A. Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Birth, early life, prophethood, Migration (Hijra) to Medina, Major battles and treaties, Death and legacy
The life of Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is one of the most important topics in Islamic studies. He is the last prophet of Islam and the messenger chosen by Allah to guide humanity. His life provides a complete example of honesty, patience, justice, mercy, and devotion to Allah. Muslims study his life to understand Islamic teachings and to follow his example in their daily lives.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in the city of Mecca in the Arabian Peninsula in the year 570 CE. This year is often called the Year of the Elephant because a powerful army led by Abraha attempted to attack the Kaaba, but Allah protected it.
His father was Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib, who died before the birth of the Prophet. His mother was Aminah bint Wahb. Because his father had already passed away, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born an orphan.
According to Arab custom, infants were often sent to the desert to be raised in a healthier environment. The Prophet was cared for by Halima bint Abi Dhuayb, also known as Halima Saadia. She belonged to the tribe of Banu Saad and looked after him during his early childhood.
When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was six years old, his mother passed away during a journey. After her death, his grandfather Abd al-Muttalib took responsibility for raising him. Two years later, his grandfather also died, and the Prophet was then cared for by his uncle Abu Talib, who supported and protected him for many years.
During his youth, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) worked as a shepherd and later became a trader. Because of his honesty and trustworthy character, the people of Mecca gave him the title Al-Amin, which means “the trustworthy.”
At the age of twenty-five, he married Khadija bint Khuwaylid, a respected and wealthy businesswoman of Mecca. She supported him throughout the early years of his mission.
Before receiving prophethood, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often spent time in deep reflection and worship. He used to meditate in the Cave of Hira, located in the mountains near Mecca.
At the age of forty, in the year 610 CE, he received the first revelation from Allah through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). The first revealed words were from Quran commanding him to read in the name of Allah.
After receiving revelation, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) began preaching the message of Islam. He called people to worship one God, Allah, and to abandon idol worship. He also emphasized justice, honesty, kindness to the poor, and equality among people.
Many people in Mecca opposed his message because it challenged their traditional beliefs and practices. The leaders of the Quraysh tribe persecuted the early Muslims and tried to stop the spread of Islam. Despite these difficulties, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) continued preaching with patience and determination.
As persecution in Mecca increased, the Prophet and his followers faced severe hardships. Eventually, Allah commanded the Prophet to migrate to the city of Medina.
This migration is known as the Hijra and took place in 622 CE. It marks a turning point in Islamic history and is the starting point of the Islamic calendar.
During the migration, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was accompanied by his close companion Abu Bakr. The Quraysh tried to capture them, but they safely reached Medina.
In Medina, the Prophet established the first Muslim community based on justice, brotherhood, and cooperation. He built the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, which became the center of religious, political, and social life.
The Prophet also created an agreement known as the Constitution of Medina, which established peaceful relations among Muslims, Jews, and other communities living in the city.
During the early years in Medina, the Muslim community had to defend itself against attacks from the Quraysh and their allies.
One of the first major battles was the Battle of Badr in 624 CE. Although the Muslim army was small, they achieved a significant victory.
Another important battle was the Battle of Uhud in 625 CE. In this battle, the Muslims faced heavy losses because some soldiers disobeyed the Prophet’s instructions.
In 627 CE, the Muslims defended Medina in the Battle of the Trench (also known as the Battle of Khandaq). A trench was dug around the city to prevent enemy forces from entering.
Later, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) signed an important peace agreement with the Quraysh known as the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah in 628 CE. Although some Muslims initially thought the treaty was unfavorable, it eventually led to peace and allowed Islam to spread rapidly.
A few years later, the Prophet peacefully entered Mecca with a large number of followers in the Conquest of Mecca in 630 CE. He forgave many of his former enemies and removed idols from the Kaaba, restoring it as a center for the worship of one God.
In 632 CE, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed his last pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Farewell Pilgrimage. During this pilgrimage, he delivered the famous Farewell Sermon, in which he emphasized equality, justice, respect for women, and unity among Muslims.
Shortly after returning to Medina, the Prophet fell ill. He passed away on 8 June 632 CE in the city of Medina at the age of sixty-three.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) left behind a powerful legacy that transformed the religious, social, and moral life of humanity. Through the message of Islam and the teachings of the Quran, he guided people toward faith in one God, moral responsibility, compassion, and justice.
His life continues to inspire Muslims around the world, and his teachings remain a central source of guidance for Islamic belief, law, and ethics.