Prophet Muhammad (SAW), born in Mecca around 570 CE, is revered as the final messenger of Islam whose teachings shaped the Qur'an and transformed Arabia into a unified religious community. He passed away in Medina in 632 CE, leaving behind a legacy that continues to guide over a billion Muslims worldwide.
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Early Life
- Birth: Muhammad ibn Abdullah was born in Mecca, Arabia, circa 570 CE (known as the "Year of the Elephant").
- Parents: His father, Abdullah, died before his birth; his mother, Amina, passed away when he was six. He was raised by his grandfather Abdul Muttalib and later by his uncle Abu Talib.
- Character: Known as Al-Amin ("the trustworthy"), he worked as a merchant and gained respect for his honesty and fairness.
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Prophethood
- First Revelation: At age 40, while meditating in the cave of Hira near Mecca, Muhammad received his first revelation through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). This marked the beginning of his mission as the Messenger of Allah.
- Message: He preached monotheism, social justice, compassion, and accountability before God.
- Opposition: His teachings challenged Meccan elites who profited from idol worship, leading to persecution of early Muslims.
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Migration (Hijrah) and Medina
- Hijrah (622 CE): Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina, where he established the first Islamic state based on justice, equality, and community.
- Role in Medina: He acted as a spiritual leader, statesman, and military commander, uniting diverse tribes under Islam.
- Treaties: He forged alliances and established the Constitution of Medina, a charter promoting coexistence among Muslims, Jews, and other communities.
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Later Life and Legacy
- Conquest of Mecca (630 CE): Muhammad returned to Mecca peacefully, cleansing the Kaaba of idols and dedicating it to the worship of Allah alone.
- Death: He passed away in Medina on June 8, 632 CE, at the age of 61–62. His resting place is under the Green Dome in the Prophet's Mosque, Medina.
- Legacy:
- The Qur'an, revealed to him, remains the central text of Islam.
- He is regarded as the "Seal of the Prophets", completing the line of prophets including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.
- His teachings emphasize mercy, justice, and devotion to God.
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Key Facts Table
| Aspect | Details |
|------------------------|---------|
| Full Name | Muhammad ibn Abdullah |
| Birth | c. 570 CE, Mecca |
| Death | 8 June 632 CE, Medina |
| Title | Seal of the Prophets |
| Major Event | First Revelation (610 CE), Hijrah (622 CE), Conquest of Mecca (630 CE) |
| Resting Place | Prophet's Mosque, Medina |
| Known For | Establishing Islam, Qur'an, Constitution of Medina |
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Risks of Misinterpretation
- Images of Muhammad: Islam generally prohibits depictions of the Prophet to avoid idolatry.
- Sources: His biography is preserved through the Qur'an, Hadith (sayings and actions), and early historical works.