History
Muhammad: The Prophet Who Shaped History
An introduction to the life of Muhammad, the founder of Islam, and his profound and lasting impact on history, religion, and billions of people worldwide.
What is it?
Muhammad was a religious, social, and political leader from Mecca who founded the religion of Islam in the 7th century. Born around 570 CE, Muslims believe that at the age of 40, he began receiving divine revelations from God (Allah) through the angel Gabriel. These revelations form the verses of the Quran, Islam's holy book. His teachings proclaimed monotheism—the belief in one God—challenging the polytheistic traditions prevalent in Arabia at the time. After facing persecution, he migrated from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, an event that marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. There, he established a unified community based on Islamic principles.
Why is it trending?
Muhammad's influence is a constant topic of relevance due to his status as one of history's most influential figures. As the central prophet of Islam, the world's second-largest and fastest-growing religion, his life and teachings are studied by over 1.8 billion Muslims. His leadership, which unified warring Arabian tribes into a single religious and political entity, continues to be analyzed by historians and leaders. The principles he established form the basis of Islamic civilization and continue to shape culture, law, and politics in many countries, making his legacy a subject of continuous global discussion.
How does it affect people?
Muhammad's teachings and life example (the Sunna) provide a complete guide for the daily lives of Muslims, influencing everything from prayer and ethics to law and social conduct. He advocated for social justice, women's rights, and compassion for the poor and oppressed, bringing significant reforms to 7th-century Arabian society. For Muslims, he is the ultimate role model of a leader, teacher, and family man, whose character embodies humility, integrity, and justice. His legacy established a global community (the Ummah) that transcends national and cultural borders, united by a shared faith rooted in his teachings.