The Life History of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the final prophet of Islam, is one of the most revered figures in world history. He was chosen by Allah to deliver the message of Islam to humanity. His life serves as a model of leadership, compassion, and devotion for millions of Muslims around the world. The story of his life is marked by profound faith, perseverance in the face of adversity, and deep commitment to the principles of justice, mercy, and humility.
1. Early Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
a. Birth and Family:
Muhammad was born in the city of Mecca in the Arabian Peninsula in the year 570 CE, a year known as the Year of the Elephant. His full name was Muhammad ibn Abdullah, and he was born into the Quraysh tribe, a respected and powerful clan in Mecca. His father, Abdullah, died before Muhammad was born, and his mother, Aminah, passed away when he was six years old. Muhammad was thus raised as an orphan, first under the care of his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and later his uncle, Abu Talib.
b. Early Life as a Shepherd:
During his youth, Muhammad worked as a shepherd, an occupation that was common for many in Arabia at that time. This early life in the desert, far from the complexities of Meccan society, helped him develop patience, reflection, and a deep connection with nature.
c. The Trustworthy (Al-Amin):
As Muhammad grew older, he gained a reputation for his honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness. Due to his impeccable character, he was given the title Al-Amin, meaning “the Trustworthy.” His reputation was so strong that even the people of Mecca, who were involved in idol worship, deeply respected him for his upright nature.
2. Marriage and Early Adulthood
At the age of 25, Muhammad entered the service of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a wealthy widow who was known for her successful trade business. Impressed by his honesty and skill, Khadijah offered him a marriage proposal, which he accepted. Khadijah was 15 years older than Muhammad, but their marriage was a loving and strong partnership. They had six children together, including their beloved daughters Fatimah and Zainab. Khadijah remained a steadfast supporter of Muhammad throughout her life, particularly during the difficult early years of his prophethood.
3. The Beginning of Revelation
At the age of 40, Muhammad began to spend more time in solitude, meditating and reflecting on the meaning of life. He often retreated to the Cave of Hira on Mount Nur, just outside Mecca. It was during one of these retreats, in the year 610 CE, that Muhammad experienced the first divine revelation.
a. The First Revelation:
The angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared to him in the cave and commanded him to “Read” or “Recite” (Arabic: Iqra). Muhammad responded that he was not able to read, but the angel insisted, repeating the command. The first verses revealed to him were from Surah Al-Alaq (96:1-5):
“Read in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the most Generous—Who taught by the pen—Taught man that which he knew not.”
This event marked the beginning of Muhammad’s mission as a prophet of Allah. Over the next 23 years, he would receive the revelations that would come to form the Quran.
4. The Early Years of Prophethood
a. Preaching in Mecca:
After receiving the first revelation, Muhammad was initially hesitant to share his experience. However, with the encouragement of Khadijah and his close companion Abu Bakr, he began to spread the message of Islam—the worship of one God (Allah) and the rejection of idol worship. His message was simple: there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger. He called for justice, equality, and the end of the corruption and oppression that was prevalent in Meccan society.
b. Opposition and Persecution:
The powerful leaders of Mecca, especially the Quraysh tribe, were threatened by Muhammad’s message because it challenged their social, political, and religious power. The worship of idols was a significant part of their economic system, attracting pilgrims from across the Arabian Peninsula. As a result, the early Muslims faced intense persecution. Muhammad himself was mocked, insulted, and even physically attacked. His followers, many of whom were poor or enslaved, suffered greatly.
Despite the opposition, the early Muslim community continued to grow, particularly among the marginalized members of society.
5. The Migration to Abyssinia and Mecca’s Boycott
a. Migration to Abyssinia (Ethiopia):
Due to the increasing hostility from the Quraysh, the Prophet allowed some of his followers to seek refuge in the Christian kingdom of Abyssinia (Ethiopia), under the protection of King Najashi. This migration is significant as it highlights the early alliance between Muslims and Christians and shows the Prophet’s commitment to protecting his followers from harm.
b. Boycott of the Muslims:
The Quraysh soon implemented a harsh boycott against Muhammad’s family and followers, cutting off all economic and social ties. This boycott lasted for about three years, during which the Muslims suffered immense hardship. During this time, both Khadijah and Abu Talib, Muhammad’s two strongest supporters, passed away. This year became known as the Year of Sorrow.
6. The Night Journey and Ascension (Isra and Mi’raj)
In one of the most miraculous events of his life, Muhammad was taken on a night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, and from there, he ascended to the heavens in what is known as the Isra and Mi’raj. During this journey, he met with previous prophets, including Moses, Jesus, and Abraham, and was given the command to establish the five daily prayers (Salah) for Muslims.
7. The Hijrah (Migration to Medina)
After years of persecution, Allah commanded Muhammad and the Muslims to migrate to the city of Yathrib, later known as Medina. This migration, called the Hijrah, occurred in 622 CE and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad established the first Islamic state based on principles of justice, equality, and brotherhood. He also created the Constitution of Medina, which guaranteed religious freedom and mutual protection for Muslims, Jews, and other communities.
8. The Battles and Challenges
a. The Battle of Badr:
In 624 CE, the Muslims were confronted by the Quraysh in the Battle of Badr, which was the first major conflict between the two groups. Despite being vastly outnumbered, the Muslims, under Muhammad’s leadership, achieved a decisive victory, which greatly boosted their morale.
b. The Battle of Uhud and the Battle of the Trench:
However, the following year, the Muslims faced a setback in the Battle of Uhud, where they were defeated due to disobedience within their ranks. In 627 CE, the Quraysh and their allies launched a final attempt to destroy the Muslim community in what became known as the Battle of the Trench. With strategic planning, the Muslims were able to defend Medina successfully.
9. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and the Conquest of Mecca
a. Treaty of Hudaybiyyah:
In 628 CE, Muhammad negotiated the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah with the Quraysh, which was a peace agreement that allowed the Muslims to perform pilgrimage to Mecca. This treaty, though initially seen as a setback by some Muslims, allowed for a period of peace and the further spread of Islam.
b. The Conquest of Mecca:
In 630 CE, after the Quraysh violated the terms of the treaty, Muhammad led a peaceful army to Mecca. The city surrendered without bloodshed, and Muhammad entered the Kaaba and destroyed the idols that were worshiped there, re-establishing it as a house of monotheism. He then forgave the people of Mecca, showing an unparalleled level of mercy and humility.
10. The Final Years and Death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
After the conquest of Mecca, Islam spread rapidly across the Arabian Peninsula. In 632 CE, during his Farewell Pilgrimage, Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon, in which he emphasized equality, justice, and the rights of women, saying, “All mankind is from Adam and Eve… an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab, except by piety and good action.”
Shortly after, on June 8, 632 CE, Prophet Muhammad passed away in Medina at the age of 63. He was buried in the room of his wife Aisha, adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi).
Legacy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Prophet Muhammad left behind a lasting legacy. He unified the Arabian Peninsula under Islam, established the principles of faith, and laid the foundations of