BIOGRAPHY OF THE PROPHET MUHAMMAD (SAW)

[Taqavi]

What is the biography of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) like?

 

The biography of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) describes a life full of events, struggles, and efforts to guide and reform society. He came from a noble family, and his lineage traced back to great prophets such as Abraham (AS) and Adam (AS). Amina's marriage, her pregnancy, and the Prophet's (SAW) birth are among the most important moments in this biography.

Paternal Lineage:

The Noble Prophet of Islam (SAW) is descended from Prophet Abraham and Adam (AS). Ibn Babawayh, based on a reliable chain of narration from Jabir Ansari, narrates that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: "I am most similar to Adam, and Abraham in appearance and character is most similar to me."[1]

The ancestors of the Messenger of Allah (SAW) up to Abraham (AS) number about 30, up to Noah (AS) about 40, and up to Adam (AS) 49; [2] however, from 'Adnan' upwards, there is much disagreement in their names and numbers. [3]

Maternal Lineage:

The Prophet's lineage on his mother's side is as follows: Amina bint Wahb ibn Abd Manaf ibn Zuhra ibn Kalab from the Banu Zuhra tribe and the Quraysh clan. [4] The paternal and maternal lineages of the Prophet (SAW) converge at Abd Manaf, their third ancestor, and Kalab, their fifth ancestor. Amina's father, Wahb ibn Abd Manaf ibn Zuhra, was the chief and leader of Banu Zuhra, [5] and her mother was Barra, daughter of Abdul-Aziz from the Banu Abdul-Dar clan. [6] Amina was renowned for her nobility and chastity, considered the foremost of the women of Banu Zuhra and the best of the Quraysh women. [7] It is said that at a time when having daughters was a source of shame for the Arabs, Amina enjoyed special respect among her people and family. [8]

Marriage of Abdullah and Amina:

Regarding how Amina and Abdullah met and married, and the events after their marriage, various accounts are mentioned in the sources. According to one report, Wahb, Amina's father, after witnessing Abdullah's bravery against the Jews and God's special favor upon him, sent his wife to Abd al-Muttalib to propose marriage to Abdullah. [9] However, according to other reports, Abd al-Muttalib himself, along with some relatives, went to Wahb's house, proposed Amina to Abdullah, then performed the marriage ceremony, and held a four-day feast. [10] Since Abdullah, the revered father of the Prophet of Islam (SAW), passed away at the age of 25, he was approximately 24 years old when he married Amina. [11]

Some historical sources state that the marriage took place a year after the story of Abdullah's sacrifice, writing: After a year passed from the story of Abdullah's sacrifice, Abdul Muttalib brought him to the house of Wahab ibn Abd Manaf; who on that day was the head of his tribe, the Banu Zuhrah tribe, and married his daughter Amina, who on that day was the greatest woman of Quraysh in terms of lineage and status, to Abdullah. [12] Ya'qubi says: The marriage of Abdullah and Amina was 10 years after the digging of Zamzam. [13]

Amina's Pregnancy:

Among the strange and unusual events during Amina's pregnancy with the Prophet (SAW) was the ease with which she passed these days, because women in those days, due to the lack or shortage of health facilities and the unsuitable weather of Hejaz and especially the city of Mecca, spent their pregnancy with difficulty, but according to some reports, Amina's pregnancy with the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was very easy, as Ibn Saad also wrote quoting Zuhri that Amina said: When I became pregnant with my son until I gave birth, I did not experience any hardship or distress. Also, during the aforementioned period, she did not complain of distress, stomachache, or the diseases that pregnant women suffered from, and she did not find a lighter and more blessed pregnancy than hers compared to other women. [14]

Place of Birth:

All historical sources agree that the Prophet (SAW) was born in the city of Mecca, but there are two opinions on determining the exact place of birth.

Based on confirmed and well-known reports, after marriage, Amina moved to Abdullah's house in Sha'b Bani Hashim, which later became known as Sha'b Abi Talib or Sha'b Ali, and gave birth to her son there in a place that was later called Mawlid al-Nabi; [15] which the Messenger of Allah (SAW) later gave to Aqil ibn Abi Talib, and Aqil's children sold it to Muhammad ibn Yusuf Thaqafi, and Muhammad ibn Yusuf made it part of his house and it became known by his name. During Harun's time, his mother Khaizuran took it and separated it from Muhammad ibn Yusuf's house and built a mosque there, and later it became a place of pilgrimage,[16] but when the Wahhabis gained control of Hejaz and took Mecca and destroyed the tombs of the Imams of religion and the great figures of Islam in Mecca and Medina, they also destroyed that place and turned it into a garbage dump and stable. Only due to the insistence of Sheikh Abbas Qattan, the then mayor of Mecca, and his request from King Abdulaziz, it was decided to build a library there, which is now known as "Makkah al-Mukarramah Library".

