Activity 1. Activating prior knowledge on the early life of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.

1. In what date and year that the Prophet Muhammad S.A.W. was born?
In the year 570, Abu al-Qasim Muhammad ibn Abd Allah ibn Abd al Muttalib ibn
Hashim, popularly known as Prophet Muhammad PBUH, was born in the town of Macca,
a mountain town in western Arabia's high desert plateau. Additionally, most scholars
agree that the Prophet was born in the Islamic or Lunar calendar's third month, Rabi' al-
awwal, in the year 570. Sunni and Shia Muslims, on the other hand, disagree on the exact
date.

2. Can you sketch in a diagram below your knowledge about Prophet Muhammad
S.A.W. especially on his life before prophethood? Explain briefly.

Birth

Marriage to Babyhood
Khadijah

Prophet
Muhammad
S.A.W.

Early Job Mother

Grandfather
The birth of Prophet Muhammad S.A.W.
Prophet Muhammad PBUH was born in the year 570 at Macca, a mountain village in western
Arabia's high desert plateau. Furthermore, most scholars agree that the Prophet was born in the
Islamic or Lunar calendar's third month, Rabi' al-awwal, in the year 570. Sunni and Shia
Muslims, on the other hand, disagree on the exact date. According to Ibn Sa'd, Prophet
Muhammad's mother said, "There was a light that erupted from my pudendum and lit the palaces
of Syria when he was born."
Babyhood
For ages, Arabs have given their newborn babies to women from the city's surrounding tribes to
be wet-nursed. This was done so that their children might grow up in the fresh air and natural
surroundings of the desert, as well as learn the eloquent Arabic dialect, which could only be
found in its purest form in the desert at the time. As a result, and because Amina had no milk to
feed her infant, his grandfather and guardian were compelled to hire an honorable, trustworthy
lady to take after Abdullah's child. He chose Halima, who was from the Bani Sa'd tribe (a tribe
known for bravery and eloquence), after making the necessary investigations.
Halima took the baby back to her tribe and raised him as if he were her own child. The Bani Sa'd
tribe had been famine-stricken in the desert for a long time. Their poverty and misery had been
exacerbated by the dry desert and lack of rain. But, from the moment he walked into Halima's
house, he was greeted with good fortune and blessings. Her life, which had previously been
marked by poverty and starvation, had suddenly transformed into one of joy and prosperity.
Halima's and her children's pale faces turned rosy and lively. Her dry breasts filled with milk,
and the region's sheep and camel pastures turned fresh and green, whereas before he arrived,
people lived in the desert.
He grew up faster than the other kids, ran faster, and didn't stammer like the others. He was
surrounded by such good fortune and auspiciousness that everyone around him simply
recognized and confessed it. 'Do you realize what a blessed baby we have been given?' Halima's
husband, Harith, informed her.
His Mother
When the Prophet's mother, Amina, left Makkah for Medina to visit her relatives and, most
likely, pay a respectful visit to her husband's tomb, he was just six years old. On that journey, he
accompanied his mum. On her trip back to Makkah, Amina died at a spot called Abwa' after
visiting her relatives and expressing love and loyalty to her husband at Abdullah's graveside. As
a result, the Prophet had lost both his mother and father by the tender age when every child
requires the affections of a father and the loving embrace of a mother.
His Grandfather
Just as the Prophet's birth and the events that followed his blessed birth were extraordinary and
suggestive of his majesty and supreme character, so his behavior and manner of speaking in
childhood also made him different from other children. Abdul Muttalib realized this fact and
respected his majesty greatly. Abdul Muttalib, the chief of the Quraysh tribe, did not treat his
grandson like other children, but held him in great respect and reverence. When a special place
was arranged for Abdul Muttalib at the Ka'aba, his offspring surrounded that special place,
inhibited by Abdul Muttalib's dignity and glory from stepping into his abode. But the Prophet
was by no means impressed by so much grandeur and honor and would always directly go to that
particular seat. Abdul Muttalib's sons tried to hinder him, but he protested and said, `Let my son
go. I swear by God that he has a glorified, majestic position'. Then Muhammad sat beside the
chief of the Quraysh, Abdul Muttalib, and spoke with him.
His early Job
Muhammad worked in a camel caravan in his teen years, following in the footsteps of many
others his age who were born into poverty. He obtained experience in commercial business while
working for his uncle, traveling to Syria and finally from the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian
Ocean. Muhammad did not have a specific job when he was young, but it was said that he
worked as a shepherd for the Bani Sa'd and in Makkah. He went to Syria as a merchant for
Khadijah when he was 25 years old. According to Ibn Ishaq, Khadijah, Khuwaylid's daughter,
was a wealthy and honorable businesswoman.
His Marriage to Khadijah
Khadijah (may God be pleased with her) was forty years old when she married Muhammad
(peace be upon him), and the Prophet was barely twenty-five. Khadijah remained his angel of
hope and consolation for the next quarter-century after that. She provided Muhammad (peace be
upon him) with ease of circumstances, relief from the concerns of daily life, and the power and
comfort of deep mutual love, all of which contributed to the Prophet's mission being fulfilled.
Despite their obvious age gap, Muhammad's (peace be upon him) love for Khadijah was
unwavering. He was greatly saddened when death separated her from the Prophet after she had
shared with him for years the hardship and criticism that had met him in his early years of
preaching. "She believed in me when no one else did, she embraced Islam when people
disbelieved me, and she assisted and comforted me when there was no one to offer me a helping
hand," Muhammad (peace be upon him) said when 'Aishah asked if she was the only lady
deserving of his love.
Activity 2. Familiarizing some important events of prophet Muhammad’s s.a.w. birth,
occupation and marriage.
1. Can you name some significant story of prophet Muhammad s.a.w. especially before
he became a prophet? Explain your answer briefly.
One of the most important stories about Prophet Muhammad, in my opinion, is that he
was a devout Muslim who traveled to sacred sites near Macca on occasion. He was
meditating in a cave on Mount Jabal al-noor on one of his Pilgrimages in 610. "Recite in
the name of your Lord who creates, creates man from a clot!" Gabriel appeared and
communicated God's message. Recite because your Lord is most gracious..." These
statements become the first verses of Surah 96 of the Holy Quran.

