Abdullah - THE DIVINE BIRTH
EPISODE 2
CAST
AM (Abdul Muttalib):
A (Abdullah):
AB (Abraha):
AMN (Amenah):
W (Wahab):
MAN:
AT (Abu Talib):
HR (Harith):
T1 (Traveller):
T2 (Traveller):
T3 (Traveller): ___________
Voice:
Silent characters: UH (Umme Harith)
Amr bin Lu'ba (goes with AM to Abraha)
WAT (Wife of Abu Talib)
Angels (6)
SCENE 1
[shack scene]
NARRATOR: After Abdullah's life had been spared by the sacrifice of 100 camels, it was a dream which inspired Abdul Muttalib to get Abdullah married. But who would Abdullah marry? It could not just be anyone. After all, the lady in question was to be the mother of our last Holy prophet, Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w).
Our holy prophet could not just be born to any ordinary set of parents. We already know that Abdullah originated from a family which was both illustrious and noble. It was a family with the highest of moral standards, and had already claimed as its members several great prophets. Our first Holy Imam, Imam Ali (a.s) has said in the Nahjul Balagha that the Holy Prophet's lineage was the very best, his descent of the noblest and his family of the most learned. This family can be likened to a lamp illuminating the way to truth and justice, a star brightening the path of faith and knowledge and a moon which lightens the dark ages of mankind.
Taking this into consideration, Abdul Muttalib was to choose a wife for Abdullah, who would be mother to our prophet. This lady would have to be one who would be the most pious, most virtuous, a lady of strength and unwavering faith. The dream inspired Abdul Muttalib to ask for the hand of a lady called Amenah, daughter of Wahab bin Abde Manaaf. It was to be Amenah who would marry the moon of Makkah!
In the next scene, Abdul Muttalib goes to the house of Wahab to ask for Amenah's hand in marriage for Abdullah...
AM: [Enters with AT, A, WAT & UH – huggy kissy] Salam Alaikum, Wahab
[AT & A do the same]
W: Alaikum Salam. Welcome, welcome we are honoured with your visit. Please do sit down ..
[AT & A on the floor, AM on the stool and W on stool. Ladies behind curtain on the floor]
AM: Wahab our families go back a long way and have known each other- you know my children.. and you know me. I would like to wed my youngest son, Abdullah, with a girl whose chastity has no equal. Don't let what happened today (the sacrifice) affect you because it was a test for me, my wife and Abdullah. This Abdullah is a poor man, he works on the land. He works hard and does not count on his father's money.
Wahab, I want to ask you [pause] will you give your daughter's hand in marriage to Abdulla?
W: I know the moon of Makkah has no equal. You, O Abdullah also have no equal. We know you very well. I've followed in your footsteps about many principles and have not buried alive my daughters. I, Wahab, have no worldly possessions but a daughter whose face even the sun has not seen and whose eyes have never seen a stranger.
AM: There is no doubt she is unique. She will be the lady who will bear the pearl whose luminance will brighten the world, that is, if she accepts..........
[Gift is given by Abdullah to Wahab]
It is a mere present that if you accept I'll be grateful for ever. Abdullah has no worldly assets but a calm heart and piece of land from which he earns a living by working hard
AT: Wahab, It would be a pleasure for us to have, your daughter, Amenah be a part of our household.
[Wahab opens the gift he passes the (green cloth) gift to Amenah who is behind the curtain]
Amenah: In the name of the Lord I accept
[Everyone hugs each other]
[Munajat]
SCENE 2
NARRATOR: It is the night before the wedding. The moon of Makkah was to be married and the people of Arabia are preparing for celebrations! There is an air of happiness everywhere. The festive mood is evident! You can hear the drums everywhere. Fires are being lit on the mountains for the guests and the travellers who will attend. The grandest of feasts is being prepared. There is commotion everywhere and Arabia is rejoicing!
In the households of Abdul Muttalib and Wahab, there is also an abundance of happiness. Everyone is busy preparing for the wedding. As well as the celebrations, there is advice for the couple. Let us see in the next scene what advise the fathers are imparting to their children. In one household, Abdul Muttalib is advising Abdullah and in the other, Wahab is advising Amenah.
