The Life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) From His Birth Until He Received the First Revelation
Life in Makkah
Write an outline of the life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) up to the time of the first revelation. / Write an account of the Prophet Muhammad’s life from his birth until he received 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 Banu Hashim tribe of Quraish. His father was Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib, and his mother was Aminah. Four months before the birth of the Prophet (S.A.W.), his father died during a business trip to Syria. 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. Then Thaubiya, the slave girl of his uncle Abu Lahab, suckled him; she also nourished Hamza. The Prophet (S.A.W.) said, “Hamza is my brother by reason of fosterage.”
According to traditional practices, the citizens of Makkah preferred to entrust their newborn children to Bedouin women. They believed the unspoiled, rugged desert environment would make their children strong and hardy. Also, they believed they would learn the purest form of the Arabic language there. Adapting to the customs, the Prophet (S.A.W.) was entrusted to Hazrat Halima Sadia (R.A.) for two years, when he was only two months old.
Allah’s Blessings for Halima
Ever since she brought the Prophet (S.A.W.) into her home, the blessings of God were evident in her household. Halima herself stated 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 in their home, during the two years of nurturing the Prophet S.A.W, Hazrat Halima (R.A.) and her husband desired to keep the Prophet (S.A.W.) with them for some additional time. Therefore, Halima Sadia sought permission from Hazrat Aminah, which she granted her.
Chest Opening of Prophet (S.A.W.) in Childhood
As the Prophet (S.A.W.) grew 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 the Prophet (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 it was purified, and returned it to its 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. Then, Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of Muhammad (S.A.W.), fulfilled His parental responsibilities. His grandfather passed away two years later at the age of 90. Ultimately, the Prophet (S.A.W.) was entrusted to the care of Abu Talib bin Abdul Muttalib. Abu Talib took over the guardianship of the Prophet (S.A.W.) with love and kindness. During his caretaking, the Prophet (S.A.W.) showed excellent manners and behaviour. Abu Talib began to love him even more.
Prophet (S.A.W.)’s Voyage to Syria
Abu Talib was a fabric and perfume merchandiser; he often travelled to Syria for business. Once, at the age of 12, He (S.A.W.) was travelling to Syria along with his uncle. He met a Christian monk in Busra. Bahira said that he had seen signs of prophecy in Muhammad (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 remarked to the Quraish that this boy is not an ordinary child but rather a messenger of Allah. On inquiry of the 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 advised Abu Talib to return to his hometown to shield the Prophet (S.A.W.) from the Jews. Bahira said that if Jews found out about the prophetic signs he had observed, they would attempt to murder his nephew. Abu Talib was afraid after hearing this and brought Mohammad (S.A.W.) to Makkah.
War of Fijar & Hilf ul Fudul
In 580-590, in Dhul Qadah, when Mohammad (S.A.W.) was twenty years old, a battle broke out at the Fair of ‘Okaz. The warring tribes were the Quraysh and Kinana on one side, and Qays Ghilan on the other side. The fighting was fierce, and many people on both sides were killed. At last, they made peace on one condition: whichever side had suffered the most casualties would get recompense money for unlawful killing. This fight took place in the sacred month, and the sanctity of this month was violated due to bloodshed. It came to be known as the Battle of Fijar.
As a member of the Quraish, Mohammad (S.A.W.) participated in this war alongside 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. Following the Battle of Fijar, the five tribes of Quraish came to an agreement known as Hilf-al-Fudool later that same month, in response to a dishonourable denial of justice to a stranger.
It occurred when A’as bin Wail, a well-known Makkah resident, tricked a businessman from Zabid. A’as took all the goods from the merchant and refused to pay for them. The businessman contacted the honourable tribes of Makkah for help, but they did not respond to his cry. However, Zabid ascended Abu Qais Mountain and begged for assistance. In response, Hazrat Zubair bin Abdul Muttalib, the uncle of the Prophet (S.A.W.), responded. Hazrat Zubair voluntarily gathered tribal leaders of Banu Taym and Banu Zehra to help the businessman. Abdullah bin Jadan sided with Zubair R.A and remained firm in supporting the businessman.
While discussing injustice and oppression with this businessman at this gathering, they decided to unite to defend the rights of the oppressed and deliver them justice and agreed to sign an agreement for this aim. 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 dedication to charitable work, Mohammad (S.A.W.) was present and pleased with its purpose.
Youth of the Prophet (S.A.W.)
