Prophet Muhammad

Muhammad ibn Abdullah (c. 570–632 CE), often referred to as Prophet Muhammad, is the founder of Islam and regarded by…

By Staff , in Religion , at October 5, 2024 Tags: religion

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Muhammad ibn Abdullah (c. 570–632 CE), often referred to as Prophet Muhammad, is the founder of Islam and regarded by Muslims as the last prophet sent by God (Allah) to humanity. His life and teachings laid the foundation for the Islamic religion and had a profound impact on the course of world history. Muhammad’s mission was to spread the message of monotheism, calling people to worship one God and abandon polytheistic practices. His revelations, recorded in the Qur’an, are the central religious text of Islam.

Early Life
Muhammad was born around 570 CE in the city of Mecca, in what is now Saudi Arabia. He belonged to the Quraysh tribe, one of the leading tribes of Mecca. His father, Abdullah, died before he was born, and his mother, Amina, died when he was about six years old. As a result, Muhammad was raised by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib.

Growing up, Muhammad became known for his honesty and trustworthiness and earned the nickname “Al-Amin” (the trustworthy). He worked as a merchant and participated in the regional economy, which involved long-distance trade.

Around the age of 25, Muhammad married Khadijah, a wealthy widow and businesswoman. Khadijah became his first and most trusted supporter. They had several children, including Fatimah, who would later become an important figure in Islamic history.

The First Revelation
Muhammad often retreated to the Cave of Hira, located on Mount Jabal al-Nour near Mecca, to meditate and reflect on life and the world around him. In 610 CE, when he was about 40 years old, Muhammad received his first revelation from Allah through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). This event is known as the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), and it marks the beginning of Muhammad’s role as a prophet.

The first revealed verses, which are found in Surah Al-Alaq of the Qur’an, instructed Muhammad to “Read in the name of your Lord who created” (Qur’an 96:1). This initial experience left Muhammad shaken, but Khadijah reassured him and became the first convert to Islam.

The Early Preaching in Mecca
After his initial revelation, Muhammad began preaching Islam in Mecca, calling people to abandon their pagan practices and worship the one true God (Allah). He also emphasized justice, charity, and compassion for the poor and oppressed.

However, the Quraysh elite, who were the custodians of the Kaaba (the sacred sanctuary in Mecca where multiple idols were worshipped), saw Muhammad’s message as a threat to their religious and economic status. They began to persecute Muhammad and his small group of followers, who were known as Muslims.

During this difficult period, several key events took place:
The Migration to Abyssinia (615 CE): As persecution intensified, Muhammad sent some of his followers to seek refuge in the Christian kingdom of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), where they were welcomed by the king, known as the Negus.
The Year of Sorrow (619 CE): Muhammad suffered personal losses, including the deaths of his beloved wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib, his key protector. This year was a time of deep grief for Muhammad.

The Night Journey and Ascension (Isra and Mi’raj)
In 620 CE, Muhammad experienced a miraculous event known as the Isra and Mi’raj. According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad was transported from Mecca to Jerusalem (the Isra) and then ascended to the heavens (the Mi’raj) to meet with the earlier prophets and stand in the presence of God. This journey is seen as a spiritual confirmation of Muhammad’s prophethood and a significant event in Islamic theology.

The Migration to Medina (Hijra, 622 CE)
Facing increasing hostility in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers accepted an invitation from the people of Yathrib (later renamed Medina), a city north of Mecca. In 622 CE, Muhammad and his followers emigrated to Medina in an event known as the Hijra. This migration marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar (1 AH – After Hijra).

In Medina, Muhammad was not only a spiritual leader but also a political leader and statesman. He worked to unify the various tribes of Medina, including Jewish and pagan communities, under the Constitution of Medina, a document that outlined the rights and duties of all citizens and established a form of governance based on Islamic principles.

Conflicts with Mecca
The Meccan leaders saw Muhammad’s growing influence in Medina as a threat, and conflicts between the Muslims of Medina and the Quraysh of Mecca escalated into warfare. Several key battles took place during this time:
Battle of Badr (624 CE): This was the first major battle between the Muslims and the Quraysh. Despite being outnumbered, the Muslims won a decisive victory, which they interpreted as a sign of divine support.
Battle of Uhud (625 CE): A year later, the Quraysh sought revenge at the Battle of Uhud, where the Muslims were defeated. Muhammad himself was injured in the battle, but the Quraysh failed to capitalize on their victory.
Battle of the Trench (627 CE): In this defensive battle, the Muslims dug a trench around Medina to fend off a siege by the Quraysh and their allies. The tactic succeeded, and the siege was lifted.

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and the Conquest of Mecca
In 628 CE, Muhammad and the Quraysh agreed to a peace treaty known as the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, which allowed the Muslims to make a pilgrimage to the Kaaba the following year. This treaty was seen as a political victory for Muhammad, as it recognized the Muslim community’s legitimacy.

In 630 CE, after the Quraysh violated the treaty, Muhammad led an army of 10,000 followers to Mecca. The city surrendered peacefully, and Muhammad entered the Kaaba, destroying the idols and rededicating the site to the worship of Allah. This event, known as the Conquest of Mecca, marked the triumph of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula.

The Farewell Pilgrimage and Death
In 632 CE, Muhammad performed his Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajj) to Mecca, during which he delivered his final sermon at Mount Arafat. In this sermon, Muhammad emphasized key Islamic principles, including the importance of equality, justice, and respect for women’s rights. He also reminded his followers to hold fast to the Qur’an and his teachings (the Sunnah).

Shortly after returning to Medina, Muhammad fell ill. On June 8, 632 CE, he passed away at the age of 62 or 63. His death marked the end of prophethood in Islam, as he is regarded by Muslims as the “Seal of the Prophets”—the final messenger of God.

Legacy
After Muhammad’s death, his close companions, known as the Sahaba, played a crucial role in spreading Islam beyond Arabia, leading to the rapid expansion of the Islamic Empire under the leadership of the Rashidun Caliphs (the first four caliphs after Muhammad).

The Qur’an, which Muslims believe to be the literal word of God revealed to Muhammad over 23 years, remains the central religious text of Islam. Along with the Hadiths (recorded sayings and actions of Muhammad), it forms the foundation of Islamic theology, law, and practice.

Muhammad is revered by over 1.9 billion Muslims around the world as the ultimate model for how to live a righteous life. His influence extends beyond religion to law, ethics, and culture across many parts of the world.