2. Do you think that every Muslim knows Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. very well? Why
or why not?
I believe that not every Muslim is aware of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, especially in our
generation, because we are prone to western education. Muslims today only recognize
Prophet Muhammad as Allah's messenger, and others only know him by his name, but
when asked about his background, they don't even know his biography, and I believe this
is because Muslims today are too keen to pursue western education rather than Islamic
education.

Activity 3: Summarizing Prophet Muhammad’s Birth, Occupation, and marriage

1. Why did Halima bint Abi Dhuaib accept to nurse Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. even
though she noticed that he is just an orphan child?
The Prophet's noble mother, Aminah, hoped that one of their ladies would foster him
because the Bani Sa'd clan had a good reputation for nursing and rearing children. She
offered the Prophet (saw) to their women when they arrived in Makkah, but they all
declined. They couldn't nurture him because he (seen) didn't have a father! Halima (ra),
on the other hand, had no baby even after all the women had gathered other foster
children.
No one had given their child to her and her husband since they were poorer than their
companions. After all, a poor woman didn't have a child to return, and an orphaned child
didn't have a woman to care for him. 'I shall go to that orphan and take him (back),'
Halima (ra) stated to her husband as they were about to leave Makkah. 'Perhaps Allah
will bless us because of him,' her husband said, agreeing with her decision. Despite being
 in great need herself, Halima's decision to adopt a fatherless child transformed her life
forever.

