prophet muhammad biography

Muhammad was a prophet and founder of Islam.

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Muhammad was the prophet and founder of Islam. Most of his early life was spent as a merchant. At age 40, he began to have revelations from Allah that became the basis for the Koran and the foundation of Islam. By 630 he had unified most of Arabia under a single religion. As of 2015, there are over 1.8 billion Muslims in the world who profess, “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.”

FULL NAME: Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim BORN: c. 570 BIRTHPLACE: Makkah, Saudi Arabia DEATH: June 8, 623

Muhammad was born around 570, AD in Mecca (now in Saudi Arabia). His father died before he was born and he was raised first by his grandfather and then his uncle. He belonged to a poor but respectable family of the Quraysh tribe. The family was active in Meccan politics and trade.

Many of the tribes living in the Arabian Peninsula at the time were nomadic, trading goods as they crisscrossed the desert. Most tribes were polytheistic, worshipping their own set of gods. The town of Mecca was an important trading and religious center, home to many temples and worship sites where the devoted prayed to the idols of these gods. The most famous site was the Kaaba (meaning cube in Arabic). It is believed to have been built by Abraham (Ibrahim to Muslims) and his son Ismail. Gradually the people of Mecca turned to polytheism and idolatry. Of all the gods worshipped, it is believed that Allah was considered the greatest and the only one without an idol.

In his early teens, Muhammad worked in a camel caravan, following in the footsteps of many people his age, born of meager wealth. Working for his uncle, he gained experience in commercial trade traveling to Syria and eventually from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean. In time, Muhammad earned a reputation as honest and sincere, acquiring the nickname “al-Amin” meaning faithful or trustworthy.

In his early 20s, Muhammad began working for a wealthy merchant woman named Khadijah, 15 years his senior. She soon became attracted to this young, accomplished man and proposed marriage. He accepted and over the years the happy union brought several children. Not all lived to adulthood, but one, Fatima, would marry Muhammad’s cousin, Ali ibn Abi Talib, whom Shi’ite Muslims regard as Muhammad’s successor.

Muhammad was also very religious, occasionally taking journeys of devotion to sacred sites near Mecca. On one of his pilgrimages in 610, he was meditating in a cave on Mount Jabal aI-Nour. The Angel Gabriel appeared and relayed the word of God: “Recite in the name of your Lord who creates, creates man from a clot! Recite for your lord is most generous….” These words became the opening verses of sūrah (chapter) 96 of the Qur'an. Most Islamic historians believe Muhammad was initially disturbed by the revelations and that he didn’t reveal them publicly for several years. However, Shi’a tradition states he welcomed the message from the Angel Gabriel and was deeply inspired to share his experience with other potential believers.

Islamic tradition holds that the first persons to believe were his wife, Khadija and his close friend Abu Bakr (regarded as the successor to Muhammad by Sunni Muslims). Soon, Muhammad began to gather a small following, initially encountering no opposition. Most people in Mecca either ignored him or mocked him as just another prophet. However, when his message condemned idol worship and polytheism, many of Mecca’s tribal leaders began to see Muhammad and his message as a threat. Besides going against long standing beliefs, the condemnation of idol worship had economic consequences for merchants who catered to the thousands of pilgrims who came to Mecca every year. This was especially true for members of Muhammad’s own tribe, the Quraysh, who were the guardians of the Kaaba. Sensing a threat, Mecca’s merchants and leaders offered Muhammad incentives to abandon his preaching, but he refused.

Increasingly, the resistance to Muhammed and his followers grew and they were eventually forced to emigrate from Mecca to Medina, a city 260 miles to the north in 622. This event marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. There Muhammad was instrumental in bringing an end to a civil war raging amongst several of the city’s tribes. Muhammad settled in Medina, building his Muslim community and gradually gathering acceptance and more followers.

Between 624 and 628, the Muslims were involved in a series of battles for their survival. In the final major confrontation, The Battle of the Trench and Siege of Medina, Muhammad and his followers prevailed and a treaty was signed. The treaty was broken by the Meccan allies a year later. By now, Muhammad had plenty of forces and the balance of power had shifted away from the Meccan leaders to him. In 630, the Muslim army marched into Mecca, taking the city with minimum casualties. Muhammad gave amnesty to many of the Meccan leaders who had opposed him and pardoned many others. Most of the Meccan population converted to Islam. Muhammad and his followers then proceeded to destroy all of the statues of pagan gods in and around the Kaaba.

After the conflict with Mecca was finally settled, Muhammad took his first true Islamic pilgrimage to that city and in March, 632, he delivered his last sermon at Mount Arafat. Upon his return to Medina to his wife’s home, he fell ill for several days. He died on June 8, 632, at the age of 62, and was buried at al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Mosque of the Prophet) one of the first mosques built by Muhammad in Medina.

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Prophet Muhammad – Biography, achievements and teachings

Prophet Muhammad (570–632) Founder of Islam. Whilst in seclusion in a mountain cave, Muhammad reported receiving a series of revelations from God; these revelations form the verses of the Qu’ran, regarded by Muslims as the “Word of God” and around which the Islamic religion is based. Muhammad was a significant religious, political and military leader who helped to unite Arabia under the new religion of Islam.

Cave of Hira – location of Muhammad’s first revelation.

In the year 610, at the age of 40, Muhammad was undertaking a retreat of pray and meditation in the desert. During his prayer, he began hearing a luminous voice who commanded him to write down the word of God. At first, Muhammad was very uncertain about his experience, but after sharing with his first wife Khadijah and her cousin, he gained confidence that it was a divine voice, which he later revealed to be Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). For quite a few years, Muhammad only shared these recitations with his close companions who later served as scribes, writing down the revelations. He was aware that preaching a new monotheistic religious teaching may incur the wrath of the existing authorities. An important feature of the teachings of the Qu’ran was that there was only one God, and the essential aspect of life was to submit to his will.

Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem where Muhammad is believed to have ascended to Heaven

In the beginning, he attracted a small number of followers, who were deeply moved by the teachings Muhammad imparted. This gave him the confidence to speak to other people in Mecca. However, the followers of Muhammad were viewed with hostility by other Meccan tribes who generally believed in a pantheistic world view (although there were small numbers of Christians and Jews). In 619, both his wife Khadijah and uncle (effective guardian Abu Talib) died. In this time, of personal difficulty, he had an important spiritual experience, where he felt his spirit transported to Jerusalem and then to Heaven where he saw himself with other prophets such as Moses and Jesus amidst the divine throne of God.

In 622 because of ongoing hostility, Muhammad with some of his followers, migrated to the city of Yathrib, now known as Medina. This migration is known as the Hijrah and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

In Medina, Muhammad succeeded in uniting various tribes. He used his skill as an arbiter to smooth over tensions, and increasingly he was viewed as an adept and inspirational leader – combining strength and military skill with a compassionate and devout nature. At the Battle of Badr, just 313 Muslims under Muhammad’s leadership defeated a force of 1,000 Meccans. After this victory, Muhammad negotiated a peace treaty with the Meccan tribes.

