Muhammad's Life

Birth of Muhammad

570

Muhammad is born in the mountain town of Mecca. He grows up learning Arabic.

Muhammad is Orphaned

575

At five or six years old, Muhammad's mother perishes on a homeward-bound journey back to Mecca.

Muhammad is Transferred to the Care of His Uncle

578

Once Muhammad's grandfather dies, he is placed under the care of his uncle, Abu Talib. Many muslims view his childhood as an example of godly providence and protection from Allah.

Muhammad is Wed

595

He marries his distant cousin named Khadija who also happens to be his Meccan business partner. It is said that his wife proposed the marriage to him. His wife was nearly forty while he was about twenty-five.

Allah's First Revelation

610

While fasting in a remote cave outside of Mecca, he is visited by a spiritual power which grants him visions and tongues of power. He credits God for this supernatural experience and tells only his closest family members about the incident.

Muhammad's First Testimony

613

After experiencing more visions from God, Muhammad decides to share his faith with his tribe. He is hated and persecuted for trying to change Mecca's customs. He and his family suffer for his testimony of Allah's supremacy. Muslims treat Muhammad like an ideological martyr or victim for this suffering and cherish his contributions to Allah like we would honor victims of Christian persecution.

Muhammad's Discipleship

622

After moving to Medina, named "City of the Prophet," Muhammad gains more disciples and establishes a large Muslim following. He acts as both a prophet and a mediator for desperate people in the midst of war.

The End of Peace

625

Muhammad is eventually hunted down by the Meccans for his teachings, and the Muslims are forced to fight. After three intense battles, the two groups establish a short-lived treaty which expires only one year later.

The Prophet's Conquest

630

Eventually, Muhammad gains so much support that the Meccans have no choice but to surrender. Arabic tribes all over the region come to his side, and he marches into his home town unchallenged.

Death of Muhammad

632

Muhammad lives his final days in Medina and unites the region under Islam. He ends his legacy by making one final pilgrimage to Mecca alongside thousands of other Muslims. He finally dies three months later and is buried in a mosque in Medina.