Azlam

Azlam (Arrows)
Suhel Farooq Khan

Azlam means an arrow.

The plural of Azlam is Azlam. Azlam means arrows.

Arabian Peninsula was specially blessed by Allah (God). He sent many of His Rusul (Messengers) to that part of the world.

Ibrahim A (Abraham) was one such Rasul (Messenger) of Allah (God) who built the first house for the worship of Allah (God) in Makkah. This house of worship is known as the Ka’bah.

Isma’il A (Ishmael), the elder son of Ibrahim A (Abraham) also helped his father in the construction of the Ka’bah.

Soon, the Ka'bah became the most popular place of pilgrimage in Arab lands. People began to travel to Makkah from all over the Arab lands.

Many other places of worship came up through out Arab lands, but the Ka’bah always held the central place among those.

With time, the message of Ibrahim A (Abraham) and Isma’il A (Ishmael) to pray Allah (God) was forgotten by the Arabs.

The Ka’bah became home for more than three hundred (300) idols over time. The main idol of the Ka’bah was called Hubal. The idol of Hubal was shaped like a human being and was installed in a depression made in the center of the floor of the Ka'bah. Offerings by the pilgrims were put in that depression near the feet of Hubal.

Before Islam, worshipping of different idols as partners of Allah (God) had become very common. All sorts of evil practices were common all over Arabia.

One such practice was to seek help from several Azlam (Arrows) placed at the feet of their deities. There used to be three or seven arrows for this purpose. Such Azlam (Arrows) were placed at the feet of Hubal also. People used to seek advice from their deities through these Azlam (Arrows), before doing any thing. All sorts of disputes ranging from murder to property used to be settled by picking Azlam (Arrows).

People used to bring gifts and offer their prayers to their idols for deciding their case. A special priest used to pick up Azlam (Arrows). Azlam (Arrows) had different markings on them. The Azlam (Arrows) picked up by the priest was taken as the divine decision of the deity. Such decisions were binding.

'Abdul Muttalib (Grandfather of Muhammad S) was caretaker of the Ka'bah. He was also responsible for providing water to the pilgrims of the Ka'bah.

At that time, he had only one son named Harith. Both of them had to carry water from distant wells for the pilgrims of the Ka'bah, which was a very tiring job.

One day 'Abdul Muttalib was sleeping in Hijr near the Ka'bah. In his dream, someone asked him to dig for Zamzam. He told 'Abdul Muttalib that Zamzam is a source of water which will flow for ever and will quench the thirst of a very large number of pilgrims. The man in his dream also pointed out the exact location of the long-lost Zamzam.

'Abdul Muttalib and his son dug as told in the dream. Soon they uncovered Zamzam. They also found the treasure buried there. The treasure had two gazelle made of gold and a lot of swords and armor.

Other clans of Quraysh wanted to share the treasure as it was found in the well of their common ancestor Isma’il A (Ishmael).

The matter was settled by picking Azlam (Arrows) near the feet of Hubal.

Lots were drawn between 'Abdul Muttalib, Ka'bah and the Quraysh. The Quraysh lost-out completely as a result of this draw.

Zamzam and the swords and armor went to 'Abdul Muttalib and the two golden gazelles went to the Ka'bah. 'Abdul Muttalib made a door for the Ka'bah from those swords and armor.

Before the discovery of Zamzam, 'Abdul Muttalib and his only son Harith used to haul water for the Ka'bah from distant wells.

'Abdul Muttalib always prayed for more sons. With time, he was blessed with nine (9) more sons.

'Abdul Muttalib had vowed to Hubal, the main deity of the Ka'bah, that he will sacrifice one of his sons, if all of them grew up to the age of youth.

All of his sons grew up.

’Abdul Muttalib wanted to fulfil his vow to Hubal.

Azlam (Arrows) were drawn at the feet of Hubal inside the Ka'bah to pick up one of his sons for sacrifice.

The name of his youngest son 'Abdullah, was chosen for the sacrifice.

Every one in his family loved ‘Abdullah. They pleaded ‘Abdul Muttalib for the life of ‘Abdullah.

Priests suggested to try the Azlam (Arrows) once again by offering ten camels against the life of ‘Abdullah. In those days compensation of a human life was considered to be ten (10) camels.

They picked arrows between ‘Abdullah and ten camels. Once again, the Azlam (Arrows) suggested the name of ‘Abdullah.

Ten more camels were added to the draw. The name of ‘Abdullah was picked up this time also. Ten more camels were added each time till the count of camels reached one hundred (100).

‘Abdul Muttalib confirmed it by drawing arrows between ‘Abdullah and one hundred (100) camels three times.

Finally, one hundred camels were slaughtered in exchange of the life of 'Abdullah.

'Abdullah was the father of the Messenger of Allah, Muhammad S.

The word Azlam has been used in the Qur-an at two places. Trying to find out about the future through Azlam (Arrows) is strictly forbidden. Only Allah (God) has the knowledge of future. It is a Satanic and unlawful activity. In Islam any kind of Fal (Making Prophecy) is strictly forbidden.

Forbidden to you (for food) are: Al-Maytatah (the dead animals - cattle-beast not slaughtered), blood, the flesh of swine, and the meat of that which has been slaughtered as a sacrifice for others than Allah, or has been slaughtered for idols, etc., or on which Allah's Name has not been mentioned while slaughtering, and that which has been killed by strangling, or by a violent blow, or by a headlong fall, or by the goring of horns - and that which has been (partly) eaten by a wild animal - unless you are able to slaughter it (before its death) ­ and that which is sacrificed (slaughtered) on An­Nusub (stone altars). (Forbidden) also is to use arrows seeking luck or decision, (all) that is Fisqun (disobedience of Allah and sin). This day, those who disbelieved have given up all hope of your religion, so fear them not, but fear Me. This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion. But as for him who is forced by severe hunger, with no inclination to sin (such can eat these above-mentioned meats), then surely, Allah is Oft­Forgiving, Most Merciful." Surah (Chapter) al-Ma"idah (The Table Spread with Food) The Qur-an 5:3

O you who believe! Intoxicants (all kinds of alcoholic drinks), gambling, Al­Ansab, and Al­Azlam (arrows for seeking luck or decision) are an abomination of Shaytan's (Satan) handiwork. So avoid (strictly all) that (abomination) in order that you may be successful. Surah (Chapter) al-Ma"idah (The Table Spread with Food) The Qur-an 5:90