He was a man of principles, courteous, kind, patient, forgiving, and noble-hearted. Prophet (S.A.W.) never committed the evils that were expected in Arabia. Throughout his youth, He (S.A.W.) shunned sins such as drinking and gambling. Hazrat Mohammad (S.A.W.) used to look after his family’s sheep, and in addition, He (S.A.W.) would also tend 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. After being chosen as a prophet, Mohammad (S.A.W) stated, “There has been no prophet who has not tended sheep”.
Islamiat – 0493
Treaty of Hudaibya
In the year 628 A.D., in the month of Dhul Qadah, the Prophet (S.A.W.) set out from Madinah for hajj along with 1400 Muhajireen and Ansar.
Islamic Stories
The Lion of Allah
It is a dark night and a worrisome time. The man has to travel to a new city whose inhabitants excitedly await his arrival, but the goods in his …
The Marriage of the Prophet (S.A.W.) with Khadija
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was granted the titles of ‘Al Sadiq’ and ‘Al Amin’ by the Makkans due to his truthfulness and honesty. Since Hazrat Khadija was a businesswoman, she was looking for a reliable man in Makkah to lead her caravan at that time. To fulfil the purpose above, 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 also accompanied by the Prophet (S.A.W.) on this journey to Syria. He (S.A.W.) worked diligently throughout the trip and earned much profit. Upon their return, Maysarah (slave of Khadija) greatly admired Mohammad (S.A.W.)’s honesty and trading skills. Hazrat Khadija (R.A.) was so impressed by this that she sent him 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. Khadija was a devoted and affectionate spouse. Allah blessed them with four daughters and two sons: Ruqayyah, Zaynab, Umme Kulthoom, Fatima, Abdullah and Ibrahim (both sons passed away during childhood).
She was the first person to embrace Islam. She always stood by Mohammad (S.A.W.) during the days of trials and struggles. It was a fruitful and happy wedding. This marriage freed Mohammad (S.A.W.) from financial concerns and allowed him to devote his time to prayers, meditation and a life of retirement.
Conflict Involving the Black Stone
There was an occasion when floodwaters entered Makkah and damaged the walls of the Kaaba. The Makkans decided to reconstruct the Kaaba to prevent further damage to their structure. They spent halal revenue for this purpose. All the Makkans worked together in the restoration, including the Prophet (S.A.W.). Each tribe was 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 tribal chiefs argued over who should be given the honour of placing the Black Stone (Hijra-e-Aswad) in its rightful 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, it was accepted by all. The next day, the Prophet (S.A.W.) was the first person to enter that gate. Prophet (S.A.W.) demonstrated brilliant intelligence in solving this problem. He (S.A.W.) ordered them to bring a sheet and placed the Black Stone on the sheet with his hands, then directed all chieftains to hold a corner of the sheet. Now, He (S.A.W.) positioned the stone in its place. In this manner, He (S.A.W.) averted a potential conflict that could have escalated into 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 Ramadan, 610 A.D., he was formally granted Prophethood by Angel Jibrael.
The Prophet (pbuh) was an orphan and was raised by many people. How did this prepare him for prophethood?
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 were significant in shaping his character, wisdom, and resilience, which were essential to the challenges he faced as a messenger of God. Here are a few key features:
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. Furthermore, before the revelation, the presence of the Prophet (S.A.W.) in Hilf ul Fudul instilled in him an attribute of protecting the weak and striving to bring justice to the oppressed. These hardships prepared him to be an expert in caring for orphans, widows and the destitute. The presence of the Prophet (S.A.W.) in Harb al-Fijar made him aware of the cruelty and suffering caused by the Quraish and others. It enabled him to employ Arab war tactics in future, as the leader of Madinah.
Honesty and Trustworthiness (Al-Amin):
Prophet Muhammad earned a reputation as Al-Amin (the trustworthy) and Al-Sadiq (the truthful) even before his prophethood. His honesty and integrity were renowned among the people of Mecca. This reputation was essential for Him to win the community’s trust after the first revelation.
Experience as a Shepherd:
Muhammad (peace be upon him) had a shepherding career at an early age. This experience developed traits such as patience, accountability, and leadership in Him. These qualities proved essential in mentoring and coaching the community during his later years as a prophet.
Meditation and Contemplation:
Muhammad (peace be upon him) had a shepherding career at an early age. This experience developed traits such as patience, accountability, and leadership in Him. These qualities proved essential in mentoring and coaching the community during his later years as a prophet.
Relation with the Hanif Tradition:
Lastly, before receiving the first revelation, He (S.A.W.) 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.
Overall, the life of Prophet Muhammad before the revelation provided him with a firm moral foundation, practical skills, flexibility, and spiritual preparation that aided Him in fulfilling the responsibilities of prophethood, guiding the Muslim community, and conveying the message of Islam effectively.