Prophet Muhammad (SAW): The Last Prophet – Basic 1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the last and final Prophet of Allah. He was born in Makkah in 570 CE, brought the religion of Islam and received the Qur’an from Allah through Angel Jibril (AS). He taught people to worship Allah alone, and he is the best example for all mankind.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• state the full name of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), where he was born and the year of his birth;
• explain what “Last Prophet” means;
• list some works and achievements of Prophet Muhammad (SAW);
• describe how the Qur’an was revealed to him;
• name some lessons we learn from his life;
• say “Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam” when his name is mentioned.

Who was Prophet Muhammad (SAW)?

Full name: Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib

Born: In Makkah, Arabia, in 570 CE (the Year of the Elephant)

Parents:

• Father: Abdullah (died before Muhammad was born)
• Mother: Aminah (died when Muhammad was 6 years old)

Important facts:

• He is the last and final Prophet of Allah.
• He brought the religion of Islam.
• He received the Qur’an from Allah.
• He is the best example for all mankind.

What does it mean that Muhammad (SAW) is the last Prophet?

1. He is the Seal of the Prophets (Khatam an-Nabiyyin)

The Qur’an says: “Muhammad is not the father of any of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets” (Qur’an 33:40)

This means:

• No prophet will come after him.
• He completed the message of all previous prophets.
• Islam is the final religion.
• The Qur’an is the final book.

2. He came for all people

Previous prophets were sent to specific nations:

• Musa (AS) was sent to Bani Israel.
• Isa (AS) was sent to Bani Israel.
• Other prophets were sent to their own people.

Prophet Muhammad (SAW):

• Was sent to ALL of mankind.
• Was sent to ALL jinn.
• His message is for everyone, everywhere, until the Day of Judgment.

The Qur’an says: “We have sent you (O Muhammad) as a mercy to all the worlds” (Qur’an 21:107)

3. His message will last forever

• The Qur’an will never be changed.
• Islam will remain until the Day of Judgment.
• His teachings are preserved.
• We do not need another prophet.

4. He perfected the religion

The Qur’an says: “Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favour upon you, and chosen Islam as your religion” (Qur’an 5:3)

What are the works and achievements of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)?

1. He taught Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah)

Before Islam:

• People worshipped many gods.
• They worshipped idols.
• They associated partners with Allah.

What the Prophet did:

• He taught people to worship only Allah.
• He destroyed the idols in the Ka’bah.
• He spread the message of “La ilaha illallah” (There is no god but Allah).

2. He brought the Qur’an

• Allah revealed the Qur’an to him over 23 years.
• The first revelation came in Cave Hira.
• Angel Jibril (AS) brought the verses.
• He memorised it and taught it to his companions.

The first revelation: “Read! In the Name of your Lord who created” (Qur’an 96:1)

3. He established prayer (Salah)

• He taught Muslims how to pray.
• He showed us how to do Wudu.
• He led prayers as Imam.
• Salah became one of the pillars of Islam.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “Pray as you have seen me praying”

4. He taught good character (Akhlaq)

The Prophet had the best character:

• He was truthful and was called “Al-Amin” (The Trustworthy).
• He was kind and gentle.
• He was patient.
• He was generous.
• He was brave.
• He was humble.

The Qur’an says: “Indeed, you (O Muhammad) are of a great moral character” (Qur’an 68:4)

5. He united the Arabs

Before Islam:

• Arabs were divided into tribes.
• They fought with each other.
• There was much violence.

What the Prophet did:

• He united them under Islam.
• He made them brothers.
• He taught them equality.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “All mankind is from Adam and Eve. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor a non-Arab over an Arab”

6. He freed slaves

• He encouraged freeing slaves.
• He freed slaves himself.
• He taught that freeing a slave is a great deed.
• Many of his companions were freed slaves.

Famous freed slave: Bilal ibn Rabah (RA) became the first Muadhin (caller to prayer).

