1 00:00:00,460 --> 00:00:09,009 The stories of the Prophets, peace be upon them. 2 00:00:09,009 --> 00:00:13,970 The prayers of Allah, followed by His peace, 3 00:00:13,970 --> 00:00:19,089 Be upon the best of all creation. 4 00:00:19,089 --> 00:00:23,949 Those of firm resolve, whose station is exalted, 5 00:00:23,949 --> 00:00:30,589 And a light for the generations that follow. 6 00:00:30,589 --> 00:00:33,460 In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. 7 00:00:33,539 --> 00:00:36,420 All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds. 8 00:00:36,420 --> 00:00:39,859 And may the prayers and peace of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, 9 00:00:39,859 --> 00:00:43,299 And upon all his family and companions. 10 00:00:43,299 --> 00:00:45,490 To proceed: 11 00:00:45,490 --> 00:00:47,729 My noble brother, the listener, 12 00:00:47,729 --> 00:00:49,649 Look around you. 13 00:00:49,649 --> 00:00:52,450 Turn your gaze to the right and to the left. 14 00:00:52,450 --> 00:00:56,500 Cast your eyes across this vast universe. 15 00:00:56,500 --> 00:00:59,179 You will see a magnificent creation. 16 00:00:59,179 --> 00:01:01,500 This sky above us, 17 00:01:01,500 --> 00:01:03,740 Like a canopy spread out, 18 00:01:03,740 --> 00:01:07,260 Containing within its expanse thousands of millions 19 00:01:07,260 --> 00:01:09,859 Of stars and planets. 20 00:01:09,859 --> 00:01:12,579 And you see in it the sun and the moon, 21 00:01:12,579 --> 00:01:15,790 Moving according to precise calculation. 22 00:01:15,790 --> 00:01:19,469 “It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float each in an orbit.” (36:40) 23 00:01:19,469 --> 00:01:22,480 “It is not for the sun to overtake the moon, nor doth the night outstrip the day. They float each in an orbit.” (36:40) 24 00:01:22,480 --> 00:01:25,920 And this earth beneath us and around us, 25 00:01:25,920 --> 00:01:29,120 In which we traverse wide paths, 26 00:01:29,120 --> 00:01:32,159 Between its mountains and its valleys, 27 00:01:32,239 --> 00:01:34,719 Its seas and its rivers, 28 00:01:34,719 --> 00:01:37,359 Its plains and its rugged terrain, 29 00:01:37,359 --> 00:01:39,709 Deserts and forests, 30 00:01:39,709 --> 00:01:43,709 Trees of various colors and tastes, 31 00:01:43,709 --> 00:01:48,049 And different kinds of animals. 32 00:01:48,049 --> 00:01:53,010 If we were to take a simple, contemplative look at ourselves, 33 00:01:53,010 --> 00:01:56,180 We would see wonders beyond measure. 34 00:01:56,180 --> 00:01:58,980 How this human body functions 35 00:01:58,980 --> 00:02:01,780 With such high precision: 36 00:02:01,939 --> 00:02:04,980 A heart that beats without ceasing, 37 00:02:04,980 --> 00:02:07,859 Blood that flows without obstruction, 38 00:02:07,859 --> 00:02:09,939 Hearing and sight, 39 00:02:09,939 --> 00:02:14,530 And internal organs working without pause. 40 00:02:14,530 --> 00:02:17,889 This creation must have a Creator, 41 00:02:17,889 --> 00:02:22,349 And this universe must have an Owner and Disposer of affairs. 42 00:02:22,349 --> 00:02:24,909 The person of sound natural disposition (fitrah) 43 00:02:24,909 --> 00:02:28,750 Cannot fail to realize that Allah, glory be to Him and Exalted is He, 44 00:02:28,750 --> 00:02:33,099 Is the Creator of all things. 45 00:02:33,180 --> 00:02:37,500 A Bedouin was asked, "How did you come to know Allah, the Exalted?" 46 00:02:37,500 --> 00:02:41,819 He replied, "The footprint indicates the traveler, 47 00:02:41,819 --> 00:02:45,120 And the dung indicates the camel." 