Prophet Muhammad

Prophet Muhammad (c. 570–632 CE), revered as the final prophet of Islam, is one of the most influential figures in world history. Regarded by Muslims as the Messenger of God (Allah), he delivered the revelations that constitute the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam. His life and teachings established the foundations of the Islamic faith, which transformed the social, political, and spiritual landscape of Arabia and subsequently much of the world.

Early Life and Background

Muhammad was born around 570 CE in Mecca, a prominent trading city in the Arabian Peninsula. This period, known in Islamic tradition as the Age of Ignorance (Jāhiliyyah), was characterised by tribal conflict, polytheism, and social inequality.
He was born into the Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe, a respected family though not among the wealthiest. His father, Abdullah, died before his birth, and his mother, Aminah bint Wahb, passed away when he was six years old. He was then cared for by his grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib.
As a young man, Muhammad earned a reputation for honesty and integrity, earning him the title Al-Amin (“the trustworthy”). He worked as a merchant and became known for his fair dealings and moral character. At the age of twenty-five, he married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a wealthy widow fifteen years his senior. Their marriage was harmonious and enduring, and Khadijah became his first supporter and believer when his prophetic mission began.

The Call to Prophethood

At about the age of forty, Muhammad began to spend periods in seclusion and meditation in a cave on Mount Hira, near Mecca. During one such retreat, in 610 CE, he received his first revelation through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The angel commanded him to “Recite in the name of your Lord who created”—these words became the opening verses of the Qur’an.
Initially shaken, Muhammad confided in Khadijah, who reassured and supported him. Over the next twenty-three years, he continued to receive revelations, which were memorised by his followers and later compiled into the Qur’an after his death.
His early message centred on monotheism, calling people to worship one God (Allah), abandon idolatry, and live with justice, compassion, and moral integrity.

Opposition in Mecca

Muhammad’s teachings challenged the established order in Mecca, threatening the power and economic interests of the Quraysh elites who profited from the city’s idol-based pilgrimage trade. As a result, he and his followers faced severe persecution, social boycott, and violence.
Despite growing hostility, a small community of believers—known as Muslims—emerged, bound by faith rather than tribal ties. During this period, two key events occurred:

• The Isra and Mi‘raj (Night Journey and Ascension), during which Muhammad is believed to have been taken miraculously from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended to the heavens, meeting earlier prophets and receiving divine instructions about prayer.
• The Migration to Abyssinia, when some early Muslims sought refuge under the Christian ruler of Ethiopia to escape persecution.

The deaths of his wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib, his strongest supporters, in the same year (known as the Year of Sorrow, c. 619 CE) left Muhammad vulnerable. However, his mission soon took a new direction through migration.

The Hijra and the Founding of Medina

In 622 CE, Muhammad and his followers migrated to Yathrib, later renamed Medina (Madinat an-Nabi, “City of the Prophet”), after receiving an invitation from local tribes to mediate their disputes. This migration, known as the Hijra, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
In Medina, Muhammad established the first Islamic state, based on principles of faith, equality, and justice. The Constitution of Medina, often considered one of the earliest written charters, outlined the rights and responsibilities of Muslims, Jews, and other communities, fostering peaceful coexistence and shared governance.
As both spiritual and political leader, Muhammad united the tribes of Arabia under a single community of believers, the Ummah.

Conflicts and Consolidation

The establishment of the Muslim community in Medina led to military conflicts with the Quraysh of Mecca and their allies. Several key battles shaped the course of Islamic history:

• Battle of Badr (624 CE): A decisive Muslim victory that strengthened Muhammad’s leadership.
• Battle of Uhud (625 CE): A setback for the Muslims, though their faith remained resilient.
• Battle of the Trench (627 CE): A successful defence of Medina against a Meccan siege, marking a turning point in favour of the Muslims.

Following these events, Muhammad concluded the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (628 CE) with the Quraysh, establishing a ten-year truce and recognition of the Muslim community. The treaty demonstrated Muhammad’s diplomatic skill and paved the way for Islam’s peaceful expansion.
In 630 CE, after years of conflict, Muhammad entered Mecca peacefully with his followers. He declared a general amnesty, cleansed the Kaaba of idols, and dedicated it to the worship of one God, fulfilling his mission of monotheism.

The Final Years and the Farewell Sermon

In 632 CE, during his final pilgrimage to Mecca, Muhammad delivered his famous Farewell Sermon at Mount Arafat. This sermon encapsulated the ethical and spiritual principles of Islam: the sanctity of life and property, equality of all believers regardless of race or tribe, the rights of women, and adherence to the Qur’an and Sunnah (Prophetic tradition) as sources of guidance.
Shortly after returning to Medina, Muhammad fell ill and passed away on 8 June 632 CE at the age of sixty-two. He was buried in the room of his wife Aisha, adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque, which remains one of the holiest sites in Islam.

Teachings and Legacy

The message of Prophet Muhammad emphasised the oneness of God, moral accountability, and the brotherhood of humanity. His teachings were based on five foundational principles later articulated as the Five Pillars of Islam:

1. Shahada (Faith): Bearing witness that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger.
2. Salah (Prayer): Performing ritual prayers five times daily.
3. Zakat (Charity): Giving a fixed portion of one’s wealth to help the poor and needy.
4. Sawm (Fasting): Observing fasting during the month of Ramadan.
5. Hajj (Pilgrimage): Undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if financially and physically able.

His example, known as the Sunnah, alongside the Qur’an, forms the foundation of Islamic law (Sharia) and moral conduct.

Impact on World History

Prophet Muhammad’s influence extends far beyond religion. His leadership united the Arabian Peninsula, ending centuries of tribal warfare and laying the foundation for the Islamic civilisation, which would later flourish in science, art, philosophy, and governance.
Within a century of his death, Islam had spread across Asia, Africa, and Europe, profoundly shaping global history. His emphasis on justice, compassion, and equality continues to inspire over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide.