Wan Nihayah (3) Ibn Kathir, Al Bidayah Wan Nihayah (4) Bukhari ________________________________________
		Dua when seeing a Muslim smiling Meaning : May Allah keep you smiling.	Sunnah It is Sunnah to tell a fellow Muslim : "I love you for the sake of Allah."