Life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

In the 6th Century CE, humanity was in a state of spiritual darkness. The Roman and Persian empires were tyrannical, and Arabia was lost in idolatry and tribal warfare. Into this chaos, Allah sent Muhammad bin Abdullah ﷺ as the final guide.

He was not sent to conquer lands, but to conquer hearts. His mission was to restore the pure monotheism of Abraham (AS) and to perfect human character.

He was born in Makkah on a Monday in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal, in the Year of the Elephant (approx. 570 CE). He belonged to the noble Banu Hashim clan of the Quraish tribe.

• Father: Abdullah died months before his birth during a trade journey.
• Mother: Aminah died when he was just six years old at a place called Abwa.
• Grandfather: Abdul Muttalib took him in with great love but passed away when the Prophet ﷺ was eight.
• Uncle: He was finally raised by Abu Talib, who protected him for over 40 years.

Unlike the youth of Makkah, Muhammad ﷺ never engaged in gambling, drinking, or idol worship. He worked as a shepherd, which taught him patience and responsibility. Later, he became a trader.

His reputation for honesty was so widespread that people would deposit their wealth with him for safekeeping. They called him Al-Sadiq (The Truthful) and Al-Ameen (The Trustworthy).

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA) was Makkah's most successful businesswoman. Hearing of Muhammad's ﷺ honesty in managing her trade caravan to Syria, she sent a marriage proposal. He was 25, and she was 40.

She was the first to believe in him, the first to pray with him, and she spent her entire wealth for the cause of Islam. They were married for 25 years until her death.

At the age of 40, the Prophet ﷺ began spending time in solitude in the Cave of Hira on Jabal al-Nour. One night in Ramadan (Laylat al-Qadr), Angel Jibreel (AS) appeared.

Trembling with fear, he ran home to Khadijah (RA) saying, "Cover me! Cover me!" She comforted him with the famous words: "Allah will never disgrace you. You unite uterine relations, you bear the burden of the weak, and you help the poor."

For the first three years, the message was spread secretly. When Allah commanded public preaching, the Prophet ﷺ climbed Mount Safa and called out to the tribes.

The persecution began immediately. The early Muslims, mostly poor and slaves, were tortured:

• Bilal (RA) was dragged on burning sand with a heavy rock on his chest.
• Sumayyah (RA) became the first martyr of Islam.
• The Prophet ﷺ himself was strangled while praying and garbage was thrown on his doorstep.

After 13 painful years in Makkah, the leaders of Quraish plotted to assassinate the Prophet ﷺ. Allah commanded him to migrate to Yathrib (later renamed Madinah).

They arrived safely in Madinah, where they were welcomed with joy. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic Calendar.

In Madinah, the Prophet ﷺ was not just a spiritual guide but a head of state. His first actions were:

1. Building Masjid an-Nabawi: The center of worship, education, and governance.
2. Brotherhood (Muwakhat): He paired every Immigrant (Muhajir) with a Helper (Ansari) to share their wealth and homes.
3. Charter of Madinah: A constitution ensuring freedom of religion and mutual defense between Muslims and Jews.

The Prophet's ﷺ life was a testament to mercy. He never took revenge for himself.

In the 10th year of Hijrah, during his only Hajj, he delivered a sermon that serves as the ultimate human rights charter. He declared:

• "Your blood and property are sacred."
• "All racism is abolished. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab except by piety."
• "Treat women well, for they are your partners."

He passed away in Madinah at the age of 63. His last words were: "To the highest companion (Allah)."