Who is Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)?

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), also known as the final messenger of Islam, is the most significant figure in Islamic history. Born in 570 CE in Makkah, Arabia, he was chosen by Allah to deliver the final divine revelation, the Qur’an. His life serves as a model for Muslims worldwide, encompassing spiritual devotion, exemplary character, and guidance for all aspects of life.

Muhammad (peace be upon him) revolutionized a society rooted in idolatry and tribal conflict, transforming it into a unified community based on monotheism, ethics, and justice. His teachings encompass every aspect of life, emphasizing faith, family, governance, and moral conduct. Through his unwavering patience, sincerity, and wisdom, he became the perfect example of leadership, compassion, and devotion.

Muslims around the globe strive to emulate his character and follow his Sunnah (traditions). His message transcends time, offering spiritual and practical solutions to modern challenges. Understanding Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is essential to grasp the foundations of Islam and its values, making his life and mission an enduring source of inspiration and guidance for all.

Early Life and Background (Who is Prophet Muhammad)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in the Year of the Elephant (570 CE) in Makkah, into the noble Quraysh tribe, specifically the Hashim clan. His father, Abdullah, passed away before his birth, and his mother, Amina, died when he was just six years old. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised first by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib. Despite these challenges, Muhammad (peace be upon him) grew into a man renowned for his honesty and integrity, earning the title “Al-Amin” (The Trustworthy) among his people.

The Qur’an highlights Allah’s wisdom in choosing Muhammad (peace be upon him) for prophethood:
وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ
“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
(Qur’an 68:4)

Even before prophethood, he stood out for his concern for the poor and his aversion to the prevalent idol worship. As a merchant, his dealings were marked by fairness and truthfulness, traits admired by his peers and future followers.

His marriage to Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) was a significant chapter of his life. At the age of 25, he married the respected businesswoman who supported him throughout his early mission. Khadijah was the first to recognize his prophethood and was his greatest source of comfort.

The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) life reflected a divine plan to prepare him for his monumental mission. His honesty and exemplary behavior were recognized even by those who later opposed him, such as Abu Sufyan. This authenticity is reflected in the Hadith:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَعْمَلُ فِي أَهْلِهِ، فَإِذَا حَضَرَتِ الصَّلَاةُ خَرَجَ إِلَى الصَّلَاةِ
“Aisha said: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to serve his family, and when the time for prayer came, he would leave for the prayer.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 676)

Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) early life highlights his innate character and the divine care shaping him for his ultimate mission as Allah’s final messenger.

The Qur’an highlights the wisdom in Allah’s choice of Muhammad (peace be upon him):
وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٍ
“And indeed, you are of a great moral character.”
(Qur’an 68:4)

Revelation and Prophethood

At the age of 40, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first revelation from Allah, marking the beginning of his prophethood. This event occurred in the Cave of Hira, located on Mount Nur near Makkah, where he often retreated for solitude and reflection. The angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared to him and commanded, “Iqra” (Read). Overwhelmed, the Prophet replied, “I am not able to read.” The angel embraced him tightly and repeated the command. The first revealed verses were:

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ ۝ خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ ۝ اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الْأَكْرَمُ ۝ الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ ۝ عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ
“Read in the name of your Lord who created—created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the most Generous—who taught by the pen—taught man that which he knew not.”
(Qur’an 96:1-5)

This profound moment marked the beginning of a 23-year mission during which the Qur’an was revealed in portions, addressing various situations and providing guidance for humanity.

When he returned home, trembling from the experience, his wife Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) consoled him and sought advice from her cousin, Waraqa bin Nawfal. Waraqa affirmed that this was the same angelic encounter experienced by earlier prophets, confirming Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) prophethood.

The Qur’an mentions his selection as a prophet:
اللَّهُ أَعْلَمُ حَيْثُ يَجْعَلُ رِسَالَتَهُ
“Allah knows best where He places His message.”
(Qur’an 6:124)

The Prophet (peace be upon him) initially preached in secret, calling his closest family and friends to Islam. Among the first to embrace his message were Khadijah, Abu Bakr, Ali ibn Abi Talib, and Zayd ibn Harithah.

