biography of prophet muhammad

Muhammad was a prophet and founder of Islam.

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Muhammad was the prophet and founder of Islam. Most of his early life was spent as a merchant. At age 40, he began to have revelations from Allah that became the basis for the Koran and the foundation of Islam. By 630 he had unified most of Arabia under a single religion. As of 2015, there are over 1.8 billion Muslims in the world who profess, “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.”

FULL NAME: Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim BORN: c. 570 BIRTHPLACE: Makkah, Saudi Arabia DEATH: June 8, 623

Muhammad was born around 570, AD in Mecca (now in Saudi Arabia). His father died before he was born and he was raised first by his grandfather and then his uncle. He belonged to a poor but respectable family of the Quraysh tribe. The family was active in Meccan politics and trade.

Many of the tribes living in the Arabian Peninsula at the time were nomadic, trading goods as they crisscrossed the desert. Most tribes were polytheistic, worshipping their own set of gods. The town of Mecca was an important trading and religious center, home to many temples and worship sites where the devoted prayed to the idols of these gods. The most famous site was the Kaaba (meaning cube in Arabic). It is believed to have been built by Abraham (Ibrahim to Muslims) and his son Ismail. Gradually the people of Mecca turned to polytheism and idolatry. Of all the gods worshipped, it is believed that Allah was considered the greatest and the only one without an idol.

In his early teens, Muhammad worked in a camel caravan, following in the footsteps of many people his age, born of meager wealth. Working for his uncle, he gained experience in commercial trade traveling to Syria and eventually from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean. In time, Muhammad earned a reputation as honest and sincere, acquiring the nickname “al-Amin” meaning faithful or trustworthy.

In his early 20s, Muhammad began working for a wealthy merchant woman named Khadijah, 15 years his senior. She soon became attracted to this young, accomplished man and proposed marriage. He accepted and over the years the happy union brought several children. Not all lived to adulthood, but one, Fatima, would marry Muhammad’s cousin, Ali ibn Abi Talib, whom Shi’ite Muslims regard as Muhammad’s successor.

Muhammad was also very religious, occasionally taking journeys of devotion to sacred sites near Mecca. On one of his pilgrimages in 610, he was meditating in a cave on Mount Jabal aI-Nour. The Angel Gabriel appeared and relayed the word of God: “Recite in the name of your Lord who creates, creates man from a clot! Recite for your lord is most generous….” These words became the opening verses of sūrah (chapter) 96 of the Qur'an. Most Islamic historians believe Muhammad was initially disturbed by the revelations and that he didn’t reveal them publicly for several years. However, Shi’a tradition states he welcomed the message from the Angel Gabriel and was deeply inspired to share his experience with other potential believers.

Islamic tradition holds that the first persons to believe were his wife, Khadija and his close friend Abu Bakr (regarded as the successor to Muhammad by Sunni Muslims). Soon, Muhammad began to gather a small following, initially encountering no opposition. Most people in Mecca either ignored him or mocked him as just another prophet. However, when his message condemned idol worship and polytheism, many of Mecca’s tribal leaders began to see Muhammad and his message as a threat. Besides going against long standing beliefs, the condemnation of idol worship had economic consequences for merchants who catered to the thousands of pilgrims who came to Mecca every year. This was especially true for members of Muhammad’s own tribe, the Quraysh, who were the guardians of the Kaaba. Sensing a threat, Mecca’s merchants and leaders offered Muhammad incentives to abandon his preaching, but he refused.

Increasingly, the resistance to Muhammed and his followers grew and they were eventually forced to emigrate from Mecca to Medina, a city 260 miles to the north in 622. This event marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. There Muhammad was instrumental in bringing an end to a civil war raging amongst several of the city’s tribes. Muhammad settled in Medina, building his Muslim community and gradually gathering acceptance and more followers.

Between 624 and 628, the Muslims were involved in a series of battles for their survival. In the final major confrontation, The Battle of the Trench and Siege of Medina, Muhammad and his followers prevailed and a treaty was signed. The treaty was broken by the Meccan allies a year later. By now, Muhammad had plenty of forces and the balance of power had shifted away from the Meccan leaders to him. In 630, the Muslim army marched into Mecca, taking the city with minimum casualties. Muhammad gave amnesty to many of the Meccan leaders who had opposed him and pardoned many others. Most of the Meccan population converted to Islam. Muhammad and his followers then proceeded to destroy all of the statues of pagan gods in and around the Kaaba.

After the conflict with Mecca was finally settled, Muhammad took his first true Islamic pilgrimage to that city and in March, 632, he delivered his last sermon at Mount Arafat. Upon his return to Medina to his wife’s home, he fell ill for several days. He died on June 8, 632, at the age of 62, and was buried at al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Mosque of the Prophet) one of the first mosques built by Muhammad in Medina.

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The Biography of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Sep 19, 2021 | Books and Publications , Mawlid , Stories of the Prophets | Last updated on Aug 03, 2023

Ch 1.The Ancestry of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Ishmael’s second wife was Lady Ra^lah ( 1) , daughter of Mudad from the tribe of Jurhum. She delivered twelve (12) male children for him. From them came Nabit and Qaydar, and from these two in particular, God made a group of Arabs multiply. Continue Reading

Ch 2.The Birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ was born in Makkah in the year when the Abyssinian (Ethiopian) Abrahah tried to destroy the Ka^bah. lnstead, Allah destroyed Abrahah and his army. At that time in Makkah, the people named years by major events. Therefore, it is said that the Prophet ﷺ was born in the ”Year of the Elephant”. It was the year 571 of the Western calendar. Continue Reading

Ch 3.The Nursing of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Aminah nursed her son, Mu h ammad ﷺ, for a short time. Then another woman nursed him. Her name was H alimah. Lady H alimah was the main nursing mother of Prophet Mu h ammad, ﷺ. In those days in Makkah, women wanted their children nursed by Bedouins who lived outside of the city. They believed that their children would be healthier if they were raised in the desert. Continue Reading

Ch 4.Some Events in the Prophet’s Early Life

Our Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ , was about five years old when he went back to live with his mother and grandfather. Aminah was very happy. Continue Reading

Ch 5.The Blessed Household of the Messenger of God, peace be upon him

We know from our beloved Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, that he was a shepherd at some time in his life. Our Prophet said that every prophet tended sheep. Being a shepherd helped to prepare the prophets for the great task of caring for and guiding people. By the time Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ was 25 years old, he was known in Makkah by the name of ”al-Amin” (The trustworthy), because of his good traits. Continue Reading

Ch 6.The Trusted Mediator Receives the Revelation

When our Prophet was thirty-five an incident occurred. Quraysh sought to rebuild the Ka^bah. This happened about five years before the Revelation came to the Prophet, ﷺ. As a young man, Mu h ammad ﷺ was known for his truthfulness and honesty. In addition to calling him Mu h ammad, many people called him as- Sa diq the truthful, or al-Am i n, the trustworthy. When he said something, people believed him… Continue Reading

