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Aam means 'year' and Wafud is the plural of 'Wafd', which means a group of people. Aam- ul-Wufood refers to the year in which numerous delegations from all over Arabia came to the Holy Prophet . After the conquest of Makkah and the conquest of Hunain, the Prophet of Islam and his Companions were praised far and wide due to their commendable behaviour and dealings and people were interested in gaining understanding about Islam. Many delegations started coming from remote areas.
The Holy Prophet used to make the delegations coming to Madina stay, in the Prophet's Mosque. These delegations came from distant areas, which was a proof that Islam had spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula during the Prophet's era. The arrangement of their reception, accommodation and food, are the great examples of the good management, Islamic manners and generous morals of the Prophet .
i. Delegation of Banu Tamim
Banu Tamim's delegation arrived in Madinah at the beginning of 9 Hijri. They wanted to free their prisoners. They were led by the famous Arab leader Iqra bin Habis. The Holy Prophet was taking a little nap before Zuhr. They disturbed the Holy Prophet from rest, called him from outside of his house, kept calling, didn't seek permission to enter is house on which Allah Almighty sent Surah Al-Hajarat. In this surah, Allah has taught manners as to how to meet the Holy Prophet, not to raise the voices more than the Holy Prophet and not to call him in the way as they (the people) call each other.
The delegation of Banu Tamim had brought many eloquent poets and spokesperson with them in response of which the Holy Prophet asked Hazrat Sabit Bin Qais to answer as a spokesperson and Hazrat Hassaan Bin Sabit to answer them as a poet. They admitted that the Holy Prophet was a far more superior poet and spokesperson than theirs. Iqra bin Habis was so much impressed by the company of the Holy Prophet ( that he said goodbye to the religion of his ancestors and embraced Islam along with his delegation.
ii. Delegation of Najran
The Nasa ra dwelled in a great number in Najran, an area of Arab. Their delegation came to Madina to meet the Holy Prophet This delegation consisted of sixty people out of which three were their great leaders who used to look after all their worldly and religious matters. The Prophet warmly welcomed this delegation. They were accommodated in the Prophet's Mosque, and were allowed to worship according to their own way. They were greatly respected. This delegation came with the purpose of debating the novel after hearing the news of Prophet Muhammad's Prophethood, so these people started reasoning about Jesus being God and son of God. The Holy Prophet listened all the arguments and rejected them one by one, but those people persisted in their stubbornness. Then Allah Almighty ordered the Holy Prophet to do Mubahala with them (i.e. to withdraw mercy from them). Upon getting this command from the Allah, he(s) came for mubahala to Najran's delegation with Hazrat Ali , Hazrat Bibi Fatima , Hazrat Hassan and Hazrat Hussain. When their priests saw their bright faces, they said, "If do mubahala with them, your names will be erased from heaven." However, they refused to do mubahala and got ready to pay the Jizya.
After this, the Holy Prophet said, "By the One in Whose possession is my soul, the punishment of Allah has been upon People of Najran. And if they had done Mubahala, they would have been turned into animals, their valley would have been burnt and they would have been destroyed, even the birds on the trees would have perished and all the Nasara would have perished before the end of the year."
iii. Delegation of Abdul Qais
This delegation consisted of twenty men. The name of their leader was Munzar bin Aiz and his title was Ashaj. He was a man fair at words and heart. Before the arrival of Abdul Qais's delegation to the Prophet's house, the Holy Prophet informed the Companions that some riders are coming from the east who will embrace Islam. The delegation of Abdul Qais was warmly welcomed when they met the Holy Prophet .
Upon seeing the beauty of Prophet's face, they expressed their love and devotion by kissing his holy hands and feet. The head of this delegation went to meet Prophet Muhammad. Before attending, he took a bath, wore fine and pure clothes and attended the Prophet with knowledge and dignity. The Prophet liked his manners and etiquettes and encouraged him by saying: Without a doubt, there are two good qualities among you that are very dear to Allah: First is Halam, means not to be hasty and pondering over matters and affairs while the other virtue is dignity. During the
conversation, the Holy Prophet informed them about the sacred months of Zulqa'dah, Zulhijjah, Muharram and Rajab. The Holy Prophet asked them to observe the four things i... prayers, fasting, zakat and booty. While supplicating for them, the Holy Prophet said:
"O Allah! Forgive the people of Abdul Qais." ) and learned This delegation stayed for ten days in the court of Holy Prophet (estely, to the Holy Quran and the rules of Sharia. Hazrat Muhammad() showered them with gifts, gave Ashaj a lot of wealth and graciously allowed them to go back.
From this chapter, we get the lesson from the teachings of Prophet Muhammad that we should ask for permission before entering other people's houses, should not be hasty in our affairs, be considerate in the execution of affairs and matters and should prefer respect about one's own personal life.
