Biography of Muhammad (PBUH)

Biography of Muhammad (PBUH)

Birth and Early Life
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born around 570 CE in Mecca, part of present-day Saudi Arabia. His full name was Muhammad ibn Abdullah, and he belonged to the powerful Quraysh tribe. His father, Abdullah, died before he was born, and his mother, Aminah, died when he was six. He was raised first by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and after his death, by his uncle, Abu Talib. Despite the loss of his parents, Muhammad gained a reputation for honesty and trustworthiness, earning him the title "Al-Amin" (The Trustworthy).

Marriage and Early Adulthood
At the age of 25, Muhammad married Khadijah, a wealthy widow who was 15 years his senior. She was impressed by his integrity in business dealings. Their marriage was a happy one, and they had several children, including daughters Fatimah and Zainab. Khadijah provided Muhammad with support and stability, both emotionally and financially, during the early years of his life and mission.

The First Revelation
At the age of 40, while meditating in the Cave of Hira on Mount Noor near Mecca, Muhammad received his first divine revelation from the angel Gabriel (Jibreel in Arabic). This marked the beginning of his prophethood. The first verses revealed to him were from Surah Al-Alaq, which began with the words:
"Read in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clinging substance..."
This revelation, in 610 CE, was the first of many that would later form the Quran, the holy book of Islam.

Preaching Islam in Mecca
After the revelation, Muhammad began to preach Islam, calling people to believe in one God (Allah) and to abandon idol worship, which was prevalent in Mecca. He also emphasized moral conduct, justice, and social equity. His teachings, however, were met with resistance from the Quraysh leaders, as his message threatened their control over the religious and economic life in Mecca, particularly the lucrative trade surrounding the Kaaba, the central religious site for idol worship.

Despite the hostility, Muhammad continued his mission, gathering a small group of followers, including his wife Khadijah, his close companion Abu Bakr, and his cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib. The early Muslims endured persecution, and many faced social and economic boycotts.

Migration to Medina (Hijra)
In 622 CE, facing increasing hostility and danger in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers migrated to the city of Yathrib (later known as Medina). This event, called the Hijra, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad was welcomed as a leader and statesman. He established the first Islamic state, based on the principles of justice, equality, and mutual cooperation. The Constitution of Medina, which he drafted, was a pioneering document that outlined the rights and duties of all citizens, including non-Muslims.

Military Campaigns and the Spread of Islam
As the Muslim community grew stronger in Medina, tensions with the Quraysh in Mecca escalated. Several battles occurred, including the Battle of Badr (624 CE), where the Muslims achieved a decisive victory, and the Battle of Uhud (625 CE), which ended in a setback for the Muslims. However, despite these challenges, Islam continued to spread across the Arabian Peninsula.

In 628 CE, Muhammad signed the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah with the Quraysh, establishing a ten-year truce. This treaty allowed for peaceful relations between the Muslims and Meccans, which led to a significant increase in conversions to Islam.

Conquest of Mecca
In 630 CE, after the Quraysh violated the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, Muhammad led a peaceful conquest of Mecca with a large army of 10,000 Muslims. Upon entering the city, he granted amnesty to his former enemies and cleansed the Kaaba of idols, dedicating it to the worship of Allah alone. This event marked a turning point, as the majority of the Arabian Peninsula embraced Islam.

Farewell Pilgrimage and Final Sermon
In 632 CE, Muhammad performed his Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca, where he delivered his final sermon, known as the Farewell Sermon. In this sermon, he emphasized the equality of all people, regardless of race or status, and the importance of treating women kindly and with respect. He also reaffirmed the core tenets of Islam, urging Muslims to adhere to the teachings of the Quran and his example (the Sunnah).

One of the most famous quotes from this sermon is:
"O people, your Lord is One. You all descended from Adam, and Adam was created from dust. There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, or of a non-Arab over an Arab, or of a white person over a black person, or of a black person over a white person, except by piety and good action."

Death
Shortly after his return to Medina, Muhammad fell ill. On June 8, 632 CE, at the age of 63, Muhammad passed away in the home of his wife Aisha. His death marked the end of his earthly mission, but his teachings continued to shape the lives of millions of people around the world.

He was buried in Medina, in the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet's Mosque), where his tomb remains a site of reverence for Muslims.

Legacy

Prophet Muhammad’s life and teachings continue to influence Muslims globally. The Quran, revealed to him over 23 years, is regarded as the final and most complete divine guidance. His sayings and actions, known as the Hadith, provide further insight into his example and serve as guidelines for personal conduct, law, and spirituality in the Muslim world.

He is revered not only as the final prophet in Islam but also as a leader, reformer, and moral exemplar whose message of monotheism, social justice, and ethical behavior transformed the Arabian Peninsula and laid the foundations for a global faith.