Making Sense of the Portents of the Hour (H/B) – IIPH

Seerah and Biographies

This book is an obligation to every Muslim, both male and female, to attain the knowledge of Islam that is necessary for them in their daily lives. There are many books available on various aspects of Islam in English language, but most of them deal with aspects of general nature.

There are many rulings in Islam that are concerned with Muslim women only. It is the job of every Muslim woman to obtain adequate knowledge of what is addressed to her with respect to her religion.

All these specific issues relating to Muslim women, have been compiled in the book which is in-between your hands, in the form of questions and answers. Each of the questions presented in it, was addressed to world renowned scholars, both of our time and those who have passed away. In turn, the scholars answered them in simple language and concise manner, so that Muslims women may increase their knowledge of Islam and, eventually, become close to their Creator.

This book, authored by Luqman Nagy, introduces the reader to the life and times of Muhammad ibn Ismâ‘eel, the greatest of all Hadith scholars. In later life, he became known as Imam Bukhari. This Muslim spent his entire life in the service of his Lord and the Muslim community. His gift to the Ummah (nation) was the collection of hadiths in Saheeh al-Bukhâri, which Muslims cherish and read with confidence today. The story behind this remarkable achievement is certainly one worth telling and worth knowing.

Mercy is clemency and forbearance; mercy is the disposition to forgive or show compassion; mercy means a favor or a blessing; mercy further denotes the qualities of kindness, sympathy, generosity, and beneficence. Suffice is to say that all of these qualities were present in abundance in the character of the Prophet Muhammad (May Allah have his peace and blessings on him).

He was a mercy not just to believers, but to disbelievers as well, for he would invite them to come out of darkness and into the light of true guidance. He is a favor and blessing for mankind, not just the Arabs, the people among whom he was sent, but for people of all races and colors. His staunchest enemies became his closest followers when the cloud of blind prejudice was removed from their sight and when they were able, for the very first time, to see with clarity the true nature of the Prophet’s character.

This book deals with many of the qualities that the Prophet possessed that made him the mercy to everyone. It starts with His perfect lineage, His noble upbringing, and his fully dedicated worship. This book then gives many of the qualities of the Prophet including his generosity, humbleness, bravery, patience, and leadership to name a few. Each chapter includes examples from the life of the Prophet on how he was the perfect living example of that quality. The book ends with the perfection of life of the Prophet with his farewell sermon and even his noble death where he demonstrated some of those qualities as well.