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)