Muhammad was born around 570 CE in Mecca, a city in present-day Saudi Arabia. His father, Abdullah, died before his birth, leaving him an orphan from the start. He was raised by his mother, Amina bint Wahb, until she passed away when he was six years old. Following her death, he was taken care of by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, who also died two years later. Subsequently, Muhammad came under the guardianship of his uncle Abu Talib.

Early Life and Career

During his youth, Muhammad worked as a shepherd and later as a merchant. He earned a reputation for honesty and integrity, which led to him being nicknamed “Al-Amin,” meaning “the trustworthy.” At the age of 25, he began working for Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a wealthy widow who was 15 years older than him. Impressed by his character and business acumen, Khadijah proposed marriage to him; they married and had several children together. Their union was marked by mutual respect and love.

Spiritual Awakening

At the age of 40, while meditating in the Cave of Hira on Mount Jabal al-Nour near Mecca during the month of Ramadan, Muhammad received his first revelation from the Angel Gabriel (Jibril). This event marked the beginning of his prophethood. The initial revelations were met with confusion and fear; however, Khadijah became the first person to accept Islam along with close family members like Ali ibn Abi Talib (his cousin) and Zayd ibn Harithah (his adopted son).

Preaching Islam

For three years after receiving revelations, Muhammad preached Islam privately to friends and family before publicly announcing his message around 613 CE. His teachings emphasized monotheism and condemned idolatry prevalent in Meccan society. As he gained followers, opposition grew from the Quraysh tribe who saw him as a threat to their social order and economic interests tied to idol worship at the Kaaba.

Persecution and Migration

The persecution against Muslims intensified over time; they faced social ostracism and violence. In response to this oppression, Muhammad advised some followers to seek refuge in Abyssinia (Ethiopia), where they were granted protection by a Christian king known as Negus. After several years of hardship in Mecca—including the loss of Khadijah and Abu Talib—Muhammad decided to migrate to Yathrib (later named Medina) in 622 CE. This migration is known as Hijra and marks Year One in the Islamic calendar.

Establishing a Community

In Medina, Muhammad successfully united various tribes under Islam through treaties and alliances while establishing a Muslim community governed by Islamic principles. He served not only as a spiritual leader but also took on political responsibilities as well as military leadership when necessary due to ongoing conflicts with Meccan tribes that sought to eliminate him and his followers. Notable battles during this period include Badr (624 CE), Uhud (625 CE), and the Battle of the Trench (627 CE).

Treaty of Hudaybiyah

In 628 CE, Muhammad attempted to perform pilgrimage at Mecca but faced resistance from Quraysh forces leading to the Treaty of Hudaybiyah—a peace agreement that allowed Muslims access to Mecca for pilgrimage while maintaining peace between both parties for ten years. This treaty ultimately strengthened Muhammad’s position as it led more people towards accepting Islam due to its growing influence among tribes across Arabia.

Conquest of Mecca

In 630 CE, following violations by Quraysh against the treaty terms, Muhammad gathered an army of approximately 10,000 followers and marched towards Mecca without bloodshed capturing it successfully. Upon entering Mecca, he ordered the destruction of idols within the Kaaba declaring it a sanctuary for monotheistic worship alone—signifying Islam’s dominance over polytheism in Arabia. Most inhabitants converted to Islam following this event due to Muhammad’s clemency towards former adversaries during this conquest.

Final Years

After conquering Mecca, Muhammad continued spreading Islam throughout Arabia until his final pilgrimage known as Hajj in March 632 CE where he delivered his last sermon at Mount Arafat emphasizing equality among Muslims regardless of race or status while reiterating core Islamic principles such as prayer obligations and charity towards others. Shortly after returning home to Medina from this pilgrimage, he fell ill with fever for several days before passing away on June 8th at age 62; he was buried at al-Masjid an-Nabawi (the Mosque of the Prophet) in Medina where millions visit annually seeking blessings at his grave site today.

Muhammad’s life left an indelible mark on history; through his teachings laid down in Quranic revelations combined with established practices known as Hadiths—Islam has grown into one of world’s major religions with over 1 billion adherents globally today striving towards embodying values promoted by their beloved Prophet throughout generations since then until now.

The Sahabah, or companions of the Prophet Muhammad, are a significant part of Islamic history. They were individuals who met the Prophet, believed in him, and died as Muslims. The exact number of Sahabah is not definitively known, but estimates suggest there were over 100,000 companions. Below is a list of some notable Sahabah along with their approximate dates of significance in relation to their companionship with the Prophet Muhammad.

