- c. 570 CE · Year of the Elephant
Birth in Makkah
Born into the Banu Hashim clan of Quraysh. His father ‘Abdullah had died before his birth; his mother Aminah died when he was about six, and his grandfather ‘Abd al-Muttalib, then his uncle Abu Talib, cared for him.
Source: The Year of the Elephant: Surah Al-Fil 105 - c. 595 CE
Marriage to Khadijah
Known in Makkah as al-Amin, the trustworthy, he married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (may Allah be pleased with her).
Source: Sahih al-Bukhari 3 (her support at the first revelation) - c. 610 CE
The first revelation
In the Cave of Hira, the angel Jibril brought the first verses: “Read in the name of your Lord who created.”
Source: Al-‘Alaq 96:1–5; Sahih al-Bukhari 3 - c. 613 CE
The open call
Commanded to warn his nearest kin, he called the Quraysh publicly from Mount Safa.
Source: Ash-Shu‘ara 26:214; Sahih al-Bukhari 4770 - c. 615 CE
Migration to Abyssinia
Persecuted Muslims sought refuge with the just Christian king, the Negus of Abyssinia.
Source: Historical record of the Seerah (Ibn Hisham) - c. 619 CE
The Year of Sorrow
Khadijah and Abu Talib passed away in the same year.
Source: Historical record of the Seerah (Ibn Hisham) - c. 620–621 CE
Al-Isra’ wal-Mi‘raj
The Night Journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and the ascension through the heavens, when the five daily prayers were made obligatory.
Source: Al-Isra 17:1; Sahih al-Bukhari 349 - 622 CE · 1 AH
The Hijrah to Madinah
He migrated with Abu Bakr to Madinah; the Islamic calendar is counted from this year.
Source: At-Tawbah 9:40; Sahih al-Bukhari 3905, 3934 - 624 CE · 2 AH
The Battle of Badr
A small, poorly equipped Muslim force was given victory.
Source: Al ‘Imran 3:123 - 625 CE · 3 AH
The Battle of Uhud
A hard lesson in patience and obedience.
Source: Al ‘Imran 3:121–122, 152–155 - 627 CE · 5 AH
The Battle of the Trench (Al-Ahzab)
Madinah was defended by a trench against the confederate armies.
Source: Al-Ahzab 33:9–25 - 628 CE · 6 AH
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
A peace treaty with Quraysh that the Quran calls a clear victory.
Source: Al-Fath 48:1, 18 - 630 CE · 8 AH
The Conquest of Makkah
Makkah opened with almost no fighting; he forgave its people and cleared the Ka‘bah of idols.
Source: An-Nasr 110; Al-Isra 17:81 - 630 CE · 9 AH
The Expedition of Tabuk
The last expedition he led, a test of sincerity in hardship.
Source: At-Tawbah 9:38–42, 117 - 632 CE · 10 AH
The Farewell Hajj
His only Hajj and his farewell sermon at ‘Arafah, when the verse “This day I have perfected your religion for you” was revealed.
Source: Al-Ma’idah 5:3; Sahih Muslim 1218 - 632 CE · Rabi‘ al-Awwal 11 AH
His passing
He passed away in Madinah in the room of ‘A’ishah and was buried there.
Source: Al ‘Imran 3:144; Az-Zumar 39:30
“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent example” — Al-Ahzab 33:21.