Chapter 2: The Birth and Early Life of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)

Noble Lineage and the Story of Abdullah

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was born into one of the most respected families in Makkah — the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe. This noble lineage traced back to Ismail (AS), the son of Ibrahim (AS), making the Prophet a direct descendant of two of the greatest prophets in history. The Quraysh were the custodians of the Kaabah and were highly regarded for their status, leadership, and responsibility in society.

Among the men of this clan was Abdullah, the Prophet’s father. He was the beloved son of Abdul Muttalib, the chief of Quraysh. Before the Prophet (ﷺ) was born, an event occurred that echoed the story of Ismail (AS). Abdul Muttalib had made a vow that if Allah granted him ten sons, he would sacrifice one of them for His sake. When this came to pass, lots were drawn — and to Abdul Muttalib’s sorrow, it was Abdullah’s name that came up. Abdullah was his youngest and most beloved son, known for his noble character and grace. Abdul Muttalib’s heart was heavy at the thought of losing him, but he remained committed to fulfilling his vow.

He prepared to fulfill his vow, but the people objected. A wise woman — likely a soothsayer, which was common in pre-Islamic Arabia — suggested offering camels instead. In those days, people often turned to such advisors when facing difficult decisions, as they had no divine guidance. While Islam would later forbid these practices, her advice in this case helped preserve a life and reminded the people of the importance of mercy and peaceful resolution. Lots were drawn between Abdullah and ten camels. Each time, the lot fell on Abdullah. The number of camels was increased again and again — until it reached one hundred camels. Finally, the lot fell on the camels, and Abdullah’s life was spared. This act set the precedent for blood money (diya) in Islam, which remains 100 camels. It also reminded the people of Makkah of the legacy of Ibrahim (AS), who had been willing to sacrifice Ismail (AS).

Abdullah later married Amina bint Wahb, a noblewoman from the respected Banu Zuhrah clan of Quraysh. Amina was known for her intelligence, grace, and dignity. Her lineage was noble, and she was chosen for Abdullah due to her high character and compatibility with the family’s values. Some early narrations mention that during her pregnancy, she saw dreams or visions of light — symbolic signs of the extraordinary child she was carrying. Despite the grief of losing her husband so early, Amina remained strong and devoted to raising her child, if only for a short time, before her own passing. Soon after their marriage, Abdullah traveled on a trade journey to the Levant (Greater Syria), but on the way back, he fell ill and died in Yathrib (later known as Madinah). He passed away before his son was born, leaving Amina a young widow and the unborn child an orphan.

The Year of the Elephant and the Birth of a Mercy

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was born in the Year of the Elephant — around 570 CE — a year remembered for an extraordinary event recorded in the Qur’an.

Abraha, a Christian ruler from Yemen, wanted to destroy the Kaabah and redirect the Arab pilgrimage to his cathedral in Sana’a. At that time, the Kaabah, although surrounded by idols, remained a sacred site for pilgrimage across Arabia — a tradition dating back to Ibrahim (AS) and Ismail (AS). Abraha’s plan posed a threat to both the spiritual legacy of the Kaabah and the economic significance of Makkah.

He led a powerful army that included several elephants — one of which, according to some reports, famously refused to move toward the Kaabah, sensing the sanctity of the site. As the army advanced, fear spread across Makkah. During this time, Abdul Muttalib, the Prophet’s grandfather, approached Abraha to request the return of camels that had been seized by the army. Abraha was surprised that Abdul Muttalib seemed more concerned about his animals than the Kaabah itself. But Abdul Muttalib replied:

“I am the owner of the camels; the House has a Lord who will protect it.”

His words demonstrated deep tawakkul — trust in Allah’s protection. And indeed, when Abraha’s army approached the sacred sanctuary, Allah sent flocks of birds (ababil) carrying stones of clay. These stones destroyed the army completely. This miracle is described in Surah Al-Fil (105) and became a sign for all of Arabia that Allah guards what is sacred.

