26/08/2026
Muhammad (PBUH): From Beginning to End at a Glance
Blessed Eid Milad-un-Nabi, Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam!
The Historic Farewell Sermon at the Plain of Arafat
During the Farewell Hajj, the following verse from Surah Al-Ma'idah (5:3) was revealed:
«الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا»
“Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and chosen Islam as your religion.”
There are differing claims regarding the timing of this verse. Some reports state that it was revealed on the same day as the Farewell Sermon, while others state that it was revealed a few days after the sermon.
★ Birth and Childhood
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was born in Makkah, in present-day Saudi Arabia, among the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe. According to the commonly accepted account, he was born in 570 CE, on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal, a Monday. His father's name was Abdullah and his mother's name was Aminah.
He lost his father before his birth. When he was six years old, his mother, Aminah, passed away, and when he was eight, his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, also passed away. After that, his uncle Abu Talib took responsibility for his upbringing.
★ Naming
Upon hearing the news of his grandson's birth, his grandfather Abdul Muttalib took him in his arms to the Kaaba, praised Allah, and prayed for him. He then named him “Muhammad,” meaning “the one who is greatly praised.”
The name “Ahmad” is also known in Islamic tradition as one of his names. Both “Muhammad” and “Ahmad” are mentioned in the Holy Qur'an.
★ Nursing and Childhood
Initially, his mother Aminah breastfed him. Later, Thuwaybah, a slave woman belonging to Abu Lahab, breastfed him. Afterward, Halimah Sa'diyah (RA) of the Banu Sa'd tribe had the honor of becoming his foster mother.
He spent several years of his childhood with Halimah Sa'diyah. He grew up there alongside his foster brothers and experienced life in a rural environment.
★ Under the Care of His Grandfather and Uncle
After the death of his mother, Aminah, his grandfather Abdul Muttalib took responsibility for him. He loved his grandson dearly. After his grandfather's death, when Muhammad was eight years old, his uncle Abu Talib took responsibility for him.
He grew up under his uncle's care and later traveled with him to the region of Sham (Syria and surrounding areas) for business.
★ Marriage to Khadijah (RA)
At the age of 25, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA). Khadijah (RA) was a respected businesswoman. She was impressed by Muhammad's honesty, trustworthiness, and business skills.
After their marriage, Khadijah (RA) remained one of the most important sources of support in his life for many years. At the beginning of his prophethood, she was also the first person to support and believe in him.
★ The Title “Al-Amin”
Even before receiving prophethood, the people of Makkah called him “Al-Amin,” meaning “the Trustworthy,” because of his truthfulness, honesty, and excellent character.
★ The Beginning of Revelation
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to spend time in solitude, worship, and contemplation in the Cave of Hira in Makkah. At the age of 40, Angel Jibril (AS) came to him there with the first revelation from Allah.
The first verses revealed were:
«اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ»
“Read in the name of your Lord who created. He created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous, Who taught by the pen, taught man that which he did not know.”
— Surah Al-'Alaq, 96:1–5
★ The Command to Preach
Allah commanded the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) to warn people and call them to Islam:
«يَا أَيُّهَا الْمُدَّثِّرُ قُمْ فَأَنذِرْ وَرَبَّكَ فَكَبِّرْ»
“O you wrapped in garments! Arise and warn. And proclaim the greatness of your Lord.”
— Surah Al-Muddaththir, 74:1–3
★ Secret Preaching of Islam
In the initial period after receiving prophethood, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) secretly invited his close relatives and trusted individuals to Islam.
Among the earliest people to accept Islam were Khadijah (RA), Abu Bakr (RA), Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), and Zayd ibn Harithah (RA).
For approximately three years, the call to Islam continued on a limited and private scale.
★ Public Preaching of Islam
Later, following Allah's command, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) began preaching Islam publicly. He gathered the Quraysh at Mount Safa and called them to worship the One Allah.
From that point onward, opposition from the Quraysh intensified, and persecution of Muslims became increasingly severe.
★ Persecution and Patience
For many years, the Muslims of Makkah suffered various forms of persecution and oppression. Many Companions, including Bilal ibn Rabah (RA) and Ammar ibn Yasir (RA), endured severe torture.
Yasir (RA) and his wife Sumayyah (RA) were among the earliest martyrs of Islam. Even during these difficult times, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) and his Companions maintained patience, perseverance, and steadfastness.
★ Journey to Ta'if
After the deaths of his uncle Abu Talib and his wife Khadijah (RA), the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) faced an extremely difficult period. He traveled to Ta'if to invite its people to Islam and hoped to receive their support.
However, they rejected his message and injured him by throwing stones at him. Despite suffering such hardship, he expressed hope for their guidance rather than praying for their destruction.
★ Migration to Madinah
When the Quraysh of Makkah plotted to assassinate the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), he migrated to Madinah by the command of Allah.
He took Abu Bakr (RA) with him and sought refuge in the Cave of Thawr before continuing his journey toward Madinah. This migration marked a major turning point in Islamic history and later became the basis of the Islamic Hijri calendar.
★ The Beginning of a New Chapter in Madinah
Upon reaching Madinah, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) first established the mosque at Quba. He then built the Prophet's Mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi) in Madinah.
He established brotherhood between the Muhajirun (emigrants) and the Ansar (helpers) and developed an organized and harmonious society.
★ Isra and Mi'raj
One of the most significant miracles in the life of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was Isra and Mi'raj.
The Qur'an mentions the Isra:
“Glory be to Him who took His servant by night from al-Masjid al-Haram to al-Masjid al-Aqsa…”
— Surah Al-Isra, 17:1
During this journey, he traveled from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa and from there ascended through the heavens. The establishment of the five daily prayers is one of the most significant aspects associated with the Mi'raj.
★ The Conquest of Makkah
After the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was violated, in the eighth year after Hijrah, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) advanced toward Makkah with approximately 10,000 Companions.
After the conquest of Makkah, he announced a general amnesty and removed the idols from the Kaaba.
He recited:
«وَقُلْ جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَزَهَقَ الْبَاطِلُ ۚ إِنَّ الْبَاطِلَ كَانَ زَهُوقًا»
“And say: Truth has come and falsehood has vanished. Surely, falsehood is bound to vanish.”
— Surah Al-Isra, 17:81
★ The Farewell Hajj
In the tenth year after Hijrah, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) performed the Farewell Hajj. A large number of Companions accompanied him on the pilgrimage.
At the Plain of Arafat, he delivered his historic Farewell Sermon. He emphasized the sanctity of people's lives, property, and honor; the rights of women; brotherhood among Muslims; and consciousness of Allah.
At this time, the following Qur'anic verse was revealed:
«الْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِي وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ الْإِسْلَامَ دِينًا»
“Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and chosen Islam as your religion.”
— Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:3
★ Passing Away
After the Farewell Hajj, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) became ill. As his illness grew more severe, he stayed in the room of Aishah (RA).
Finally, in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal in the 11th year after Hijrah, at the age of 63, he passed away.
★★ Conclusion
The life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was an unparalleled example of monotheism, justice, patience, trustworthiness, forgiveness, compassion, and complete submission to Allah.
Every chapter of his life is an important source of guidance and lessons for Muslims. His example provides guidance for establishing justice, peace, and humanitarian values in individual, family, and social life, as well as in the establishment of a just and ethical society.