During the remainder of his life, he was able to unite most of Arabia under the new religion of Islam. In 632, he gave his final sermon to 20,000 people – showing the extent of his influence and popularity. He died later in the year after suffering from a fever that lasted several days. His last words were:

O Allah, to Ar-Rafiq Al-A’la (exalted friend, highest Friend or the uppermost, highest Friend in heaven)

After his death, he was succeeded by his father-in-law and close associate, Abu Bakr. For the next 100 years, Islam spread rapidly becoming the dominant religious and political force of the middle-east. By 750, Muslim influence stretched from India to Spain and was strongly established as a major world religion.

The Qu’ran

Early Quran manuscript

From his first experiences in the cave, Muhammad reported receiving messages from God throughout his life. These messages form The Qu’ran – which to Muslims is the word of God. Muslims believe Muhammad to be the final prophet in a tradition stretching back to Moses, Abraham and Jesus.

As well as the Qu’ran, Muslims study the Sira (Muhammad’s life) and traditions of the time (Sharia law).

The essential message of the Qu’ran is that there is no God but Allah, and followers should lead their lives in submission to the will of Allah as described in the Qu’ran.

Muhammad also believed religion was not just a private matter of conscience but something that affected the whole society. He instigated social reforms, which included the better treatment of all classes of people and the reduction of aristocratic privileges. The Qu’ran mentioning an alms tax. (zakat) which sought to reduce inequality in society. Muhammad insisted that new tribes who wished to ally with himself should apply this tax.

For his time, Muhammad instigating progressive reforms. He condemned some customs such as female infanticide and excessive privilege. He enhanced the rights of slaves, though did not abolish it completely

Muhammad taught the concept of Jihad. First and foremost ‘jihad is the internal struggle against man’s weaknesses such as lust, envy and hatred, and the struggle to become a better devout person. Jihad could also involve the outer battle against enemies who wished to prevent the devout from practising their faith.

“A strong person is not the person who throws his adversaries to the ground. A strong person is the person who contains himself when he is angry.” – Sunni Hadith

The name Muhammad means “Praiseworthy.” Muslims he was not a divine figure, but was close to a perfect man.

In the list of 100 most influential people in the world , Michael Hast chose Muhammad to be number one, arguing that Muhammad was influential in both the religious and secular world. Muhammad changed the course of history by creating a strong monotheistic religion amongst the Arab world and unifying the disparate tribes. The teachings of the Qu’ran act as a major influence on Islamic society. Like all religions, the teachings of Muhammad have often been misinterpreted and used in the justification of fanaticism – in particular the concept of Jihad is open to different interpretations as to what is meant by defending the faith. Also, quite a few Muslim practises, such as women wearing the veil came in – many years after he had died.

Citation:  Pettinger, Tejvan . “Biography of Muhammad”, Oxford, www.biographyonline.net, Last updated 14 March 2020. Originally published 23/05/2014.

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The Biography of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Sep 19, 2021 | Books and Publications , Mawlid , Stories of the Prophets | Last updated on Aug 03, 2023

Ch 1.The Ancestry of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Ishmael’s second wife was Lady Ra^lah ( 1) , daughter of Mudad from the tribe of Jurhum. She delivered twelve (12) male children for him. From them came Nabit and Qaydar, and from these two in particular, God made a group of Arabs multiply. Continue Reading

Ch 2.The Birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ was born in Makkah in the year when the Abyssinian (Ethiopian) Abrahah tried to destroy the Ka^bah. lnstead, Allah destroyed Abrahah and his army. At that time in Makkah, the people named years by major events. Therefore, it is said that the Prophet ﷺ was born in the ”Year of the Elephant”. It was the year 571 of the Western calendar. Continue Reading

Ch 3.The Nursing of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Aminah nursed her son, Mu h ammad ﷺ, for a short time. Then another woman nursed him. Her name was H alimah. Lady H alimah was the main nursing mother of Prophet Mu h ammad, ﷺ. In those days in Makkah, women wanted their children nursed by Bedouins who lived outside of the city. They believed that their children would be healthier if they were raised in the desert. Continue Reading

Ch 4.Some Events in the Prophet’s Early Life

Our Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ , was about five years old when he went back to live with his mother and grandfather. Aminah was very happy. Continue Reading

Ch 5.The Blessed Household of the Messenger of God, peace be upon him

We know from our beloved Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, that he was a shepherd at some time in his life. Our Prophet said that every prophet tended sheep. Being a shepherd helped to prepare the prophets for the great task of caring for and guiding people. By the time Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ was 25 years old, he was known in Makkah by the name of ”al-Amin” (The trustworthy), because of his good traits. Continue Reading

Ch 6.The Trusted Mediator Receives the Revelation

When our Prophet was thirty-five an incident occurred. Quraysh sought to rebuild the Ka^bah. This happened about five years before the Revelation came to the Prophet, ﷺ. As a young man, Mu h ammad ﷺ was known for his truthfulness and honesty. In addition to calling him Mu h ammad, many people called him as- Sa diq the truthful, or al-Am i n, the trustworthy. When he said something, people believed him… Continue Reading

Ch 7.The Early Converts

In this chapter, we present vignettes of several of our Prophet’s early followers. The early followers have the distinction of believing in the truth from our Prophet, before embracing Islam became popular in the Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, many of them suffered severe torture from the blasphemers, simply because they believed our Prophet loved God and worshipped their Creator correctly. Continue Reading

Ch 8.The Public Call and Immigration to Abyssinia

After three years of Prophethood, fearlessly calling to and teaching people Islam with skilled tactics, God ordered Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ, to make a public call. God revealed ayah (214) of ash-Shu^ara’ in which God ordered Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ to warn his relatives, calling them to Islam. Continue Reading

Ch 9.The Year of Sorrow and Trip to Ta'if

Meanwhile, the Muslims in Makkah suffered many tight conditions. They were isolated into a particularly rocky area outside of Makkah (a place where people would not normally live). Additionally, no one was allowed to buy from or sell to them. They were patient, seeking the reward from God. Continue Reading

Ch 10.The Miracles of Our Prophet ﷺ

While the Prophet ﷺ lived in both Makkah and Madinah, his followers and the blasphemers were witnessing magnificent miracles that God bestowed on him. Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ had never told a lie. In addition, God made Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ perform awesome miracles, the likes of which the people with him had never seen before. Continue Reading

Ch 11.Isra' (The Night Journey)

After all the hardships of the boycott, the deaths of family members, and the reaction at Ta’if, God blessed our Prophet ﷺ with a magnificent honor and experience. Two years before immigrating to Madinah, when Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ was fifty-one (51) years old, he left Makkah, from the house of Lady Umm Hani’, his paternal cousin, on a night journey (Isra’). Continue Reading

