Timeline and Early Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Makkah — Key Events and Concepts

A comprehensive set of Q&A flashcards covering key events, people, and concepts from the birth of Prophet Muhammad through the early Makkan period, including revelations, persecution, alliances, migrations, and pivotal events.

When and where was Prophet Muhammad born, and which year is it commonly associated with?

Born in Makkah on 12th Rabīʿ al-Awwal, commonly dated to 570 CE (the Year of the Elephant).

What does the Year of the Elephant refer to?

Allah’s protection of the Kaʿbah from Abraha’s army; the event is linked to Muhammad’s birth year.

Who died in 576 CE, and what impact did it have on Muhammad’s early life?

His mother Āminah; her death left him motherless during his childhood.

Who became Muhammad’s guardian after ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib’s death in 578 CE?

Abū Ṭālib.

What significant event occurred around 582 CE involving Muhammad’s early travels?

First journey to Syria; Bahīrā the monk recognized signs of prophethood.

What was Harb al-Fijār, and what was Muhammad’s role during it?

The Sacrilegious Wars; a series of conflicts during the Sacred Months; Muhammad’s role was limited and non-lethal.

What is Hilf al-Fuḍūl (the Pact of the Virtuous) and why is it important?

A Makkan covenant to defend the oppressed and uphold justice, transcending tribal loyalties.

When did Muhammad marry Khadījah (RA), and what were the basic details?

In 595 CE; he was about 25, Khadījah about 40; the mahr/dower was generous.

What is the significance of 610 CE in Muhammad’s life?

The First Revelation (Ḥirāʾ) signaled the start of Prophethood.

What happened during 610–613 CE in Muhammad’s life?

He received a private call to prophethood and taught from the house of Dar al-Arqam.

What occurred in 613 CE related to Muhammad’s mission?

Public call begins; Mount Ṣafā sermon; opposition from Quraysh intensifies.

What is the significance of 615 CE in his life?

First Hijrah to Abyssinia (and later a second, larger group) seeking refuge.

What happened during 617–619 CE in Makkah for Muslims?

Boycott in Shiʿb Abī Ṭālib; economic and social oppression.

When did Umar (RA) convert to Islam, and what is the approximate time frame?

c. 617–618 CE.

What happened in 619 CE, known as the Year of Sorrow?

Death of Khadījah (RA) and Abu Talib; Muhammad faced personal loss and hardship.

What event took place in 620 CE that is a major milestone in Islam?

Isrāʾ and Miʿrāj (the Night Journey and Ascension).

What are the Pledges of ʿAqabah and when did they occur?

First ʿAqabah (621 CE): belief and obedience pledges; Second ʿAqabah (622 CE): broader pledge including protection.

What is the significance of 622 CE in Islamic history?

Hijrah to Madinah; start of the Hijrī calendar and the first Islamic polity.

Describe Muhammad’s family background in brief.

Born into Banu Hāshim of Quraysh; paternal line: ʿAbdullāh (father), ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib (grandfather); maternal line: Āminah bint Wahb (mother), Wahb ibn ʿAbd Manāf (grandfather).

Who were the first supporters/believers after the First Revelation?

Khadījah, Abū Bakr, ʿAlī, and Zayd.

What is Dar al-Arqam?

The House of al-Arqam, a secret learning center where early Muslims studied.

What happened on Mount Ṣafā when Muhammad announced Prophethood publicly?

He invited his clan to tawḥīd; Abu Lahab opposed him; Sūrat al-Masad (Q 111) condemning Abu Lahab followed; opposition intensified.

Why was secrecy used in the early stages of preaching Islamic message?

To avoid bloodshed and allow believers to form ethically before public confrontation.

What forms of opposition did Muhammad face in Makkah?

Verbal abuse, social boycott, physical assaults, and assassination plots.

Who were some notable persecuted companions and their ordeals?

Sumayyah (first female martyr); Ammār (patience under persecution); Bilāl (tortured but steadfast); Abū Bakr (defended the Prophet); Musʿab ibn ʿUmayr, ʿUthmān, Khabbāb, and others.

What is the significance of Umar’s conversion in relation to the Prophet’s mission?

It marked a turning point in the spread of Islam and public endorsement of the Prophet.

What is Israʾ & Miʿrāʾ and why is it important?

The Night Journey and Ascension; established the five daily prayers and reinforced prophetic authority.

What is the significance of the Year of Sorrow for Muhammad?

Loss of close family members, deepening personal hardship and reliance on Allah.

What is the meaning and impact of the Qur’anic verse Allah says, ‘Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us’ (9:40)?

Assurance of divine support during the Hijrah and the Prophet’s trials.

What key lessons do we learn from the Ṣaḥābah’s trials and steadfastness?

Love for the Prophet, steadfast faith, and the protective rationale for Hijrah as a right.

What are the key differences in Quraysh’s treatment of Muhammad before and after prophecy?

Before: respected, al-Ḥamīd; after: persecuted, mocked, and opposed; his truthfulness remained undeniable.

What role did Khadījah (RA) play after the first revelation?

Provided financial and emotional support; reassured him and facilitated contact with Waraqah.

Who confirmed that the first revelation was from the same angel who spoke to Moses?

Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a Christian scholar.

What is the significance of Jibrīl’s role in the First Revelation?

Conveyed the revelation; the encounter left a lasting imprint on Muhammad and confirmed the divine source.

What is the overall significance of the early Makkan period for the Prophet’s mission?

It established the ethical foundation, justice-driven leadership, and patient, strategic approach that shaped Islam’s early spread.