Here's a detailed biography of Prophet Muhammad, covering his life from birth until death.
Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam and the last prophet in the Abrahamic tradition, was born in the city of Mecca in present-day Saudi Arabia in the year 570 CE (approximately). His life's journey would lead him to become the central figure in the religion of Islam, uniting Arabian tribes, and laying the foundations for one of the world's major religions.
Muhammad was born into the Hashim clan of the powerful Quraysh tribe, but he was orphaned at a young age when his father, Abdullah, died before his birth, and his mother, Amina, passed away when he was only six years old. He was placed under the care of his grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib, and later, his uncle, Abu Talib.
Muhammad grew up in a society deeply rooted in tribal customs, with Mecca serving as a major trading hub. His early years were marked by a reputation for honesty and integrity, earning him the nickname "Al-Amin" (the trustworthy) among his peers.
At the age of 25, Muhammad began working as a merchant and was employed by a wealthy widow named Khadijah bint Khuwaylid. Impressed by his honesty and business acumen, Khadijah proposed marriage to him. They married when Muhammad was 25, and Khadijah was 40, marking the beginning of a loving and supportive partnership.
At the age of 40, Muhammad began to seek spiritual retreats in the cave of Hira, located on the outskirts of Mecca. It was during one of these retreats, in the year 610 CE, that he received his first revelation from Allah (God) through the Angel Gabriel. This event marked the start of his prophethood.
The message of the first revelation was a command to "Read!" or "Recite!" Muhammad, who was illiterate, was initially bewildered. Over time, he continued to receive revelations that were eventually compiled into the Quran, the holy book of Islam.
Muhammad initially shared his revelations with a small circle of family and close friends, including his wife Khadijah and his cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib. However, as the revelations continued, he was instructed by Allah to convey the message of Islam to the broader Meccan society.
Muhammad's message of monotheism and the rejection of idol worship challenged the polytheistic beliefs of the Quraysh tribe, who were the custodians of the Kaaba, a sacred shrine in Mecca. The new faith posed a threat to the established social order, and Muhammad and his followers faced increasing opposition, including economic boycotts and social ostracization.
As opposition in Mecca intensified, a group of early Muslims migrated to the city of Yathrib, later known as Medina, in 622 CE. Muhammad followed shortly after, and this migration, known as the Hijra, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
In Medina, Muhammad was not only a religious leader but also a political and social leader. He drafted the Constitution of Medina, which established a framework for governance and coexistence among the diverse communities of Medina, including Muslims, Jews, and pagans.
Tensions between the Muslim community in Medina and the Quraysh tribe in Mecca escalated into a series of battles, including the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Uhud, and the Battle of the Trench. These conflicts were rooted in both religious differences and economic interests.
In 628 CE, Muhammad and his followers sought to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca, but the Quraysh prevented their entry. Negotiations led to the signing of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, a ten-year truce that allowed Muslims to peacefully perform the pilgrimage the following year. This treaty, despite its apparent disadvantages for the Muslims, marked a turning point in Muhammad's mission.
In 630 CE, Muhammad and his followers marched back to Mecca to perform the pilgrimage as agreed upon in the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. The Quraysh violated the treaty, leading to the peaceful conquest of Mecca by the Muslims. Upon entering the city, Muhammad forgave his former adversaries and declared a general amnesty.
In 632 CE, Prophet Muhammad performed his last pilgrimage, known as the Farewell Pilgrimage. During this pilgrimage, he delivered his famous Farewell Sermon, which emphasized the equality of all Muslims and the importance of social justice and unity.
Prophet Muhammad returned to Medina after the Farewell Pilgrimage, but his health began to decline. He died on June 8 or 13, 632 CE, at the age of approximately 63. His death marked the end of prophethood, as Muslims believe that he was the final prophet sent by Allah to guide humanity.
Muhammad's legacy is profound and enduring. He is revered by Muslims as the "Seal of the Prophets" and the exemplar of moral and ethical conduct. The Quran, which he received over a period of 23 years, is the central religious text of Islam, providing guidance on faith, practice, and morality.
After Muhammad's death, his close companion Abu Bakr was elected as the first Caliph, or successor, and he initiated the military campaigns known as the Ridda Wars to reunify the Arabian Peninsula under Islamic rule. Islam continued to spread, reaching regions far beyond Arabia, eventually becoming one of the world's major religions.
Prophet Muhammad's life and teachings have had a profound impact on history, shaping the faith, culture, and societies of millions of people across the world. His legacy endures in the hearts and minds of Muslims, who seek to follow his example of compassion, justice, and devotion to Allah.
