ERA OF ISLAM

          Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) the Last Prophet of ALLAH was born in Mecca about 2500 years after Ismail (AS) and 570 years after Christ. There is a slight difference of opinion about his date of birth. Generally, it is stated that he was born on the 12th of Rabiul Awwal, 52 years before Hijrah (corresponding 23rd April, 571 A.D.). While some others maintain that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was born on the 9th Rabiul Awwal (52 B.H.) corresponding to 20th April, 571 A.D. However, there is general agreement about the day being Monday and the time being early in the morning. As it is the seen in the genealogy the Holy Prophet came from the offspring of Hazrat Ismail (RA) the son of Abraham or Ibrahim (AS). The Holy Prophet ((PBUH) belongs to the renowned Arabian tribe Quraish.

          Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him) was the posthumous child. His father Hazart Abdullah had died a few months before his birth. And when he was only six-year-old, his mother Hazarat Amena also died. Thus, he has left an orphan in this world. Now his grandfather Abdul Muttalib took him under his own care but he also died after two years when the child Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was only eight years old. At last, his uncle Abu Talib took him under his care and the Prophet (PBUH)was brought up under him. As we have seen earlier, in those days education was not customary in Arabia so Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him) could not get the education. He even did not know how to read and write.

          It is strange to note that in spite of Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him) being born and brought up in an ignorant and idolatrous society quite deprived of virtues, remained away from all kinds of evils just from his childhood. He did never worship any idol or man-made god, nor he over ate anything offered to any idol by way of respect or sacrifice. He always avoided wine and gambling. He never lied but always spoke the truth. He was always honest and just to everyone. People would deposit with him their money and valuables without any witness or proof and would get back on demand. It was because of his truthfulness, honesty and straightforwardness, that people would call him"Sadiq" (truthful) and"Ameen" (honest). In an atmosphere and society where idolatry, dishonesty and wickedness were the order of the day, the superiority of his character apparently proves that he was the truthful Prophet sent by ALLAH to show the Right Path to the people.

          The most popular profession of the Quraish in those days was trade or business. So when Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him)attained the age of maturity, he would accompany his uncle Abu Talib on business trips. Thus, he got the chances to visit Syria and Yemen.

          At that time, there was a wealthy lady in Mecca, named Hazrat Khadijah(RA). She was a widow, so she would send others with merchandise to other countries. When Hazrat Khadijah (RA) came to know of the honesty and truthfulness of Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him) she sent for him and suggested to do business on her behalf.

             Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him) agreed and taking a lot of merchandise from her went to Syria. Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him) did his best in this business trip and came back with great success, Hazrat Khadijah(RA) was much impressed to see his uprightness and honesty. She was so much impressed with his noble character and conduct that she gave him the proposal for marriage. Hazrat Khadijah(RA) was a perfectly noble and virtuous lady. People would call her"Taherah' (Chaste) because of her being pure in thoughts and deeds. At that time, she was forty years old but Hazrat Muhammad "Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam "(Peace Be Upon Him) was 25 years only. Yet he agreed to marry her with his uncle's advice.