CONQUEST OF INDIA PRIOR TO DAY OF JUDGEMENT

Reference: At-Tuwaijiri's Ithaf al-Jama'a, Vol. 1, pp. 365-366.

The latest conflict in Kashmir between the mujahideen and India brings to mind the Ahaadeeth regarding the conquest of India prior to the day of Judgment.

Thawban - may Allah be pleased with him - that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, "Two groups of my Ummah Allah has protected from the hellfire: a group that will conquer India and a group that will be with 'Isa b. Maryam - 'alaihimas- salat was-salam." Reported Ahmad, an-Nisa'i, and at-Tabarani.

Na'im b. Hammad in al-Fitan reports that Abu Hurairah - may Allah be pleased with him - said that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) mentioned India and said, "A group of you will conquer India, Allah will open for them [India] until they come with its kings chained - Allah having forgiven their sins - when they return back [from India], they will find Ibn Maryam in Syria."

While Abu Hurairah said, "The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) promised us the conquest of India. If I was to come across that I will spend my soul and wealth. If I am killed then I am among the best of martyrs. And if I return then I am Abu Hurairah the freed." Reported by Ahmad, an-Nisa'i, and al-Hakim.

In another narration reported by Ahmad, Abu Hurairah says, "I was told by my khalil, the truthful and believed in, the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu 'alaihi wa sallam) that there will be in this Ummah an expedition sent to Sind and Hind (India) ... ." The rest of the narration is the same but it has the following addition, "... then I will be released from the Hellfire." At-Tuwaijri remarks this addition explains what is meant by "the freed" above.

Historical background:

Ibn Kathir remarks in al-Bidaya wa n-Nihaya, "The Muslims invaded India during the days of Mu'awiya in the year 44 A.H and [great] events transpired then. And [likewise] the mighty and magnificent King Mahmud b. Subuktikin the ruler of Ghazna invaded the lands of India at the turn of the fifth century. He entered India and killed, took captive, [and] enslaved [many]. He took [much] booty. He entered as-Sumanat (*) and destroyed the great al-Budda which they worship and he stripped it of its jewelry. He then returned [to Ghazna] safe, [Divinely-]aided, and victorious."

* as-Sumanat is a costal city where India's scholars, monks, and the idol al-Budda are found.

At-Tuwaijiri remarks that Ibn al-Athir has detailed the campaigns of Mahmud b. Subuktikin in his book al-Kamil fi t-Tarikh.

Reference: At-Tuwaijiri's Ithaf al-Jama'a, Vol. 1, pp. 365-366.

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