Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), the last prophet and founder of Islam, is known to be born in 570 CE (Common Era) and is believed to have died on June 8, 632 AD (after Jesus's birth).
The above dates are according to the Julian and Gregorian calendars followed in those times.
It is widely believed that Allah had revealed the verses of the Quran in the holy month of Ramadan for the first time to Prophet Muhammad on Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Power).
When Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) received his first revelation in Hira’ Cave through angel Jibril, he was asked to “Iqra”, which means read. Astounded, he (ﷺ) replied, “I am not literate.” He was asked two more times to read, but he answered again, that he could not read. After that, the angel Jibril conveyed the revelation:
"Read in the name of your Lord Who created; created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous Who taught by the pen; taught man that which he knew not” (Surah Al-’Alaq; 1-5)
“Iqra” is a command to read the signs that Allah has placed in the world so that all of us can understand something of His Wisdom and Mercy. It is a command to learn, through experience and understanding. And as humans continue seeking knowledge, always remember never to be arrogant with the knowledge that we have acquired.
What is the biggest miracle of Prophet Muhammad?
Quran - The revelation of the Quran is considered by Muslims to be Muhammad (ﷺ) greatest miracle and a miracle for all times, unlike the miracles of other prophets, which were confined to being witnessed in their own lifetimes.
1. Birth and birthplace
It is widely believed that Muhammad (ﷺ) was born in Mecca and lived there roughly for the first 52 years of his life, most likely from 570 CE-622 AD.
2. Family
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) father Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib died before his birth, and his mother, Aminah, is believed to have died when he (ﷺ) was just 6 years old.
His paternal uncle Abu Talib later took care of him.
3. Tryst with trading
In the initial years of his life, Muhammad (ﷺ) used to accompany his uncle on trading journeys to gain experience in commercial trade. Muhammad (ﷺ) later became a merchant and was allegedly involved in trade between the Indian ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
4. The several names of Muhammad
It was his trustworthy character that acquired him the nickname al-Amin meaning 'faithful, trustworthy', and al-Sadiq meaning 'truthful'.
Based on his personality, here are some names that he is known and worshipped by:
Al-Kareem, meaning the noble and generous one
Al-Mustafa, meaning the chosen one
Al-Shahid, meaning the witness
Al-Aqib, meaning the last one
Rasul, meaning the messenger
Al-Nabi, meaning the prophet
Tayyib, meaning good
5. Kaaba
He (ﷺ) is known to have set the Black Stone in place inside the holy shrine Kaaba in 605 AD.
The Kaaba in Mecca has long held a major economic and religious role for the area and believers.
It is believed that 17 months after Muhammad (ﷺ) arrival in Madina, the Kaaba became the Muslim Qibla or direction for prayer (salat).
The Kaaba has been rebuilt several times; the present structure, built-in 1629, is a reconstruction of an earlier building dating to 683.
6. First revelation
Muhammad (ﷺ) used to pray alone in a cave named Hira on Mount Jabal al-Nour, where he also received his first revelation. As per beliefs, during one of his visits to the cave, angel Gabriel appeared before him and asked him to recite the verses that would be included in the Quran. These were the words of Allah and were first preached by Muhammad (ﷺ) to his family, then to a few friends, and then to the public at large.
7. Sunnat
The methods practiced by the Prophet (ﷺ) are known as Sunnat and are followed largely by Muslims around the globe.
It is believed that the Prophet (ﷺ) never ate alone. He (ﷺ) used to always invite others to eat with him.
As a mark of respect, Muhammad (ﷺ) used to greet people before asking their permission to enter their house, and also encouraged others to do the same.
Few more of his lifestyle practices include:
Entering a house with placing the right foot first
Putting the right hand and leg first while wearing clothes, and vice versa while removing them
Entering the toilet with the head covered
Washing both hands up till the wrist before eating
Eating with the right hand, sitting on the floor, and eating
Always sitting and drinking, not standing; drinking in 3 breaths (sips), removing the utensil from the mouth after each sip
Sleeping on the right side with the right palm under the right cheek, keeping the knees slightly bent