Who Was Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?
Learn about the life, message, and character of Muhammad ﷺ, whom Muslims believe was the final prophet and messenger of Allah.
Learning goals
Learn his life story
Identify key stages of his life in Makkah and Madinah.
Understand his message
Recognize his call to worship Allah alone and live justly.
Read primary sources
Use the Qur'an and authentic hadith as starting points for study.
1. Early life in Makkah
Muhammad ibn Abdullah ﷺ was born in Makkah in Arabia around 570 CE. His father died before his birth, and his mother died when he was young. He was cared for by family members, including his grandfather and then his uncle. He grew up among the Quraysh and later worked in trade.
He married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, who became his first wife and a crucial source of support. For further reading on the Qur'an's reference to his early circumstances, see Qur'an 93:6 ↗.
2. The first revelation
Muslims believe Muhammad ﷺ began receiving revelation from Allah at approximately age forty. The first revelation came while he was in the cave of Hira near Makkah, through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). The opening verses of Surah Al-'Alaq (96:1–5) form part of the account.
The report attributed to A'ishah in Sahih al-Bukhari 3 ↗ recounts his experience, his return to Khadijah, and her reassurance. Read Qur'an 96:1–5 ↗ alongside the hadith.
3. His message in Makkah
His call focused on the oneness of Allah, rejecting idol worship, responsibility before the Last Day, and caring for others. Early Muslims faced opposition in Makkah, and the community gradually grew despite hardship.
According to the Qur'an, the Prophet ﷺ was sent as a mercy to the worlds; see Qur'an 21:107 ↗. This does not mean every encounter in his life was free of conflict; his life should be studied carefully in its historical context.
4. The Hijrah and life in Madinah
In 622 CE, Muhammad ﷺ and his followers migrated from Makkah to Yathrib, later known as Madinah. This migration, called the Hijrah, marks the starting point of the Islamic calendar. In Madinah he led a growing Muslim community, taught worship and ethics, and engaged in social, legal, and political leadership.
Read Qur'an 9:40 ↗ for a reference to his journey with a companion.
5. His character and lasting example
The Qur'an describes the Prophet ﷺ as possessing excellent character (68:4 ↗) and as an example for believers (33:21 ↗). Muslims study his words, actions, and approvals—preserved in hadith literature—as the Sunnah.
Muslims believe he was the final prophet. See Qur'an 33:40 ↗. He died in Madinah in 632 CE. His teachings continue to shape Muslim worship and daily life.
6. Review your understanding
1. In which city was Muhammad ﷺ born?
He was born in Makkah.
2. Who supported him after the first revelation?
His wife Khadijah reassured and supported him.
3. What is the name of the cave associated with the first revelation?
The cave of Hira.
4. What does the Hijrah refer to?
The migration from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE.
5. Which verse identifies Muhammad ﷺ as the final prophet?
Qur'an 33:40.
6. Name one Qur'anic passage about his character or example.
Qur'an 68:4 or 33:21.
Independent study and references
Read Qur'an 96:1–5, 21:107, 33:21, and 33:40, as well as Sahih al-Bukhari 3. Write a brief timeline with three milestones in the Prophet's ﷺ life and identify two teachings relevant to daily character.
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