VOLUME – III / CHAPTER - 1  

ISLAMIC BELIEFS  

Volume - III / CHAPTER - 1 / LESSON NO: 1  

ISLAMIC BELIEFS  

"TAUHEED" (MONOTHEISM)  

Q 1: How many fundamental beliefs of Islaam are there?  

1. There are three fundamental beliefs of Islaam i.e. Oneness of Allah (Monotheism),  Prophethood and the Resurrection Day. The remaining beliefs are subsidiary to these fountain heads of Islaam.  

Q 2: What does Tauheed mean?  

1. Tauheed means to believe with all heart and express by the tongue that Allah alone is the  Creator of all the worlds and everything therein. He has no partner, neither in His Ownself, in  His Attributes, in His Kingdom or in His worship.  

Q 3: What proof about Allah's Existence is there?  

1. The Existence of Allah is brighter than the sun. The belief in His Existence is ingrained in  everybody's nature which is evident from the fact that even deniers (of Allah) take ultimate  recourse to God when afflicted by any distress and disease and spontaneously call God for help  on death-bed.  

Q 4: Which things of the world are reflective of Allah's Existence?  

1. The sky, earth, stars, planets, humanbeings and animals and all other creatures are a cogent  proof to convince one of an average sense that all these giant and tiny things have not come into  existence at their own but have been created by any "most powerful authority" who is the real  Creator (Allah). How convincing are the words of a bedouin who said: droppings of a camel lead  one to acknowledge the existence of camel and footprints lead to the existence of a walker.  

The creation of the earth, the sky, the sun, the moon and other planets their movement and  function and alternation of the night with the day and vice versa in harmony and perfection are  the potent proofs of the existence of One Creator i.e. Allah Who is All-powerful, Omnipotent,  Supreme and All-wise. Nothing can go out of the control of this Mightiest Controller.  

Q 5: What proofs in respect of Tauheed are there?  

1. The first proof of the Oneness of God (Allah) is the human sense provided it is inclined to  acknowledge the truth. Almost all the prominent scholars and philosophers believe in  monotheism. The other proofs to this effect are adduced by the Holy Qur-aan.  

Q 6: What Qur-aanic proof of monotheism is there?  

1. There are many Qur-aanic verses which prove the Oneness of God (Allah). For example:  1. "Wa Ilaahukum Ilaahun Waahid. Laaa Ilaaha Illaa Huwar Rahmaa-nur-Raheem" (And your  God is One God, there is no God but He, the Most Affectionate, the Most Merciful).  2. "Shahidal Laahu Annahu Laaa Ilaaha Illaa Hoo. Wai Malaaa-ikatu wa Ulul-'Ilme Qaaa-Imaam  Bilqist" (There is the witness of Allah that there is none to be worshiped but He (Allah) alone  and the angels and the men of learning are witness and His dispensation is based on justice). 

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3. "Lau Kana Feehimaa Aalihatun Illal Laahu Lafasadataa" (If there were other gods on the earth  and in the sky than Allah, they would have ruined).  
4. "Izal Lazahaba Kullu Uaahin Bimaa Khalaqa Wala'alaa Ba'duhum 'Alaa Ba'd. Subhaanal  Laahe 'Ammaa Yasefoon" (If there were many gods, every god would have taken its creature and  swooped on the other. Glorified is Allah above all that which they say).  

Q 7: What are the cardinal points of Tauheed? A. The cardinal points of Tauheed are four:  1. Allah alone is Eternal.  

2. Allah alone is the Creator of all the celestial and terrestrial worlds.  
3. Allah alone is the Supreme, Final and Ultimate Sovereign, Master, Fashioner and Controller of  the earth, the sky and everything therein.  
4. Allah alone is worthy of worship.  

Q 8: What is meant by "Waajib-ul-Wujood"?  

1. Waajib-ul-Wujood is the entity which is Self-existent, Eternal and Which has no beginning  and no end. He has created and creates everything but nobody created Him. This Sublime entity  is of Allah alone.  

Q 9: What does "Qadeem" mean?  