48 00:02:45,120 --> 00:02:47,599 A sky with constellations, 49 00:02:47,599 --> 00:02:49,840 An earth with paths, 50 00:02:49,840 --> 00:02:52,639 And seas with waves— 51 00:02:52,639 --> 00:02:56,400 Do they not point to the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing? 52 00:02:56,400 --> 00:02:58,639 Allah, the Exalted, says: 53 00:02:58,639 --> 00:03:04,000 ﴾And if you asked them, "Who created the heavens and the earth 54 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:09,840 And subjected the sun and the moon?" 55 00:03:09,840 --> 00:03:13,710 They would surely say, "Allah." 56 00:03:13,710 --> 00:03:17,389 Then how are they deluded?﴿ 57 00:03:17,740 --> 00:03:22,860 ﴾Allah extends provision for whom He wills 58 00:03:22,860 --> 00:03:25,979 Of His servants and restricts it for him. 59 00:03:25,979 --> 00:03:31,500 Indeed, Allah is Knowing of all things.﴿ 60 00:03:31,500 --> 00:03:38,699 “And if thou wert to ask them: Who causeth water to come down from the sky, and therewith reviveth the earth after its death? they verily would say: Allah. Say: Praise be to Allah! But most of them have no sense.” (29:63) 61 00:03:38,699 --> 00:03:43,060 ﴾And He gives life to the earth 62 00:03:43,060 --> 00:03:45,379 After its death.﴿ 63 00:03:45,379 --> 00:03:48,659 They would surely say, "Allah." 64 00:03:48,659 --> 00:03:51,539 Say, "All praise is due to Allah." 65 00:03:51,539 --> 00:03:56,000 “And if thou wert to ask them: Who causeth water to come down from the sky, and therewith reviveth the earth after its death? they verily would say: Allah. Say: Praise be to Allah! But most of them have no sense.” (29:63) 66 00:03:56,000 --> 00:03:58,139 And the poet said: 67 00:03:58,139 --> 00:04:01,500 Contemplate the plants of the earth and look 68 00:04:01,500 --> 00:04:05,180 At the traces of what the King has fashioned. 69 00:04:05,180 --> 00:04:08,780 Eyes of silver, wide-open, 70 00:04:08,780 --> 00:04:12,379 With pupils that are like molten gold. 71 00:04:12,379 --> 00:04:16,060 Upon stalks of chrysolite, bearing witness 72 00:04:16,060 --> 00:04:21,410 That Allah has no partner. 73 00:04:21,410 --> 00:04:23,889 When Allah created the creation, 74 00:04:23,889 --> 00:04:26,689 It was not in vain. 75 00:04:26,689 --> 00:04:29,649 Rather, He created them for a sublime wisdom 76 00:04:29,649 --> 00:04:31,759 And a momentous purpose. 77 00:04:31,759 --> 00:04:33,790 The Exalted says: 78 00:04:33,790 --> 00:04:36,750 “I created the jinn and humankind only that they might worship Me.” (51:56) 79 00:04:36,750 --> 00:04:39,279 ﴾Except to worship Me.﴿ 80 00:04:39,279 --> 00:04:41,680 Yes, this is the goal 81 00:04:41,680 --> 00:04:44,000 Of the creation of jinn and mankind: 82 00:04:44,000 --> 00:04:46,990 That Allah, the Exalted, be worshipped. 83 00:04:46,990 --> 00:04:48,509 And worship 84 00:04:48,509 --> 00:04:50,269 Is everything that Allah loves 85 00:04:50,269 --> 00:04:52,029 And is pleased with, from among statements 86 00:04:52,029 --> 00:04:55,709 And actions, both outward and inward. 87 00:04:55,709 --> 00:04:57,069 But, 88 00:04:57,069 --> 00:04:59,629 How are we to know what Allah loves 89 00:04:59,629 --> 00:05:02,670 And is pleased with, of statements and actions? 90 00:05:02,670 --> 00:05:04,189 And before that, 91 00:05:04,189 --> 00:05:07,149 How are we to know who Allah is, 92 00:05:07,149 --> 00:05:09,870 And what His names and attributes are, 93 00:05:09,870 --> 00:05:13,709 And what He has commanded us and what He has forbidden us? 94 00:05:13,709 --> 00:05:15,790 How do we draw near to Him, 95 00:05:15,790 --> 00:05:19,870 And how do we avoid His wrath and His punishment? 