The life of the Prophet Muhammad
Early Life
- Muhammad was born in Mecca in 570CE to the Quraysh tribe.
- His father Abdullah died before his birth and his mother Amina died when he was six, leaving him an orphan.
- He was then brought up by his grandfather Abdul Muttalib and later his uncle Abu Talib.
- He was known as Al-Amin, meaning 'the trustworthy', due to his ethical and moral character.
Revelation
- Muhammad had his first revelation when he was around 40 years old. The angel Jibril delivered a message from Allah while Muhammad was meditating in the cave of Hira.
- This marked the beginning of Muhammad's role as a prophet.
- He later recorded these revelations in what is now known as the Quran.
Preaching in Mecca
- Muhammad began to preach in Mecca, and initially his messages weren't well received due to their challenges to traditional Meccan beliefs.
- His preaching emphasised monotheism, the rejection of idolatry, ethical and moral reform, egalitarianism and social justice.
- He attracted a small following, with his wife Khadijah being his first follower.
Hijra
- The threat of persecution forced Muhammad and his followers to flee to Medina in 622CE, an event known as the Hijra, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.
- In Medina, Muhammad established a theocratic state based on the revelations and laws of Islam.
Consolidation of Power
- Muhammad created the Constitution of Medina which established a multi-religious Islamic state, and provided a set of rights and duties for its citizens.
- This period saw several battles including the significant Battle of Badr in 624 CE, where Muslims scored a surprising victory against the Meccans.
Return to Mecca
- In 630 CE, Muhammad returned to Mecca with a large number of his followers. The city surrendered without a battle.
- Upon returning, he destroyed the idols in the Kaaba, declaring it a place of Islamic monotheistic worship.
- The remainder of his life was spent spreading the faith and establishing Islamic rule over the Arabian Peninsula.
Death
- Muhammad died in 632 CE in Medina. His teachings, actions, and religious leadership are foundational to the beliefs and practices of Muslims worldwide.