The Prophet Muhammad (SA)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the central figure in Islam, regarded as the final prophet in a long line of messengers sent by God (Allah) to guide humanity. Born in 570 CE in Mecca, present-day Saudi Arabia, he was a member of the Quraysh tribe. He lived in a time when tribal conflicts, polytheism, and a mix of various religious practices dominated Arabia. At the age of 40, Muhammad began receiving revelations from Allah through the Angel Gabriel, which continued for the next 23 years until his passing in 632 CE. These revelations were later compiled into the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam.

Table of Contents

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the final messenger of Islam, was born in Mecca in the year 570 CE, in the tribe of Quraysh. His life, mission, and message hold central importance in the Islamic faith, and his character is regarded as the epitome of moral virtue and spiritual leadership.

Early Life and Upbringing

Birth and Family: Muhammad was born into the respected Hashimite clan of the Quraysh tribe. His father, Abdullah, passed away before he was born, and his mother, Aminah, died when he was just six years old. As a result, Muhammad was first raised by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and then by his uncle, Abu Talib. Despite the challenges of being orphaned early in life, Muhammad grew up with a reputation for honesty, humility, and trustworthiness. His character earned him the title “Al-Amin” (the Trustworthy) among his peers.
Marriage to Khadijah: As a young man, Muhammad worked in trade and gained a reputation for fairness in business. At the age of 25, he entered the service of Khadijah, a wealthy merchant widow. Impressed by his character, Khadijah proposed marriage, and they were married despite the fact that she was 15 years older than him. Their marriage was one of mutual respect and support, and Khadijah became his first and most devoted supporter when he began receiving divine revelations.

The Beginning of Prophethood

First Revelation: At the age of 40, Muhammad often retreated to the Cave of Hira, located on the outskirts of Mecca, to meditate and reflect. In the year 610 CE, during one of these retreats, he experienced his first revelation from the Angel Gabriel (Jibril), commanding him to “Read” or “Recite” (Iqra). This event marked the beginning of his prophethood. Initially shaken, Muhammad confided in his wife, Khadijah, who reassured him and supported his mission wholeheartedly.
The message of Islam: Muhammad was tasked with proclaiming the oneness of God (Tawhid) and rejecting the polytheistic practices of the Quraysh and wider Arabian society. His message emphasized the worship of Allah alone, compassion, justice, and the responsibility to care for the less fortunate, including orphans and widows. The revelations Muhammad received over the next 23 years would form the Qur’an, the central religious text of Islam.

Challenges and Opposition in Mecca

Persecution of Early Muslims: The message of Islam was initially met with skepticism and hostility from the Quraysh, who saw it as a threat to their power and the religious and economic structure of Mecca, particularly the Kaaba, which was a center of idol worship and pilgrimage. Muhammad’s early followers, many of whom were from marginalized groups, faced severe persecution. Some were tortured, others were killed, and many had to endure years of hardship.
Boycott and the Year of Sorrow: The Quraysh implemented a social and economic boycott against Muhammad’s clan in an attempt to pressure them into abandoning their support for him. The period of the boycott was marked by great suffering. During this time, Muhammad suffered personal losses, including the deaths of his beloved wife, Khadijah, and his protector, his uncle Abu Talib. This period is often referred to as the “Year of Sorrow.”

The Hijra and the Formation of the Islamic State

Migration to Medina (Hijra): In 622 CE, due to escalating persecution in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers were invited to Yathrib, a city later renamed Medina. This migration, known as the Hijra, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad was welcomed as a leader, and he established the first Muslim community, building the foundations of an Islamic state. The “Constitution of Medina” was drafted under his leadership, creating a pluralistic society where Muslims, Jews, and others lived under mutual agreements.
Wars and Defense of the Community: Over the next several years, the Muslim community had to defend itself against attacks from the Quraysh. Major battles such as the Battle of Badr (624 CE), the Battle of Uhud (625 CE), and the Battle of the Trench (627 CE) took place during this time. Though outnumbered in many instances, the Muslims’ resilience and strategic brilliance allowed them to survive and grow.

