Muhammad in Islam

Early Life and Revelation

In Islam, Muhammad is honored as the Seal of the Prophets. Muslims believe he received the Quran, Islam's holy book, from the angel Gabriel. They think Muhammad was sent to share God's message with people and jinn, continuing the original faith of mankind taught by earlier prophets like Abraham, Moses, and Jesus.

Muhammad began sharing his messages when he was 40 years old in a cave named Hira near Mecca. He taught the oneness of God and opposed idolatry practiced in pre-Islamic Arabia.

The Hijrah and Leadership in Medina

This caused some conflict, and he and his followers moved to Medina in an event called the Hijrah.

Return to Mecca and Battles

Later, Muhammad returned to Mecca and fought in battles like the Battle of Badr, which Muslims see as a sign of God's support.

Legacy and Guidance

Muhammad is seen as a perfect example of how to live a good and moral life. His actions and teachings, called the Sunnah, guide Muslims today. He is known by many respectful titles, and Muslims often say sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam meaning "Peace be upon him" after using his name. He is called "The Prophet" and is regarded as the greatest prophet in Islam.

In the Quran

Further information: Muhammad in the Quran

The Quran mentions Muhammad four times. It talks about him as a prophet and his good character but does not give many details about his early life. The Quran teaches that Muhammad was the last prophet sent by God. He is called names such as "Messenger", "Messenger of God", and "Prophet". The Quran says that Muhammad was a great example for people.

The Quran also explains that God sent Muhammad with important messages for everyone. It describes Muhammad as a blessing to the world. Some parts of the Quran are thought to relate to special moments in Muhammad’s life, such as receiving the first message.

Names and titles of praise

Muhammad has many special names and titles that show how much people respect him. Some of these names are "the Prophet," "the Messenger," "the beloved," and "the chosen one." He is also called "the trustworthy," "the honest," and "the truthful." Other titles describe him as kind, a good example, and a mercy to the world.

He has other names too, like "Abu'l-Qasim," which means "father of Qasim," and "Ahmad," meaning "the Praised one." These names show the respect and love that followers of Islam have for him.

Overview

In Muslim tradition, Muhammad is seen as a special person who shone with light. Stories tell us that when he walked into a dark place, light would shine around him like moonlight. Muslims believe that Muhammad showed God's kindness and guidance.

Although Muhammad said he was just an ordinary person, many stories tell of amazing things he did. The Quran, the important book for Muslims, reminds us that Muhammad was human by saying, "I am only a human being like you." But Muslims still respect him deeply. Some believe that the Quran itself is the greatest miracle given to Muhammad.

Final prophet

Main article: Khatam an-Nabiyyin

Muslims believe that Muhammad was the last prophet sent by God to guide people to the right path. The Quran calls him the Seal of the Prophets, meaning he was the final messenger in a long line of prophets that began with Adam. Both Sunni and Shi'i Muslims agree that Muhammad is the last prophet.

Morality and Sunnah

Muslims believe that Muhammad showed the best moral qualities and was a model for everyone. They think he was a wonderful person created by God. His good qualities included modesty, humility, forgiveness, generosity, honesty, justice, patience, and self-denial. For many years, Muslims have tried to live like Muhammad every day.

In Muslim legal and religious thought, Muhammad’s actions and teachings, called the Sunnah, guide how Muslims should behave. The Sunnah is recorded in the Hadith literature and covers many parts of life, from small daily habits to big religious practices. While the Quran tells Muslims to pray, fast, and give to others, Muhammad showed them how to do these things.

Biography

Muhammad’s life story is told in historical books called Al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya (prophetic biography). Early books were written by ibn ʾIsḥāq, but only a later version by ibn Hishām remains today. These books show Muhammad as both a normal person and someone special. He is seen as a caring and devoted leader. His actions, called the sunnah, guide his followers.

Muhammad was born around 570 CE in Mecca, in the Arabian Peninsula, into the family of Banu Hashim. He lost his parents as a child and was raised by his grandfather and later his uncle Abu Talib. As a young boy, he lived with a Bedouin tribe to learn their clear speech and good manners. When he was 25, he started working for a woman named Khadijah, and they later got married.

When Muhammad was 40, in 610 CE, he began to receive messages from the angel Gabriel. These messages became the Quran, Islam’s holy book. He shared these teachings with his family and close friends. As his message spread, some leaders in Mecca did not like it and made life hard for some of his followers. Muhammad led many of them to a place called Medina.

In Medina, Muhammad built a mosque and helped create a community where people could live together in peace. He worked to solve problems and make fair rules for everyone. Over time, more people joined his teachings, and Muhammad’s influence grew. He traveled back to Mecca to share his message and entered the city peacefully, where many people accepted Islam.

Muhammad guided his community until he passed away in 632 CE in Medina. He is remembered as a kind and wise leader who showed many people a new way to live.

Veneration

Muhammad is greatly respected by Muslims, who think he is the most important prophet. When talking about him, Muslims add the title "Prophet" and use a special greeting meaning "Peace be upon him."

Muslims do not worship Muhammad—they believe only God should be worshipped.

Throughout the Islamic calendar year, Muslims celebrate five special days connected to Muhammad’s life. These days include his birthday and events like his journey to heaven. During these celebrations, people gather to read from the Quran, share stories about Muhammad, and offer free food to others.

Some Muslims also keep small pieces of hair said to belong to Muhammad, believing they bring special blessings. Many visit Muhammad’s tomb in Medina, thinking it brings good fortune and that he will help them on a very important day in the future.

Night Journey and Ascension

Main article: Isra and Mi'raj

The ’Isrā’ wal-Miʿrāj tells the story of Muhammad's special night journey and ascension. Many believe these events happened on the same night. The Quran mentions this event briefly in Surah 17.

Traditionally, many Muslims believe Muhammad's journey was a real trip. Over time, different stories about this journey were shared. One early story says Muhammad was taken by the angel Gabriel to Jerusalem on a special animal called the Buraq. There, he met many important prophets. Later, Muhammad climbed through the heavens, meeting more prophets and learning about prayers for believers.

Other writers tell the story a bit differently. These stories show how people have remembered Muhammad's special night over many years.

Today, many Muslims celebrate this journey as Miʿrāj Qindīl.

Splitting of the Moon

Main article: Splitting of the Moon

Surah 54:1-2 tells about Muhammad splitting the Moon when he was in Mecca. Some think this may have been a lunar eclipse that happened between 610 and 622. At that time, people believed such events were signs from God.

Some stories say that Muhammad’s friends asked him to show a miracle to prove he was a prophet. In these stories, Muhammad split the Moon into two parts, and then it joined back together. Others thought it was just magic. This story is told in old Islamic writings.

Animals

Visual representation

Main article: Depictions of Muhammad

In Islam, pictures of important religious figures like Muhammad are shown carefully. Some traditions say that showing any living being, including prophets, in art is not allowed. This idea became stronger around the eighth century.

When Muhammad appears in old artworks from places like the Ilkhanate, Timurid, and Safavid times, his face is often covered or shown as a bright light. Some believe these artworks were made when rulers were not strictly following religious rules, while others think they were made by very devoted followers of Islam.

Artworks showing Muhammad became more common among Turkish and Mongol people after they converted to Islam. These pictures helped teach people about the religion and support certain Islamic beliefs. Even in these images, Muhammad’s face is usually hidden or shown as glowing light, because of how bright his face was described to be.