1. Qadeem means eternally existing.  

Q10: What is meant by "Baaqi"?  

1. Baaqi means eternal in the end. It is also called" Abdi" which means ever-lasting(eternal). All  these attributes are the proved ones for Allah.  

Q11: What other things are eternal like the Sublime Person of Allah?  

1. The attributes of Allah are also eternal in the beginning and in the end like His Sublime  Person. All other things are "Haadis" (created ones). The one who considers anything excepting  Allah and His Attributes, as eternal and is doubtful about any "Haadis" or considers soul or any  other matter as eternal like Aryans, is undoubtedly an infidel and polytheist.  

Q12: What does "Haadis" mean?  

1. Haadis means a thing which had no existence but was created by anyone. It is also called  "Mumkin" (possible to be created).  

Q13: What are the Proper (Personal) and Attributive names of Allah?  

1. The proper (personal) name of Allah is "Allah" and all other names which indicate His one or  the other quality are attributive names.  

Q14: How many names of Allah are there?  

1. There are innumerable names of Allah. A saying of the Holy Prophet gives a glad tidings of  paradise to the believer who memorises ninety-nine names of Allah.  

Q15: Can Allah be remembered by other names besides these ones or not?  A. Remembering Allah by the names which are inconsistent with the Holy Qur-aan and Sunnah  like "Sakhi" (generous) or "Rafiq" (companion) is not allowed. Similarly those names which  have been fixed by other nations for Allah and carry bad meanings like "Raam" or "Parmaatama"  are also forbidden. 

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Q16: Can humanbeings be named by the name of Allah?  

1. Some names of Allah can be given to His servants like 'Alee, Rasheed, Kabeer etc: since such  names are not taken to mean for man what they signify for Allah. However, such names should  not be distorted i.e. to deliberately pronounce them incorrectly.  

 

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Volume - III / CHAPTER - 1 / LESSON NO: 2  

'MALAA-IKAH" (ANGELS)  

Q 1: What is meant by Malaa-ikah?  

1. Malaa-ikah is plural of Malak which is called angel.  

Q 2: What are angels?  

1. Angels are Noori (luminous, ethereal) creature and thorough obedient. They scrupulously  comply and carry out the commands of Allah and are, ipso facto, His chosen ones.  

Q 3: Do angels have any particular figure?  

1. No, angels do not have any particular figure. However, Allah Almighty has empowered them  to adopt any form or appearance. The Holy Qur-aan proves that angels are possessed of wings,  so we must believe in that.  

Q 4: Which angels are the highest and choicest ones?  

1. Hadrat Gibreil, Hadrat Michael, Hadrat Israfeil and Hadrat Izraeel are the choicest and  highest of all angels.  

Q 5: Which other angels are next to these four highest angels in status?  

A . The other higher angels after the four highest ones are: Hamalaat al-Arsh (four angels  holding the empyrean), angels who are taking circuit of Allah's throne, angels of throne (in  Divine presence), angels (status-wise) of all the seven skies, angels who arrange air, clouds and  water, angels posted on mountains and then are the other angels.  

Q 6: Is humanbeing superior to an angel or vice versa?  

1. Pious humanbeings (Allah's saints) are superior to the ordinary angels and the Messengers  among the angels are superior to common men whereas the Messengers/ Prophets of mankind  are superior to angels' Messengers.  

Q 7: What is Jinn (genie)?  

1. Genies are a creature like humanbeings, which were produced from fire. They have soul,  body, intellect and also eat and drink. They also reproduce themselves and are noted for their  longevity.  

Q 8: What appearance or figure do genies have?  

1. Some genies have been empowered to adopt any appearance or figure. It is proved by  traditions that some of them possess wings and fly in the air. Some live like humanbeings and  some wander in the figures of snakes and dogs. Their habitations are mostly deserts, forests,  mountains and desolate buildings.  

Q 9: What is Ibilis (Satan)?  

1. Mischievous genies are called devil and their leader is Ibilis (Satan). Ibilis was a devout  servant of Allah so much so that he was counted among the angels, but he was driven out and  cursed for ever due to his arrogance i.e. when Allah Almighty commanded angels to prostrate  before Prophet Adam, all did obey Him but he stood haughtily. The Satan has off-spring which is  all accursed like him. His only job is to lead the mankind astray. 

