Biography
Muhammad, whose full name was Abū al-Qāsim Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd Allāh ibn ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib ibn Hāshim, was born around 570 CE in Mecca. He is a central figure in Islam and is honored as the last prophet of God.
His life and teachings are the foundation of Islamic theology, law and practice. As a leader, Muhammad transformed Arab society by advocating monotheism, social justice, and the unification of tribes under a common faith.
Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, known as the Hijra, marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar. His influence went beyond religion, significantly shaping politics, culture, and law and leaving a lasting impact on world history.
Arab religious leader
Muhammad | |
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Muhammad: History ‧ Bio ‧ Photos | |
Wiki Info & About Data | |
Real name: | Abū al-Qāsim Muḥammad ibn ʿAbd Allāh ibn ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib ibn Hāshim |
Stage name: | Muhammad |
Born: | around 570 CE |
Place of birth: | Makkah, Saudi Arabia |
Died: | June 8, 632 AD, Madinah, Saudi Arabia |
Nationality: | Arabs |
Education: | not applicable |
Height: | not applicable |
Parents: | Abdallah ibn Abd al-Muttalib, Amina bint Wahb |
Siblings: | Abdullah, Al-Zubayr, Umm Hakim, Umayma, Arwa, Atika, Barra, Al-Harith, Al-Abbas, Hamza, Hajl, Al-Muqawwim, Abū Lahab, Safiyya |
Couple: | Maymunah bint al-Harith (m. 629 AD–632 AD), Safiyya bint Huyayy (m. 629 AD–632 AD), Umm Habiba (m. 628 AD–632 AD), Juwayriya bint al-Harith (m. 628 AD ) –632 AD), Zaynab bint Jahsh (m. 627 AD-632 AD), Rayhana bint Zayd (m. 627 AD–631 AD), Hafsa bint Umar (m. 625 AD-632 AD), Hind bint Abi Umayya (m. 625 AD-632 AD), Zaynab bint Khuzayma (m. 625 AD-625 AD), Aisha Bint Abu Bakr (m. 623 AD-632 AD), Sawdah bint Zam’ah (m. 619 AD–632 AD), Khadīja bint Khuwaylid (m. 595 AD-619 AD) |
Girlfriend • Partner: | not applicable |
Children: | Fatimah bint Muhammad, Ibrahim ibn Muhammad, Zainab bint Muhammad, Umme Kulsoom, Ruqayya bint Muhammad, Qasim ibn Muhammad, Abd Allah ibn Muhammad |
Job: | Religious leaders • Prophets |
Net worth: | $??? (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Muhammad was born around 570 CE in Mecca, a city in the Arabian Peninsula, now in modern-day Saudi Arabia. He belonged to the Quraysh tribe, especially from the Hashim clan, famous for trade and leadership.
Born into a polytheistic society, he later became the prophet of Islam. His father, Abdallah ibn Abd al-Muttalib, died before Muhammad was born, and his mother, Amina bint Wahb, died when he was six years old. His grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib ibn Hashim, took care of him until his death when Muhammad was eight.
His maternal grandfather was Wahb ibn Abd Manaf. Muhammad did not have full siblings but had half-siblings, such as Al-Harith and Al-Shifa. As understood today, formal education did not exist in Muhammad’s time, but he was known for his integrity, earning him the nickname “Al-Amin” (The Trustworthy).
His knowledge comes from experience living, trading, and interacting with diverse cultures and religions. Travels with his uncle, Abu Talib, on trading caravans contributed to his learning. The Quran, believed by Muslims to have been revealed to him, also became a significant source of wisdom. His upbringing, marked by early losses but also the support of his family, shaped his character, leading to his prophetic mission and the founding of Islam.
Career
Muhammad’s life can be divided into two main periods: his life before receiving divine revelations and his life as a prophet. In his early years, he worked as a shepherd and later became a merchant, gaining a reputation for honesty and integrity in Mecca’s commercial circles. He was hired by Khadija bint Khuwaylid, a wealthy widow, to manage her trading business, leading to their marriage and expanding his influence further.
At the age of 40, Muhammad experienced his first revelation from the angel Gabriel, marking the beginning of his prophetic mission. Initially secretly preaching monotheism and social reform, he faced fierce opposition and persecution in Mecca. In 622 CE, Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina, an event known as the Hijra, which marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
In Medina, Muhammad became a statesman and military leader. He established the Constitution of Medina, promoting harmony between Muslims, Jews and other communities. He led important battles, including Badr, Uhud and Trench, ensuring the survival and growth of the Muslim community. His diplomatic achievements, such as the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, paved the way for the peaceful conquest of Mecca in 630 CE.
After the conquest of Mecca, Muhammad focused on consolidating his rule and spreading Islam throughout the Arabian Peninsula, using both military campaigns and peaceful approaches. He continued to teach the Quran, resolve disputes, and implement social reforms, including the abolition of female infanticide.