Ch 12.Mi^raj (The Ascension)

Our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was at al-Masjidul-A q sa. Then, he rose up to the heavens. He ascended the stairs called al-Mir qa h. Continue Reading

Ch 13.The People of Yathrib Believe

At the time of Hajj (done in an invalid way by the blasphemers at the time), the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to meet with the various tribes and call them to Islam. Continue Reading

Ch 14.The Hijrah (Migration) to Madinah

After our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, left his house, he went to our Master Abu Bakr’s house and told him that he had been given permission to migrate. Abu Bakr asked the Prophet if he could accompany him and the Prophet ﷺ agreed. Abu Bakr then cried out of happiness. Continue Reading

Ch 15.The Top Jewish Scholar of Madinah Converts

What a great blessing from God was the arrival of the Prophet in Madinah! Before accepting Islam, the two Arab tribes of Madinah, al-Aws and al-Khazraj were fighting frequently. Then, God made the hearts of both tribes inclined to Islam and love for God and His Messenger, blessings and peace be upon him. Continue Reading

Ch 16.Good Confronts Evil at Badr

Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ was calling the people to Islam just by talking to them, because he had not been ordered to go to battle yet. After his immigration the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was permitted to fight the blasphemers. Continue Reading

Ch 17.Reflections on the Prophet ﷺ and Companions

God made the Companions of our Prophet of mercy the same in belief, but diverse in characteristics. This “unity despite diversity” is what is so appealing about our Muslim nation. Continue Reading

Ch 18.Dealing with Banu Qaynaqa^

After the great Battle of Badr God exposed the treachery of the Jewish tribes of Madinah who had made a treaty with the Muslims. They were jealous, felt threatened by the victorious Muslims. Hence, they began to break the terms of the treaty. Continue Reading

The Nursing of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

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World History Edu

• Prophet Muhammad

Life Story of Prophet Muhammad: the Last Messenger of God in Islam

by World History Edu · October 9, 2019

“There is no god except Allah and Prophet Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” | The Muslim profession of faith, inscribed on the Topkapi Palace (Turkey).

The Prophet Muhammad is widely regarded as the bedrock of the Islamic religion. Muslims across the world hold him in high regard and view him as a righteous messenger to whom God (Allah) revealed the Quran (Koran). Growing up in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Muhammad’s date of existence is usually quoted as roughly 570-632 CE. Below, we present the full life story of the Prophet Mohammad (Peace be on to Him):

The Prophet Muhammad’s Birth

The Islamic founder’s birth occurred in the year  570 CE, Mecca. He was born to Abdallah ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Aminah bint Wahb. Unfortunately, Muhammad never saw his father with his own eyes – his father died before he came into the world. His family background and tree can be traced to the Quraysh tribe.

After the Prophet’s birth, his mother immediately knew that she had given birth to a great son. Aminah shared memories of the day she put the baby Muhammad down on the floor. According to her, the child directed his head towards the sky and gazed at the horizons, prophesizing one God (Allah). A voice then spoke out to her – ” you have given birth to a great one, he shall be called Muhammad”.

Muhammad’s paternal grandfather was called to pay a visit to the newborn. When he arrived, Abdul-Mutalib took the baby to the Kaaba and said some prayers to Allah. The Kaaba is a cube-shaped stone building in Mecca. Upon Muttalib’s return from the Kaaba,  the great baby boy was named Muhammad.

Less than 7 years after his birth, Muhammad was fully orphaned when Aminah passed away. His grandfather Muttalib took care of him as a guardian. Fully aware of the child’s great religious future, Muttalib specially treated Muhammad with all the goodness he could afford. It has been said that Muttalib even cared for Muhammad better than his own wards. This was because he had high faith in him.

At about age 8, another disaster struck little Muhammad. His grandfather Muttalib was called to eternal rest. For the rest of his upbringing, Muhammad was then cared for by Abu Talib, Muhammad’s uncle. His uncle was very protective of Allah’s messenger – he stood by him during his trying times until death separated them.

Early Life in Mecca

Muhammad’s family lines had strong trade ties and political influence in Mecca. During Muhammad’s birth era, most of the Arabians were nomadic people who traded goods across the desert. Their religious beliefs were largely that of polytheism. They believed and worshiped all sorts of gods (idols).

Deep within the city of Mecca, idol worshiping was no exception. Dozens of temples and shrines served as worshiping grounds for devout worshipers who either had no idea or didn’t believe in one God.

Of all the worshiping sites, the Kaaba was the most famous ground.  Islam followers believe that the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) was the one who built the Kaaba. In Arabic, Kaaba means “a cube”. Though numerous gods were worshiped in Mecca, Allah stood tall among the rest. He was the only true God that was not affiliated with idols.

During his teenage days, Muhammad partook in the nomadic lifestyle of his people. They used camels and crisscrossed deserts to trade for their livelihood. To some extent, Muhammad came from a less privileged family background. He joined his uncle on commercial voyages to Syria, and across the Mediterranean and then the Indian Ocean. Muhammad’s trustworthiness earned him the name “al-Amin”.

Prophet Muhammad Marries Khadijah

When he reached his twenties, Muhammad worked with a rich businesses woman by name Khadijah. Muhammad was 15 years younger than her. Their merchant dealings soon progressed into a strong bond of affection.

Khadijah, a wealthy widow, was all in to having Muhammad as a spouse, so she proposed marriage to him. Muhammad welcomed the idea and their union was blessed with plenty of fruits. However, not all their children made it into adulthood. Some died prematurely.

Controversially, in his energetic youthful days, Khadija was Muhammad’s only wife. His monogamous marriage was very unusual at that time, given the widespread polygamy that characterized his immediate environment. However, he later remarried other women when his first wife Khadijah died.

One daughter of his (Fatima) lived on and married Ali ibn Talib, a cousin to Muhammad. An Islamic branch called the Shi’ite Muslims have long maintained that Ali was the true successor of Prophet Muhammad.

Life and Meditation in the Cave

Muhammad grew up and loved to explore religious realms. He was far advanced in seeking to know Allah and truly understanding Allah’s mercies. In one such journeys, Muhammad discovered a cave called Hira in the mountain Jabal al-Nour. He found the cave convenient for religious meditations. He frequently visited the isolated hideout and got himself lost in contemplation of the Almighty and Magnificent Allah.

It has been alleged that Angel Gabriel visited Muhammad at the cage. The cave in someway manifested Muhammad’s level of spiritual commitment. Seated at the north of the mountain’s top, the question of how Muhammad discovered that isolated world is one that can’t be answered by an ordinary mind. To discover such a wonderful cave, many Islamic scholars and religious authors believe that it definitely took divine guidance and mercy.

Prophet Muhammad’s Spiritual Encounter with the Divine

Once he entered the cave, Muhammad lived in a separate world of his own. Apart from the sky view and the mountain surroundings, nothing else was visible to the naked eye. Shielded from external acoustic interference, everything was between Muhammad and the Merciful Allah. This gave the Prophet Muhammad’s mind the right atmosphere to think about things beyond the materialistic world.

