Biography of Beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Birth and Early Life

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Mecca (modern-day Saudi Arabia) in the year 570 CE, into the Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe. His father, Abdullah, passed away before his birth, and his mother, Aminah, died when he was six years old. He was then cared for by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib.

Muhammad (PBUH) was known from a young age for his honesty, earning him the title Al-Amin (the trustworthy). He worked as a shepherd in his youth and later as a merchant for a wealthy widow, Khadijah.

Marriage to Khadijah

At the age of 25, Muhammad (PBUH) married Khadijah, a successful businesswoman 15 years his senior. They had a loving marriage, and Khadijah was his first and most loyal supporter throughout his early years of prophethood. Together, they had six children, including Fatimah, who became a central figure in Islamic history.

Revelation

At the age of 40, while meditating in the cave of Hira near Mecca, Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation from Allah through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). This marked the beginning of his prophethood. The revelation was the first verses of the Qur’an:

“Read in the name of your Lord who created, Created man from a clot of blood. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous.” (Qur’an, 96:1-3)

This event, known as the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), initiated his mission to spread the message of Tawhid (the oneness of God) and the need for moral and social reform.

Early Years of Prophethood

Muhammad (PBUH) began preaching to his family and close friends. His first followers included Khadijah, his cousin Ali, his close friend Abu Bakr, and his adopted son Zaid. However, as his message grew, it faced resistance from the Quraysh, who were concerned about the social and economic implications of his teachings, especially the rejection of idolatry.

Despite growing persecution, Muhammad (PBUH) continued to preach in Mecca for 13 years, emphasizing worship of the one true God, justice, and compassion for the weak.

Migration to Medina (Hijra)

In 622 CE, due to increasing hostility from the Quraysh, Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers migrated to the city of Yathrib, later known as Medina. This event is known as the Hijra and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad (PBUH) was accepted as both a religious and political leader, and he helped to unite the city’s warring tribes under the Constitution of Medina.

Establishing the Muslim Community

In Medina, the Muslim community flourished. Muhammad (PBUH) continued to receive revelations that provided guidance on both spiritual and societal matters. The Muslims faced several battles with the Quraysh, including the Battle of Badr (624 CE), where they achieved a decisive victory, and the Battle of Uhud (625 CE), where they suffered a setback. Despite the hardships, Muhammad’s (PBUH) leadership strengthened the Muslim community.

Conquest of Mecca

In 630 CE, after years of conflict, Muhammad (PBUH) returned to Mecca with a large following. The Quraysh, seeing the strength of the Muslim army, surrendered peacefully. Muhammad (PBUH) entered Mecca without bloodshed, and one of his first acts was to cleanse the Kaaba of its idols, restoring it as a place of worship for the one God.

Upon his return, many Meccans embraced Islam, and the Prophet (PBUH) forgave his former enemies, showing his characteristic mercy and generosity.

Final Years

Following the conquest of Mecca, Muhammad (PBUH) continued to spread Islam across the Arabian Peninsula. In his final years, he delivered his Farewell Sermon during his Hajj (pilgrimage) in 632 CE. In this sermon, he emphasized the principles of justice, equality, and the importance of unity among Muslims. He reminded the believers:

“O people, your Lord is one and your father (Adam) is one. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab, a white has no superiority over a black, nor does a black have any superiority over a white; none have superiority over another except by piety and good action.”

Shortly after the Hajj, on 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal 11 AH (8 June 632 CE), Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passed away at the age of 63 in Medina.

Legacy