Life holds different meanings for everyone. For some, it is a path to salvation, while for others, it is a means to become a better person. There are approximately 4,300 religions worldwide today. Among them, Islam stands as the second-largest religion. When it began spreading in the 7th century, it profoundly influenced people across the globe.
The efforts of one individual in spreading Islam and establishing it as a guiding path for its followers are truly remarkable. In today’s blog, we will explore the life of Prophet Muhammad, a figure whose influence shaped the course of history.
Early Life of Prophet Muhammad
Prophet Muhammad was born on April 22, 571 CE, during the Islamic month of Rabiʽ al-Awwal in the city of Mecca, located in present-day Saudi Arabia. His father, Abdullah, and his mother, Aminah, were part of the prestigious Quraysh family.
Tragically, Muhammad's father passed away before he was born. Shortly after his birth, Muhammad was entrusted to a family living in the desert. This practice, common at the time, was believed to help newborns grow stronger and healthier, away from the humid climate of Mecca. The nomadic Bedouin families in the desert would care for the infants.
Muhammad was raised by a desert woman named Halima, who cared for him until he was two years old. Afterward, he returned to his biological mother, Aminah. However, when Muhammad was only six years old, his mother passed away. This left him orphaned at a young age.
Raising by His Grandfather and Uncle
After the death of his mother, Muhammad’s grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, took on the responsibility of raising him. Unfortunately, Abdul Muttalib also passed away two years later. Muhammad was then cared for by his uncle, Abu Talib. From an early age, Muhammad showed a strong work ethic, helping his uncle with his business.
By the age of nine, Muhammad traveled with his uncle on business trips to Syria, where he learned the trade. During one such trip, Muhammad met a Christian scholar named Bahira. The scholar recognized Muhammad’s exceptional character and predicted that he would accomplish great things.
The Honest and Truthful Muhammad
Known for his honesty and integrity from a young age, Muhammad earned the titles "Al-Amin" (the Trustworthy) and "Al-Sadiq" (the Truthful). While many Arabs were indulging in various vices at the time, Muhammad stood out for his straightforwardness. People from Syria were particularly impressed by his truthfulness, which was rare in those times.
Marriage to Hazrat Khadija
Prophet Muhammad’s reputation spread far and wide, leading a woman named Khadija to send him a marriage proposal. At the time, Khadija was a 40-year-old widow, while Muhammad was 25 years old. Despite the age difference and her status as a widow, Muhammad accepted her proposal, and they married.
Khadija became Muhammad’s first wife, and together, they had six children, including four daughters and two sons. Unfortunately, both sons passed away before reaching the age of three.
A Life of Integrity and Compassion
Throughout his life, Prophet Muhammad had a total of 13 marriages, but he had children only with two of his wives. He was known for his humble and compassionate nature. For instance, he never ate alone and always washed his hands before and after meals, encouraging others to adopt the same practice.
At a time when people in Mecca rarely washed their hands before eating, Muhammad’s habit of cleanliness was seen as unusual. The water scarcity in Mecca often led people to forgo bathing, making such hygiene practices seem unnecessary.
The Rise of Islam
Prophet Muhammad became deeply distressed by the widespread corruption in Mecca—robbery, theft, alcohol consumption, mistreatment of women, and the killing of innocents. To find peace, he often retreated to the cave of Hira, located on the outskirts of Mecca.
In 610 CE, while in the cave, the angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to Muhammad and revealed the first verses of the Qur'an. Jibril instructed him to memorize the verses and spread the message of Islam, declaring Muhammad to be Allah’s final prophet.
Spreading the Message of Islam
At the age of 40, Muhammad received the first revelation, and over the next 23 years, Jibril continued to deliver Allah’s messages, which were recorded in the Qur'an. Initially, only a few close individuals, such as his wife Khadija and his adopted son, accepted Muhammad’s prophethood. For three years, he quietly taught his close circle about Islam.
In 613 CE, Muhammad began publicly preaching to the people of Mecca. Though many mocked him, his message gradually began to resonate with more individuals. As time passed, more people embraced Islam.
The Legacy of Prophet Muhammad
Prophet Muhammad’s mission was not only to spread the message of Islam but to guide humanity towards righteousness and peace. His teachings, conveyed through the Qur'an, have had a lasting impact on the world.
On June 8, 632 CE, Prophet Muhammad passed away while delivering a sermon, completing his mission. His death marked the end of his earthly journey, but his teachings continue to inspire billions of people to this day.
Conclusion
Prophet Muhammad's life is a remarkable tale of leadership, faith, and perseverance. From his early years as an orphan to his role as the final prophet of Islam, his journey serves as an inspiration to millions. His commitment to honesty, integrity, and spreading the message of Islam remains an enduring legacy that continues to guide humanity toward a better path.
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