25. The Story of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

The Story of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

 

The Birth of the Prophet

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was born in the city of Makkah in the year 570 CE, in a noble family from the tribe of Quraish. His father, Abdullah, passed away before he was born, and his mother, Amina, died when he was just a child. After her death, Muhammad (ﷺ) was cared for by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib.

Muhammad (ﷺ) grew up to be known for his honesty, kindness, and wisdom. People called him “Al-Amin,” meaning “the trustworthy,” because of his truthful and reliable nature.

 

The Early Years

As a young man, Muhammad (ﷺ) worked as a merchant and was highly respected for his integrity. He was known to be fair and just in all his dealings. When he was 25 years old, he was hired by a wealthy widow named Khadijah (RA). Impressed by his character and honesty, she proposed marriage to him, and they were married when he was 25 and she was 40. Together, they had children, including their daughter Fatimah (RA), who would later become the mother of the grandsons of the Prophet, Hasan and Husayn.

 

The First Revelation

When Muhammad (ﷺ) reached the age of 40, he began to spend more time alone, reflecting and praying in a cave called Hira, located in the mountains outside of Makkah. It was during one of these moments of solitude that the first revelation came to him from Allah. The angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared to him and instructed him to “Read” (Iqra), even though Muhammad (ﷺ) was not able to read or write. This marked the beginning of his prophethood.

The first revelation was from Surah Al-Alaq

(96:1-5):

“Read in the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clot. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous, who taught by the pen, taught man that which he knew not.”

 

Spreading the Message

After receiving the first revelation, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was both scared and confused, but his wife Khadijah (RA) comforted him and believed in him. She took him to her cousin, Waraka bin Nawfal, who confirmed that he was indeed a prophet of Allah.

The Prophet (ﷺ) began to receive more revelations, and Allah commanded him to spread the message of monotheism, calling people to worship the one true God, Allah, and abandon their worship of idols. Muhammad (ﷺ) started preaching secretly, and eventually began to call people publicly to Islam. His message focused on kindness, justice, charity, and equality, as well as the importance of worshipping Allah alone.

However, the people of Makkah, particularly the leaders, opposed him and persecuted his followers. Despite this, many people believed in his message and accepted Islam.

 

The Migration to Madinah

As the persecution grew stronger, Allah instructed Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers to migrate to a city called Yathrib, which later became known as Madinah. This migration, known as the Hijrah, took place in 622 CE and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

In Madinah, the Muslims were able to practice their faith freely, and the Prophet (ﷺ) established the first Islamic community. He also built the Masjid al-Nabawi (the Prophet’s Mosque) in Madinah, which became a center for worship, learning, and community affairs.

 

The Battles

During his time in Madinah, the Prophet (ﷺ) and his followers faced several battles against the Quraysh of Makkah and other tribes who opposed Islam. Some of the most famous battles include the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Uhud, and the Battle of the Trench. Though the Muslims faced challenges and defeats, they remained steadfast and Allah gave them victory in the end.

 

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah

In the 6th year of the Hijrah, the Muslims attempted to perform Umrah (the pilgrimage to Makkah). However, the Quraysh blocked their path, and instead of fighting, the Prophet (ﷺ) agreed to a peace treaty, known as the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. The treaty allowed the Muslims to return to Makkah the following year and perform their pilgrimage. This treaty led to the spread of Islam as more people from different tribes became open to the message.

 

The Conquest of Makkah

In 630 CE, after the Quraysh violated the treaty, the Prophet (ﷺ) and his followers marched to Makkah with an army. The city of Makkah surrendered without a battle, and the Prophet (ﷺ) forgave those who had opposed him. He cleansed the Ka’bah of idols and dedicated it to the worship of Allah alone.

 

The Final Sermon

In 632 CE, after the conquest of Makkah, the Prophet (ﷺ) performed his final pilgrimage. During this journey, he delivered his famous Farewell Sermon, in which he gave advice to the Muslims:

“All mankind is equal. There is no superiority of an Arab over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab; neither a white over a black, nor a black over a white; none but the pious and righteous are superior to others.”

He also emphasized the importance of following the Quran and his teachings.

 

The Death of the Prophet

A few months after his final pilgrimage, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) fell ill and passed away at the age of 63. His death was a great loss for the Muslim community, but his teachings and example continue to inspire Muslims around the world.

✦ Lessons from the Life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):  1. Patience and Perseverance: Despite facing opposition and hardship, the Prophet (ﷺ) remained patient and continued to spread the message of Islam.  2. Compassion and Mercy: Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was known for his kindness and compassion, even towards his enemies. He forgave those who wronged him and always sought peace and justice.  3. Trust in Allah: Throughout his life, the Prophet (ﷺ) demonstrated complete trust in Allah’s plan, whether in times of ease or difficulty.  4. Justice and Equality: The Prophet (ﷺ) promoted the values of justice, equality, and fairness, teaching that all people, regardless of race or status, are equal in the eyes of Allah.  5. Humility and Service to Others: Despite being the final messenger of Allah, the Prophet (ﷺ) remained humble and always served his community. He helped with household chores and supported the poor and needy.

 

Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is the best example for Muslims to follow, and his life is a source of guidance in every aspect of life.

 

REFERENCE:

Ibn Kathir, Stories of the Prophets;

Translated and adapted by Umme Abdul Rahman’

Graduate Alim/Alimah.

Founder & Director of imsjeddah.com.