Ch 7.The Early Converts

In this chapter, we present vignettes of several of our Prophet’s early followers. The early followers have the distinction of believing in the truth from our Prophet, before embracing Islam became popular in the Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, many of them suffered severe torture from the blasphemers, simply because they believed our Prophet loved God and worshipped their Creator correctly. Continue Reading

Ch 8.The Public Call and Immigration to Abyssinia

After three years of Prophethood, fearlessly calling to and teaching people Islam with skilled tactics, God ordered Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ, to make a public call. God revealed ayah (214) of ash-Shu^ara’ in which God ordered Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ to warn his relatives, calling them to Islam. Continue Reading

Ch 9.The Year of Sorrow and Trip to Ta'if

Meanwhile, the Muslims in Makkah suffered many tight conditions. They were isolated into a particularly rocky area outside of Makkah (a place where people would not normally live). Additionally, no one was allowed to buy from or sell to them. They were patient, seeking the reward from God. Continue Reading

Ch 10.The Miracles of Our Prophet ﷺ

While the Prophet ﷺ lived in both Makkah and Madinah, his followers and the blasphemers were witnessing magnificent miracles that God bestowed on him. Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ had never told a lie. In addition, God made Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ perform awesome miracles, the likes of which the people with him had never seen before. Continue Reading

Ch 11.Isra' (The Night Journey)

After all the hardships of the boycott, the deaths of family members, and the reaction at Ta’if, God blessed our Prophet ﷺ with a magnificent honor and experience. Two years before immigrating to Madinah, when Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ was fifty-one (51) years old, he left Makkah, from the house of Lady Umm Hani’, his paternal cousin, on a night journey (Isra’). Continue Reading

Ch 12.Mi^raj (The Ascension)

Our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was at al-Masjidul-A q sa. Then, he rose up to the heavens. He ascended the stairs called al-Mir qa h. Continue Reading

Ch 13.The People of Yathrib Believe

At the time of Hajj (done in an invalid way by the blasphemers at the time), the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, used to meet with the various tribes and call them to Islam. Continue Reading

Ch 14.The Hijrah (Migration) to Madinah

After our Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, left his house, he went to our Master Abu Bakr’s house and told him that he had been given permission to migrate. Abu Bakr asked the Prophet if he could accompany him and the Prophet ﷺ agreed. Abu Bakr then cried out of happiness. Continue Reading

Ch 15.The Top Jewish Scholar of Madinah Converts

What a great blessing from God was the arrival of the Prophet in Madinah! Before accepting Islam, the two Arab tribes of Madinah, al-Aws and al-Khazraj were fighting frequently. Then, God made the hearts of both tribes inclined to Islam and love for God and His Messenger, blessings and peace be upon him. Continue Reading

Ch 16.Good Confronts Evil at Badr

Prophet Mu h ammad ﷺ was calling the people to Islam just by talking to them, because he had not been ordered to go to battle yet. After his immigration the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was permitted to fight the blasphemers. Continue Reading

Ch 17.Reflections on the Prophet ﷺ and Companions

God made the Companions of our Prophet of mercy the same in belief, but diverse in characteristics. This “unity despite diversity” is what is so appealing about our Muslim nation. Continue Reading

Ch 18.Dealing with Banu Qaynaqa^

After the great Battle of Badr God exposed the treachery of the Jewish tribes of Madinah who had made a treaty with the Muslims. They were jealous, felt threatened by the victorious Muslims. Hence, they began to break the terms of the treaty. Continue Reading

The Nursing of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

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Biography Online

Prophet Muhammad – Biography, achievements and teachings

Prophet Muhammad (570–632) Founder of Islam. Whilst in seclusion in a mountain cave, Muhammad reported receiving a series of revelations from God; these revelations form the verses of the Qu’ran, regarded by Muslims as the “Word of God” and around which the Islamic religion is based. Muhammad was a significant religious, political and military leader who helped to unite Arabia under the new religion of Islam.

Cave of Hira – location of Muhammad’s first revelation.

In the year 610, at the age of 40, Muhammad was undertaking a retreat of pray and meditation in the desert. During his prayer, he began hearing a luminous voice who commanded him to write down the word of God. At first, Muhammad was very uncertain about his experience, but after sharing with his first wife Khadijah and her cousin, he gained confidence that it was a divine voice, which he later revealed to be Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). For quite a few years, Muhammad only shared these recitations with his close companions who later served as scribes, writing down the revelations. He was aware that preaching a new monotheistic religious teaching may incur the wrath of the existing authorities. An important feature of the teachings of the Qu’ran was that there was only one God, and the essential aspect of life was to submit to his will.

Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem where Muhammad is believed to have ascended to Heaven

In the beginning, he attracted a small number of followers, who were deeply moved by the teachings Muhammad imparted. This gave him the confidence to speak to other people in Mecca. However, the followers of Muhammad were viewed with hostility by other Meccan tribes who generally believed in a pantheistic world view (although there were small numbers of Christians and Jews). In 619, both his wife Khadijah and uncle (effective guardian Abu Talib) died. In this time, of personal difficulty, he had an important spiritual experience, where he felt his spirit transported to Jerusalem and then to Heaven where he saw himself with other prophets such as Moses and Jesus amidst the divine throne of God.

In 622 because of ongoing hostility, Muhammad with some of his followers, migrated to the city of Yathrib, now known as Medina. This migration is known as the Hijrah and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

In Medina, Muhammad succeeded in uniting various tribes. He used his skill as an arbiter to smooth over tensions, and increasingly he was viewed as an adept and inspirational leader – combining strength and military skill with a compassionate and devout nature. At the Battle of Badr, just 313 Muslims under Muhammad’s leadership defeated a force of 1,000 Meccans. After this victory, Muhammad negotiated a peace treaty with the Meccan tribes.

During the remainder of his life, he was able to unite most of Arabia under the new religion of Islam. In 632, he gave his final sermon to 20,000 people – showing the extent of his influence and popularity. He died later in the year after suffering from a fever that lasted several days. His last words were:

O Allah, to Ar-Rafiq Al-A’la (exalted friend, highest Friend or the uppermost, highest Friend in heaven)

After his death, he was succeeded by his father-in-law and close associate, Abu Bakr. For the next 100 years, Islam spread rapidly becoming the dominant religious and political force of the middle-east. By 750, Muslim influence stretched from India to Spain and was strongly established as a major world religion.

The Qu’ran

Early Quran manuscript

From his first experiences in the cave, Muhammad reported receiving messages from God throughout his life. These messages form The Qu’ran – which to Muslims is the word of God. Muslims believe Muhammad to be the final prophet in a tradition stretching back to Moses, Abraham and Jesus.

As well as the Qu’ran, Muslims study the Sira (Muhammad’s life) and traditions of the time (Sharia law).

