The life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), known as the Seerah, is one of the most documented biographies in history. His life is generally divided into two major periods: the Meccan Period (focusing on spiritual foundation) and the Medinan Period (focusing on community and state-building). The birth of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), known in Islamic tradition as Mawlid, is described in classical biographies (Seerah) and Hadith literature as being accompanied by several miraculous events. These signs are often interpreted as the universe announcing the arrival of the final Messenger.
Here are the most prominent miracles recorded by historians like Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Kathir:
1. The Shaking of Chosroes’ Palace
The Great Palace (Taq-i Kisra) of the Persian Emperor, Chosroes, shook violently. Fourteen balconies of the palace collapsed, which was later interpreted as a sign that fourteen kings of Persia remained before the empire would fall.
2. The Drying of Lake Sawa
Lake Sawa, located in modern-day Iraq/Iran, was a large body of water that was revered and used for trade. On the night of the birth, the lake completely dried up, which was seen as a supernatural occurrence.
3. The Toppling of Idols
It is reported that the idols placed around the Kaaba in Mecca were found fallen on their faces the morning after his birth. This symbolized the eventual cleansing of the Kaaba from polytheism.
4. Protection from the Jinn
Islamic tradition mentions that on the night of his birth, the gates of the heavens were more strictly guarded. Shayateen (devils) and Jinn, who previously tried to eavesdrop on the conversations of angels in the heavens, were driven back by piercing stars (mete ors) more intensely than ever before.
The Year of the Elephant (Context)
It is also significant that he was born in the Year of the Elephant (approx. 570 CE). This was the year Abrahah, the Yemeni ruler, marched on Mecca with an army of elephants to destroy the Kaaba. The army was miraculously defeated by flocks of birds (Ababil) dropping small stones, an event mentioned in Surah Al-Fil of the Quran. This paved the way for the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) birth in a protected and honored Mecca.
1. Early Life (570 – 610 CE)
* Birth: Born in 570 CE (the Year of the Elephant) in Mecca into the noble Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe. The childhood of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is filled with accounts of extraordinary events that traditional biographers (Sira writers) describe as “signs of prophethood” (Irhasat). These miracles are seen as divine preparation for his future mission.
The birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was accompanied by several extraordinary events, often referred to as Irhasat (signs that precede prophethood).
Aamina bint Wahb, his mother, reported experiencing a pregnancy and birth unlike any other. Here are the miracles witnessed within and around her house at that time:
1. The Divine Light (Noor)
The most famous miracle reported by Aamina was the appearance of a brilliant light. She stated:”When he was born, there went forth from me a light that illuminated the palaces of Busra in the land of Syria.”
Even though she was in Mecca, the spiritual and physical light was so intense that she could “see” distant cities in the north. This symbolized that his message would spread far beyond the borders of Arabia.
2. A Painless Birth:
In an era where childbirth was extremely dangerous and painful, Aamina narrated that she felt no burden during her pregnancy.
- No Heaviness: She did not feel the typical physical weight or exhaustion associated with pregnancy.
- Ease of Delivery: The birth itself was described as remarkably easy and smooth, free from the typical labor pains of that time.
3. The Position of the Newborn :
When Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born, he did not enter the world like a typical infant.
- Prostration: It is recorded that he fell toward the ground in a state of Sajdah (prostration), resting on his hands and knees.
- Pointing to the Heavens: He then raised his head toward the sky, signifying his connection to the Divine.
4. Born “Clean” and Circumcised :
According to several historical narrations, the baby was born in a state of physical purity:
- He was born already circumcised and with his umbilical cord already cut.
- He was described as being exceptionally clean, with a scent like musk emanating from his body.
5. Global Miracles (Witnessed Beyond the House)
While these happened outside Aamina’s immediate room, they occurred at the exact moment of his birth and were soon reported to her:
- The Palace of Khosrow: Fourteen towers of the Persian Emperor’s palace collapsed.
- The Sacred Fire of Persia: The “Eternal Fire” of the Magians (Zoroastrians), which had been burning continuously for 1,000 years, suddenly went out.
- The Lake of Sawa: A large lake in Persia suddenly dried up.
1.The Blessing of Halima Sa’diya
The story of Halima al-Sa’diyya entering Aamina’s house is a touching moment of destiny. It wasn’t a grand event at first, but rather a humble meeting between two women—one a grieving widow and the other a struggling mother from the desert.
Here is how the entry and adoption took place:
1. The Search for a Child
Every year, women from the desert tribes (like the Banu Sa’d) would travel to Mecca to find infants to foster. They did this for a fee, but also because the desert air was considered healthier for babies. Halima was part of one such caravan, but she arrived last because her donkey was so weak and slow. By the time she reached Mecca, all the “wealthy” babies had been taken by other women. The only child left was the orphan, Muhammad (peace be upon him).
