Early Life
Birth, orphanhood, noble character, marriage to Khadijah, and the years that prepared the Prophet for revelation.
The Prophet's Journey
Explore the life and journey of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), from his birth in Mecca to his final days in Medina.
A guided overview of the Prophet's life
Many readers search for a clear biography of Prophet Muhammad that explains the major stages of his life: his early years in Mecca, the beginning of revelation, the years of persecution, the Hijrah to Medina, and his lasting legacy in Islam.
This page keeps those key stages visible before the tabbed detail sections so the most important themes are present in the initial HTML for both readers and search engines.
The Meccan Period
First revelation, early converts, persecution, migration to Abyssinia, Ta'if, and the Night Journey.
The Medinan Period
Hijrah, building the first Muslim community, major battles, treaties, the conquest of Mecca, and the Farewell Pilgrimage.
Legacy
The Prophet's character, message, and lasting influence on worship, ethics, knowledge, and civilization.
Chronological order: 570-632 CE
Early Life (570-610 CE)
Noble Lineage
Muhammad (pbuh) was born in the noble tribe of Quraysh, descendants of Ibrahim (Abraham) through his son Isma'il (Ishmael). His father Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib was from the respected Banu Hashim clan, while his mother Aminah bint Wahb was from Banu Zuhrah. His full genealogy is preserved in Islamic tradition, tracing back through Adnan to Isma'il, the son of Ibrahim. The Prophet's lineage is considered the purest and most honorable among the Arabs.
Birth and Early Orphanhood
Born on Monday, 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal in the Year of the Elephant (570 CE), corresponding to April 22, 571 CE, Muhammad (pbuh) came into the world during a momentous year when Abraha, the Abyssinian viceroy of Yemen, attempted to destroy the Ka'bah with an elephant-led army. His father Abdullah died while returning from a trading journey to Syria before his birth, leaving him fatherless. Following Arab custom, he was nursed by Halimah As-Sa'diyah in the desert of Banu Sa'd, where he spent his formative years learning pure Arabic and developing a robust physique.
Under the Care of Abd Al-Muttalib and Abu Talib
When Muhammad (pbuh) was six years old, his mother Aminah took him to Yathrib (later Medina) to visit her relatives and the grave of his father. On their return journey, she fell ill and died at Abwa, rendering him a complete orphan. As Ibn Ishaq relates, his grandfather Abd Al-Muttalib then took him into his care, showing exceptional affection and often preferring him over his own sons. However, when Muhammad was eight, Abd Al-Muttalib passed away at about 80 years of age. Before his death, he entrusted the boy to his son Abu Talib, who became the Prophet's guardian and staunch defender. Though not among the wealthiest of Meccans, Abu Talib raised Muhammad alongside his own son Ali, treating him with extraordinary kindness and protective care for over forty years.
Early Signs of Prophethood
At age 12, Muhammad (pbuh) accompanied his uncle Abu Talib on a trading journey to Syria. At Busra, a Christian monk named Bahira noticed a cloud that uniquely shaded the young Muhammad among the caravan. Upon examining him, Bahira recognized distinctive signs of prophethood mentioned in ancient scriptures, including the "seal of prophethood" between his shoulders. He advised Abu Talib to protect the boy from Jewish adversaries. As detailed by Ibn Qayyim, throughout his youth Muhammad was protected from the practices of his people, developing a natural aversion to idol worship. By young adulthood, he had earned the title "Al-Amin" (the Trustworthy) for his exceptional honesty and reliability. He participated in the Hilf Al-Fudul (Alliance of the Virtuous), a pact formed to protect the rights of the weak and oppressed in Mecca.
Marriage to Khadijah
At age 25, Muhammad (pbuh) married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a noble and wealthy businesswoman of Quraysh who was 40 years old. She had proposed to him after her servant Maysarah reported his exceptional character and trustworthiness while managing her trade caravan to Syria. Ibn Ishaq records that their marriage was one of profound love and harmony for 25 years until her death, during which time the Prophet did not take any other wife. Khadijah bore him all his children except Ibrahim (who was later born to Mariyah): Al-Qasim (after whom he was known as Abul-Qasim), Abdullah (also called Al-Tayyib or Al-Tahir), Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah. The sons died in infancy, while all four daughters lived to adulthood and embraced Islam.
Rebuilding the Ka'bah
When Muhammad (pbuh) was 35, the Quraysh decided to rebuild the Ka'bah after it had been damaged by flash floods. Ibn Ishaq narrates that when the reconstruction reached the stage of placing the Black Stone, a serious dispute erupted among the tribal leaders about who would have this honor. As tensions escalated toward potential bloodshed, they agreed that the first person to enter the sanctuary would arbitrate. This happened to be Muhammad, whom they all accepted due to his reputation for fairness. He resolved the crisis by placing the stone on a cloak and asking representatives from each tribe to lift it together, then positioning the stone himself. This wise solution, which prevented tribal warfare, demonstrated his exceptional ability to unite people and resolve conflicts peacefully.