The essential message of the Qu’ran is that there is no God but Allah, and followers should lead their lives in submission to the will of Allah as described in the Qu’ran.

Muhammad also believed religion was not just a private matter of conscience but something that affected the whole society. He instigated social reforms, which included the better treatment of all classes of people and the reduction of aristocratic privileges. The Qu’ran mentioning an alms tax. (zakat) which sought to reduce inequality in society. Muhammad insisted that new tribes who wished to ally with himself should apply this tax.

For his time, Muhammad instigating progressive reforms. He condemned some customs such as female infanticide and excessive privilege. He enhanced the rights of slaves, though did not abolish it completely

Muhammad taught the concept of Jihad. First and foremost ‘jihad is the internal struggle against man’s weaknesses such as lust, envy and hatred, and the struggle to become a better devout person. Jihad could also involve the outer battle against enemies who wished to prevent the devout from practising their faith.

“A strong person is not the person who throws his adversaries to the ground. A strong person is the person who contains himself when he is angry.” – Sunni Hadith

The name Muhammad means “Praiseworthy.” Muslims he was not a divine figure, but was close to a perfect man.

In the list of 100 most influential people in the world , Michael Hast chose Muhammad to be number one, arguing that Muhammad was influential in both the religious and secular world. Muhammad changed the course of history by creating a strong monotheistic religion amongst the Arab world and unifying the disparate tribes. The teachings of the Qu’ran act as a major influence on Islamic society. Like all religions, the teachings of Muhammad have often been misinterpreted and used in the justification of fanaticism – in particular the concept of Jihad is open to different interpretations as to what is meant by defending the faith. Also, quite a few Muslim practises, such as women wearing the veil came in – many years after he had died.

Citation:  Pettinger, Tejvan . “Biography of Muhammad”, Oxford, www.biographyonline.net, Last updated 14 March 2020. Originally published 23/05/2014.

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Muhammad: the final prophet of god (peace be upon him) 9 min read.

Muhammad (peace be upon him) : The Man Who Brought Islam to the World

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Muhammad (peace be upon him) , the final prophet of Islam, is widely considered one of the most influential men in history. Today, nearly one fourth of the world’s population follows the message he delivered. Despite Muhammad (peace be upon him) ’s lasting influence, many misconceptions continue to surround his persona and his teachings. This brief introduction of Muhammad (peace be upon him)  summarizes his life and highlights what esteemed non-Muslim scholars have said about him. So, who was Muhammad (peace be upon him) ?

“He was Caesar and Pope in one; but he was Pope without Pope’s pretensions, Caesar without the legions of Caesar: without a standing army, without a bodyguard, without a palace, without a fixed revenue; if ever any man had the right to say that he ruled by the right divine, it was Mohammed, for he had all the power without its instruments and without its supports. He cared not for the dressings of power. The simplicity of his private life was in keeping with his public life.” — Reginald Bosworth Smith

The Journey of Muhammad (peace be upon him) : From Ordinary Man to Final Prophet

Muhammad (peace be upon him) ’s life began in a seemingly conventional manner in the deserts of Arabia in the sixth century. When he turned 40 years old, God tasked him with prophethood and began revealing His final book, the Quran, to him. As a prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him)  called people to the divine teachings of Islam. He encouraged them to worship the One God and to uphold a morally upright life.

Studying Muhammad (peace be upon him) ’s life is crucial to understanding his momentous journey from being an apparently ordinary human to fulfilling his destiny as the final prophet chosen by God ( Allah in Arabic). It also helps one gain a deeper insight into the religion of Islam and the lives of Muslims.

Muhammad (peace be upon him) : The Man

Muhammad (peace be upon him)  was born in 570 C.E. in Mecca. He was orphaned at a young age; his father died before his birth, followed by his mother six years later. Muhammad (peace be upon him) ’s grandfather, and then his uncle, cared for him for the remainder of his youth. As a result, no single figure molded Muhammad (peace be upon him) ’s beliefs and outlook on life from an early age.

As a young boy, he worked as a shepherd. This was significant, as he noted much later, “All the prophets of God were shepherds.” Muhammad (peace be upon him)  then adopted the premier Arab occupation of trading and was widely respected for his integrity and sincerity. However, despite his intelligence, he could not read or write, nor was he skilled in composing poetry, a hallmark of Arab society. Therefore, the claim that Muhammad (peace be upon him)  authored the Quran is unfounded. To this effect, God declares in the Quran, “[Muhammad] does not speak from his own desire. The Quran is nothing less than a revelation that is sent to him” (53:3-4).

Prior to prophethood, Muhammad (peace be upon him)  was greatly regarded for his superior character and exceptional manners, earning him the title of the ‘Truthful One.’ Meccans entrusted him with their possessions for safekeeping and he was often asked to mediate disputes as an impartial judge.

Muhammad’s Pre-prophetic Life: A Life of Meditation and Contemplation

At the same time, Muhammad (peace be upon him)  detested the polytheistic Arab customs and did not participate in idolatry. He was also deeply bothered by the many social evils in Arabia, such as the ill treatment of women, widespread alcoholism, constant warfare and subjugation of the poor. He often escaped the atmosphere of Mecca to a cave outside the city, isolating himself for days at a time in meditation.

Although Muhammad(peace be upon him) ’s pre-prophetic life was highly reputable, it does not indicate that he was poised to make any significant worldly impact. Yet, these life experiences and the development of his character were God’s way of preparing Muhammad (peace be upon him)  for the monumental task ahead. (Learn more: Muhammad — What Manner of Man was He?)

Muhammad (peace be upon him) : The Prophet

One night, in the year 610 C.E., God sent the angel Gabriel with revelation to Muhammad (peace be upon him) . This was one of the most significant events in human history. It marked the beginning of his prophethood and transformed his life entirely. As the prophet of God receiving divine inspiration, all his endeavors henceforth were devoted to leading humanity back to the pure worship of God. He led an earnest life based on the most sublime values, initiating tremendous changes in Arabia and beyond.

Whereas earlier he removed himself from the social and spiritual corruption in Mecca, he now proactively worked to reform it. Muhammad (peace be upon him)  called his fellow Meccans to cease their worship of idols and to affirm the Oneness of God; he also invited them to a life of righteousness and piety. He warned them of an afterlife where they will be held accountable for their earthly deeds and also gave joyful news of paradise to those who believed and lived a God-conscious life.

The Persecution of Muhammad (peace be upon him)  and His Early Followers

Like previous prophets, Muhammad (peace be upon him) ’s message was rejected by many of his people. They insisted on maintaining the religious and social customs of their ancestors. The elite mocked Muhammad (peace be upon him) , accusing him of deceit and madness – the same man whom they freely trusted and honored before. Only a few people believed in him, particularly the poor and disadvantaged who were attracted to his message due to its emphasis on equality and justice.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)  and his small group of followers endured persecution for 13 years in Mecca. Eventually, they were forced to leave Mecca and migrate to Medina, a city whose people eagerly welcomed them. Here, Muhammad (peace be upon him)  established the very first Islamic society which eliminated the spiritual and social problems rampant in the Arabian Peninsula. Freedom of religion was instituted in Medina; women were honored and respected as equals; racial discrimination was practically eliminated; tribal warfare was replaced with united ties of brotherhood; usury and alcohol were completely forbidden.

