Timeline of the Life of Prophet Muhammad PBUH

The life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is one of the most remarkable stories in human history. Born in 570 CE in Mecca, during a time of tribal conflict and ignorance, he rose to become a messenger of peace, justice, and faith.

Over the course of 23 years, he transformed Arabian society, guiding people from idol worship to the worship of one God, from tribal rivalries to brotherhood, and from injustice to fairness. His mission was not just religious but also social, uplifting the poor, protecting the rights of women, and calling for compassion and equality.

This timeline highlights the key events of his life, from his early years and first revelation to the spread of Islam and his lasting legacy, which continues to inspire millions around the world today.

Before Islam - The Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah)

• Pre-610 CE: Arabia was dominated by tribal rivalries, idol worship, and harsh practices. One tragic custom was the burying alive of newborn girls, as daughters were seen as a source of shame.

The Early Revelations and Secret Call

• 610 CE: At age 40, Muhammad (ﷺ) received his first revelation in the cave of Hira near Mecca through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). The command was to "Recite in the name of your Lord who created."
• His wife Khadijah was the first believer, followed by Abu Bakr, and his young cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA).
• For the first three years, Islam spread quietly among close circles. Around 40 people accepted the message in this secret phase.

Public Call and Persecution in Mecca

• 613 CE: Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) openly called people to Islam from Mount Safa.
• 614 CE: The Quraysh tribes strongly opposed him, fearing loss of power, wealth, and traditions. Islam's teachings of equality between rich and poor, men and women, and slaves and free were revolutionary.
• 616 CE: A group of Muslims migrated to Abyssinia seeking safety. The Christian king there, Najashi, gave them protection. Around the same time, two powerful men-Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib and Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA)-embraced Islam, giving strength to the community.

The Boycott and the Year of Sorrow

• 617 CE: Quraysh imposed a harsh economic and social boycott on Muhammad (ﷺ), his family, and followers. They were cut off from trade, food, and marriage ties. The Muslims endured extreme hunger and hardship.
• 619 CE: Known as the Year of Sorrow. Both Abu Talib, the Prophet's protective uncle, and Khadijah, his beloved wife, passed away.
• Journey to Ta'if: Seeking new supporters, the Prophet (ﷺ) traveled to Ta'if, but was rejected and violently attacked.
• The Night Journey and Ascension (Isra and Mi'raj): Allah honored him by taking him on a miraculous journey through the heavens, where he met earlier prophets and was given the gift of five daily prayers.

The Migration (Hijrah) to Medina

• 621 CE: The first group from Yathrib (later Medina) accepted Islam at Aqaba. Soon after, Mus'ab ibn Umayr (RA) was sent there to teach Qur'an, spreading Islam further.
• 622 CE: Under severe persecution, Muslims migrated to Medina in groups. Muhammad (ﷺ) and Abu Bakr (RA) were the last to leave, narrowly escaping an assassination attempt.
• This migration, known as the Hijrah, marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

The Medina Period - Building the Muslim Community

• 623 CE: The Constitution of Medina was established, uniting Muslims, Jews, and other tribes under mutual rights and responsibilities.
• 624 CE: The Qiblah (direction of prayer) changed from Jerusalem to Mecca. The Muslims won their first major victory at the Battle of Badr, where 313 Muslims defeated 1,000 Quraysh soldiers.
• 625 CE: At the Battle of Uhud, Muslims initially gained ground but suffered loss after some archers disobeyed orders. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was injured, and 70 Muslims, including his uncle Hamza (RA), were martyred.
• 627 CE: At the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq), 10,000 Quraysh and allies laid siege to Medina. The Muslims, though heavily outnumbered, dug trenches as defense. After weeks of deadlock, the Quraysh retreated in defeat.

Treaty and Conquest of Mecca

• 628 CE: The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was signed between Muslims and Quraysh, granting temporary peace. Though some Muslims were unhappy, it became a turning point as Islam spread rapidly.
• 630 CE: After Quraysh broke the treaty, the Prophet (ﷺ) marched to Mecca with an army of 10,000. The city surrendered peacefully, and idols in the Kaaba were destroyed. This marked the Conquest of Mecca.

The Final Years

• 632 CE: During his Farewell Pilgrimage, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) addressed over 100,000 Muslims, emphasizing equality, justice, and piety, declaring:

"No Arab has superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab. No white over black, nor black over white-except by piety and good action."

• Later that year, he fell ill and passed away at age 63 in Medina.

Legacy

In just 23 years, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) transformed Arabian society, abolishing cruel customs, uplifting women and the poor, and establishing a faith centered on monotheism, justice, and compassion. His message spread far beyond Arabia, shaping civilizations and guiding over a billion people today.

But his legacy did not end with his passing in 632 CE; for more than 1400 years, his teachings have continued to inspire and shape the course of human history. From the flourishing of Islamic civilizations that advanced science, medicine, literature, and philosophy, to the preservation of knowledge during Europe's Dark Ages, the impact of his message reached far and wide.

His example of mercy, humility, and justice remains a guiding light for Muslims across the globe, influencing daily life, culture, and law. Today, Islam stands as the world's second-largest faith, embraced by diverse nations, languages, and peoples testimony to the timeless relevance of his mission.

The legacy of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) endures not only in the faith of over a billion followers but also in the universal values of compassion, equality, and justice that continue to inspire humanity.