Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) Call To Prophethood JSS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in Mecca, a city in Arabia, around the year 570 CE. He grew up in a time when people worshipped many different idols and lived without clear guidance. From a young age, Muhammad was known for being honest, kind, and trustworthy. People called him “Al-Amin,” which means “the trusted one.”

Life Before Prophethood

Before becoming a prophet, Muhammad worked as a trader. He was married to Khadijah, a respected businesswoman who supported and believed in him. Even before receiving his first revelation, Muhammad was different from others. He would often go to a cave called Hira in the mountains near Mecca to think deeply and reflect on life.

The First Revelation

When Muhammad was 40 years old, something amazing happened. While he was alone in the cave of Hira during the month of Ramadan, an angel appeared to him. This angel was Gabriel (Jibreel in Arabic). The angel came to Muhammad with a very important message from Allah (God).

The First Words

The first words revealed to Muhammad were from Surah Al-Alaq in the Quran. The angel commanded Muhammad to “Read!” Muhammad was surprised because he could not read or write. The angel repeated the command three times and then revealed the first verses:

“Read in the name of your Lord who created – Created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the most Generous – Who taught by the pen – Taught man that which he knew not.”

Muhammad’s Initial Reaction

At first, Muhammad was scared and confused. He rushed home to his wife Khadijah, shaking and worried. Khadijah comforted him and took him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Naufal, who was a Christian scholar. Waraqah told Muhammad that he had been chosen by Allah to be a prophet, just like Moses and other prophets before him.

The Beginning of the Message

Muhammad began to receive more messages from Allah through the angel Gabriel. These messages continued for 23 years. At first, he was told to keep the message secret and share it only with close family and friends. Slowly, he started to tell people about the one true God and the importance of being good to others.

Challenges and Difficulties

Spreading the message was not easy. Many people in Mecca did not want to listen. They were happy with their old ways of worshipping idols and did not like Muhammad’s message of one God. Some people made fun of him, while others became angry and tried to stop him from sharing his message.

The First Converts

Despite the challenges, some people listened to Muhammad. His wife Khadijah was the first person to believe in him. Others like his close friend Abu Bakr, his young cousin Ali, and his freed slave Zayd ibn Harithah were among the first to accept his message.

Important Lessons

Muhammad’s call to prophethood teaches us many important things:

• Always be honest and trustworthy
• Seek knowledge and understanding
• Be patient when facing difficulties
• Believe in one God
• Treat all people with kindness and respect

Conclusion

Prophet Muhammad’s call to prophethood changed the world. He brought a message of peace, unity, and understanding. His life shows us how one person can make a big difference by staying true to their beliefs and helping others.

Note to Students: The abbreviation (S.A.W) after Prophet Muhammad’s name stands for “Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam,” which means “Peace be upon him” in Arabic. It is a way of showing respect when mentioning the Prophet’s name.