Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): A Messenger to be Rediscovered

Name: Muhammad, Father’s Name: Abdullah, Mother’s Name: Amina, Kunya: Abu al-Qasim, Title: Muhammad al-Amin, Place of Birth: Mecca, Day of Birth: 17 Rabi' al-Awwal, Duration of Prophethood: 23 years, Lifespan: 63 years

 A Summary of the Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Four hundred and twenty-seven years ago, on the 17th of Rabi' al-Awwal, a child was born in the city of Mecca. His father, Abdullah, passed away while returning from Syria in the city of Yathrib. According to the custom of prominent families in Mecca, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was entrusted to a wet nurse named Halimah to be raised in the desert, away from the impurities of the city.

Halimah returned Muhammad to Mecca when he reached the age of five. Two years later, Amina, who had traveled to Medina to visit the grave of her husband Abdullah, returned to Mecca with her child (Muhammad) after one month but died on the way in a place called "Abwa". After Amina's death, Prophet Muhammad was raised by his grandfather, "Abdul Muttalib." Two years later, Abdul Muttalib passed away, and at the age of eight, Muhammad went to live with his uncle, "Abu Talib," who took him under his care. Abu Talib cared for and supported his nephew with utmost kindness and affection until his last moments, that is, for over forty years. Even in the most difficult and unfortunate circumstances, when all the notables of Quraysh conspired against Muhammad, he shielded his nephew with his life and feared nothing. At the age of twelve, his uncle Abu Talib took him along on a trade journey to Syria.

During this journey, in an area known as "Busra," which was part of Syria, Abu Talib met a Christian monk named "Bahira." Upon meeting Prophet Muhammad, Bahira recognized from signs in the holy scriptures that this child was indeed the final Prophet. To gain further certainty, he swore him by the names of Lat and Uzza, two infamous idols of Mecca, to answer his questions truthfully. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) replied anxiously that he regarded these two idols as enemies and urged him to swear by God instead!

Bahira became convinced that this child was indeed the noble Messenger of God, who had no belief in anyone or anything besides God. For this reason, Bahira advised Abu Talib to protect him from enemies, especially the Jews. Muhammad spent his adolescence and youth free from the impurities of the polluted environment of Mecca, remaining pure and clean from idolatry to such an extent that he astonished everyone, becoming known as "Muhammad al-Amin" (Muhammad the Trustworthy).

When the trustworthiness and honesty of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) became renowned, a wealthy woman from Mecca named Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, who had married before and possessed considerable wealth along with unparalleled integrity and piety, sought to send Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Syria for trade and offer him a share of the profits. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) accepted this proposal. Khadijah sent her servant along with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). When the servant and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) returned from the prosperous journey to Syria, Maysarah (the servant) provided Khadijah with a detailed report of the journey, praising the trustworthiness and honesty of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Khadijah became enamored with the trust and integrity of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and later proposed marriage to him. The Prophet accepted this proposal. "Khadijah was forty years old, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was twenty-five." Khadijah entrusted all her wealth to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He often went outside Mecca, spending long periods in the valleys and caves while engaging in deep contemplation with God. Years passed in this manner, and Khadijah was aware that whenever Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not at home, he would be in the "Cave of Hira." This secluded place, distant from the city's chaos and its impurities, was where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) engaged in his secret prayers and contemplations.

 The Conduct of the Prophet (PBUH)

The conduct and character of the Prophet (PBUH) are models for Muslims and indeed an excellent example for all humanity. Prophet (PBUH) dressed simply and humbly, sitting on the ground among his companions that if an unfamiliar person entered, they wouldn't know which of them was the Prophet (PBUH). Despite his simplicity, he placed great emphasis on the cleanliness of his clothing and body. He was always respectful towards both the elderly and the young and was the first to greet others. He showed special kindness to orphans and the needy, frequently visiting the sick and attending the funerals of Muslims. He was hospitable, caressing the heads of orphans.