The Hadith further describes the experience of revelation:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ قَالَتْ: أَوَّلُ مَا بُدِئَ بِهِ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ الرُّؤْيَا الصَّادِقَةُ…
“Aisha narrated: The commencement of the Divine Revelation to Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) was in the form of true dreams…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 4953)

This marked the beginning of a mission that would transform the Arabian Peninsula and eventually the world. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) dedicated his life to spreading the message of Islam, guiding humanity toward monotheism and righteous living.

Message and Teachings

The core message of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the oneness of Allah (Tawhid), justice, compassion, and the importance of worshiping Allah alone. He emphasized ethical conduct, social justice, and human rights.

Key Teachings from the Qur’an

• Monotheism:
  قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ
  “Say, He is Allah, [who is] One.”
  (Qur’an 112:1)
• Justice and Fairness:
  إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ وَالإِحْسَانِ
  “Indeed, Allah commands justice and good conduct.”
  (Qur’an 16:90)
• Mercy and Compassion:
  وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِلْعَالَمِينَ
  “And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.”
  (Qur’an 21:107)

Role as a Leader

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified the qualities of an ideal leader through his wisdom, justice, compassion, and humility. His leadership was rooted in servitude to Allah and a genuine commitment to the welfare of his followers. As a leader, he balanced the responsibilities of spiritual guidance, governance, and fostering unity among people of diverse tribes and faiths.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
خَيْرُ النَّاسِ أَنْفَعُهُمْ لِلنَّاسِ
“The best of people are those who are most beneficial to others.”
(Sunan al-Kubra 8607)

Justice and Fairness

One of his defining leadership traits was his adherence to justice, as commanded in the Qur’an:
إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تُؤَدُّوا الْأَمَانَاتِ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا وَإِذَا حَكَمْتُم بَيْنَ النَّاسِ أَن تَحْكُمُوا بِالْعَدْلِ
“Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to whom they are due and when you judge between people to judge with justice.”
(Qur’an 4:58)

He practiced this principle in all matters, ensuring fairness regardless of a person’s status or wealth. In a famous incident, he said:
لَوْ أَنَّ فَاطِمَةَ بِنْتَ مُحَمَّدٍ سَرَقَتْ لَقَطَعْتُ يَدَهَا
“If Fatimah, the daughter of Muhammad, were to steal, I would cut off her hand.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3475)

This demonstrates his impartiality and unwavering commitment to justice.

Compassion and Mercy

The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) leadership was marked by profound compassion, even toward his adversaries. He emphasized mercy in all dealings, as Allah describes him:
فَبِمَا رَحْمَةٍ مِّنَ اللَّهِ لِنتَ لَهُمْ وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ الْقَلْبِ لَانفَضُّوا مِنْ حَوْلِكَ
“So by mercy from Allah, [O Muhammad], you were lenient with them. And if you had been rude [in speech] and harsh in heart, they would have disbanded from about you.”
(Qur’an 3:159)

Unity and Inclusivity

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) united the tribes of Arabia, fostering peace and collaboration. In the Charter of Madinah, he established a multi-faith society based on mutual rights and responsibilities, demonstrating inclusivity and tolerance.

Guidance through Example

He led by example, performing the same tasks as his companions, whether building a mosque or fighting in battles. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said:
كَانَ خُلُقُهُ الْقُرْآنَ
“His character was the Qur’an.”
(Sahih Muslim 746)

Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) leadership legacy continues to inspire people worldwide, showing that true leadership lies in service, integrity, and justice.

Significance in Islam

• Seal of the Prophets:
  Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is referred to as the “Seal of the Prophets,” meaning no prophet will come after him.
  مَا كَانَ مُحَمَّدٌ أَبَا أَحَدٍ مِّن رِّجَالِكُمْ وَلَـٰكِن رَّسُولَ اللَّهِ وَخَاتَمَ ٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ
  “Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and the last of the prophets.”
  (Qur’an 33:40)
• Perfect Example:
  His life is a blueprint for Muslims in every aspect, from prayer to interpersonal relations.
  لَّقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِى رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ
  “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern.”
  (Qur’an 33:21)

Miracles and Contributions

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) performed numerous miracles as a testament to his prophethood, alongside his unparalleled contributions to humanity. These miracles, authenticated through the Qur’an and Hadith, reinforced his message and served as signs for his followers.