96 00:05:19,870 --> 00:05:22,509 All these questions and others 97 00:05:22,509 --> 00:05:24,350 Cannot be answered by the weak servant 98 00:05:24,350 --> 00:05:26,750 Unless Allah guides him to them. 99 00:05:26,750 --> 00:05:30,180 Therefore, 100 00:05:30,180 --> 00:05:31,300 It was out of the mercy of Allah, the Exalted, toward us 101 00:05:31,300 --> 00:05:34,339 That He sent us messengers to guide us to Him, 102 00:05:34,339 --> 00:05:38,259 To inform us of His names and attributes, 103 00:05:38,259 --> 00:05:41,459 And of what He loves and what He does not love. 104 00:05:41,459 --> 00:05:44,560 They convey to us His commands, 105 00:05:44,560 --> 00:05:46,720 So that we may obey them, 106 00:05:46,720 --> 00:05:48,480 And His prohibitions, so that we may avoid them. 107 00:05:48,480 --> 00:05:51,439 They teach us how to worship Him, 108 00:05:51,439 --> 00:05:53,600 And we perform it, 109 00:05:53,680 --> 00:05:55,199 And we carry it out in the correct manner. 110 00:05:55,199 --> 00:05:58,319 And what is the reward of the obedient among us if he obeys, 111 00:05:58,319 --> 00:06:01,839 And what is the reward of the disobedient if he disobeys, 112 00:06:01,839 --> 00:06:05,519 So that we may have clear insight, 113 00:06:05,519 --> 00:06:08,079 And so that mankind will have no argument against Allah 114 00:06:08,079 --> 00:06:11,300 After the messengers. 115 00:06:11,300 --> 00:06:13,649 Allah, the Exalted, says: 116 00:06:13,649 --> 00:06:16,050 ﴾Messengers as bringers of good tidings and warners 117 00:06:16,050 --> 00:06:21,089 So that mankind will have no argument against Allah 118 00:06:21,089 --> 00:06:24,129 After the messengers.﴿ 119 00:06:24,129 --> 00:06:29,009 “Messengers of good cheer and of warning, in order that mankind might have no argument against Allah after the messengers. Allah was ever Mighty, Wise.” (4:165) 120 00:06:29,009 --> 00:06:33,089 And ever is Allah Exalted in Might and Wise. 121 00:06:33,089 --> 00:06:37,470 It is from the perspective of His might and wisdom, glory be to Him, 122 00:06:37,470 --> 00:06:40,829 That He made these messengers human beings, 123 00:06:40,829 --> 00:06:44,269 With habits like the habits of other humans; 124 00:06:44,269 --> 00:06:48,430 They eat, they drink, and they walk in the marketplaces. 125 00:06:48,430 --> 00:06:52,980 Allah has placed a messenger in every nation 126 00:06:53,060 --> 00:06:58,259 Who speaks their language to clarify the message of their Lord to them. 127 00:06:58,259 --> 00:07:01,180 The wisdom behind this is evident, 128 00:07:01,180 --> 00:07:04,620 For it enables people to learn from them 129 00:07:04,620 --> 00:07:06,699 And to take them as examples. 130 00:07:06,699 --> 00:07:09,379 If the messengers were not human, 131 00:07:09,379 --> 00:07:12,660 There would be no benefit in sending them, 132 00:07:12,660 --> 00:07:16,500 Due to the difference in nature and temperament. 133 00:07:16,500 --> 00:07:22,990 Thus, the need of people for messengers is an urgent need; 134 00:07:23,069 --> 00:07:28,910 Indeed, it is the most essential of necessities for humanity. 