The event became so memorable that people named the year after it: “The Year of the Elephant.” It marked a turning point in history and prepared the way for the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who would bring light and mercy to the world.

Soon after this divine protection of the Kaabah, Amina gave birth to her son, Muhammad (ﷺ), in Makkah. He was named “Muhammad,” meaning “the praised one.” His name was rare and reflected a destiny of honor and distinction. He was circumcised on the seventh day, a common tradition among noble Arab families.

Even in infancy, signs pointed to a remarkable destiny. Some narrations mention that Amina saw light during her pregnancy, and various monks or scholars in distant lands felt that a final prophet had been born. Though not all these reports are fully authenticated, they reflect the widespread anticipation of a messenger among the People of the Book.

The Foster Mothers and the Desert Upbringing

Following Arab tradition, newborns were often sent to live in the desert with Bedouin tribes. This custom was believed to strengthen the child’s health, speech, and character. Life in the desert was simple, pure, and free from the corruption and diseases of urban life. It also allowed children to learn the most refined and classical form of the Arabic language — a gift that would later be key to the Prophet’s (ﷺ) eloquence.

Muhammad (ﷺ) was first nursed briefly by Thuwaybah, a servant of Abu Lahab, and then taken by Halimah as-Sa’diyyah of the tribe of Banu Sa’d. When Halimah arrived in Makkah with other wet nurses, they all avoided taking Muhammad (ﷺ) because he was an orphan — they hoped for payment from the child’s father. But Halimah had no other offers and decided to take him — a decision that brought her nothing but blessings.

Halimah’s family lived in poverty, and they had been experiencing a drought. But as soon as Muhammad (ﷺ) entered her household, blessings poured in. Her old donkey moved faster, their camel began to give milk, and their goats returned full from grazing. Her tribe began to notice the difference, and Halimah herself would later recall the peace and prosperity that followed the child.

The Prophet (ﷺ) spent the first few years of his life in the desert with Halimah’s family. This upbringing allowed him to grow up in nature — observing the stars, learning pure Arabic, and developing a strong, resilient character. It also distanced him from the idol worship and corruption of Makkah, preparing him for the mission that awaited him.

The Splitting of the Chest

One day, while young Muhammad (ﷺ) was playing with other children, the angel Jibreel (AS) came and performed a miraculous act: he opened the boy’s chest, removed his heart, and took out a black clot — a symbol of sin or spiritual harm — and then washed the heart with ZamZam water before returning it to his chest.

The other children ran home in fear, thinking something terrible had happened. Halimah and her husband, alarmed by what they heard, rushed to find him. Though they saw him unharmed, the strange event deeply unsettled them. Realizing that this child was unlike any other, they decided to return him to his mother, Amina, earlier than planned.

Scholars interpret this event, known as the splitting of the chest, as a symbolic act representing the purification of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) soul — removing any traces of sin, ego, or spiritual darkness. It was a divine preparation for the heavy responsibility he would one day carry. This event is recorded in authentic hadith (Sahih Muslim) and is a reminder of how Allah protected and prepared him from a very young age.

From the start, Allah was preparing him — spiritually and physically — to carry the final message.

Orphanhood and the Care of His Grandfather

When the Prophet (ﷺ) was six years old, Amina took him to Yathrib to visit the grave of his father, Abdullah. On the journey back, she fell ill and passed away in a place called Al-Abwa. Now orphaned of both parents, young Muhammad (ﷺ) was taken in by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, the chief of Quraysh, who cared for him with special affection and honor.

He would seat the young boy beside him near the Kaabah — a place usually reserved for the elders of Quraysh. When others tried to move him away, Abdul Muttalib said, “Leave my son. By Allah, he will have a great future.””* His special affection showed that he sensed the child’s future greatness.