[AM talking to Abdullah and at the same time Wahab is talking to daughter Amenah. Both sets of people will be on the stage with a partition]
AM: God knows you are dearer to me than my life and I love you most from amongst all your brothers.
A: Father, I need to tell you something
AM: Yes son what is on your mind?
A: It's a strange feeling. I am sometimes preoccupied with myself but I do not know what it is.. Sometimes I think someone is whispering something to me. But when I look I see nobody and when I look more I find that the voice is coming from within me.
AM: Does it have a certain time?
A: It's always there.. In my every waking moment. But the voice is not familiar to me. Sometimes when I am in the desert I sit on dry branch, it blooms and makes a shade for me so that I can rest. When I pass it, the same branch goes dry again
AM: I thank the lord of Ibrahim and Ismail for blessing me with you as one of my sons. My son, you'll have an honour which will make known your name in the world
A: When will that be father?
AM: Everything has its pre destined time. And when the time comes no one can change it. Tomorrow will be the beginning of a union from which the saviour talked about in the scriptures will rise
A: With your permission, I would like to go and meet my mother.
AM: Yes Son, and remember. Never let your wife be offended by you. Amenah is a delicate flower. You have to handle tend to her with care.
A: I am a gardener. How can I hurt a flower?
AM: Go son see your mother – she must be waiting for you.
AM: How pure hearted is my handsome youthful son? I guard him with my life. One day, he will father a son who will bring morning to the darkest of nights.
[Wahab talks to his daughter]
W: My daughter, tomorrow you are to be the wife of the Moon of Makkah. It is a great honour
AMN: Yes, father.
W: Remember; never let the light of the moon diminish as it takes time for it to become luminated. Be a good wife to him. Always be by his side and help him through any difficulties he may face.
AMN: Father, I will remember your advice and ensure that with the help of the almighty the night sky is always clear so that the moon enlightens this land.
[Wahab strokes his daughters head]
[Munajat]
SCENE 3
NARRATOR: The marriage and celebrations took place in Makkah. Abdullah lived with Amenah for only 2 months before setting out on a trading journey to Syria. By this time, Allah had prepared a tender cradle for our last holy prophet in the womb of Amenah. Amenah was to become a mother.
It was the year 570A.D. , a year we are all familiar with. It was a year that was known as Aamul feel, and more importantly the year in which our holy prophet was born.
Aamul feel, the year of the elephant was so called due to the famous event, which is also mentioned in Sura-e-feel in the Holy Qur'an. It all started when Abraha, a strong Christian ruler, had built a grand cathedral in Yemen and he wanted the Arabs to come and worship there instead of going to the Kaaba where they performed their rituals. We have to remember Makkah was also where people went to trade. Abraha could not bear to see the commercial success and wanted this trade to be transferred to the grand cathedral. He ordered people to abandon the Kaaba and come to his Grand Cathedral. His orders were totally ignored by the Arabs. Abraha then decided to advance towards Makkah and destroy the Kaaba. His army was overwhelming. It included such numbers of elephants which the arabs had never seen before.
When Abraha reached half way between Ta'if and Makkah, he sent one of his generals ahead, who managed to seize property from the Quaraish and others. Part of the property he seized were 200 camels which belonged to Abdul Muttalib.
There was commotion everywhere! The news of what was being considered the invincible army spread throughout the Arab peninsula. Everyone was afraid of what this army was capable of doing! Abraha sent a message to the people saying that he was going to demolish the Kaaba and that if they do not want war, they should send their chief to him to negotiate.. Abdul Muttalib goes to see Abraha with Amr bin Lu-aba a prominent leader from one of the arab tribes.
[AM walks in. Abraha gestures him to sit next to him. AM refuses and chooses to sit on the floor]
AB: [Abraha stands up] Abdul Muttalib, I do not need to tell you why I am here with my army. Unless we can reach a compromise, my army will advance. Are you willing to reach an agreement with me?
AM: The Lord knows we want no war, and we are powerless. This is the sacred House of the Lord, built by Ibrahim. If He [gesturing to the sky] does not prevent this, we are defenseless! We are merely his creation.
AB: I do not understand, you are relying on HIM [also gestures to the sky – mockingly] to prevent this? Do you really believe that He will be able to prevent this.
