info@pakistansweethome.org.pk
(051) 4865856
+92 335 1118477
6 min read
In the 6th century, a young boy named Muhammad in Arabia, destined to change the world, began his journey.
Muhammad (PBUH) grew up in the bustling city of Makkah, famous for its active trade routes and deep spiritual history. Though He (PBUH) began life as an orphan, He (PBUH) went through many impactful experiences. These significant events, guided by divine wisdom, directed His (PBUH) path to becoming a prophet.
Let’s explore the early life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the remarkable experiences that shaped his character and mission.
The holy prophet was born in 570 CE in Rabi al-Awwal in the town of Mecca, situated in the mountainous desert plateau of western Arabia.
There are different opinions related to the Prophet Muhammad's birth date. His name, derived from the Arabic verb “Hamada”, means "to praise" or "to glorify." He was the only son of Abd Allah bin Al-Muttalib and Amina bint Wahb. Tragically, Abdullah passed away before Muhammad's birth.
Muhammad's (PBUH) mother, Aminah, was the daughter of Wahb Ibn Abdu Manaf from the Zahrah family. His father, Abdullah, was the son of Abdul Muttalib.
Muhammad’s (PBUH) lineage can be traced to the noble house of Ismael, son of Prophet Abraham, approximately forty generations back. Abdullah’s death before Muhammad's (PBUH) birth left Aminah to care for him alone.
In Arab tradition, young children were often sent to the desert to be raised by Bedouins. This practice helped children develop resilience and exposed them to purer Arabic. Muhammad (PBUH) was entrusted to Halima Sadia, a poor wet nurse with limited resources.
Despite the challenges of famine and drought, Halima, the first foster mother of the holy prophet (PBUH), accepted Him.
Upon taking Muhammad (PBUH) into her care, Halima experienced a dramatic turnaround in fortune. Her previously barren camel began producing milk abundantly, and her herd flourished compared to others. Despite being an orphan, these miracles led Halima to believe that Muhammad (PBUH) was a blessed child.
After two years, Muhammad (PBUH) returned to his mother, Amina. However, Halima persuaded Amina to let Muhammad (PBUH) stay with her for another two years. She cited the blessings Muhammad (PBUH) had brought her and expressed concerns about an illness in Makkah.
During this period, a remarkable incident occurred. Angel Jibrael visited Muhammad (PBUH) and purified his heart, which was perceived as part of the shaytan (Satan) being removed.
Muhammad (PBUH) was soon returned to his mother, who reassured Halima that Muhammad (PBUH) was free from any evil influence. Tragically, Amina passed away before Muhammad (PBUH) turned six.
The young orphan was then taken under the care of his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, who nurtured him with great affection. Abdul Muttalib also passed away two years later, entrusting Muhammad (PBUH) to his son Abu Talib.
After Abdul Muttalib, Abu Talib became the guardian of Muhammad (PBUH). He was a man of great honor and had a commanding presence. As the leader of Banu Hashim, he held the esteemed titles of the "Lord of Quraysh" and "Chief of the Valley." Like many in his tribe, he was a merchant, leading caravans that traveled to and from Syria and Yemen.
Abu Talib's caravans would depart from Makkah to various destinations in every trading season. Sometimes, he oversaw the sale and purchase of goods in foreign markets. It is said that when young Muhammad (PBUH) was twelve years old, He accompanied his uncle on one of these journeys to Syria.
From an early age, Muhammad (PBUH), the future Prophet, earned a reputation for his honesty, integrity, and sound judgment. Since there were no banks then, he became a trusted "banker" for the people of Makkah, safeguarding their money, jewelry, and valuables.
When they needed their possessions returned, he always did so with utmost reliability. This trustworthiness earned him the titles of al-Amin (trustworthy) and al-Sadiq (truthful).
Muhammad (PBUH) worked as a trader for Khadijah (R.A), a widow until they married in 595 CE when he was 25. Their marriage, which lasted 25 years, was reportedly a happy one. Muhammad (PBUH) remained devoted to Khadija and did not marry another woman during their union.
After her death, Khawla bint Hakim suggested that Muhammad (PBUH) marry either Sawda bint Zama, a Muslim widow, or Aisha, the daughter of Um Ruman and Abu Bakr. Muhammad (PBUH) then arranged to marry Sawdah bint Zam'ah in 619 and Aisha bint Abi Bakr in 623.