The Conquest of Mecca and Final Years

Conquest of Mecca: In 630 CE, after years of conflict, Muhammad led a peaceful return to Mecca with a large number of followers. The city surrendered without significant bloodshed. Upon entering the city, Muhammad famously declared a general amnesty, forgiving many of his former enemies. He cleansed the Kaaba of its idols and rededicated it to the worship of Allah. The event marked the consolidation of Islamic rule over much of the Arabian Peninsula.
Farewell Pilgrimage and Sermon: In 632 CE, Muhammad performed his Farewell Pilgrimage to Mecca, where he delivered his final sermon to the assembled Muslims. This sermon emphasized important aspects of Islam, including the sanctity of life and property, the equality of all believers, and the rights of women. He reminded the Ummah (the Muslim community) that he had delivered God’s message and that they were to follow the Qur’an and his example (Sunnah) after his death.
Death: Shortly after his Farewell Pilgrimage, Muhammad fell ill and passed away in Medina on June 8, 632 CE, at the age of 63. His death marked the end of revelation, but his teachings and the Qur’an continued to guide the rapidly expanding Muslim world.

Legacy

Prophet Muhammad is regarded by Muslims as the “Seal of the Prophets,” meaning he is the final prophet in a long line of messengers sent by God, which includes figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. His legacy is that of both a spiritual guide and a statesman who united the tribes of Arabia and established a faith that would spread across the world. His life serves as a model for Muslims to follow in both personal conduct and governance, and his sayings (Hadith) and actions (Sunnah) remain integral to Islamic law and daily life.

Prophet Muhammad’s influence extends beyond religion to aspects of culture, governance, and law, making him one of the most significant figures in world history.

Key aspects of Muhammad’s life include:

Early Life: Muhammad was orphaned at a young age and raised by his grandfather and later his uncle, Abu Talib. He was known for his honesty and trustworthiness, earning the title “Al-Amin” (the trustworthy). Before prophethood, he worked as a merchant and married Khadijah, a wealthy widow who became his first and most devoted supporter.
The First Revelation: In 610 CE, during a retreat in the Cave of Hira near Mecca, Muhammad received his first revelation from Gabriel, marking the beginning of his mission as a prophet. He was commanded to proclaim the oneness of God (Tawhid) and call people away from idol worship.
Opposition in Mecca: His message of monotheism was met with hostility from the Quraysh, who were heavily invested in the polytheistic religious structure of Mecca. This led to the persecution of Muhammad and his early followers.
The Hijra to Medina: In 622 CE, due to increasing persecution, Muhammad and his followers migrated to Yathrib (later renamed Medina). This event, known as the Hijra, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad established the first Islamic state, uniting the tribes under a constitution that guaranteed rights and protections for all citizens, including Jews and Christians.
Military Campaigns and Consolidation of Power: Over the next several years, Muhammad led his community in defending itself against attacks from Mecca and its allies, including notable battles like Badr, Uhud, and the Battle of the Trench. In 630 CE, he peacefully conquered Mecca, clearing the Kaaba of idols and establishing it as a center of monotheistic worship.
Farewell Sermon: In 632 CE, during his final pilgrimage to Mecca, Muhammad delivered the Farewell Sermon, emphasizing justice, equality, the rights of women, and the unity of the Muslim community (Ummah). He reminded the believers that he had completed his mission and that the Qur’an would serve as their guide after his death.
Legacy: Muhammad passed away shortly after his Farewell Sermon, but his teachings and example (Sunnah) remain a foundation for Muslim life, guiding legal, spiritual, and social aspects of the Islamic community. His life is considered the perfect model for Muslims to emulate, and his sayings (Hadith) complement the Qur’an in guiding Islamic practice.

Muhammad’s role as a prophet is crucial to the understanding of Islam, as he is seen as the “Seal of the Prophets,” the final messenger in a line that includes figures like Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. His message is believed to be the completion and correction of previous revelations, calling for absolute monotheism, justice, and submission to the will of God.