135 00:07:28,910 --> 00:07:33,300 It is more important than the food that sustains their bodies, 136 00:07:33,300 --> 00:07:38,449 For the need of people for the Shariah, which sustains the soul, 137 00:07:38,449 --> 00:07:42,050 Is greater than their need for food. 138 00:07:42,050 --> 00:07:44,980 Ibn al-Qayyim, may Allah have mercy on him, said: 139 00:07:44,980 --> 00:07:47,819 "From here you learn the necessity of the servants, 140 00:07:47,819 --> 00:07:50,939 Above every other necessity, to know the Messenger, 141 00:07:51,019 --> 00:07:54,300 To know the Messenger and what he brought, 142 00:07:54,300 --> 00:07:56,939 To believe him in what he informed, 143 00:07:56,939 --> 00:07:59,660 And to obey him in what he commanded. 144 00:07:59,660 --> 00:08:02,540 For there is no path to happiness and success, 145 00:08:02,540 --> 00:08:05,019 Neither in this world nor in the Hereafter, 146 00:08:05,019 --> 00:08:07,660 Except through the hands of the messengers. 147 00:08:07,660 --> 00:08:10,540 And there is no way to know the good from the evil 148 00:08:10,540 --> 00:08:13,660 In detail except from their direction. 149 00:08:13,660 --> 00:08:18,540 And the pleasure of Allah is not attained at all except through them. 150 00:08:18,540 --> 00:08:21,899 The good among deeds, words, and morals 151 00:08:21,899 --> 00:08:25,339 Is nothing but their guidance and what they brought. 152 00:08:25,339 --> 00:08:27,420 They are the accurate scale 153 00:08:27,420 --> 00:08:30,939 By which words, morals, and deeds 154 00:08:30,939 --> 00:08:34,620 Are weighed. 155 00:08:34,620 --> 00:08:39,580 And by following them, the people of guidance are distinguished from the people of misguidance. 156 00:08:39,580 --> 00:08:44,539 The necessity for them is greater than the necessity of the body for its soul, 157 00:08:44,539 --> 00:08:46,700 Of the eye for its light, 158 00:08:46,779 --> 00:08:49,539 And of the soul for its life. 159 00:08:49,539 --> 00:08:52,500 So whatever necessity or need you imagine, 160 00:08:52,500 --> 00:08:57,629 The servant's necessity and need for the messengers is far greater. 161 00:08:57,629 --> 00:09:00,509 And what is your thought of one who, if their guidance 162 00:09:00,509 --> 00:09:03,149 And what they brought were absent from you for the blink of an eye, 163 00:09:03,149 --> 00:09:04,909 Your heart would become corrupt, 164 00:09:04,909 --> 00:09:09,889 And you would be like the fish when it leaves the water and is placed in the frying pan. 165 00:09:09,889 --> 00:09:12,610 Such is the state of the servant when his heart is separated 166 00:09:12,610 --> 00:09:14,690 From what the messengers brought, 167 00:09:14,690 --> 00:09:16,370 Like this state, 168 00:09:16,370 --> 00:09:17,889 Or even worse. 169 00:09:17,889 --> 00:09:22,049 But only a living heart feels this, 170 00:09:22,049 --> 00:09:26,029 For the dead feel no pain from a wound." 171 00:09:26,029 --> 00:09:29,440 His words end here. 172 00:09:29,440 --> 00:09:34,740 Prophethood and messengership are a choice and selection from Allah, the Exalted. 173 00:09:34,740 --> 00:09:44,019 “Allah chooseth from the angels messengers, and (also) from mankind. Lo! Allah is Hearer, Seer.” (22:75) 174 00:09:44,019 --> 00:09:51,179 Indeed, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing. 175 00:09:51,179 --> 00:09:55,659 No one has the right to object to the choice of Allah, the Exalted. 