**History of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.)**
**Introduction**
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.), born in Mecca in 570 CE, is revered as the final messenger of Allah in Islam. His life transformed the spiritual, social, and political landscape of Arabia, laying the foundation for a global faith embraced by over a billion Muslims today.
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**Early Life**
– **Birth and Family**: Born into the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe, his father, Abdullah, died before his birth, and his mother, Amina, passed away when he was six. Raised by his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib and later his uncle Abu Talib.
– **Reputation**: Known as *Al-Amin* (the Trustworthy) for his integrity while working as a merchant.
– **Marriage to Khadijah**: At 25, he married Khadijah, a wealthy widow. Their monogamous marriage lasted 25 years, producing four surviving children, including Fatimah.
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**Prophethood (610 CE)**
– **First Revelation**: At 40, while meditating in Cave Hira, he received the first Quranic revelation through Angel Jibril (Gabriel), marking the start of his prophethood.
– **Early Preaching**: Emphasized monotheism, social justice, and the Day of Judgment. Early converts included his wife Khadijah, cousin Ali, and close companions like Abu Bakr.
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**Persecution in Mecca**
– **Opposition**: Meccan elites, fearing loss of power and pilgrimage revenue, persecuted Muslims. Followers faced torture, economic sanctions, and a three-year boycott.
– **Migration to Abyssinia**: Some Muslims sought refuge under the Christian king Negus (615 CE).
– **Year of Sorrow**: Khadijah and Abu Talib died in 619 CE, deepening Muhammad’s hardships.
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**The Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj)**
Around 621 CE, Muhammad (s.a.w.) was miraculously transported from Mecca to Jerusalem (Isra) and ascended to heaven (Mi’raj), symbolizing spiritual elevation and reinforcing his role as Allah’s messenger.
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**Hijra to Medina (622 CE)**
– **Migration**: Facing assassination plots, Muhammad and followers migrated to Yathrib (later Medina) in 622 CE, marking Year 1 of the Islamic calendar.
– **Ummah and Constitution**: Established a pluralistic community (Ummah) governed by the Constitution of Medina, ensuring coexistence among Muslims, Jews, and tribes.
**Medina Period and Key Events**
– **Battles for Survival**:
– **Badr (624 CE)**: Muslim victory against Meccan forces, seen as divine intervention.
– **Uhud (625 CE)**: Meccan retaliation led to Muslim losses; highlighted resilience.
– **Trench (627 CE)**: Successful defense against Meccan siege using trench warfare.
– **Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (628 CE)**: Truce with Mecca allowing peaceful pilgrimage, later breached by Meccans.
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**Conquest of Mecca (630 CE)**
– **Peaceful Victory**: Muhammad (s.a.w.) marched with 10,000 followers; Mecca surrendered without bloodshed. He forgave former adversaries and cleansed the Kaaba of idols, restoring monotheistic worship.
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**Final Years and Legacy**
– **Farewell Pilgrimage (632 CE)**: Delivered a seminal sermon emphasizing equality, women’s rights, and unity.
– **Death**: Passed away in Medina in 632 CE, buried at his home-mosque (now Al-Masjid an-Nabawi).
**Key Contributions**:
1. **Quran**: Revelations compiled into Islam’s holy book.
2. **Five Pillars**: Established core practices (faith, prayer, charity, fasting, pilgrimage).
3. **Social Reforms**: Outlawed usury, advocated for women’s inheritance rights, and promoted education.
4. **Global Influence**: Inspired a civilization spanning theology, science, and governance.
**Respect and Honor**: Muslims worldwide invoke *salawat* (blessings) upon him, embodying his enduring spiritual and ethical legacy.
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This account, based on Islamic tradition, underscores Prophet Muhammad’s (s.a.w.) role as a mercy to humanity (*Rahmatan lil-‘Alamin*), whose teachings continue to guide millions.