Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum

 

Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar)

About the Book

Title: Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (الرحيق المختوم)
English: The Sealed Nectar
Author: Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri (1943-2006)
Award: First Prize in the worldwide competition on the biography of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) organized by the Muslim World League (1979)
Subject: Complete biography of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) from birth to death
Language: Originally written in Arabic, translated into numerous languages

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Part One: Pre-Islamic Arabia

Chapter 1: Location and Nature of Arabia

• Geographic description of the Arabian Peninsula
• Climate, terrain, and natural resources
• Strategic location between major civilizations
• Trade routes connecting East and West

Chapter 2: Arab Tribes and Their Lineages

• Northern Arabs (Adnanites) and Southern Arabs (Qahtanites)
• Major tribal confederations
• Tribal customs, honor codes, and social structure
• The position of Quraysh tribe in Mecca

Chapter 3: Political and Social Conditions

• Absence of central government
• Tribal governance and leadership
• Class divisions in Arabian society
• Status of women, children, and slaves
• Blood feuds and tribal warfare

Chapter 4: Religious Conditions

• Prevalence of polytheism and idol worship
• The 360 idols in and around the Kaaba
• Remnants of Abrahamic monotheism
• Jews and Christians in Arabia
• Superstitions and religious practices

Chapter 5: Economic and Cultural Life

• Trade and commerce (caravans to Syria and Yemen)
• Agriculture in oases
• Poetry and oral tradition
• Arab markets and fairs (Souk Ukaz)
• Pre-Islamic Arabic language and literature

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Part Two: The Prophet’s Birth and Early Life

Chapter 6: Noble Lineage

• Ancestry tracing back to Prophet Ibrahim
• The family tree from Adnan to Abdullah
• Status of the Hashim clan within Quraysh
• The year of the Elephant (570 CE)

Chapter 7: Birth and Childhood (570-583 CE)

• Birth in Mecca on the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal
• Death of his father Abdullah before birth
• Nursing by Halimah Sa’diyah in the desert
• Incident of the opening of his chest by angels
• Death of his mother Aminah when he was six
• Care by his grandfather Abdul Muttalib
• Death of Abdul Muttalib and guardianship by Abu Talib

Chapter 8: Youth and Early Manhood (583-595 CE)

• Growing up under Abu Talib’s protection
• Accompanying uncle on trade journey to Syria
• Meeting with the monk Bahira
• Known as “Al-Ameen” (the Trustworthy)
• Participation in Hilf al-Fudul (League of the Virtuous)
• Working as a shepherd and in trade

Chapter 9: Marriage to Khadijah (595 CE)

• Trade journey to Syria on behalf of Khadijah
• Success in business dealings
• Khadijah’s proposal through a relative
• Marriage at age 25 (Khadijah was 40)
• Their children: Qasim, Abdullah, Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, Fatimah
• Rebuilding of the Kaaba and the Black Stone incident

Chapter 10: Signs of Prophethood

• Inclination toward solitude and contemplation
• Retreats to Cave Hira for meditation
• True dreams that came to pass
• Dislike for idol worship despite cultural pressure
• Growing spiritual awareness

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Part Three: The Prophetic Mission Begins

Chapter 11: The First Revelation (610 CE)

• Angel Jibreel appears in Cave Hira during Ramadan
• The first verses revealed: “Read in the name of your Lord…” (Quran 96:1-5)
• The Prophet’s fear and Khadijah’s reassurance
• Visit to Waraqah ibn Nawfal who confirms the prophethood
• Pause in revelation (Fatrat al-Wahy)

Chapter 12: The Call to Islam Begins

• Secret preaching phase (first three years)
• The first Muslims: Khadijah, Ali, Abu Bakr, Zaid ibn Harithah
• Early converts from different social classes
• House of Arqam as a secret meeting place
• Approximately 40 Muslims by the third year

Chapter 13: The Public Declaration

• Command to warn his closest relatives
• Gathering on Mount Safa and public proclamation
• Abu Lahab’s opposition and the revelation of Surah Al-Masad
• Beginning of open opposition from Quraysh
• Ridicule, mockery, and accusations (poet, soothsayer, madman, magician)

