Pre-Prophethood Milestones

Prophet Muhammad $ﷺ$ was born 40 years prior to receiving prophethood.
His birth was not an ordinary event.
Born in the Banu Hashim lineage in Mecca on a Monday morning (date varies in accounts).
Born in the Year of the Elephant, marking the failed attack on the Kaaba by Abraha's army from Yemen.
- Abraha intended to destroy the Kaaba but was defeated by Allah's intervention with birds ( $\textit{Abu Ababil}$ ) that pelted his army with stones.
His grandfather, Abdul Mutalib, named him Muhammad, a rare name among Arabs.
His mother, Amina, reported witnessing a light emanating from her during his birth, illuminating places in Syria, signifying the far-reaching impact of his prophethood.
Other reported events, though disputed, include cracks in Kisra's palace, extinguishing of the sacred fire of Zoroastrians, and collapse of churches.
- Zoroastrians, primarily in Persia, revered fire as a representation of their deity and believed it provided protection.

After birth, he was entrusted to Halima Sadia of Banu Saad for upbringing in the mountains, ensuring purity of language and health.
Halima Sadia recounted the blessings ( $\textit{Baraka}$ ) that entered her household due to him.
An incident occurred where angels, including Jibril, opened his heart, removed a portion, washed it with Zamzam water, and replaced it.
- This event frightened Halima, leading her to return him to his mother, Amina.
Amina passed away shortly after, leaving Prophet Muhammad $ﷺ$ an orphan.
- His father, Abdullah, had passed away before his birth.
- The custom of sending children to wet nurses among the Bedouin tribes was common among the Meccan aristocracy. This practice was not only for nursing but also for physical and moral development in the desert environment.
His grandfather, Abdul Mutalib, then cared for him, showing him great affection and predicting his future greatness.
After Abdul Mutalib's death, his uncle, Abu Talib, took care of him, raising him like his own son.

Abu Talib took young Muhammad with a caravan to Busra (Syria).
In Busra, they met a Christian monk named Bahira at a monastery.
Bahira recognized signs of prophethood in Muhammad, $ﷺ$ including the seal of prophethood on his back.
Bahira warned Abu Talib about the potential danger Muhammad, $ﷺ$ faced from Jews if they recognized him.
- The Jews were awaiting a messiah but would likely reject him if he wasn't from their lineage or from the children of Isaac.
Bahira advised Abu Talib to return home immediately and protect him from potential harm.
- Bahira also advised Abu Talib to be wary of the Romans, who might also pose a threat due to their own religious expectations and political ambitions.

At the age of 15, Muhammad, $ﷺ$ witnessed the Fijar Wars, conflicts that occurred during the sacred months when fighting was traditionally forbidden.
The sacred months are four: Dhul-Qa'dah, Dhul-Hijjah, Muharram (three consecutive), and Rajab.
- These months were traditionally a time for pilgrimage and trade, with warfare prohibited to ensure safety.
The wars involved Quraish and their allies against other tribes, sparked by violations of sacred months and tribal retaliation.
Muhammad's role was to collect arrows for his uncles, demonstrating his participation without engaging in direct combat.
The Fijar Wars highlighted the moral decline of pre-Islamic society and the persistence of violence even when sacred traditions were violated.
- These wars demonstrated the fragility of the social norms and the prevalence of tribal conflict in pre-Islamic Arabia. The disregard for the sanctity of the sacred months underscored the ethical challenges of the time.

Following the Fijar Wars, a sense of moral crisis led to the formation of Hilf al-Fudul, a pact for mutual defense and justice in Mecca.
The incident that sparked this pact involved a merchant from Yemen being defrauded by Meccans, highlighting the lack of justice and moral order.
Zubair ibn Abdul Mutalib, an uncle of Prophet Muhammad, $ﷺ$ called for a meeting to establish the pact.
Representatives from various clans, including Banu Hashim, Banu Muttalib, Banu Asad, and Banu Zuhra, gathered at the house of Abdullah ibn Jud'an.
The pact aimed to support the oppressed, stand against injustice, and ensure equity and moral conduct in trade.
Prophet Muhammad, $ﷺ$ participated in this pact and later praised it, stating he would honor it even in Islam.
The Hilf al-Fudul marked a shift towards universal justice, transcending tribal allegiances and underscoring a commitment to moral principles.
- This pact reflected a growing desire for social responsibility and ethical standards in a society often driven by tribal interests and economic exploitation.

Muhammad, $ﷺ$ worked as a shepherd and later became a trader.
At the age of 25, he was employed by Khadija bint Khuwaylid, a wealthy businesswoman, to trade on her behalf in Syria.
Impressed by his honesty and trustworthiness, Khadija proposed marriage to him.
He agreed, and the marriage was arranged with a dowry of 20 camels.
- Khadija's initiative to propose marriage was unconventional for the time, highlighting her respect for Muhammad's character and integrity.

Possessed a weighty mind, sharp insight, and intelligent decision-making skills.
Preferred silence and deep thought over idle chatter.
Engaged in constructive dealings with society, understanding individuals and communities.
Shunned irrational practices.
- His wisdom and thoughtfulness were apparent to those who knew him, setting him apart as a person of exceptional character even before his prophethood.

Avoided immoral behavior such as drinking wine, attending idolatrous festivals, and eating meat sacrificed to idols.
Intensely hated idols.
Allah protected him from engaging in sinful activities.

Known as Al-Amin (the trustworthy).
Never lied, broke promises, or cheated in trade.
Gentle nature, honest speech, hospitality, and modesty earned him love and admiration.
Khadija described him as maintaining family ties, helping the poor, honoring guests, and bearing hardship for the sake of truth.

As he neared 40, Prophet Muhammad, $ﷺ$ would frequently retreat to the Cave of Hira.
He would reflect on creation, troubled by the idolatry and injustice of his people.
This period of spiritual retreat served as a divine preparation for prophethood

Jibril appeared to Prophet Muhammad $ﷺ$ in the Cave of Hira and commanded him to read (Iqra).
Despite being unlettered, Prophet Muhammad $ﷺ$ recited the first verses of Surah Al-Alaq (The Clot).
Prophet Muhammad $ﷺ$ returned home terrified and sought comfort from Khadija.
Khadija took him to her cousin, Waraka ibn Naufal, who recognized the signs of prophethood and confirmed that he was among the prophets.
Later received the verses of Surah Al-M