The Death of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)

The Signs of Departure

In the final months of the Prophet Muhammad's life (PBUH), a series of signs suggested to those with discernment that the prophetic era was drawing to its close. The revelation of Surah an-Nasr — "When the victory of Allah has come and the conquest, and you see the people entering into the religion of Allah in multitudes, then exalt with praise of your Lord and ask forgiveness of Him" (110:1-3) — was understood by many companions, including Abu Bakr (RA), as an announcement of the Prophet's approaching death. The Farewell Pilgrimage itself carried the weight of conclusion.

During the last days of Safar and into Rabi al-Awwal of 11 AH (January–February 632 CE), the Prophet (PBUH) began to experience the illness that would be his final. He reportedly traced its onset to the poisoned meal at Khaybar years before, saying: "I still feel the effect of what I ate at Khaybar." The illness brought severe headaches and fever.

The Final Days in Aisha's Chamber

As the fever intensified, the Prophet (PBUH) sought permission from his wives to be nursed in the chamber of Aisha bint Abi Bakr (RA). They agreed, and he spent his final days there. He continued to lead the companions in prayer for as long as he could — sometimes rising despite weakness and dizziness. When he could no longer stand, he appointed Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA) to lead the prayers in his place. He did this insistently, despite initial hesitation (Aisha had suggested Umar instead), and companions understood this to be a significant indication about leadership after his death.

In moments of relative strength, the Prophet (PBUH) offered final guidance. He urged the companions: "Prayer, prayer, and those whom your right hands possess" — reminding them to guard their worship and their treatment of those in their care. He warned against turning his grave into a place of worship, as nations before had done with their prophets' tombs. He urged maintenance of the covenant with the People of the Book in Madinah.

The Final Morning

On Monday, the twelfth of Rabi al-Awwal — the same day and month in which he was born, according to most accounts — the Prophet (PBUH) passed from this world. That morning, Abu Bakr (RA) was leading the Fajr prayer when the Prophet (PBUH) lifted the curtain of Aisha's chamber and looked out at the congregation. His face was radiant. The companions, overjoyed at the sight, began to break their prayer lines in joy, but he signaled them to continue and then lowered the curtain.

Abu Bakr (RA) returned to his home afterward, thinking the Prophet (PBUH) had recovered. Then the news came. Aisha (RA) described his passing: he was resting against her chest, his head in her lap. She felt his weight grow heavy and she heard him whisper, "With the company of those upon whom Allah has bestowed favor — the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous — O Allah, forgive me and have mercy on me, and bring me together with the highest companions." Then his hand relaxed, and he was gone.

The Community's Grief

The news struck Madinah like a thunderbolt. Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) — the most fearless of men — stood in the mosque, sword drawn, refusing to accept the news. He declared that anyone who said the Prophet (PBUH) had died would have his hand cut off, insisting he had merely gone to his Lord as Moses had gone and would return.

Abu Bakr (RA) arrived, entered Aisha's chamber, uncovered the Prophet's face, kissed his forehead, and said: "You were beautiful in life and beautiful in death. By Allah, Allah will not combine two deaths for you." Then he went to the mosque and addressed the community: "O people, whoever worshiped Muhammad — Muhammad has died. Whoever worships Allah — Allah is ever living and never dies." And he recited: "Muhammad is not but a messenger; messengers have passed before him. So if he were to die or be killed, would you turn back on your heels?" (Al-Imran 3:144). Umar (RA) said: "It was as if I had never heard this verse before." His legs gave out beneath him and he sat down.

The Burial

The companions debated where to bury the Prophet (PBUH). Abu Bakr (RA) narrated that he had heard the Prophet say: "No prophet has ever died except he was buried where he died." Accordingly, a grave was dug beneath the bed in Aisha's chamber where he had passed away. He was washed, wrapped in three white Yemeni cloths, and buried there — in the spot that has been the most visited place on Earth for fourteen centuries, visited by hundreds of millions who come to send their prayers upon him (PBUH).