At 40 years old, Muhammad was still in the mysterious cage when he had a spiritual encounter with Allah. It was here that he was presented with verse 1 of the Qur’an. After this revelation, Muhammad didn’t remain the same. It was a turning point in Islamic history.

In the space of 2-3 years after the Quranic revelation, Muhammad preached monotheism to his people. At first, he preached privately to people he trusted.  He later mustered courage and took Allah’s messages to the streets. And bingo, the Islamic religion was birthed. More and more people slowly joined Muhammad in praising Allah. They embraced Allah as the ever Merciful and the ever Gracious.

Sanctions and Persecutions

Since his new religion was founded in the hearts of an idol-worshiping society, it didn’t exist without some sort of hindrance or persecutions. The expansion of Islam brought forth life-threatening hostilities towards the Prophet and his followers. Not everyone saw him as a God-sent messenger.

From the onset, Muhammad was an enemy to many sections of idol worshipers in Mecca. They abused him verbally, physically and in many other ways. But his uncle Abu Talib had his back and defended Muhammad. So he carried on with his evangelism ( Jihad ).

By choosing Allah against the will and traditions of the inhabitants of Mecca, things took a dangerous turn in the form of sanctions, persecutions, and wars, after the revelation. Some of the Islamic converts who were held as slaves were tortured or murdered.

The Prophet Muhammad flees to Abyssinia

The idol-worshipers rose up against the Prophet Muhammad’s followers. By 614 CE, the severity of the persecution forced Muhammad to direct his fellow Muslims to flee to Abyssinia for protection. Abyssinia was a Christian Kingdom in Ethiopia. They had a just king who was hospitable to the Muslims. The Quraysh people reportedly tried to bribe the Abyssinian king to sacking the Muslims, but their wicked efforts failed.

A year after the successful migration of some Muslims to Abyssinia, the Quraysh people put up sanctions and targeted Prophet Mohammed’s family, his activities, and his followers. As a result of the sanctions, Muslims moved and settled at the site of a Meccan mountain. The sanctions flopped in 618-619 CE, after 3 years.

More Troubles, plus the Loss of His Wife and Uncle

Soon afterward, Muhammad lost his dear wife Khadijah. More troubles set in when his uncle also passed away. The Prophet suffered more persecutions from the enemies who were hell-bent on eroding Islam. The intensified persecutions necessitated a pilgrimage in 622 CE. The Prophet met with elderly leaders from Yathrib City and they pledged their protective support to Muhammad.

When the plan leaked out to the Quraysh people, the Yathribs had to quickly move back to their home. Sensing the impending threat, the Prophet instructed his people to secretly emigrate to Yathrib. In response, the Qurayshites plotted to have him killed as soon as possible. The Quraysh tribes collectively planned to carry out the murder in the night time when the Prophet would be asleep.

The Prophet Muhammad’s Pilgrimage from Mecca to Medina

Fortunately, Allah saved Muhammad from death at the last minute.  On the night of the planned murder, Allah instructed him to leave Mecca immediately and make his way to Yathrib. The Prophet did as Allah had instructed. When he safely departed from Mecca to Yathrib, Yathrib was renamed as “al-Madina” or Medina.  This famous emigration of the Prophet is called the Hijra .

The date of this important event is given as 622 CE. It happened about 12 years after the revelation of the first Quranic verses. The Prophet’s escape to Medina has significant implications in the Islamic world. It helped the Islamic religion to establish a strong foundation. The prophet lived in Medina for up to 10 years, before he left the world.

Significant Battles and Treaties

In the following years (624-628 CE), many battles were fought by the Muslims for their lives. The most significant battles were the Battle of Badr and the Battle of the Trench. These were followed by the Siege of Medina, which resulted in a peace treaty between the Meccans and Muhammad’s followers.

When the Meccans broke the treaty, another war broke out.  In 630 CE, Muhammad’s Muslim army was able to counter and defeat the Meccans pagans without fighting to the extreme.

By this time,  Muslim numbers had grown significantly. Prophet Muhammad pardoned his oppressors. As a sign of good fate, or perhaps with Allah’s intervention, the Prophet’s former foes willingly converted to Islam. The Muslim community then collected and destroyed all pagan items (idols) close to the sacred Kaaba.

Death of Prophet Muhammad and His Burial Place

“Prophet Muhammad, the Messenger of God” inscribed at the entrance of the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an Nawabi) in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

After resolving the conflicts with the pagans, Prophet Muhammad ( peace be unto him ) took his pilgrimage back to Mecca. In March of 632 CE, on Mount Arafat, the Prophet gave out his last sermon. He later went back to Medina. There, a deadly illness attacked him and he sadly never recovered.

On 8th June 632, the Prophet Muhammad (in his early 60s) took his last breath. There are conspiracy theories that the Prophet was poisoned. To date, there is no evidence to support such claims. Prophet Muhammad was buried at a mosque in Medina, the al-Masjid an Nawabi (present day Medina, Saudi Arabia).

He is regarded as the “Last Prophet”. Muhammad teachings are summarized as the Hadiths. With regard to the Sunnah, they talk about the prophet’s exemplary lifestyle. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the only Prophet who saw both heaven and hell before dying.

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Biography of the Prophet Muhammad's Later Life

Timeline of the Prophet's Life After the Call to Prophethood

• Prophets of Islam
• Important Principles
• Prayer Salat
• Ramadan and Eid Al Fitr
• Hajj and Eid Al Adha
• M.Ed., Loyola University–Maryland
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The Prophet Muhammad is a central figure in the life and faith of Muslims. The story of his life is filled with inspiration, trials, triumphs, and guidance for people of all ages and times.

Early Life (Before Call to Prophethood)

Muhammad was born in Makkah (modern-day Saudi Arabia) in the year 570 C.E. At the time, Makkah was a stop-over point along the trade route from Yemen to Syria. Although the people had been exposed to monotheism and traced their roots to the Prophet Abraham , they had lapsed into polytheism. Orphaned at a young age, Muhammad was known as a calm and truthful boy.

Read more about the Prophet Muhammad's Early Life

Call to Prophethood: 610 C.E.

By the age of 40, Muhammad was in the habit of retreating to a local cave when he desired solitude. He would spend his days contemplating the state of his people and the deeper truths of life. During one of these retreats, the angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad and told him that God had chosen him as a Messenger. The Prophet Muhammad received his first words of revelation: “Read! In the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is Most Bountiful. He, Who taught by the pen, taught man what he knew not." (Qur’an 96:1-5).

Muhammad was naturally shaken by this experience and went home to be with his beloved wife, Khadija . She reassured him that God would not lead him astray, as he was a sincere and generous person. Over time, Muhammad accepted his calling and began to pray in earnest. After a three-year wait, the Prophet Muhammad began to receive further revelations through the Angel Gabriel.

