Muhammad

Muhammad (c. 570 – 8 June 632 CE) was an Arab religious leader and the founder of Islam. According to Islam, he was the final prophet of God who was divinely inspired to share the monotheistic teachings of Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets in Islam. He is believed by Muslims to be the Seal of the Prophets, and along with the Quran, his teachings guide Islamic belief.

Born in Mecca to the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh, Muhammad was raised by his grandfather and uncle after his parents died. When he was 40, he reported receiving his first message from God in a mountain cave named Hira. In 613, he began preaching these messages publicly, teaching that "God is One" and calling for complete "submission" (Islām) to God.

After facing some difficulties in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers moved to Medina in 622, an event known as the Hijrah, which started the Islamic calendar. In Medina, he helped unite the tribes. Later, he led an army to Mecca in 629 with little fighting. By the time of his death in 632, much of the Arabian Peninsula had converted to Islam.

The messages Muhammad shared became the verses of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, which Muslims believe are the words of God. His teachings and actions, recorded in hadith and his biography (sīrah), continue to guide Islamic belief and law. Muhammad is also respected in other faiths, such as Sikhism, the Druze faith, and the Baháʼí Faith.

Biographical sources

Main articles: Historiography of early Islam and Historicity of Muhammad

Further information: Revisionist school of Islamic studies

Learning about the life of Muhammad helps us understand how Islam began. Early writers from the 8th and 9th centuries CE wrote about his life, but these books were written many years after Muhammad lived. This makes it hard for historians to know how true these stories are.

One of the earliest books about Muhammad was written by Ibn Ishaq around the year 767 CE. Parts of his book are still available in other books. Other early writers also shared stories about Muhammad’s life and teachings. Muslims study collections of sayings and actions called hadith, which were written down long after Muhammad’s time. The Quran, Islam’s holy book, is believed to be the words of God given to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel. The Quran talks about Muhammad and offers guidance for believers.

Meccan years

Muhammad was born in Mecca around 570 CE. He was part of the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe. His father died before he was born, and his mother died when he was young. He was raised by his grandfather and then by his uncle Abu Talib.

Muhammad married Khadija, a rich merchant, when he was 25. When he was 40, in 610 CE, he began receiving messages from the angel Gabriel in a cave near Mecca. These messages became the Quran. Some leaders in Mecca did not like his teachings because they were different from their old ways. But Muhammad kept sharing his messages with anyone who would listen.

Medinan years

Main article: First Islamic state

Muhammad spent his time in Medina building a community and sharing his teachings. He built a mosque for prayer and gatherings. This mosque was a center for Muslims and welcomed people of all faiths.

During his time in Medina, Muhammad faced challenges from nearby groups. There were conflicts with tribes who did not agree with his leadership. These conflicts sometimes led to battles, where Muhammad and his followers worked to protect their community. Even with these difficulties, Muhammad kept working for peace and understanding among different groups.

Over time, Muhammad's leadership helped make the Muslim community in Medina stronger. He made agreements to help peace and teamwork, and his work helped Islam grow.

Final years

Main articles: Battle of Hunayn and Expedition of Tabuk

Main article: Farewell Pilgrimage

See also: Ghadir Khumm

The truce of Hudaybiyyah ended after two years because of fights between tribes. In 630, Muhammad went to Mecca with 10,000 followers and took control with very little fighting. He forgave most people but punished a few for very bad actions. Many people in Mecca chose to follow Islam, and Muhammad took away statues of old Arab gods from the Kaaba.

After Mecca, Muhammad met the tribe of Banu Hawazin at the valley of Hunayn. Even though they were surprised, Muhammad's group won and took many people and animals captive. Later, he went toward the city of Taif but could not capture it. About ten months after taking Mecca, Muhammad led an army to Tabuk, a place near Byzantine Syria, to make his rule stronger and get more resources. In 632, during his last pilgrimage, Muhammad gave an important speech sharing his main teachings with his followers.

Death

Muhammad became very sick in June 632. He had terrible headaches and pain. He stayed with his wives but got too weak to move. His family helped take care of him. He passed away on June 8, 632. Before he died, he asked God for forgiveness and mercy.

Tomb

Muhammad was buried in the house where he died. Later, the Prophet's Mosque in Medina grew to include his tomb. A famous Green Dome was built above it. Nearby are tombs of important friends, including the first two Muslim leaders Abu Bakr and Umar, as well as an empty tomb that Muslims believe awaits Jesus.

Succession

Further information: Succession to Muhammad, Rashidun, and Early Muslim conquests

After Muhammad passed away, some people disagreed about who should lead the Muslim community next. Umar ibn al-Khattab, a close friend of Muhammad, suggested Abu Bakr, and he was chosen as the first caliph. Some others thought that Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, should be the leader.

Abu Bakr worked to make the new Islamic state stronger. He dealt with tribes that were unhappy and began to protect and grow the Muslim community’s influence. Many people in the areas ruled by the Byzantine and Sasanian empires were also unhappy with their leaders. This helped the Muslims as they moved into places like Mesopotamia, Syria, Egypt, and parts of Persia, creating the Rashidun Caliphate.

Household

Muhammad’s family life had two parts: before moving to Medina and after. When he was 25, he married a woman named Khadija. She was older than him. They were married for 25 years and had children together. After Khadija passed away, Muhammad married other women, including a young girl named Aisha.

Muhammad helped with chores at home, like cooking and mending clothes. He listened to his wives and talked with them about important things. Many of his wives lived long lives after he passed away and helped share his teachings.

Legacy

Islamic tradition

In Islam, Muhammad is believed to be the last prophet sent by God. Muslims show their faith by saying, "I testify that there is no god but God, and I testify that Muhammad is a Messenger of God." This statement, called the Shahada, is very important in Islam. It is often the first thing a newborn hears and is said again when someone passes away.

The teachings and examples of Muhammad, known as the sunnah, guide many parts of Islamic life. These include daily prayers, fasting, and the pilgrimage to Mecca. Many Muslims love stories about Muhammad’s life and miracles.

Islamic social reforms

Main article: Early social changes under Islam

Muhammad’s teachings brought important changes to society. He spoke about caring for the poor and helping those in need. Islam taught that all people should be treated fairly, no matter where they came from. These ideas helped improve the lives of many people in the Arabian Peninsula.

European appreciation

Many famous thinkers and leaders from Europe admired Muhammad for his leadership and wisdom. They saw him as a great lawgiver and a unifier of people. Even though opinions varied, many respected his role in shaping history and his influence on millions of people.