Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the central figure in Islam and is regarded by Muslims as the final prophet sent by Allah (God) to guide humanity. His life and teachings are foundational to Islamic beliefs and practices.

Early Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) #

• Birth and Lineage: Muhammad was born in Mecca (now in Saudi Arabia) in 570 CE into the Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe, a respected family of the city. His father, Abdullah, died before he was born, and his mother, Amina, died when he was six years old. He was then raised by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib.
• Youth: Muhammad grew up to be known for his honesty and integrity, earning the nickname Al-Amin (the Trustworthy). He worked as a merchant and gained a reputation for fair dealing.

Marriage and Family #

• Marriage to Khadijah: At the age of 25, Muhammad married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a wealthy widow and businesswoman. Their marriage was based on mutual respect and love, and they had four daughters and two sons together. His sons, Qasim and Abdullah, died young.
• Family Life: Khadijah was a supportive partner, and her death in 619 CE was a significant emotional blow for Muhammad. After Khadijah’s death, Muhammad married several women, including Sawda bint Zam’a, Aisha bint Abi Bakr, Hafsa bint Umar, and others, each marriage having social, political, or humanitarian aspects.

Prophethood #

• First Revelation: At the age of 40, Muhammad began receiving revelations from Allah through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel). The first revelation occurred during a retreat in the Cave of Hira on Mount Jabal al-Nour near Mecca. The message was the beginning of what would become the Qur’an.
• Preaching and Opposition: Muhammad began preaching the message of monotheism, social justice, and moral rectitude. Initially, his message faced strong opposition from the Quraysh leaders, who saw it as a threat to their power and the established social order.

Migration to Medina (Hijrah) #

• Migration: In 622 CE, due to increasing persecution, Muhammad and his followers migrated to Yathrib (later known as Medina). This event, known as the Hijrah, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
• Establishing a Community: In Medina, Muhammad established a Muslim community and developed a socio-political and religious framework for the new society. He worked to unify the diverse tribes and establish treaties with the local Jewish and non-Muslim tribes.

Return to Mecca #

• Conquest of Mecca: In 630 CE, Muhammad and his followers returned to Mecca in a peaceful conquest. The Kaaba, the sacred shrine of Islam, was cleansed of idols and rededicated to the worship of Allah. Muhammad’s actions in Mecca demonstrated his commitment to forgiveness and reconciliation.

Final Years and Death #

• Farewell Pilgrimage: In 632 CE, Muhammad performed his final pilgrimage to Mecca, known as the Farewell Pilgrimage. During this journey, he delivered his famous Farewell Sermon, summarizing his teachings and emphasizing equality and justice.
• Death: Prophet Muhammad passed away on June 8, 632 CE, in Medina, at the age of 63. His death marked the end of the prophetic mission and the beginning of the Caliphate period, during which his followers continued to spread Islam.

Legacy #

• Teachings: Muhammad’s teachings, known as the Sunnah, are recorded in the Hadith, which, along with the Qur’an, form the basis of Islamic law and practice. His life is considered a model for Muslims, and his sayings and actions are studied and emulated.
• Impact: Muhammad’s teachings have had a profound impact on world history, culture, and religion. Islam grew rapidly after his death, and today it is one of the major world religions with billions of followers.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): #

1. Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (THE SEALED NECTAR) by Saifur Rahman al-Mubarakpuri: A complete authoritative book on the life of Prophet Muhammad (S) by Sheikh Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarkpuri. It was honored by the World Muslim League as first prizewinner book. Whoever wants to know the whole life style of the Prophet in detail must read this book.
2. Chronology of The Life of the Prophet by Naeem Siddiqi:
3. Do You Know This Man? by WAMY: History has recorded the appearance and deeds of many religious leaders: Moses, Jesus Christ, Zoroaster, and Abraham, to name just a few. There have also been many self-proclaimed prophets and messengers, each of whom has claimed to bring a divine revelation for mankind. Some have proven to be false, and others have been forgotten. But there is one religious leader who stands alone, an unlettered man who transmitted a revelation from God that literally changed the course of history and the destinies of a major portion of mankind: Muhammad, the Prophet and Messenger of God.
4. Moral Values in the life of the prophet:
5. Muhammad A Blessing For Mankind by Jamal Badawi:
6. Muhammad A-Z by Yusuf Estes:
7. The Light of the Prophet by Jamal Badawi:
8. What Famous Non-Muslims Say About Prophet Muhammad ? by Z Haq: Quotations from twenty-seven famous Non-Muslims about the life, character, and mission of Prophet Muhammad; on Islam, Muslims, peace, justice, myths, misinformation, anti-Christ or savior of humanity; HG Wells, James Michener, Edward Gibbon, Bernard Shaw, Washington Irving, Mahatma Ghandhi, and others.
9. Words of wisdom: