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Muhammad

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Muhammad was a religious and political leader in Arabia. He founded the religion known as Islam.

Cave Hira
Cave Hira

Many Muslims believe he was the final prophet of God. They believe he was sent to confirm teachings from earlier prophets. These include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus. His life and teachings form the very basis of Islamic belief. Along with the Quran, his examples guide how followers live.

Al-Masjid AL-Nabawi Door
Al-Masjid AL-Nabawi Door

His early life began in the city of Mecca around 570 CE. He was born into the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe. His father, Abdullah, died before Muhammad was even born. His mother, Amina, passed away when he was only six years old. This meant he grew up as an orphan.

Siyer-i Nebi The birth of Muhammad
Siyer-i Nebi The birth of Muhammad

His grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib, cared for him first. Later, his uncle Abu Talib took over his care. Muhammad grew up learning many skills like archery and swordsmanship. He also worked leading trade caravans to places like Syria.

In the year 610, a major change happened in his life. Muhammad was 40 years old at this time. He often went to a mountain cave named Hira to pray. There, he reported that the angel Gabriel visited him. This was his first revelation from God.

Miniatura Maometto
Miniatura Maometto

In 613, he began to preach these messages to the public. He taught that God is One. He also taught that submission to God is the right way to live. This way of life is called Islam.

Following his teachings was not always easy for his followers. For 13 years, people in Mecca treated them poorly. To stay safe, some followers moved to Abyssinia in 615. Later, in 622, Muhammad and his followers moved to Medina.

Madina Haram at evening
Madina Haram at evening

This important move is called the Hijrah. It is so significant that it marks the start of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad helped unite different tribes. By 629, he led a large group back to Mecca. The city was taken with very few people hurt.

Muhammad died in June 632 after falling ill. By that time, most of the Arabian Peninsula followed Islam.

The revelations he received became the verses of the Quran. Muslims see the Quran as the actual word of God. They also look to the hadith for guidance. Hadith are reports of his words and actions. Other faiths also respect him. For example, Sikhism sees him as an inspirational figure. The Baháʼí Faith calls him a Manifestation of God.

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🖼️ Images & Media (25)
File:Muhammad Masjid an-Nabawi Calligraphy.svg
Muhammad Masjid an-Nabawi Calligraphy.svg
File:Muslim Conquest.sv.svg
Muslim Conquest.sv.svg
File:Map of expansion of Caliphate.svg
Map of expansion of Caliphate.svg
File:Allah-green.svg
Allah-green.svg
File:Mohamed peace be upon him.svg
Mohamed peace be upon him.svg
File:Paris, BnF, Supplément Persan 1030 fol. 305v-306r Muhammad and Ali lead destruction of Meccan idols.jpg
Paris, BnF, Supplément Persan 1030 fol....
File:Madina Haram at evening.jpg
Madina Haram at evening.jpg
File:Mrs Aisha room.jpg
Mrs Aisha room.jpg
File:Domeoftherock1.jpg
Domeoftherock1.jpg
File:Mohammed kaaba 1315.jpg
Mohammed kaaba 1315.jpg
File:The Prophet Muhammad and the Muslim Army at the Battle of Uhud, from the Siyer-i Nebi, 1595.jpg
The Prophet Muhammad and the Muslim Army...
File:Cave Hira.jpg
Cave Hira.jpg

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