Companions (Swahaba)of Prophet Mohamad

1. Abu Bakr (Abdullah ibn Abi Quhafa)
   • Date of Companionship: Early convert to Islam around 610 CE
   • Significance: First caliph after the death of Muhammad; close friend and supporter.
2. Umar ibn al-Khattab
   • Date of Companionship: Converted around 616 CE
   • Significance: Second caliph; known for his leadership and expansion of the Islamic state.
3. Uthman ibn Affan
   • Date of Companionship: Converted around 615 CE
   • Significance: Third caliph; compiled the Quran into one book.
4. Ali ibn Abi Talib
   • Date of Companionship: Accepted Islam at age ten (around 610 CE)
   • Significance: Fourth caliph; cousin and son-in-law to Muhammad.
5. Talhah ibn Ubaydullah
   • Date of Companionship: Early convert around 610 CE
   • Significance: Known for his bravery in battles; one of the ten promised paradise.
6. Zubair ibn al-Awwam
   • Date of Companionship: Early convert around 610 CE
   • Significance: Cousin to Muhammad; also one of the ten promised paradise.
7. Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf
   • Date of Companionship: Early convert around 610 CE
   • Significance: Wealthy merchant; played a key role in early Islamic community support.
8. Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas
   • Date of Companionship: Converted around 615 CE
   • Significance: Noted military leader; one of the ten promised paradise.
9. Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah
   • Date of Companionship: Converted early in Mecca (around 611 CE)
   • Significance: Renowned military commander; trusted by Muhammad.
10. Bilal ibn Rabah
    • Date of Companionship: Converted early (around 615 CE)
    • Significance: First muezzin (caller to prayer); symbolized freedom from oppression.
11. Aisha bint Abi Bakr
    • Date of Companionship: Married to Muhammad in 620 CE
    • Significance: One of the most prominent female scholars; narrated many hadiths.
12. Fatimah bint Muhammad
    • Date of Companionship: Born in 605 CE
    • Significance: Daughter of Muhammad; married Ali and mother to Hasan and Husayn.
13. Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib
    • Date of Companionship: Converted around 615 CE
    • Significance: Uncle to Muhammad; known as “Lion of Allah”; martyred at Uhud.
14. Anas ibn Malik
    • Date of Companionship: Became a servant to Muhammad at a young age (around 10 years old)
    • Significance: Narrated numerous hadiths about daily life with the Prophet.
15. Abu Hurairah
    – Date Of Companion: Converted In The Last Years Of The Prophets Life (Around 629CE)
    – Significane: He Narrated More Hadiths Than Any Other Companion.

Conclusion

These individuals represent just a fraction of the many companions who played vital roles during and after the life of Prophet Muhammad, contributing significantly to the spread and establishment of Islam across various regions.

Enemies During the Time of Prophet Muhammad

The time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was marked by significant opposition from various individuals and groups, primarily from the Quraysh tribe in Mecca. This opposition stemmed from a combination of political, economic, and religious factors. Below is a detailed examination of some of the key enemies of Prophet Muhammad during his lifetime.

Key Opponents

1. Abu Jahl

Abu Jahl, whose real name was Amr ibn Hisham, was one of the most prominent leaders of the Quraysh and a fierce opponent of Islam. He was known for his relentless hostility towards Muhammad and his followers. Abu Jahl’s arrogance led him to reject Muhammad’s message outright, famously stating that he would never accept a prophet from the family of Abd Manaf, which included Muhammad. His actions included verbal abuse and physical threats against Muslims, culminating in his death at the Battle of Badr.

2. Abu Lahab

Abu Lahab was another uncle of Muhammad who vehemently opposed him. He publicly mocked and ridiculed Muhammad’s message and actively worked to undermine his efforts. The Quran specifically condemns Abu Lahab in Surah Al-Masad (Chapter 111), declaring that he will face eternal punishment for his actions against Islam.

3. Umayyah ibn Khalaf

Umayyah ibn Khalaf was a wealthy merchant and one of the leading figures in Mecca who persecuted early Muslims, including Bilal ibn Rabah, whom he tortured for converting to Islam. Umayyad played a significant role in orchestrating opposition against Muhammad and was involved in various plots to harm him. He was ultimately killed at the Battle of Badr.

