The Splitting of the Moon and the Story of Habib bin Malik
470 Words
(As narrated in "Khasa'is al-Kubra" and "Mu'jizat-e-Mustafa ﷺ")
His name was Habib bin Malik, a great tribal leader from Yemen. Abu Jahl once sent him a message saying, “Muhammad (ﷺ) claims he will split the moon on a certain night. Come and see for yourself if he really does.”
Intrigued, Habib bin Malik began his journey and arrived at Mount Abu Qais, where the Quraysh disbelievers had gathered. They demanded a miraculous sign from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: “Show us a heavenly miracle. Split the moon if you are truly a prophet.”
The beloved Prophet Muhammad Mustafa ﷺ appeared and pointed towards the moon. By the will of Allah, the moon split into two distinct halves — one part was seen on one side of the mountain, and the other on the opposite side. As narrated in Khasa'is al-Kubra, the moon remained split for an hour and a half, clearly visible to all.
Habib bin Malik was deeply moved and came to the Prophet ﷺ. He said:
> “Everything I have seen is true... but tell me, what is this pain that keeps burning in my heart?”
The Prophet ﷺ replied:
> “You have one daughter named Satiha. She is blind, crippled, deaf, mute, and mentally disabled. This pain for your daughter is eating you up inside. Go — Allah has healed her.”
Overcome with emotion, Habib rushed back home. To his amazement, his daughter Satiha opened the door reciting the Kalimah (Declaration of Faith). Shocked and joyful, he asked:
> “Satiha! Who taught you this Kalimah…?”
She replied:
> “O Father, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came here. He honored me with his presence, prayed for me, and taught me the Kalimah.”
Habib immediately returned and embraced Islam. Not only did he become a devout Muslim, but he also went on to serve Islam with great dedication.
> (Narrated in “Mu'jizat-e-Mustafa ﷺ”)
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Related Poetry from "Bāl-e-Jibrīl" by Allama Iqbal:
> You are still on the journey — go beyond the chains of the moment.
Pass through Egypt and Hijaz, move beyond Persia and Syria.
He whose actions are selfless — his reward lies beyond even Paradise.
Move beyond the tents of houris, beyond the wine and goblets.
Though the beauty of Western culture is charming, it is a trap.
O free-winged bird, rise above grain and snare.
Your strike can shatter mountains — it gave the East and West their shape.
Like the sword of the crescent, pierce through the softness of slumber.
Your imam lacks presence, your prayer lacks spirit —
Move beyond such prayer, beyond such an imam.
- Writer