2. The Initial Hesitation
Halima, like the other women, initially hesitated to take him. She was hoping for a child with a living father who could provide a generous reward. Since Muhammad’s father, Abdullah, had already passed away, the wet nurses feared they wouldn’t be paid well. However, Halima felt ashamed to return to her tribe empty-handed while every other woman had a baby. She told her husband, Harith:”By Allah, I hate to return with my companions without a baby. I will go to that orphan and take him.”
3. Entering Aamina’s House
When Halima finally decided to take the child, she went to the house where Aamina lived with the Prophet’s grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib.
- The Meeting:Abdul-Muttalib welcomed her and led her to Aamina.
- The First Sight:Historical accounts say that when Halima saw the infant Muhammad, he was wrapped in a piece of white wool and smelled of musk. He was sleeping, but when she laid her hand on him, he opened his eyes and smiled at her.
- The Instant Connection:The moment she saw him, a great love for him entered her heart. She didn’t care about the lack of a father or money anymore; she knew this child was special.
4. The First Miracle in the House
The moment Halima picked him up and began to nurse him, a miracle occurred right there in Aamina’s home:
- Halima had been so malnourished that she had no milk for her own biological son.
- The moment she placed Muhammad to her breast, her milk flowed abundantly. He drank until he was satisfied, and then her own son drank until he was full.
5. Leaving for the Desert
Aamina felt a mix of sadness and peace. She knew she had to send him away for his health, but she was comforted by Halima’s kindness. Halima walked out of the house carrying the “Blessed Orphan,” and as soon as they began the journey back, her weak animals suddenly became the fastest in the caravan.
The Influence of the Desert (Banu Sa’d)
- Language Purity:The desert tribes spoke the “purest” Arabic, untouched by the dialects of city traders. The Prophet later credited his eloquence to his time with the Banu Sa’d.
- Physical Hardiness:The desert environment built the physical stamina and resilience required for his future role.
When the Prophet was an infant, he was taken into the desert to be nursed by Halima Sa’diya of the Banu Sa’d tribe. Her account contains several noted miracles:
* The Barren Land: At the time, her tribe was suffering from a severe drought. Upon taking the infant Muhammad into her home, her land suddenly became lush and green.
* The Lean Animals:Her weak, thin donkey—which had struggled to keep up with the caravan—suddenly gained immense strength and speed.
* Abundant Milk:Her old she-camel, which hadn’t produced milk in a long time, suddenly provided enough to feed the entire family.
* Rapid Growth:It is recorded that he grew much faster and looked healthier than other children of his age.
2.The Splitting of the Chest (Shaqq as-Sadr)
Perhaps the most famous miracle occurred when he was about four or five years old while playing with other children:
* The Visitation:Two angels (traditionally including Jibreel) appeared in the form of men.
* The Purification:They laid him down, opened his chest, and removed a small black clot from his heart, saying, “This is the portion of Satan in you.”
* The Washing:They washed his heart with Zamzam water in a golden basin before returning it to his chest. Halima and the other children were terrified, but they found him standing, albeit pale, with no visible wound.
The return of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from his foster mother, Halima al-Sa’diyya, to his biological mother, Aamina bint Wahb, was a significant emotional and spiritual turning point in his early life.
Based on historical accounts (the Sira), here is what happened at that time:
1. The Reason for the Return
Halima had originally kept Muhammad for longer than the usual two-year weaning period because she witnessed immense Barakah (blessings) while he was in her care. However, two main factors led to his return when he was around 4 to 5 years old:
- The “Splitting of the Chest” Incident: as already explained at miracles
- Safety Concerns: Fearing that something supernatural or harmful might happen to him while under her watch, Halima decided it was finally time to return him to the safety of his family in Mecca.
2. The Emotional Reunion
The transition was a mix of relief and sadness.
- Aamina’s Joy: After years of being apart, Aamina was reunited with her only son. He had grown strong, healthy, and spoke the pure Arabic of the desert tribes.
- Halima’s Grief: Halima loved Muhammad as her own. Giving him back was difficult, as she felt she was losing the source of light and prosperity that had blessed her household for years.
3. Life in Mecca
Once Muhammad saw was back with Aamina:
* Reconnecting with His Roots
After spending five years with the tribe of Bani Sa’d, Muhammad (s.a.w.) had become a strong, healthy boy with a mastery of the purest Arabic dialect.