The Qur’an as the Ultimate Miracle

The Qur’an is the most enduring and profound miracle of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It challenged the eloquence of the Arabs with its unmatched linguistic excellence and divine wisdom:
قُلْ لَئِنِ اجْتَمَعَتِ الْإِنسُ وَالْجِنُّ عَلَىٰ أَن يَأْتُوا بِمِثْلِ هَـٰذَا الْقُرْآنِ لَا يَأْتُونَ بِمِثْلِهِ
“Say, ‘If mankind and the jinn gathered in order to produce the like of this Qur’an, they could not produce the like of it, even if they were to each other assistants.'”
(Qur’an 17:88)

Splitting of the Moon

One of the most famous physical miracles was the splitting of the moon, witnessed by the people of Makkah. Allah mentions:
اقْتَرَبَتِ السَّاعَةُ وَانشَقَّ الْقَمَرُ
“The Hour has come near, and the moon has split [in two].”
(Qur’an 54:1)

This miracle, verified by many eyewitnesses, demonstrated the power of Allah and the truth of the Prophet’s message.

Water Flowing from His Fingers

In desperate situations, the Prophet (peace be upon him) provided sustenance through miracles. On one occasion, water flowed from his fingers, quenching the thirst of many companions.
عَنْ أَنَسِ بْنِ مَالِكٍ قَالَ: رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ وَحَانَتِ صَلَاةُ الْعَصْرِ، فَطَلَبَ النَّاسُ الْوُضُوءَ فَلَمْ يَجِدُوهُ… فَجَعَلَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يُدْخِلُ يَدَهُ فِي الْقِرْبَةِ وَيَتَوَضَّأُ بِالْمَاءِ وَيَشْرَبُونَ مِنْهُ
“Anas ibn Malik said: I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) perform ablution from water flowing through his fingers, and people drank from it.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 3576)

Contributions to Humanity

The Prophet’s (peace be upon him) contributions transcended miracles, encompassing moral, spiritual, and societal reforms. He abolished practices like infanticide, elevated women’s rights, and established justice systems. His farewell sermon summarized his mission:
يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ أَلَا إِنَّ رَبَّكُمْ وَاحِدٌ، وَإِنَّ أَبَاكُمْ وَاحِدٌ…
“O people! Your Lord is One, and your father (Adam) is one…”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3055)

Through miracles and teachings, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) left an enduring legacy that continues to guide humanity toward righteousness and unity.

His Character

Legacy and Relevance Today

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) left an enduring legacy that continues to guide billions of people. His teachings on faith, morality, justice, and compassion remain timeless. The Qur’an emphasizes his role as a universal mercy:
وَمَا أَرْسَلْنَاكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةً لِّلْعَالَمِينَ
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.”
(Qur’an 21:107)

The principles he advocated—such as social equality, women’s rights, and justice—are relevant to modern society’s challenges. He urged believers to act with sincerity and integrity:
إِنَّمَا بُعِثْتُ لِأُتَمِّمَ صَالِحَ الْأَخْلَاقِ
“I was sent to perfect good character.”
(Musnad Ahmad 8952)

His emphasis on education, tolerance, and environmental stewardship resonates today as humanity seeks ethical and sustainable solutions. Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) life remains a beacon of guidance, inspiring generations to live with purpose and uphold universal values.

Conclusion

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the embodiment of divine guidance, whose life serves as an eternal source of inspiration for humanity. His teachings, rooted in justice, compassion, and monotheism, continue to illuminate paths of righteousness. Allah affirms his universal relevance:
لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ
“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah, you have an excellent example.”
(Qur’an 33:21)

His legacy transcends time, offering solutions to social, moral, and spiritual challenges. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
تَرَكْتُ فِيكُمْ مَا إِنْ تَمَسَّكْتُمْ بِهِ لَنْ تَضِلُّوا: كِتَابَ اللَّهِ وَسُنَّتِي
“I have left among you two things; you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.”
(Muwatta Malik 1628)

In a world yearning for ethical guidance, his life remains a beacon, inspiring faith, unity, and hope for generations to come.

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Internal Resources and Services

• To understand the essence of Islamic faith, explore the significance of Shahadah in Islam.
• For a detailed look at his life and contributions, visit Who is Prophet Muhammad?.
•  Discover how Islam promotes peace and justice through its teachings in this article.

External Resources

• For a comprehensive understanding of the Prophet’s lineage and early life, visit this resource.
• Understand the Prophet’s role as a leader and reformer by exploring this detailed analysis.
• To learn more about the Qur’anic miracles associated with Prophet Muhammad, read this article.