Muslims in Makkah: 613-619 C.E.

The Prophet Muhammad waited patiently for three years after the first revelation. During this time, he engaged in more intense prayer and spiritual pursuits. The revelations were then resumed, and the subsequent verses reassured Muhammad that God had not forsaken him. On the contrary, the Prophet Muhammad was commanded to warn people about their evil practices, help the poor and orphans, and to worship only One God ( Allah ).

In accordance with guidance from the Quran, the Prophet Muhammad initially kept the revelations private, confiding only in a small circle of family members and close friends.

Over time, the Prophet Muhammad began to preach to his own tribe members, and then throughout the city of Makkah. His teachings were not well received by most. Many in Makkah had become rich, as the city was a central trade hub and a spiritual center for polytheism. They did not appreciate Muhammad's message of embracing social equality, rejecting idols, and sharing wealth with the poor and needy.

Thus, many of the Prophet Muhammad's early followers were among the lower classes, slaves, and women. These early Muslim followers were subject to horrible mistreatment by the Makkan upper classes. Several were tortured, others were killed, and some took temporary refuge in Abyssinia. The Makkan tribes then organized a social boycott of the Muslims, not allowing people to trade with, care for, or socialize with the Muslims. In the harsh desert climate, this was essentially a death sentence.

Year of Sadness: 619 C.E.

During these years of persecution, there was one year that was particularly difficult. It became known as "the Year of Sadness." In that year, the Prophet Muhammad’s beloved wife Khadija and his uncle/caretaker Abu Talib both died. Without Abu Talib’s protection, the Muslim community experienced increasing harassment in Makkah.

Left with few choices, the Muslims began looking for a place other than Makkah to settle. The Prophet Muhammad first visited the nearby city of Taif to preach the Oneness of God and seek asylum from the Makkan oppressors. This attempt was unsuccessful; the Prophet Muhammad was eventually mocked and run out of town.

In the midst of this adversity, the Prophet Muhammad had an experience which is now known as Isra’ and Mi’raj (the Night Visit and Ascension). During the month of Rajab, the Prophet Muhammad made a nighttime trip to the city of Jerusalem ( isra’ ), visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and from there was raised up into heaven ( mi’raj ). This experience gave comfort and hope to the struggling Muslim community.

Migration to Madinah: 622 C.E.

When the situation in Makkah had become unbearable for the Muslims, an offer was made by the people of Yathrib, a small city to the north of Makkah. The people of Yathrib had more interfaith experience, having lived near Christian and Jewish tribes in their area. They were open to receiving the Muslims and pledged their assistance. In small groups, under the cover of night, Muslims began to travel north to the new city. The Makkans responded by confiscating the property of those who left and devising plans to assassinate Muhammad.

The Prophet Muhammad and his friend Abu Bakr then left Makkah to join the others in Madinah. He asked his cousin and close companion, Ali, to stay behind and take care of their final business in Makkah.

When the Prophet Muhammad arrived in Yathrib, the city was renamed Madinah An-Nabi (the City of the Prophet). It is now also known as Madinah Al-Munawarrah (the Enlightened City). This migration from Makkah to Madinah was complete in 622 C.E., which marks "year zero" (the beginning) of the Islamic calendar .

The significance of the migration in the history of Islam should not be underestimated. For the first time, Muslims could live without persecution. They could organize society and live according to the teachings of Islam. They could pray and practice their faith in full freedom and comfort. The Muslims began to set up a society based on justice, equality, and faith. The Prophet Muhammad expanded his role as Prophet to also include political and social leadership.

Battles and Treaties: 624-627 C.E.

The Makkan tribes were not content to let the Muslims settle in Madinah and be done with it. They sought to destroy the Muslims once and for all, which led to a series of military battles.

• Battle of Badr: Two years after the migration, the Makkan armies gathered outside of Madinah. The Muslims were outnumbered 3:1 but were successful in defending against the invading army. This boosted their morale; they felt that Allah had ensured their success despite the odds.
• Battle of Uhud: A year after their defeat at Badr, the Makkans came back even stronger. The Battle of Uhud was less decisive and taught the Muslims an important lesson about overconfidence and greed.
• Battle of the Trench: The Makkans then tried a new tactic, forging alliances with area tribes to join in and attack Madinah from many directions. Again, facing tremendous odds, the Muslims successfully defended against this attack by digging a large ditch to ward off the approaching cavalry.

Through these battles, the Makkans began to see that the Muslims were a powerful force that would not easily be destroyed. Their efforts turned to diplomacy. Many among the Muslims tried to dissuade the Prophet Muhammad from engaging in talks with the Makkans; they felt that the Makkans had proven themselves untrustworthy. Nevertheless, the Prophet Muhammad attempted to reconcile.

Conquest of Makkah: 628 C.E.

In the sixth year after the migration to Madinah, the Muslims had proven that military force would not be enough to destroy them. The Prophet Muhammad and the tribes of Makkah began a period of diplomacy in order to normalize their relations.

After being away from their home city for six years, the Prophet Muhammad and a party of Muslims made an attempt to visit Makkah. They were stopped outside the city in an area known as the Plain of Hudaibiya. After a series of meetings, the two sides negotiated the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. On the surface, the agreement seemed to favor the Makkans, and many Muslims did not understand the Prophet's willingness to compromise. Under the terms of the treaty:

• There would be a 10-year peace during which Muslims could travel to Makkah, and Makkans could travel on the caravan route to Syria, through Muslim lands.
• The Muslims would wait another year before returning to Makkah.
• Any other tribe would be free to align themselves with either side of the agreement.
• Any deserter or refugee from Makkah to Madinah would be returned to Makkah. (However, the reverse would not be true.)

The Muslims reluctantly followed the Prophet Muhammad's lead and agreed to the terms. With peace assured, relations normalized for a while. The Muslims were able to turn their attentions from defense to sharing the message of Islam in other lands.

However, it did not take long for the Makkans to violate the terms of the agreement, by attacking allies of the Muslims. The Muslim army then marched upon Makkah, surprising them and entering the city without bloodshed. The Prophet Muhammad gathered the people of the city together, declaring a general amnesty and universal pardon. Many of the people of Makkah were moved by this open-heartedness and embraced Islam. The Prophet Muhammad then returned to Madinah.

Death of the Prophet: 632 C.E.

A decade after the migration to Madinah, the Prophet Muhammad performed a pilgrimage to Makkah. There he encountered hundreds of thousands of Muslims from all parts of Arabia and beyond. On the Plain of Arafat , the Prophet Muhammad delivered what is now known as his Farewell Sermon.

A few weeks later, back at home in Madinah, the Prophet Muhammad became ill and passed away. His death sparked a debate among the Muslim community about its future leadership. This was resolved with the appointment of Abu Bakr as caliph.

