The fruit of success comes from long patience. Islamic
14/01/2025
Prophet Muhammad, born around 570 CE in Mecca, Arabia, is the central figure of Islam, revered by Muslims as the last prophet sent by God (Allah) to guide humanity. Here are some key aspects of his life and legacy:
- **Early Life**: Muhammad was born into the Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe, one of Mecca's prominent families. He was orphaned at a young age and raised by his grandfather and later his uncle, Abu Talib. He worked as a merchant and was known for his honesty, earning him the nickname "Al-Amin" (the trustworthy).
- **Prophethood**: At the age of 40, around 610 CE, Muhammad received his first revelation from God through the angel Gabriel while meditating in a cave on Mount Hira. These revelations continued for 23 years and were later compiled into the Quran, Islam's holy book.
- **Preaching and Opposition**: Initially, he shared his revelations with family and close friends. Public preaching began around 613 CE, which led to opposition from Mecca's leaders, who were polytheists. This opposition included persecution of Muhammad and his followers, leading to the migration (Hijra) to Medina in 622 CE, an event marking the start of the Islamic lunar calendar.
- **Medina Period**: In Medina, Muhammad established a community based on Islamic principles, creating a unified polity. He drafted the Constitution of Medina, which was an early example of a religious state with elements of governance, rights, and duties for its citizens.
- **Return to Mecca**: After years of conflict, including battles like Badr and Uhud, Muhammad and his followers conquered Mecca in 630 without bloodshed. He then cleansed the Kaaba of idols, dedicating it to the worship of Allah alone.
- **Final Years**: Muhammad continued to preach and consolidate his teachings. He performed the Farewell Pilgrimage in 632 CE, where he delivered his last sermon, emphasizing equality, justice, and the sanctity of life and property. He died later that year in Medina.
- **Legacy**: Muhammad's teachings, known as the Sunnah, alongside the Quran, form the foundational texts of Islamic law (Sharia). His life is studied not only for its historical significance but also as a model of conduct (uswa hasana) for Muslims. His influence extends beyond religion into politics, culture, and law in the Muslim world.
- **Perceptions**: Views on Muhammad vary. Muslims see him as the final prophet, a perfect example of human conduct, and the bringer of peace and justice. Non-Muslim perceptions range from respect for his role as a religious leader to critical analyses of his actions and the historical context of his life.
- **Biographical Sources**: Traditional biographies of Muhammad, known as "Seerah," were compiled by early Muslim scholars like Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Hisham. Modern biographies also exist, providing various interpretations and analyses of his life from different scholarly perspectives.
Muhammad's life and teachings have profoundly shaped the course of history, culture, and religion in regions where Islam has spread, continuing to influence billions of people across the globe. His message of monotheism, moral and social reform, and the establishment of a comprehensive way of life based on submission to God are central to Islamic faith and practice.
