Islamiyat (2058)
Topic 1 of 1Cambridge O Levels

The Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Key events from the life of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is the last and final messenger of Allah. His life is a model for all Muslims.


Early Life:

  • Born in Makkah in 570 CE (Year of the Elephant)
  • Father Abdullah died before his birth, mother Aminah died when he was 6
  • Raised by grandfather Abdul Muttalib, then uncle Abu Talib
  • Known as "Al-Sadiq" (The Truthful) and "Al-Amin" (The Trustworthy)
  • Worked as a trader, married Hazrat Khadijah (RA) at age 25

    • Prophethood:

  • Received first revelation in Cave Hira at age 40 (610 CE)
  • First words revealed: "Iqra" (Read) — Surah Al-Alaq
  • First Muslim: Hazrat Khadijah (RA)
  • First male Muslim: Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) or Hazrat Ali (RA)

    • Key Events:

  • Hijrah (622 CE): Migration from Makkah to Madinah — start of Islamic calendar
  • Battle of Badr (624 CE): First major battle, 313 Muslims vs 1000 Quraysh — Muslims won
  • Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (628 CE): Peace treaty with Quraysh
  • Conquest of Makkah (630 CE): Peaceful conquest, general amnesty given
  • Farewell Sermon (632 CE): Final message of equality and human rights
  • Passed away in 632 CE in Madinah

    • Character Traits:

    Truthfulness, kindness, justice, humility, forgiveness, generosity, patience

    Key Points to Remember

    • 1Born 570 CE in Makkah, first revelation at age 40 in Cave Hira
    • 2Hijrah to Madinah in 622 CE marks start of Islamic calendar
    • 3Known as Al-Sadiq (Truthful) and Al-Amin (Trustworthy)
    • 4Farewell Sermon emphasized equality of all humans

    Pakistan Example

    12 Rabi-ul-Awal Celebrations in Pakistan

    Every year on 12 Rabi-ul-Awal, Pakistan celebrates the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Streets in Lahore, Karachi, and across the country are decorated with lights and green flags. Processions (juloos) pass through major roads with nasheeds and speeches about the Prophet's life. In schools, students present speeches about the Prophet's character — his honesty in trade (relevant to Pakistan's business culture), his kindness to neighbors (a value emphasized in Pakistani society), and his message of education ('Seek knowledge even if you have to go to China'). The holiday reminds us that the Prophet's teachings are timeless.

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