The Prophet Muhammad's legacy includes a religion of pure monotheism, a system of law based on fairness and justice, and a balanced way of life, based ​on social equality, generosity, and brotherhood. The Prophet Muhammad transformed a corrupt, tribal land into a well-disciplined state, and led the people by noble example.

• Battle of Uhud
• Madinah City Guide
• Biography of the Prophet Muhammad's Early Life
• Juz' 26 of the Quran
• The Main Themes of Juz' 6 of the Qur'an
• Who Wrote the Quran and When?
• The Meaning of Isra' and Mi'raj in Islam
• The Women in the Prophet Muhammad's Family
• Overview of the Islamic Calendar
• What happens after one performs Hajj?
• Juz' 23 of the Quran Quotes and Theme
• Prophet Saleh
• The Quran: The Holy Book of Islam
• Juz' 27 of the Quran
• Who Are the Prophets of Islam?
• Ashura: A Day of Remembrance in the Islamic Calendar

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The Prophet Muhammad and the Origins of Islam

The rise of Islam is intrinsically linked with the Prophet Muhammad, believed by Muslims to be the last in a long line of prophets that includes Moses and Jesus. Because Muhammad was the chosen recipient and messenger of the word of God through the divine revelations, Muslims from all walks of life strive to follow his example. After the holy Qur'an, the sayings of the Prophet ( hadith ) and descriptions of his way of life ( sunna ) are the most important Muslim texts.

Early Life Muhammad was born into the most powerful tribe in Mecca, the Quraish, around 570 A.D. The power of the Quraish derived from their role as successful merchants. Several trade routes intersected at Mecca, allowing the Quraish to control trade along the west coast of Arabia, north to Syria, and south to Yemen.

Mecca was home to two widely venerated polytheistic cults whose gods were thought to protect its lucrative trade. After working for several years as a merchant, Muhammad was hired by Khadija, a wealthy widow, to ensure the safe passage of her caravans to Syria. They eventually married.

Divine Revelations When he was roughly forty, Muhammad began having visions and hearing voices. Searching for clarity, he would sometimes meditate at Mount Hira, near Mecca. On one of these occasions, the Archangel Gabriel ( Jibra'il in Arabic) appeared to him and instructed him to recite "in the name of [your] lord." This was the first of many revelations that became the basis of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. These early revelations pointed to the existence of a single God, contradicting the polytheistic beliefs of the pre-Islamic Arabian Peninsula.

Initially overwhelmed by the significance of what was being revealed to him, Muhammad found unflinching support in his wife and slowly began to attract followers. His strong monotheistic message angered many of the Meccan merchants. They were afraid that trade, which they believed was protected by the pagan gods, would suffer. From that point forward, Muhammad was ostracized in Mecca. For a time, the influence and status of his wife and his uncle, Abu Talib, the chief of the clan, protected Muhammad from persecution. After they died, however, Muhammad's situation in Mecca became dire.

The Hijra Emigration became the only hope for Muhammad and his followers' survival. In 622, they headed to Medina, another oasis town, where they were promised freedom to practice their religion. The move from Mecca to Medina is known as the hijra —the flight—and marks year 1 of the Islamic, or hijri , calendar.

Spreading the Message of Islam In Medina, Muhammad continued to receive divine revelations and built an ever-expanding community around the new faith. The conflict with the Quraish continued, but after several years of violent clashes, Mecca surrendered. Muhammad and his followers soon returned and took over the city, destroying all its pagan idols and spreading their belief in one God.

The Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Accounts of the ascension ( mi'raj  ) of Muhammad have captured the imaginations of writers and painters for centuries. One night, while the Prophet was sleeping, the Archangel Gabriel came and led him on a journey. Mounted on the heavenly steed Buraq , Muhammad traveled from the Ka'ba in Mecca to the "Farthest Mosque," which Muslims believe to be the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. There he prayed with other prophets such as Moses, Abraham, and Jesus, and ascended to the skies, where he was led by Gabriel through Paradise and Hell, and finally came face to face with God. He then returned to earth to continue spreading the message of Islam. According to Islamic belief, Muhammad was the only person to see Heaven and Hell while still alive.

After the Prophet's Death: Emergence of Shi'i and Sunni Sects of Islam When Muhammad died in 632, he had not named a successor. One faction, the Shi'a, believed that only individuals with direct lineage to the Prophet could guide the Muslim community righteously. They thought that 'Ali, Muhammad's closest surviving blood male relative, should be their next leader ( caliph ). The other faction, the Sunnis, believed that the Prophet's successor should be determined by consensus and successively elected three of his most trusted companions, commonly referred to as the Rightly Guided Caliphs (Abu Bakr, 'Umar, and 'Uthman), as leaders of the Muslim community; 'Ali succeeded them as the fourth caliph.

Today the Islamic community remains divided into Sunni and Shi'i branches. Sunnis revere all four caliphs, while Shi'is regard 'Ali as the first spiritual leader. The rift between these two factions has resulted in differences in worship as well as political and religious views. Sunnis are in the majority and occupy most of the Muslim world, while Shi'i populations are concentrated in Iran and Iraq, with sizeable numbers in Bahrain, Lebanon, Kuwait, Turkey, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Depictions of the Prophet Muhammad Featured in this unit are several depictions of the Prophet Muhammad. These portrayals, while somewhat rare, are not unheard of as there were (and still are) many different attitudes toward depicting the Prophet, and humans in general, in the Islamic world. These attitudes varied dramatically from region to region and throughout history; the societies that produced the works discussed here are among those that allowed the depiction of the Prophet. Commissioned by Muslims for Muslims, these images appear in biographies of the Prophet and his family, world and local histories, and accounts of Muhammad's celestial journey ( mi'raj ), as well as in literary texts. In each context, they serve a distinct purpose. They illustrate a narrative in biographies and histories, while in literary texts they serve as visual analogues to written praises of the Prophet. An image of the Prophet Muhammad at the beginning of a book endows the volume with the highest form of blessing and sanctity. Thus, illustration of him was a common practice, particularly in the eastern regions of the Islamic world (see also Frequently Asked Questions ).

The Prophet of Islam

Muhammad peace be upon him.

"And We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds" QURAN, 21:107 (THE PROPHETS)

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Testimonials.

History has recorded Muhammad’s sublime and humane dealing with people. His call and teachings were based on amicability and fraternity. Adversity had no place in his conduct.

His character

Muslims have no drawings or pictures for prophet Muhammad or the prophets before him. However, unlike the founders of the great faith traditions prior to his time, the Prophet Muhammad is much more a recognizable historical figure as his companions and family members described him very well and recorded many stories from his life for posterity.

• Muhammad and Divine revelation
• The Message of Islam in brief
• One God, One Message
• How is Muhammad related to Abraham, Moses, Jesus and other prophets?
• The universality of Islam (the Message)

The Islamic civilization

• Values and Morals
• Social Values

Women in islam

• Women rights, empowerment and treatment.
• God’s commandments to control polygamy.

