Who was Muhammad ﷺ ?

 

Muhammad ﷺ, often referred to as the Prophet Muhammad, is the central figure and the last prophet in Islam. He was born around 570 CE in Mecca, a city in present-day Saudi Arabia. His life and teachings are foundational to the Islamic faith, and he is considered the "Seal of the Prophets," meaning that he is regarded as the final prophet sent by God to humanity.

### Early Life

Muhammad was born into the Quraysh tribe, known for its influence and power in Mecca. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his grandfather and, after his grandfather's death, by his uncle Abu Talib. As a young man, he became known for his honesty and integrity, earning the nickname "Al-Amin," which means "the Trustworthy." He worked as a merchant, and his business dealings took him to various parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

### Revelation and Prophethood

At the age of 40, Muhammad began to receive revelations from Allah (God) through the angel Gabriel. 

The initial revelations called for monotheism and denounced idolatry, which was prevalent in Mecca at the time. 

### Challenges and Migration

Muhammad's message faced severe opposition from the Quraysh tribe and other Meccan leaders who were invested in the existing polytheistic traditions. This opposition led to the persecution of Muhammad and his followers. In 622 CE, Muhammad and his followers migrated to the city of Yathrib (later known as Medina) in an event known as the Hijra. The start of the Islamic calendar is marked by this migration.

### Establishing the Muslim Community

In Medina, Muhammad established a Muslim community based on Islamic principles of justice, equality, and social welfare. He acted as a spiritual leader, political leader, and military commander. Through a series of conflicts and negotiations, he gradually expanded his influence and united various tribes under the banner of Islam.

### Return to Mecca and Later Life

In 630 CE, Muhammad and his followers peacefully conquered Mecca, and the city's inhabitants embraced Islam. He cleansed the Kaaba, the sacred sanctuary, of its idols, rededicating it to the worship of Allah. Until his death in 632 CE in Medina, Muhammad continued to lead the Muslim community.

### Legacy

Muhammad's life and teachings are documented in the Quran and the Hadith (reports of his sayings and actions). His example, known as the Sunnah, serves as a model for Muslims to follow in all aspects of life. Islam, the religion he preached, has grown to become one of the world's major religions, with over a billion followers worldwide.

### Significance

Muhammad is revered by Muslims as the final prophet who completed the message of previous prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. His teachings emphasize monotheism, compassion, justice, and the importance of community.

### Titles and Honorifics

Muslims often follow the name of Muhammad with the Arabic phrase "Salla Allahu Alayhi wa Sallam" (ﷺ), meaning "peace and blessings be upon him," as a sign of respect and devotion.