AM: This is a matter between you and my Lord. He will protect what is His! Do you not remember how He protected Ibrahim from the fire? Is He not the same Lord who saved Nuh from the flood? And what about Musa, the receiver of the Taurat, the prophet of the Jews, and how the same Lord saved him from Firawn, in a way that none other could?
Abraha, think about it! This is the very same Lord, a Lord who showers His mercy on all mankind. I invite you to have faith in this Lord of the Kaaba.
AB: That is all in the past! This is now. And I still insist on the people of Arabia coming to worship at my temple!
AM: Abraha, look and learn from history, let us look at the life of Issa, the son of Maryam. Surely, you believe in him.. And you know the history, do you not? How he was conceived when no man had ever touched Mary? And do you not remember how nobody believed Mary? And how Issa spoke from the cradle? All these miracles, Abraha, all these miracles are all a lessons for us! We have to learn from them!
AB: History.. history.. all in the past. I do not really care about all that. All I want to know is can we reach some sort of a compromise? If not, I have the power to destroy the Kaaba.
AM: Nobody.. Nobody has more power than the Lord of the Kaaba. Just remember that.
AB: Look if you do not have any better suggestions, than I will just have to advance with my army. So if there is anything you want, speak now!
AM: All I want is for you to return to me my 200 camels.
AB: [turns around in shock] You know Abdul Muttalib, I used to admire your knowledge and your faith.. But Abdul Muttalib, you disappoint me! [facing the crowd] I am here to demolish your house of worship, I am here to destroy the Kaaba, and all you talk about and care about are your camels?!
AM: I am the owner of the camels, am I not? And He is the owner of the Kaaba, is he not? I will defend what I own and He will defend what He owns!
AB: Are you saying that He will defend the Kaaba against me and my army of elephants? Very well. Your camels will be returned to you. But tell the Quraish and the dwellers of Makkah, to vacate the city and its surroundings for their own safety! My army will be on its way.
AM: Just remember, Abraha, you can never destroy the Kaaba. It has a Lord, who will protect it!
[AM leaves the set]
AB: I shall go and prepare for the army to advance. We shall destroy the Kaaba!
[AB also leaves the stage]
[Munajat]
SCENE 4
[Kaaba Scene]
NARRATOR: Abdul Mutallib did not waiver at all. He had full faith in his Lord and knew that Allah would protect what was His! All the Makkans took refuge in the surrounding mountains. Abdul Muttalib took guard by the door of the Kaaba with a few Quraish men, invoking Allah, praying for help and defence...
AM: O my Lord! I do not place my hope in anyone but you.
Ya rabbi la arjoo lahum siwaka
Ya rabbi Famna' minhum himaka
Inna Addoowal Bait man Aadaaka
Innahum lam yaqhuro Quwaka.
O Lord! I hope not against them save You.
O Lord! Withdraw your protection from them
Verily he who is the enemy of this House, is Your enemy.
Verily they will not overcome Your forces.
O Lord of Ibrahim! Save Your sanctuary from them!
So prevent them from destroying Your courtyard!
O my Lord, I am only your servant, I am only the keeper of the Kaaba. It is You in Who we place our trust at all times.
[Munajat]
MAN: [Running towards AM] Abdul Muttalib! Abdul Muttalib! A miracle has occurred!
AM: All praise to the Lord of the Kaaba!
MAN: As the sun rose this morning, the atmosphere was extremely tense! The elephants were all set to go. But for some reason, they would not move. Abraha looked up at the sky and saw what seemed like advancing grey cloud. It was a big dark grey cloud!
Upon looking closer, he realised it was not just a cloud, rather it was birds, birds, lots of birds.. in endless numbers. They took the form of a dark, threatening cloud! The elephants shrieked! The shrieking of the elephants rose louder! And the most spectacular miracle happened! The birds pelted the army with the stones! The army is completely destroyed! The Kaaba is saved!
AM: All praise belongs to the Lord of Ibrahim! He is the one who protects what is His! Praise Be to You, O'Lord, Praise be to You!
