The Complete Story of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The life of the final messenger of Allah -- from his birth in 570 CE Mecca to his farewell sermon in 632 CE Medina. Explore all 7 chapters of the Seerah with immersive audio narration.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the last and final messenger of Allah, sent as a mercy to all of mankind. Born in 570 CE in Mecca, he received the first divine revelation at the age of 40 and spent the remaining 23 years of his life conveying Allah's message, establishing justice, and transforming the Arabian Peninsula from a society steeped in ignorance into the foundation of one of history's greatest civilizations.
His life story, known as the Seerah, is the most thoroughly documented biography of any religious figure in history. It serves as a practical guide for Muslims in every aspect of life -- from worship and governance to family relations and personal character. The Quran itself describes him: "Indeed, you are upon a great moral character" (Quran 68:4).
"And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds."
Surah Al-Anbiya (21:107)Below you will find a comprehensive overview of his life, a timeline of key events, and links to all 7 chapters of his Seerah available with professional narration in the Qissah app.
Biography of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The Seal of the Prophets -- from orphan in Mecca to leader of the Muslim Ummah
Early Life and Orphanhood (570-595 CE)
Muhammad ibn Abdullah was born in Mecca in 570 CE, the Year of the Elephant, into the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe. His father Abdullah died before his birth, and his mother Aminah passed away when he was six. He was raised first by his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib and then by his uncle Abu Talib. As a child, he was nursed by Halimah al-Sa'diyah in the desert, where the miraculous opening of his chest occurred. He grew up known for his honesty and integrity, earning the titles Al-Amin (the Trustworthy) and As-Sadiq (the Truthful).
Marriage to Khadijah and Pre-Prophetic Life (595-610 CE)
At the age of 25, Muhammad married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a successful businesswoman 15 years his senior, who had been impressed by his character and honesty in managing her trade caravans. Khadijah became his greatest supporter and the first person to embrace Islam. Together they had six children. Before prophethood, Muhammad was known for his contemplative nature, often retreating to the Cave of Hira on Mount Nur to reflect and worship.
The First Revelation and Early Preaching (610-622 CE)
At the age of 40, during one of his retreats in the Cave of Hira, the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared and delivered the first verses of the Quran: "Read in the name of your Lord who created" (Quran 96:1). This marked the beginning of 23 years of continuous revelation. The early years of preaching in Mecca were marked by fierce opposition from the Quraysh, persecution of early Muslims, the boycott of Banu Hashim, and the sorrowful Year of Grief when both Khadijah and Abu Talib passed away. During this period, the miraculous Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj) occurred, during which Muhammad was transported to Jerusalem and then ascended through the seven heavens.
The Hijrah and Medinan Period (622-632 CE)
In 622 CE, facing escalating persecution, Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina (then Yathrib) in what is known as the Hijrah -- an event so significant that it marks the start of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, he established the first Islamic state, built the Prophet's Mosque, drafted the Constitution of Medina, and unified the various tribes. The Medinan period included the battles of Badr, Uhud, and the Trench, the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the peaceful Conquest of Mecca in 630 CE, and his final Hajj and Farewell Sermon in 632 CE. He passed away on the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal, 11 AH (632 CE) in Medina, having completed the delivery of Islam to all of humanity.
Timeline of Key Events in Prophet Muhammad's Life
Major milestones from birth to the completion of Islam's message
Birth in Mecca
Born into the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe in the Year of the Elephant. His father Abdullah had already passed away.
Becomes an Orphan
His mother Aminah passes away. He is taken in by his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib, and later by his uncle Abu Talib.
Marriage to Khadijah
At age 25, marries Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a respected businesswoman who becomes his greatest supporter.
First Revelation
At age 40, receives the first Quranic verses through Angel Jibreel in the Cave of Hira. The beginning of prophethood.
Public Preaching Begins
After three years of private da'wah, begins publicly calling the people of Mecca to Islam. Faces immediate opposition.
Migration to Abyssinia
A group of persecuted Muslims migrate to the Christian kingdom of Abyssinia (Ethiopia) for protection.
Year of Grief
Both Khadijah and Abu Talib pass away, leaving the Prophet without his closest emotional and political support.
