The Life of the Prophet (S.A.W) Up Until the First Revelation
Life in Makkah
Write an outline of the life of Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.) up to the time of the first revelation. / Write about the life of the Prophet (S.A.W.) up until the first revelation.
The Family Background of the Prophet (S.A.W.)
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was born in Makkah on 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal, 570 A.D. He belonged to the noble tribe of Banu Hashim of Quraish. His father was Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib, and his mother was Aminah. Four months before the Prophet (S.A.W)’s birth, his father died during a business trip to Syria. His grandfather Abdul Muttalib named him Mohammad (S.A.W.), while Aminah (mother) called him Ahmed.
Wet Nurses of the Prophet (S.A.W.)
Mohammad was first nursed by his mother and then by Umm Ayman nurtured. Next, the maidservant of his uncle Abu Lahab, Thaubiya, suckled him, who also nourished Hamza. The Prophet (S.A.W) said, “Hamza is my brother by reason of fosterage.”
According to the traditional practices, the citizens of Makkah preferred to hold their newborn children in the care of Bedouin women. They believed the unspoiled, rugged desert environment would make their children strong and hardy. Along with this, they will also learn the purest form of the Arabic language there. Adapting to the customs Prophet (S.A.W.) was also handed to Hazrat Halima Sadia (R.A.) for two years while he was just two months old.
Allah’s Blessings for Halima After Bringing Prophet (S.A.W.)
Ever since she bore the Prophet (S.A.W.) to her home, the blessings of God were evident in her household. Halima herself narrated that she carried Mohammad to her house during a drought, but they never suffered from food shortages, even their flock yielded abundant milk. Noticing the blessings at home, despite completing two years, Hazrat Halima (R.A.) and her husband desired to keep He (S.A.W.) with them for additional time. So, Halima Sadia sought permission from Hazrat Aminah, which she permitted.
Chest Opening of Prophet (S.A.W.) in Childhood
As Prophet (S.A.W.) got older, strange incidents began occurring to him. Once the Prophet (S.A.W.) went out with his Hamza R.A. (foster brother), He (S.A.W) was visited by two men (One of whom was Angel Jibrael). They grabbed He (S.A.W.) and laid him down on the ground. They cut open his chest, took out his heart, and extracted a lump of flesh from it. Subsequently, they washed it in a gold basin filled with Zamzam water until they cleaned it and returned it to the actual place. After such a supernatural event, Halima (R.A.) brought the Prophet (S.A.W.) back to his mother in his hometown. He was around five years old at that time.
The Prophet’s (S.A.W.) Nurturing
A few months later, Prophet Mohammad (S.A.W.)’s mother died on her way to Yathrib. Muhammad (S.A.W.) was six years old at the time. Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of Muhammad (S.A.W.), now took custody of him and took on parental duties. His grandfather passed away at the age of 90 after two years. Ultimately, the Prophet (S.A.W.) was entrusted to the care of Abu Talib bin Abdul Muttalib. Abu Talib took guardianship of the Prophet (S.A.W.) with love and kindness. During his caretaking, it was excellent manners and behaviour of the Prophet (S.A.W.) Abu Talib began to love him more and more.
Prophet (S.A.W.)’s Voyage to Syria
Abu Talib was a fabric and perfume merchandiser who often travelled to Syria for business. Once, at 12, He (S.A.W.) was also along with his uncle while journeying to Syria. Abu Talib met Bahira, a Christian monk in Busra, who noticed prophetic signs in Mohammad S.A.W. Bahira revealed,
"This is the chief of the world and the messenger of Lord. God has sent him as a mercy for all mankind."
At the moment, Holding the Prophet (S.A.W.)’s hand, Bahira stated to the Quraish that this boy is not an ordinary child but rather a messenger of Allah. On inquiry of Makkans, he answered, “When you came over the hill, not a tree or a stone failed to bow in prostration, and they prostrate themselves only before a prophet. I recognize him by the seal of prophecy, like an apple, below the end of his shoulder blade.”(Tirmidhi)
Bahira counselled Abu Talib to return to his hometown and shield him from the Jews. Bahira said that if Jews found out about the signs of prophethood that he had observed, they would attempt to murder his nephew. After hearing all, Abu Talib got scared and returned Mohammad (S.A.W.) to Makkah.