Aminah’s Joy:She was overjoyed to have her only son back. She spent this time teaching him about his father, Abdullah, who had passed away in Yathrib (Medina) before Muhammad (s.a.w.) was even born.
Family Protection:He was welcomed by his grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib, the most powerful man in Mecca, who saw in the boy the “light” of his deceased son Abdullah.
* The Journey to Yathrib (Medina)
Aminah decided that her son was now old enough to visit his father’s grave and meet his maternal relatives.
The Traveling Party:Aminah, the young Muhammad (s.a.w.), and their faithful servant Umm Ayman set out on the 300-mile journey to Yathrib.
Meeting the Clan:They stayed for one month with the Bani Najjar (Aminah’s maternal uncles).
Childhood Memories:The Prophet later recalled this trip with fondness. He remembered learning to swim in a pond there and watching birds in the gardens. It was a rare period of peaceful family life.
* The Tragedy at Al-Abwa
The most significant and saddest event happened on the return journey from Yathrib to Mecca.
Aminah’s Illness:While traveling through the desert, Aminah fell severely ill.
Her Final Words:As she grew weaker, she looked at her young son and told him that every living thing must pass, but his name would live on because of the great destiny ahead of him.
The Loss:The Death of Aminah (Age 6): On the return journey from visiting his father’s grave in Yathrib (Medina), his mother passed away at Al-Abwa. Mentioning the role of Umm Ayman, his mother’s devoted maid who brought him back to Mecca, adds a beautiful element of lifelong loyalty to the story.
* Returning to Mecca as an Orphan
Umm Ayman, the devoted servant, was left alone to bring the grieving child back to Mecca.
Umm Ayman’s Role:She became his “mother after his mother.” He later said of her, “She is the member of my family who is left to me.”
Handover to Abdul-Muttalib:Upon arriving in Mecca, she took him straight to his grandfather. Abdul-Muttalib was heartbroken by the news of Aminah’s death and took his grandson under his wing with even greater intensity than before.
The Death of Abdul-Muttalib (Age 8):His grandfather, who cherished him, died just two years later. This transition to Abu Talib’s house is a turning point, as Abu Talib was not wealthy, yet he prioritized Muhammad over his own biological children.
* The Life of a Shepherd
Before the trip to Syria at age 12, the Prophet spent much of his childhood as a shepherd.
- Reflective Solitude: Historians often note that nearly every Prophet was a shepherd. This role taught him patience, vigilance, and the responsibility of leading a “flock” that cannot speak for itself. It provided him with time for deep contemplation away from the idols of Mecca.
3.The Shading Cloud and the Monk Bahira
When he was twelve, he accompanied his uncle Abu Talib on a trade caravan to Syria. During this journey:
The Moving Cloud:It was observed that a small cloud consistently followed the caravan, providing shade specifically over Muhammad to protect him from the harsh desert sun.
* The Bowing Trees:As they approached the city of Bosra, the branches of trees were seen to lean down to provide him with further shade.
* Bahira’s Recognition:
- Scriptural KnowledgeBahira was a deeply learned scholar who lived in a monastery containing ancient sacred texts. These books contained a detailed “profile” of the Final Messenger, including:
- Character and Manners:Bahira questioned the boy about his sleeping habits, his dreams, and his daily conduct. He found that every answer matched the behavioral traits described in his books.
- Family Background:He confirmed with Abu Talib that the boy was an orphan and from a specific noble lineage, which aligned with the prophecies.
- The Physical Examination
The final and most definitive proof for Bahira was the physical mark:
The Seal on the Back:During the meal, Bahira asked to see the boy’s back. Upon looking between his shoulder blades, he found a raised mark (the Seal).
Description:Sources describe the mark Bahira saw as being shaped like a “pigeon’s egg” or a “button of a tent,” located near the left shoulder blade.A Christian monk named Bahira noticed these signs. He invited the caravan to a feast and, after examining the young Muhammad, found the Seal of Prophethood (a mark between his shoulders) . He warned Abu Talib to take him back to Mecca immediately, as he was destined for greatness.
The Conclusion of the Bahira Episode: The Warning
Bahira confirmed the physical Seal of Prophethood, the atmosphere shifted from curiosity to urgency. He pulled Abu Talib aside and delivered a stern warning that changed the course of the journey.
1. The Specific Threat
Bahira warned Abu Talib: “Take your nephew back to his country and guard him carefully against the Jews.” He explained that if those who were looking for the “Final Prophet” with ill intent were to see the signs he had just seen (the cloud, the trees, and the Seal), they would recognize him immediately and might try to harm him to prevent his mission.
2. The Prophecy of Greatness
Bahira stated with certainty: “A great future awaits this nephew of yours.” He recognized that the child was not just a future leader of his tribe, but the Master of the Worlds mentioned in the ancient texts.