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Volume - III / CHAPTER - 1 / LESSON NO: 3  

DIVINE BOOKS  

Q 1: What is Divine Book?  

1. Divine Books are those books or Suhuf (little books) which Allah Almighty descended on His  Prophets for the guidance of His creatures (particularly mankind). These Divine Books are  "Kalaam Allah" (Speech of Allah) and whatever these books contained is the truth. It is must to  believe in all of them.  

Q 2: Which one of these Divine Books is the most distinguished?  

1. Of all these Divine Books, four are prominent ones: Torah (old Testament), Zabur (the  original Psalms), Bible (new Testament) and the Holy Qur-aan. The Glorious Qur-aan is the  most distinguished of all Divine Books.  

Q 3: In which languages were these prominent Divine Books sent down?  

1. Torah and Zabur were sent down in Hebrews' language, Bible in Syriac and the Holy Qur-aan  in Arabic.  

Q 4: What is meant by the distinction of the Holy Qur-aan when all the Divine Books aire  "Kalaam Allah"?  

1. One thing is superior to the other in "Kalaam Allah" means the Holy Qur-aan carries more  reward for us.  

Q 5: Can we follow Torah and Bible etc: or not?  

1. No, we can not follow other Divine Books except the Holy Qur-aan because firstly the jews  and Christians have interpolated them thus these divine books are no more in original condition  and secondly most of the injunctions contained in the past books have been annulled (Mansookh)  by the Holy Qur-aan. Hence, if it is supposed that these books are original ones even then we can  not follow them. Besides, the Glorious Qur-aan contains all the things which are necessary for  mankind.  

Q 6: What is meant by "Mansookh" (annulled)?  

1. "Naskh" means that certain injunctions are for certain conditions or period. After the said  period is over, the other injunction is sent down which annuls the previous one(s) but, in fact, the  new injunction speaks of the fact that the period of the previous injunction is over. Thus the  former is called "Mansookh" (annulled) and the latter "Naasikh" (annulling injunction).  

Q 7: It means that the annulled injunction is not "Baatil" (false) so what about him who says it  "Baatil"?  

1. "Mansookh"(annulled injunction) should not be taken as "Baatil"(false) as some people do.  Use of such words is derogatory. Every divine injunction is the truth.  

Q 8: Was the Holy Qur-aan sent down in the same composition in which it is at present?  A. The verses of the Holy Qur-aan were sent down either singly or in batches (as the need arose)  during the span of 23 years. Its composition was not that which is at present.  

Q 9: How then the Holy Qur-aan was arranged in the present form? 

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1. The Holy Qur-aan was sent down in verse (singly or in batches). If the verses of one chapter  descended at one time the verses of the other chapter descended the other time and then the  verses of the former descended. At each time (Hadrat) Gibreil told the Holy Prophet about the  chapter to which the verses pertained and also their place in the chapter and in turn the Holy  Prophet told his companions that the verses descended belonged to such and such chapter and to  be put before that verse and after that one. Thus the verses of the Holy Qur-aan were placed in  the concerned chapters.  

The Holy Prophet used to recite the Holy Qur-aan so arranged in and out of the prayers and his  great companions followed the Holy Prophet to this effect. In short, the verses and chapters of  the Glorious Qur-aan were arranged in the present form by the command of Allah, (revealed  through Hadrat Gibreil) as it was preserved in "Lauhay Mahfooz" (protected tablet) during the  life time of the Holy Prophet.  

Q10: What is meant by "Makki" verses and "Madani" verses?  

1. The verses which were revealed to the Holy Prophet in Holy Makkah and its adjoining areas  are called "Makki" and the verses which were sent down in Holy Madinah and its surrounding  areas are called "Madani".  

