1. Lineage and Birth (570 CE)
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born in Makkah in 570 CE into the noble Banū Hāshim clan of the Quraysh tribe. His lineage traces back to Prophet Ibrāhīm (Abraham) through his son Ismāʿīl, a fact unanimously recorded by early Muslim historians (Ibn Hisham, n.d.).
His father(ʿAbdullāh ibn ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib (RA)), passed away before his birth, and his mother, (Āminah bint Wahb (RA)), passed away when he was six years old. He was subsequently cared for by his grandfather (ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib (R.A) and later by his uncle Abū Ṭālib (R.A). These early experiences shaped his compassion, resilience, and sense of responsibility (Ibn Saʿd, n.d.).
2. Early Life and Character
From an early age, The Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known for his honesty, integrity, and moral uprightness. The people of Makkah bestowed upon him the titles al-Amīn (the Trustworthy) and al-Ṣādiq (the Truthful), even before prophethood (Ibn Kathir, n.d.).
He worked as a merchant and gained a reputation for fairness in trade. His moral conduct attracted the admiration of Khadījah bint Khuwaylid (R.A), a respected businesswoman, whom he later married. Their marriage was marked by mutual respect and emotional support (Ibn Hisham, n.d.).
3. Revelation and Beginning of Prophethood (610 CE)
At the age of forty, while meditating in the Cave of Ḥirāʾ, The beloved prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation through Angel Jibrīl (Gabriel) (A.S). The opening verses of Surah al-ʿAlaq marked the beginning of his mission as the final Messenger of Allah (God) (Ibn Kathir, n.d.).
The core message of Islam emphasized:
- Absolute monotheism (tawḥīd)
- Moral reform
- Social justice
- Accountability in the Hereafter (Al-Tabari, n.d.)
4. The Makkan Period (610–622 CE)
For thirteen years in Makkah, the Prophet ﷺ preached monotheism and ethical reform. His message challenged the entrenched social, economic, and religious structures of Quraysh, leading to fierce opposition and persecution of early Muslims (Ibn Saʿd, n.d.).
Muslims faced boycotts, torture, and exile. Some migrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia), where they found protection under the Christian ruler, Najāshī. Despite severe hardships, the Prophet ﷺ remained steadfast, emphasizing patience and non-violence (Ibn Kathir, n.d.).
5. The Hijrah and Establishment of the Madinan State (622 CE)
Facing escalating hostility, the beloved Prophet ﷺ migrated to Madinah, an event known as the Hijrah, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Madinah, he established a community based on faith rather than tribal affiliation (Ibn Hisham, n.d.).
The Charter of Madinah laid the foundation for a pluralistic society, ensuring mutual obligations and religious freedom for Muslims, Jews, and other communities. This document is considered one of the earliest written constitutions in history (Al-Tabari, n.d.).
6. Political Leadership and Military Engagements
The Prophet ﷺ served as both spiritual guide and statesman. Key battles such as Badr, Uḥud, and Khandaq were defensive in nature and aimed at preserving the Muslim community (Ibn Kathir, n.d.).
The Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah demonstrated his diplomatic foresight, as it enabled peaceful interaction and facilitated the spread of Islam across Arabia (Ibn Saʿd, n.d.).
7. Conquest of Makkah and Final Years
In 630 CE, the Prophet ﷺ entered Makkah peacefully with a large following. He granted general amnesty to his former enemies, exemplifying forgiveness and moral superiority. Idolatry was abolished, and the Kaʿbah was restored as a center of monotheistic worship (Ibn Kathir, n.d.).
In his Farewell Sermon, delivered during the final pilgrimage, the Prophet ﷺ emphasized:
- Equality of all humans
- Sanctity of life and property
- Rights of women
- Adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah (Ibn Hisham, n.d.)
He ﷺ passed away in 632 CE , leaving behind a timeless legacy of moral integrity, spiritual guidance, and a united society, inspiring generations to follow the path of righteousness.
8. Legacy and Historical Significance
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ transformed a fragmented tribal society into a unified civilization rooted in justice, ethics, and faith. His life remains a comprehensive model of leadership, morality, and governance. Muslim historians consistently affirm that his success cannot be explained solely through political or social factors, but through the enduring power of his message and character (Ibn Khaldun, n.d.).
References
Al-Tabari, M. (n.d.). Tārīkh al-rusul wa al-mulūk. Beirut: Dār al-Turāth.
Ibn Hisham, A. (n.d.). Al-sīrah al-nabawiyyah. Cairo: Dār al-Ḥadīth.
Ibn Kathir, I. (n.d.). Al-bidāyah wa al-nihāyah. Beirut: Dār al-Kutub al-ʿIlmiyyah.
Ibn Khaldun, A. (n.d.). Al-muqaddimah. Beirut: Dār al-Fikr.
Ibn Saʿd, M. (n.d.). Al-ṭabaqāt al-kubrā. Beirut: Dār Ṣādir.