Chapter 14: Persecution of Muslims

• Torture of weak and enslaved Muslims
• Bilal’s torture by Umayyah ibn Khalaf
• Suffering of Ammar, Yasir, and Sumayyah (first martyr)
• Boycott and social pressure tactics
• Physical attacks on the Prophet
• Protection by Abu Talib despite his non-conversion

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Part Four: Migrations and Tests

Chapter 15: First Migration to Abyssinia (615 CE)

• Escape of 11 men and 4 women to Christian Abyssinia
• Reception by the Negus (King)
• Quraysh delegation tries to extradite Muslims
• Ja’far ibn Abi Talib’s eloquent defense
• Negus protects the Muslim refugees
• Second migration (83 men and 19 women)

Chapter 16: Hamza and Umar Accept Islam

• Hamza’s conversion after insult to the Prophet
• Strengthening of Muslim position
• Umar’s conversion – Islam becomes more public
• The Prophet’s prayer: “O Allah, strengthen Islam with one of the two Umars”

Chapter 17: The Boycott (617-619 CE)

• Quraysh imposes complete social and economic boycott
• Confinement to the Valley of Abu Talib for three years
• Extreme hardship, hunger, and isolation
• Document of boycott hung in the Kaaba
• Termites eating the unjust document
• End of the boycott

Chapter 18: The Year of Sorrow (619 CE)

• Death of Abu Talib (loss of protection)
• Death of Khadijah (loss of emotional support)
• Increased persecution from Quraysh
• The Prophet’s deep grief

Chapter 19: Journey to Ta’if

• Seeking support and protection in Ta’if
• Rejection and physical assault by the people
• Stoning by children and mockery
• The famous supplication in the orchard
• Meeting with the Christian slave Addas
• Return to Mecca under protection

Chapter 20: The Night Journey and Ascension (621 CE)

• Al-Isra: Journey from Mecca to Jerusalem
• Leading all prophets in prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque
• Al-Mi’raj: Ascension through the seven heavens
• Meeting with previous prophets
• Approaching Allah and receiving the command of five daily prayers
• Description of Paradise and Hell
• Quraysh’s mockery; Abu Bakr’s unwavering belief

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Part Five: The Turning Point – Medina

Chapter 21: The Pledge of Aqaba

• First Pledge of Aqaba (621 CE): 12 people from Yathrib
• Second Pledge of Aqaba (622 CE): 73 men and 2 women
• Muslims from Yathrib pledge to protect the Prophet
• Decision to migrate to Medina

Chapter 22: The Migration (Hijrah)

• Quraysh’s plot to assassinate the Prophet
• Ali sleeps in the Prophet’s bed as a decoy
• Journey with Abu Bakr through the desert
• Three nights in the Cave of Thawr
• Spider web and dove’s nest miracle
• Pursuers at the cave entrance
• Arrival in Quba and then Medina (September 622 CE)
• Beginning of Islamic calendar

Chapter 23: Establishing the Islamic State

• Building the first mosque (Masjid Quba, then Masjid Nabawi)
• Brotherhood (Mu’akhah) between Muhajirin and Ansar
• Constitution of Medina (first written constitution)
• Rights and duties of citizens
• Relations with Jewish tribes
• Establishing Islamic governance

Chapter 24: Life in Medina

• The Prophet’s marriages to Aishah, Hafsah, and others
• Building the Muslim community
• Regular teaching circles in the mosque
• Transformation of social customs
• Revelation of legal and social rulings

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Part Six: Military Expeditions and Battles

Chapter 25: Permission for Fighting

• Initial command for patience and non-retaliation
• Permission to fight in self-defense (Quran 22:39-40)
• Reasons for military action: self-defense, protection of religious freedom
• Small reconnaissance missions

Chapter 26: Battle of Badr (624 CE)

• Quraysh caravan returning from Syria
• Muslim force of 313 vs Quraysh army of 1,000
• Strategic position at the wells of Badr
• Angel support and miraculous victory
• Death of key Quraysh leaders (Abu Jahl, Umayyah, etc.)
• Treatment of prisoners with mercy
• Significance: First major victory establishing Muslim credibility

Chapter 27: Battle of Uhud (625 CE)

• Quraysh seeks revenge with 3,000 fighters
• Muslim force of 700 (300 hypocrites withdraw)
• Initial Muslim victory turns to setback
• Archers disobey orders and leave positions
• The Prophet wounded, rumor of his death
• Martyrdom of Hamza and 70 Muslims
• Lessons in discipline and following commands
• Revelation addressing the defeat

