Biography of Muhammad

Birth of Muhammad

570

In 570 C.E., Muhammad is born in Mecca, western Arabia. As an infant, Muhammad was raised by his mother, Amina. His father, Abd Allah, died before the birth of his only son. Muhammad grew up learning Arabic.

Life of Mohammad

Period: 570 to Jan 1, 632

Muhammad's Life as an Orphan

576

At six years old, Muhammad's mother took him to Yathrib- a town many miles north of Mecca. Their return from Yathrib proved unsuccessful, as his mother became sick and subsequently died. Muhammad's nurse, Halima, brought him back to Mecca to stay with his grandfather. Abdul Al-Muttalib, Muhammad's grandfather, was one of the most respected leaders of an important Arabian pilgrimage center.

Death of Abdul Al-Muttalib

578

After the death of his respected grandfather, Muhammad became the responsibility of his uncle. His uncle, Abu Talib, took care of Muhammad for many years. Although Abu Talib was an older man, Muhammad still looked up to him as an influential figure.

Muhammad's Teenage Years

580

Since Muhammad's uncle was a merchant, as he got older he began to accompany the uncle traveling to trade centers. Muhammad even reached Syria, and was nicknamed El-Amin by the older merchants. El-Amin means 'the one you can trust'.

Khadija's Involvement

594

In 594 C.E., Muhammad acted as a caravan for Khadija, a wealthy Meccan widow. They were distant cousins. In 595 C.E., Khadija and Muhammad were spouses after her proposal to marry. Around their marriage, Muhammad was 25 years old, while Khadija was nearly 40 years old. Even after marriage, Muhammad continued to control Khadija's business affairs. They had 6 children together, two in which died in infancy.

Muhammad's First Revelation

Jan 1, 610

Over the years, Meccan materialism increased to the point where it disturbed Muhammad greatly. Because of his distaste towards the newfound materialism in Mecca, he began to make long retreats to a cave. In the cave, Muhammad would meditate and fast. On many occasions, Muhammad would have obscure visions. These experiences were disregarded until he was finally visited by Angel Gabriel in the cave just outside of Mecca. Muhammad was asked by Angel Gabriel to recite considerable words and phrases.

Muhammad Reveals His Messages

Jan 1, 613

After three years of only sharing his revelations with his family, Muhammad decides to share the messages he has received with his tribe. Later, these gathered verses would become the Qur'an. After sharing his messages to the public, Muhammad and his tribe were ridiculed and physically attacked for the next decade. The Quraysh, Mecca's most authoritative tribe, levied a ban on trade with Muhammad and his tribe. Attempts to assassinate Muhammad were made by Meccan leaders.

Emigration to Medina

Jan 1, 622

In 622 C.E., Muhammad and the Muslims emigrate to the city of Medina-previously known as Yathrib. Medina became to be known as the City of the Prophet. Muhammad and his followers remained in Medina for six years, building the first Muslim community. Gradually, more and more people gathered to his side.

Three Major Battles

Jan 1, 625

From 625 to 628 C.E., the Meccans and Muslims fought in three different wars against eachother. The first war was the Battle of Badr (March 624), won by the Muslims. The second war, the Battle of Uhud (March 625) was won by the Meccans. The last war, the Battle of the Trench and the Siege of Medina (April 627) was survived by the Muslims. In 628, both sides signed a treaty recognizing Muslims as a new force in Arabia. Mecca's allies eventually ruptured the treaty.

Conquest of Mecca

Jan 1, 630

Several years later, the power was no longer in the hands of the Meccans but in the hands of the Muslims. In March 630 C.E., the Muslims peacefully marched their way into Mecca. Muhammad and his followers were joined by countless tribes along the way, showing the Meccans that the power was now in their hands. The Meccans realized this, finally uniting themselves with the Muslims.

Muhammad's Ultimate Years

Jan 1, 632

Muhammad had merged most of the Arabian Peninsula under the Islamic religion in his last three years. He returned back to Medina, and in June 8, 1632 Muhammad died following an illness. He is buried in the mosque of Medina.