Early Life and First Revelation
Muhammad was born in Makkah in 570, a lawless and unsafe place at that time. Life dealt him early challenges as his father Abdullah died before his birth, and his mother Aminah passed away when he was just six years old. After being raised by his grandfather and later his uncle, Muhammad worked as a shepherd before becoming a businessman.
In 595, Muhammad impressed a wealthy widow named Khadijah while working for her. Their professional relationship blossomed, and they eventually married. Despite his success, Muhammad was troubled by the idol worship that took place at the Kabba, an ancient temple originally built to worship God.
During the month of Ramadan in 610, Muhammad would retreat to a cave on a nearby mountain to pray. One night, something extraordinary happened โ the angel Jibril appeared to him, commanding him to "read." Despite being unable to read or write, Muhammad suddenly found himself reciting divine words "Read in the name of your lord, who created man from a drop of blood..."
Did you know? The revelations Muhammad received throughout his life would become the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam that over 1.8 billion Muslims follow today.