Alphonse de Lamartine: Muhammad (peace be upon him)  Was One of the Greatest Men in History

The French historian, Alphonse de Lamartine, has stated: “If greatness of purpose, smallness of means, and astounding results are the three criteria of human genius, who could dare to compare any great man in modern history with Muhammad?”

When comparing his life before and after becoming a messenger, it becomes clear that God enabled him to attain this stature and renown through his prophethood. By the end of his life in 622 C.E., the powerful teachings of Islam had overcome even its most ardent enemies. Convinced by the truth of Muhammad (peace be upon him) ’s message and inspired by the purity of his character, the entire Arabian Peninsula embraced Islam.

Muhammad (peace be upon him) : A Man of Great Integrity and Humility, Despite Allegations to the Contrary

Yet, some individuals have alleged that Muhammad (peace be upon him)  was not a true messenger of God but a sham; this reflects a poor understanding of his teachings, personality and life achievements. Many non-Muslim intellectuals throughout history have attested to the impossibility of this view. The British historian, Dr. Montgomery Watt, addresses this perspective in his writing, “His readiness to undergo persecutions for his beliefs, the high moral character of the men who believed in him and looked up to him as leader, and the greatness of his ultimate achievement all argue his fundamental integrity. To suppose Muhammad an impostor raises more problems than it solves. Moreover, none of the great figures of history is so poorly appreciated in the West as Muhammad.”

In Life of Mohammed , the famous American intellectual, Washington Irving, wrote: “In his private dealings, he was just. He treated friends and strangers, the rich and poor, the powerful and weak, with equity, and was beloved by the common people for the affability with which he received them, and listened to their complaints… In the time of his greatest power he maintained the same simplicity of manners and appearance as in the days of his adversity… He was displeased if, on entering a room, any unusual testimonials of respect were shown to him.”

(Read more: Last Sermon of the Prophet Muhammad )

Muhammad (peace be upon him) : The Legacy

In the century following Muhammad (peace be upon him) ’s death, Islam expanded in all directions, absorbing the Persian and Byzantine Empires to the North, reaching as far as Spain in the West and extending its borders to include parts of India and China to the East. This rapid spread of Islam in such a short period of time has caused many to marvel at how a man with a simple message could produce such an astonishing impact on the world.

Mahatma Gandhi and Annie Besant on the Life of Muhammad (peace be upon him)

Mahatma Gandhi, a champion of peace in modern times, said about his experience of studying the life of Muhammad (peace be upon him) , “I wanted to know the best of the life of one who holds today an undisputed sway over the hearts of millions of mankind… I became more than ever convinced that it was not the sword that won a place for Islam in those days in the scheme of life. It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle.”

Similar admiration was expressed by British intellectual and women’s rights activist, Annie Besant:, “It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme.”

Michael Hart: Muhammad (peace be upon him)  Was the Most Influential Person in History

Muhammad (peace be upon him)  was the final prophet in a long line of messengers sent by God which included, among others, Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus, peace be upon all of them. Like previous prophets, Muhammad (peace be upon him)  called people towards belief in the One God and taught them to be just and merciful. His life and teachings have been meticulously documented by thousands of historical sources dating back to his companions.

Michael M. Hart, a Jewish-American historian, placed Muhammad (peace be upon him)  first in his book, The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History. According to Hart, “He was the only man in history who was supremely successful on both the religious and secular levels… It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I feel entitles Muhammad to be considered the most influential single figure in human history.”

Was Muhammad (peace be upon him)   a Prophet or an Extraordinary Man?

Muhammad was indeed one of the most important men in human history; his impact on the world continues to be felt strongly today. Reflecting on his remarkable life and amazing accomplishments leads to an inevitable question: Was Muhammad (peace be upon him)  simply an extraordinary person or did his greatness result from his being a genuine prophet of God?

Without a doubt, the answer to this question carries great implications. We encourage you to delve deeper into the study of Muhammad (peace be upon him) ’s life and explore this potentially life-changing question yourself. ( Read the biography of Prophet Muhammad. )

Note: “peace be upon him”  next to Prophet Muhammad represents the invocation Muslims say with his name as a form of respect.

Suggested Reading:

Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources by Martin Lings

In the Footsteps of the Prophet by Tariq Ramadan

Muhammad: Man and Prophet by Adil Salahi

877-Why-Islam presents Wisam Sharieff’s talk about the character of the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) . Was he the perfect example? His character was real, he was not hard-hearted, and the Quran mentions him as the Mercy to mankind. Watch this brief video to get some answers. This video is produced by 877-Why-Islam. 

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World History Edu

• Prophet Muhammad

Life Story of Prophet Muhammad: the Last Messenger of God in Islam

by World History Edu · October 9, 2019

“There is no god except Allah and Prophet Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” | The Muslim profession of faith, inscribed on the Topkapi Palace (Turkey).

The Prophet Muhammad is widely regarded as the bedrock of the Islamic religion. Muslims across the world hold him in high regard and view him as a righteous messenger to whom God (Allah) revealed the Quran (Koran). Growing up in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Muhammad’s date of existence is usually quoted as roughly 570-632 CE. Below, we present the full life story of the Prophet Mohammad (Peace be on to Him):

The Prophet Muhammad’s Birth

The Islamic founder’s birth occurred in the year  570 CE, Mecca. He was born to Abdallah ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Aminah bint Wahb. Unfortunately, Muhammad never saw his father with his own eyes – his father died before he came into the world. His family background and tree can be traced to the Quraysh tribe.

After the Prophet’s birth, his mother immediately knew that she had given birth to a great son. Aminah shared memories of the day she put the baby Muhammad down on the floor. According to her, the child directed his head towards the sky and gazed at the horizons, prophesizing one God (Allah). A voice then spoke out to her – ” you have given birth to a great one, he shall be called Muhammad”.

Muhammad’s paternal grandfather was called to pay a visit to the newborn. When he arrived, Abdul-Mutalib took the baby to the Kaaba and said some prayers to Allah. The Kaaba is a cube-shaped stone building in Mecca. Upon Muttalib’s return from the Kaaba,  the great baby boy was named Muhammad.

Less than 7 years after his birth, Muhammad was fully orphaned when Aminah passed away. His grandfather Muttalib took care of him as a guardian. Fully aware of the child’s great religious future, Muttalib specially treated Muhammad with all the goodness he could afford. It has been said that Muttalib even cared for Muhammad better than his own wards. This was because he had high faith in him.

