The Birth Of The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) JSS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note

The birth of Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam – peace and blessings be upon him) was one of the most important events in history. He was born in Makkah (also called Mecca) in the Arabian Peninsula, in what is now Saudi Arabia. His birth marked the beginning of a new era that would change the world forever. Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) would later receive revelations from Allah and become the final messenger of Islam. This lesson will explore the time, place, family, and events surrounding the Prophet’s birth, as well as the special signs that accompanied this blessed event.

The Time Period

The Year of the Elephant

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was born in the “Year of the Elephant,” which was around 570 CE (Christian Era). This year got its name from a famous event when Abraha, the ruler of Yemen, marched toward Makkah with an army that included elephants. Abraha wanted to destroy the Kaaba, the holy building in Makkah. However, Allah protected the Kaaba by sending birds that dropped small stones on Abraha’s army, defeating them. This event is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Fil (The Elephant, Chapter 105).

The Time Known as “Jahiliyyah”

The Prophet was born during a time that Muslims later called “Jahiliyyah” (the Age of Ignorance). During this time:

• Most Arabs worshipped idols and statues
• Tribal conflicts and wars were common
• Women had few rights and baby girls were sometimes buried alive
• There was no central government or unified law
• People followed tribal customs and traditions
• Some good values like generosity and bravery were still practiced

The Place of Birth

Makkah

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was born in the city of Makkah:

• Makkah was an important trading city in Arabia
• It was located in a valley surrounded by mountains
• The city was a center for idol worship with 360 idols in and around the Kaaba
• It was home to the tribe of Quraysh, who were respected throughout Arabia
• Makkah was at the crossroads of trading routes between Yemen, Syria, and other regions
• The Zamzam well provided water in this dry desert area

The Location Within Makkah

According to historical reports, the Prophet was born in a house in the Bani Hashim neighborhood of Makkah. The exact spot is now marked by a library, as the original house no longer exists. Some reports say he was born in the “Year of the Elephant” in the month of Rabi’ al-Awwal, on a Monday. However, scholars have different opinions about the exact day.

The Prophet’s Family

His Father – Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib

• Abdullah was a respected member of the Quraysh tribe
• He was known for his good character and handsome appearance
• He was the son of Abdul-Muttalib, the chief of Makkah
• Abdullah died while on a trading journey to Yathrib (later called Madinah)
• He passed away before the Prophet was born

His Mother – Aminah bint Wahb

• Aminah was from the Banu Zuhrah clan of the Quraysh tribe
• She was known for her noble character and lineage
• She cared for the Prophet until he was six years old
• She passed away when the Prophet was returning from a visit to Yathrib
• She was buried in Al-Abwa, a place between Makkah and Madinah

His Grandfather – Abdul-Muttalib

• Abdul-Muttalib was the chief of Makkah and the Quraysh tribe
• He was the caretaker of the Kaaba and the Zamzam well
• He took care of the Prophet after Aminah’s death
• He loved his grandson deeply and predicted he would have a great future
• He died when the Prophet was about eight years old

His Uncle – Abu Talib

• Abu Talib was the brother of Abdullah (the Prophet’s father)
• He became the Prophet’s guardian after Abdul-Muttalib’s death
• He protected the Prophet throughout his life, even though he didn’t accept Islam
• He raised the Prophet with his own children, including Ali ibn Abi Talib
• He was a respected member of the Quraysh tribe

Events Surrounding the Birth

Before the Birth

Several notable events happened before the Prophet’s birth:

1. The Marriage of His Parents: Abdullah and Aminah were married in a respected family alliance.
2. Abdullah’s Death: While returning from a trading journey to Syria, Abdullah fell ill and died in Yathrib (Madinah), leaving Aminah pregnant.
3. Aminah’s Pregnancy: Historical reports mention that Aminah had an easy pregnancy and experienced unusual events, including a light that shone from her that she could see.
4. The Year of the Elephant: As mentioned earlier, Abraha’s failed attack on the Kaaba happened in the same year the Prophet was born.

The Birth

The birth of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was accompanied by several extraordinary events:

1. Easy Delivery: Reports indicate that Aminah had an easier delivery compared to most women.
2. The Prophet’s First Actions: It is narrated that when he was born, the Prophet fell on his hands with his face turned towards the Kaaba, then looked up to the sky.
3. Abdul-Muttalib’s Joy: When Abdul-Muttalib was informed about the birth of his grandson, he was extremely happy and took the baby to the Kaaba to thank Allah.
4. The Naming: The baby was named “Muhammad,” which means “the praised one” or “the one who is praised a lot.” This was an uncommon name among Arabs at that time.

Miraculous Signs

Several unusual events are reported to have happened when the Prophet was born:

1. The Palace of Khosrau: Some parts of the palace of Khosrau (the Persian king) shook, and 14 of its balconies fell.
2. The Sacred Fire of Persia: The sacred fire of the Zoroastrians, which had been burning for over 1,000 years, went out.
3. The Lake of Sawah: The lake of Sawah dried up.
4. Light: Some reports mention that a special light appeared at the time of the Prophet’s birth.
5. The Fall of Idols: It is said that all the idols in the Kaaba fell over.

While these signs are mentioned in some historical accounts, scholars have different opinions about their authenticity.

