Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Seerat-un-Nabi (SAW)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Mecca, a city in Arabia, about 1,400 years ago. He came from a respected family called the Quraish tribe. Even as a child, he was known for his honesty and trustworthiness. Muhammad (peace be upon him) faced many challenges in his life, including losing his parents at a young age.
Despite these difficulties, he grew up to become a messenger of God. His mission was to teach people about Islam, a religion based on the belief in one God. Muhammad (peace be upon him) preached kindness, fairness, and compassion to all. His teachings continue to inspire millions of people around the world today.
Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): From Birth to Forty years
For over forty years, the Quraish tribe has been a prominent clan in the sacred city of Mecca, descending from Hazrat Ismaeel (AS). Among the various influential families within the Quraish, the family of Bani Haashim stood out. Haashim, renowned in his lineage, was known for his generosity and hospitality.
His son Shaiba, also known as Abdul Muttalib, carried forward this legacy. Abdullah, the beloved son of Abdul Muttalib, married a notable Quraish household, his wife being Aamina. From their union, a child was born who would illuminate the dark world, revitalize the Arab settlements, and become known to the world as MUHAMMADUR RASOOLUL LAAH (SAWS).
Raised by his mother, Aamina, and nurtured by his foster mother, Haleema, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lost his mother at the age of six and his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, at the age of eight. He then embarked on his first journey to the Levant with his uncle Abu Talib.
The people of Quraish regarded Muhammad (PBUH) as trustworthy and truthful, earning him the titles of Al-Ameen (the Trustworthy) and As-Sadiq (the Truthful). Khadija (R.A.), recognizing his integrity, entrusted him with her trade missions to the Levant. Muhammad (SAWS) conducted his trade ventures honestly, profoundly impacting Khadija (R.A.). Eventually, Khadija (R.A.) proposed marriage to Muhammad (SAWS), which he accepted. At the time of their marriage, Muhammad (SAWS) was twenty-five years old, while Khadija (R.A.) was forty.
Muhammad (SAWS) would frequently retreat to a cave called Hira, taking provisions for days, to engage in worship and meditation. This solitary contemplation would eventually lead to significant spiritual revelations.
Life of Muhammad (PBUH): From the Age of 40 to 53
From the age of forty to fifty-three, a pivotal moment occurred in the life of Muhammad (SAWS) when Hazrat Jibraeel (A.S.) visited him in the Cave of Hira, conveying the message of his prophethood. During this encounter, the first verses of the Quran were revealed:
“Iqra bismi rabbika lazee khalaq – Khalaqal insana min alaq.”
Quietly, Muhammad (SAWS) began spreading the message of Islam, starting with his wife Khadija (R.A.), followed by notable companions such as Abu Bakr Siddiq (R.A.), Ali (R.A.), and Zaid bin Harisah (R.A.).
Slowly, the word of Islam began to spread, albeit clandestinely, over three years, with around thirty to thirty-five individuals embracing Islam. In a small alley near the Kaaba, Muhammad (SAWS) and his followers, including Zaid bin Arqam (R.A.), gathered to worship Allah.
After three years, Muhammad (SAWS) openly propagated Islam, leading to increased persecution and hardships for him and his followers. Notable figures like Hamza (R.A.) and Umar (R.A.) embraced Islam despite the opposition. Eventually, due to the escalating hostility, Muhammad (SAWS) permitted some of his followers to migrate to Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia).
During this period, Muhammad (SAWS) undertook a missionary journey to Taif and experienced the miraculous events of Isra and Mi’raj. The relentless persecution in Mecca compelled Muhammad (SAWS) and his companions to seek refuge elsewhere. With Muhammad’s (SAWS) permission, some of his followers migrated to Medina, leaving behind only a few weak and oppressed Muslims in Mecca.
Thus, from his birth until the age of fifty-three, Muhammad (SAWS) endured relentless challenges and hardships while spending his life in Mecca, culminating in his prophethood at forty, and continuing to preach Islam despite the adversities for thirteen years in Mecca.