Date of Birth:

Perhaps one of the most controversial issues in the history of the life of the Prophet of Islam (SAW) is the difference in the date of his birth, and if anyone wants to collect all opinions on this matter, it will reach more than 20 opinions. Maqrizi collected most of these opinions on this matter and included them in his book Imta' al-Asma'. [17] However, it is well-known among Shia scholars that he was born on Friday, 17 Rabi' al-Awwal, "Year of the Elephant" (the year in which Abraha marched to destroy the Kaaba but did not achieve his goal and suffered divine punishment) in the holy city of Mecca.  However, most Sunni scholars believe the Prophet's birth was on Tuesday, 12 Rabi' al-Awwal. It is also well-known that his birth was near sunrise on Friday. [18]

Death of Amine:

Muhammad (SAW) was about 5 years old when Halima brought the Prophet (SAW) to Mecca[19] and entrusted him to his mother, Amina. Amina left Mecca to visit relatives and visit her husband Abdullah's grave, and went towards Medina with Muhammad (SAW). [20]  On this trip, "Umm Ayman" was with Amina and Muhammad (SAW). "Umm Ayman" was the maidservant of Abdullah, the father of the Prophet (SAW), and after Abdullah's death, she was inherited by the Messenger of Allah (SAW). [21] The Messenger (SAW) always remembered Umm Ayman's kindnesses and services, to the point that he said: "Umm Ayman, my mother after my mother." [22]

The Prophet (SAW) and Abdul Muttalib:

After his mother's death, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) remained with his grandfather Abdul Muttalib under his guardianship and care. Abdul Muttalib had a great love for Muhammad (SAW), which is evident from the short time he was in charge of Muhammad's (SAW) upbringing. Abdul Muttalib used to tell his children: "By Allah, this child has a great position. I will see a time when he will be the master and leader of you all, then he would embrace him, sit him beside him, and kiss him".[23] Abdul Muttalib would not eat unless he first ordered Muhammad (SAW) to be brought, and would start eating upon his arrival. In the moments of death, the most difficult moments of a person's life, Abdul-Muttalib's only concern was Muhammad (SAW), and he entrusted his guardianship and protection to Abu Talib. Then he said, "Allah, Allah in his beloved." And he asked, "O Abu Talib, do you accept my will?" Abu Talib replied, "Yes, by Allah." [24] According to the famous sayings of the Hadith scholars and historians, the Messenger of Allah (SAW) was 8 years old when Abdul-Muttalib, having lost his sight, [25] passed away. There is a great deal of disagreement in history regarding Abdul-Muttalib's age at the time of his death, with some mentioning his age at death as 82 years and others as 140 years.[26]

Uncle's guardianship and support:

Abu Talib was a paternal and maternal brother of Abdullah, the father of the Prophet (SAW), and was kinder and more affectionate towards him than his other uncles. Perhaps this was why Abdul-Muttalib entrusted the Messenger (SAW) to Abu Talib, and ultimately entrusted his guardianship after his own death to Abu Talib. Therefore, after the death of his father, Abdul-Muttalib, Abu Talib took charge of the guardianship of Muhammad (SAW), who was no more than 8 years old, at the behest of his father. [27] Some have said that Abdul-Muttalib entrusted the guardianship of Muhammad (SAW) to his eldest son, Zubayr, and after his death, Abu Talib undertook this responsibility. [28] But Zubayr was present at the Half al-Fudul, and Muhammad (SAW) was about 20 years old at that time. Based on this report, the death of Zubayr in the Prophet's (SAW) youth does not seem correct. Ibn Shahr Ashub, in Manaqib, reports that Abdul-Muttalib prevented Abu Lahab and Abbas from taking charge of Muhammad (SAW) and agreed with Abu Talib. [29] Therefore, as reports also confirm, from the beginning Abdul-Muttalib placed the guardianship of Muhammad (SAW) on Abu Talib. [30]

Marriage to Khadijah (A):

The Prophet's trustworthiness and honesty in his commercial journey to Syria and Maysara's (Khadijah's (A) slave) report of this journey and Muhammad's (SAW) reputation as Al-Amin, in Mecca, attracted Khadijah's (A) attention and she volunteered to marry the Prophet. [31]

Khadijah's (A) children:

There is disagreement about the number and order of Khadijah's (A) children from the Prophet (SAW). However, almost all sources agree that she had four daughters. Some have said that the marriage of the Prophet (SAW) and Khadijah (A) resulted in 3 or 4 sons. [32]

Martyrdom of the Prophet (SAW):

In the early part of the year 11 AH, the Prophet (SAW) fell ill. As his illness worsened, he went to the pulpit and urged Muslims to be kind to one another. He said: "If anyone has a right against me, let them take it or forgive me. If I have wronged anyone, I am ready to make amends." [33]

Sayyid Ja'far Murtadha Amili and some other researchers, based on narrations and historical reports from Shia and Sunni sources, believe that the Prophet (SAW) was poisoned and martyred by Jews, internal enemies, or some of his wives. [34] Amili, while criticizing reports about the poisoning of the Prophet (SAW), concludes that if the story of his poisoning by Jews is true, what led to the Prophet's martyrdom was the poison given to him by internal enemies. [35]

Shaykh Mufid[36] and Shaykh Tusi[37] also mentioned his martyrdom and poisoning.

