Comprehensive Biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Rahmatul-lil-Alamin

Comprehensive Biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

​Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—the greatest of all human beings, the Seal of the Prophets (Khatam an-Nabiyyin), the Crown of the Two Worlds, and Rahmatul-lil-Alamin (A Mercy to the Worlds)—is the ultimate teacher, guide, and savior of humankind. A detailed overview of his blessed birth, childhood, prophetic mission, propagation of Islam, and passing is presented below:

​1. Birth and Lineage

​Lineage: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) belonged to the noble Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe in Arabia. His lineage traces back to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (AS) through his son Prophet Ismail (Ishmael) (AS).

​Parents: His father was Abdullah, and his mother was Aminah bint Wahb.

​Date and Year of Birth: According to historical and biographical records, he was born on a Monday during the month of Rabi' al-Awwal (specifically the 12th, or 9th according to some accounts) in the Year of the Elephant (Am al-Fil) in Makkah.

​Early Orphanhood: His father passed away before his birth, leaving him an orphan. Following Arab custom, he was sent to the desert during his infancy to be nursed and raised by Halimah al-Sa'diyah (RA) of the Banu Sa'd tribe, where he spent his first five years.

​2. Childhood, Youth, and Character

​Loss of Mother and Grandfather: At the age of six, while returning from Madinah with his mother Aminah, she passed away at a place called Abwa. His grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, then took him under his loving care. However, his grandfather passed away when Muhammad (PBUH) was just eight years old. Following this, his uncle, Abu Talib, a prominent leader in Makkah, raised him like his own son.

​Truthfulness and Trustworthiness: Long before receiving prophethood, he was widely known in Makkah for his absolute honesty, integrity, and noble character. Because of his impeccable trustworthiness, the Makkans affectionately titled him "Al-Amin" (The Trustworthy) and "As-Sadiq" (The Truthful).

​Business and Profession: In his youth, he participated in trade alongside his uncle, conducting business with supreme honesty and earning the complete trust of the Quraysh.

​Placement of the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad): At age 35, during the reconstruction of the Kaaba, a severe tribal dispute arose over who should have the honor of placing the Black Stone back into its wall. His supreme wisdom and diplomatic insight resolved the conflict peacefully, averting bloodshed.

​3. Marriage and Family Life

​At the age of 25, he married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA), a noble and wealthy widow of Makkah. His marital life with her was one of profound love, mutual respect, and support.

​Several children were born to them: Qasim, Abdullah, Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah (RA). Later in life, through Maria al-Qibtiyya, he had a son named Ibrahim (RA). Except for Fatimah (RA), all his children passed away during his lifetime.

​4. Prophethood and the Early Mission of Islam

​Contemplation in Cave Hira: Around the age of 40, he frequently retreated to Cave Hira on Mount Jabal al-Nur near Makkah to worship Allah in solitude and reflect on the universe.

​First Revelation: On the 17th of Ramadan (or 21st according to some traditions), the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to him with the first revelation from Allah—the opening verses of Surah Al-Alaq: "Read in the name of your Lord who created..."

​Secret Propagation: Following divine commands, he first invited his close family members and trusted friends to Islam. His wife Khadijah (RA) was the first among women, and his close companion Abu Bakr (RA) was the first among men to accept Islam.

​Public Outreach and Persecution: After three years of secret preaching, the command came to preach Islam openly. Consequently, the pagan leaders of Makkah subjected him and the early Muslims to intense physical and mental torture. Despite severe opposition, he remained steadfast in conveying the divine message.

​5. The Journey to Ta'if and the Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj)

​Trip to Ta'if: In the tenth year of prophethood—known as Am al-Huzn (The Year of Sorrow)—his uncle Abu Talib and beloved wife Khadijah (RA) both passed away. Makkan hostility reached its peak. Seeking refuge and a new audience for Islam, he traveled to Ta'if, but the locals rejected him harshly and pelted him with stones until he bled.

​Isra and Mi'raj: Following the severe trials in Ta'if, Allah comforted him by taking him on the miraculous night journey (Isra) from Makkah to Jerusalem, and then ascending him through the heavens (Mi'raj) to witness the supreme signs of divine majesty, where the five daily prayers were prescribed.

​6. Migration (Hijrah) and the Constitution of Madinah

​Migration to Madinah: Facing assassination plots and relentless persecution in Makkah, Muslims migrated to Madinah upon Allah's command in the 13th year of prophethood (622 CE), accompanied by Abu Bakr (RA). The Ansars (helpers) of Madinah welcomed them with open arms.

​Constitution of Madinah: Upon arriving in Madinah, he drafted the world's first written constitution—the Charter of Madinah—to ensure peace, religious freedom, and unity among the various tribes and communities, establishing Madinah as a peaceful welfare state.

​7. Major Battles and the Triumph of Islam

​To defend the fledgling Muslim community from annihilation, the Prophet (PBUH) and his followers had to engage in several key defensive campaigns:

​Battle of Badr (2 AH): A miraculous victory where 313 Muslims defeated a much better-equipped army of nearly 1,000 Makkans.

​Battle of Uhud (3 AH): A challenging battle where Muslims faced temporary setbacks due to tactical breaches, yet demonstrated unbreakable endurance.

​Battle of the Trench / Ahzab (5 AH): A defensive siege where Muslims dug a massive trench around Madinah to repel a massive coalition of enemy tribes.

​Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH): A diplomatic peace treaty with the Makkans that ultimately paved the way for the peaceful expansion of Islam.

​Conquest of Makkah (8 AH): After the Quraysh violated the treaty, the Prophet (PBUH) marched on Makkah with an army of 10,000 and achieved a bloodless victory, declaring general amnesty for all and cleansing the Kaaba of idols.

​8. The Farewell Pilgrimage and Demise

​The Farewell Pilgrimage (10 AH): In the 10th year of Hijrah, he performed his first and final Hajj alongside over 100,000 companions. Standing on Mount Arafat, he delivered his historic Farewell Sermon, emphasizing human rights, gender equality, brotherhood, the abolition of interest, and the universal principles of justice.

​Demise: Shortly after returning to Madinah, he fell seriously ill. He passed away on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal in the 11th year of Hijrah (Monday afternoon) while resting in the lap of his beloved wife Aishah (RA), moving on to the Highest Companion (Rifique Al-A'la).

​Mazar / Sacred Tomb: He was laid to rest inside the quarters of Aishah (RA) adjacent to the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) in Madinah Munawwara.

​The timeless teachings, supreme character, justice, and mercy of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) continue to serve as the ultimate beacon of light and salvation for billions of people across the globe.