At about age 8, another disaster struck little Muhammad. His grandfather Muttalib was called to eternal rest. For the rest of his upbringing, Muhammad was then cared for by Abu Talib, Muhammad’s uncle. His uncle was very protective of Allah’s messenger – he stood by him during his trying times until death separated them.

Early Life in Mecca

Muhammad’s family lines had strong trade ties and political influence in Mecca. During Muhammad’s birth era, most of the Arabians were nomadic people who traded goods across the desert. Their religious beliefs were largely that of polytheism. They believed and worshiped all sorts of gods (idols).

Deep within the city of Mecca, idol worshiping was no exception. Dozens of temples and shrines served as worshiping grounds for devout worshipers who either had no idea or didn’t believe in one God.

Of all the worshiping sites, the Kaaba was the most famous ground.  Islam followers believe that the Prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) was the one who built the Kaaba. In Arabic, Kaaba means “a cube”. Though numerous gods were worshiped in Mecca, Allah stood tall among the rest. He was the only true God that was not affiliated with idols.

During his teenage days, Muhammad partook in the nomadic lifestyle of his people. They used camels and crisscrossed deserts to trade for their livelihood. To some extent, Muhammad came from a less privileged family background. He joined his uncle on commercial voyages to Syria, and across the Mediterranean and then the Indian Ocean. Muhammad’s trustworthiness earned him the name “al-Amin”.

Prophet Muhammad Marries Khadijah

When he reached his twenties, Muhammad worked with a rich businesses woman by name Khadijah. Muhammad was 15 years younger than her. Their merchant dealings soon progressed into a strong bond of affection.

Khadijah, a wealthy widow, was all in to having Muhammad as a spouse, so she proposed marriage to him. Muhammad welcomed the idea and their union was blessed with plenty of fruits. However, not all their children made it into adulthood. Some died prematurely.

Controversially, in his energetic youthful days, Khadija was Muhammad’s only wife. His monogamous marriage was very unusual at that time, given the widespread polygamy that characterized his immediate environment. However, he later remarried other women when his first wife Khadijah died.

One daughter of his (Fatima) lived on and married Ali ibn Talib, a cousin to Muhammad. An Islamic branch called the Shi’ite Muslims have long maintained that Ali was the true successor of Prophet Muhammad.

Life and Meditation in the Cave

Muhammad grew up and loved to explore religious realms. He was far advanced in seeking to know Allah and truly understanding Allah’s mercies. In one such journeys, Muhammad discovered a cave called Hira in the mountain Jabal al-Nour. He found the cave convenient for religious meditations. He frequently visited the isolated hideout and got himself lost in contemplation of the Almighty and Magnificent Allah.

It has been alleged that Angel Gabriel visited Muhammad at the cage. The cave in someway manifested Muhammad’s level of spiritual commitment. Seated at the north of the mountain’s top, the question of how Muhammad discovered that isolated world is one that can’t be answered by an ordinary mind. To discover such a wonderful cave, many Islamic scholars and religious authors believe that it definitely took divine guidance and mercy.

Prophet Muhammad’s Spiritual Encounter with the Divine

Once he entered the cave, Muhammad lived in a separate world of his own. Apart from the sky view and the mountain surroundings, nothing else was visible to the naked eye. Shielded from external acoustic interference, everything was between Muhammad and the Merciful Allah. This gave the Prophet Muhammad’s mind the right atmosphere to think about things beyond the materialistic world.

At 40 years old, Muhammad was still in the mysterious cage when he had a spiritual encounter with Allah. It was here that he was presented with verse 1 of the Qur’an. After this revelation, Muhammad didn’t remain the same. It was a turning point in Islamic history.

In the space of 2-3 years after the Quranic revelation, Muhammad preached monotheism to his people. At first, he preached privately to people he trusted.  He later mustered courage and took Allah’s messages to the streets. And bingo, the Islamic religion was birthed. More and more people slowly joined Muhammad in praising Allah. They embraced Allah as the ever Merciful and the ever Gracious.

Sanctions and Persecutions

Since his new religion was founded in the hearts of an idol-worshiping society, it didn’t exist without some sort of hindrance or persecutions. The expansion of Islam brought forth life-threatening hostilities towards the Prophet and his followers. Not everyone saw him as a God-sent messenger.

From the onset, Muhammad was an enemy to many sections of idol worshipers in Mecca. They abused him verbally, physically and in many other ways. But his uncle Abu Talib had his back and defended Muhammad. So he carried on with his evangelism ( Jihad ).

By choosing Allah against the will and traditions of the inhabitants of Mecca, things took a dangerous turn in the form of sanctions, persecutions, and wars, after the revelation. Some of the Islamic converts who were held as slaves were tortured or murdered.

The Prophet Muhammad flees to Abyssinia

The idol-worshipers rose up against the Prophet Muhammad’s followers. By 614 CE, the severity of the persecution forced Muhammad to direct his fellow Muslims to flee to Abyssinia for protection. Abyssinia was a Christian Kingdom in Ethiopia. They had a just king who was hospitable to the Muslims. The Quraysh people reportedly tried to bribe the Abyssinian king to sacking the Muslims, but their wicked efforts failed.

A year after the successful migration of some Muslims to Abyssinia, the Quraysh people put up sanctions and targeted Prophet Mohammed’s family, his activities, and his followers. As a result of the sanctions, Muslims moved and settled at the site of a Meccan mountain. The sanctions flopped in 618-619 CE, after 3 years.

More Troubles, plus the Loss of His Wife and Uncle

Soon afterward, Muhammad lost his dear wife Khadijah. More troubles set in when his uncle also passed away. The Prophet suffered more persecutions from the enemies who were hell-bent on eroding Islam. The intensified persecutions necessitated a pilgrimage in 622 CE. The Prophet met with elderly leaders from Yathrib City and they pledged their protective support to Muhammad.

When the plan leaked out to the Quraysh people, the Yathribs had to quickly move back to their home. Sensing the impending threat, the Prophet instructed his people to secretly emigrate to Yathrib. In response, the Qurayshites plotted to have him killed as soon as possible. The Quraysh tribes collectively planned to carry out the murder in the night time when the Prophet would be asleep.

The Prophet Muhammad’s Pilgrimage from Mecca to Medina

Fortunately, Allah saved Muhammad from death at the last minute.  On the night of the planned murder, Allah instructed him to leave Mecca immediately and make his way to Yathrib. The Prophet did as Allah had instructed. When he safely departed from Mecca to Yathrib, Yathrib was renamed as “al-Madina” or Medina.  This famous emigration of the Prophet is called the Hijra .

The date of this important event is given as 622 CE. It happened about 12 years after the revelation of the first Quranic verses. The Prophet’s escape to Medina has significant implications in the Islamic world. It helped the Islamic religion to establish a strong foundation. The prophet lived in Medina for up to 10 years, before he left the world.