The Night Journey (Isra & Mi'raj)
The miraculous journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and ascension through the seven heavens, where the five daily prayers were prescribed.
The Hijrah to Medina
The historic migration from Mecca to Medina. Marks year 1 of the Islamic calendar and the establishment of the first Muslim community-state.
Battle of Badr
The first major military victory for the Muslims against the Quraysh. 313 Muslims defeated over 1,000 Meccan warriors.
Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
A peace treaty with the Quraysh that allowed Muslims to perform pilgrimage and led to a period of rapid growth of Islam.
Conquest of Mecca
The peaceful conquest of Mecca with 10,000 Muslims. The Prophet forgave the Quraysh and cleansed the Kaaba of idols.
Farewell Sermon & Passing
Delivered the Farewell Sermon at Arafat during his final Hajj. Passed away in Medina on 12th Rabi al-Awwal, 11 AH.
Listen to the complete Seerah with professional narration and ambient sounds
Download Qissah FreeThe 7-Chapter Seerah Series
Listen to the complete life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with professional narration in the Qissah app
Before Prophethood
The early life of Muhammad -- from his miraculous birth in 570 CE, his childhood as an orphan, his upbringing in the desert, and the years that shaped his character before revelation.
Listen to Story 2Opening of the Chest
The miraculous event in Muhammad's childhood when angels opened his chest and purified his heart -- a divine preparation for the great mission that awaited him.
Listen to Story 3Chosen as Prophet
The moment Muhammad received the first revelation from Angel Jibreel in the Cave of Hira, the beginning of his prophetic mission, and the earliest converts to Islam.
Listen to Story 4The Night Journey (Isra & Mi'raj)
The miraculous night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and the ascension through the seven heavens, where Muhammad met previous prophets and the five daily prayers were prescribed.
Listen to Story 5The Migration (Hijrah)
The historic journey from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE -- escaping an assassination plot, hiding in the Cave of Thawr, and arriving to establish the first Islamic state.
Listen to Story 6The Conquest of Mecca
The peaceful conquest of Mecca with 10,000 Muslims in 630 CE. The Prophet's remarkable forgiveness of the Quraysh and the cleansing of the Kaaba from 360 idols.
Listen to Story 7The Farewell Sermon
The Prophet's final address to over 100,000 Muslims at Arafat during his last Hajj -- a timeless declaration of human rights, equality, and the completion of Islam.
Listen to StoryKey Characteristics of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The qualities that made him the greatest example for all of humanity
Truthfulness (As-Sadiq)
Even before prophethood, Muhammad was known as "The Truthful One." His honesty was so well-established that even his enemies never accused him of lying. When he first called the Quraysh to Islam from Mount Safa, they unanimously confirmed he had never told a lie.
Trustworthiness (Al-Amin)
He was called "The Trustworthy" by the people of Mecca. Even after declaring his prophethood and facing opposition, the Quraysh continued to entrust their valuables to him because of his unmatched reliability.
Mercy and Compassion
Allah describes him as "a mercy to the worlds" (Quran 21:107). He showed compassion to all -- from forgiving the people of Mecca who persecuted him for 20 years, to his gentle treatment of children, animals, and even prisoners of war.
Humility
Despite being the leader of an entire nation, he lived simply, mended his own clothes, milked his own goats, and sat on the floor with his companions. He said: "I am only a servant. I eat as a servant eats, and I sit as a servant sits."
Patience and Perseverance
He endured 13 years of persecution in Mecca -- boycotts, physical abuse, the stoning at Ta'if, and the loss of his beloved wife and uncle in one year. Through it all, he never abandoned his mission or sought revenge.
Justice and Equality
He established that no Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, and no white person over a black person, except through piety. He declared in his Farewell Sermon: "All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab."
Lessons from the Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Timeless teachings that remain relevant for every generation
- Trust in Allah Through Hardship: When hiding in the Cave of Thawr during the Hijrah with enemies at the entrance, Muhammad reassured Abu Bakr: "Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us" (Quran 9:40). This teaches unwavering trust in Allah even when circumstances seem hopeless.
