History

Jump to Outline:

  • Age 0-40: Prophet’s birth, youth, marriage
  • Age 40-53: Revelation & calling Mecca to Islam
  • Age 40-53: Revelation & calling Mecca to Islam

Similar to other Prophets throughout history, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) struggled against his own people, urging them to accept a pure monotheistic belief in The Creator (Allah). The Quraish tribe is a conglomerate of about 10 different clans composed mostly of merchants, and Muhammad (saw) belonged to the Banu Hashim clan. Historically the Quraish believed in Allah and the Prophets. This is why many of them have “Muslim sounding” names. When one of their merchants, Amr ibn Luhayy, brought idols back to the Kaba in Mecca, all of Arabia started to use idols as intercessors in their worship. When mankind goes astray from monotheistic belief, that is when Allah sends a warning to the people through His Prophets. Prophets (”Nabi”) reinforce the teachings of the Prophets that came before them and Messengers (”Rasool”) bring new teachings or changes to the rules. Some rulings in the past were specific to a particular nation. Prophet Muhammad(saw) had the responsibility of being both Prophet and Messenger and his nation is all of mankind that accept his message, from the start of his revelation in 610 CE, until the Day of Judgement.

All the Prophets and Messengers are highly regarded. But Allah has given some Prophets rank over others. The Prophets of the highest rank are: Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. And of these 5 Prophets, Muhammad is the highest ranking. He is given this rank due to his exhaustive efforts to deliver the Message, excellent manners, and exemplary patience. He is the only Prophet that did not make duaa (prayer) against his own nation. On The Day of Judgment he and his nation will be witnesses against former deviant nations because understanding the words of the Quran is as good as an eye witness testimony. Muhammad(saw) is the sole Prophet that will have shifa (intercession) on The Day of Standing, on Judgement Day. He will also have the ability to remove from Hellfire any monotheistic believers of his nation that were short of good deeds. But he can only do this with Allah’s permission.

Muhammad(saw) received his first revelation of the Quran at the age of 40. The term “Quran” is that which is recited and is regarded as the speech of Allah. The written text of the Quran (which are often called “kitab” or “mushaf”) have been reordered (The surahs/chapters have been re-ordered), to aid in modern day memorization. It’s authenticity remains absolute and is protected by Allah Himself. The Quran was revealed, slowly, over the next 23 years of Muhammad’s(saw) life. A majority of the Surahs/chapters were revealed in Mecca while the city was under the rule of Mushrikeen/disbelievers under tribal law. And the remaining Surahs, dealing with legal rulings (sharia), were revealed in the city of Medina when the early Muslims migrated to escape torture in Mecca. Many references to the earlier Prophets are mentioned throughout the Quran, but only in brief. They are mentioned as reminders, as comparisons, and as encouragement for Muhammad(saw) during his most difficult times.

(this section is under construction)

Age 0-40: Prophet’s birth, youth, marriage

  • Social situation in pre-Islamic Arabia
  • Death of parents
  • Abu Talib
  • Childhood
  • Marriage to Khadija

Age 40-53: Revelation & calling Mecca to Islam

  • Revelation
    • At 40 years of age the Prophet Muhammad was called to Prophecy.  He began calling his townspeople to Islam because the predominant practice at that time was idolatry.  He belonged to the Quraish, which is a collective of individual tribes that live in his hometown of Mecca. Calling the townspeople to Islam made a rift in the community and it divided families and friends.  Due to tribal pride, many townspeople resorted to violence against the smaller group of Muslims, even though they knew the Muslims were telling the truth.
  • Year of Sorrow
    • Death of Khadijah and Abu Talib
  • Quraish Aggression & Assassination attempts
    • Muslims do not have permission to fight back.
  • Start of Hijrah Migration to Medina
    • Hijrah marks the start of the Islamic Lunar Calendar
    • Many people left their entire wealth behind in Mecca or had it seized by the Quraish

Age 53-63: Migration to Medina, Establishing the Brotherhood & the rulings of an ideal society and government.

  • Established the brotherhood in Medina and treaty with the Jews
  • Permission is granted to fight back
    • Up until this point the Muslims were not given permission for about 13 years to defend themselves.  It was important to nurture the Muslim community and their faith.  When permission to fight back was finally granted, the Muslims started to raid caravans in the area. 
    • Battle of Badr: Word was spread that a very valuable caravan was on it’s way to Mecca. The Muslims set out to intercept it but it changed course. Mecca sent an army of about 1000 (well supplied) men to engage with about 313 (ill-equipped) Muslims. 

NOTE: The enemy army is sometimes referred to as: Quraish, Meccans, Disbelievers, or as Mushrikeen.