4. Walid ibn al-Mughira

Walid was a chief among the Quraysh who initially recognized the eloquence and truthfulness of Muhammad’s message but chose to oppose it out of pride and jealousy over not being chosen as a prophet himself. He attempted to discredit Muhammad by labeling him as a sorcerer or poet instead.

5. Uqbah ibn Abi Muayt

Uqbah was another chief who openly insulted and attacked Muhammad. He once invited him to dinner only to mock him when he refused to eat until they acknowledged Allah’s oneness. Uqbah later became one of those executed after being captured at Badr due to his severe enmity towards Muslims.

6. Nazar bin Haris

Nazar bin Haris was known for spreading propaganda against Muhammad among pilgrims visiting Mecca, attempting to sway public opinion against him by claiming that he merely recited ancient tales rather than delivering divine revelations.

7. Al-As ibn Wa’il

Al-As ibn Wa’il Sahmi was another influential figure who ridiculed Muhammad’s claims about prophethood and sought to undermine his authority within Meccan society by questioning his lineage and legitimacy as a prophet.

Reasons for Opposition

The opposition faced by Prophet Muhammad can be attributed to several factors:

• Economic Threat: The Quraysh were economically reliant on their polytheistic practices, particularly pilgrimage activities centered around the Kaaba, which housed numerous idols worshipped by various tribes across Arabia.
• Political Power: The rise of Islam threatened the established social order in Mecca, where tribal leaders held significant power.
• Religious Beliefs: The monotheistic message preached by Muhammad directly challenged the polytheistic beliefs held by many in Mecca.

Tribes-Enemies

1. The Quraysh Tribe

The Quraysh were the dominant tribe in Mecca and held significant political and economic power. They were deeply entrenched in their polytheistic beliefs and practices, which were threatened by Muhammad’s message of monotheism. The following are notable figures among the Quraysh who opposed him:

Abu Jahl (Amr ibn Hisham)

Abu Jahl was one of the most vehement opponents of Islam. He was known for his arrogance and pride, believing that accepting Muhammad’s prophethood would diminish his status among the Quraysh leaders. His hostility included public ridicule and attempts to harm the Prophet physically.1

Umayyah bin Khalaf

Umayyah was a wealthy merchant who played a significant role in persecuting early Muslims, including Bilal ibn Rabah, whom he tortured for embracing Islam. He was involved in various plots against Muhammad and was ultimately killed at the Battle of Badr.2

Walid bin Mughira

A wealthy chief of the Banu Makhzum clan, Walid initially recognized the eloquence of the Quran but rejected it out of pride. He participated in efforts to discredit Muhammad by labeling him as a sorcerer or poet.3

Abu Lahab

As an uncle of Muhammad, Abu Lahab was particularly hostile towards him. He publicly denounced Muhammad’s message and even attempted to undermine his credibility among the people.4

Uqbah bin Abi Muayt

Uqbah was another chief who actively sought to harm Muhammad. He once invited him to dinner only to mock him later. His enmity culminated in his death at Badr alongside other enemies.5

2. Jewish Tribes

In addition to the Quraysh, several Jewish tribes in Medina also opposed Muhammad after he migrated there:

Banu Qaynuqa

This tribe was expelled from Medina after they violated agreements with Muslims during times of conflict.6

Banu Nadir

They plotted against Muhammad and were subsequently expelled from Medina after their treachery became evident during conflicts with Meccan forces.7

Banu Qurayza

Accused of treason during the Battle of the Trench, this tribe faced severe consequences when they allied with enemy forces against Muslims.8

3. Other Opponents

Apart from these prominent groups, there were other individuals and factions that opposed Muhammad:

Al-As bin Wa’il Sahmi

A wealthy landowner who ridiculed Muhammad for lacking descendants and sought to undermine his influence among people by mocking him publicly.

Nazar bin Haris

He actively campaigned against Islam by spreading misinformation about its teachings among pilgrims visiting Mecca.

Conclusion

The enemies of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) included prominent figures from the Quraysh tribe such as Abu Jahl, Umayyah bin Khalaf, Walid bin Mughira, Abu Lahab, Uqbah bin Abi Muayt; Jewish tribes like Banu Qaynuqa, Banu Nadir, and Banu Qurayza; as well as other individuals like Al-As bin Wa’il Sahmi and Nazar bin Haris. Their opposition stemmed from threats to their social status, economic interests, and religious beliefs due to Muhammad’s call for monotheism and social reform. all representing different facets of societal opposition based on economic interests, political power struggles, and deep-seated religious beliefs.