A brief introduction to the life of the Prophet Muhammad and his role in Islam.
Muhammad ﷺ was born in Makkah, in the Arabian Peninsula, around 570 CE. He was orphaned young, raised first by his grandfather and then his uncle, and was known among his community for his honesty even before he began receiving revelation.
At around the age of 40, Muslims believe he began receiving revelation from God through the angel Gabriel — revelation that continued over the next 23 years and was later compiled into the Qur’an. He is regarded by Muslims as the final prophet in a line that includes Abraham, Moses and Jesus, and is often referred to as the “Seal of the Prophets”.
He faced significant opposition in Makkah and eventually migrated with his followers to the city of Madinah in 622 CE — an event known as the Hijrah, which marks the start of the Islamic calendar. He returned to Makkah later in life and died in Madinah in 632 CE. His sayings and example, known as the Sunnah, form the second major source of Islamic guidance after the Qur’an.
Key points
- Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in Makkah around 570 CE.
- Muslims believe he began receiving revelation from God at around age 40, continuing for 23 years.
- He is regarded as the final prophet, the "Seal of the Prophets".
- His migration (Hijrah) from Makkah to Madinah in 622 CE marks the start of the Islamic calendar.
- His teachings and example (the Sunnah) are the second major source of Islamic guidance after the Qur'an.
Qur’an
“Muhammad is not the father of [any] one of your men, but [he is] the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets.”
Surah Al-Ahzab (33) — 33:40
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.”
Surah Al-Anbiya (21) — 21:107
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