Human rights

Muhammad proclaimed himself as a Messenger of God. He received a Divine Message to humanity and struggled to convey it to all people but he did not force anyone to accept it.

Environment

The bowing tree was found in a camping site in Nowra, South of Sydney, Australia. It resembles bowing to God in the Muslims' prayers. The lower edge of the tree looks like the head of a bowing person.

The Miracles

• The Quran is an eternal miracle.
• Scientific facts in the Quran.

His sayings

Muhammad's sayings in relation to various issues.

History has recorded fine details of Muhammad’s life as well as his sublime and humane dealing with people.

Islamic Arts

Islamic Art, Calligraphy And Architecture

MUHAMMAD Biography

Personal details.

Childhood & Adolescence

Working Life

He could not read or write. He never lived outside Makkah or sought foreign knowledge. Muslims believe that Muhammad¤ did not write or author the “Quran”. He conveyed it (as Allah's Message to humanity) letter by letter and word by word without rephrasing any part of it with his own words.

Muhammad’s sayings and teachings were not mixed with the Quran:

They were collected in books which are called “Hadith or the Sunnah of the Prophet”, which means his teachings, way of life and explanation of the Book (The Quran).

Marital Status

Married to one wife for 25 years: Muhammad married Khadijah, the daughter of Khuwaylid, who came from a noble family called Asad.

She was a respected woman in her community and she was a widow. Muhammad worked for her for two years before she proposed marriage to him through a third party. She found him a very loyal, transparent and an ethical person. Successful marriage:  Although Khadijah was 15 years older than Muhammad, both of them came from a similar social class in the community. The age difference was no obstacle to the establishment of a successful marriage, which lasted for 25 years3 until Khadijah died in the year 619 CE at the age of 65. Muhammad remarried after Khadijah passed away. (Please see Chapter 6) A father of 6 children and a family man: Muhammad & Khadijah lived in harmony and peace; they had four daughters (Zaynab, Ruqayya, Um Kulthoum & Fatima) and two sons (AlQasim, who died when he was 3 years old and Abdullah, who died at the age of 4). Muhammad used to spend time with his family, help his wife in house matters, sew his own clothes and look after his children.

Divine revelation commenced: Muhammad received the first revelation from God and was appointed as the Messenger of God to all people. A mission that required strong belief, dedication, commitment and honesty.

610 - 612 CE

Core Muslims formed: Muhammad invited his friends, his inner circle and selected people to believe in one God and accept Islam as His final Message to humanity. In the first three years after prophecy, around 130 people accepted Islam and became a strong nucleus that was able to spread Islam publicly. These core Muslims were a mix of rich and poor people.

613 - 615 CE

Muhammad’s public invitation resisted: Muhammad and his followers started to talk to people openly about Islam. Although Muhammad was known as a trustworthy and an honest man, Meccan leaders did not believe him. They described him as a poet, a magician and a crazy man. Muhammad tempted and threatened:   Meccan leaders tried to dissuade Muhammad from inviting people to Islam by tempting him one time and threatening him another time.  Also, they tried to prevent people from listening to him. They showed increased hostility towards new Muslims. They persecuted and tortured the poor and weak Muslims. Muhammad supported his followers and sent some of them to Abyssinia: Muhammad was very close to his followers. He used to meet them at Al-Arqam House which was like a small college. He taught them values and morals and instilled feelings of responsibility and commitment. Muhammad saw the suffering and tribulation some of his followers endured and advised them to seek refuge in Abyssinia, describing it as a land of virtue ruled by a fair Christian king, under whom no one was treated unjustly. Two influential men embraced Islam:  Two strong and well respected Meccan men accepted Islam, Omar Bin AlKhattab and Hamza Bin Abdul-Muttalib (Muhammad’s uncle). That was an important turning point for Muslims. Hamza became a strong supporter and protector for Muhammad until he (Hamza) died in the battle of Uhud (625 CE). Three years after the passing away of Prophet Muhammad, Omar became the second caliph and ruled the Islamic state for 11 years.

616 - 618 CE

Muhammad boycotted : Meccan leaders boycotted Muhammad and his followers and imposed a social and economic blockade on them, which lasted for 3 years. During this time, Muhammad and his followers suffered great tribulation. This period was a tough test for their patience, belief and commitment to the truth.

619 - 620 CE

A Sorrowful year: Meccan chiefs cancelled the social and economic blockade as they found it not useful. In the same year, Muhammad’s wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu-Talib passed away. Muhammad lost hope in Makkah and decided to convey the Message of God and seek support outside Makkah. He went to the city of Ta'if but was met with hostility4. In addition, he spoke to more than 20 Arab tribes about Islam but he didn’t receive any positive response.

620 - 622 CE

A glimpse of hope : Muhammad met six people from Yathrib (a city located 400 km north of Makkah) during the pilgrimage time and talked to them about Islam. They believed Muhammad and returned to their city with intentions to invite more people from their own tribe and other tribes in Yathrib. They agreed to return to Makkah the next year at the time of pilgrimage to meet again with Muhammad “the Prophet and the Messenger of God”. New Muslims pledged allegiance to Muhammad: The same group returned the following year (621 CE) with six more people. They pledged their allegiance to Muhammad (accepting him as the Messenger of God.  They promised him: 1- not to worship anyone except Allah 2- not to steal 3- not to commit adultery 4- not to kill 5- not to slander neighbors and 6- not to disobey the Messenger of God. The group went back to Yathrib and invited their tribal leaders and their people to accept Islam. They returned again in the following year (622 CE) at the time of pilgrimage with more than 70 men and two women. A similar pledge of allegiance was given by this group to Prophet Muhammad. A new Muslim community formed 400 km north of Makkah: The leaders of the two main tribes in Yathrib (Aws & Khazraj) embraced Islam and subsequently their people became Muslims. Muhammad the Prophet of God was invited to come to Yathrib and become its ruler and leader.

Chiefs of Makkah plotted to kill Muhammad; migration to Yathrib commenced : Things were becoming worse in Makkah. Muhammad asked Meccan Muslims6 to migrate to Yathrib. Following their migration, Muhammad migrated to Yathrib in September 622 CE7 . His migration represented the most important turning point in the Islamic history. From Yathrib, Islam blossomed, an Islamic state was established and a just social order was born.

