Hazrat Ali (RA), the fourth caliph of Islam, made a significant decision after the Battle of the Camel. He shifted the capital of the Islamic state from Medina to Kufa, primarily for two reasons:

1. Sanctity Concerns: The tragic martyrdom of Hazrat Usman (RA) had tarnished the sanctity of Medina. Hazrat Ali (RA) aimed to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents by relocating the capital.
2. Central Location: Kufa, situated in Iraq, was a more central place. By moving the capital there, Hazrat Ali (RA) sought to establish a strategic and accessible administrative center for the Muslim state.

This decision marked a pivotal moment in Islamic history, shaping the course of governance and leadership during Hazrat Ali’s (RA) caliphate.

Hazrat Halimah al-Sa’diyah (may Allah be pleased with her), the noble foster mother of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), belonged to the tribe of Sa’d b. Bakr, which is a subdivision of the Hawazin tribe. Her lineage and her selfless care for the young Muhammad (PBUH) exemplify the compassion and kindness that characterize the best of humanity.

Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) embarked on his journey to Damascus, Syria in the company of his uncle Hazrat Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) when he was twelve years old. This voyage was part of a mercantile caravan that traveled to Syria, and they journeyed as far as Busra, which lies in the southeastern part of Syria. During this trip, a significant encounter occurred:

• Christian Monk Bahira: In Busra, a Christian monk named Bahira recognized the young Muhammad as the Last Prophet. Bahira had observed in him all the signs of Prophethood mentioned in the Torah and the Gospel. He advised Abu Talib to return swiftly with his nephew to avoid any harm against him.

This early journey marked a pivotal moment in the life of the future Prophet, setting the stage for his later mission and divine calling.

The Battle of the Trench, also known as the Battle of Khandaq or the Battle of the Confederates, took place in the surrounding perimeter of Medina (located at approximately 24.483°N, 39.583°E).

• Date: The battle occurred between 31 March 627 and approximately 14 April 627.
• Context: It was part of the ongoing conflict between the Muslims and the Quraysh.
• Defensive Strategy: Facing an offensive by the Quraysh, the Muslims in Medina, under the guidance of Salman the Persian, dug a trench around their settlement to defend themselves.
• Forces Involved:
  • Muslims: Comprising the Ansar of Khazraj, the Muhajirun from various origins (including significant portions of Quraysh immigrants), and the Banu Qays.
  • Confederates: Included the Quraysh tribe of Mecca, the Jewish/Arab tribes of Banu Qurayza and Banu Nadir, and other Arab tribes such as Banu Murra, Khaybar, Huyyay ibn Auf Murri, Banu Ghatafan, Bani Assad, and more.
• Outcome:
  • The battle lasted around two weeks.
  • Casualties were relatively low: the Muslims suffered five to six casualties, while the Quraysh lost three fighters.
  • The Quraysh, frustrated by Prophet Muhammad’s continued raids on their trade caravans despite their defeat at the Battle of Uhud, sought to occupy Medina. They gathered a confederate force of 10,000 men (some estimates suggest less than 7,500).
  • Hazrat Muhammad’s (PBUH) strategic trench successfully impeded the Quraysh’s advance, resulting in a stalemate and eventual withdrawal by the confederates.
• Significance: The Battle of the Trench demonstrated the resilience and resourcefulness of the early Muslim community in the face of adversity, as well as the importance of defensive strategies during times of conflict.

The second wife of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) was Hazrat Sawdah bint Zam’a (RA). After the passing of his first and most beloved wife, Khadijah, with whom he shared a very happy 25 years of his blessed life, Prophet Muhammad married Sawdah. Sawdah was a mature woman, approximately 40 years old, and a mother of five children. Her marriage to the Prophet allowed him to devote more time to carrying out his prophetic mission. Sawdah had the great honor of being an immigrant for the sake of Islam on two occasions: first to Abyssinia and then to Medina.