Q11: What is the difference between the topics of Makki and Madani verses?  A. The difference between Makki and Madani verses in respect of topics is that Makki verses  generally explain the cardinal beliefs i.e. Tauheed (monotheism), Risaalat (Prophethood),  resurrection, Doomsday etc: whereas the Madani verses are the elucidation of actions i.e.  injunctions to ameliorate behaviour and manners and how to conduct life affairs in a decent way  etc.  

 

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Volume - III / CHAPTER - 1 / LESSON NO: 4  

THE PROPHETS & MESSENGERS  

Q 1: Which things are not found in Prophets?  

1. Six things are not found in Prophets i.e. 1. "Walad-uz-zina"(bastard). 2. Ugly countenance. 3.  Foolishness. 4. Cowardice. 5. Despondency, and 6. Impotency.  

Q 2: Can a Prophet commit major sin or not?  

1. Prophet is endowed with innocence and impeccable nature. He can not commit such things  which Allah Almighty dislikes. He is divinely protected even at such a critical juncture where a  man can not help erring. He does not do even a thing which is against decency what to talk of  committing a major sin.  

Q 3: Can he (Prophet) commit minor sins?  

1. Prophet can not commit even a minor sin intentionally irrespective of pre or post-prophethood  period. Any sort of mistake even a lapse in the communication of his mission is absolutely  impossible. However, being (apparently) a humanbeing the slightest error at his part that too  under divine wisdom is not impossible.  

Q 4: Can we talk about the lapses of the Prophets?  

1. Talking about the lapses of the Prophets, excluding the recitation of Qur-aanic verses or Holy  Prophet's sayings to this effect, is "Haraam" (strictly forbidden). All Apostles, Messengers and  Prophets are "chosen servants" of Allah and He is their Lord and Master. Nobody has got right to  speak of their lapses on the excuse of Allah's words in the Holy Qur-aan. Such person will render  himself "accursed" before Allah. Let us take an example of a father who admonishes his son and  calls him "disrespectful" on any mistake. Can any younger use such words for him which his  father did? No one can indeed. If does so, he will be considered insolent.  

In view of the given instance, it is easy to understand that those who willingly talk about the  lapses of the Prophets are "accursed" and will be consigned to the worst kind of torment in hell.  The believers must exercise great care and circumspection in such matters to save their "Eimaan"  (Islamic faith).  

Q 5: Has any Prophet been deposed by Allah Almighty?  

1. No, absolutely not. Prophethood is the highest rank which Allah Almighty conferred upon His  chosen servants who are made capable of acquitting well with the heaviest responsibility. He  who believes that any Prophet was deposed, is an infidel because he indirectly denigrates the  Omniscience and Omnipotence of Allah Almighty.  

Q 6: Which Prophets are living?  

1. All Prophets are living. A tradition in this context says: "Allah Almighty has made it  "Haraam" (strictly forbidden) for the earth to harm or spoil the bodies of the Prophets". So they  are alive with their Sovereign Lord (Allah) and divinely fed. The death had touched them for a  moment just to prove the Qur-aanic promise of death and thereafter they were endowed with the  real temporal life, which we can not conceive. However, four Prophets have not yet received the  taste of death i.e. Prophet Khider (Khizr) and Prophet Ilyas who are on the earth and Prophet  Idrees and Prophet Jesus who are in the skies/heavens. They will also meet the death. 

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Volume - III / CHAPTER - 1 / LESSON NO: 5  

THE LAST PROPHET  

Q 1: What does "Khaataman Nabi-yeen" mean?  

1. "Khaataman Nabi-yeen" or "Khatamal Mursaleen" means the "Last Prophet" i.e. Allah  Almighty has finished the succession of Prophets on Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's  choicest blessing & peace be upon him). No new Prophet will succeed him. The institution of  Prophethood/Messengership attained its pinnacle in him.  

Q 2: Is the Prophethood of our Holy Prophet meant for a particular nation or for all (is general)?  A. The Prophethood of our Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest  blessings & peace be upon him) is general for all creatures from the first humankind (Prophet  Adam) to the end of time (Doomsday). The Islaamic scholars and savants say that the  Prophethood/Messengership of the Holy Prophet encircles all mankind, genies and angels and  even all animate and inanimate creatures. The obedience to the Holy Prophet is not only  obligatory upon humanbeings but also upon all creatures. All these living and lifeless creatures  are included in his Ummah (community).  

