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>

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.

{{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.

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>

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>

Each year, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) devoted a period of time to profound seclusion and spiritual reflection in the [[Cave of Hira]], nestled on [[Mount Hira]]. This sacred retreat, which some reports suggest lasted for a month annually, was a time of deep contemplation and connection with the Divine. According to certain traditions, this period of I'tikaf often coincided with the blessed month of [[Ramadan]], further elevating the spiritual significance of his retreat and preparing him for the monumental revelations to come.<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-Nabawīyya'', vol. 1, p. 236.</ref>

According to reports, the first divine encounter between the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the [[Angel Gabriel]] took place during one of the Prophet's periods of seclusion in the [[Cave of Hira]]. It is commonly believed that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was forty years old at this pivotal moment.<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-Nabawīyya'', vol. 1, p. 236.</ref> It is said that Muhammad (s) was forty years old at this time.<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 22.</ref>

In the nascent stages of the Prophetic Call, several esteemed members of Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) close circle were among the first to embrace Islam. His revered cousin, [[Ali ibn Abi Talib]], and his beloved wife, [[Khadijah bint Khuwaylid]], were among the earliest converts..<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 23.</ref>

Additionally, [[Hamzah ibn Abd al-Muttalib]] embraced the faith in either the second or sixth year of the Prophethood. Alongside these prominent figures, several Meccans were inspired by the Prophet's (PBUH) message and joined his cause.

Three years into his Prophethood, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) publicly announced his mission in Mecca, expanding his call to Islam. This bold move prompted the polytheists to intensify their efforts to restrict and oppose him. In response to these challenges, the Prophet (PBUH) sought new avenues to disseminate his message.

In the fifth year of the Prophethood, he sent a group of his followers to [[Abyssinia]] (modern-day Ethiopia) to find refuge from the persecution in Mecca This migration, known as the first Hijrah, was led by Ja'far ibn Abi Talib and marked a significant step in the early Muslim community's quest for safety and freedom. The Prophet (PBUH) also traveled to Ta'if, hoping to find support and new converts among its inhabitants. Although his mission there faced rejection and hostility, it demonstrated his relentless dedication to spreading the message of Islam.<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 36.</ref> During the [[Hajj]] season, when pilgrims from various regions gathered in Mecca, the Prophet (PBUH) actively engaged with them, inviting them to embrace Islam. His efforts during these gatherings aimed to reach beyond Mecca, spreading the message to different tribes and communities and laying the groundwork for the future spread of Islam.<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 36.</ref>

In the eleventh year of Prophethood, during the pilgrimage season, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) met with six individuals from the [[Khazraj]] tribe of [[Yathrib]]. He invited them to embrace Islam, and they were moved by his message. Upon returning to Yathrib, these six individuals shared the Prophet's invitation with their people. This marked the beginning of the spread of Islam in Yathrib.<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-Nabawīyya'', vol. 1, p. 428-431.</ref>

In the twelfth year of the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) mission, during the annual [[Hajj]] pilgrimage, twelve representatives from [[Yathrib]] (later known as Medina) convened with the Prophet at [[Aqaba]] in [[Mina]]. This meeting, known as the [[First Pledge of Aqaba]], marked the initial formal acceptance of his message by the people of Yathrib.

The subsequent year, in the thirteenth year of his Prophethood, approximately seventy distinguished individuals from [[Medina]] reconvened at the same location to offer their allegiance in what is referred to as the Second Pledge of Aqaba. During this significant assembly, they extended a formal invitation to the Prophet (PBUH) to migrate to Medina, pledging their full support and protection. This event was crucial in facilitating the Prophet's migration ([[Hijra]]) to Medina, which played a decisive role in the consolidation and expansion of the Islamic community.<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-Nabawīyya'', vol. 1, p. 438; Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 38.</ref>

The migration of Muslims began following the Second Pledge of Aqaba in Dhu al-Hijjah of the thirteenth year of the Prophethood. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) undertook his own migration on the first of Rabi' al-Awwal in the fourteenth year of his mission. The route taken by the Prophet (PBUH) to Medina subsequently became known as the "Path of Hijra." On the twelfth of Rabi' al-Awwal, the Prophet (PBUH) arrived in Quba, a district within Medina.<ref>Ibn Hishām, ''al-Sīra al-Nabawīyya'', vol. 1, p. 590; Masʿūdī, ''Murūj al-dhahab'', vol. 2, p. 286.</ref>

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) resided in Medina for ten years, where he passed away. The migration to Medina later became the starting point for the [[Islamic calendar]]. The years following the [[Hijra]] were marked by the establishment of the Muslim state under the Prophet's leadership. During this period, several significant conflicts occurred between the Muslims of Medina and the [[Quraysh]] polytheists, as well as other tribes surrounding or within Medina, including the [[Jewish tribes]].<ref>Ṭabarī, ''Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī'', vol. 2, p. 491; Masʿūdī, ''Murūj al-dhahab'', vol. 2, p. 287-289.</ref>

Among the most significant events during the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) time in Medina were the Battles of [[Badr]], [[Uhud]], the Trench ([[Khandaq]]), [[Hudaybiyyah]], and [[Khaybar]]. Gradually, the strength of the Muslim community increased, culminating in the pivotal conquest of Mecca in the eighth year of the Hijra. This victory solidified their power over a large part of the Arabian Peninsula.

During this momentous occasion, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) journeyed to the Sacred Mosque (Masjid al-Haram) riding a camel. Upon his arrival, he performed the Tawaf of the [[Kaaba]] seven times (seven circumambulations), reverently touching the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) with a staff. After the city was secured, the Prophet (PBUH) entered the Kaaba, where he demolished the idols within. He then stood at the entrance of the Kaaba and delivered a historic speech to the people, marking a pivotal moment in the establishment of Islam.<ref>Yaʿqūbī, ''Tārīkh al-Yaʿqūbī'', vol. 2, p. 60; Āyatī,  ''Tārīkh-i Payāmbar-i Islām'', p. 466.</ref>

Beyond the Quran, which remains the sacred text of Islam and the direct result of divine revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Muslims revere many places and structures associated with him as significant memorials. Notably, mosques were constructed at various locations in Mecca and Medina where the Prophet (PBUH) used to pray, and many of these still stand today.<ref>Numayrī, ''Tārīkh al-Madīna al-munawwara'', vol. 1, p. 75.</ref>

Among these, the most prominent is Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, which was originally attached to the Prophet's home and that of his wives. After his passing, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was laid to rest in this mosque. Today, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is the largest place of pilgrimage for Muslims after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.

Even Beyond the two cities of Mecca and Medina, many of the locations where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed during his travels and military expeditions were also transformed into mosques. For instance, the seventeen mosques established along the route of the Expedition to Tabuk, between Medina and [[Tabuk]], stand as significant examples of such memorials.<ref>Āyatī,  ''Tārīkh-i Payāmbar-i Islām'', p. 500.</ref>