Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: A Detailed Biography

Prophet Muhammad ibn Abdullah (peace be upon him) (c. 570–632 CE) is the founder of Islam and, for Muslims, the final messenger of God. His life transformed Arabia from tribal paganism to the birth of a world religion that today has nearly 1.9 billion followers. This respectful biography follows the traditional Islamic narrative and historical consensus, as documented by the Encyclopaedia Britannica, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the BBC Religions.

Birth and Early Life in Mecca

Orphaned Childhood

Born around 570 CE in Mecca to Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib and Amina bint Wahb, Muhammad was orphaned by age 6 (father died before birth, mother when he was 6). Raised first by grandfather Abd al-Muttalib, then uncle Abu Talib, he earned the nicknames al-Amin (“the trustworthy”) and as-Sadiq (“the truthful”) for his honesty in trade, as recorded in the Al-Islam.org.

Marriage to Khadijah and First Revelation (610 CE)

The Cave of Hira

At age 25 he married wealthy widow Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, 15 years his senior; they had six children. In 610 CE, at age 40, while meditating in the Cave of Hira, angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared and commanded “Iqra!” (“Read/Recite!”). The first verses of the Qur’an were revealed, beginning his prophethood, as described by the Islamic Awareness.

Meccan Period and Persecution (610–622 CE)

Muhammad preached monotheism (“There is no god but Allah”) and social justice. Facing fierce opposition from Mecca’s Quraysh tribe, many early Muslims were tortured. In 619 CE (Year of Sorrow) both Khadijah and Abu Talib died. The Night Journey (Isra and Mi‘raj) occurred around this time, as preserved in the British Museum.

The Hijra to Medina (622 CE)

Invited by Medinan tribes, Muhammad and followers migrated (Hijra) in 622 CE — year 1 of the Islamic calendar. In Medina he established the first Muslim community (Ummah), drafted the Constitution of Medina, and became political as well as spiritual leader, as documented by the PBS and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Medinan Period and Battles

Badr, Uhud, and the Trench

Key battles: Badr (624 CE — Muslim victory), Uhud (625 — setback), Trench (627 — siege repelled). The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (628) allowed peaceful pilgrimage. In 630 CE Mecca surrendered without bloodshed; Muhammad forgave his former enemies.

Farewell Pilgrimage and Death (632 CE)

In March 632 CE he performed the Farewell Pilgrimage, delivering the Farewell Sermon on the Mount of Mercy emphasising equality and abolition of pagan practices. Returning to Medina, he fell ill and died on June 8, 632 CE (12 Rabi‘ al-Awwal 11 AH) in the apartment of his wife Aisha, aged 63.

Personal Life and Character

Muhammad had multiple wives after Khadijah’s death (most widows or political alliances). He emphasised kindness, mercy, and justice. Muslims send blessings upon him with the phrase “peace be upon him” (ﷺ) after his name.

Death and Legacy

Muhammad’s Enduring Impact

Within a century of his death, Islam spread from Spain to India. The Qur’an and his recorded sayings (Hadith) remain the primary sources of Islamic law and ethics. For Muslims he is the “Seal of the Prophets” and the best example of human conduct (Uswa Hasana), as celebrated by the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Al-Islam.org.

Frequently Asked Questions About Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Why Is Prophet Muhammad Famous?

Founder of Islam and final prophet in Abrahamic tradition — his life and teachings guide 1.9 billion Muslims.

When and Where Was Prophet Muhammad Born?

Mecca, around 570 CE.

What Is the Hijra?

Migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE — beginning of the Islamic calendar.

What Is the Qur’an?

The holy book of Islam, revealed to Muhammad over 23 years.

How Many Wives Did Prophet Muhammad Have?

11 or 13 (scholarly difference); Khadijah was first, Aisha the most well-known.

What Was the Night Journey (Isra and Mi‘raj)?

Miraculous journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascension to heaven.

How Did Prophet Muhammad Die?

June 8, 632 CE in Medina at age 63 after a short illness.