Significant Battles and Treaties

In the following years (624-628 CE), many battles were fought by the Muslims for their lives. The most significant battles were the Battle of Badr and the Battle of the Trench. These were followed by the Siege of Medina, which resulted in a peace treaty between the Meccans and Muhammad’s followers.

When the Meccans broke the treaty, another war broke out.  In 630 CE, Muhammad’s Muslim army was able to counter and defeat the Meccans pagans without fighting to the extreme.

By this time,  Muslim numbers had grown significantly. Prophet Muhammad pardoned his oppressors. As a sign of good fate, or perhaps with Allah’s intervention, the Prophet’s former foes willingly converted to Islam. The Muslim community then collected and destroyed all pagan items (idols) close to the sacred Kaaba.

Death of Prophet Muhammad and His Burial Place

“Prophet Muhammad, the Messenger of God” inscribed at the entrance of the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an Nawabi) in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

After resolving the conflicts with the pagans, Prophet Muhammad ( peace be unto him ) took his pilgrimage back to Mecca. In March of 632 CE, on Mount Arafat, the Prophet gave out his last sermon. He later went back to Medina. There, a deadly illness attacked him and he sadly never recovered.

On 8th June 632, the Prophet Muhammad (in his early 60s) took his last breath. There are conspiracy theories that the Prophet was poisoned. To date, there is no evidence to support such claims. Prophet Muhammad was buried at a mosque in Medina, the al-Masjid an Nawabi (present day Medina, Saudi Arabia).

He is regarded as the “Last Prophet”. Muhammad teachings are summarized as the Hadiths. With regard to the Sunnah, they talk about the prophet’s exemplary lifestyle. Muslims believe that Muhammad was the only Prophet who saw both heaven and hell before dying.

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Biography of the Prophet Muhammad's Later Life

Timeline of the Prophet's Life After the Call to Prophethood

• Prophets of Islam
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The Prophet Muhammad is a central figure in the life and faith of Muslims. The story of his life is filled with inspiration, trials, triumphs, and guidance for people of all ages and times.

Early Life (Before Call to Prophethood)

Muhammad was born in Makkah (modern-day Saudi Arabia) in the year 570 C.E. At the time, Makkah was a stop-over point along the trade route from Yemen to Syria. Although the people had been exposed to monotheism and traced their roots to the Prophet Abraham , they had lapsed into polytheism. Orphaned at a young age, Muhammad was known as a calm and truthful boy.

Read more about the Prophet Muhammad's Early Life

Call to Prophethood: 610 C.E.

By the age of 40, Muhammad was in the habit of retreating to a local cave when he desired solitude. He would spend his days contemplating the state of his people and the deeper truths of life. During one of these retreats, the angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad and told him that God had chosen him as a Messenger. The Prophet Muhammad received his first words of revelation: “Read! In the name of your Lord who created, created man from a clot. Read! And your Lord is Most Bountiful. He, Who taught by the pen, taught man what he knew not." (Qur’an 96:1-5).

Muhammad was naturally shaken by this experience and went home to be with his beloved wife, Khadija . She reassured him that God would not lead him astray, as he was a sincere and generous person. Over time, Muhammad accepted his calling and began to pray in earnest. After a three-year wait, the Prophet Muhammad began to receive further revelations through the Angel Gabriel.

Muslims in Makkah: 613-619 C.E.

The Prophet Muhammad waited patiently for three years after the first revelation. During this time, he engaged in more intense prayer and spiritual pursuits. The revelations were then resumed, and the subsequent verses reassured Muhammad that God had not forsaken him. On the contrary, the Prophet Muhammad was commanded to warn people about their evil practices, help the poor and orphans, and to worship only One God ( Allah ).

In accordance with guidance from the Quran, the Prophet Muhammad initially kept the revelations private, confiding only in a small circle of family members and close friends.

Over time, the Prophet Muhammad began to preach to his own tribe members, and then throughout the city of Makkah. His teachings were not well received by most. Many in Makkah had become rich, as the city was a central trade hub and a spiritual center for polytheism. They did not appreciate Muhammad's message of embracing social equality, rejecting idols, and sharing wealth with the poor and needy.

Thus, many of the Prophet Muhammad's early followers were among the lower classes, slaves, and women. These early Muslim followers were subject to horrible mistreatment by the Makkan upper classes. Several were tortured, others were killed, and some took temporary refuge in Abyssinia. The Makkan tribes then organized a social boycott of the Muslims, not allowing people to trade with, care for, or socialize with the Muslims. In the harsh desert climate, this was essentially a death sentence.

Year of Sadness: 619 C.E.

During these years of persecution, there was one year that was particularly difficult. It became known as "the Year of Sadness." In that year, the Prophet Muhammad’s beloved wife Khadija and his uncle/caretaker Abu Talib both died. Without Abu Talib’s protection, the Muslim community experienced increasing harassment in Makkah.

Left with few choices, the Muslims began looking for a place other than Makkah to settle. The Prophet Muhammad first visited the nearby city of Taif to preach the Oneness of God and seek asylum from the Makkan oppressors. This attempt was unsuccessful; the Prophet Muhammad was eventually mocked and run out of town.

In the midst of this adversity, the Prophet Muhammad had an experience which is now known as Isra’ and Mi’raj (the Night Visit and Ascension). During the month of Rajab, the Prophet Muhammad made a nighttime trip to the city of Jerusalem ( isra’ ), visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and from there was raised up into heaven ( mi’raj ). This experience gave comfort and hope to the struggling Muslim community.

Migration to Madinah: 622 C.E.

When the situation in Makkah had become unbearable for the Muslims, an offer was made by the people of Yathrib, a small city to the north of Makkah. The people of Yathrib had more interfaith experience, having lived near Christian and Jewish tribes in their area. They were open to receiving the Muslims and pledged their assistance. In small groups, under the cover of night, Muslims began to travel north to the new city. The Makkans responded by confiscating the property of those who left and devising plans to assassinate Muhammad.

The Prophet Muhammad and his friend Abu Bakr then left Makkah to join the others in Madinah. He asked his cousin and close companion, Ali, to stay behind and take care of their final business in Makkah.

When the Prophet Muhammad arrived in Yathrib, the city was renamed Madinah An-Nabi (the City of the Prophet). It is now also known as Madinah Al-Munawarrah (the Enlightened City). This migration from Makkah to Madinah was complete in 622 C.E., which marks "year zero" (the beginning) of the Islamic calendar .

The significance of the migration in the history of Islam should not be underestimated. For the first time, Muslims could live without persecution. They could organize society and live according to the teachings of Islam. They could pray and practice their faith in full freedom and comfort. The Muslims began to set up a society based on justice, equality, and faith. The Prophet Muhammad expanded his role as Prophet to also include political and social leadership.

Battles and Treaties: 624-627 C.E.

The Makkan tribes were not content to let the Muslims settle in Madinah and be done with it. They sought to destroy the Muslims once and for all, which led to a series of military battles.