Early Days After Birth

The First Nursing

Following the custom of noble families in Makkah, the Prophet was first nursed by:

• Thuwaybah, a slave woman of Abu Lahab (the Prophet’s uncle)
• She also nursed Hamzah ibn Abdul-Muttalib, making him the Prophet’s foster brother

Halimah Sa’diyah

Following the tradition of Makkah’s noble families, the Prophet was sent to the desert to be raised by a Bedouin family:

1. Halimah’s Initial Reluctance: Halimah bint Abi Dhuayb of the Banu Sa’d tribe initially didn’t want to take Muhammad because he was an orphan (with no father) and she thought his family couldn’t pay much.
2. Change of Fortune: After taking Muhammad, Halimah’s family experienced many blessings:
   1. Her previously weak camel became strong and fast
   2. Her animals produced more milk than others
   3. Their land became more fertile
   4. The Prophet grew stronger and healthier than other children
3. The Chest-Opening Incident: While with Halimah, when the Prophet was about 4-5 years old, there was a famous incident where angels reportedly came, opened his chest, washed his heart with Zamzam water, and sealed it again. This scared Halimah, who returned him to his mother.
4. Return to His Mother: The Prophet stayed with Halimah for about four years before returning to his mother Aminah in Makkah.

The Orphan Child

Becoming a Complete Orphan

Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) became a complete orphan at a young age:

1. Journey to Yathrib: When he was six years old, his mother Aminah took him to Yathrib (Madinah) to visit her family and Abdullah’s grave.
2. Aminah’s Death: On the return journey, Aminah fell ill and died at a place called Al-Abwa, between Makkah and Madinah.
3. Care by Umm Ayman: After his mother’s death, the Prophet was cared for by Umm Ayman (Barakah), who was his mother’s maid. She brought him back to Makkah.

Under the Care of Abdul-Muttalib

After returning to Makkah:

1. Grandfather’s Love: Abdul-Muttalib took special care of his orphaned grandson and loved him deeply.
2. Special Treatment: He would give Muhammad a special place in gatherings and often said that his grandson would have a great position in the future.
3. Abdul-Muttalib’s Death: When the Prophet was about eight years old, his grandfather died, leaving him orphaned for the third time.

Under the Care of Abu Talib

After Abdul-Muttalib’s death:

1. New Guardian: Abu Talib, the Prophet’s uncle, became his guardian and treated him like his own son.
2. Growing Up: The Prophet grew up in Abu Talib’s house alongside his cousins, including Ali ibn Abi Talib.
3. Protection: Despite financial difficulties, Abu Talib raised the Prophet with love and protected him throughout his life.

The Prophet’s Early Character

Even as a young child, the Prophet showed exceptional character:

1. Truthfulness: He became known as “Al-Amin” (the trustworthy) and “As-Sadiq” (the truthful) from a young age.
2. Wisdom: He showed wisdom beyond his years in resolving conflicts.
3. Avoidance of Idol Worship: Despite growing up in a society full of idol worship, he never worshipped idols.
4. Thoughtfulness: He was often thoughtful and reflective, unlike other children his age.
5. Kindness: He showed kindness to people, animals, and the less fortunate.

Lessons from the Prophet’s Birth and Early Life

Divine Protection

The Prophet’s life shows Allah’s care and protection:

• He was protected from the cultural practices of Jahiliyyah
• Despite being an orphan, he always found good caretakers
• His character was preserved from the negative influences around him

The Importance of Good Character

Even before receiving revelation:

• The Prophet was known for honesty and trustworthiness
• He showed compassion and wisdom
• He avoided the immoral practices of his society

Allah’s Plan

The events surrounding the Prophet’s birth and early life show:

• Allah was preparing him for his future mission
• Special signs indicated his special status
• Even difficulties like being an orphan prepared him to empathize with the vulnerable

Learning from the Prophet’s Character

Muslims are encouraged to:

• Study the Prophet’s biography (Seerah)
• Follow his example in daily life
• Teach children about his excellent character
• Reflect on how he overcame challenges

Loving the Prophet

Muslims express love for the Prophet by:

• Sending blessings upon him (saying “Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam”)
• Following his teachings and Sunnah (way of life)
• Defending his honor when he is insulted
• Learning about his life and teaching others about him

Conclusion

The birth of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) in the Year of the Elephant (around a570 CE) was a momentous event in human history. Though he was born an orphan in the challenging environment of Jahiliyyah Arabia, he was protected and prepared by Allah for his future mission as the final messenger. The extraordinary events and signs surrounding his birth, his exceptional character from childhood, and the care shown to him by his mother, grandfather, and uncle all point to his special status. Today, Muslims around the world continue to honor his birth by learning about his life, following his example, and sending blessings upon him.

Evaluation

1. In what year and place was Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) born?
2. Why was it called the “Year of the Elephant”?
3. Name the Prophet’s parents and describe what happened to them.
4. Who was Halimah Sa’diyah and why is she important in the Prophet’s life?
5. Describe two unusual events that are said to have happened when the Prophet was born.
6. What character traits did the Prophet show even as a young child?

Classwork

Answer the following questions:

1. In what year and place was Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) born?
2. Why was it called the “Year of the Elephant”?
3. Name the Prophet’s parents and describe what happened to them.
4. Who was Halimah Sa’diyah and why is she important in the Prophet’s life?
5. Describe two unusual events that are said to have happened when the Prophet was born.
6. What character traits did the Prophet show even as a young child?