The Final Prophet and Messenger of God

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is the last in a long chain of messengers sent by God — a chain that began with Adam and includes Nūḥ (Noah), Ibrāhīm (Abraham), Mūsā (Moses), and ʿĪsā (Jesus) — peace be upon them all.

“Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.” (Qur’an 33:40)

He came not to invent a new religion, but to restore, complete, and preserve the eternal message all prophets brought: worship One God alone, live righteously, and prepare for the Hereafter.

“Say, I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God. So whoever hopes for the meeting with his Lord – let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.” (Qur’an 18:110)

The Qur’an describes him as:

• “A mercy to the worlds.” (Qur’an 21:107)

• “An excellent example for whoever hopes in Allah and the Last Day.” (Qur’an 33:21)

• “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.” (Qur’an 68:4)

His life — the Sīrah — is among the most thoroughly recorded in human history, showing how divine guidance applies to personal, family, social, political, and even military life.

 

A World in Darkness

Muhammad ﷺ was born in Makkah in 570 CE, the “Year of the Elephant.” The Kaʿbah, built by Ibrāhīm and Ismāʿīl (peace be upon them) for the worship of One God, had become surrounded by 360 idols.

Arabia was in moral decline:

• Tribal pride outweighed justice.

• Slavery and exploitation were common.

• Female infanticide was practiced — condemned by the Qur’an:

“And when the girl [who was] buried alive is asked, for what sin she was killed.” (Qur’an 81:8–9)

• The weak and poor had no protection.

Into this darkness, Allah sent the one who would carry His final message for all humanity.

 

Early Life – Prepared by Providence

An orphan before birth, Muhammad ﷺ lost his father ʿAbdullāh while still in the womb. His mother Āminah died when he was six. He was cared for first by his grandfather ʿAbdul-Muṭṭalib, then by his uncle Abū Ṭālib.

He knew hardship and loss early in life:

• He buried most of his children during his lifetime.

• He lost his beloved wife Khadījah (RA) and his uncle Abū Ṭālib in the same year — known as the “Year of Sorrow.”

• He was driven out of Ṭā’if, pelted with stones until he bled.

Yet he remained patient and compassionate, embodying the Qur’anic principle:

“So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth.” (Qur’an 30:60)

From shepherd to trader, from husband to leader, he excelled in every role:

• As a shepherd — humble and patient. (Sahih al-Bukhari 2143)

• As a merchant — known as al-Amīn (the Trustworthy).

• As a family man — gentle and loving. (Sahih al-Bukhari 6039)

 

The First Revelation – Jibrīl (Gabriel)

At 40 years old, during a retreat in the Cave of Ḥirā’, Jibrīl (peace be upon him) came with the first verses:

“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.” (Qur’an 96:1–5)

This began 23 years of revelation, later compiled into the Qur’an.

 

The Meccan Mission – Calling to Tawḥīd

For 13 years, he called his people to:

• Worship Allah alone. (Qur’an 16:36)

• Abandon idols and injustice.

• Speak the truth, honour family ties, care for the poor, and act justly in trade.

The Quraysh elite opposed him fiercely. Some followers, like Sumayyah bint Khayyāṭ (RA), were tortured to death.

When persecution intensified, he sent some Muslims to Abyssinia, where the Christian king (al-Najāshī) gave them refuge after hearing verses from Sūrah Maryam (19:16–36).

 

The Night Journey & Ascension (Isrā’ & Miʿrāj)

Amid hardship, Allah honoured him with a miraculous journey:

• Isrā’: From Makkah to Jerusalem. (Qur’an 17:1)

• Miʿrāj: Ascension through the heavens, meeting earlier prophets, culminating in the divine command of five daily prayers. (Sahih Muslim 162)

 

The Hijrah – Migration to Madinah

In 622 CE, he migrated to Madinah, welcomed as a leader and peacemaker. This marks the start of the Islamic calendar.

He established:

• The Constitution of Madinah — one of the earliest known written charters securing rights for Muslims, Jews, and allies.

• Brotherhood between migrants (Muhājirūn) and local supporters (Anṣār). (Sahih al-Bukhari 3783)

 

Leadership – Justice with Mercy

In governance and war, he upheld mercy:

“Do not kill women, children, the elderly, or monks in their monasteries. Do not cut down fruit-bearing trees or destroy inhabited places.” (Sunan Abu Dawud 2614, authentic)

Key events:

• Badr (624 CE) — victory by Allah’s help. (Qur’an 3:123–125)

• Uḥud (625 CE) — a painful lesson in discipline. (Qur’an 3:152–153)

• The Trench (627 CE) — strategic defence of Madinah. (Qur’an 33:9–27)

• Treaty of Ḥudaybiyyah (628 CE) — a peace deal that opened the way for mass conversions. (Qur’an 48:1)

 

The Opening of Makkah

In 630 CE, he entered Makkah in victory, declaring:

“No blame will there be upon you today. Go, for you are free.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 4289)

He cleansed the Kaʿbah of idols and restored it to the worship of Allah alone – The purpose his forefather, Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), built it for.

 

The Farewell Sermon – Final Guidance

During his final pilgrimage, he addressed over 100,000:

• All humans are equal; no race has superiority over another except in piety.

• Life, property, and honour are sacred.

• Treat women with kindness.

• Hold fast to the Qur’an and Sunnah. (Sahih Muslim 1218)

 

Passing & Legacy

In 632 CE, at age 63, he passed away saying:

“O Allah, [with] the highest companion.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 4463)

He left no wealth or dynasty, only the Qur’an, his Sunnah, and a community entrusted with living by them.

 

Why He Inspires

• A leader who mended his own clothes. (Sahih al-Bukhari 676)

• A victor who forgave his enemies.

• A prophet who wept for his followers — even those yet unborn. (Sahih Muslim 249)

His life unites deep spiritual devotion with practical solutions for building a just society.

 

Invitation to Reflect:
Read the Qur’an and the Seerah yourself. Discover why billions love him, why historians rank him among the most influential people in history, and why Allah described him as a mercy to the worlds.

“Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have an excellent example for whoever hopes in Allah and the Last Day, and remembers Allah often.” (Qur’an 33:21)

Worship Allah alone. Live righteously. Prepare for the Hereafter.

God Knows Best.

 

 

Last edited:

 

Saad Dastagir
[email protected]
08/08/2025