• Battle of Badr: Two years after the migration, the Makkan armies gathered outside of Madinah. The Muslims were outnumbered 3:1 but were successful in defending against the invading army. This boosted their morale; they felt that Allah had ensured their success despite the odds.
• Battle of Uhud: A year after their defeat at Badr, the Makkans came back even stronger. The Battle of Uhud was less decisive and taught the Muslims an important lesson about overconfidence and greed.
• Battle of the Trench: The Makkans then tried a new tactic, forging alliances with area tribes to join in and attack Madinah from many directions. Again, facing tremendous odds, the Muslims successfully defended against this attack by digging a large ditch to ward off the approaching cavalry.

Through these battles, the Makkans began to see that the Muslims were a powerful force that would not easily be destroyed. Their efforts turned to diplomacy. Many among the Muslims tried to dissuade the Prophet Muhammad from engaging in talks with the Makkans; they felt that the Makkans had proven themselves untrustworthy. Nevertheless, the Prophet Muhammad attempted to reconcile.

Conquest of Makkah: 628 C.E.

In the sixth year after the migration to Madinah, the Muslims had proven that military force would not be enough to destroy them. The Prophet Muhammad and the tribes of Makkah began a period of diplomacy in order to normalize their relations.

After being away from their home city for six years, the Prophet Muhammad and a party of Muslims made an attempt to visit Makkah. They were stopped outside the city in an area known as the Plain of Hudaibiya. After a series of meetings, the two sides negotiated the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. On the surface, the agreement seemed to favor the Makkans, and many Muslims did not understand the Prophet's willingness to compromise. Under the terms of the treaty:

• There would be a 10-year peace during which Muslims could travel to Makkah, and Makkans could travel on the caravan route to Syria, through Muslim lands.
• The Muslims would wait another year before returning to Makkah.
• Any other tribe would be free to align themselves with either side of the agreement.
• Any deserter or refugee from Makkah to Madinah would be returned to Makkah. (However, the reverse would not be true.)

The Muslims reluctantly followed the Prophet Muhammad's lead and agreed to the terms. With peace assured, relations normalized for a while. The Muslims were able to turn their attentions from defense to sharing the message of Islam in other lands.

However, it did not take long for the Makkans to violate the terms of the agreement, by attacking allies of the Muslims. The Muslim army then marched upon Makkah, surprising them and entering the city without bloodshed. The Prophet Muhammad gathered the people of the city together, declaring a general amnesty and universal pardon. Many of the people of Makkah were moved by this open-heartedness and embraced Islam. The Prophet Muhammad then returned to Madinah.

Death of the Prophet: 632 C.E.

A decade after the migration to Madinah, the Prophet Muhammad performed a pilgrimage to Makkah. There he encountered hundreds of thousands of Muslims from all parts of Arabia and beyond. On the Plain of Arafat , the Prophet Muhammad delivered what is now known as his Farewell Sermon.

A few weeks later, back at home in Madinah, the Prophet Muhammad became ill and passed away. His death sparked a debate among the Muslim community about its future leadership. This was resolved with the appointment of Abu Bakr as caliph.

The Prophet Muhammad's legacy includes a religion of pure monotheism, a system of law based on fairness and justice, and a balanced way of life, based ​on social equality, generosity, and brotherhood. The Prophet Muhammad transformed a corrupt, tribal land into a well-disciplined state, and led the people by noble example.

• Battle of Uhud
• Madinah City Guide
• Biography of the Prophet Muhammad's Early Life
• Juz' 26 of the Quran
• The Main Themes of Juz' 6 of the Qur'an
• Who Wrote the Quran and When?
• Overview of the Islamic Calendar
• Why and When Do Muslim Girls Wear the Hijab?
• Marking the Qiblah
• The Meaning of Isra' and Mi'raj in Islam
• The Women in the Prophet Muhammad's Family
• What happens after one performs Hajj?
• Prophet Saleh
• Juz' 23 of the Quran Quotes and Theme
• Why Is the City of Jerusalem Important in Islam?
• The Quran: The Holy Book of Islam

The Prophet Muhammad and the Origins of Islam

The rise of Islam is intrinsically linked with the Prophet Muhammad, believed by Muslims to be the last in a long line of prophets that includes Moses and Jesus. Because Muhammad was the chosen recipient and messenger of the word of God through the divine revelations, Muslims from all walks of life strive to follow his example. After the holy Qur'an, the sayings of the Prophet ( hadith ) and descriptions of his way of life ( sunna ) are the most important Muslim texts.

Early Life Muhammad was born into the most powerful tribe in Mecca, the Quraish, around 570 A.D. The power of the Quraish derived from their role as successful merchants. Several trade routes intersected at Mecca, allowing the Quraish to control trade along the west coast of Arabia, north to Syria, and south to Yemen.

Mecca was home to two widely venerated polytheistic cults whose gods were thought to protect its lucrative trade. After working for several years as a merchant, Muhammad was hired by Khadija, a wealthy widow, to ensure the safe passage of her caravans to Syria. They eventually married.

Divine Revelations When he was roughly forty, Muhammad began having visions and hearing voices. Searching for clarity, he would sometimes meditate at Mount Hira, near Mecca. On one of these occasions, the Archangel Gabriel ( Jibra'il in Arabic) appeared to him and instructed him to recite "in the name of [your] lord." This was the first of many revelations that became the basis of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. These early revelations pointed to the existence of a single God, contradicting the polytheistic beliefs of the pre-Islamic Arabian Peninsula.

Initially overwhelmed by the significance of what was being revealed to him, Muhammad found unflinching support in his wife and slowly began to attract followers. His strong monotheistic message angered many of the Meccan merchants. They were afraid that trade, which they believed was protected by the pagan gods, would suffer. From that point forward, Muhammad was ostracized in Mecca. For a time, the influence and status of his wife and his uncle, Abu Talib, the chief of the clan, protected Muhammad from persecution. After they died, however, Muhammad's situation in Mecca became dire.

The Hijra Emigration became the only hope for Muhammad and his followers' survival. In 622, they headed to Medina, another oasis town, where they were promised freedom to practice their religion. The move from Mecca to Medina is known as the hijra —the flight—and marks year 1 of the Islamic, or hijri , calendar.

Spreading the Message of Islam In Medina, Muhammad continued to receive divine revelations and built an ever-expanding community around the new faith. The conflict with the Quraish continued, but after several years of violent clashes, Mecca surrendered. Muhammad and his followers soon returned and took over the city, destroying all its pagan idols and spreading their belief in one God.