War of Fijar & Hilf ul Fudul
In 580-590, in Dhul Qadah, while Mohammad (S.A.W.) was twenty years old, a battle broke out at the Fair of ‘Okaz. The Quraish and Kinana on one side and the Qays Ghilan on the other were the warring tribes. The fight was fierce, and several people on both sides were killed. It came to be known as the Battle of Fijar. This fight took place in the sacred month, and the sanctity of this month was violated due to bloodshed.
As a Quraish member, Mohammad (S.A.W.) fought in this war along with his uncle. Prophet (S.A.W.), rather than getting involved in the physical fight, only assisted his uncle by collecting the arrows thrown by the enemies. This battle lasted for several years yet was indecisive. After final negotiations, both tribes concurred that whichever side had suffered the most casualties would get recompensated money for unlawful killing. Following the Battle of Fijar, the five tribes of Quraish came to an agreement known as Hilf al Fudool later in the same month, which was in reaction to a dishonourable denial of justice to a stranger.
Noticing the injustice and oppression, the tribes decided to unite to defend the rights of the oppressed and deliver them justice. It occurred when A’as bin Wail, a well-known Makkah resident, tricked a businessman of Zabid. Refusing to give the businessman his money, he took all his goods. Zabid ascended Abu Qais Mountain and begged for assistance. To that, Hazrat Zubair bin Abdul Muttalib, the uncle of the Prophet (S.A.W.), responded. Abdullah bin Jadan accompanied him and remained firm in supporting the businessman. Belatedly, Banu Hashim, Banu Zehra, and Banu Asad sided with them and consented to sign this agreement to protect the oppressed. All these people vowed, “We will always aid the oppressed and provide him with justice.”
This alliance or league was called Hilf ul Fudul. When the pledge was made, demonstrating his devotion to welfare work, Mohammad (S.A.W.) was present and pleased with its aim.
Youth of Prophet (S.A.W.)
He was a man of principles, courteous, kind, patient, forgiving, and noble-hearted. Prophet (S.A.W.) never indulged in evil activities that were expected in Arabia. He shunned sins such as drinking and gambling. Throughout his youth, Hazrat Mohammad (S.A.W.) looked after the sheep of his family, and in addition, He S.A.W. tended goats for the Quraish for a small sum. This choice of occupation was critical. It served as a kind of training ground for all Prophets sent by Allah. Following being chosen as a prophet, Mohammad (S.A.W.) stated, “There has been no prophet who has not tended sheep”.
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The Marriage of the Prophet (S.A.W.) with Khadija
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was granted titles of ‘Al Sadiq’ and ‘Al Amin’ by the Makkans due to his truthfulness and honesty. As Hazrat Khadija was a businesswoman, she was looking for a reliable man in Makkah to lead her caravan at that time. To fulfil the aforementioned purpose, she hired the Prophet (S.A.W.) to lead her caravan because she had already heard about the marvellous attributes of the Prophet (S.A.W.). Hazrat Khadija (R.A.)’s slave Maysarah was accompanied by the Prophet (S.A.W.) on this journey to Syria. He (S.A.W.) worked diligently throughout the trip and earned a great deal of profit.
Upon their return, Maysarah (slave of Khadija) greatly admired Mohammad (S.A.W.)’s integrity and trading skills. Hazrat Khadija (R.A.) was so impressed that she sent him an offer for a marriage proposal through her friend Nafeesah, which He (S.A.W.) accepted. At the time, Hazrat Khadija (R.A.) was 40 years old, while Mohammad (S.A.W.) was just 25 years old. It was a fruitful and happy wedding. Allah blessed them with four daughters and two sons: Ruqayyah, Zaynab, Umme Kulthoom, Fatima, Abdullah and Ibrahim (both sons passed away during childhood).
