Notes on Muhammad the Messenger

Introduction

• Focus on Muhammad the Messenger.
• Muslims claim he is the greatest individual in history.
• Claim supported by unbiased studies of his biography.

Birth and Early Life

• Born on Monday, 12th Rabiul Awal, Year of the Elephant (570 AD).
• Son of Abdullah and Amina bint Wahhab.
• Orphaned early: Father died before birth, mother passed away when he was six.
• Raised by grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, who named him "Muhammad" (meaning "the praised one").

Early Character

• Known for honesty and integrity: Al-Sadiq (the truthful) and Al-Amín (the trustworthy).
• Respected by all for his fair dealings.
• Notable event: Resolved a dispute over the placement of the Black Stone in Kaaba.
• Praised for moral character: Quran 68:4 states, "Indeed you are of a great moral character."

Revelations and Prophethood

• Began receiving revelations at age 40 through Angel Jibril.
• Revelations continued for 23 years, forming the Quran.
• Faced severe persecution after beginning to preach.
• Emigration from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD marks the Islamic calendar's start.

Later Life and Legacy

• Returned to Mecca with followers, forgiveness shown to enemies.
• Died at age 63.
• By his death, most of the Arabian Peninsula had converted to Islam.
• Islam spread to Spain and China within a century after his death.

Characteristics and Lifestyle

• Lauded for attributes: honesty, justice, compassion, truthfulness, and bravery.
• Lived a life of modesty and simplicity despite being a successful merchant.
• Minimal material possessions:
  • Wife mentioned subsisting on dates and water without cooking.
  • Lived without bread made from fine flour.
  • Mattress made from leather and date palm fibers.
  • Left behind only a mule, weapons, and a piece of land for charity upon death.

Humility and Service

• Continued to perform humble tasks: milking goats, mending clothes, assisting in household work.
• Emphasized that worship should be directed to God, not to him.
• Suffered persecution for 13 years; multiple assassination attempts.

Conclusion

• Muhammad’s life exemplifies humility and nobility, challenging the notion of seeking power for personal gain.
• Closing remarks and encouragement to subscribe to the channel.