Sirah of the Prophet (Prophetic Biography)

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Sirah (سيرة) is the study of the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — from his birth in Makkah (570 CE, Year of the Elephant) to his death in Madinah (632 CE, Year 11 AH). Understanding the Sirah is essential for understanding Islam’s development, the Quran’s revelation, and the practical application of Islamic teachings.

Key Facts for Qimiyah Exam (Saudi):

• The Prophet ﷺ was born in Makkah on 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal (approx. 570 CE) — the “Year of the Elephant” (Aam al-Fil), coinciding with Abraha’s failed attempt to destroy the Ka’bah.
• He was of the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe — the most respected lineage in Arabia.
• At age 40 (610 CE), he received the first revelation in the Cave of Hira: “Read in the name of your Lord who created…” (Surah Al-Alaq 96:1).
• The Hijrah (migration to Madinah) in 622 CE marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar (Year 1 AH).
• The Prophet ﷺ died in Madinah on 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal, Year 11 AH, after delivering his famous “Farewell Sermon” at Hajj in Year 10 AH.

⚡ Exam tip: The key phases of the Prophet’s life — Makkan period (610-622 CE), Madinan period (622-632 CE), major battles (Badr, Uhud, Khandaq, Khaybar, Hunayn, Tabuk), and treaties — are all high-yield for the Qimiyah exam.

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Early Life and Pre-Prophethood

Birth and Lineage

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born in Makkah al-Mukarramah in the Year of the Elephant (Aam al-Fil), 570 CE. His father was Abdullah bin Abdul-Muttalib, and his mother was Aaminah bint Wahab, both of the prestigious Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe.

His father died before his birth, and his mother died when he was approximately 6 years old. He was placed under the care of his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib, who was the chief of Makkah, and after his grandfather’s death, his uncle Abu Talib took over his guardianship.

The Title “Al-Sadiq” and “Al-Amin” (The Truthful and The Trustworthy)

Even before his prophethood, Muhammad ﷺ was known among the Quraysh by the titles Al-Sadiq (The Truthful) and Al-Amin (The Trustworthy). He was called upon to arbitrate disputes and was entrusted with the belongings of others — a testament to his exceptional integrity even before receiving revelation.

The story of the Hil al-Fudul: A gathering of Quraysh tribesmen formed a pact to protect the oppressed in Makkah. The young Muhammad ﷺ participated and later said: “I would not exchange my participation in it even for the finest camels.” This demonstrated his commitment to justice from an early age.

Marriage to Khadijah (595 CE)

At age 25, the Prophet ﷺ was employed by Khadijah bint Khuwaylid — a wealthy, noble, and divorced woman of the Quraysh — to trade in the Sham (Syrian) markets. He departed with her goods and earned a significant profit, earning Khadijah’s admiration.

Khadijah proposed marriage through a relative. Despite the 15-year age gap (he was 25, she was 40), the marriage was successful and lasted 25 years until Khadijah’s death in 619 CE. She was his greatest supporter during the early years of revelation, and he married no other wife during her lifetime.

The children of the Prophet ﷺ from Khadijah:

• Al-Qasim (died in childhood) — the first son
• Zaynab (married Abul-Aas ibn al-Rabee’) — the eldest daughter
• Ruqayyah (married Uthman ibn Affan; died 624 CE)
• Umm Kulthum (married Uthman after Ruqayyah’s death)
• Fatimah (married Ali ibn Abi Talib; the most beloved to the Prophet) — mother of al-Hasan and al-Husayn
• Abdullah (also called Tayyib and Tahir; died in childhood)
• Ibrahim (son by Mariah al-Qibtiyyah; died in childhood, 632 CE)

The First Revelation and Early Da’wah (610 CE)

At age 40, during the month of Ramadan, while in Cave Hira near Makkah, Angel Jibreel (AS) appeared to Muhammad ﷺ and commanded him to “Read in the name of your Lord who created…” (Surah Al-Alaq 96:1).

The First Revelation (Nuzul al-Awal): The Prophet ﷺ returned home trembling and was embraced by Khadijah, who comforted him. She took him to her cousin Warqah ibn Nawfal, a Christian scholar, who confirmed: “This is the same Namus (revelation) that was sent to Musa (Moses).”