Khadija was a devoted and affectionate spouse. She was the first personality to embrace Islam. She always stood by Mohammad (S.A.W.) during the days of the trial and struggles. Along with it, this marriage freed Mohammad (S.A.W.) from financial concerns and allowed him to devote his time to a life of prayers, meditation and retirement.
Conflict Involving the Black Stone
There was an occasion when floodwaters entered Makkah and caused damage to Kaaba. The Makkans decided to reconstruct the Kaaba to prevent additional damage to their structure. They spent halal revenue for this purpose. All the Makkans worked jointly in the restoration, including the Prophet (S.A.W). Each tribe had allotted distinct duties Prophet (S.A.W.) and his uncle Abbas were among those carrying stones for building. During construction, a conflict arose regarding Hajr Aswad. The tribe chiefs argued about who should be given the honour of placing the Black Stone (Hijra-e-Aswad) in its proper location.
Abi Umayya suggested to them: “whoever will enter first in the morning from the Gate Safa of Kaaba, he would settle the dispute.” Ultimately, that was accepted by all. The Prophet (S.A.W.) was the first person to enter that gate the following day. Prophet (S.A.W.) showed remarkable intelligence in this problem-solving. He (S.A.W.) instructed them to bring a sheet and placed the Black Stone on it with his hands, then directed all chieftains to grab a corner of the sheet. Next, He (S.A.W.) positioned the stone in its place. In this manner, He (S.A.W.) averted a potential conflict that might escalate to bloodshed.
The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was reavled."(2:185)
Call of Prophethood
By the age of 40, the Prophet (S.A.W.) began to isolate himself from the active life of Makkah and confined himself to the cave of Hira. Thus, He (S.A.W.) prepared himself for receiving revelation. However, in Ramadhan, 610 A.D., he was formally granted Prophethood through Angel Jibrael.
How did Prophet (S.A.W.)’s life before the first revelation prepare him for the life to come/ prepare him for his years as a prophet?
Several aspects of Prophet (S.A.W.)’s early life contributed to shaping his character, wisdom, and resilience, which were essential for the challenges he had faced as a messenger of God. Here are a few key features:
Honesty and Trustworthiness (Al-Amin): Prophet Muhammad, even before his prophethood, gained a reputation as Al-Amin (the trustworthy) and Al-Sadiq (the truthful). His honesty and integrity were well-known among the people of Mecca. This reputation was crucial to Him winning over the community’s trust after the first revelation.
Orphanhood: Prophet Muhammad lost his father before his birth and his mother at a very young age. Being an orphan taught him empathy, compassion, and resilience. Besides, before the revelation, the Prophet (S.A.W.)’s presence in Hilf ul Fudul built an attribute in him to protect the weak and struggle to render justice to the oppressed. These hardships prepared him as an expert In the future in caring for orphans, widows and the destitute. Moreover, the presence of the Prophet (S.A.W.) in the Harb al Fijar made him aware of the cruelty and suffering caused by the Quraish and others. It also enabled him to employ the Arabian war tactics that he had used in the future as the leader of Madinah.
Experience as a Shepherd: Muhammad (peace be upon him) had a shepherding career at an earlier age. It developed traits in Him like patience, accountability, and leadership as a result of this experience. These qualities proved essential in mentoring and coaching the community during his later years as a prophet.
Meditation and Contemplation: Prophet Muhammad frequently secluded to the Cave Hira for meditation and introspection before receiving the first revelation. He (S.A.W.) meditated there for extended periods, which supported him to reflect on his beliefs and practices and deepen his spiritual connection with Allah.
Relation with the Hanif Tradition: Lastly, before receiving the first revelation, he had the opportunity to learn about other religions (Christianity and Judaism) while travelling with his uncle outside of Makkah. Since the seeds of Monotheism were already rooted in him, this inclination toward monotheism facilitated his acceptance of the message of Islam.
In overview, the life of Prophet Muhammad before the first revelation provided him with a firm moral foundation, practical skills, resilience, and spiritual preparation that aided Him in fulfilling the responsibilities of prophethood, leading the Muslim community, and effectively conveying the message of Islam.