While some might assume by the title, that this is an article about a magnificent, precious jewel that was recently discovered by a famous archaeologist, the title is actually a reference to a far more valuable jewel that exceeds the richness of the material world. The Jewel of Medina refers to Lady Aisha, the youngest wife of Prophet Muhammad. Many people, who are unfamiliar with the Prophet Muhammad’s life, are critical of his marital choices, [...]

One day the Prophet was in one of the markets of Medina. He left the market and so did I. Then he asked thrice, “Where is the small child?” Then he said, “Call Hasan.” So Hasan got up and started walking with a necklace of beads around his neck. The Prophet stretched his hand out like this, and Hasan did the same. The Prophet embraced him and said, “O Allah! I love him, so please love him and love those who love him.” Since Allah’s Apostle said that, nothing has been dearer to me than Hasan.”

It is one of the articles of faith of Islam to believe in the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him. So when anyone casts a shadow on his character, the Muslim world feels deeply antagonized. Yet some remarks are extreme in their negativity and many non-Muslims really question the Prophet of Islam – who is he, and why do Muslims embrace him so completely? When I first came to Islam from Christianity almost [...]