The revealed light: The Birth of the Prophet and the Dawning of Prophethood
In the darkness of jahiliyyah, an unprecedented light shone, a light that changed the face of history and dispelled the darkness of polytheism. It is a light The birth of the best of human beings, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) . His birth was not an ordinary event, but rather a new dawn for humanity, accompanied by great signs that foretold his prophethood. Let us delve into the story of the Prophet’s birth, to explore how the journey of the greatest man in history began.
Mecca BC: The Darkness of Ignorance and Injustice
Before the light of prophethood, the Arabian Peninsula, and Mecca in particular, was mired in a quagmire of ignorance, injustice, and polytheistic worship. Idols were worshipped without God, ignorant customs such as female infanticide were widespread, and class and social injustice prevailed. In this dark atmosphere, mankind longed for a glimmer of hope, a savior to lead them out of darkness and into light.
Year of the Elephant: A Divine Prelude to Christmas
The year of the Prophet’s birth is an extraordinary event that was preceded by a great miracle known as the Year of the Elephant. In this year, Abraha al-Ashram, King of Abyssinia in Yemen, tried to destroy the Kaaba with a huge army that included an elephant (or elephants). However, God Almighty saved his glorious house by a divine miracle, as he sent Ababil birds to throw stones of Sejil at them, which destroyed them.
Evidence: This great incident is documented in the Qur’ an in Surat al-Feel:
أَلَمْ تَرَ كَيْفَ فَعَلَ رَبُّكَ بِأَصْحَابِ الْفِيلِ (1) أَلَمْ يَجْعَلْ كَيْدَهُمْ فِي تَضْلِيلٍ (2) وَأَرْسَلَ عَلَيْهِمْ طَيْرًا أَبَابِيلَ (3) تَرْمِيهِم بِحِجَارَةٍ مِّن سِجِّيلٍ (4) فَجَعَلَهُمْ كَعَصْفٍ مَّأْكُولٍ (5)
This incident was a foreshadowing of a greater event that would take place that year: the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, who would cleanse the Kaaba of idols and return it to the worship of God alone.
Blessed birth: A unique childhood and growing up an orphan
The Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca, on the twelfth Monday of Rabi al-Awwal, in the year of the elephant, corresponding to (approximately) 571 AD. He was born an orphan, as his father Abdullah died before he was born. This orphanhood was part of God’s wisdom in preparing the Prophet to rely on his Lord alone, and for his upbringing to be free from any human parental influence that might cause some to question his prophethood later on.
Breastfeeding in the Bani Saad desert: eloquence and strength
After he was born, Halima al-Saadia from Banu Sa’ad received him to breastfeed him. This was an important period in the Prophet’s life, as he grew up in a well-built, well-spoken, eloquent desert. This gave him the eloquence for which he would later be known, as well as physical strength and familiarity with desert life, which was the native environment of the Arabs.
The Breast Cutting Incident: Purification and qualification for prophethood
One of the most notable events that took place during his childhood in the desert of Bani Saad was the incident of the opening of the chest. Two angels came to him, cut open his chest and took out a black leech and said, “This is the luck of the devil from you.” They then washed him with Zamzam water and put his chest back. Then they washed him with Zamzam water and restored his chest. This great incident, narrated in Sahih Muslimby the noble Companion Anas bin Malik, may Allah be pleased with him, was a divine preparation and cleansing of the Prophet from a young age, qualifying him to carry the burdens of prophethood.
Death of parents, grandparents and uncle
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) soon returned to his mother Aminah bint Wahb after the breastfeeding period, and then his mother died when he was six years old. His sponsorship was transferred to his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, who loved him dearly and took care of him. Two years later, the grandfather died, and the Prophet’s sponsorship was transferred to his uncle Abu Talib, who nurtured, protected, and defended him throughout his life. This unique upbringing, in which he experienced orphanhood and then the sponsorship of his grandfather and uncle, molded his character, taught him patience and self-reliance, and prepared him for the great mission.
Conclusion: A new dawn for humanity
The birth of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was a major turning point and the cradle of a great life that changed the course of humanity. His childhood and upbringing were full of signs and signs that confirm that he is not an ordinary human being, but the one chosen by God to guide the world. From the darkness of ignorance, the clear lightshone, and the dawn of Islam began to spread to illuminate the whole earth.
What are some of the most striking features of the Prophet’s birthstory ?Share your thoughts in the comments.