Chapter 28: Minor Expeditions

• Expulsion of Jewish tribe Banu Qaynuqa
• Expedition to Banu Nadir
• Various small military campaigns
• Securing trade routes and alliances

Chapter 29: Battle of the Trench (627 CE)

• Coalition of Quraysh, Ghatafan, and other tribes (10,000 fighters)
• Salman al-Farsi suggests digging a defensive trench
• Siege of Medina for nearly a month
• Betrayal attempt by Jewish tribe Banu Qurayza
• Divine intervention: strong winds, discord among enemies
• Collapse of the coalition without battle
• Dealing with Banu Qurayza’s treachery

Chapter 30: Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (628 CE)

• Muslims set out for Umrah with 1,400 people
• Stopped at Hudaybiyyah by Quraysh
• Negotiations and treaty terms (seemingly unfavorable)
• Companions’ initial disappointment
• Revelation calls it a “Clear Victory” (Quran 48:1)
• Long-term benefits: peace, Da’wah opportunities, Muslim growth
• Conversion of Khalid ibn Walid and Amr ibn al-As

Chapter 31: Letters to Kings and Rulers

• Invitations to Islam sent to world leaders:
  • Heraclius (Byzantine Emperor)
  • Khosrow II (Persian King)
  • Muqawqis (Egyptian Ruler)
  • Negus of Abyssinia
  • Other regional leaders
• Various responses from acceptance to rejection
• Spread of Islam beyond Arabia

Chapter 32: Conquest of Khaybar (628 CE)

• Campaign against Jewish fortresses in Khaybar
• Strategic military planning
• Ali’s bravery in capturing the fort
• Treaty and terms with Jewish inhabitants
• Significant resources gained for Muslim state
• Poisoned meat incident (assassination attempt)

Chapter 33: Compensatory Umrah (628 CE)

• Muslims perform Umrah as per Hudaybiyyah treaty
• Three days in Mecca
• Display of Islamic strength and unity
• Quraysh witnesses Muslim devotion

Chapter 34: Battle of Mu’tah (629 CE)

• First major engagement with Byzantine forces
• Muslim army of 3,000 vs Byzantine army of 100,000+
• Martyrdom of appointed commanders: Zaid, Ja’far, Abdullah
• Khalid ibn Walid takes command and saves the army
• Strategic withdrawal preserving Muslim forces

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Part Seven: The Conquest and Final Years

Chapter 35: Conquest of Mecca (630 CE)

• Quraysh breaks the Hudaybiyyah treaty
• Muslim army of 10,000 marches to Mecca
• Bloodless conquest with minimal resistance
• The Prophet’s mercy and general amnesty
• Destruction of idols in and around Kaaba
• Declaration: “There is no compulsion in religion”
• Abu Sufyan and many Quraysh leaders accept Islam
• Mecca becomes Islamic without revenge or bloodshed

Chapter 36: Battle of Hunayn (630 CE)

• Tribes of Hawazin and Thaqif attack
• Initial setback due to Muslim overconfidence
• The Prophet’s steadfastness and rally
• Complete victory and significant war gains
• Distribution of wealth to win hearts
• Ansar’s initial disappointment, Prophet’s reassurance

Chapter 37: Siege of Ta’if (630 CE)

• Campaign against Ta’if following Hunayn
• Use of siege weapons
• Extended siege without conquest
• Decision to lift siege and pray for their guidance
• Later conversion of Ta’if delegation

Chapter 38: Battle of Tabuk (631 CE)

• Last military expedition led by the Prophet
• March to Syrian border during extreme heat
• Byzantine forces don’t engage
• Test of faith – many hypocrites exposed
• Treaty arrangements with Christian tribes
• Three Muslims punished for staying behind without excuse
• Their sincere repentance and Allah’s forgiveness

Chapter 39: The Year of Delegations (631 CE)

• Tribes from across Arabia send delegations
• Mass conversions to Islam
• Arabia largely under Islamic governance
• Teaching and training of new Muslims
• Appointment of governors and teachers

Chapter 40: Farewell Pilgrimage (632 CE)

