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The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him), also known as the founder of Islam, was born in the city of Mecca, Arabia in the month of Rabi al Awwal, 570. Born into the tribe of the Quraysh, one of Mecca’s respected families, Muhammad was made an orphan at a very early age. His father, Abdullah passed away six months before the birth of Muhammad, and his mother Amina passed when Muhammad was age six. Thereafter, he was raised in the care of his paternal grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib. Upon the passing of his grandfather, Muhammad was brought up under the care of his paternal uncle, Abu Talib, the new leader of Banu Hashim.
From a very young age, Muhammad (PBUH) was known for his honest character. His kindness and integratory earned him trust by those around him. Muhammad (PBUH) would accompany his uncle on vast trading journeys, gaining experience, eventually working as a trader for Khadija, a widow whom he then married in the year 595, at the age of 25. Throughout the 26 years of marriage, Muhammad (PBUH) remained devoted to Khadija, and after her passing, though he took other wives, he always mentioned her with great respect and admiration.
One of the Miracles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his lifetime was when he received his first revelation of the Quran from Allah in the month of Ramadan, through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel).
It was a common practice for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to withdraw himself to a cave in the mountains for several night to pray and meditate. Cave Hira, his place of retreat not far from Makkah was where he received his revelation at the age of 40. This revelation marked the start of his Prophethood and the beginning of his mission to spread the word of Islam.
“Read! In the Name of your Lord, Who has created (all that exists). [Quran 96:1]
After the initial revelation, there was a pause of three years in which Muhammad (PBUH) felt depressed. When the revelation resumed, he was reassured and began to preach. The Quran, the holy book in Islam is believed to be revealed to Muhammad (PBUH) further over a period of 23 years.
Though initially distressed from his first revelation, it took Muhammad (PBUH) time to eventually accept that he was the chosen Prophet of his people and take on the grand task imposed upon him to warn and plead the people of Quraysh in believing in the oneness of Allah.
For the first three years during revelation, Prophet Muhammad preached the word of Islam to his friends and family. Khadija, his wife and loyal companion was the first to convert and believer of Islam.
It was in the fourth year of Muhammad (PBUH) becoming a Prophet in which he was commanded by Allah to preach publicly.
The people of Makkah continued to call him a mad man as he condemned idolatry, persisting in ridiculing him and his teachings. He continued to proclaim the oneness of Allah, the belief in the last judgement, and fought for social and economic justice. For a further 13 years, Muhammad (PBUH) was to endure ignorance and humiliation.
As a result of persecution, Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers migrated to Yathrib, which became the base of Islam, eventually renaming the city to Medina in honour of the Prophet.
The life of Prophet Muhammad is defined into two periods – pre Hijrah in Mecca, and post Hijra in Medina. Hijrah, known as the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers, from Makkah to Yathrib (Medina), marks the beginning of the Muslim era, with the formation of the Ummah (Muslim community). The move from Mecca to Medina established a fresh start for Muslims, allowing them to practice their religion freely.
After years of persistence and determination, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) returned to Mecca. Gathering an army of Muslim converts, he (PBUH), and his army destroyed the idols and all remaining pagan temples, succeeding with the conquest of Mecca. Muhammad (PBUH) forgave his enemies, showing acts of mercy and compassion. As a result of his kind-hearted character, the influence of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) played an enormous role in non-Muslims embracing Islam.
The life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has had a lasting impact in the world that we live in today. His lessons of justice and equality, kindness and forgiveness inspired Muslims to strive to be better believers. The importance of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has been emphasised numerous times in the Quran. Sent as the last Prophet, his way of life and shared wisdom is what provides Muslims with the ultimate guide to perfecting their Deen.
Today, the hadith and the Duas of Prophet Muhammad, along with the Quran sent down by Allah are what draws Muslims to the closeness of Allah.
Why don’t you make a donation to Orphans in Need in the month of Rabiul Awwal, the month in which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born.
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