The Meccan life of Holy prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon him)
Muhammad in Mecca
Prophet Muhammad was born and lived in Mecca for the first 52 years of his life (570–622). Orphaned early in life, he became known as a prominent merchant, and as an impartial and trustworthy arbiter of disputes. He married his first wife, the 40-year-old widow Khadijah bint Khuwaylid at age 25. He would not take other wives during her lifetime.
According to Muslim tradition, Muhammad began receiving revelations at the age of 40. The key themes of his messages in Mecca were the oneness of God and the rejection of polytheism, generosity towards the poor and the needy, kind treatment and emancipation of slaves, and the equality between men and women before God. Some of his peers respected his words and became his followers. Many others, including tribal leaders, opposed, ridiculed and eventually boycotted his clan, and Muhammad and his followers were harassed, assaulted, tortured and forced into exile. Several attempts were made on his life. When his uncle and chief protector, Abu Talib, who was the head of the clan of Banu Hashim died, Muhammad migrated to Medina in 622, where he had many followers who agreed to help and assist him.
Muslims celebrate the birth of Muhammad, and Islamic tradition relates many events during this period that foreshadow his prophethood. They also believe he made the night journey to Jerusalem and the heavens while still living in Mecca.
Sources for Muhammad 's life in Mecca
Muhammad is the first founder of a major world religion, according to western scholars, who had biographies written by contemporaries, and about whom there are numerous records in historical texts, although like other premodern historical figures not every detail of his life is known.
For the Muslims, Muhammad is just the last prophet of the unique religion preached by the other prophets before him.
Academic perspective
The Qur 'an is considered to be the most credible primary source for the life of Muhammad in Mecca. Next in importance are
Prophet Muhammad was born and lived in Mecca for the first 52 years of his life (570–622). Orphaned early in life, he became known as a prominent merchant, and as an impartial and trustworthy arbiter of disputes. He married his first wife, the 40-year-old widow Khadijah bint Khuwaylid at age 25. He would not take other wives during her lifetime.
According to Muslim tradition, Muhammad began receiving revelations at the age of 40. The key themes of his messages in Mecca were the oneness of God and the rejection of polytheism, generosity towards the poor and the needy, kind treatment and emancipation of slaves, and the equality between men and women before God. Some of his peers respected his words and became his followers. Many others, including tribal leaders, opposed, ridiculed and eventually boycotted his clan, and Muhammad and his followers were harassed, assaulted, tortured and forced into exile. Several attempts were made on his life. When his uncle and chief protector, Abu Talib, who was the head of the clan of Banu Hashim died, Muhammad migrated to Medina in 622, where he had many followers who agreed to help and assist him.
Muslims celebrate the birth of Muhammad, and Islamic tradition relates many events during this period that foreshadow his prophethood. They also believe he made the night journey to Jerusalem and the heavens while still living in Mecca.
Sources for Muhammad 's life in Mecca
Muhammad is the first founder of a major world religion, according to western scholars, who had biographies written by contemporaries, and about whom there are numerous records in historical texts, although like other premodern historical figures not every detail of his life is known.
For the Muslims, Muhammad is just the last prophet of the unique religion preached by the other prophets before him.
Academic perspective
The Qur 'an is considered to be the most credible primary source for the life of Muhammad in Mecca. Next in importance are