Birth of Prophet Muhammad PBAU is one of the most spiritually significant and historically documented events in Islamic history. It marks the coming of the final messenger of Allah — a mercy for all the worlds (Rahmatul-lil-Alameen).
Time and Date of Birth
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born:
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On Monday, the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, in the Year of the Elephant (570 CE),
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In the blessed city of Makkah, in the clan of Banu Hashim from the tribe of Quraysh.
Reference: Ibn Hisham’s Sirat al-Nabi, Vol 1;
Al-Tabari’s Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk
Family and Lineage
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Father: Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib (passed away before his birth)
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Mother: Amina bint Wahb (from the noble clan of Zuhrah)
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Grandfather: Abdul Muttalib, the chief of Quraysh
The Prophet’s ﷺ lineage is regarded as the purest among Arabs, tracing back to Prophet Isma’il (A.S.), son of Prophet Ibrahim (A.S.).
Miraculous Signs at Birth
Several astonishing events occurred at the time of his birth:
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A light emerged from Lady Amina that illuminated the palaces of Syria (Sham).
Source: Ibn Sa’d’s Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol 1
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The fire in the temple of Persia, which had been burning for 1,000 years, suddenly extinguished.
Source: Al-Bayhaqi in Dala’il al-Nubuwwah
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The throne of Chosroes (Kisra) trembled, and 14 of his balconies collapsed.
Symbolizing that 14 Persian kings would fall before Islam reached Persia.
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Lake Sawah dried up, which had been worshipped by pagans.
Birthplace: The House of Makkah
The Prophet ﷺ was born in Makkah, near the Kaaba, in the area known as Sha’ab Banu Hashim. His birth occurred at a time when Arabia was steeped in:
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Idolatry
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Tribal wars
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Moral collapse
Yet the signs at his birth reflected hope, guidance, and light for the world.
Lady Amina’s Account
Lady Amina narrated that:
“When I gave birth to him, a light issued out of me that lit up the castles of Syria. And I saw a star so bright descend, I had never seen the like before.”
— Ibn Ishaq, Sirah; Bayhaqi, Dala’il al-Nubuwwah
Significance in Later Islamic Thought
Many early scholars and Sufi saints have emphasized the birth of the Prophet ﷺ as the start of divine mercy upon Earth, including:
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Imam Qurtubi: Linked his birth to the start of divine light
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Imam Ghazali: Noted the Prophet ﷺ’s birth as the moment hearts were awakened
Quranic Hints
Though the Qur’an does not explicitly mention the date of birth, it confirms the Messenger’s light and mercy:
“We have not sent you but as a mercy to the worlds.”
— Surah Al-Anbiya 21:107
“Indeed, there has come to you a light and a clear Book from Allah.”
— Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:15
Why the Birth of the Prophet ﷺ Matters Today
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A reminder that guidance always follows darkness
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A call to reconnect with the character of the Prophet ﷺ
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Inspiration to revive mercy, justice, and truth in society
Key References Used:
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Ibn Hisham – Sirat al-Nabi
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Ibn Sa’d – Tabaqat al-Kubra
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Al-Bayhaqi – Dala’il al-Nubuwwah
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Ibn Kathir – Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah
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Al-Tabari – Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk
Conclusion
The birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is not just a historical event — it is the beginning of divine light on earth. It changed the fate of humanity. Each year, remembering this blessed occasion reignites faith, love, and gratitude in the hearts of believers.