3. The Immediate Return
Taking the warning to heart, Abu Talib did not finish the full trade mission as intended. He quickly finished his business in the local markets of Busra and returned to Mecca with the young Muhammad (S.A.W.), ensuring his safety from any potential enemies in the Roman-controlled territories of Syria.
4.General Protection and “Al-Amin”
Even as a young boy, he was protected from the common vices of pre-Islamic Meccan society:
* The Wedding Incident:It is narrated that as a teenager, he once intended to attend a wedding celebration in Mecca where there would be music and dancing. However, Allah caused him to fall into a deep sleep before he reached the event, and he woke up only the next morning, thus preserving his purity.
* The Building of the Kaaba:During a renovation of the Kaaba, he was helping carry stones. When he tried to adjust his garment in a way that would expose him, he was overcome by a sudden state of unconsciousness, teaching him the importance of modesty even before the laws of Islam were revealed.
Summary of the first 12 Years
Birth (570 CE):Miracles in Persia, the drying of Lake Sawa, and the Year of the Elephant.
Infancy (0-4/5):Life with Halima Sa’diya; the desert’s physical and linguistic influence; the first “Splitting of the Heart.”
Childhood (6-8):The passing of Aminah at Al-Abwa; guardianship of Abdul-Muttalib; the passing of his grandfather.
Early Youth (8-12):Living with Abu Talib; working as a shepherd; the journey to Syria and the encounter with Bahira.
🕋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the significance of the “Year of the Elephant”?
The Year of the Elephant (approx. 570 CE) marks the miraculous defense of the Kaaba against Abrahah’s army. For the Seerah, it signifies that Mecca was divinely protected and honored as the birthplace of the final Messenger. It established the sanctity of the location just before the Prophet’s birth.
2. What are “Irhasat” and why are they important?
Irhasat are supernatural events or miracles that occurred before Muhammad (S.A.W.) received his first revelation. They served as:
* Divine Preparation:Preparing the world and the Prophet himself for his future mission.
* Validation:Providing signs for people of other scriptures (like the monk Bahira) to recognize him.
* Symbolism:Events like the falling of idols symbolized the future end of polytheism.
3. Why was the Prophet sent to live in the desert with Halima Sa’diya?
It was a custom among noble Meccan families to send their infants to the desert for two primary reasons:
* Health:The desert air was cleaner and more robust than the cramped, often disease-prone environment of the city.
* Language:The desert tribes (like Banu Sa’d) preserved the “purest” form of the Arabic language, essential for the future delivery of the Quran.
4. What was the “Splitting of the Chest” (Shaqq as-Sadr)?
This was a physical and spiritual purification that occurred when the Prophet was about 4 or 5 years old. Angels removed a “black clot” from his heart, described as the portion of Satan. This miracle ensured that the Prophet was divinely protected from the whispers of evil throughout his life.
5. Who was Bahira and what did he discover?
Bahira was a Christian monk living in Busra, Syria. Through his study of ancient scriptures, he recognized three specific signs in the young Muhammad (S.A.W.):
* The Cloud:A cloud that moved to provide constant shade.
* The Trees:Branches that bowed down as he passed.
* The Seal of Prophethood:A physical mark between the Prophet’s shoulder blades.
6. Why did the Prophet work as a shepherd in his youth?
Working as a shepherd is a common trait among many Prophets (including Moses and David). It provided:
* Character Building:It taught patience, mercy, and the responsibility of guiding a group.
* Contemplation:The solitude of the hills allowed for deep reflection away from the materialistic and idol-worshipping culture of Mecca.
7. How was the Prophet’s character described before Prophethood?
Even before the age of 40, he was known as Al-Amin (The Trustworthy) and As-Sadiq (The Truthful). He was uniquely protected from the “vices” of the time; for example, he was divinely prevented from attending pagan parties or exposing his nakedness during the rebuilding of the Kaaba.
8. Why did the “Eternal Fire” of Persia go out?
The “Eternal Fire” of the Magians (Zoroastrians) had reportedly burned for 1,000 years without being extinguished. Its sudden flickering out at the moment of the Prophet’s birth was a symbolic miracle. It represented the coming of a message that would extinguish the fire of falsehood and idolatry, replacing it with the light of Tawhid (the Oneness of God).
9. What was the “Seal of Prophethood” (Khatam an-Nabuwwah)?
The Seal was a physical mark located between the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) shoulder blades, often described as a raised piece of skin or a mole the size of a pigeon’s egg.
