Mercy before all
Mercy is described as the very purpose of his coming — not only to people, but to animals, land and water.
Know the Prophet ﷺ
The man they called Al-Amin
اَلصَّادِقُ الْاَمِین
Before revelation, before followers, before history — his own city named him The Trustworthy. This is where his story begins.
Who was he
Who is Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?
He was born in Makkah in 570 CE into a society of tribal vendettas, buried daughters and open slavery. Orphaned young, he grew up without wealth or rank, and earned a reputation so unblemished that even his enemies left their valuables in his care.
At forty he began to receive revelation. Over twenty-three years he was boycotted, exiled and pursued — and he answered with patience, treaties and, at the moment of total victory, a general pardon for the city that had driven him out.
Muslims describe him as the final Prophet. The Qur'an describes him more simply: a mercy sent for all the worlds.
An interactive life
Select a moment to read what happened — and what it changed.
570 CE
Born in Makkah
Born into the tribe of Quraysh, orphaned early, raised by his grandfather and then his uncle Abu Talib.
Universal teachings
Principles that belong to everyone
Equality of humankind
Race, colour and lineage confer no superiority. The measure of a person is character and conduct.
Rights of neighbours
Neighbours — of any faith — hold a claim on your kindness, food and protection.
Dignity of women
Inheritance, consent in marriage, education and honour were affirmed as rights, not concessions.
Justice without exception
Justice must be upheld even against oneself, one's family or one's own community.
Care for the vulnerable
Orphans, widows, travellers, workers and the enslaved were placed at the centre of moral duty.
انصاف کرو، یہی تقویٰ کے زیادہ قریب ہے
“Be just — that is nearer to righteousness.”
Common questions
Ask honestly, read honestly
A man born in Makkah in 570 CE who, over twenty-three years, transformed warring tribes into a community bound by faith, law and compassion — remembered by Muslims as the final Prophet and a mercy to all worlds.
It is an abbreviation of a prayer asking for peace and blessings upon him — a mark of love and respect said each time his name is mentioned.
The Charter of Madinah guaranteed protection, property and freedom of religion to Jewish and other tribes. Coercion in matters of belief is explicitly rejected in the Qur'an.
He affirmed women's rights to inheritance, property, consent in marriage and education at a time when such rights were widely denied, and made kindness to daughters a mark of faith.
At the conquest of Makkah — with total power over those who had persecuted and exiled him — he pardoned the city.
Start with primary biography (seerah) rather than commentary about it. Our resources page lists accessible, well-regarded introductions, and our team is happy to answer questions directly.
Resources
Go deeper
Still have a question?
No question is unwelcome. Write to the committee, or invite a speaker to your school, campus or community hall.