Muhammadﷺ- A Mercy To Mankind

Bismillah,

In this mini biography series, I aim to summarise the lives of the most influential Muslims; past and present.

This will be broken down into their life before their mission, trials they faced, and the legacy they left behind.

Aiming to derive lessons from their lives.

This series would be pointless without mentioning the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ; the greatest of creation.

Heﷺ has inspired everyone on the lists to come ( إِنْ شَاءَ ٱللَّٰهُ) and everyone in hisﷺ Ummah.

This mini bio will not serve justice to his ﷺ great life, but I intend for it to help us reflect on a few of the many lessons we can learn from his ﷺ life.

Before you read make sure to recite below:

SURAH AHZAB AYAT 56

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ وَمَلَـٰٓئِكَتَهُۥ يُصَلُّونَ عَلَى ٱلنَّبِيِّۚ يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُواْ صَلُّواْ عَلَيۡهِ وَسَلِّمُواْ تَسۡلِيمًا

Innal laaha wa malaaa’i katahoo yusalloona ‘alan Nabiyy; yaaa aiyuhal lazeena aamanoo salloo ‘alaihi wa sallimoo tasleemaa

Allah and His angels send blessings on the Prophet: O ye that believe! Send ye blessings on him, and salute him with all respect.

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Before Prophethood

Prophet Muhammadﷺ was born in Mecca in 570 CE. Orphaned at a young age, heﷺ was raised by hisﷺ grandfather and later by hisﷺ uncle.

Known for hisﷺ honesty and integrity, heﷺ gained the nickname “Al-Amin” (the Trustworthy).

At the age of 25, heﷺ married Khadijah(RA), a wealthy widow, and worked as a successful trader.

Despite the idolatry and social injustices prevalent in Mecca, Muhammadﷺ would often retreat to Cave Hira for contemplation.

During Prophethood

At the age of 40, Muhammadﷺ received his first revelation from the Angel Gabriel (AS) while meditating in the cave.

Initially terrified by the experience, heﷺ sought comfort from Khadijah(RA), who became his staunch supporter(and first Muslim).

Over the next 23 years, heﷺ continued to receive revelations, which were compiled into the Quran.

Despite facing persecution and opposition from the Quraysh tribe, Muhammad ﷺ preached monotheism, social justice, and compassion.

Heﷺ also established the Muslim community in Medina after facing persecution in Mecca, laying the foundations for the Islamic faith.

Success

Through hisﷺ perseverance and faith, Muhammad ﷺ eventually triumphed over his adversaries. Heﷺ led and fought in 27 military campaigns all whilst being over 50 years old.

Heﷺ returned to Mecca in 630 CE, leading a peaceful conquest known as the “Conquest of Mecca.” Instead of seeking revenge, heﷺ forgave his former enemies and peacefully reclaimed the city.

This event marked the culmination of hisﷺ mission and the spread of Islam throughout the Arabian Peninsula. Muhammadﷺ continued to consolidate hisﷺ leadership, establishing treaties with neighboring tribes and spreading the message of Islam until hisﷺ passing in 632 CE.

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A lesson from His ﷺ life

One of the biggest lessons to learn from the life of Prophet Muhammadﷺ is the importance of compassion, empathy, and forgiveness.

Throughout hisﷺ life, heﷺ exemplified these qualities in hisﷺ interactions with others, even in the face of adversity and hostility.

Despite facing persecution, heﷺ responded with patience and kindness, seeking to win hearts through hisﷺ character and actions rather than through force.

Hisﷺ ability to forgive his enemies and show mercy even in victory (return to Mecca) serves as a powerful example for all humanity, highlighting the transformative power of compassion and forgiveness in building bridges and fostering harmony among people of different backgrounds and beliefs.

Let’s all make an effort to emulate our Prophetﷺ by being more compassionate towards our friends, family, and our communities.

SURAH QALAM AYAT 4

وَإِنَّكَ لَعَلَىٰ خُلُقٍ عَظِيمٖ

Wa innaka la’alaa khuluqin ‘azeem

And indeed, you are of a great moral character.