Mu’awiya I was the founder and first caliph of the Umayyad Caliphate. His reign spanned from 661 until his death in April 680.

1. Origins and Early Life:
   • Mu’awiya was a relatively late follower of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
   • He and his father, Abu Sufyan, had initially opposed Muhammad until the conquest of Mecca in 630.
   • Afterward, Mu’awiya became one of Muhammad’s scribes.
2. Governorship of Syria:
   • Appointed by Caliph Abu Bakr, Mu’awiya served as a deputy commander in the conquest of Syria.
   • He rose through the ranks during the caliphate of Umar and became the governor of Syria under Uthman.
3. Military Campaigns and Naval Power:
   • Mu’awiya allied with the powerful Banu Kalb tribe in Syria.
   • He developed coastal city defenses and directed war efforts against the Byzantine Empire.
   • His naval campaigns marked the first Muslim naval expeditions.
4. First Fitna (Muslim Civil War):
   • After Uthman’s assassination in 656, Mu’awiya sought vengeance and opposed the election of Ali.
   • The Battle of Siffin in 657 resulted in a stalemate and arbitration talks.
5. Claim to the Caliphate:
   • Mu’awiya gained recognition as caliph by his Syrian supporters and ally Amr ibn al-As.
   • He became the first hereditary successor to the caliphate in Islamic history.
6. Domestic Rule and Administration:
   • Mu’awiya governed Syria effectively and maintained stability.
   • His administration extended to provinces like Iraq, Egypt, and Arabia.
   • He continued the war with Byzantium and expanded into central North Africa.
7. Legacy:
   • Mu’awiya’s reign marked the establishment of the Umayyad dynasty.
   • His leadership shaped the course of early Islamic history.

Mu’awiya I’s rule was characterized by military achievements, administrative reforms, and the consolidation of the Umayyad Caliphate.

In 2022, Saudi Arabia welcomed a total of 926,062 pilgrims for the Hajj pilgrimage during the 1443AH. Here’s a breakdown of the numbers:

• External Pilgrims: 781,409 pilgrims arrived through various ports from different countries.
  • Male External Pilgrims: 421,999
  • Female External Pilgrims: 359,410
• Internal Pilgrims: 144,653 pilgrims participated in Hajj within Saudi Arabia.
  • Male Internal Pilgrims: 77,776
  • Female Internal Pilgrims: 66,877
• Transport Modes:
  • Air Transport: 94.7% of pilgrims arrived via air.
  • Land Transport: 4.5%
  • Sea Transport: 0.8%
• Beneficiaries of Makkah Route Initiative: A total of 98,826 pilgrims from 5 countries benefited from this initiative.
• Average Length of Stay for External Pilgrims: Approximately 30 days in Saudi Arabia.
• Labor Force: Over 236,000 male and female employees served pilgrims in various sectors.
• Medical Services: 900 medical facilities and teams provided emergency and hospitalization services to more than 22,000 pilgrims.
• Dawah and Guidance Services: Over 55,000 awareness activities were implemented, along with distributing 798,000 awareness publications and pamphlets.

Saudi Arabia made significant efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims during this sacred journey.

During the second migration to Abyssinia, a total of 101 adults embarked on this journey. Among them were 83 men and 18 women. These brave individuals sought refuge in Abyssinia to escape the persecution they faced in Mecca. Their commitment to their faith and their willingness to leave behind their belongings and relatives exemplify their unwavering dedication to Islam.

The first Amir-ul-Hajj in the history of Islam was Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him). He held this esteemed position during the Hajj pilgrimage in the 9th year after the Hijra (migration), which is also known as the Farewell Hajj. This significant event took place during the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Abu Bakr al-Siddiq was a close companion of the Prophet and later became the first Caliph (successor) after the Prophet’s passing. His leadership during the Hajj exemplified his dedication to the faith and the Muslim community. May their legacy continue to inspire us.