Timeline

The Life and Teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

571 CE

Pre-571 CE: Era of Ignorance

  • The tribe of Quraish and other Arabs worshipped idols made of stone and wood around the Ka'bah.
  • Social customs included prohibiting a man from marrying the wife of his adopted son.

610 CE: The First Revelation

  • At age 40 in the Cave of Hira, the Angel Gabriel appears and commands him to "Read!".
  • The first verses of the Quran (96:1-3) are revealed.
  • His wife Khadeejah comforts him and takes him to her cousin Waraqah, who confirms the divine nature of the event.
  • Revelation stops for a brief period, then resumes with Quran 74:1-4, commissioning him as a Messenger.

610 CE
610 CE

571 CE - 610 CE: The Early Years

  • 571 CE: Muhammad is born in Makkah to the Quraish tribe; his father passes away before his birth.
  • 577 CE: His mother dies when he is six. He is cared for by his grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib.
  • Youth: Becomes known as "Al-Amin" (The Trustworthy) and "As-Sadiq" (The Truthful). Works as a shepherd and never engages in idol worship or falsehoods.
  • Adulthood: Begins to seek solitude and meditate in the Cave of Hira.

622 CE: The Migration (Hijra)

  • God grants permission for Muslims to migrate from Makkah to Madeenah.
  • Muhammad instructs Ali ibn Abi Talib to stay behind to return valuables entrusted to him by the pagans.
  • He and Abu Bakr hide in a cave to evade trackers before safely reaching Madeenah.
  • The people of Madeenah joyfully welcome the Muslims, and the city becomes the capital of the new Muslim state.

622 CE
622 CE

610 - 622 CE: Preaching in Makkah

  • Muhammad begins openly calling his people to Islam. He is met with ridicule and accusations.
  • The Quraish torture him and his companions. Incidents include dumping camel intestines on him during prayer.
  • Despite persecution, he preaches to tribes visiting for Hajj.
    A few people from Yathrib (Madeenah) accept Islam.
  • Mus'ab ibn Umair is sent to Yathrib to teach the new converts.

632 CE: The Final Year

  • Farewell Pilgrimage: He travels with 114,000 companions for Hajj and delivers his Farewell Sermon at Mount Arafat.
  • Farewell Sermon: Key points include the sacredness of life and property, good treatment of women, and the completion of the divine message with the Quran and Sunnah.
  • Death: He passes away in Madeenah at the age of 63. Abu Bakr comforts the shocked community, reminding them of God's eternal nature.

632 CE
632 CE

622 - 632 CE: The Islamic State in Madeenah

  • A society based on faith, brotherhood, and equality is established.
  • 624 CE: The Battle of Badr occurs, where 314 Muslims are victorious over a force of 1000 pagans.
  • 628 CE: The Truce of Hudaibiyah is signed, a key treaty with the Makkans.
  • 630 CE: Muhammad leads an army of 10,000 and conquers Makkah peacefully, without bloodshed. He grants a general amnesty, declaring "Go, for you are free."