Date of Death:

The death or martyrdom of the Prophet (SAW) on a Tuesday at the age of 63 in the year 11 AH is agreed upon by Shia[38] and Sunni; [39] however, there are different views on the exact day of his passing.

Burial Place:

According to reports, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "Every prophet who dies is buried in the place where their soul departs." Therefore, he was buried in one of the rooms of his house in Medina, where he passed away. [40]

The biography of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is full of lessons and morals that can be a worthy example for all mankind and demonstrate the greatness of this divine personality. [41]

 

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[1] . 'Ilal al-Sharai', al-Shaykh al-Saduq, Vol. 1, p. 128.

[2] . Manaqib Aal Abi Talib, Ibn Shahrashub, Vol. 1, p. 135.

[3] . Ibid., p. 134.

[4] . Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Ibn Sa'd Katib al-Waqidi, Vol. 1, p. 49

[5] . Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Ibn Kathir, Vol. 2, p. 307.

[6] . Ansab al-Ashraf, al-Baladhuri, Vol. 1, p. 91.

[7] . Tarikh al-Tabari, al-Tabari Ibn Jarir, Vol. 2, p. 5.

[8] . Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Ibn Kathir, Vol. 2, p. 322.

[9] . Bihar al-Anwar, al-'Allamah al-Majlisi, Vol. 15, p. 97.

[10] . Asad al-Ghabah, Ibn al-Athir, 'Izz al-Din, Vol. 1, p. 13.

[11] . Tarikh al-Ya'qubi, Ahmad bin Abi Ya'qub, Vol. 2, p. 10.

[12] . Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Hisham al-Humayri, Vol. 1, p. 156.

[13] . Tarikh al-Ya'qubi, Ahmad bin Abi Ya'qub, Vol. 2, p. 9.

[14] . Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Ibn Sa'd Katib al-Waqidi, Vol. 1, p. 78.

[15] . Al-Kafi, al-Shaykh al-Kulayni, Vol. 1, p. 439.

[16] . Bihar al-Anwar, al-'Allamah al-Majlisi, Vol. 15, p. 250.

[17] . Imta' al-Asma' bima li al-Nabi min al-Ahwal wa al-Amwal wa al-Hafdah wa al-Mata', al-Maqrizi Taqi al-Din, Vol. 1, p. 6.

[18] . Bihar al-Anwar, al-'Allamah al-Majlisi, Vol. 15, p. 249.

[19] . Tarikh al-Ya'qubi, Ahmad bin Abi Ya'qub, Vol. 2, p. 10.

[20] . Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Hisham al-Humayri, Vol. 1, p. 168. \ Bihar al-Anwar, al-'Allamah al-Majlisi, Vol. 15, p. 401.

[21] . Asad al-Ghabah, Ibn al-Athir 'Izz al-Din, Vol. 1, p. 14.

[22] . Qamus al-Rijal, al-Tustari, al-Shaykh Muhammad Taqi, Vol. 12, p. 193.

[23] . Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Abu al-Faraj al-Halabi al-Shafi'i, Vol. 1, p. 158.

[24] . Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Ibn Kathir, Vol. 2, p. 343.

[25] . Asad al-Ghabah, Ibn al-Athir 'Izz al-Din, Vol. 1, p. 15.

[26] . Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Ibn Sa'd Katib al-Waqidi, Vol. 1, p. 95.

[27] . Tarikh al-Tabari, al-Tabari Ibn Jarir, Vol. 2, p. 32.

[28] . Ansab al-Ashraf, al-Baladhuri, Vol. 1, p. 92.

[29] . Manaqib Aal Abi Talib, Ibn Shahrashub, Vol. 1, p. 34.

[30] . Tarikh al-Ya'qubi, Ahmad bin Abi Ya'qub, Vol. 2, p. 14.

[31] . Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Ibn Hisham al-Humayri, Vol. 1, p. 188.

[32] . Ibid., p. 190.

[33] . Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Ibn Sa'd Katib al-Waqidi, Vol. 2, p. 196.

[34] . Al-Sahih min Sirat al-Nabi al-A'zam (s), al-'Amili, al-Sayyid Ja'far Murtada, Vol. 33, p. 176.

[35] . Ibid., pp. 141-193.

[36] . Al-Muqni'ah, al-Shaykh al-Mufid, p. 456.

[37] . Tahdhib al-Ahkam, Shaykh al-Ta'ifah, Vol. 6, p. 2.

[38] . Masar al-Shi'ah fi Mukhtasar Tawarikh al-Shari'ah, al-Shaykh al-Mufid, p. 46.

[39] . Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Ibn Sa'd Katib al-Waqidi, Vol. 2, p. 208.

[40] . Ibid., p. 223.

[41] . To read more about the life of the Holy Prophet (SAW), refer to: Wiki Fiqh site "Hazrat Muhammad (SAW)" / Wiki Shia site "Hazrat Muhammad (SAW)".