Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the final messenger of Allah, was born in 570 CE, in the noble Quraysh tribe in Makkah. His birth was a momentous event, and even before his arrival, signs indicated his greatness. He was born into the esteemed Banu Hashim clan, a respected family known for its leadership and honor among the Arabs.
Birth and Early Infancy
His father, Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib, passed away before his birth, leaving his mother, Aaminah bint Wahb, in deep sorrow. As an orphan, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ entered the world without a father’s presence, but Allah had destined a great future for him.
In Arab society, it was customary for noble families to send their newborns to the desert, where they could grow up in a clean and healthy environment, learning pure Arabic. A kind and humble woman named Halimah Sa'diyyah, from the Banu Sa’d tribe, took baby Muhammad ﷺ into her care. As soon as he entered her home, she and her family experienced immense blessings—her animals became healthier, her milk supply increased, and her household saw prosperity, all due to the presence of this special child.
Halimah loved Muhammad ﷺ deeply and kept him in her care for about four years. During this period, a significant event took place:
The Incident of the Opening of His Chest
One day, while playing with other children, young Muhammad ﷺ was approached by two angels who laid him down, opened his chest, and removed a small black portion from his heart. They washed his heart with Zamzam water and placed it back, saying, "This was the portion of Shaytan in you." This event was a divine purification, preparing him for his noble mission.
Halimah, sensing something extraordinary about the child, returned him to his mother, Aaminah.
The Loss of His Mother and Grandfather
At the age of six, his mother, Aaminah, took him to Yathrib (later Madinah) to visit his maternal relatives. After spending some time there, while returning to Makkah, she fell severely ill and passed away in a place called Al-Abwa. The young Muhammad ﷺ was left orphaned once again, now without both parents.
His loving grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, took him in and cared for him with deep affection. He would seat Muhammad ﷺ next to him on a special carpet near the Ka'bah, showing great love and respect for the young boy. However, when Muhammad ﷺ was just eight years old, Abdul Muttalib also passed away, leaving him in the care of his uncle, Abu Talib.
Growing Up in the Care of Abu Talib
Despite being a father figure, Abu Talib was not wealthy. From a young age, Muhammad ﷺ learned the value of hard work, assisting his uncle in trade and even tending to sheep as a shepherd. This simple and humble upbringing shaped his patience, responsibility, and leadership qualities.
During this time, his reputation for truthfulness, honesty, and kindness grew. The people of Makkah admired him and called him As-Sadiq (The Truthful) and Al-Ameen (The Trustworthy) because he never lied, deceived, or mistreated anyone.
His First Journey to Syria and the Encounter with Monk Bahira
At the age of twelve, Muhammad ﷺ accompanied his uncle Abu Talib on a trade journey to Syria. During this journey, they met a Christian monk named Bahira, who noticed special signs of prophethood in young Muhammad ﷺ. Bahira observed a cloud providing shade for him and found the Seal of Prophethood (a special mark) between his shoulders. He warned Abu Talib to protect the boy, as he was destined for a great mission.
His Noble Character as a Young Man
As he grew older, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ remained away from the immoral practices of Makkah. While other youths engaged in idolatry, drinking, and gambling, he stayed away from all such activities. Allah protected him from corruption, preparing him for his future prophethood.
By his teenage years, he had gained a strong reputation for justice and fairness. He participated in the Hilf al-Fudul, a noble agreement among Quraysh leaders to help the weak and uphold justice, which showed his concern for human rights and fairness even before receiving divine revelation.
Conclusion
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s childhood was filled with hardships, yet every difficulty shaped his noble character. He grew up as an orphan but never complained. Instead, he became known for his patience, kindness, and truthfulness. His early years prepared him for the greatest mission of all—spreading the message of Islam and guiding humanity to the path of righteousness.
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