Q 3: Are all Apostles, Messengers and Prophets included in the Holy Prophet's Ummah?  A. Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) is the  Prophet of all creatures of Allah with no exception. That's why all Apostles, Messengers and  Prophets are, ipso facto, included in his Ummah.  

Q 4: How many excellences and traits has Allah Almighty gifted to the Holy Prophet?  A. Some excellences and traits of the Holy Prophet are:  

1. He was the first to receive the Prophethood.  
2. He will be the first to rise from his (blessed)grave on the Doomsday.  
3. He will cause the commencement of the proceedings of the Day of Judgement.  4. First of all he will be granted permission to intercede with Allah Almighty for his Ummah.  5. He will be provided with "Liva-ul-Hamd"(the banner of praise) under which all believers right  from the time of Prophet Adam to the Doomsday will gather.  
4. Whole the earth was declared "pure" and mosque for him. It means his Ummah can worship  Allah anywhere.  
5. Spoils (Maal-e-Ghanimat) was made Halaal (permitted) for him.  
6. He is the leader and chief of all the Apostles, Messengers and Prophets.  9. He will lead mankind on the Day of Reckoning.  
7. First of all he will lead his Ummah and cross "Siraat" (narrow pathway over hell).  11. All Apostles, Messengers and Prophets were sent for their respective groups, nations and  time but the Holy Prophet came for all creatures and time.  
8. Allah Almighty will make him stand on "Maqaam-e-Mahmood" (the station of praiseworthy  primacy) on the Day of Judgement. Seeing this all humanbeings (creatures) will praise and  glorify him.  
9. He attained "Me'raaj" (ascension to heavens) with the body (not mere spiritual).  14. Allah Almighty took covenant from all Apostles, Messengers and Prophets that they would  believe in him and help him, if he (Holy Prophet) came in their time.  
10. The title of "Habeeb Allah" (Beloved of Allah) was conferred on him. All the worlds seek  Allah's pleasure but He seeks the pleasure of His Beloved. 

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The Holy Prophet possesses myriad of excellences and traits which can be read in other books on  his impeccable life.  

Q 5: Which family did the Holy Prophet hail from?  

1. The Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be  upon him) hailed from a noble and prominent family of Arabia i.e. Quresh. The Quresh family  was an acknowledged leader of all the Arab families. This family had many branches and the  most esteemed of those branches was "Bani Haashim" to which our Holy Prophet belonged. The  Holy Prophet has himself said that Allah Almighty chose "Kanaanah" from amongst the  posterity of Prophet Ishmael, Quresh from amongst the Kanaanah, Bani Haashim from amongst  the Quresh and I (Prophet) was chosen from amongst Bani Haashim.  

Once the Chief Angel Gibreil told the Holy Prophet that he had visited the east and the west but  did not find (see) any family more prominent than the Bani Haashim.  

The Holy Prophet is called Haashmee due to being a descendent of Bani Haashim.  

Q 6: Who was Haashim whose posterity is called Bani Haashim?  

1. Haashim was the (paternal) great grand father of the Holy Prophet. He was the son of Abd-e Manaaf. Haashim's real name was Umro. He was all hospitable. Once during drought, he bought  dry breads from Syria and soaking them in the soup of camels' flesh, fed all people in Makkah to  their fill. Since that day he was called "Haashim" (the one who  

crumbles dry breads).  

He was highly respected because "Noor-e- Muhammadi" (the light of the Holy Prophet) reflected  in his forehead.  

Q 7: Who was Abdul Muttalib?  

1. (Hadrat) Abdul Muttalib was (paternal) grand father of Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may  Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him). Noor-e-Muhammadi reflected in his forehead  and musk-like fragrance emanated from his body.  

