Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) - A figure of Islam

There is no gain saying that Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) (570–632 AD) is the founder figure of Islam. Followers of Islam believe he was God's final Prophet to whom the Quran was revealed.

According to historical accounts, Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) was born (570 AD in Makkah) and died (June 8, 632 AD in Madinah) in the Hejaz region of present day Saudi Arabia. The name Mohammed literally means "the praised one" in Arabic. Within Islam, Mohammed is known as "The Prophet Mohammed " and "The Messenger". The Quran also refers to him as the "Seal of the Prophet Mohammeds."

Born Mohammed ibn `Abdu'llah ibn `Abdu'l-Muttalib, the founder Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) of Islam was a widely traveled merchant. A deeply religious man, Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) often retreated to the mountains outside Makkah, for prayer and contemplation. Muslims believe that around 610 AD, when Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) had attained the age of forty, while praying in one of these mountain caves called Hira, he was visited by the Angel Gabriel. The messenger of the God commanded Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) to memorize and recite the verses sent by God which later evolved as the Quran -- the Holy book of Islam.

After being blessed with God’s revelation, Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) began publicly preaching strict monotheism and warning of a Day of Judgment when all humans shall be held responsible for their deeds. His pronouncements created many enemies within the kingdom and in 622 AD; he was forced to flee from Makkah along with his supporters. He settled in Yathrib, the modern day Madinah with his followers, where he became the leader of the first avowedly Muslim society.

War between factions in Makkah and Madinah followed, in which Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) and his followers were victorious. They had in great part achieved their victory by building a tribal coalition. After the conquest of Makkah, the coalition was extended. By the time of Prophet Mohammed’s (pbuh) death, he had unified much of Arabia under his rule, and launched military expeditions to the north, towards Syria and Palestine.