Muhammad the ruler of Yathrib: Muhammad the ruler of Yathrib Muhammad, “The Messenger of God” became the ruler of Yathrib willingly and peacefully with the agreement of the majority of people. The people of Yathrib were a mix of Arabs and Jews. Although there were two main Arab tribes and three smaller Jewish tribes, the Arab community was larger than the Jewish one. Muhammad changed the name of Yathrib the multicultural society : “Madinah” was the new name Muhammad gave to the city of Yathrib. After the migration of the Meccan Muslims, Yathrib no longer belonged to a certain group of Arabs, instead, it became the homeland of believers who accepted Islam. Since there were Jewish tribes in Yathrib and other Arab people who didn't embrace Islam, Muhammad did not call it the city of Islam. Instead, it was named “Al-Madinah” which means “The City”, in which all inhabitants had similar citizenship rights. Muhammad called for peace and unity in Madinah: In his first public address to the people of Madinah, Muhammad delivered a very concise speech which promoted harmony and social cohesion. He said: “O People, seek and spread peace and offer food to each other, look after your kinship and pray to God at night while others are sleeping so you gain God’s pleasure and enter His Paradise”.   Muhammad linked these acts to God’s pleasure in order to motivate people to love each other and live in peace and harmony in a multicultural society.

623 - 624 CE

Muhammad signed the first agreement with Jews in Madinah which protected human rights and liberties: Most of the Jews hoped that the last Prophet would come from a Jewish background. Although the majority of Jews did not accept Muhammad as a Messenger of God, Muhammad (as the ruler of the state) signed an agreement with them which was like a “Constitution and Charter of Human Rights and Liberties” to which all Arab and Jewish tribes agreed upon.  The agreement guaranteed the freedom of worship for Muslims and Jews as well as Arabs who did not accept Islam. In addition, the agreement protected the safety and security of all citizens in Madinah and required all parties to be part of the national defense should Madinah be attacked by enemies. The agreement stated justice, human rights, liberties and prohibition of crime and immoral practices.

The unavoidable battle of Badr:  When Muslims migrated from Makkah to Madinah, many of them were forced to abandon their homes and their properties were confiscated.  The chiefs of Makkah used the confiscated money in trade and business. Muslims knew about a trade caravan belonging to the Meccan chiefs, led by their enemy AbuSufyan, which would pass through a trade route close to Madinah. Muhammad called upon Muslims to take the caravan in return for their wealth that was confiscated in Makkah. A force of only 313 Muslims took up the mission. The Meccan intelligence advised Abu-Sufyan to change the route of the trade caravan. In addition, Makkah sent an army of 950 soldiers to fight the Muslim force, which was not prepared for war and was far less equipped than the Meccan army. It was astonishing and beyond expectation that Muslims won their first battle against the Meccan chiefs. Many Meccan chiefs and important figures were killed in this battle.

Meccan chiefs attacked Muhammad and his followers in the battle of Uhud:  In retaliation for their loss in the battle of Badr and their fear of losing their leading role in Arabia, Meccan chiefs with some Arab allies, sent an army of 3000 soldiers to at the mount of Uhud north of Madinah. The Muslims lost this battle and Muhammad was wounded but saved. In the battle of Uhud some of Muhammad’s companions were killed including his beloved uncle Hamza.  The Muslims lost this battle and Muhammad was wounded but saved. In the battle of Uhud some of Muhammad’s companions were killed including his beloved uncle Hamza. 

Meccans and other tribes attacked Muhammad and his followers in the battle of trench:  This battle is also called the “Battle of Confederates”. Since Muhammad was not killed in the previous battle, Meccan chiefs and some Arab & Jewish tribes called for a united effort and a comprehensive assault to kill Muhammad and destroy the Muslim community. 10,000 soldiers marched towards Madinah. After consulting his companions, Muhammad decided to adopt the proposal of a Persian Muslim named Salman to dig a trench on the northern access of Madinah (5.5 km long X 4.6 m wide). Muslims were in their most awkward situation and tried their best including psychological warfare to defend themselves. After a month-long siege the Meccan army and its allies became impatient and strong storms and wind blew, which forced the confederates to pack up their tents and withdraw.

Treaty of Hudaybiya, a truce for 10 years: One year after the battle of trench, Muhammad took a peaceful initiative to perform Umrah (visit the Sacred Mosque in Makkah and perform other religious rites). Visiting Makkah for the purpose of worship was a religious right that Makkah undertook to give to all people in Arabia.  It was a great surprise for Meccan chiefs to see Muhammad approaching Makkah with 1400 civilians coming from Madinah. After several negotiations, a truce was made between the Meccan chiefs and Muhammad for 10 years during which time Muhammad and his companions returned to their homes with a condition to come again to visit Makkah in the following year (628 CE). The truce had many other terms which were disappointing for Muslims because they weighed heavily in favor of the Meccan side.

628 - 629 CE

During the truce, Muhammad conveyed God’s Message inside & outside Arabia:   The truce was a golden chance for Muhammad to freely speak to people about Islam without being stopped or intercepted by other forces. Muhammad sent delegations to other Arab tribes in Arabia and wrote letters to the rulers and kings of neighboring countries and superpowers such as Persia, Byzantine and Egypt inviting them to accept Islam as “the Message of God”. Muslims increased in numbers as people found the truth in Islam.

Peaceful take-over of Makkah:  Within less than 2 years, the truce was broken from the Meccan side when their allies killed 20 Muslims. In response to this shocking act, Muhammad marched with 10,000 Muslims to conquer Makkah but asked his soldiers not to fight any one unless they were fought.7 The Meccan chiefs were embarrassed and were not prepared to fight the Muslims. When the Muslim army arrived in Makkah, Muhammad addressed the whole people of Makkah confirming the oneness of God, referring victory to Him and reminding people that all of them descended from Adam and Adam was created from dust of the ground. Then he asked the people of Makkah: “What do you expect me to do with you? They replied: “We hope for the best. After all, you have been a gracious brother and a courteous cousin”.  Exemplar of forgiveness :   Despite the hardship caused by the Meccan people during the previous 21 years, Muhammad behaved with high moralities. He replied: “Have no fear today. Depart then (to your homes), you are free”. Muhammad’s address was very influential and many people came to him to make a pledge and embrace Islam. (Sunan Al-Bayhaqi, 9/118, 18342, 18343)

630 - 631 CE

Arab tribes embraced Islam: After the peaceful takeover of Makkah, delegations from all over Arabia came to learn about Islam. Except the Hawazen tribe, who fought the Muslims and eventually lost the battle of Hunayn, most Arab tribes embraced Islam. Muhammad sent many of his companions to various provinces in Arabia to teach people Islam “The Message of God”.

" When Prophet Muhammad returned to Makkah, his main goal was to purify the Sacred Mosque. He knocked down all idols that were worshipped by the Arabs and restored the Ka'bah as the House of Allah, the One God"

Muhammad's farewell address: Muhammad’s mission was accomplished and his life was nearing to an end. In the year 632 CE Muhammad performed pilgrimage and gave his final sermon to more than 100,000 people. His sermon reminded people about belief in One God, sanctity of lives, protection of wealth and property, equality of all races, rules of justice, women’s rights and morals. The passing away of Muhammad: Prophet Muhammad passed away in his home in Madinah in the year 632 CE leaving only few possessions. He did not leave any money or wealth but a legacy of faith in God that is still illuminating the hearts of millions of people around the globe.  "To err is human, to forgive is Divine" Alexander Pope