The Quresh people used to make "Du'aa" (supplication) through him, if afflicted by any  calamity, which was answered. Once Hadrat Abdul Muttalib prayed to Allah Almighty that he  would sacrifice his one son if he was graced with ten sons whom he also saw grown up in his  lifetime. The supplication was answered. He took all his ten sons to the precincts of holy Ka'bah  to fulfill his vow. Lots were cast to choose one son for sacrifice which fell to the name of  Abdullah, the youngest and the dearest son of Abdul Muttalib. The Quresh people did not want  to sacrifice Abdullah and advised Hadrat Abdul Muttalib to spare him paying the price of life  which was then ten camels.  

At last, Hadrat Abdul Muttalib agreed to the proposal with the condition that lots should be  drawn for the sacrifice of ten camels in lieu of Abdullah. Hence, the lots were cast. The answer  again came in the name of Abdullah. Ten more camels were added to the former ten. In brief, the  lots were kept casting until it fell to the animals' name and by then the number of camels swelled  to one hundred by adding ten more camels on every draw. Thus one hundred camels were  sacrificed to save Abdullah, the father of the Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet, therefore, once  said: "Anabnuz Zabeehaien" (I am the son of two "Zabeehein" [Prophet Ismail & Hadrat  Abdullah] who were [to be] sacrificed for Allah). 

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Q 8: How did Arabs regard the Holy Prophet?  

1. Though the Holy Prophet Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings &  peace be upon him) had not yet disclosed his Messengership yet the Arabs held him in high  esteem because of his honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, unblemished character and impeccable  life. He was famed as "trustworthy". During the construction of Holy Ka'bah a difference  developed amongst the prominent clans and every clan wanted their leader to put "Hajr-e-Asvad"  (black heavenly stone) on its place. After much debate it was decided that the person who would  enter into the precincts of the Holy Ka'bah next morning first, would resolve the issue.  

The first man who entered the Ka'bah next morning was Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may  Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him). Seeing him all shouted "he is the truthful" and  desired him to settle the matter. The Holy Prophet spread a sheet and placed the heavenly stone  on it and then asked the chieftains to lift the sheet grasping its four corners up to the level of the  wall of Holy Ka'bah. They did so and the Holy Prophet put the stone in the wall himself. Thus a  bloody conflict brewing up among the clans was averted and all were satisfied with the decision.  

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Volume - III / CHAPTER - 1 / LESSON NO: 6  

THE PROPHET'S COMPANIONS  

Q 1: Who is called "Sahaabee"?  

1. The one who saw the Holy Prophet in the state of Islaamic faith and also died as believer, is  called "Sahaabee" (companion of the Holy Prophet). Muhaajirs and Ansaars are also among the  Prophet's companions.  

Q 2: Which companions are Muhaajirs?  

1. Muhaajir companions (Sahaabee pl:Sahaabah) are those who left their homes and hearth for  the sake of Allah and His Messenger Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest  blessings & peace be upon him) and migrated to holy Madinah.  

Q 3: Which companions are "Ansaar"?  

1. The companion (permanent residents of Madinah) who welcomed and helped the Holy  Prophet and his Mohaajir companions in Madinah are called Ansaar.  

Q 4: What beliefs should we have about Sahaabah (companions)?  

1. All companions of the Holy Prophet are devoted servants and staunch lovers of Hadrat  Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon him) and we must speak  good of them with due respect. What the Holy Qur-aan and Holy Prophet say about them is that  they all would be admitted into paradise and would have all their desires fulfilled. The angels  would welcome them in heavens. The dread of the Doomsday and hell would not touch them. A  saint even of the highest rank is no match for any Sahaabi.  

He who scoffs at or harbours malice for any Sahaabi is a disbeliever and deserves to be  consigned to hell.  

Q 5: Which Sahaabah are superior?  

1. Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) is superior to all mankind  excepting Apostles, Messengers and Prophets. Next to him are Hadrat 'Umar-e-Farooq (may  Allah be pleased with him), Hadrat 'Usman-e-Ghani (may Allah be pleased with him) and Hadrat  'Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) respectively, superior to all mankind. Hadrat Abu Bakr  Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) was elected the first "Khalifah" (Caliph) after  (apparent) passing away of the Holy Prophet.  

Q 6: What does "Khalifah" mean?  

