Table of Contents

Muhammad

Birth

Muhammad was born in 570 CE in Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia.1)

Orphaned Early

His father, Abdullah, died before his birth, and his mother, Amina, passed away when he was six years old.2)

Raised by Relatives

After his mother's death, Muhammad was raised by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib.3)

Early Work

He worked as a shepherd in his youth and later as a merchant, gaining a reputation for honesty.4)

Nickname

He was known as “Al-Amin,” meaning “the Trustworthy,” for his integrity and reliability.5)

First Marriage

Muhammad married Khadijah, a wealthy widow 15 years his senior, at the age of 25.6)

Khadijah’s Support

Khadijah was Muhammad's first and only wife for 25 years until her death, and she was the first person to convert to Islam.7)

Children

Muhammad and Khadijah had six children, including four daughters and two sons, both of whom died young.8)

Daughter Fatimah

Fatimah, his daughter, is especially revered in Islam, and through her, Muhammad's lineage continued.9)

First Revelation

At the age of 40, Muhammad received his first revelation from the angel Gabriel in the Cave of Hira, near Mecca.10)

Qur'an

The revelations Muhammad received over 23 years became the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam.11)

Night Journey

According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad experienced the Isra and Mi'raj, a miraculous night journey to Jerusalem and ascension to the heavens.12)

Persecution in Mecca

Muhammad and his followers faced severe persecution in Mecca due to their monotheistic beliefs.13)

Hijra

In 622 CE, Muhammad and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina in an event known as the Hijra, marking the start of the Islamic calendar.14)

Establishment of a Muslim Community

In Medina, Muhammad established a cohesive Muslim community and a constitution that outlined the rights and duties of all citizens, including Jews and non-Muslims.15)

Battles

Muhammad led his followers in several battles against the Meccan forces, including the famous Battle of Badr, Uhud, and the Battle of the Trench.16)

Treaty of Hudaybiyyah

In 628 CE, Muhammad signed a truce with the Meccans, known as the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, which allowed Muslims to make the pilgrimage to Mecca.17)

Conquest of Mecca

In 630 CE, Muhammad and his followers peacefully conquered Mecca, and he forgave his former enemies.18)

Cleansing of the Kaaba

Upon entering Mecca, Muhammad ordered the cleansing of the Kaaba, removing idols and rededicating it to the worship of Allah alone.19)

Final Sermon

In his final sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage in 632 CE, Muhammad emphasized equality, justice, and the importance of following the Qur'an and his teachings.20)

Death

Muhammad died on June 8, 632 CE, in Medina, where he is buried in the Prophet's Mosque.21)

Monotheism

Muhammad's central message was the belief in one God (Allah) and that he was God's final messenger.22)

Shari'a

His teachings form the basis of Islamic law, known as Shari'a, which covers all aspects of life.23)

Hadiths

His sayings and actions, recorded in Hadiths, are a primary source of Islamic jurisprudence and moral guidance.24)

Advocate for Women’s Rights

Muhammad improved the status of women in Arabian society, advocating for their rights in marriage, inheritance, and education.25)

Charity

He emphasized the importance of charity (Zakat) and caring for the poor and vulnerable.26)

Treatment of Enemies

Muhammad’s clemency towards his enemies, particularly during the conquest of Mecca, is often highlighted as a model of forgiveness.27)

Modesty

Muhammad was known for his humility, often living a simple life despite his leadership role.28)

Love of Animals

He showed kindness to animals and advocated for their humane treatment.29)

Humor

Muhammad had a sense of humor and often joked with his companions in a light-hearted manner.30)

Balanced Life

He maintained a balanced life, dividing his time between worship, family, and community responsibilities.31)

Mediator

Even before his prophethood, Muhammad was often called upon to mediate disputes due to his fairness.32)

Abolition of Tribalism

Muhammad worked to end the tribal divisions in Arabian society, promoting unity under Islam.33)

Promoter of Learning

He encouraged the pursuit of knowledge, saying, “Seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave.”34)

Diplomacy

Muhammad was skilled in diplomacy, successfully negotiating treaties and alliances with various tribes and communities.35)

Influence on Arabic Language

The Arabic language, as used in the Qur'an, became standardized and widely spread due to Muhammad's teachings.36)

Expansion of Islam

After his death, Muhammad's followers expanded the Islamic empire, spreading his teachings across the Middle East, North Africa, and beyond.37)

Inspiration for Leaders

Many historical and contemporary leaders have cited Muhammad as an inspiration for their governance and personal conduct.38)

Population of Followers

Islam, the religion Muhammad founded, is the second-largest religion in the world today, with over 1.9 billion followers.39)

Letters to Leaders

Muhammad sent letters to various world leaders, including the Byzantine Emperor and the Persian King, inviting them to embrace Islam.40)

Emphasis on Community

He stressed the importance of the Ummah, the global Muslim community, emphasizing solidarity and mutual support.41)

Art and Representation

Traditional Islamic art avoids depicting Muhammad’s face to prevent idolatry, often using calligraphy and abstract art to represent him.42)

Influence on Science

The early Islamic empire, inspired by Muhammad's encouragement of learning, became a hub for scientific advancement during the Islamic Golden Age.43)

Commemoration

The Mawlid, or the celebration of Muhammad's birthday, is observed by many Muslims worldwide, although its practice varies by region.44)

Continued Reverence

Muhammad is considered the “Seal of the Prophets” in Islam, meaning he is believed to be the final prophet in a long line of messengers from God.45)