The Three Years of Secret Da’wah (610-613 CE):

• The Prophet ﷺ called to Islam in secret, approaching close family members and trusted friends
• First converts: Khadijah, Ali ibn Abi Talib (age 10-12), Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, Zayd ibn Harithah (freedman)
• The revelation continued during this period with Makki surahs emphasising Tawhid and the Day of Judgment

The Public Phase of Da’wah (613-622 CE)

The Challenge of the Quraysh

When the Prophet ﷺ began publicly preaching Tawhid (the oneness of Allah) and warning against shirk (polytheism), the Quraysh responded with increasing hostility:

• Economic boycott of Banu Hashim — the Prophet and his tribe were boycotted in a formal pact (628 CE), confined to the Shi’b (valley) of Abu Talib for 3 years
• Physical persecution of new Muslims — bilal was tortured, Ammar ibn Yasir was beaten
• Social pressure — offered wealth, kingship, and beautiful women to stop his message
• Fabrication of poetry and lies — hired poets to compose counter-narratives
• Slander campaigns — accused him of being a poet, magician, or madman

The Migration to Abyssinia (615 CE)

When persecution intensified, the Prophet ﷺ advised a group of Muslims to seek refuge with the Christian King Negus (Ashama ibn Abjar) in Abyssinia. The Negus welcomed them, protected them, and when the Quraysh sent emissaries requesting their return, he refused — saying he would not betray those who sought his protection.

This was the first Hijrah in Islamic history, demonstrating the Prophet’s diplomatic wisdom and the respect Islam commanded among non-Muslim rulers.

The Isra and Mi’raj (620 CE)

In the year before the Hijrah, the Prophet ﷺ experienced the Isra — a night journey from Makkah to Jerusalem (Masjid al-Aqsa) on the winged Buraq. This was followed by the Mi’raj — his ascension through the seven heavens, where he met the previous prophets and was given the command of 50 daily prayers. Upon descending, the Prophet ﷺ met Musa (AS), who advised him to request reduction until only 5 remained. These 5 prayers are the obligation for Muslims today.

The Pledge of Aqabah (622 CE)

Two successive meetings at Aqabah (near Mina) with Ansar (helpers) from Madinah led to the Second Pledge of Aqabah (June 622 CE), where 75 men and women pledged allegiance to the Prophet ﷺ and invited him to Madinah. This formally established the Islamic state and set the stage for the Hijrah.

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The Madinan Period and Major Events

The Hijrah to Madinah (622 CE)

The Hijrah (migration) took place in two stages:

1. The Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr left Makkah, with Quraysh pursuing them; they hid in Cave Thawr for three days
2. The Prophet’s companion Abdullah ibn Abi Bakr relayed intelligence about Quraysh movements
3. They emerged and reached Quba (a suburb of Madinah), where the Prophet ﷺ laid the foundation of the Quba Mosque
4. The Prophet ﷺ entered Madinah on 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal, Year 1 AH (approx. September 24, 622 CE)

The significance of Hijrah: It marks the transformation of Islam from a movement of individuals to a political community with territory, governance, and law.

The Prophet’s Mosque (Masjid al-Nabawi)

Upon arriving in Madinah, the Prophet ﷺ established the Masjid al-Nabawi, which served simultaneously as:

• A place of worship (masjid)
• A court of justice (qada)
• A school of learning (madrasa)
• An administrative centre (markaz siyasi)
• A refuge for the poor and travellers

The Prophet’s minbar (pulpit) was a wooden structure with three steps. His house adjacent to the mosque was built later and consisted of simple adobe walls with palm-leaf roofing.

The Brotherhood (Muwashahat)

When the Ansar (Madinan Muslims) welcomed the Muhajirun (Makkan migrants), the Prophet ﷺ established brotherhood bonds (Muwakhat) between individuals — one from each group. Abu Bakr was paired with Bilal, Umar with the Ansari Suhayl, and others similarly paired.

This brotherhood created deep bonds: the Ansar offered their wealth and homes to the Muhajirun without expectation of return. Some Muhajirun later became wealthy and reciprocated generously.

The Major Battles

Battle of Badr (17 Ramadan 2 AH / March 624 CE)

The first major military engagement in Islamic history. A Quraysh caravan led by Abu Sufyan was travelling from Syria to Makkah. The Prophet ﷺ, with 313 soldiers, intercepted them near the well of Badr.

• Result: Muslims won decisively despite being outnumbered ~3:1
• Key figures: Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib (killed), Abu Jahl (killed by Mu’awiyah and Ma’qil), Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (brought water to the Prophet)
• Significance: Established the Muslims as a military force; the Quraysh never recovered their former prestige

Battle of Uhud (Shawwal 3 AH / March 625 CE)

The Quraysh, seeking revenge for Badr, marched with 3,000 soldiers against Madinah. Despite initial Muslim success (archers holding their position was the key strategy), a tactical error — the archers leaving their post to collect spoils — led to a Quraysh counterattack.