Muhammad’s career evolved from that of a trusted merchant to a respected prophet, community leader, statesman and military commander, leaving a lasting legacy that shaped Islam and its rule. of early Islamic society.
Personal life
Muhammad’s marriages were primarily motivated by political, social, or humanitarian considerations, especially after his migration to Medina. His first and only wife during his early years was Khadija bint Khuwaylid, to whom he was married for 25 years until her death in 619 CE. She was his most beloved wife and they had six children together. After her death, Muhammad married Sawda bint Zamʿa, an elderly widow who was a companion during trying times.
Aisha bint Abi Bakr, married at a young age, remained with Muhammad until his death and later became a prominent Muslim scholar. Hafsa bint Umar, daughter of Umar ibn al-Khattab, forged a relationship with one of Muhammad’s closest companions. Zaynab bint Khuzayma, who was famous for her charity and compassion, was married to him less than two years before her death.
Umm Salama (Hind bint Abi Umayya), a widow with children, enters a marriage that supports her family and strengthens tribal alliances. Zaynab bint Jahsh’s marriage to Muhammad symbolizes equality among believers, as she was previously married to his adopted son, Zaid ibn Haritha. Juwayriya bint al-Harith’s marriage helped reconcile her tribe with the Muslim community, while Umm Habiba (Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan), daughter of a former enemy turned ally, strengthened the relationship. with Quraysh.
Safiyya bint Huyayy, from a Jewish tribe, married Muhammad in a gesture of peace and reconciliation. Maymunah bint al-Harith was his last wife, and their marriage took place during the Farewell Pilgrimage.
Muhammad’s children included sons Qasim and Abdullah (also known as Tahir or Tayyib), both of whom died in infancy. His daughters are Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatimah. Fatimah is the only child who can outlive him. Through her marriage to Ali, their descendants, known as Sayyids, continued his lineage. His other sons were Ibrahim ibn Muhammad and Abd Allah ibn Muhammad.
Job content
Muhammad’s “work” largely revolved around his role as the Prophet of Islam, with his contributions being primarily spiritual, legal, and moral rather than in the form of written works. Below is a list of his important contributions:
- Quran:
- Although Muhammad was not the author but the recipient of the Quran, it is the central text of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God revealed to him through the Angel Gabriel. The Quran covers matters of faith, law, ethics, and guidance for personal and community life.
- Hadith:
- Collection of sayings, actions and tacit approval of Muhammad. These were not written by him but were recorded by his companions and later scholars. Hadiths serve as the primary source of Islamic jurisprudence, ethics, and traditions. Notable anthologies include:
- Sahih al-Bukhari
- Sahih Islam
- Sunan Abu Dawood
- Sunan al-Tirmidhi
- Sunan al-Nasa’i
- Sunan Ibn Majah
- Collection of sayings, actions and tacit approval of Muhammad. These were not written by him but were recorded by his companions and later scholars. Hadiths serve as the primary source of Islamic jurisprudence, ethics, and traditions. Notable anthologies include:
- The Sunnah:
- Refers to the practices and examples set by Muhammad which, along with the Quran, form the basis of Islamic law and practice. Sunnah includes:
- Worship practices (such as prayer, fasting, pilgrimage)
- Moral and ethical teachings
- Legal precedents are established through his decisions and judgments
- Refers to the practices and examples set by Muhammad which, along with the Quran, form the basis of Islamic law and practice. Sunnah includes:
- Constitution of Medina:
- Also known as the Charter of Medina, this document, drafted under the guidance of Muhammad, established a form of governance in Medina, outlining the rights and obligations of the Muslim, Jewish, and Gentile communities. Catholics live there, promoting peace and cooperation.
- Letters and Treaties:
- Muhammad sent letters to various rulers inviting them to embrace Islam and corresponded with leaders to forge alliances or peace agreements, such as:
- Treaty of Hudaybiyyah with the Meccans
- Letters to rulers such as Heraclius (Byzantine Emperor), Khosrow II (King of Persia) and Negus of Abyssinia
- Muhammad sent letters to various rulers inviting them to embrace Islam and corresponded with leaders to forge alliances or peace agreements, such as:
- Speeches and lectures:
- Muhammad preached many sermons, including the famous “Farewell Sermon” (Khutbah al-Wada’) during his final pilgrimage, which addressed equality, rights and responsibilities in the Muslim community. teacher.
- Basic work on jurisprudence:
- His rulings and actions laid the foundation for Islamic law (Sharia), which includes aspects such as marriage, inheritance, trade and criminal justice.
- Educational heritage:
- Through his teachings, Muhammad established a tradition of learning and scholarship in Islam that encouraged the pursuit of knowledge, which is reflected in the development of Islamic scholarship in the different fields after his time.