Muhammad

An Arab religious, social, and political leader and the founder of Islam, considered by Muslims to be a prophet divinely inspired to preach.

This biography of Muhammad helps you learn English through real historical stories.

bornc. 570

died632

nationalityArab

known forfounding Islam and receiving the Quran

fieldreligion and spirituality

Key Takeaways

He was a merchant known as 'Al-Amin' (The Trustworthy) before receiving divine revelations
He received revelations from God through the Archangel Gabriel, which formed the Quran
His migration to Medina, known as the Hijrah, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar
He united the Arabian Peninsula under the monotheistic religion of Islam

Life Timeline

c. 570

Born in Mecca

610

Received the first revelation in the Cave of Hira

622

Migrated to Medina (the Hijrah)

630

Conquered Mecca

632

Died in Medina

Biography Reading: Muhammad

background

Muhammad was born around 570 CE in the city of Mecca, located in the Arabian Peninsula. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised first by his grandfather and then by his uncle. He grew up to be a merchant, renowned for his honesty and integrity, which earned him the nickname "Al-Amin" (The Trustworthy). Despite his success in trade, he was deeply troubled by the moral decline, idolatry, and social injustices prevalent in Meccan society, leading him to frequently retreat to the Cave of Hira for deep meditation and prayer.

achievement

In the year 610, at the age of 40, Muhammad reported receiving his first divine revelation from God (Allah) through the Archangel Gabriel. Over the next 22 years, these revelations continued and were later compiled into the Quran, the central religious text of Islam. Muhammad began preaching these messages publicly, emphasizing absolute monotheism, social equality, and care for the poor. However, his teachings threatened the economic and religious status quo of Mecca's ruling elites, leading to severe persecution of him and his early followers.

impact

To escape persecution, Muhammad and his followers migrated to the city of Medina in 622, an event known as the Hijrah, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, he established a unified Islamic community (Ummah) and successfully navigated complex political and military conflicts. In 630, he returned to Mecca victoriously and peacefully, clearing the Kaaba of idols and dedicating it to the worship of one God. By the time of his death in 632, he had united most of the Arabian Peninsula under Islam, leaving behind a lasting spiritual and political legacy that continues to shape the lives of nearly two billion Muslims today.