Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in Mecca in the year 570 CE, during the Year of the Elephant. A direct descendant of Prophet Ishmael, the eldest son of Prophet Abraham (peace be upon them), he came into a society dominated by idolatry, tribal divisions, and moral decay. Allah sent him as the final messenger to guide humanity to monotheism and righteousness, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham.
Birth and Early Life
Muhammad’s father, Abdullah, passed away before his birth, and his mother, Amina, died when he was six years old. Orphaned at a young age, he was cared for by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, the chief of Mecca. After his grandfather’s death, he came under the guardianship of his uncle, Abu Talib, who provided him with love and protection.
As a child, Muhammad worked as a shepherd, learning responsibility and humility. Growing up, he became known for his exceptional honesty, generosity, and sincerity, earning the title Al-Amin (The Trustworthy). He was often called upon to mediate disputes among the Quraysh tribe due to his wisdom and impartiality.
Marriage to Khadijah
At the age of 25, Muhammad married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a noble and successful merchant widow. Despite being 15 years his senior, their marriage was marked by mutual love, respect, and support. They were blessed with six children: two sons, who passed away in infancy, and four daughters. Khadijah remained his closest confidant and strongest supporter, especially during the early years of his prophetic mission.
His Contemplative Nature and Revelation
From an early age, Muhammad (peace be upon him) was deeply disturbed by the moral and spiritual corruption in Meccan society. He often sought solitude in the Cave of Hira on the outskirts of Mecca, where he would meditate and worship Allah, seeking guidance. At the age of 40, during one of these retreats, the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared to him with the first revelation of the Qur’an, commanding him to “Read in the name of your Lord who created.”
The experience overwhelmed Muhammad, and he rushed home to Khadijah, trembling and asking to be covered. After narrating the incident, Khadijah reassured him, saying:
“Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You maintain good relations with your family, help the poor and needy, honor your guests, and assist those in distress.”
She then took him to her cousin, Waraqa bin Naufal, a learned Christian who confirmed that Muhammad had been chosen as a prophet, just as Moses and Jesus were before him.
The Early Mission and Role of His Companions
The Prophet (peace be upon him) began his mission by inviting close friends and family to Islam. Among the first to accept his call were Khadijah, his cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib, his close friend Abu Bakr As-Siddiq, and his servant Zaid ibn Harithah. These early converts became his companions and played critical roles in spreading the message of Islam.
The companions, known as the Sahabah, endured immense persecution alongside the Prophet. Abu Bakr, known for his generosity and unwavering faith, used his wealth to free enslaved Muslims and support the mission. Umar ibn Al-Khattab, once an enemy of Islam, embraced the faith and became a pillar of strength for the Muslim community. Bilal ibn Rabah, a former slave, demonstrated extraordinary faith, enduring torture for his unwavering declaration of Allah’s oneness.
Social Reforms and Rights
Prophet Muhammad and his companions championed the rights of women, orphans, and the oppressed, bringing significant reforms to Arabian society. He forbade practices like inheriting women against their will, emphasized mutual consent in marriage, and prohibited exploiting women’s wealth. The Qur’an states:
“O you who believe! You are forbidden to inherit women against their will, and you should not treat them with harshness, that you may take away part of the Mahr you have given them, unless they commit open illegal sexual intercourse. And live with them honorably. If you dislike them, it may be that you dislike a thing and Allah brings through it a great deal of good” (Qur’an 4:19)
The Prophet and his companions worked to establish justice and equality, emphasizing that no one is superior to another except in piety. Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman ibn Affan, and Ali ibn Abi Talib—later known as the Rightly Guided Caliphs—embodied these principles, ensuring that justice was upheld and the rights of the weak were protected.
The Migration and Building of the Muslim Community
As persecution in Mecca intensified, Allah permitted the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his followers to migrate to Medina. This migration (Hijra) marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar and a new phase in his mission. In Medina, he established a community founded on mutual respect, justice, and equality, uniting tribes under the banner of Islam.
The Prophet’s companions played vital roles in building this community. They supported him in establishing the first mosque, spreading Islam, and resolving disputes. They also shared in the struggles and sacrifices required to defend the new Muslim state.
Defensive Battles and the Role of the Companions
The Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions participated in several battles, such as Badr, Uhud, and Khandaq, to defend the Muslim community against hostile forces. The companions showed remarkable bravery and loyalty during these battles. For instance:
- At Badr, Abu Bakr and Ali stood by the Prophet, while the Muslims achieved a miraculous victory despite being outnumbered.
- At Uhud, companions like Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib and Mus’ab ibn Umair sacrificed their lives for Islam.
- During the Battle of the Trench, Salman the Persian suggested digging a trench to defend Medina, showcasing the unity and wisdom of the companions.
The Conquest of Mecca
In the eighth year of Hijra, the Prophet (peace be upon him) returned to Mecca as a victorious leader. However, he entered the city humbly and declared a general amnesty, saying: “Go, for you are free.” This act of forgiveness inspired many to embrace Islam, and the Prophet, along with his companions, cleansed the Kaaba of idols, restoring it as a place of monotheistic worship.
The Legacy of the Prophet and His Companions
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) passed away at the age of 63 in Medina, leaving behind the Qur’an and his Sunnah as a timeless guide. His companions continued his mission, spreading Islam across the world. The Rightly Guided Caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali—ensured that the principles of justice, equality, and monotheism were upheld.
The companions’ dedication, sacrifices, and adherence to the Prophet’s teachings played a pivotal role in preserving and spreading Islam. Their contributions remain a source of inspiration for Muslims worldwide.
The life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplifies the highest ideals of humanity. Alongside his companions, he established a society built on faith, compassion, and justice. His teachings and the example set by his companions continue to guide and transform lives, offering timeless lessons in morality, leadership, and devotion to Allah.
Reference: Sahih Al-Bukhari
The Cave
Sunnah
The sunnah (what the Prophet Muhammad 
said, did, or approved of) is the second source in Islam. The sunnah is comprised of hadeeths, which are reliably transmitted reports by the Prophet Muhammad’s companions of what he said, did, or approved of. Belief in the sunnah is a basic Islamic belief.
Sahih al-Bukhari
Sahih al-Bukhari is a collection of hadith compiled by Imam Muhammad al-Bukhari (d. 256 AH/870 AD) (rahimahullah). His collection is recognized by the overwhelming majority of the Muslim world to be the most authentic collection of reports of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad .
Sahih Muslim
, and along with Sahih al-Bukhari forms the “Sahihain,” or the “Two Sahihs.”