Who are the Ulul Azm • Duas of U’lul Azm | ISR S15 Ep1 with Tom Facchine, Eaman Attia, Imad Bayoun
Points of Reflection
- Which prophet from the Ulul ‘Azm do you resonate with most and why?
- Why do you think Allah ranked some prophets above others, even as all prophets are great?
- What does that teach you for your own journey in striving for His cause?
Quiz Questions
- What does Ulul ‘Azm mean?
- Who are the prophets designated with this title?
- In which Surah are the Ulul ‘Azm mentioned?
Challenge
What are you hoping to get out of watching this series? Don’t use it simply as entertainment. Engage with the content on a deeper level. Here’s a goal: challenge yourself to memorize all 25 du’as mentioned in this series by the end of Ramadan.
Introduction
Allah has sent many prophets throughout history, but among them, five are given special prominence in the Qur’an – the Ulul Azm, meaning “possessors of steadfastness and resolve.”
“So be patient, [O Muhammad], as were those of determination among the messengers, and do not be impatient for them [to be punished]. It will be – on the Day they see that which they are promised – as though they had not remained [in the world] except an hour of a day (46:35).
In short, the Prophet Muhammad was asked to be patient and persevere like those of determination among the messengers. Surah Al Ahqaf does not name them, but the scholars point to them in two verses of other surahs, namely Surah Al Ahzab, verse 7:
“And [mention, O Muhammad], when We took from the prophets their covenant and from you and from Noah and Abraham and Moses and Jesus, the son of Mary; and We took from them a solemn covenant.” (35:7)
And Surah Ash Shuraa verse 13:
“He has ordained for you of religion what He enjoined upon Noah and that which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], and what We enjoined upon Abraham and Moses and Jesus – to establish the religion and not be divided therein…” (42:13)
These are:
- Nūḥ (Noah)
- Ibrāhīm (Abraham)
- Mūsā (Moses)
- ʿĪsā (Jesus)
- Muhammad ﷺ (the Seal of the Prophets)
They are called Ulul Azm because they displayed extraordinary perseverance, patience, and dedication in fulfilling Allah’s mission, despite immense trials, opposition, and personal hardship.
Why They Are Given Special Prominence
Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr on Ulul Azm
Regarding the term Ulul Azm, Ibn Kathīr writes:
“Allah mentions five prophets as possessing ‘azm’ — steadfast determination and perseverance. These are Nūḥ, Ibrāhīm, Mūsā, ʿĪsā, and Muhammad ﷺ. They were distinguished by their endurance in calling their people to Allah, their patience with trials, and their steadfastness in implementing Allah’s commands despite hardship.”
(Tafsīr Ibn Kathīr, Surah Al-Ahzab 33:7 commentary)
Al-Qurtubi (Al-Jami’ li Ahkam al-Qur’an) on the quality of Azm
“Azm in the context of these prophets indicates exceptional strength of will, constancy in the face of adversity, and the endurance to fulfill Allah’s mission without wavering, regardless of worldly difficulties.” (Al-Qurtubi, Commentary on Surah Al-Ahzab 33:7)
Longevity and Dedication in Dawah:
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- Nūḥ (AS) preached for 950 years, facing constant rejection.
- Mūsā (AS) confronted Pharaoh and led his people through trials in the desert.
Major Trials and Tests:
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- Ibrāhīm (AS) was thrown into fire, left alone in the desert with Ismāʿīl, and faced countless tests of faith.
- ʿĪsā (AS) performed miracles and was opposed by powerful communities.
Universality of Their Message:
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- Their missions addressed broad communities and carried guidance for all of humanity, not just a specific tribe or nation.
Intercession on The Day of Judgment
Inspirational Power of Their Du‘ā’s
The du’ās of the Ulul Azm are timeless models for us:
- Nūḥ (AS): “I am overpowered, so help me!” (Al-Qamar 54:10) shows humility and complete reliance on Allah.
- Ibrāhīm (AS): “My Lord, make this city secure and provide its people with guidance and provision.” (Ibrāhīm 14:35) teaches concern for community and future generations.
- Mūsā (AS): “My Lord, expand my chest and ease my task.” (Tā-Hā 20:25-26) reminds us to seek Allah’s help in leadership and responsibility.
- ʿĪsā (AS): Prayed for mercy, healing, and guidance for his followers (Al-Mā’idah 5:118) highlights compassion and intercession.
- Muhammad ﷺ: Taught consistent du‘ā in all circumstances, for self, family, and the ummah, emphasizing patience and reliance on Allah.
Challenge
What are you hoping to get out of watching this series? Don’t use it simply as entertainment. Engage with the content on a deeper level. Here’s a goal: challenge yourself to memorize all 25 du’as mentioned in this series by the end of Ramadan.
Get to Know the Speakers
Imam Tom Facchine
Tom Facchine is from Southern New Jersey. He obtained his Bachelors in Political Science/International Relations from Vassar College (2011), where he embraced Islam in his senior year. After studying Arabic independently, he was admitted to the Islamic University of Madinah in Saudi Arabia where he obtained an Associates in Classical Arabic (2016) and a Bachelors in Comparative Islamic Law (2020).
He also completed the chaplaincy program conducted under the supervision of The Prophet’s Mosque (2019). Out of all his extracurricular studies, his study of tafseer under Shaykh Abdallah Shinqeeti in the Prophet’s Masjid was probably the most impactful.
Tom has always been a passionate advocate and instructor for Muslim Youth, founding multiple youth groups and conducting various afterschool programs. He is currently the Imam of the Muslim Community Association of Mohawk Valley in Utica, NY as well as nearby Hamilton College. In his ‘spare’ time, Tom enjoys birdwatching, hiking, camping, poetry, and learning languages. He lives in Utica with his wife and three children.
Dr. Eaman Attia
Sr Eaman Attia is a graduate of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto. However, over the past 20 years her passion has been and continues to be mentoring and inspiring lifelong growth and transformations in Muslim youth and community members.
She has served many communities as an inspirational speaker, youth director and mentor, tarbiya director, and Islamic School principal and teacher. She served as the MAS National Tarbiya Director and currently works as the Tarbiya Director in MAS Dallas. She resides in Dallas, TX with her husband and five children.
Dr. Imad Bayoun
Dr. Imad Bayoun is widely involved in religious education, especially among the youth, as a lecturer for the Muslim American Society (MAS), and its signature project the Oak Tree Institute. Dr. Imad was born in Beirut, Lebanon, where he received his BS and MS from the American University of Beirut. He received his PhD in Entomology from the Texas A&M University. He resides in Riverside and works as the Insectary and Quarantine Officer at the Entomology Department of University of California in Riverside.
He is currently pursuing a PhD in Islamic Studies at the Graduate Theological Foundation. He taught Aqeedah and Fiqhas-Seerah (Jurisprudence of the Prophet’s Biography) at the Islamic American University, and has published several audio series on “Purification of the Heart”, “Muslim Character”, and other topics.
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