Principal events in the Life of Muhammad

When was he born

Born around 570 CE

What clan was Muhammad born into

the Quraish clan, which was one of the major clans

Who raised him and why?

He was raised by his grandfather, and later uncle, as his father died before he was born, and his mother died when he was 6 years old

What was his childhood like?

He did not learn to read or write, but instead started to earn an income as soon as he could, which was not uncommon. There is also little information on his early life

Muhammad earned a reputation for being…..?

honest and excellent at settling disputes

Who did Muhammad marry?

Muhammad marries Khadija

When does Muhammad marry Khadija?

At the age of 25

Who was Khadija?

She was a 40-year-old widow who owned a camel caravan, on which Muhammad was working

What was Khadija and Muhammad’s married life like?

They were married for 25 years, had 2 sons that died in infancy, and 4 daughters, the most famous being Fatima

What happened after Khadija died?

Muhammad married several women

Who did Muhammad receive a revelation from?

He received his revelations from the Angel Gabriel

When did Muhammad receive his revelations?

His first revelation came in 610 C during Ramadan when he was in a cave on Mount Hira, where he saw an angel (Gabriel)

What is the night of the first revelation called?

It is called the ‘Night of Destiny’

How long did Muhammad continue to recieve revelations for?

He continued to receive revelations via the Angel Gabriel over a 23-year period (610-623 CE)

What did Muhammad do with these revelations

He memorised these revelations, and scribes later wrote them down

What are the first 13 years of Muhammad’s time preaching called

The Meccan period

What was the Meccan Period like?

The first 13 years of preaching were difficult. If he did not have the protection of his clan, it is likely that he would have been killed as his message was not welcome

why was his message not welcome?

His rejection of polytheism threatened the livelihood and prestige of Meccans who benefitted from those who came to visit the Ka’ba. The values he preached did not agree with the money-making strategies of the rich merchants of the city

What did he denounce?

He denounced false contracts, usury, and exploitation of widows and orphans

How did he undermine tribal authority?

He undermined tribal authority by claiming that all true believers belonged to a universal community.

Why did he migrate to Medina?

He accepted an invitation from a delegation from Yathrib to serve as chief arbitrator, in disputes between different tribes

Who did he bring with him to migrate to Medina?

He gathered a small band of followers, including Ali, and Abu Bakr. Him and 200 of his followers migrated to Medina in 622 CE in what is known as al-Hijra

what occurred around this time

the Night Journey

What is the Night Journey

It is where Gabriel took Muhammad through the air from Mecca to Jerusalem and then to heaven. The Hadith states that it was here that Muhammad was taught the ritual of five daily prayers

What is the sacred text passage for the Night journey?

Sura 17:1

why did the Muslims and Mecca need a peace treaty?

Because bloody battles ensured between the Muslims and Mecca

What was the peace treaty between Mecca and Muslims called

Treaty of Hudaybiya

When was the Treaty of Hudaybiya established?

628 CE

Why was this treaty important to Muslims?

it allowed them to make the pilgrimage to the Ka’ba in Mecca

Who broke the treaty and when?

The Meccans in 630 CE

What happened when the Meccans broke the treaty?

The Muslim army conquered Mecca without resistance and many Meccans converted to Islam willingly.

When and where did Muhammad die?

Died in Mecca aged 63, in 632 CE