Write on Muhammad (S.A W) from birth to prophethood (610 CE)

Answer Details

Birth and lineage: Muhammad (S.A.W) was born in Makkah in the Year of the Elephant (about 570 CE) into the noble clan of Banu Hashim of the tribe of Quraysh. His father, Abdullah, died before his birth, and his mother was Aminah bint Wahb. He was named Muhammad, meaning the praised one.

Early childhood: Following Arab custom he was given to Halimah as-Sa'diyyah of the Banu Sa'd to be nursed and reared in the desert. His mother Aminah died when he was six years old at Abwa. His grandfather Abdul-Muttalib then took charge of him but died two years later, after which his uncle Abu Talib became his guardian.

Youth and character: He grew up tending sheep and later took part in trade. Even before prophethood he was known for truthfulness and trustworthiness, earning the titles al-Amin (the trustworthy) and as-Sadiq (the truthful). At about the age of twelve he accompanied Abu Talib on a trade journey to Syria, where the monk Bahira is said to have noticed signs of prophethood in him. He also witnessed the sacrilegious wars (Harb al-Fijar) and joined the pact of chivalry, Hilf al-Fudul, which pledged to defend the oppressed.

Marriage to Khadijah: At about twenty-five he was employed to trade with the capital of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a wealthy widow. Impressed by his honesty and success, she proposed marriage and he married her. She bore him children and remained his sole wife during her lifetime.

Rebuilding of the Ka'bah: When the Quraysh rebuilt the Ka'bah, a dispute arose over who should replace the Black Stone. Muhammad (S.A.W) was chosen as arbitrator; he placed the stone on his cloak and had the chiefs lift it together, then set it in place himself, averting bloodshed.

The call to reflection and prophethood: As he grew disturbed by the idolatry and corruption of his people, he withdrew to the Cave of Hira on Mount Nur for meditation. There, in about 610 CE, the angel Jibril appeared to him with the first revelation, the opening verses of Suratul-'Alaq beginning Iqra' bismi Rabbika (Read in the name of your Lord). This marked the beginning of his prophethood at about the age of forty.

Conclusion: From his birth to prophethood, the life of Muhammad (S.A.W) reveals a man of sterling character, honesty and reflection, prepared by Allah for the great task of guiding humankind.