A Starlight View Of Islam's Past by Sayyed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi

A Starlight View of Islam's Past, offers a fascinating glimpse of World Islamic History for young children using a unique approach to chorological history. Based on the premise that a starlight can take years to reach earth, the author gives a vivid eyewitness account of past events unfolding in front of him. He illustrates Islamic history from a global perspective rather than an isolation. Major events such as the spread of Islam, the Mongol and Crusader invasions and the loss of Andalusia benefit from this novel treatment

Sayyed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi

• Sayyed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi

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A Starlight View of Islam's Past
Sayyed Abul Hasan Ali Nadwi
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A STARLIGHT VIEW OF ISLAM'S PAST offers children a unique approach to chronological history. Based on the premise that a starlight can take years to reach earth, the author gives a vivid eye- witness account of past events unfolding in front of him. In three short stories he illustrates Islamic history from a global perspective rather than in isolation. Major events such as the spread of Islam, the Mongol and Crusader invasions and the loss of Andalusia benefit from this novel treatment.
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In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most merciful
Relating stories about past events is the best way to connect present and future generations with their ancestors. It is the best way of remembering the deeds and events of those who have gone before and encourages future generations to learn and cherish their heritage.
Islamic history is one of knowledge, piety, jihad, bravery, generosity, courtesy, kindness and the bringing of people out of darkness into light. When Islam came, it was like a bright, shining sun in a sea of darkness and ignorance. Not only did it give light and warmth to the people who entered its fold, it also benefited all mankind and all the creatures of Allah.
Once, the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, went to a garden and saw a camel that was so thin its bone were clearly visible through the skin, and its eyes were sunken and hollow. When the camel saw the Blessed Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, it approached him and put its head gently on his feet. The Blessed Prophet was deeply moved by the camel's distress and stroked its head tenderly. Then he called for the camel's owner and said to him: 'Fear Allah. do not torment these creatures. Allah has made you their master. it is for you to take care of them and treat them properly. Work them only as much as they are able. Feed them well and look after them and keep them nicely.'
Once, when someone took an egg from a bird's nest, the bird became very disturbed. When the Prophet, may
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At school I learned that light travels at a speed of 186 thousand miles per second and in less than a second it can go round the earth seven times.
I heard that the light of some stars only arrives here after 2000 years, and the light of other stars takes even longer to arrive. The light of some stars has begun to travel but has still not reached us.
I love history. I like to imagine that past events are happening now and the people involved in them are still alive. I regret that I have missed seeing events take place and was unable to visit great men of history while they were alive.
When I was a child I used to say: 'I wish I could have seen the Flood of Noah, the testing of Abraham, the exodus of the tribe of Israel and the coming of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, which took place more than 1000 years before I was born. I wish I had been alive at the time of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs and when Baghdad was the centre of civilisation or when Cordoba and Granada were flourishing.'
I have missed a great deal.