Muhammad ﷺ (peace be upon him) is the final prophet in Islam, sent by God as a "mercy to all the worlds" (Quran 21:107). He was born in Makkah in 570 CE and is regarded by Muslims as the greatest example of how to live a life of faith, kindness, and justice.
Early Life
Muhammad ﷺ was born into the Quraysh tribe of Makkah. Orphaned at a young age — losing his father before birth and his mother at age six — he was raised by his grandfather and then his uncle, Abu Talib.
Even before prophethood, he was known among his people as Al-Amin (The Trustworthy) and As-Sadiq (The Truthful). He was a shepherd and later a successful merchant known for his honesty and integrity.
The Revelation
At the age of 40, while meditating in the Cave of Hira near Makkah, Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. The first word revealed was "Iqra" — "Read" — which would become the opening of Surah Al-Alaq in the Quran.
Over the next 23 years, the Quran was gradually revealed to him. He called people to worship the One God, abandon idolatry, care for the poor, free slaves, and live with justice and compassion.
His Character
Mercy & Compassion
He forgave those who persecuted him, fed the hungry, and wept for the suffering of others. When he conquered Makkah, instead of seeking revenge, he granted a general amnesty to those who had oppressed him for years.
Humility
Despite being the most respected leader in Arabia, he mended his own shoes, milked his own goats, and sat on the ground with the poor. He said: "I am only a servant of God, so say: the servant of God and His messenger."
Justice
He established equal rights regardless of race, tribe, or wealth. In his farewell sermon, he declared: "An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have superiority over an Arab — except by piety and good action."
Kindness to All
He taught kindness to animals, care for the environment, and respect for neighbors of all faiths. He had Jewish and Christian neighbors and actively maintained good relations with people of other religions.
His Legacy
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed away in 632 CE in Madinah at the age of 63. In just 23 years, his message transformed a tribal, idol-worshipping society into a civilization built on monotheism, literacy, justice, and compassion.
Today, nearly 2 billion people follow his teachings. Muslims honor him not through worship (worship is for God alone) but by striving to emulate his character — his patience, generosity, honesty, and love for all people.
"The best among you are those who have the best character."
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