Seerah: The Life of Prophet Muhammad

Overview

The Seerah (سيرة) refers to the biography of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the final messenger of Allah. His life is the most meticulously documented of any historical figure from that era, preserved through chains of narration and compiled by classical scholars.

Birth and Early Life (570-610 CE)

Born in Makkah in the Year of the Elephant (approximately 570 CE), Muhammad was orphaned at a young age. He was nursed by Halimah al-Sa'diyah, raised by his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib and then his uncle Abu Talib. He became known as al-Amin (the Trustworthy) and al-Sadiq (the Truthful) even before prophethood. He married Khadijah bint Khuwailid at age 25.

Prophethood in Makkah (610-622 CE)

At age 40, he received the first revelation through Jibril in the Cave of Hira. The Makkan period was marked by secret and then public preaching of tawhid, severe persecution by the Quraysh, the migration to Abyssinia, the boycott of Banu Hashim, the Year of Sorrow (deaths of Khadijah and Abu Talib), and the Night Journey (Isra and Mi'raj).

The Madinan Period (622-632 CE)

After the Hijrah to Madinah, the Prophet established the first Islamic state, built the Prophet's Mosque, drafted the Constitution of Madinah, and led the community through major battles (Badr, Uhud, Khandaq) and treaties (Hudaybiyyah). The conquest of Makkah in 630 CE marked the triumph of Islam. He delivered the Farewell Sermon during his final Hajj and passed away in 632 CE.