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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islam: Faith, Practice & History Lesson 36: The Prophet of Islam (Muhammad al-Mustafa) Name: Muhammad. Agnomen: Abu ‘l-Qāsim. Title: Rasūlu ‘l-lāh; Nabiu ‘l-lāh; Khātamu ‘n-Nabiyyin. Father: Abdullāh bin ‘Abdu ‘l-Muttalib. Mother: Āminah bint Wahab. Birth: 17th Rabīu ‘l-Awwal, 1st year of ‘Āmu ‘l-Fīl at Mecca; i.e., 53 years before the hijra. Death: 28th Safar, 11 after hijra.

Birth to Bi‘that The last prophet of God is Muhammad al-Mustafa—upon whom be blessings and peace. He was born on 17th Rabi’u ‘l-Awwal, 1st Year of ‘Āmul Fil in Mecca amidst the family of Banu Hashim (of the tribe of Quraysh) who were considered the most honoured of the Arab families. Banu Hashim were descendants of Ismā’il, the son of Prophet Ibrahim. The Prophet’s grandfather, ‘Abdu ‘l-Muttalib, was the chief of Banu Hashim and also the guardian of the Ka’bah.

His father was called ‘Abdullah and his mother, Aminah bint Wahab. His father passed away a few months before his birth. At the age of six, the Prophet lost his mother as well and was placed under the care of his paternal grandfather, ‘Abdul Muttalib. But his grandfather also passed away after four years; and at this time the Prophet’s uncle, Abu Tālib, took charge of him and became his guardian, taking him to his own house.

Thus the Prophet grew up in his uncle’s house and even before reaching the age of adolescence used to accompany his uncle on business journeys by caravan. The Prophet had not received any schooling; yet, after reaching the age of maturity he became famous for his wisdom, courtesy, trust-worthiness and truthfulness. He soon became famous as “as-sādiq al-amīn” (the truthful, the trustworthy).

Abu Tālib used to say: “We have never heard any lies from Muhammad, nor seen him misconduct himself or make mischief. He never laughs unduly nor talks untimely.” As a result of his sagacity and trustworthiness, Khadija bint Khuwaylid, a Qurayshi lady wellknown for her wealth, appointed him as the custodian of her possessions and left in his hands the task of conducting her commercial affairs.

The Prophet once journeyed to Damascus with Khadija’s merchandise and as a result of the ability he displayed was able to make an outstanding profit. Before long she asked to become his wife and the Prophet accepted her proposal.