2. Identify and explain at least two miracles before Prophet Muhammad was born.

Lake Sa’wah ran dry

One of the miracles that happened before the Prophet Muhammad was born is that in
modern-day Iraq, the lake of Sa'wah is located between Qum and Hamadan. It was
known as a city of evildoers, but on the night of the Prophet's (saw) birth, the lake, which
was large enough for ships to navigate, completely dried up. This was interpreted as a
manifestation of Allah's (saw) power and a reminder to the people of Sa'wah to stay on
the straight and narrow path.
The devils were attacked with shooting stars
As I have research and read the devilish Jinn would rise to the lower sky and seek to
listen in on the angels' conversations at the Ka'bah in order to learn about people's Qadr
(divine decree). ‘And we have sought [to reach] heaven but found it filled with powerful
guards and burning flames. And we used to sit there in positions for hearing, but whoever
listens now will find a burning flame lying in wait for him’. [The Noble Qur’an, 72:8 &
9]
They were struck by falling stars and forbidden from gaining this knowledge at the time
of the Prophet's (saw) birth, instead being frightened away by flames and comets. Iblis,
the forefather of the devils, was cut off from receiving news from the heavens, so he let
forth an extremely loud scream. The beauty of Islam is that it allows us to continue to
draw divine connections from the Prophet's (saw) birth to events that occurred centuries
earlier. The miraculous indications of His birth serve as a reminder that He is the Seal of
the Prophets, sent down to save mankind.

3. What was the condition of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. when he returned to his
mother after being nursed by Halima? Explain briefly.
The Prophet grew up in a day what a child grows up in a month, and in a month what a
child grows up in a year. He was a highly robust child at the age of one (1). We returned
to his mother, and I, or rather, my husband, asked if we might keep him for a little longer.
We informed her we were worried about him contracting Makkah's diseases. His mother
was curious as to what had brought us back so quickly after we had been so adamant
about taking him away. I explained that we had done our obligation and that it would be
preferable for her to keep him because we were now concerned about his safety. His
mother was well aware that this was not the case. We told her what had happened when
she persisted, and we did. "So, this is why you were worried about him," she explained,
before assuring us, "This child of mine has a particular standing." Let me tell you a little
bit about him. Despite the fact that I conceived and bore him, I never felt I had carried a
lighter load or received a better blessing. I saw a bright light emanating from me when I
 delivered him, akin to the shooting star that lighted the camels' necks in Busrah. He came
out with his hands on the ground and his head raised to the sky, unlike most deliveries."
Then his mother said, "Leave him here, and go about your business."
Activity 4: applying what has been learned to the present situation
1. How can you relate the job of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. before his prophethood to
present situation?
Well, I can tell that Prophet Muhammad PBUH began his career as a merchant and
quickly earned a reputation for being trustworthy. If I were to compare Prophet
Muhammad's job to the current situation, I would say that no one in our generation is as
trustworthy as Prophet Muhammad is, and if there is someone claiming to be as
trustworthy as Prophet Muhammad, I would say that it is not true because not everyone
can be as trustworthy as Prophet Muhammad.
2. What is your opinion on manual labor such as shepherd, salesman, merchant, etc.
like what have been experienced by our beloved Prophet Muhammad s.a.w.?
Well, when we apply it to today's situation, I believe that being a salesman or merchant is
not something to be ashamed of. I mean, many people in our generation today are
ashamed of their jobs because they believe that having that kind of job will make people
laugh at them and also make people look down on them. Our prophet Muhammad PBUH
work as a shepherd for bani Sa’d and Makkah. He went also to Syria as a merchant for
Khadijah when he was 25 years old. According to Ibn Ishaq, Khadijah, Khuwaylid's
daughter, was a wealthy and honorable businesswoman.