Throughout his youth, Muhammad (PBUH) led a life of solitude and observed the moral decay and social unrest prevalent in Mecca. Despite the lawlessness, tribal conflicts, and widespread disbelief, he remained deeply affected by the societal conditions. He (PBUH) always reflected his sensitivity and concern for the well-being of his people.
At the age of fifteen, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was present during the Battle of Fijar. It was a conflict between the Quraysh tribe and the Hawazin tribe, fought during a sacred month in which warfare was forbidden.
Although He (PBUH) did not actively participate in combat, He (PBUH) played a supportive role by collecting and preparing arrows during the battle. His (PBUH) involvement in this conflict marked an early exposure to tribal warfare, known as Ayyam al-Arab.
These early experiences in both peace-building and conflict resolution shaped the Prophet’s (PBUH) leadership qualities. These experiences prepared him for his future role as a promoter of peace and justice.
During his early years, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was involved in significant events, demonstrating his peace-loving nature and conflict-resolution skills. One such instance was the Hilf al-Fudul, a peace treaty formed between the tribes of Makkah aimed at promoting justice and helping the poor and needy.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was so pleased with this agreement that He (PBUH) later expressed His (PBUH) willingness to participate in similar treaties again. This highlighted His (PBUH) strong desire for peace and justice.
Another key event occurred when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was around thirty-five years old, during the reconstruction of the Kaaba after a flood. The tribes of Quraysh argued over who would have the honor of placing the Black Stone.
Using his wisdom, the Prophet (PBUH) suggested that the stone be placed on a cloth. This way allowed each tribe to lift the stone together, with the Prophet (PBUH) himself putting it in its final position. This incident showcased his skill in fostering unity and peaceful cooperation.
Muhammad (PBUH) developed a practice of solitary retreats, spending time in the mountains near Makkah to fast and meditate. In 610 CE, during one of these retreats in a cave on Mount Hira, he experienced a profound encounter.
Angel Jibrael came to him and told him that he was chosen as a prophet. He (PBUH) then delivered words of immense beauty and power, which Muhammad (PBUH) believed were from God.
The first experience with Angel Gabriel profoundly affected Muhammad (PBUH), and he initially kept it private, sharing it only with His (PBUH) wife Khadijah (RA). Over time, such encounters continued, and He (PBUH) was eventually commanded to share the divine messages with His (PBUH) tribe publicly.
In conclusion, The early life of the holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a testament to resilience and divine preparation.
From His (PBUH) birth in Makkah and the challenges of an orphaned childhood to His (PBUH) upbringing in the desert, each phase of His (PBUH) early years was significant. These experiences played a crucial role in shaping His (PBUH) character.
His (PBUH) involvement in the Battle of Fijar, the Hilf al-Fudul, and the reconstruction of the Kaaba highlight His (PBUH) leadership and commitment to justice. These foundational experiences set the stage for His (PBUH) future mission as a prophet.
Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Makkah (Mecca), in present-day Saudi Arabia, in the year 570 CE.
Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) mother's name was Amina bint Wahb. She was a member of the noble Banu Zuhra tribe in Makkah.
Before becoming a prophet, Muhammad (PBUH) worked as a merchant and earned a reputation for his honesty and integrity. At around twenty-five years old, he married Khadija, a wealthy widow, which significantly enhanced his standing in Meccan society. Together, they had four daughters and two sons, both of whom passed away in infancy.
Despite his roles as a prophet, teacher, statesman, and judge, Muhammad (PBUH) lived a humble life. He attended tasks such as milking his goat, mending his clothes, repairing his shoes, and assisting with household chores. He also visited the sick and worked alongside his companions, such as helping to dig a trench by moving sand.
Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was called Sadiq (the Truthful) and Amin (the Trustworthy) due to his exemplary honesty and integrity. Before his prophethood, he earned these titles because of his reputation for truthfulness and reliability in both personal and business matters. His adherence to truth and his trustworthiness made him highly respected among the people of Makkah.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his prophethood at the age of 40. This pivotal moment occurred in the year 610 CE when he experienced the first revelation from Allah through the Angel Gabriel while he was in the cave of Mount Hira.
WRITTEN BY
Ali Raza (Islamic Jurisprudence)
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
Ali Raza holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies and is an expert in Islamic theology and jurisprudence. Specializing in Zakat, Sadaqah, and other Islamic donations, Ali's writings provide valuable insights into the religious and ethical aspects of charity. His work for Pakistan Sweet Homes aims to educate and inspire readers to support orphan care and charitable initiatives, making him a key contributor to the organization's mission.