7. He gave rights to women

Before Islam:

• Women had no rights.
• Baby girls were buried alive.
• Women could not own property.

What the Prophet did:

• He stopped the burying of baby girls.
• He gave women the right to own property.
• He gave women the right to education.
• He taught that mothers should be respected.

The Prophet (SAW) said: “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother”

8. He established justice

• He was fair to everyone.
• Rich and poor were equal in his eyes.
• He judged justly.
• He implemented Islamic law (Sharia).

9. He built the Islamic state

• In Madinah, he established the first Islamic state.
• He wrote the Constitution of Madinah.
• He organised the Muslim community.
• He was both a Prophet and a leader.

10. He taught us the Sunnah

Sunnah is the way of the Prophet. It includes:

• His sayings (Hadith)
• His actions
• His approvals
• His character

We follow his Sunnah in:

• How we pray
• How we eat
• How we dress
• How we treat others

How was the Qur’an revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW)?

1. The first revelation (age 40)

• He was in Cave Hira.
• Angel Jibril (AS) came.
• The first word was “Iqra!” (Read!).
• This was the beginning of the revelation.

2. Revelation over 23 years

• The Qur’an was revealed gradually.
• Sometimes a few verses came at a time.
• Sometimes a whole Surah came.
• It was revealed according to situations and needs.

3. The Prophet memorised it

• He memorised every word.
• He taught his companions.
• They also memorised it.

4. The Prophet recited it

• In his prayers
• When teaching people
• In his speeches

5. It was written down

• The companions wrote it on:
  • Palm leaves
  • Stones
  • Animal skins
  • Bones
• Later it was compiled into one book.

Why is the Qur’an special?

1. It is Allah’s word

• It is not the words of Muhammad (SAW).
• It is the direct speech of Allah.

2. It is unchanged

• It is the same Qur’an we have today.
• Allah promised to protect it.

3. It is a miracle

• No human can write like it.
• It contains scientific facts discovered centuries later.
• Its Arabic is perfect.

4. It is guidance

• For all of humanity
• For all times
• For all situations

5. It is complete

• No more revelation is needed.
• Everything we need is in it.

What lessons do we learn from Prophet Muhammad (SAW)?

1. Believe in one Allah

• Worship Allah alone.
• Do not give partners to Allah.

2. Follow the Qur’an

• Read it.
• Understand it.
• Practise it.

3. Pray five times daily

• Do not miss prayers.
• Pray with focus.

4. Have good character

• Be honest.
• Be kind.
• Be patient.

5. Help others

• Care for the poor.
• Visit the sick.
• Feed the hungry.

6. Respect everyone

• Parents
• Teachers
• Elders
• Everyone

7. Love the Prophet (SAW)

• Learn about his life.
• Follow his Sunnah.
• Send Salawat (blessings) on him.

What do we say when we mention the Prophet’s name?

When we mention his name, we say: صلى الله عليه وسلم Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam (SAW). It means: “Peace and blessings be upon him”.

Du’a

“O Allah!
Send Your blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad
And upon his family and companions.
Help us follow his teachings.
Help us love him and follow his Sunnah.
Make us among those who will see him in Jannah.
Ameen!”

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the _____ prophet.
   • a) first
   • b) last
   • c) middle
2. The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad by Angel _____.
   • a) Mikail (AS)
   • b) Israfil (AS)
   • c) Jibril (AS)
3. The Prophet (SAW) was born in _____.
   • a) Madinah
   • b) Makkah
   • c) Jerusalem
4. The Prophet (SAW) was called “Al-Amin”, which means _____.
   • a) The Brave
   • b) The Trustworthy
   • c) The Fast
5. When we mention the Prophet’s name, we say _____.
   • a) Goodbye
   • b) SAW (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)
   • c) Hello

Assignment

1. Learn 5 facts about Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
2. Practise saying “Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam” when you hear his name.
3. Read a story about the Prophet’s life with your parents.
4. Write: Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is the last and final Prophet.