176 00:09:55,659 --> 00:09:58,379 For these prophets and messengers 177 00:09:58,379 --> 00:10:00,860 Are the purest of people in heart, 178 00:10:00,860 --> 00:10:02,860 The most truthful in faith, 179 00:10:02,860 --> 00:10:04,860 The strongest in worship, 180 00:10:04,860 --> 00:10:06,860 The most intelligent in mind, 181 00:10:06,860 --> 00:10:08,860 The best in character, 182 00:10:08,860 --> 00:10:10,860 The most perfect in religion, 183 00:10:10,860 --> 00:10:12,860 The strongest in patience, 184 00:10:13,100 --> 00:10:15,100 The greatest in mercy, 185 00:10:15,100 --> 00:10:17,100 The most perfect in physical form, 186 00:10:17,100 --> 00:10:19,100 The best in appearance, 187 00:10:19,100 --> 00:10:21,100 And the most truthful in speech. 188 00:10:21,100 --> 00:10:23,100 And yet, with all that, 189 00:10:23,100 --> 00:10:25,100 They are like other human beings; 190 00:10:25,100 --> 00:10:27,100 They do what other humans do, 191 00:10:27,100 --> 00:10:29,100 Such as marriage, eating, and drinking. 192 00:10:29,100 --> 00:10:33,100 And they are afflicted by what afflicts humans in terms of ailments, 193 00:10:33,100 --> 00:10:37,100 Such as sickness, hunger, and pain, 194 00:10:37,100 --> 00:10:40,289 And other things. 195 00:10:40,289 --> 00:10:42,289 And it is from the mercy of Allah, the Exalted, 196 00:10:42,289 --> 00:10:44,289 That there is no nation 197 00:10:44,289 --> 00:10:46,289 But that a warner from Allah has passed through it. 198 00:10:46,289 --> 00:10:48,289 The Children of Israel 199 00:10:48,289 --> 00:10:50,289 Were governed by the prophets and messengers, 200 00:10:50,289 --> 00:10:52,289 And sometimes there would be, 201 00:10:52,289 --> 00:10:54,289 In a single village, 202 00:10:54,289 --> 00:10:56,289 More than one messenger, 203 00:10:56,289 --> 00:10:58,320 As the Exalted said in Surah Yasin: 204 00:11:12,379 --> 00:11:14,379 ﴾But they denied them both, 205 00:11:14,379 --> 00:11:16,379 So We strengthened them with a third.﴿ 206 00:11:16,379 --> 00:11:18,379 Then We strengthened them with a third. 207 00:11:18,379 --> 00:11:20,379 They said, "Indeed, we 208 00:11:20,379 --> 00:11:22,379 have been sent to you." 209 00:11:22,379 --> 00:11:24,960 From this, 210 00:11:24,960 --> 00:11:26,960 we know that the number of 211 00:11:26,960 --> 00:11:28,960 prophets and messengers is large. 212 00:11:28,960 --> 00:11:30,960 This is due to the multitude of those 213 00:11:30,960 --> 00:11:32,960 who preceded us from the nations, 214 00:11:32,960 --> 00:11:34,960 and the many to whom they were sent. 215 00:11:34,960 --> 00:11:36,960 Abu Dharr once asked 216 00:11:36,960 --> 00:11:38,960 the Messenger of Allah, 217 00:11:38,960 --> 00:11:40,960 peace be upon him, 218 00:11:40,960 --> 00:11:42,960 about the number of messengers. 219 00:11:42,960 --> 00:11:44,960 He replied, "A great 220 00:11:44,960 --> 00:11:46,960 multitude: three hundred 221 00:11:46,960 --> 00:11:49,019 and a dozen or so." 222 00:11:49,019 --> 00:11:51,019 And when asked about the number of prophets, 223 00:11:51,019 --> 00:11:53,019 he said, 224 00:11:53,019 --> 00:11:55,019 "One hundred and twenty-four 225 00:11:55,019 --> 00:11:57,340 thousand prophets." 226 00:11:57,340 --> 00:11:59,340 The difference between a prophet and a messenger 227 00:11:59,340 --> 00:12:01,340 is that a prophet 228 00:12:01,340 --> 00:12:03,340 is one to whom 229 00:12:03,340 --> 00:12:05,340 Allah the Exalted reveals a revelation, 230 00:12:05,340 --> 00:12:07,340 so he informs others of what Allah has revealed 231 00:12:07,340 --> 00:12:09,340 to him and acts 232 00:12:09,340 --> 00:12:11,340 according to what came before him. 233 00:12:11,340 --> 00:12:13,340 But if he is sent, in addition to that, 234 00:12:13,340 --> 00:12:15,340 to a people or a land 235 00:12:15,340 --> 00:12:17,340 to convey the message of Allah 236 00:12:17,340 --> 00:12:19,340 to them, or if he brings a new 237 00:12:19,340 --> 00:12:21,340 law from Allah, 238 00:12:21,340 --> 00:12:23,340 then he is a messenger. 