Outline of Muhammad's Life

Birth

570

Muhammad was born in Mecca to the tribe of Quraysh and the clan of Hāshim. He is left in the care of his paternal grandfather after his father passes shortly after his birth.

Trip to Syria

595

Muhammad is recognized by a Christian Monk while on a trip to Syria with his uncle. This is believed to be a sign that he was a future prophet and a description of this could be found in the Quran

Marriage

595

When Muhammad was 25 years old, he married Khadījah, a rich woman who had employed him on the Syria trip. She proposes to him and was said to have been about 40 years old at the time. She bore him two sons and four daughters.

Divine Revelation

610

At the age of 40, Muhammad is visited by what he claims is the angel Gabriel who brings him divine revelations. He is greatly troubled by these revelations but is reassured by his wife and her cousin that his revelations are indeed from God. He continues to receive visions while meditating but only speaks about them privately.

Public Preaching

613

Muhammad begins to preach his revelations publicly. He angers many with his claims of there being no gods but God. The other tribes of Mecca refuse to intermarry or trade with his tribe and this leads to strife between him and some of his followers. He tribe continues to shelter him and allow him to share his revelations with others.

Flight to Medina

619

Muhammad's protection from his clan is revoked and he is forced to flee to Medina in order to escape the assassination attempts.

Second Marriage

619

Muhammad married Aisha, his second wife, after the death of his first wife. Aisha is seen to be a paragon of virtue in Islamic tradition and is much venerated.

Night Journey

621

Muhammad is said to have been transported to Jerusalem where he prayed with Jesus, Moses, and other prophets. He was then taken to Heaven where he was told of the tenet of Islam that requires prayer 5 times a day.

Pilgrimage to Mecca

630

In 628 Muhammad seeks to go to Mecca for a pilgrimage. As hostilities broke out between his followers and the rulers of Mecca, permission is not given until 629. He does not follow up on his pilgrimage and ends up going to Mecca in 630 with an army

Death

632

After fighting his way to Mecca, Muhammad gains entrance and performs several pilgrimages with the time he had left. He leaves no clear path for the prophet to succeed him and this causes major doctrinal splits in the Islamic community