Muhammad (peace be upon him), the leader of the religion of Islam, is the final prophet in a long line of prophets including Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. He was born in Mecca in 570 CE and was orphaned at an early age. Muhammad (pbuh) was brought up by his uncle, Abu Talib, and later worked as a merchant and shepherd. He got married by the age of 25 and was known for helping people in his community. However, he was unhappy with life in Mecca due to the greed and dishonesty of the people. He felt a strong desire to find a way to show people how to live better lives and give up their bad ways.
Muhammad (pbuh) decided to spend time alone in a cave outside Mecca, where he received his first message from God at the age of 40. The Angel Gabriel appeared before him and showed him some words. Despite not knowing how to read or write, Muhammad was able to remember everything the angel said. He began preaching what God had told him, that Allah is the one true God, and giving oneself to Him is the only way to worship Him.
Muhammad (pbuh) faced opposition and was treated harshly by some tribes around Mecca. To escape danger, he and his followers went to Medina in 622 CE. This event, known as the Hijra, marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad (pbuh) united the local tribes who had been fighting each other. After eight years of fighting, his followers, who had grown to 10,000, conquered Mecca. Muhammad (pbuh) did not punish the people who had driven him out of the city but made new rules and laws that ensured proper care for the poor and children.
Muhammad (pbuh) continued to receive messages from Allah throughout his life, and these messages became the Quran, the holy book of Islam. He died in 632 CE after falling ill. By the time of his death, he had united the tribes of Arabia into a single group who all followed the religion of Islam. Most people who lived on the Arabian Peninsula were Muslims. To Muslims, Muhammad and the other prophets are considered to be so holy that the phrase “Peace Be Upon Him” is always said when their names are mentioned.
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