Seerah
The life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
A short timeline of the Prophet's life ﷺ, from his birth in Makkah to his passing in Madinah.
Birth (571)
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born in Makkah in 571, the Year of the Elephant. His father Abdullah died before his birth and his mother Aminah when he was six.
Childhood and youth
He grew up with his grandfather Abd al-Muttalib, then his uncle Abu Talib. He worked as a shepherd and a trader, and was called "al-Amin" (the trustworthy).
The Pact of the Virtuous
As a young man he joined the Hilf al-Fudul, a pact in Makkah to defend anyone wronged. Even after prophethood he said he would join such a pact again if called.
Marriage to Khadijah (595)
At 25 he married Khadijah, who became the first to believe in him and his greatest support.
The arbitration at the Kaaba (605)
When the Kaaba was rebuilt, the tribes nearly fought over who would set the Black Stone in place. Chosen as arbiter, he placed it on a cloth, had each chief hold an edge, and they carried it together. His wisdom prevented bloodshed.
The first revelation (610)
At forty, in the cave of Hira, Jibril brought the first verses of Surah al-Alaq with the word "Read!". Prophethood began.
The call and its hardships
He called people in secret for three years, then openly. Muslims were persecuted; some emigrated to Abyssinia (615), and they were boycotted for three years.
Year of Sorrow and Taif (619–620)
Khadijah and Abu Talib died the same year. In Taif he was stoned, yet he did not curse them; he prayed for their guidance.
Isra and Mi'raj
In one night he was taken from the Sacred Mosque to al-Aqsa and raised through the heavens. The five daily prayers were made obligatory that night.
The pledges of Aqabah (621–622)
In the Hajj season, Muslims from Madinah (Yathrib) pledged allegiance to him twice at Aqabah, promising not to associate partners with Allah, steal or slander, and to protect him. The way to the Hijrah opened.
The Hijrah (622)
With Abu Bakr he emigrated from Makkah to Madinah; the Hijri calendar begins in this year. He built the Prophet's Mosque and made the emigrants and helpers brothers.
A new community in Madinah
In Madinah a charter set out the rights and duties of the Muslims, the Jewish tribes and others (the Constitution of Madinah). The Prophet's Mosque became the centre of worship, learning and community life.
Badr, Uhud, the Trench
Badr (624) was the first great victory. At Uhud (625) the archers left their post and hard moments followed. At the Trench (627) Madinah was defended by a ditch.
Hudaybiyyah and the conquest of Makkah
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (628) brought peace. In 630 Makkah was taken without bloodshed, and the Prophet ﷺ forgave his former enemies.
The Farewell Hajj and his passing (632)
In the Farewell Sermon he spoke of human rights and the rights of women and the weak. He passed away in Madinah the same year, aged 63.
His example
"And indeed, you are of a great moral character." (68:4) His mercy, patience, humility and justice are an example for every Muslim.