NARRATOR: In this way the Kaaba was saved. Abraha's army was annihilated by the same stones which were visited upon the people of Lut. The curtain fell on the army. Weapons were scattered over the desert sand, and the bodies of the troops were littered like crumbs. This a clear miracle which proves the sanctity of the Kaaba and the people who were really attached to it such as Abdul Muttalib who showed his utmost confidence in the Lord and believed that the Lord himself would take care of the Holy Ka'aba.
[Sura-e-feel]
[Munajat]
SCENE 5
[stars scenery]
NARRATOR: At about the same time that the event of the elephants occurred, the travellers who had gone with Abdulla were on their way back. Abdul Muttalib and Bibi Amenah are anxiously awaiting for the arrival of Abdullah.
[Travellers walking through the crowd - freeze. AM and Amenah looking to see where Abdullah is..]
AM: Can you see him?
AMN: No, I cannot. Oh father, why is he not there? Is he alright
[The travellers walk until the stage]
AM: Oh you travellers, Salam Alaikum! Where is Abdullah? Where is the moon of Makkah?
T1: Abdullah was with us most of the way. But we then parted company.
T2: He stopped in Medinah to visit his mother's relatives. We missed his company through the rest of the trip.
T3: But that was a while ago.. Since then, we have heard that he was not feeling too well.
AMN: [looking at AM] Not feeling too well...?
AM: We have to send Harith right away! [calls for Harith] Harith!
HR: [comes on the stage] Salam Alaikum!
AM: Alaikum Salam! Harith, I need you to go to Medinah at once!
HR: Oh Father! Is everything ok? You sound worried? What is the matter
AM: The travellers inform me of Abdullah's illness. I need you to go and check on him. See if he is ok and help him if he needs anything.
HR: Abdullah is ill? I will go straight away father.
[Harith leaves first]
AM: [to travellers] You must be hungry. Go into the house, there is some food for you.
[Travellers leave]
[Amena sits on the floor – worried and sad]
[AM sits on a stool – worried in prayer]
NARRATOR: Harith goes immediately to Medina and sends back the sad news of the demise of Abdullah.
The last time Amenah saw his Abdullah's noble face was when she bid him farewell. She did not know that this was to be the last time she would see him. Abdullah was taken ill and died at a tender age of 25. The news of Abdullah's death spread like wild fire causing great pain to all, and especially to Amenah.
[Amenah weeps on the stage and AM supports her]
She wept when she heard the news of Abdullah. She wept for herself and also for the child who was to be born an orphan. Amenah was a lady a with a strong character and she knew this child who was to be born orphaned, would eventually be the defender of the orphaned and of the poor.
[scene of AM and Amenah weeping on the stage]
[munajat]
[AM leaves the stage]
NARRATOR: The signs before the birth of our prophet were evident. There was a great thirst for love, mercy and Justice. 600 years had passed since the birth of Issa, the people had lost the language of love and faith was non existent. Pagan elements infiltrated into society. Idol worshipping was at its highest level. There was no love between people. Mercy and justice were non existent! The strong preyed upon the weak and vice overcame virtue.
Into this atmosphere, in the middle of Arabia, there was soon to spring a fountain of faith. This fountain would flourish the heart of the driest desert. It was to be a pure source of faith, which would quench the thirst of the people. This fountain was to be a man who would also be known as Rahmatu lil Alameen, a blanket of mercy on the whole of the universe. He was our last Holy prophet, Prophet Muhammad [S.A.W]
[Amena leans back]
[Waddhuha]
[Munajat- long one]
[Angels enter at the same time and circle Amena]
Voice: Today is born a man. A man whose light was created before the earth was. A man who will bring people out of the darkness of ignorance and into the light of knowledge. A man who will be a blanket of mercy on this universe. This man will be called Ahmed in the heavens. He will be known as Abul Qassim in paradise, and on this earth, he shall be known as Muhammad.
[After voice – Angels exit? Or stand back in a semi circle?]
[AM enters]
AMN: [stands up with the baby] All praise to the the Lord of the Kaaba. Oh Father! Here is the son of Abdullah!
AM: I thank the Lord! I thank him for giving me this dear grandson. I pray to the Lord of the Kaaba to protect this son of Abdullah. This beautiful boy, who we shall call Muhammad – the praiseworthy!
[Munajat]