1. The one who runs and conducts all religious and temporal affairs of Muslims in consonance  with the teachings of Qur-aan and Sunnah and whose rightful orders are to be followed by  Muslims, is called "Khalifa-e-Rasool" (vicegerent of the Holy Prophet).  

Q 7: Who was the first Caliph after the Holy Prophet?  

1. Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him) was elected the first "Caliph of  the faithfuls" with the harmonious concensus of all Muslims. Therefore, he is called "Khalifa-e Rasool". After him, Hadrat 'Umar-e-Farooq (may Allah be pleased with him) was elected the  second Caliph of the faithfuls. 

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Hadrat 'Usman-e-Ghani (may Allah be pleased with him) was elected the third Caliph of the  faithfuls after Hadrat 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was martyred.  

Hadrat 'Alee (may Allah be pleased with him) succeeded Hadrat 'Usman (may Allah be pleased  with him) and became the fourth Caliph of the faithfuls. After him, his eldest son Hadrat Imaam  Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him) was Caliph for only six months.  

These devout personages are called "Khulfaa-e-Raashideen" (the true Caliphs of the faithfuls)  and their aggregate period of Caliphate is called "Khilaafat-e-Raashidah" (the true Caliphate), as  they acquitted well with the heavy responsibility of being the vicegerent of the Holy Prophet.  

Q 8: Who are superior after Khulfaa-e-Raashideen?  

1. After the four true Caliphs, Hadrat Talaha, Hadrat Zubair, Hadrat Abdul Rehmaan bin Auf,  Hadrat Sa'ad bin Waqas, Hadrat Saeed bin Zaid and Hadrat Abu Obeidah bin Jarrah (may Allah  be pleased with them all) respectively are superior to other faithfuls.  

Q 9: Which companions are "Ashrah Mubash-Sharah"?  

1. The above-mentioned six companions of the Holy Prophet and four true Caliphs are "Ashrah  Mubash-Sharah i.e. those ten companions who were graced with the salvation and given glad  tidings of paradise even in their lifetime. All these ten pious personages are undoubtedly the  inhabitants of paradise.  

Q10: Which other companions besides the afore-mentioned ones, are certain to be entered into  paradise?  

1. Besides the afore-mentioned ten companions, the following ones were also given the glad  tidings of being admitted into paradise? Ummul Mu'mineen Hadrat Khadija-tul-Kubra and  Ummul Mu'mineen Hadrat Aisha Siddiqa (pious wives of the Holy Prophet and revered mothers  of the faithfuls), Hadrat Faatemah (beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet) and her two sons  Hadrat Imaam Hasan and Imaam Husain, two paternal uncles of the Holy Prophet - Hadrat  Hamzah and Hadrat Abbaas (may Allah be pleased with them all) and As-haab-e-Badr (those  companions who participated in the battle of Badr) and As-haab-e-Baie'at Ridwaan" (those  companions who reaffirmed their allegiance to [the blessed hands of] the Holy Prophet at the  place of Ridwaan to fight against infidels and disbelievers). All these companions are also the  certain inhabitants of paradise.  

Q11: Who is Ameer Mu'aawi-yah?  

1. Hadrat Ameer Mu'aawi-yah (may Allah be pleased with him) is also a companion of the Holy  Prophet. He was the first king in the history of Islamic kingdom. However, he was king as a  companion of Hadrat Muhammad Mustafa (may Allah's choicest blessings & peace be upon  him). Hadrat Imaam Hasan (may Allah be pleased with him) had surrendered his caliphate to  him and had also taken oath of allegiance to him. To speak ill of him or his father Hadrat Abu  Suf-yaan or his mother Hadrat Hindah is an extreme insolence and amounts to hurting the Holy  Prophet because they are all "Sahaabi".  

Q12: How long did the "Khilaafat-e-Raashidah" last?  

1. According to a saying of the Holy Prophet the Khilaafat-e-Raashidah lasted for 30 years that  ended on the completion of six months' Caliphate of Hadrat Imaam Hasan (may Allah be pleased  with him). Later, Hadrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz (may Allah be pleased with him) was Caliph. In 

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