* Significance: It was a specific physical trait mentioned in previous scriptures (Torah and Gospel) that allowed scholars like Bahira and later Salman al-Farisi to identify him as the Final Messenger.
10. How did the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) presence affect Halima’s livelihood?
Halima Sa’diya’s household was transformed from poverty to abundance. Specific changes included:
* The Animals:Her weak donkey became the fastest in the caravan, and her old camel began producing overflowing amounts of milk.
* The Land:Even though the Banu Sa’d territory was suffering from a drought, the area immediately around Halima’s tent became green and fertile, providing plenty of grazing for her sheep.
11. Who was Umm Ayman and why is she significant?
Umm Ayman (Barakah) was the Abyssinian maid of the Prophet’s mother, Aamina.
* Role:After Aamina passed away at Al-Abwa, Umm Ayman was the one who held the six-year-old Muhammad (S.A.W.) and brought him safely back to Mecca to his grandfather.
* Legacy:The Prophet (S.A.W.) later said of her, “She is my mother after my mother.” She remained a loyal companion throughout his life.
12. Why did the Lake of Sawa dry up?
The drying of Lake Sawa (in modern-day Iran/Iraq) was a sign of the shifting of spiritual and political power. The lake was a source of pride and trade for the Persian Empire. Its disappearance signaled that the old world powers were making way for a new era of divine guidance.
13. What happened during the “Wedding Incident” in his youth?
As a teenager, Muhammad (S.A.W.) felt a natural curiosity to attend a Meccan wedding feast where there was music. However, Islamic tradition holds that:
* Divine Intervention:Allah caused him to fall into a deep, peaceful sleep on the outskirts of the city.
* Result: He slept through the night and only woke up when the sun rose. This happened twice, ensuring he never participated in the frivolous or pagan festivities of pre-Islamic society.
14. How did the loss of his parents shape his character?
While the loss of his father (before birth), mother (age 6), and grandfather (age 8) was deeply painful, scholars note several wisdoms (Hikmah):
* Dependency on God:Being an orphan meant he was not raised under the shadow of a powerful father figure, ensuring his guidance came directly from Allah.
* Empathy:His experiences as an orphan made him the greatest advocate for the poor and the fatherless in his later mission.
15. Why was the Prophet (S.A.W.) born as an orphan?
Scholars of the Seerah point to several divine wisdoms (Hikmah) for his orphanhood:
* Divine Tutelage:It ensured that his upbringing was managed entirely by Allah, rather than being shaped by the ego or status of a living father.
* Protection from Accusation:It prevented critics from claiming that his message was simply a family inheritance or that he was being coached by his elders.
* Compassion:It instilled in him a deep, firsthand empathy for the most vulnerable members of society.
16. What was the “Shield of Modesty” in his youth?
Even before the laws of Islam were revealed, the Prophet (S.A.W.) was divinely protected from immodesty.
* The Kaaba Incident:During the rebuilding of the Kaaba, he was carrying stones. When he attempted to use his lower garment to cushion his shoulder (briefly exposing himself), he immediately fell unconscious until he was covered. This taught him that his body was sacred.
17. How did the Jinn and the Heavens react to his birth?
Islamic tradition states that the night of the Prophet’s (S.A.W.) birth changed the “security” of the heavens:
* Restricted Access:Previously, Shayateen (devils) could eavesdrop on the conversations of angels. After his birth, the heavens were strictly guarded with “piercing stars” (meteors) to prevent any interference with the upcoming Divine Revelation.
18. What is the significance of the “Small Black Clot” removed from his heart?
During the Splitting of the Chest, the angel removed a black clot and said, “This is the portion of Satan in you.” * Interpretation: This wasn’t because he was “evil,” but rather a symbolic and physical purification. It removed the human capacity for Waswasa (satanic whispering) and greed, making his heart a pure vessel for the Quran.
19. Why did the Monk Bahira specifically warn against “the Romans” and “the Jews”?
Bahira lived in a Roman-controlled territory. He knew from his books that:
- The Final Prophet was expected to be an Arab from the lineage of Ishmael.
- Certain groups who were also waiting for a Prophet might feel jealousy or political threat if they realized the Messenger was not from their own tribe.
- The Action: Bahira urged Abu Talib to return to Mecca because the young Muhammad (S.A.W.) was too precious to be put at risk in foreign lands.
20. Did the Prophet (S.A.W.) have a formal education?
No. He was Al-Ummi (The Unlettered).
* The Miracle:He did not learn to read or write from any human teacher. This is considered a miracle because, when he later delivered the Quran—a masterpiece of Arabic literature—it was clear that the words could not have been “written” or “researched” by him. His wisdom came entirely from his time in the desert (pure language) and Divine inspiration.