The Birth of Prophet Muhammad
The birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the final messenger of Islam, occurred in the blessed city of Mecca around 570 CE on 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal (the third month of the Islamic calendar), which corresponds to the Spring, a year known in Islamic tradition as the Year of the Elephant.
From the very beginning, his life was marked by divine wisdom and moral integrity. In this blog, we explore the early life of Prophet Muhammad and how it shaped his mission.
The Lineage Of The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had the most honorable lineage among all people.
He was also the most complete in appearance and character. Many authentic hadiths speak about the nobility of his family line. One of these is reported in Sahih Muslim, confirming the great honor and purity of his ancestry, that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ اصْطَفَى مِنْ وَلَدِ إِبْرَاهِيمَ إِسْمَاعِيلَ، وَاصْطَفَى مِنْ بَنِي إِسْمَاعِيلَ كِنَانَةَ، وَاصْطَفَى مِنْ كِنَانَةَ قُرَيْشًا، وَاصْطَفَى مِنْ قُرَيْشٍ بَنِي هَاشِمٍ، وَاصْطَفَانِي مِنْ بَنِي هَاشِمٍ.
He was born to Amina and Abdullah of the noble Quraysh tribe. Muhammad lost his father before birth by 6 months, and his mother at the age of six. He was initially raised by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib, who played a crucial role in his upbringing and protection.
Despite these early losses, young Muhammad received immense love and care, especially in Abu Talib’s household.
Was Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) raised in the desert?
In the early years of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it was customary among the Arabs to send their children to live with Bedouin tribes in the desert, allowing them to grow up tough and strong and learn how to live in a challenging environment while acquiring pure Arabic.
After his birth, his mother, Amina bint Wahb, followed this tradition and sent him, but the women of Banu Sa’d did not want to take him because he was an orphan, and they thought there would be no rewardor in return.
but a nurse named Halima al-Sa’diya accepted to take care of him, and from that moment, she saw blessings and goodness fill her home, The Prophet (PBUH) spent two years with her, growing strong, before returning to his mother.
The Story Of Losing
In those days, the Quraysh were traders, well-known for their two major trade caravans: the winter journey to Yemen and the summer journey to the Levant (Shām), as mentioned in the Quran:
إِۦلَـٰفِهِمْ رِحْلَةَ ٱلشِّتَآءِ وَٱلصَّيْفِ
Secure in their trading caravan ˹to Yemen˺ in the winter and ˹Syria˺ in the summer, Surah Quraysh
It was during one of these commercial travels that Abdullah joined a Qurayshi caravan heading north, toward Sham.
On their way back, he fell gravely ill and was unable to walk along with the caravan; he decided to stop to rest at relatives from Banu al-Najjar (His maternal uncles) in Yathrib (Now Madinah).
However, His companions continued the journey home to Makkah. Abdullah stayed behind, and not long after, he passed away there and He was buried in Dar al-Nabighah, a known place near Madinah.
Years passed, and when the Prophet (PBUH) turned six, Aminah took him on a journey to Yathrib, to show him where his father was buried.
They stayed in Yathrib for a month, visiting family and the grave of Abdullah. On the return trip to Makkah, as the caravan reached a lonely place called Al-Abwa, Aminah fell ill and died suddenly in that place, and she was buried there.
Prophet Morals Before The Revelation
In his youth, Muhammad (PBUH) was known across Mecca for his honesty and noble character. Locals entrusted him with their valuables, and he never broke a promise or lied. This earned him the title Al-Amin (The Trustworthy).
His character stood in contrast to the corruption, idol worship, and tribal conflicts of Meccan society
He worked as a shepherd and later as a merchant, gaining practical experience and a reputation for fair dealings.
A significant moment came when he traveled to Syria with Abu Talib on a trade journey, offering him a glimpse of broader civilizations and faith traditions. These experiences strengthened his insight and moral resolve.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known by everyone in Mecca for his honesty and strong character.
His good reputation quickly spread across the city and reached Khadija bint Khuwaylid, a respected businesswoman who was looking for a trustworthy young man to manage her trade.
Impressed by his truthfulness, she chose him to work for her. Over time, Khadija’s companion suggested marriage between them.
The Prophet (PBUH) accepted, and he married Khadija, and over time he had six children, but the sad side all the boys died at a very young age.
Angel Gabriel And The Prophet Muhammad
Before receiving revelation, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would often spend time alone in the Cave of Hira, away from the people of Mecca. He stayed away from falsehood and used this time to reflect on the creation of Allah and the wonders of the universe. Then came the day when Allah chose him at the age of 40 to be a prophet for all mankind.
While he was in the cave, the Angel Gabriel (PBUH) appeared and said to him,
Gabriel: “Read!” (ٱقْرَأْ)
Muhammad: “I am not a reader” (مَا أَنا بِقَارئْ)
This happened three times, and then the last time
Gabriel said: “Read, ˹O Prophet,˺ in the Name of your Lord Who created” (ٱقْرَأْ بِٱسْمِ رَبِّكَ ٱلَّذِى خَلَقَ) Surah Al-Alaq
The Prophet (PBUH) was filled with fear and returned running to his house to Khadija and said “دَثِّرُني”, which means Cover me!
