Life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad in Makkah

Early Life

• Muhammad was born in 570 CE in Mecca, a city in present-day Saudi Arabia.
• He was a member of the Quraysh tribe, a powerful and respected tribe in Mecca.
• Muhammad was orphaned at a young age and was raised by his uncle Abu Talib.
• He grew up to be a successful trader and was known for his honesty and integrity, and earned the title al-Amin (the trustworthy).

Marriage and Family Life

• Muhammad married Khadija, a wealthy widow, when he was 25.
• Khadija was the first person to convert to Islam and she provided Muhammad with great moral and financial support.
• They had four daughters and two sons together, but only the daughters survived into adulthood.

Prophetic Call

• At around 40 years of age, Muhammad began to have spiritual experiences.
• He would retreat to the cave of Hira for contemplation, where he reported having a vision of the angel Gabriel.
• The angel informed him that he was chosen by God to be a prophet. Initially, Muhammad was hesitant, but Khadija reassured him and supported his mission.

Revelation of The Qur'an

• Muhammad's revelations, which he said were given to him by God via the angel Gabriel, form the basis of the Qur'an, Islam's holy book.
• These revelations emphasised monotheism, social justice, and moral and ethical conduct.

Opposition and Persecution

• Muhammad's teachings of monotheism challenged the polytheistic beliefs of the Quraysh tribe.
• His condemnation of social injustices brought him into conflict with the wealthy and powerful leaders of Mecca.
• For preaching these teachings, Muhammad and his followers faced severe persecution.

Year of Sadness

• In 619 CE, both Khadija and Abu Talib died. This year was known as the 'Year of Sadness' ('Aam al-Huzn') for Muhammad.
• This was also the period of intense persecution, and therefore he sought refuge in Ta'if, but was rejected and stoned by the locals.

Isra and Mi'raj

• Around 621 CE, Muhammad experienced the Isra and Mi'raj, a miraculous journey from Mecca to Jerusalem (Isra) and his ascension to the heavens (Mi'raj).
• This event signified his status as Prophet, and the five daily prayers of Islam (Salah) were instituted during this journey.

Migration to Medina

• In 622 CE, facing increased persecution, Muhammad and his followers migrated to the city of Medina.
• This migration, or Hijra, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
• In Medina, Muhammad established an Islamic state based on the rules of the Qur'an and his teachings.

Remember that thorough understanding of this topic requires not just memorising factual information but understanding the significance of these events in Muhammad's life and how they shaped the teachings and practices of Islam. Engage with different interpretations and evaluations for a broader understanding.