Knowing Prophet Muhammad
Every year, Muslims around the world celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad. This year, the celebrations will be held on January 24. James Chimpweya talks to director of Islamic Relief Agency (IRA) Sheikh Abdul Razzak Fattan, on Prophet Muhammad.
Muslims have been celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad, but who is he?
Prophet Muhammad is the founder of Islamic religion who received the revelation of the Quran while in the cave. He was born on Monday 12th Rabul Awal in Mecca (Saudi Arabia). His mother was Amina and his father Abdullah was from Quirsy tribe. Muhammad was an orphan because his father died four months before his birth. He was from one of the noble tribes and was the custodian of the revelation of the Quran in the House of Kaabar. He spent his childhood in the normal way every child spends. After the death of his father, he was taken by his uncle Abil Talib and at the age of 25 he married to Khadijah.
How did he become a prophet?
At the age of 25-40, he was trusted by his people and used to go to the cave in search of the truth. It was at this time while in the cave that an Angel Gabriel appeared to him, telling him to read the Quran but then he was illiterate because he never went to school. As the angel frequently visiting him, he started reading the Quran and eventually spread the religion. And after 23 years, the whole Quran was revealed to him. Sadly, he passed away the same date he was born.
As Muslims, how do you celebrate his birth?
We celebrate his birth with recitation of the Quran because during this month, which is called the Month of Muhammad, Muslims make huge donations in appreciation for the role he performed in bringing the Quran to us and this was the beginning of the Islamic religion. He is trustworthy prophet. This month, we gather to remember his birth through prayers and good deeds to the less privileged; hence, most vulnerable groups receive different gifts from Muslims.
What was his marriage life like?
He married Khadija and had three daughters and one son who died in his infancy.
What was the Islamic call to humanity?
The peace treaty was a blessing because the Prophet told the people that Allah had sent him to spread Islam among all the people of the world through the trusted messengers he sent later conveying the message of Islam to big and small rulers.