239 00:12:23,340 --> 00:12:25,340 Based on this, 240 00:12:25,340 --> 00:12:27,340 every messenger is a prophet, 241 00:12:27,340 --> 00:12:30,659 but not the reverse. 242 00:12:30,659 --> 00:12:32,659 We believe in detail 243 00:12:32,659 --> 00:12:34,659 in all the prophets and messengers 244 00:12:34,659 --> 00:12:36,659 whom Allah the Exalted mentioned 245 00:12:36,659 --> 00:12:38,659 in His Book, 246 00:12:38,659 --> 00:12:40,659 [and] twenty prophets, 247 00:12:40,659 --> 00:12:42,659 or those mentioned in the Sunnah of the Prophet, 248 00:12:42,659 --> 00:12:44,659 peace be upon him. 249 00:12:44,659 --> 00:12:46,659 We also believe that 250 00:12:46,659 --> 00:12:48,659 there are prophets and messengers 251 00:12:48,659 --> 00:12:50,659 other than those we know, 252 00:12:50,659 --> 00:12:52,659 and we believe in them in general. 253 00:12:52,659 --> 00:12:54,659 Allah the Exalted says: 254 00:12:54,659 --> 00:12:56,659 "And We have sent 255 00:12:56,659 --> 00:12:58,659 messengers before you; 256 00:12:58,659 --> 00:13:00,659 of them are those We have related 257 00:13:00,659 --> 00:13:02,659 to you, and of them are those 258 00:13:02,659 --> 00:13:04,659 “Verily We sent messengers before thee, among them those of whom We have told thee, and some of whom We have not told thee; and it was not given to any messenger that he should bring a portent save by Allah's leave, but when Allah's commandment cometh (the cause) is judged aright, and the followers of vanity will then be lost.” (40:78) 259 00:13:04,659 --> 00:13:06,779 We make no distinction between any 260 00:13:06,779 --> 00:13:08,779 of them in our belief." 261 00:13:08,779 --> 00:13:10,779 We believe that some of them 262 00:13:10,779 --> 00:13:12,779 are superior to others, 263 00:13:12,779 --> 00:13:14,779 as the Exalted says: 264 00:13:14,779 --> 00:13:16,779 "Those messengers, We favored 265 00:13:16,779 --> 00:13:18,879 some of them over others." 266 00:13:18,879 --> 00:13:20,879 The best of them are the five 267 00:13:20,879 --> 00:13:22,879 of firm resolve, 268 00:13:22,879 --> 00:13:24,879 who are Nuh, Ibrahim, 269 00:13:24,879 --> 00:13:26,879 Musa, 'Isa, 270 00:13:26,879 --> 00:13:28,879 and Muhammad, may the 271 00:13:28,879 --> 00:13:30,879 prayers and peace of Allah be upon them all. 272 00:13:30,879 --> 00:13:34,100 We will cover the biographies 273 00:13:34,100 --> 00:13:36,100 of those whom Allah has related to us 274 00:13:36,100 --> 00:13:38,100 in the Noble Qur'an 275 00:13:38,100 --> 00:13:40,100 in this blessed series, if Allah wills, 276 00:13:40,100 --> 00:13:42,100 drawing 277 00:13:42,100 --> 00:13:44,100 lessons and admonitions from their stories 278 00:13:44,100 --> 00:13:46,100 as much as we are able 279 00:13:46,100 --> 00:13:48,100 and as Allah grants us success. 280 00:13:48,100 --> 00:13:50,100 For Allah the Exalted says: 281 00:13:50,100 --> 00:13:52,100 "So relate the stories 282 00:13:52,100 --> 00:13:54,100 that perhaps they will give thought." 283 00:13:54,100 --> 00:13:56,100 Thus, recounting the stories of the prophets 284 00:13:56,100 --> 00:13:58,100 is an act of worship, a source of lessons, 285 00:13:58,100 --> 00:14:00,100 and benefits, 286 00:14:00,100 --> 00:14:02,100 and a sound path followed by 287 00:14:02,100 --> 00:14:04,220 those who truly know Allah. 