Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born in Makkah in the year 570 AD, at a time when Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. Since his father died before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity, and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. Historians describe him as calm and meditative.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was of a deeply religious nature and had long detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the ‘Mountain of Light’ near Makkah.
How did he become a Prophet and a Messenger of God?
At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for twenty-three years, is known as the Qur’an.
As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution which grew so fierce that in the year 622 AD God gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijra, or ‘migration’, in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.
After several years, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his followers returned to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet died at the age of 63, the greater part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his death, Islam had spread to Spain in the west and as Far East as China.
Early Life
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born into the Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe, a prestigious family in Makkah. His father, Abdullah, died before his birth, and his mother, Amina, passed away when he was six years old. Consequently, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was first cared for by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and then by his uncle, Abu Talib.
From a young age, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ exhibited signs of an exceptional character. He was known for his honesty and integrity, earning the nickname “Al-Amin” (the trustworthy). His early life was marked by various experiences, including shepherding and later, engaging in trade, where his fair dealings earned him widespread respect.
Marriage and Family
At the age of 25, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ entered into the service of Khadijah, a wealthy widow in Makkah, as a trader. Impressed by his honesty and character, Khadijah proposed marriage to him, despite being 15 years his senior. They had a harmonious marriage and together had six children: two sons, who died in infancy, and four daughters: Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah. Khadijah remained Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ only wife until her death.
The Call to Prophethood
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ deep concern for his people’s spiritual well-being led him to seek solitude in the Cave of Hira, where he meditated and reflected on life. In 610 AD, during one of these retreats, he received the first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. The first words revealed to him were:
“Read in the name of your Lord who created. He created man from a clot. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous. Who taught by the pen. Taught man that which he knew not.”
Qur’an 96:1-5
This event marked the beginning of his mission as the Prophet of Islam. Initially, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ confided only in his closest family and friends, but eventually, he began to preach publicly. His message was simple: the oneness of God, social justice, and moral integrity.
Opposition and Persecution
The early followers of Islam were mostly from the lower strata of society, including slaves and the disenfranchised, which threatened the established social order of Makkah. The Quraysh, who were the guardians of the Kaaba and benefitted from the pilgrimage trade, felt particularly threatened by Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ message.
As a result, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his followers faced severe persecution. They were mocked, tortured, and boycotted. Despite the hardships, their faith remained steadfast, and the message of Islam continued to spread.
Migration to Madinah (Hijra)
In 622 AD, facing increasing hostility in Makkah, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received an invitation from the people of Yathrib (later known as Madinah) to serve as a mediator in their ongoing tribal conflicts. They pledged to support him and his followers if they would migrate to their city.
This migration, known as the Hijra, marks a significant turning point in Islamic history and the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Madinah, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ established a multi-religious community governed by the Constitution of Madinah, which ensured the rights and duties of all citizens, including Muslims, Jews, and other tribes.
Establishment and Consolidation of Islam
In Madinah, the Muslim community grew stronger. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ continued to receive and preach the revelations, which provided guidance on all aspects of life, including social, legal, and spiritual matters. The unity and strength of the Muslims were put to the test in several battles against the Quraysh, including the Battles of Badr, Uhud, and the Trench.
Despite the odds, the Muslims emerged victorious in these conflicts, further solidifying Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ leadership and the strength of the Muslim community. In 628 AD, a peace treaty, known as the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, was signed between the Muslims and the Quraysh, allowing for a period of peace and the opportunity for the message of Islam to spread without conflict.
Conquest of Makkah
In 630 AD, the Quraysh violated the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. In response, Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ assembled a large Muslim army and marched to Makkah. The city was conquered with minimal bloodshed, and the inhabitants were treated with remarkable mercy. Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ declared a general amnesty, and many of the Quraysh, including their leader Abu Sufyan, embraced Islam.
The idols in the Kaaba were destroyed, and the sanctuary was rededicated to the worship of the one true God. This event marked the definitive establishment of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.
Final Years and Legacy
After the conquest of Makkah, delegations from across Arabia came to Madinah to accept Islam and pledge allegiance to Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ. In 632 AD, he performed his farewell pilgrimage to Makkah, during which he delivered his famous Farewell Sermon, emphasizing the principles of justice, equality, and the sanctity of life and property.
Shortly after his return to Madinah, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ fell ill and passed away on June 8, 632 AD, at the age of 63. He was buried in the chamber of his wife A’ishah, which is now part of the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ legacy is profound and far-reaching. As the final prophet in Islam, he is considered the “Seal of the Prophets,” completing the line of prophetic messages that began with Adam. The Qur’an, revealed to him, remains the central religious text of Islam, guiding the beliefs and practices of over a billion Muslims worldwide.
His teachings and example, known as the Sunnah, are recorded in the Hadith literature and continue to be a source of guidance in every aspect of Muslim life. His emphasis on monotheism, social justice, and moral integrity laid the foundation for a civilization that has made significant contributions to the world in science, medicine, philosophy, art, and architecture.
In conclusion, Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ life and mission transformed not only the Arabian Peninsula but also had a lasting impact on world history. His message of faith, compassion, and justice continues to inspire millions and remains a testament to his enduring legacy as a prophet and leader.
You can explore some of the important events of Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ life on our brief time line page.