3. Is there any solution to the problem in placing of the stone in its previous position
aside from what prophet Muhammad s.a.w. have done? Why or why not?
Well for me there is no other solution to the problem in placing the stone in its previous
position aside from what prophet Muhammad s.a.w. have done because it is Allah’s will
that the Prophet Muhammad PBUH should be the first one to enter the Mosque and it is
written that it should be the prophet Muhammad s.a.w. who will place the sacred stone in
its rightful place by Allah’s will.
Activity 5. Evaluating knowledge and understanding the lesson
Directions: Explain the following briefly
A. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and his mother
Aminah is the mother of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). During that period, mothers in
Makkah trusted ladies from outside the city to look after their children. They desired for
them to develop in a new environment. As a result, Aminah recruited Halima As-
Sa'diyyah, a wet nurse. When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was four years old, he was
returned to his mother. Aminah took Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to see her relatives in
Yathrib (Al-Madinah) when he was six years old. Aminah died on the way back to
Makkah.

B. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and his grandfather

When Prophet Muhammad PBUH was six years old, his mother Amina died, he had a
relationship with Abdul Muttalib. Despite the fact that he became a complete orphan, he
had guardians in his family. Abdul Muttalib, his grandfather, was his initial protector.
Abdul Muttalib was a generous individual with a kind demeanor. He enjoyed giving
meals to the poor, and during the pilgrimage season in Macca, he donated the best
products he had to the pilgrims as a kind of charity. He also provided Zamzam water to
the pilgrims as well as his Macca people. Muhammad, his grandson, received a lot of
love from him. He wanted to help him forget about his parents' absence, therefore he
always kept his grandson with him. Muhammad PBUH was the only one who was
allowed to enter his room without being asked. He'd also sit with his grandfather near the
Ka'ba and join in on the elders' conversations. Abdul Muttalib would never eat until
Prophet Muhammad was present. He also instilled decent manners in his grandchild.

C. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and Bahira

Prophet Muhammad was accompanied his uncle Abu Talib on a commercial voyage to
Syria (which was part of the 'Sham' region) when he was approximately 12 years old. A
very fascinating incident occurred in Busra, which prompted Abu Talib to return
Muhammad to Makkah. On their trade journey, they met Bahira, a Christian monk who
lived a humble life at a monastery that had ancient sacred books that could not be found
anywhere else. Bahira had little things and lived a hard life, surviving on the minimum
necessities. His diet was simple, and the clothing he wore were equally worn and coarse.
He was glancing out the window when he noticed a caravan approaching. His home was
near the main caravan road, and he frequently witnessed caravans going by, bringing
various commodities headed for sale in Syria's vast markets.

D. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. sacred religious war

When the prophet Muhammad s.a.w. returned from a battle, he said, "We are finished
with the lesser jihad; and now we are starting the greater jihad." And then the prophet
 explains to his followers about the two types of jihads, saying that fighting against an
outer enemy is the lesser jihad and fighting against an inner enemy is the greater jihad.
However, during the time of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, he encountered many battles in
his life in which they fight in the name of the religion Islam.
E. Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and Khadija
Khadijah was a wealthy trader and a loving woman who married Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH). Khadijah was forty years old at the time. She was fifteen years Prophet
Muhammad's senior (SAW). Despite their age difference, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
and Khadijah married happily. They adored and admired each other. They had been
married for twenty-five years. But there were also dark times in their marriage. Two of
their six children died while still in their childhood.

F. Biography of the prophet Muhammad s.a.w before prophethood.

In the year 571 AD, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in Makkah, Arabia.
Elephants ruled the year. He was Abdullah's and Aminah's son. Muhammad (PBUH) had
no father because he died before he was born. And her mother employed Halima, a wet
nurse with whom Muhammad (PBUH) grew up. Muhammad (PBUH) and his family
belonged to the Yathrib tribe. Muhammad (PBUH) learned about trade from his uncle,
Abu Talib, who went on to become a highly successful businessman. He was known as
"The Honest" and "The Reliable."
 Mindanao State University
TAWI-TAWI COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY AND
OCEANOGRAPHY
Sanga-Sanga, Bongao Tawi-Tawi

COLLEGE OF ISLAMIC AND ARABIC STUDIES

SHA100
HISTORY OF THE PROPHET

Learning Modules Activities and Exercises

Mehedeev Nadeen C. Macam

Student

Prof. Kasmil Abdulwahid, Ph.D.

Instructor