Who Is the Prophet Muhammad?
Who Is the Prophet Muhammad?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the central human figure in Islam, regarded by Muslims as the last and final messenger of God (Allah) sent to guide humanity. Born in Mecca in 570 CE, Muhammad’s life and teachings form the foundation of the Islamic faith, influencing the beliefs and practices of over 1.9 billion Muslims today. He is respected not only for his role as a prophet but also for his moral character, leadership, and compassion.
Birth and Early Life
Muhammad ibn Abdullah was born into the tribe of Quraysh, a respected clan in Mecca. His father, Abdullah, died before his birth, and his mother, Amina, passed away when he was just six years old. Orphaned early, Muhammad was placed under the care of his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and later his uncle, Abu Talib.
Despite his challenging beginnings, Muhammad grew up known for his honesty, trustworthiness, and gentle nature. He earned the nickname Al-Amin (“The Trustworthy”) among his people — a title he carried throughout his life.
Life Before Prophethood
As a young man, Muhammad worked as a shepherd and later became a skilled merchant. His reputation for fairness and integrity in business led to a proposal from Khadijah, a wealthy merchant widow. Muhammad accepted, and their marriage was a happy and supportive union that lasted until her death.
During this period, Muhammad often retreated to the Cave of Hira outside Mecca to meditate, reflecting on the social injustices, idolatry, and moral decay he saw around him.
The Beginning of Revelation
At the age of 40, during one of his retreats to Hira, Muhammad received his first revelation through the Angel Gabriel (Jibril). The angel commanded him to “Read!” (Iqra’), marking the start of his prophethood. This event deeply shook Muhammad, but Khadijah comforted and reassured him, recognizing the truth in his calling.
Over the next 23 years, Muhammad would continue to receive revelations, which were later compiled into the Holy Qur’an — Islam’s sacred text.
The Message of Islam
Muhammad’s core message was simple yet revolutionary: worship one God alone, live righteously, and be accountable for one’s actions in the Hereafter. The key principles he taught included:
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Tawhid: Belief in the oneness of God.
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Justice and Equality: All people are equal before God, regardless of race, status, or wealth.
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Compassion and Charity: Caring for the poor, orphans, and needy.
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Moral Integrity: Honesty, patience, humility, and forgiveness.
Opposition in Mecca
When Muhammad began publicly preaching Islam, the Quraysh leaders opposed him fiercely. They feared his teachings threatened their authority, economic interests, and traditional beliefs. Muslims faced mockery, social boycott, and persecution. Some, like Bilal ibn Rabah, endured severe torture for embracing Islam.
Despite the hardships, Muhammad remained steadfast, preaching patience and perseverance.
Migration to Medina (Hijrah)
In 622 CE, facing escalating hostility in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers migrated to the city of Yathrib (later known as Medina). This event, called the Hijrah, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
In Medina, Muhammad became not only a spiritual leader but also a statesman. He established the Constitution of Medina, a treaty ensuring coexistence among Muslims, Jews, and other groups, emphasizing mutual respect and justice.
Role as a Leader
In Medina, Muhammad organized the Muslim community, led in times of peace and war, and provided solutions to disputes. He demonstrated leadership rooted in consultation (Shura), mercy, and fairness.
Even in battles, Muhammad emphasized humane treatment of prisoners, protection of non-combatants, and respect for treaties — principles that remain notable in the history of warfare.
Character and Personal Life
Muslims view Muhammad as the embodiment of the Qur’an’s teachings. His qualities included:
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Mercy: The Qur’an describes him as “a mercy to the worlds” (21:107).
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Humility: He lived simply, mended his own clothes, and helped with household chores.
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Forgiveness: When he conquered Mecca, he forgave many former enemies.
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Patience: He endured personal losses — including the deaths of several children — with faith and composure.
Muhammad’s personal life reflected his teachings. He treated his wives with respect and kindness, promoted the education of both men and women, and encouraged ethical treatment of servants and animals.
The Conquest of Mecca
In 630 CE, after years of conflict with the Quraysh, Muhammad led a peaceful march into Mecca with a large Muslim army. Instead of taking revenge, he forgave his opponents and declared amnesty for most of them. The idols in the Kaaba — the sacred sanctuary built by Prophet Abraham — were destroyed, restoring it as a center of monotheistic worship.
Farewell Sermon
During his final pilgrimage in 632 CE, Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon, a summary of his mission and teachings. Key messages included:
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The sanctity of life, property, and honor.
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Equality of all human beings — “No Arab is superior to a non-Arab, and no non-Arab is superior to an Arab, except by piety.”
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Rights and responsibilities between spouses.
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Adherence to the Qur’an and his example (Sunnah) as guidance.
Passing and Legacy
Shortly after returning from the pilgrimage, Muhammad fell ill. He passed away in Medina at the age of 63, buried in the chamber of his wife Aisha, next to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi).
His legacy endures not only through the Qur’an but also through the vast collection of his sayings and actions, known as Hadith. These form the second source of Islamic guidance after the Qur’an.
Muhammad’s Role in Islam
Muslims do not worship Muhammad; instead, they honor him as the final prophet in a line of messengers that includes Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. He is seen as the seal of prophethood — the one who delivered God’s last and complete message to humanity.
Loving and following Muhammad means striving to live by his example in worship, ethics, and dealings with others.
Misconceptions About Muhammad
Some misconceptions arise from historical misunderstandings or selective readings of events:
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Violence: While Muhammad led battles, these were primarily defensive, and he consistently sought peace when possible.
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Marriage Practices: His marriages often had social, political, or humanitarian purposes, such as protecting widows or forming alliances.
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Spread of Islam: The majority of Islamic expansion occurred through trade, preaching, and example, not forced conversion.
Conclusion
Prophet Muhammad’s life was one of faith, resilience, and compassion. He transformed a society steeped in tribal divisions and idolatry into a unified community built on justice, mercy, and devotion to one God. For Muslims, he is not only a messenger but also the best example of how to live a righteous life.
His message — worshiping one God, living ethically, and treating others with kindness — continues to inspire millions across the globe, more than fourteen centuries after his passing.
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