Get closer to your prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is the messenger of Allah, the seal of the prophets. Allah has honored humanity through him. If justice were to be embodied, it would be in his essence. If purity were to be portrayed, it would be in his spirit. And if virtue were to be drawn, it would be in his being. Therefore, following the Prophet is the way for those who hope for Allah and the Last Day (Hereafter).
Hence, it is necessary to seek knowledge about our prophet and learn more about his life. In this article, we will present 10 pieces of information you may not know about him (PBUH), as knowledge is the perfect way to believe, know, and love.
1- He is Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib, born in 570 CE and passed away in 633 CE. He belongs to the noble lineage of Mecca and its most prestigious tribes, thus he was an orphan to build a strong relationship with Allah & get his mental strength from him!
2- Prophet Muhammad lived a happy life with his wives, treating them with kindness and wisdom to give Muslims examples of treating their life partners (wives), following the saying of Allah Almighty:
"And live with them in kindness" Verse 19 from surah An-Nisa
3- The Prophet had three sons: Al-Qasim, who was given the nickname of Abu-L-Qasim, Abdullah, and Ibrahim (all of them passed away while they were kids). He also had four daughters: Zainab, Fatimah, Ruqayyah, and Umm Kulthum.
4- Prophet Muhammad never engaged in the customs of his tribe in idol worship or the making of deities or gods with their own hands. Instead, he believed that the only God to be worshiped was Allah, without any partner.
5- The prophet’s mission was a great example of seeking knowledge
The first verse revealed to him (PBUH) was:
"Recite in the name of your Lord who created", Verse 1 from Surah Al-‘Alaq, although his mission began when he was forty years old, to emphasize the great importance of knowledge in reaching and knowing Allah and all aspects of life!
6- The Prophet's mission lasted for 23 years, including 3 years of secret invitation. During it the Prophet (PBUH) began selecting close individuals to invite them to Islam. The first woman to embrace Islam was his wife Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her), and the first man was Abu Bakr As-Siddiq.
The public invitation began when the Prophet (PBUH) climbed Mount Safa and called out to his tribe, inviting them to the monotheism of Allah and abandoning the worship of idols.
7- Prophet Muhammad adhered to all religious teachings. Thus, we see him encouraging his followers to bond with women through lawful marriage and forbidding adultery. He never committed adultery.
He also prohibited usury, and abstained from drinking alcohol, despite it being a widespread practice among people at that time.
8- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) commanded the giving of Zakat to the poor, and he was a protector and defender of widows, orphans, and the needy. He also commanded the reunion of separated families and the sanctification of family ties. Indeed, Muhammad (PBUH) affirmed the rights of women to their dowries, inheritance, and wealth.
9- Muhammad (PBUH) paid great attention to all living organisms' rights
He (PBUH) gave Muslims great examples of treating women and weak people with kindness and gentleness. He also used to tell Muslims how to treat animals and emphasized not cutting trees or killing seniors, women, and kids even in wartime.
10- Now, you might wonder why the Prophet Muhammad is mentioned specifically in the testimony among other prophets and messengers.
Allah in His greatness, called all the previous prophets by their names. However, He called the Prophet (PBUH) using titles such as "O Prophet," "O Messenger," and “O Cloaked One.”
While Allah praised His previous prophets for their noble qualities, mentioning specific attributes for each prophet. However, when speaking about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Allah said in the Quran: "And indeed, you are of a great moral character" Verse 4 from Surah Al-Qalam
Another characteristic with which Allah has singled out Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is that every prophet sent to his people specifically. While Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, was sent to all people in his time and thereafter.