Prophet Muhammad (s): Difference between revisions

'''Muhammad ibn 'Abd Allah (PBUH)''', the Prophet of Islam, was born in [[Mecca]]. At the age of forty, he was bestowed with prophethood and commenced his mission of inviting people to Islam in Mecca. Fourteen years later, he migrated to Yathrib, which was subsequently renamed [[Medina |Madina al-Nabi]] (the City of the Prophet) in his honor, and it became the epicenter of the Islamic governance. The Prophet (PBUH) resided in this blessed city for ten years, living with his noble wives in chambers adjacent to al-Masjid al-Nabawi. Over time, mosques were established in various places where the Prophet (PBUH) had visited or offered his prayers.

==Birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)==

Most Shia Muslims commemorate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) on the 17th of Rabi' al-Awwal, while most Sunni Muslims observe it on the 12th of the same month.<ref>Āyatī, Muḥammad Ibrāhīm. ''Tārīkh-i Payāmbar-i Islām'', p. 43</ref>

His father was [[Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib]], and his mother was [[Amina bint Wahb ibn Abd Manaf]]. <ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-Nabawīyya'', vol. 1, p. 157.</ref>

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in a house in the valley of Abu Talib ([[Shi'b Abi Talib]]), which later became known as [[Mawlid al-Nabi]] and is revered by Muslims.

Upon his birth, he was entrusted to [[Halimah]] bint Abi Dhu’ayb to be nursed. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spent four years with Halimah among the tribe of Banu Sa’ad ibn Bakr ibn Hawazin. In the fifth year, Halimah returned him to his mother, Amina.

<ref>Masʿūdī, ''Murūj al-dhahab'', vol. 2, p. 280.</ref>

{{For more information, see: Ancestors of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH).}}

The life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) from childhood to his youth and eventual marriage is rich with significant events and milestones that have captivated the attention of biographers and historians. These formative years laid the foundation for his future role as the final Messenger of Allah, highlighting the remarkable journey of a boy destined to change the course of history.

===Passing of His Parents===

At the tender age of six, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) embarked on a journey with his mother, Amina, to Medina. Tragically, on their return trip, Amina fell ill and passed away in the village of [[Abwa]], where she was laid to rest. Following this heartbreaking loss, [[Umm Ayman]] lovingly escorted the young Muhammad (PBUH) back to Mecca. His grandfather, [[Abd al-Muttalib]], then took him under his protective care until he, too, passed away when Muhammad was eight. Thereafter, his devoted uncle, Abu Talib, embraced the responsibility of his guardianship, ensuring his nephew's well-being and nurturing him into adulthood.<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-Nabawīyya'', vol. 1, p. 168-169,179; Masʿūdī, ''Murūj al-dhahab'', vol. 2, p. 281.</ref>

===Journey to Sham===

At the age of twelve, nine, or thirteen, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) joined his uncle Abu Talib on a trading caravan of [[Quraysh]] to Sham ([[Syria]]). Years later, at twenty-five, he embarked on another trading expedition to Sham, this time managing the business affairs of Lady Khadija (S). This pivotal journey not only marked his successful career in trade but also culminated in his marriage to Lady [[Khadija]] (S), forging a profound partnership that would significantly shape his future mission.<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-Nabawīyya'', vol. 1, p. 181; Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 20.</ref>

A decade after his blessed marriage to Lady Khadija (RA) and fifteen years following the fourth Fijar War, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), at the age of thirty-five, was honored to participate in the momentous reconstruction of the Kaaba. The Quraysh tribe, driven by a profound reverence for the sacred sanctuary, embarked on this noble endeavor. During this significant undertaking, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was bestowed with the esteemed role of placing the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) in its rightful position. <ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-Nabawīyya'', vol. 1, p. 192; Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī'', p. 321-323.</ref>  

Although some sources suggest that this pivotal event occurred when the Prophet (PBUH) was twenty-five, it remains a testament to his esteemed place and revered status among his people even before his prophethood.<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 1, p. 19.</ref>

{{main|Tahannuth (Retreat in Mount Hira)}}

* Ṭabarī, Muḥammad b. Jarīr al-. ''Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī''. Fourth edition. Beirut: Muʾassisat al-Aʿlamī li-l-Maṭbūʿāt, 1403 AH.