Just two years later, Abdul Muttalib passed away, leaving the young Prophet (ﷺ) once again without a guardian. He was then placed in the care of his paternal uncle, Abu Talib, who protected and raised him with deep love and loyalty — a bond that would last throughout Abu Talib’s life.

Throughout these early losses, the Prophet (ﷺ) developed an unmatched sense of empathy for orphans, the poor, and the forgotten — qualities that would shape his leadership and message. Allah reminds the Prophet (ﷺ) of His care in Surah Ad-Duhaa (93:6):

“Did He not find you an orphan and give [you] refuge?”

This verse captures not only the Prophet’s experience, but also Allah’s constant protection and preparation — turning every hardship into a stepping stone for mercy and leadership.

Protection from Idol Worship and His Pure Nature

Even though Makkah was filled with idols and pagan practices, Allah protected the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) from ever taking part in them. From a young age, he disliked the ways of ignorance (jahiliyyah) that surrounded him. He never bowed to an idol, ate meat sacrificed to idols, or attended pagan festivals. This was a sign of his natural purity (fitrah) and divine protection.

One example of this protection occurred when he was a young man. The Prophet (ﷺ) once wanted to attend one of the pagan festivals in Makkah — likely out of curiosity. He asked a friend to watch over the sheep he was tending and made his way into the city. But before he could reach the event, he became extremely tired and fell asleep. He did not wake up until the next morning. He tried again on another occasion, but the same thing happened: he fell asleep before reaching the gathering.

The Prophet (ﷺ) later said that he never attempted to go again. This incident shows that even when he had natural human curiosity as a youth, Allah protected him from the environment of idol worship, music, and immoral behavior. It also reminds us that his pure nature was guarded long before he received revelation — a sign of his unique preparation for prophethood.

The Prophet’s (ﷺ) fitrah, or pure natural state, was never corrupted by the environment around him. According to a hadith in Sahih Muslim, the Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Every child is born upon the fitrah (pure nature), but his parents make him a Jew, Christian, or Magian…”

This highlights that the Prophet (ﷺ) remained upon that original state of purity — protected by Allah — and never influenced by the misguided practices of his society. Some scholars also report that even as a child, he felt disgust for idols and would avoid their rituals entirely. These early moments are all signs of divine selection and spiritual protection.

Life as a Shepherd

As a young man, Muhammad (ﷺ) worked as a shepherd. This may seem like a simple job, but it shaped his leadership skills profoundly. Being a shepherd teaches patience, gentleness, responsibility, and the ability to guide and protect those under your care — all traits he would later use when guiding people to Islam.

In fact, the Prophet (ﷺ) once said:

“Allah did not send any prophet but that he herded sheep.”

The people asked, “Even you, O Messenger of Allah?”

He said, “Yes, I used to herd sheep for the people of Makkah for a few qirats.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari (2262)

This shows that shepherding was part of Allah’s training for all prophets. It required solitude, reflection, and developing the kind of care needed to lead people.

For today’s youth, this reminds us that even small, humble tasks — like caring for siblings, volunteering, or handling responsibilities with sincerity — can prepare us for bigger roles in life. Leadership often begins in quiet, unseen moments of responsibility. Many prophets, including Musa (AS) and Dawud (AS), were also shepherds.

The Journey to Sham and the Monk Bahira

When the Prophet (ﷺ) was around twelve years old, he accompanied his uncle Abu Talib on a trade journey to Syria (Sham). Along the way, they passed through the town of Busra, where they met a Christian monk named Bahira.

Bahira had lived a life of devotion and study. He possessed ancient scriptures that foretold the coming of a final prophet. On that day, he observed something unusual: a cloud shading the boy as he walked, and trees bending slightly as he passed beneath them. These were signs mentioned in earlier scriptures.

Curious and moved by what he saw, Bahira invited the caravan for a meal. While everyone else entered, he noticed the boy was missing and insisted he be brought in. When the Prophet (ﷺ) joined them, Bahira quietly examined him and is reported to have seen a mark between his shoulders — the seal of prophethood, another sign known to Christian scholars of the time.

