Prophet Muhammad

Early Life and Character

Muhammad ﷺ was born in Makkah in 570 CE to the tribe of Quraysh. Orphaned early — his father Abdullah died before his birth and his mother Aminah when he was six — he was raised by his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib and then his uncle Abu Talib. Even before prophethood, he was known as Al-Amin (the Trustworthy) and As-Sadiq (the Truthful).

The First Revelation

At the age of 40, while meditating in the Cave of Hira on Mount Nur, the angel Jibril appeared to Muhammad ﷺ and commanded him to read. The first verses of the Quran were revealed — the opening of Surah Al-Alaq. He returned home trembling to his wife Khadijah, who comforted him and became the first person to accept Islam.

Persecution and Patience in Makkah

For 13 years in Makkah, the Prophet ﷺ and his followers endured severe persecution. They were boycotted, tortured, and driven from their homes. The early Muslims — especially Bilal, Yasir, Sumayyah, and others — suffered immensely. The Prophet ﷺ himself was mocked, had garbage thrown on him, and was attacked, yet he responded with patience and prayer.

The Hijrah to Madinah

After 13 years of persecution, the Prophet ﷺ migrated to Madinah (then called Yathrib), where the people of Aws and Khazraj had accepted Islam. He established the first Islamic community, built the Prophet's Mosque, and created the Constitution of Madinah — one of the earliest charters of civil rights, establishing rights for Muslims, Jews, and others.

The Final Sermon and Legacy

During his final Hajj, the Prophet ﷺ delivered the Farewell Sermon to over 100,000 companions, establishing the principles of equality, justice, and human rights. Shortly after, the final verse of the Quran regarding religious law was revealed, completing the message of Islam. He passed away in 632 CE in Madinah.

Key Lessons

• ◆The Prophet ﷺ is the ultimate role model — in worship, character, leadership, and mercy
• ◆Islam was completed and perfected through him — no new prophet or revelation will come
• ◆Patience in the face of persecution eventually leads to victory
• ◆Equality of all humans regardless of race or status is a core Islamic principle
• ◆Mercy, not vengeance, defined the Prophet's response to even his worst enemies

References & Sources

• Quran: Surah Al-Alaq (96:1-5), Al-Ahzab (33:21, 40), Al-Anbiya (21:107), Al-Fath (48:29), Al-Ma'idah (5:3)
• Sahih al-Bukhari — numerous hadith throughout
• Sahih Muslim — numerous hadith throughout
• Ar-Rahiq al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar) by Safiur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
• Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidaya wan-Nihaya