Biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) – Part 1

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the final messenger of Islam, sent by Allah to guide humanity to the path of truth and righteousness. His full name was Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib. He was born in the year 570 CE in the city of Mecca, in a noble and respected clan of the Quraysh tribe. His father, Abdullah, passed away before his birth, and his mother, Amina bint Wahb, came from a reputable and well-known family as well.

At the age of six, the Prophet lost his beloved mother, Amina. This was a heartbreaking moment in his early life. After her death, he was cared for by his grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib, who cherished him deeply. However, only two years later, Abdul-Muttalib also passed away. The young Muhammad (PBUH), now an orphan, was then placed under the care and guardianship of his uncle, Abu Talib, who was a respected leader in Mecca and remained his protector for many years.

From an early age, Muhammad (PBUH) displayed remarkable qualities. He was known for his honesty, kindness, trustworthiness, and high moral character. He never lied or broke a promise. Due to his outstanding reputation, the people of Mecca gave him the title “Al-Ameen” — meaning “The Trustworthy.” He was also involved in trade and business, and he earned a great reputation as a fair and reliable merchant.

A wealthy and noble woman named Khadijah (RA) hired him to manage her trade caravans due to his trustworthy nature. She was highly impressed by his integrity, diligence, and character. Eventually, she proposed marriage to him. Muhammad (PBUH) accepted, and their marriage became a beautiful and respectful partnership. Khadijah became his first wife, and she stood by his side through the earliest and most difficult years of his mission.

When the Prophet reached the age of 40, he began receiving divine revelations from Allah. These revelations were brought to him by the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) while he was meditating in the cave of Hira, located in the mountains near Mecca. The first words revealed to him were “Read!” (Iqra), marking the beginning of the Qur’an and his prophetic mission. Initially, he shared the message privately with those closest to him.

The first believers included his wife Khadijah, his young cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), his close friend Abu Bakr (RA), and his servant Zayd ibn Haritha (RA). These early Muslims supported the Prophet with sincerity and loyalty. As he gradually began to preach publicly, the leaders of Mecca reacted with hostility. They feared that his message would challenge their power, idols, and traditions.

The Prophet and his followers faced severe opposition, including mockery, physical torture, social boycotts, and economic hardships. Despite this intense persecution, the Prophet (PBUH) remained firm in his mission. He responded to hatred with patience, forgiveness, and wisdom. His unwavering commitment to the truth and his compassion for people inspired many others to embrace Islam.

As the situation in Mecca grew worse, Allah commanded the Prophet to migrate to Yathrib, a city later renamed Madinah. This historic migration, known as the Hijrah, occurred in 622 CE and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Madinah, he was welcomed warmly by the local tribes, who embraced Islam and formed a bond of brotherhood with the emigrants from Mecca.

In Madinah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) played multiple roles—he was a religious teacher, a political leader, a military commander, and a judge. He established a diverse, just, and united society where Muslims, Jews, and others lived under mutual agreements and peace treaties. Key events during this time include the battles of Badr, Uhud, and the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq). Despite these challenges, the Prophet always preferred peace over conflict and diplomacy over violence.

By 630 CE, Islam had spread widely, and the Muslim community had become strong. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) returned to Mecca with a peaceful army and conquered the city without bloodshed. He forgave his former enemies, declaring, There is no blame on you today; you are all free.

The Prophet’s final years were spent teaching, guiding, and perfecting the message of Islam. He passed away in the 11th year after Hijrah at the age of 63 and was buried in his chamber next to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. His legacy lives on as a model of excellence, mercy, and truth for all of humanity.