After speaking to him and observing his character, Bahira became even more certain. He warned Abu Talib that the child was no ordinary boy — and that if people realized his true identity, some might try to harm him. Deeply concerned, Abu Talib ended the journey early and returned to Makkah to protect his nephew.

This encounter is one of the first external confirmations of the Prophet’s (ﷺ) unique destiny. It shows how even people of previous scriptures were anticipating the arrival of the final messenger.

The Fijar War

As a young man, the Prophet (ﷺ) witnessed the Fijar War, a series of battles fought during the sacred months between the Quraysh and other tribes. While he did not fight, he helped his uncles by collecting arrows. This experience exposed him to the reality of tribal conflict and injustice.

Hilf al-Fudul: The Alliance of the Virtuous

Following the Fijar War, several tribes in Makkah formed a pact called Hilf al-Fudul — a pledge to stand up for justice and defend the weak, regardless of tribal background. The Prophet (ﷺ) participated in this alliance and later said, “I witnessed a pact in the house of Abdullah ibn Jud’an that I would not trade for red camels. If I were called to it in Islam, I would respond.” (Reported in Musnad Ahmad)

This alliance deeply influenced his later commitment to justice and fairness.

Rebuilding the Kaabah and the Black Stone

When the Prophet (ﷺ) was around 35 years old, the Kaabah was damaged by floods. The Quraysh decided to rebuild it, but a dispute arose over who would place the Black Stone (Hajr al-Aswad) in its position. To avoid conflict, they agreed that the next person to enter the Haram would decide. That person was Muhammad (ﷺ).

He solved the problem with wisdom: placing the stone on a cloth and having each tribal leader hold a corner, he then lifted the stone and placed it in its spot. This action saved the Quraysh from civil war and showed his fairness and wisdom.

Khadijah (RA) and a Blessed Marriage

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA) was a wealthy, noble, and respected businesswoman in Makkah. Hearing of Muhammad’s (ﷺ) honesty and character, she hired him to lead her trade caravan to Syria. He conducted the trade with great success, impressing Khadijah and her servant Maysarah with his ethics and manner.

Soon after, Khadijah (RA) proposed marriage through a family member. At the time, she was 40 and he was 25. Despite the age difference, their marriage was filled with love, trust, and respect. She was his closest supporter and remained his only wife until her death.

Zayd ibn Harithah: From Servant to Son

Khadijah (RA) gifted the Prophet (ﷺ) a young boy named Zayd ibn Harithah, who had been captured and sold into slavery. The Prophet (ﷺ) freed him and treated him like family. When Zayd’s biological father came to take him back, Zayd chose to stay with the Prophet (ﷺ). This touched the hearts of the Quraysh, and he was known as Zayd ibn Muhammad until later in Islam when Allah instructed that adopted sons be named after their biological fathers (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:5).

His Family and Children

The Prophet (ﷺ) and Khadijah (RA) had six children together: two sons (Qasim and Abdullah, also known as Tayyib and Tahir) and four daughters (Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah). All of his sons passed away in childhood. His daughters accepted Islam and supported his mission. Fatimah (RA), in particular, remained closest to him and would become the mother of his grandsons Hasan and Husayn (RA).

Leadership Lesson: Foundations of Trust and Integrity

Even before receiving revelation, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was known as Al-Amin — the trustworthy. His character, honesty in business, compassion for the weak, and fairness in judgment built a reputation that made people trust him with their disputes, trade, and even leadership.

Great leadership doesn’t begin with a title — it begins with trustworthiness, service, and resilience. His childhood in the desert, his protection from evil, his experiences as a shepherd, and his role in Hilf al-Fudul all shaped a leader who would soon carry the heaviest responsibility in history.

For every young person today, the lesson is clear: develop your character, earn trust, serve others, and lead with courage — even before you’re given authority.