288 00:14:04,220 --> 00:14:06,220 We will mention some of the Isra'iliyyat (narrations from the People of the Book) 289 00:14:06,220 --> 00:14:08,220 that are not problematic to mention, 290 00:14:08,220 --> 00:14:10,220 or that contain some benefit. 291 00:14:10,220 --> 00:14:12,220 The Prophet, 292 00:14:12,220 --> 00:14:14,220 peace be upon him, said: 293 00:14:14,220 --> 00:14:16,220 "Narrate from the Children of Israel, 294 00:14:16,220 --> 00:14:18,220 for there is no harm in it." 295 00:14:18,220 --> 00:14:20,220 He also said: 296 00:14:20,220 --> 00:14:22,220 "Do not believe the People of the Book, 297 00:14:22,220 --> 00:14:24,220 and do not deny them, 298 00:14:24,220 --> 00:14:26,220 but say: 'We believe in Allah 299 00:14:26,220 --> 00:14:28,220 and what was revealed to us.'" 300 00:14:28,220 --> 00:14:31,250 Before beginning 301 00:14:31,250 --> 00:14:33,250 to mention the stories of the noble prophets, 302 00:14:33,250 --> 00:14:35,250 it is appropriate for us 303 00:14:35,250 --> 00:14:37,250 to mention some of their characteristics 304 00:14:37,250 --> 00:14:39,250 with which Allah the Exalted 305 00:14:39,250 --> 00:14:41,279 has distinguished them. 306 00:14:41,279 --> 00:14:43,279 Among these is 307 00:14:43,279 --> 00:14:45,279 that they were distinguished by revelation from Allah the Exalted, 308 00:14:45,279 --> 00:14:47,279 and that they were all 309 00:14:47,279 --> 00:14:49,279 free men. 310 00:14:49,279 --> 00:14:51,279 Allah the Exalted says: 311 00:14:51,279 --> 00:14:53,279 "And We sent not before you 312 00:14:53,279 --> 00:14:55,279 except men to whom We revealed." 313 00:14:55,279 --> 00:14:57,279 “We sent not before thee (any messengers) save men whom We inspired from among the folk of the townships - Have they not travelled in the land and seen the nature of the consequence for those who were before them? And verily the abode of the Hereafter, for those who ward off (evil), is best. Have ye then no sense? -” (12:109) 314 00:14:57,279 --> 00:14:59,409 Among their characteristics 315 00:14:59,409 --> 00:15:01,409 is that they are infallible 316 00:15:01,409 --> 00:15:03,409 from committing major sins. 317 00:15:03,409 --> 00:15:05,409 They may fall into minor errors, 318 00:15:05,409 --> 00:15:07,409 but they do not persist 319 00:15:07,409 --> 00:15:09,409 in them, nor do they continue in them; 320 00:15:09,409 --> 00:15:11,409 rather, they desist 321 00:15:11,409 --> 00:15:13,409 from them and seek forgiveness, 322 00:15:13,409 --> 00:15:15,409 and their state after 323 00:15:15,409 --> 00:15:17,409 repentance is better than it was before. 324 00:15:17,409 --> 00:15:19,409 They were also distinguished 325 00:15:19,409 --> 00:15:21,409 by the fact that their eyes sleep, 326 00:15:21,409 --> 00:15:23,409 but their hearts do not sleep. 327 00:15:23,409 --> 00:15:25,409 They do not experience nocturnal emissions 328 00:15:25,409 --> 00:15:27,409 in their sleep. 329 00:15:27,409 --> 00:15:29,409 They have a guaranteed answered prayer. 330 00:15:29,409 --> 00:15:31,409 They are given a choice 331 00:15:31,409 --> 00:15:33,409 at the time of death. 332 00:15:33,409 --> 00:15:35,409 They are buried where they die. 333 00:15:35,409 --> 00:15:37,409 The earth 334 00:15:37,409 --> 00:15:39,409 does not consume their bodies. 335 00:15:39,409 --> 00:15:41,409 They do not leave behind 336 00:15:41,409 --> 00:15:43,409 wealth as inheritance; 337 00:15:43,409 --> 00:15:45,409 what they leave is charity. 