Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum: A Comprehensive Biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

 Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum, also known as "The Sealed Nectar", is a comprehensive biography of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It was written by Saifur Rahman Mubarakpuri, a renowned Islamic scholar and historian, in the Arabic language. The book has been translated into several languages and has gained widespread popularity among Muslims worldwide. This article will delve into the history, significance, and contents of Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum.

History of Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum

The idea of writing a comprehensive biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was first conceived by the Saudi Arabian government in the 1970s. The project was launched to counter the negative propaganda against Islam and its Prophet, which was being spread by some Western writers. The Saudi government invited scholars and historians from across the Muslim world to contribute to the project, and Saifur Rahman Mubarakpuri was one of them.

Mubarakpuri was a well-known scholar and historian from India who had authored several books on Islamic history and jurisprudence. He was selected to write the biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Arabic, which he completed in 1979. The book was titled "Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum" (The Sealed Nectar) and was published in Arabic in 1983. It was later translated into several languages, including English, Urdu, Bengali, Malay, and Turkish.

Significance of Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum

Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum is considered one of the most authentic and comprehensive biographies of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It has been widely praised by scholars and historians for its accuracy, reliability, and clarity. The book is based on authentic sources, including the Quran, Hadith, and the works of early Islamic scholars and historians.

Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum is also significant because it provides a detailed account of the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the early Islamic era. The book covers all aspects of the Prophet's life, including his early years, his prophethood, his teachings, his battles, his family life, his character, and his legacy. It also provides a comprehensive account of the social, political, and economic conditions of the Arabian Peninsula before and after the advent of Islam.

Contents of Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum

Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum is divided into three parts. The first part covers the pre-Islamic era, the Prophet's early life, and the events leading up to his prophethood. The second part covers the Prophet's life after he received the divine revelation, including his teachings, his battles, and his character. The third part covers the period after the Prophet's death, including the caliphate of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali.

Part One: Pre-Islamic Arabia

The first part of the book provides a detailed account of the social, political, and economic conditions of the Arabian Peninsula before the advent of Islam. It describes the various tribes and clans that inhabited the region, their customs, traditions, and beliefs. It also discusses the religious, cultural, and economic practices of the Arabs, including their idol worship, poetry, trade, and warfare.

The book also covers the early life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), including his birth, childhood, and adolescence. It describes his family background, his upbringing, and his early years as a shepherd. It also discusses the various events that led to his marriage to Khadijah, a wealthy widow who was 15 years older than him.

Part Two: The Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

The second part of the book covers the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after he received the divine revelation. It describes the various aspects of his prophethood, including the revelations he received, the opposition he faced from the disbelievers, and the migration to Medina.

The book also provides a detailed account of the Prophet's teachings, including the principles of Tawheed (monotheism), morality, and social justice. It describes the various Islamic rituals, including prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage, and their significance in Islam.

The book also covers the battles that the Prophet (PBUH) participated in, including the battles of Badr, Uhud, and Khandaq. It provides a detailed account of the military strategies employed by the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions and their victories over the disbelievers.

The book also discusses the Prophet's character and his interactions with his companions and the wider community. It describes his humility, kindness, and compassion towards all people, regardless of their social status or background.

Part Three: The Caliphate

The third part of the book covers the period after the Prophet's death, including the caliphate of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. It provides a detailed account of their leadership, their accomplishments, and their challenges.

The book also covers the various developments in Islamic jurisprudence and the compilation of the Quran during the early caliphate period. It provides a comprehensive account of the political, social, and economic conditions of the Muslim community during this time.

Conclusion

Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum is a comprehensive and authentic biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that provides a detailed account of his life and teachings. It is considered a valuable resource for Muslims and non-Muslims alike who seek to understand the history and teachings of Islam.

The book is significant because it provides a detailed account of the social, political, and economic conditions of the Arabian Peninsula before and after the advent of Islam. It also provides a comprehensive account of the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH), his teachings, and his interactions with his companions and the wider community.

Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the history of Islam. Its accuracy, reliability, and clarity have made it one of the most popular and widely read biographies of the Prophet (PBUH) around the world.