Hazrat Muhammad Sallallahu Salam

Hazrat Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him): A Detailed Biography

1. Birth and Early Life

Full Name: Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib
Titles: Al-Amin (The Trustworthy), Al-Sadiq (The Truthful), Khatam-an-Nabiyyin (Seal of the Prophets)
Birth Date: 12th Rabi’ al-Awwal, Year of the Elephant (570 CE)
Birthplace: Mecca, Arabia
Family:
- Father: Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib (died before Muhammad’s birth)
- Mother: Amina bint Wahb (died when Muhammad was six years old)
- Guardian: Raised by his grandfather Abdul Muttalib and later by his uncle Abu Talib.
Early Traits: From childhood, he was known for his honesty, reliability, and good character. He earned the title Al-Amin (The Trustworthy) because of his integrity.

2. Adolescence and Youth

Worked as a shepherd to support his family.
Later became a merchant, known for fair trade and ethical business practices.
At 25, he entered the service of a wealthy widow, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, managing her trade caravan.
Impressed by his honesty and character, Khadijah proposed marriage to him. Despite her being 15 years older, Muhammad (PBUH) accepted.

3. Marriage and Family

Wife: Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was his first wife and remained his only wife until her death.
Children: Together they had six children:
- Sons: Qasim, Abdullah (also called Tahir and Tayyib)
- Daughters: Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, Fatimah

4. Spiritual Journey and First Revelation

Meditation: Muhammad (PBUH) often retreated to the Cave of Hira on Mount Noor to meditate and seek guidance.
First Revelation: At the age of 40, in the year 610 CE, Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared to him and revealed the first verses of the Qur’an:

"Read! In the name of your Lord who created..." (Surah Al-Alaq 96:1-5)
Prophethood: Muhammad (PBUH) was chosen as the final messenger of Allah to guide humanity.

5. Early Preaching

Message: Called people to monotheism (belief in one God, Allah), justice, and righteousness.
Opposition: Faced severe persecution from the Quraysh tribe, who opposed his teachings and the disruption of their polytheistic traditions.

6. Migration to Medina (Hijrah)

In 622 CE, Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina to escape persecution.
The Hijrah marked the start of the Islamic calendar.
In Medina, he established a unified Muslim community (Ummah), promoting social justice, coexistence, and religious freedom.

7. Major Events in Medina

Constitution of Medina: A charter that outlined the rights and responsibilities of all citizens, regardless of religion.
Battles:
- Battle of Badr (624 CE): A decisive victory for the Muslims.
- Battle of Uhud (625 CE): Muslims faced a setback due to disobedience within their ranks.
- Battle of the Trench (627 CE): A successful defensive strategy secured Medina from attack.

8. Conquest of Mecca

In 630 CE, Muhammad (PBUH) led a peaceful conquest of Mecca, forgiving his former enemies.
He cleansed the Kaaba of idols and reestablished it as a place of monotheistic worship.

9. Final Years and Farewell Sermon

Last Pilgrimage: In 632 CE, during the Hajj, Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon on the plains of Arafat.
- Key messages included:
  - Equality of all humans regardless of race or status.
  - Respect and rights for women.
  - Adherence to the Qur'an and Sunnah as guidance.
  - Prohibition of usury, injustice, and exploitation.
Death: Passed away on 12th Rabi’ al-Awwal 11 AH (8th June 632 CE) in Medina at the age of 63.
Burial: Buried in his room adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi).

10. Character and Teachings

Personal Qualities: Known for humility, patience, compassion, and forgiveness.
Justice: Treated everyone fairly and upheld justice even against himself or his family.
Kindness: Showed immense kindness to children, women, and animals.
Key Teachings:
- Worship Allah alone.
- Be honest and truthful in all dealings.
- Show mercy and kindness to all creatures.
- Uphold justice and oppose oppression.

11. Legacy

Muhammad (PBUH) transformed Arabian society, abolished tribal conflicts, and laid the foundations of Islam, which became a global faith. His teachings continue to inspire over 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide.