Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. (PBUH)

The life of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. (PBUH)

     When he was born in Mecca in 570 AD, he was given the name Muhammad, which means "praised one", by his grandfather Abu Mutalib. His father had died when he was born and he lost his mother at the age of six. He was then called "As-Saddiq" (the Truthful) for his truthful and honest nature. He is known for always said only the truth. He was also called "Al-Amin" (the Trustworthy)due to his integrity and always upholding any trust given to him. All of his names indicated the very nature of a man who was praised for his honesty, integrity and trustworthiness. At the age of 25, he had married Khadija and took no other wife than her until her death 24 years later. Khadija had been very supportful to Muhammad S.A.W and had made his burden light.

     In his late 30's, he regularly visits to a cave in Mt Hira' to seek solitude and contemplation. at the age of 40, Muhammad returned from his visit at the cave and told Khadija of an angel that visited him. He reported that  while in a trance-like state, the Angel Gabriel appeared to him and said "Proclaim!" But like Moses, Muhammed was a reluctant prophet. He replied, "I am not a proclaimer." for could illiterate and could not write. The angel persisted, and the Prophet repeatedly resisted, until the angel finally overwhelmed Muhammad and commanded him:

Proclaim in the name of your Lord who created!
Created man from a clot of blood.
Proclaim: Your Lord is the Most Generous,
Who teaches by the pen;
Teaches man what he knew not. (Qur'an 96:1-3)
 

     The initially startled Khadija became his first convert. After receiving his wife's support and the additional angelic visits, Muhammad's message to his countrymen was to convert from pagan polytheism, immorality and materialism, repent from evil and worship Allah, the only true God. He was always careful to clarify his role in God's work - he was only a prophet. He was not an angel, he did not know the mind of God, he did not work miracles. He simply preached what he had received.

     The Meccans felt threatened by his preachings because they were mostly pagans at that time. Threats, violences and even battles were put up against Muhammad and his followers.

Hijrah to Yathrib

     Persecution continued to increase until Muhammad received some welcome news: he had gained followers in the city of Yathrib.The city was in need of a strong leader, and a delegation from Yathrib proposed that Muhammad take the job. In return, they pledged to worship Allah only, obey Muhammad and defend him and his followers to the death. Allah revealed to Muhammed his approval of this arrangement, and Muhammad made plans to migrate to Yathrib (Madinah/ Medina). He was warmly welcome by the people there and also had settled there.

Reference link: http://www.prophetofislam.com/what_did_he_do.php
                         http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/history/prophet.htm