• The Prophet performs his first and last Hajj
• Over 100,000 Muslims accompany him
• The Farewell Sermon at Mount Arafat:
  • All humans equal regardless of race
  • Sanctity of life, property, and honor
  • Rights of women
  • Finality of prophethood
  • Message of Islam complete
• Revelation: “This day I have perfected your religion…” (Quran 5:3)
• Teaching the complete rituals of Hajj

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Part Eight: The Final Days

Chapter 41: Illness and Death

• Beginning of illness after return from Farewell Pilgrimage
• Request to spend final days in Aishah’s apartment
• Continued teaching despite severe illness
• Abu Bakr leads prayers on Prophet’s instruction
• Final sermon: choice between this world and the Hereafter
• Last moments with head in Aishah’s lap
• Final words: “Rather, the highest companionship in Paradise”
• Death on Monday, 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal, 11 AH (June 8, 632 CE)
• Age: 63 years

Chapter 42: The Companions’ Grief

• Shock and denial among companions
• Umar’s initial refusal to believe
• Abu Bakr’s wisdom: “Whoever worshipped Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. Whoever worships Allah, Allah is Ever-Living”
• Burial in Aishah’s chamber (current Prophet’s Mosque)
• Succession: Abu Bakr elected as first Caliph

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Part Nine: The Prophet’s Character and Legacy

Chapter 43: Physical Description

• Medium height, neither tall nor short
• Fair complexion with a rosy tint
• Broad shoulders and chest
• Black hair and beard (some white hairs in later years)
• Large, beautiful black eyes
• Graceful walk
• Pleasant fragrance
• Handsome and dignified appearance

Chapter 44: Moral Character

• Truthfulness (never lied before or after prophethood)
• Trustworthiness (kept enemies’ trusts)
• Justice and fairness to all
• Humility despite his status
• Generosity and charity
• Patience in adversity
• Forgiveness of enemies
• Courage in battle and truth
• Compassion and mercy
• Modesty and shyness
• Good humor and gentle smile

Chapter 45: Personal Life

• Simple lifestyle despite being a head of state
• Minimal possessions
• Often went hungry voluntarily
• Patched clothes and modest dwelling
• Active participation in household chores
• Kind and loving to his family
• Playful with children
• Respected and honored women

Chapter 46: As a Leader

• Consultative decision-making (Shura)
• Strategic military planning
• Diplomatic skills in treaties and negotiations
• Building alliances and managing diversity
• Establishing rule of law
• Economic policies and welfare state
• Educational initiatives
• Merciful governance

Chapter 47: Miracles and Signs

• The Quran itself (primary miracle)
• Splitting of the moon
• Water flowing from his fingers
• Small food feeding many people
• Trees and stones giving salaam
• Animals recognizing his prophethood
• Healing of the sick
• Predictions that came true

Chapter 48: His Teachings and Legacy

• Complete way of life covering all aspects
• Balance between spiritual and worldly matters
• Emphasis on knowledge and learning
• Importance of family and social relations
• Justice, equality, and human rights
• Environmental consciousness
• Economic justice and prohibition of exploitation
• Political ethics and governance principles
• International relations and treaties
• Foundation for Islamic civilization

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Key Themes Throughout the Book

1. Divine Providence: Every event guided by Allah’s wisdom
2. Patience and Perseverance: Years of hardship before success
3. Mercy and Forgiveness: Even to worst enemies
4. Justice: Equal treatment regardless of status
5. Community Building: Creating a unified Ummah from tribal divisions
6. Complete Guidance: Islam as a comprehensive way of life
7. Prophecy Fulfilled: Completion of the message of all prophets
8. Universal Message: Islam for all humanity, not just Arabs

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Historical Significance

Al-Raheeq Al-Makhtum is considered one of the most authentic and comprehensive biographies of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in modern times. It:

• Uses authentic sources from classical Islamic texts
• Presents history in chronological order
• Provides context and analysis
• Addresses both spiritual and practical aspects
• Accessible to modern readers
• Widely translated and distributed globally
• Used in Islamic studies worldwide
• Winner of international recognition

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Conclusion: The book presents the Prophet’s life as a perfect example for humanity – showing how one person, through complete submission to Allah, transformed not just Arabia but influenced world history forever. It demonstrates how Islam brought justice, equality, education, and moral reformation to a society steeped in ignorance and oppression.