Life of Muhammad (PBUH): Age Fifty-three to Sixty-three
From the age of fifty-three to sixty-three, marking thirteen years post-prophethood, Muhammad (SAWS) undertook the significant journey of Hijrah from Mecca to Medina, accompanied by Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.). The Islamic calendar begins with the year of Hijrah, making it easy to ascertain the duration since Muhammad’s (SAWS) migration.
During Hijrah, Muhammad (SAWS) first stopped at a small settlement called Quba, approximately thirty miles from Medina, where he constructed a mosque known as Masjid e Quba. The Ansar of Medina warmly welcomed Muhammad (SAWS), and he stayed at Hazrat Abu Ayyub Ansari’s (R.A.) house.
In Medina, there were two orphaned children whose land Muhammad (SAWS) purchased to build a mosque, famously known today as Masjid e Nabawi. During Hijrah, Muhammad (SAWS) established a bond of brotherhood between the Muhajireen (migrants from Mecca) and the Ansar (residents of Medina).
In the second year of Hijrah, the Battle of Badr occurred, where only 313 Muslims faced thousands of disbelievers. Despite being outnumbered, the Muslims emerged victorious, with seventy disbelievers killed and seventy captured, while only fourteen Muslims attained martyrdom. In the year 2 AH, Muhammad’s (SAWS) daughter, Hazrat Fatima (R.A.), married Hazrat Ali (R.A.).
In the third year of Hijrah, the Battle of Uhud took place, where initially one thousand Muslims participated, but three hundred hypocrites deserted, leaving only seven hundred Muslims to fight. In the early stages of the battle, the Muslims faced setbacks, and during this battle, some of Muhammad’s (SAWS) blessed teeth were martyred, along with seventy Muslims.
In the sixth year of Hijrah, the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was concluded, and in the eighth year, Mecca was conquered, allowing Muslims to enter the city victoriously. That same year witnessed the Battle of Hunain, and in the ninth year, the Battle of Tabuk occurred. In the tenth year, Muhammad (SAWS) performed his final Hajj, delivering the historic sermon on the plains of Arafat, which remains a treasure trove of guidance for the entire Muslim Ummah.
Farewell Sermon of Hajjat-ul-Widaa
FAQs
How did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) influence the world?
Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) profoundly influenced the world by spreading the message of Islam, emphasizing monotheism, morality, justice, and compassion. His teachings laid the foundation for a global religion that continues to guide millions today.
What were some of the challenges that Muhammad (PBUH) faced during his lifetime?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) faced numerous challenges, including persecution and opposition from the Quraysh tribe in Mecca. He also endured battles against adversaries, loss of family members and companions, and hardships during the migration to Medina.
What was the significance of the Farewell Sermon (Hajjatul Widaa)?
During his final pilgrimage, the Farewell Sermon delivered by Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) emphasized unity, equality, justice, and accountability before Allah. It encapsulated the core principles of Islam and guided the Muslim community.
What was Muhammad’s (PBUH) legacy?
Muhammad’s (PBUH) legacy encompasses his role as the final messenger of Islam. It includes his exemplary character, teachings, and the establishment of a justice and compassionate society based on monotheism and ethical conduct.
Conclusion
Hazrat Muhammad’s (S.A.W) life, from his birth in Mecca to his passing in Medina, was marked by significant events, challenges, and profound teachings. He emerged as a beacon of light, guiding humanity toward monotheism, justice, compassion, and moral conduct.
Despite enduring persecution and hardship, Muhammad (PBUH) remained steadfast in his mission to spread the message of Islam, ultimately leaving behind a timeless legacy that continues to inspire millions worldwide. Through his teachings, exemplary character, and unwavering devotion to Allah, Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) exemplified the epitome of righteousness and remains a source of guidance and inspiration for generations to come.