Hazarat Mohammad

Hazrat Muhammad, also known as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), is regarded as the final messenger of Islam and one of the most influential figures in world history. Revered by Muslims as the Seal of the Prophets, he is credited with conveying the final revelation of God, the Qur’an, and establishing the foundations of the Islamic faith, which transformed the spiritual, social, and political fabric of Arabia and beyond.

Early Life and Background

Hazrat Muhammad was born in 570 CE in Makkah (Mecca), in the Arabian Peninsula, into the respected Quraysh tribe. His father, Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib, died before his birth, and his mother, Aminah bint Wahb, passed away when he was six years old. Raised initially by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib, Muhammad grew up under modest circumstances but gained a reputation for honesty and integrity.
From his youth, he was known as Al-Amin (the Trustworthy) for his reliability and upright character. He worked as a shepherd and later as a merchant, travelling with trade caravans to Syria and Yemen. His fairness in business dealings earned him the respect of his peers.
At the age of twenty-five, he married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a wealthy widow fifteen years his senior. Their marriage was harmonious and enduring, producing several children, including Fatimah, who later married Ali ibn Abi Talib.

The First Revelation and the Beginning of Prophethood

At the age of forty, while meditating in the Cave of Hira near Makkah, Muhammad received his first revelation from Allah (God) through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). The first revealed verses commanded him to “Read” (Iqra), signifying the beginning of divine communication that continued over twenty-three years and was later compiled as the Qur’an.
Initially, Muhammad shared the message privately with close family and friends. His early followers included his wife Khadijah, his cousin Ali, his friend Abu Bakr, and his servant Zayd ibn Harithah. The central message of Islam emphasised the oneness of God (Tawheed), moral accountability, and social justice.

Opposition and Persecution in Makkah

As Muhammad began to preach publicly, the Meccan elite, who profited from the city’s polytheistic traditions and pilgrimage trade, opposed his monotheistic teachings. They viewed his message as a threat to their economic and political interests. His followers faced severe persecution, including torture, boycotts, and exile.
Despite hardship, the Prophet remained steadfast. He and his followers endured a social and economic blockade in the Valley of Abu Talib for nearly three years. During this period, both his wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib passed away, leaving him deeply grieved — a time known as the Year of Sorrow (Aam al-Huzn).

The Hijrah and the Establishment of the Islamic State

In 622 CE, under increasing persecution, Muhammad and his followers migrated to Yathrib (later renamed Madinah or Medina). This event, known as the Hijrah (Migration), marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
In Medina, Muhammad established the first Islamic state, based on justice, equality, and mutual cooperation. The Constitution of Medina, one of the earliest written charters, outlined the rights and duties of Muslims and non-Muslims alike, ensuring religious freedom and social harmony.
The Prophet’s leadership combined spiritual guidance with political and military acumen. He resolved tribal conflicts, promoted unity among diverse communities, and instituted welfare measures for the poor, orphans, and widows.

Major Battles and Political Consolidation

During his years in Medina, several military conflicts arose between the Muslims and the Quraysh of Mecca. The most significant among these were the Battle of Badr (624 CE), where the Muslims achieved a decisive victory; the Battle of Uhud (625 CE), in which the Muslims suffered setbacks; and the Battle of the Trench (627 CE), where the Prophet’s strategic planning led to the defence of Medina from a large coalition of enemies.
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (628 CE) was a landmark diplomatic agreement between the Muslims and the Quraysh, which, though seemingly unfavourable at first, paved the way for peaceful propagation of Islam. Within two years, the treaty’s violation by the Quraysh led to the conquest of Makkah (630 CE).
Upon entering Makkah, Muhammad displayed extraordinary magnanimity, forgiving his former enemies and declaring a general amnesty. The idols within the Ka‘bah were destroyed, restoring the sanctuary’s original monotheistic purpose.

Teachings and Ethical Principles

Hazrat Muhammad’s teachings form the ethical and spiritual foundation of Islam. His message centred on belief in one God, compassion for all beings, and the pursuit of justice. He taught that faith must be accompanied by good deeds, honesty, humility, and social responsibility.
Some of the core principles of his teachings include:

• Equality of humanity: All individuals are equal in the eyes of God, regardless of race, wealth, or status.
• Justice (‘Adl): Social and economic fairness are central to Islamic ethics.
• Charity (Zakat): Wealth should circulate to benefit the poor and needy.
• Forgiveness and mercy: The Prophet emphasised reconciliation over revenge.
• Knowledge: He encouraged learning, declaring that “seeking knowledge is a duty upon every Muslim.”

The Hadith — sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet — complement the Qur’an and serve as a guide for Muslims in all aspects of life, forming the basis of Islamic law (Sharia).

Final Years and Death

In his final years, Islam spread across the Arabian Peninsula, uniting previously warring tribes under a single faith. In 632 CE, during his Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajjat al-Wada‘), the Prophet delivered his renowned Farewell Sermon on the plains of Arafat. In it, he reiterated the sanctity of life and property, gender equity, and the importance of adhering to the Qur’an and his Sunnah.
Shortly after returning to Medina, Muhammad fell ill and passed away on 8 June 632 CE at the age of sixty-three. He was buried in the chamber of his wife Aisha, adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi), which remains one of Islam’s holiest sites.

Legacy and Influence

Hazrat Muhammad’s influence extends far beyond the religious realm. He transformed the Arabian Peninsula from a fragmented tribal society into a unified spiritual and political community. His teachings laid the foundation for one of the world’s major civilisations, shaping ethics, law, literature, and governance across centuries.
Historians and scholars — both Muslim and non-Muslim — acknowledge his profound impact. His leadership combined humility, justice, and compassion, making him a model for rulers and reformers alike.