The Night Journey and Ascension of the Prophet Accounts of the ascension ( mi'raj  ) of Muhammad have captured the imaginations of writers and painters for centuries. One night, while the Prophet was sleeping, the Archangel Gabriel came and led him on a journey. Mounted on the heavenly steed Buraq , Muhammad traveled from the Ka'ba in Mecca to the "Farthest Mosque," which Muslims believe to be the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. There he prayed with other prophets such as Moses, Abraham, and Jesus, and ascended to the skies, where he was led by Gabriel through Paradise and Hell, and finally came face to face with God. He then returned to earth to continue spreading the message of Islam. According to Islamic belief, Muhammad was the only person to see Heaven and Hell while still alive.

After the Prophet's Death: Emergence of Shi'i and Sunni Sects of Islam When Muhammad died in 632, he had not named a successor. One faction, the Shi'a, believed that only individuals with direct lineage to the Prophet could guide the Muslim community righteously. They thought that 'Ali, Muhammad's closest surviving blood male relative, should be their next leader ( caliph ). The other faction, the Sunnis, believed that the Prophet's successor should be determined by consensus and successively elected three of his most trusted companions, commonly referred to as the Rightly Guided Caliphs (Abu Bakr, 'Umar, and 'Uthman), as leaders of the Muslim community; 'Ali succeeded them as the fourth caliph.

Today the Islamic community remains divided into Sunni and Shi'i branches. Sunnis revere all four caliphs, while Shi'is regard 'Ali as the first spiritual leader. The rift between these two factions has resulted in differences in worship as well as political and religious views. Sunnis are in the majority and occupy most of the Muslim world, while Shi'i populations are concentrated in Iran and Iraq, with sizeable numbers in Bahrain, Lebanon, Kuwait, Turkey, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Depictions of the Prophet Muhammad Featured in this unit are several depictions of the Prophet Muhammad. These portrayals, while somewhat rare, are not unheard of as there were (and still are) many different attitudes toward depicting the Prophet, and humans in general, in the Islamic world. These attitudes varied dramatically from region to region and throughout history; the societies that produced the works discussed here are among those that allowed the depiction of the Prophet. Commissioned by Muslims for Muslims, these images appear in biographies of the Prophet and his family, world and local histories, and accounts of Muhammad's celestial journey ( mi'raj ), as well as in literary texts. In each context, they serve a distinct purpose. They illustrate a narrative in biographies and histories, while in literary texts they serve as visual analogues to written praises of the Prophet. An image of the Prophet Muhammad at the beginning of a book endows the volume with the highest form of blessing and sanctity. Thus, illustration of him was a common practice, particularly in the eastern regions of the Islamic world (see also Frequently Asked Questions ).

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6 Best Biographies of the Prophet Muhammad

I have personally read each of the following biographies of Prophet Muhammad. Some are certainly better than others.

One should also be aware that there are many more books of seerah (biography of the Prophet) that I have not yet read. If you have read another and would like to share what you thought of it, please drop a comment to this entry so others can read your recommendation.

1- Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources by the late Dr. Martin Lings

This is arguably one of the very best and most approachable biographies on the Prophet. This book reads more like a novel; it’s fast moving and always interesting.

At the same time, Dr. Lings attempted to make an accurate telling based on the earliest sources. One may also be interested to know that it was during the research for this book that Dr. Lings accepted Islam .

2- Muhammad the Prophet by Maulana Muhammad Ali

This book is one of my personal favorites. Written by an esteemed Muslim from Lahore, Pakistan, this small book is packed with information.

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It is interesting to note that while the author attempts to give an accurate portrayal, you will not find much mention of supposedly miraculous accounts beyond the miracle of the Quran itself.

This is a very straightforward version. Though I was surprised—being used to reading accounts that include such as miracles of the Prophet Muhammad.

Maulana Muhammad Ali is also an interesting writer from whom you will find interesting comments within this book.

“Truth does not depend upon force for its maintenance”.

This is a particularly good choice for non-Muslims.

Those that may be more likely to be skeptical and consider discussion of miracles to be embellishment will appreciate and be moved by this telling.

3- The Life and Work of Muhammad   by Yahiya Emerick

A present day Muslim convert in the U.S., Yahiya Emerick is an excellent writer. He serves as a vice principal at an Islamic school and as President of the Islamic Foundation of North America. This highly readable account covers a wealth of information, based on traditional sources of information.

Mr. Emerick also utilizes a lot of geographical, historical and cultural information that you may not find in other biographies to give a clear picture of the setting and relate the significance of certain choices and situations the Prophet dealt with. You will also learn more about the history of Arabia in an accessible way.

4- When the Moon Split: A Biography of Prophet Muhammad   by Shaikh Safier Rahman Mubarakpuri

Shaikh Mubarakpuri makes it clear in the beginning of his book that he is not an apologist and will not attempt to make the story palatable to those who may be confused or offended by aspects of Muhammad’s story.

This book is definitely best read by Muslims who are already relatively familiar with the life and mission of the Prophet.

The book covers the miraculous events in detail including certain events that would be questionable by modern standards.

Unfortunately, no corresponding explanation is given to help one understand why the choices were correct for the time and place, so non-Muslims, skeptics and others who do not have sufficient background knowledge should steer clear of this book.

That said, it is based on authenticate early sources. It strives for accuracy, and presents the differing versions of several accounts. To Muslims, this book is one of the best books of seerah , next to The Sealed Nectar .

5- Muhammad by Michael Cook

This tiny book is not a critical analysis. And it doesn’t include any consideration of the validity or effect of the message of the Prophet. Instead it is a simple and straightforward account of what the monotheist message was and how Muhammad brought it to Arabia.

6- Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet by Karen Armstrong

This book is written by a British scholar of Islam who is not a Muslim. Of particular interest is her assertion that she is no longer a practicing Christian either, but has not chosen to follow Islam; she seems to still be searching. She is, however, sympathetic to Islam and highly knowledgeable of history.

Ms. Armstrong gives a wonderful accounting of historical background and puts choices, situations, and issues into a clear perspective of surrounding norms and expectations.

In this way, even skeptics and those who continue to find Islamic injunctions not meeting modern day conceptions can see how much of an improvement the Islamic injunctions were in their own time.

Ms. Armstrong also makes an effort to show how these injunctions are in fact more natural and not as at odds with modern thinking as some seem to feel they are, and explains how if they seem to not meet modern needs it may be because modern needs are wrong. She also displays a clear knowledge of the difference between Islamic law and cultural practice.

Read: Authenticity of the Prophet’s Biography

The one downside is the tone that Ms. Armstrong uses that implies she may not really believe that Muhammad was in fact divinely inspired.

She refers to him as a great man, a reformer and statesman. But she seems to feel that he was a self-made man who accomplished amazing things and made choices based on the best decision of the moment, rather than by being inspired by divine intervention and instruction.

This may be difficult for Muslims to read, but if one can see past it and recognize that she is not a Muslim, one can still enjoy the book. That said, Ms. Armstrong is remarkably respectful of the message of Islam and its validity.

She is obviously in great awe of the Prophet and desires to make him understandable to the non-Muslim public. This is a great book for the historical background and contextual explanations alone.

(From Reading Islam archive.)

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