Frequently Asked Questions

Muhammad (PBUH) was the final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, born in Mecca around 570 CE. His life is of immense significance in Islam as he received the final revelation, the Quran, and established the foundations of Islamic faith, practice, and community. He is considered the perfect example for Muslims to follow in all aspects of life.
The core beliefs include the Five Pillars of Islam: Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj. The Six Articles of Faith include belief in Allah, angels, divine books, prophets, the Day of Judgment, and divine predestination.
Muhammad (PBUH) was known for honesty, trustworthiness, compassion, and justice. Even before prophethood, he was called “Al-Amin”. His character inspired millions to embrace Islam and continues to guide Muslims in moral and ethical behavior.
He emphasized justice, equality, compassion, and respect for all. He elevated women’s rights, encouraged kindness, protected the vulnerable, and promoted ethical behavior and social justice.
He established the Constitution of Medina, promoting peaceful coexistence among different communities. He emphasized justice, unity, diplomacy, and conflict resolution.
He led by example, using consultation (Shura), ensuring justice for all, and establishing principles of accountability and moral governance.
He taught respect for creation, established conservation zones (Hima), encouraged water conservation, animal welfare, and sustainable living.
Many non-Muslim scholars praise Muhammad (PBUH). Figures like Michael Hart ranked him the most influential person in history. Scholars such as Karen Armstrong highlight his reforms and impact on global civilization.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), known as Abul-Qasim Muhammad, son of Abdullah, from the noble Quraish tribe, is revered as the final Messenger of God in Islam. He was born in Makkah in 571 C.E. and became an orphan early in life, raised by his grandfather and then his uncle. Before his prophethood, he was known as "Al-Amin" (The Trustworthy) and "As-Sadiq" (The Truthful) due to his impeccable honesty, integrity, and helpful nature. He was unlettered, meaning he could not read or write, a fact highlighted as proof against claims that he authored the Qur'an.

His character is described as a living embodiment of the Qur'an, characterized by profound intellect, sincerity, good morals, politeness, and a strong sense of justice. He was humble, never showing arrogance, and was compassionate even towards his enemies, praying for their well-being. He lived an ascetic life, prioritizing the worship of God over worldly luxuries, even when he held significant power. His patience, forbearance, bravery, and generosity were exemplary. He often simplified matters for people, showed great mercy, and was diligent in his acts of worship, even to the point of his feet swelling from prolonged prayer. He strongly upheld God's limits, abhorred lying, and was known for his pleasant facial expression and modesty.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first divine revelation at the age of forty in the Cave of Hira in Makkah. The Angel Gabriel commanded him to "Recite in the name of your Lord who created." This marked the beginning of his prophethood. He returned home trembling but was reassured by his wife Khadeejah, who affirmed his noble character and good deeds. Her cousin Waraqah, a Christian scribe, recognized the event as the same divine visitation experienced by Prophet Moses, and foretold that Muhammad's people would drive him out.

Initially, Muhammad (PBUH) began calling his own people, the Quraish, to Islam, advocating for the worship of God alone and the forsaking of idols. This message was met with strong resistance because it challenged their traditional beliefs, social hierarchies (like equality between the noble and slaves), and prohibited practices they enjoyed such as usury, intoxicants, fornication, and gambling. He and his companions faced severe harm, torture, and ridicule, being accused of being crazy, sorcerers, and liars. Despite these hardships, he persevered, leading to the migration (Hijra) to Madeenah, where Islam found a supportive community and flourished, eventually leading to the peaceful conquest of Makkah.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) brought a message that encompasses all aspects of life – religious, political, economic, and social. Key principles he conveyed include:

  • Monotheism (Tawhid): The absolute worship of Allah (God) alone.
  • Justice and Equity: Treating all people justly, with no distinction based on race or status.
  • Brotherhood and Community: Emphasizing that all Muslims are brothers.
  • Ethical Conduct: Promoting virtues such as honesty, trustworthiness, and kindness.
  • Fulfillment of Promises: Stressing the importance of keeping promises.
  • Care for the Vulnerable: Helping the poor, needy, and widowed.
  • Moderation and Ease: Advocating for a balanced approach in religion and life.
  • Accountability: Reminding people of their accountability to God.
  • Finality of Prophethood: Declaring himself as the last prophet.

The sources present various proofs supporting Muhammad's prophethood:

Textual Proofs:

  • Qur'an: Explicitly states Muhammad (PBUH) as "the Messenger of Allah and last of the prophets" (33:40).
  • Previous Scriptures: Prophecies in the Old and New Testaments are interpreted to foretell his coming.

Intellectual Proofs:

  • Illiteracy: The eloquent Qur'an being recited by an unlettered man is seen as a divine miracle.
  • Qur'anic Challenge: The inability of renowned Arab poets to produce anything similar to the Qur'an.
  • Perseverance: His steadfastness despite immense persecution.
  • Renunciation of Worldly Riches: He rejected offers of wealth and power to abandon his mission.
  • Lack of Adulation in Qur'an: The Qur'an contains verses that admonished him, which is unlikely for an impostor.
  • Prophecy of Abu Lahab: A Qur'anic chapter correctly predicted his uncle Abu Lahab would never accept Islam.
  • Preservation and Spread of Islam: The unchanged Qur'an and the global spread of the faith.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a leader who embodied humility, justice, and effective governance. He did not seek regal state or personal aggrandizement. Even at the height of his power, he lived a simple life. He was accessible to all and showed deep concern for the welfare of his community.

In governance, he was known for:

  • Consultation (Shura): He consulted his companions on matters without divine revelation.
  • Justice and Fairness: He was scrupulously just in applying laws to everyone, including his own family.
  • Forgiveness in Victory: He forgave his persecutors after the peaceful conquest of Makkah.
  • Moral and Ethical Foundation: His leadership was rooted in Qur'anic principles, promoting equality with piety as the sole distinction.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) married a number of women after the death of his first wife, Khadeejah, with whom he had a monogamous marriage for 25 years. All his subsequent wives were divorcees or widows, except for A'ishah.

His marriages served several purposes:

  • Religious and Legislative: Such as abolishing certain pre-Islamic adoption practices.
  • Political and Diplomatic: Fostering alliances with powerful Arab tribes.
  • Social: Providing support and protection for widows and their families.

Contrary to accusations, his period of youth was spent in monogamy, and his later marriages were primarily for social, political, and legislative reasons. He maintained justice and fairness among all his wives.

Islam, as brought by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is presented as a complete way of life, or "Deen," encompassing all aspects of private and public existence. Its teachings extend to political, economic, and social affairs, including hygiene and etiquette.

Key aspects of this integration include a comprehensive code of conduct, a moral foundation for society, justice in all dealings, holistic purification, the importance of knowledge, an emphasis on ease and tolerance, and the establishment of human rights to ensure a life of compassion and dignity.

The Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) legacy is a vast and lasting revolution that profoundly impacted the ideas, beliefs, and souls of millions. His enduring impact is evident in:

  • Founding a Spiritual and Terrestrial Empire: He established a religious, political, and social framework based on the unity of God.
  • Transformation of Society: He transformed society into a community built on justice, equality, and compassion.
  • Universal Applicability: His principles are considered suitable for every time and place.
  • Continued Growth of Islam: Islam continues to be one of the fastest-growing religions, attributed to the divine preservation of the Qur'an and the Sunnah.
  • Inspiration for Humanity: He is regarded as a human paradigm and a "Saviour of humanity" who brought profound spiritual and social change.