- Forgiveness Over Revenge: After the peaceful conquest of Mecca, the Prophet had the power to punish those who persecuted Muslims for 20 years. Instead, he forgave them all, saying: "Go, you are free." This radical forgiveness transformed enemies into devoted followers.
- Education and Knowledge: The very first word of the Quran revealed was "Read" (Iqra). The Prophet emphasized education throughout his life, once saying: "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim." He established literacy programs among his companions.
- Social Justice and Equality: He abolished racial and class distinctions, freed slaves, elevated the status of women, protected orphans, and established systems of charity (Zakat). His Farewell Sermon is considered one of history's earliest declarations of human rights.
- Kindness to All Creation: He taught mercy toward animals, care for the environment, and gentleness with children. He said: "He who does not show mercy to others will not be shown mercy." His example extends compassion beyond humans to all of Allah's creation.
- Consistency and Moderation: He taught his companions to adopt a balanced approach to worship and life. When some companions wanted to pray all night, fast every day, or never marry, he reminded them that moderation is the key to sustainability in faith.
- Community and Brotherhood: Upon arriving in Medina, his first acts were building the mosque as a community center and pairing each Meccan migrant with a Medinan helper (Ansar). This established the principle that Muslim brotherhood transcends tribal and geographical ties.
Listen to the Complete Seerah in the App
Experience all 7 chapters of Prophet Muhammad's life story with professional narration and immersive ambient sounds in the Qissah app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
When was Prophet Muhammad born?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born on the 12th of Rabi al-Awwal in the Year of the Elephant, approximately 570 CE, in the city of Mecca (Makkah) in present-day Saudi Arabia. He was born into the noble Quraysh tribe, specifically the Banu Hashim clan. His father Abdullah passed away before his birth, and his mother Aminah died when he was six years old, leaving him an orphan raised by his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib and later his uncle Abu Talib.
What was the first revelation received by Prophet Muhammad?
The first revelation came to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Cave of Hira on Mount Nur near Mecca in 610 CE, when he was 40 years old. The Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared and commanded him to "Read!" (Iqra). The first verses revealed were the opening of Surah Al-Alaq (96:1-5): "Read in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the most Generous. Who taught by the pen. Taught man that which he knew not." You can listen to this story in the Qissah app.
What is the significance of Hijrah?
The Hijrah (migration) from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE is one of the most pivotal events in Islamic history. It marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar). The migration was necessary because the Muslims faced severe persecution in Mecca. In Medina, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established the first Islamic state, drafted the Constitution of Medina, built the first mosque (Masjid an-Nabawi), and created a unified community. Explore the full story of The Migration (Hijrah).
How old was Muhammad when he became a prophet?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was 40 years old when he received the first divine revelation from Allah through the Angel Jibreel in the Cave of Hira in 610 CE. Before prophethood, he was already known among his people as "Al-Amin" (the Trustworthy) and "As-Sadiq" (the Truthful) due to his exemplary character. He continued to receive revelations for approximately 23 years until his passing in 632 CE at the age of 63.
What is the Seerah?
The Seerah refers to the biography and life story of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It encompasses his birth, childhood, youth, prophethood, migration, battles, teachings, and personal life. The Seerah is derived from authentic hadith collections, early biographical works like Ibn Ishaq's "Sirat Rasul Allah," and historical records. Studying the Seerah helps Muslims understand the context of Quranic revelations, learn practical examples of Islamic teachings, and develop a deeper connection with the Prophet. You can listen to all 7 chapters of the Seerah in the Qissah app.
How many years did Prophet Muhammad live in Medina?
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived in Medina for approximately 10 years, from the Hijrah in 622 CE until his passing in 632 CE at the age of 63. During these 10 years in Medina, he established the Islamic state, built Masjid an-Nabawi, participated in key battles including Badr, Uhud, and the Trench, signed the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, peacefully conquered Mecca, and delivered his Farewell Sermon at Arafat during his final Hajj.
Experience the Seerah of Prophet Muhammad
Download Qissah for the complete 7-chapter Seerah with professional narration, plus 40+ Quran stories, AI Islamic chat, and daily dhikr.
Download Free on App Store