338 00:15:45,409 --> 00:15:47,409 Each one of them 339 00:15:47,409 --> 00:15:49,409 has a basin on the Day of Resurrection 340 00:15:49,409 --> 00:15:51,409 to which his Ummah will come. 341 00:15:51,409 --> 00:15:54,590 In studying the stories 342 00:15:54,590 --> 00:15:56,590 of the prophets, peace be upon them, 343 00:15:56,590 --> 00:15:58,590 there are numerous benefits, 344 00:15:58,590 --> 00:16:00,590 the most important of which is 345 00:16:00,590 --> 00:16:02,590 taking lessons and admonitions 346 00:16:02,590 --> 00:16:04,590 from their stories, 347 00:16:04,590 --> 00:16:06,590 as the Exalted says: 348 00:16:06,590 --> 00:16:08,590 “In their history verily there is a lesson for men of understanding. It is no invented story but a confirmation of the existing (Scripture) and a detailed explanation of everything, and a guidance and a mercy for folk who believe.” (12:111) 349 00:16:08,590 --> 00:16:10,620 "A lesson for those of understanding." 350 00:16:10,620 --> 00:16:12,620 In them is also a strengthening for the heart of the Prophet, 351 00:16:12,620 --> 00:16:14,620 peace be upon him, 352 00:16:14,620 --> 00:16:16,620 and his Ummah. 353 00:16:16,620 --> 00:16:18,620 Allah the Exalted says: 354 00:16:18,620 --> 00:16:20,620 "And each [story] We relate to you 355 00:16:20,620 --> 00:16:22,620 from the news of the messengers." 356 00:16:22,620 --> 00:16:24,850 “And all that We relate unto thee of the story of the messengers is in order that thereby We may make firm thy heart. And herein hath come unto thee the Truth and an exhortation and a reminder for believers.” (11:120) 357 00:16:24,850 --> 00:16:26,850 We should know that the call 358 00:16:26,850 --> 00:16:28,850 of all the prophets is one; 359 00:16:28,850 --> 00:16:30,850 they are like brothers from different mothers, 360 00:16:30,850 --> 00:16:32,850 meaning 361 00:16:32,850 --> 00:16:34,850 that their religion is one, 362 00:16:34,850 --> 00:16:36,850 though their laws differ. 363 00:16:36,850 --> 00:16:38,850 The religion with Allah 364 00:16:38,850 --> 00:16:40,940 is Islam. 365 00:16:40,940 --> 00:16:42,940 Perhaps one of the most important benefits 366 00:16:42,940 --> 00:16:44,940 of studying the stories of the prophets 367 00:16:44,940 --> 00:16:46,940 is knowing their methods 368 00:16:46,940 --> 00:16:48,940 in calling to Allah, 369 00:16:48,940 --> 00:16:50,940 their patience with their people, 370 00:16:50,940 --> 00:16:52,940 and following their example in that, 371 00:16:52,940 --> 00:16:54,940 as the Exalted says: 372 00:16:54,940 --> 00:16:56,940 “Those are they whom Allah guideth, so follow their guidance. Say (O Muhammad, unto mankind): I ask of you no fee for it. Lo! it is naught but a Reminder to (His) creatures.” (6:90) 373 00:16:56,940 --> 00:16:58,940 "So from their guidance, take an example." 374 00:16:58,940 --> 00:17:02,320 We ask Allah the Exalted 375 00:17:02,320 --> 00:17:04,319 to grant us success 376 00:17:04,319 --> 00:17:06,319 in this blessed series, 377 00:17:06,319 --> 00:17:08,319 and to grant us the ability to 378 00:17:08,319 --> 00:17:10,319 listen well and follow well. 379 00:17:10,319 --> 00:17:12,319 Allah is the Grantor of success. 380 00:17:12,319 --> 00:17:14,380 Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds. 381 00:17:14,380 --> 00:17:16,380 May the peace and blessings of Allah be 382 00:17:16,380 --> 00:17:18,380 upon our Prophet Muhammad, 383 00:17:18,380 --> 00:17:20,380 and upon his family 384 00:17:20,380 --> 00:17:22,380 and all his companions. 385 00:17:22,380 --> 00:17:26,079 You have been 386 00:17:26,079 --> 00:17:28,079 with the Stories of the Prophets.