• Result: Muslims suffered a reversal; 70 sahabah were martyred, including Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib (killed by Wahshi, a slave from Abyssinia)
• Lessons: Obeying the Prophet’s commands is essential; the Quran intervened with Surah Aal Imran 3:121-180 addressing the defeat

Battle of the Trench (Khandaq) (5 AH / February 627 CE)

The Quraysh allied with other tribes to form a coalition of approximately 10,000 soldiers. Salman al-Farisi suggested digging a trench (khandaq) around Madinah, which proved decisive.

• Result: The coalition was unable to breach the trench; weather conditions (cold, wind) caused chaos in the enemy camp; the Quraysh retreated after 15 days
• Significance: The alliance between Quraysh and other tribes failed; the Prophet’s diplomacy broke the alliance with the Banu Quraydhah

Battle of Khaybar (7 AH / January 628 CE)

After the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the Prophet ﷺ led an expedition to the Jewish fortress of Khaybar — a wealthy agricultural region north of Madinah known for its date palms and fortresses.

• Result: Muslims besieged and captured the fortresses after fierce fighting; the banner was carried by Abu Bakr, then Umar; finally Ali ibn Abi Talib captured the last fortress (Qamus)
• Ali and the Banner: The hadith “I will give the banner tomorrow to one who loves Allah and His Messenger, and Allah will give victory” — Ali was given the banner and conquered Khaybar despite having injured eyes (treated with saliva)

Conquest of Makkah (20 Ramadan 8 AH / January 630 CE)

The Quraysh violated the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah by killing a Muslim ally and displaying weapons at the Ka’bah. The Prophet ﷺ marched with 10,000 soldiers.

• Result: Entered Makkah without battle; Quraysh leaders who had persecuted Muslims were pardoned (except those who committed murder)
• Key event: The Prophet ﷺ performed Tawaf al-Qudum (arrival circuit) and addressed the crowd: “O people, Allah has removed the slogans of Jahiliyyah and the boasts of war. All blood vengeance of the Jahiliyyah is abolished.”

Battle of Hunayn (10 AH / January 630 CE)

Immediately after the Conquest of Makkah, the Prophet ﷺ faced the Hawazin and Thaqif tribes at the valley of Hunayn. The Muslims were caught off-guard by an early morning ambush.

• Initially, the Muslims retreated; even some new Muslims fled
• The Prophet ﷺ stood firm and threw a handful of dirt at the enemy saying “I am the son of Abdul-Muttalib — now! Now!”
• Allah granted victory with 2,000 new Muslim soldiers joining mid-battle
• The booty was extensive — including the date groves of Taif

The Farewell Sermon (Hajj 10 AH / March 632 CE)

During his final Hajj, the Prophet ﷺ delivered the Farewell Sermon on Mount Arafat:

“O people, listen well. I have been sent to you as a messenger, and I am leaving you like a man who leaves a burning coal. Your blood and your property are sacred until you meet your Lord. The usury of Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib is abolished. All acts of ignorance are abolished.”

He emphasised: women’s rights, the equality of Arabs and non-Arabs (the hadith: “No Arab is superior to a non-Arab, and no non-Arab superior to an Arab”), the ** sanctity of Muslim lives and wealth**, and the obligation to follow the Quran and Sunnah.

He concluded: “I have left among you that which, if you hold fast to it, you will never go astray: the Book of Allah.”

The Death of the Prophet ﷺ (12 Rabi’ al-Awwal 11 AH / June 632 CE)

The Prophet ﷺ fell ill after returning from Taif. He suffered fever and headache for several days, often delirious. He was tended by his wives and by Aishah, who said: “He would say: ‘Where am I? Where am I? The companions asked: ‘This is the Prophet’s Mosque.’ He would say: ‘To Allah I belong, to Allah I belong.’”

He passed away on 12 Rabi’ al-Awwal, Year 11 AH in the house of Aishah, with his head resting on her lap. He was 63 years old.

Abu Bakr al-Siddiq confirmed: “Whoever worshipped Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. Whoever worshipped Allah, Allah is alive and never dies” (Surah Aal Imran 3:144).

Practice Questions for Qimiyah Exam

1. Why was the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (628 CE) considered a victory for Islam despite appearing unfavourable?
2. Trace the development of the Islamic state from the Hijrah to the death of the Prophet.
3. How did the Battle of Uhud teach the Muslims the importance of discipline and obedience?
4. Who was Salman al-Farisi and what was his contribution to the Battle of the Trench?
5. What lessons can be drawn from the Conquest of Makkah regarding mercy in victory?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Memorising battle dates without understanding context — dates are less important than causes, events, and lessons.
• Confusing the first revelation (Surah Al-Alaq) with the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) — they are different events.
• Thinking the Prophet ﷺ had a perfect life without hardship — he faced poverty, persecution, the loss of children, and military defeats.

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