A Summary Of The Life Of Muhammad Before His Prophet-Hood
Prophet Muhammad (S) was born in Mecca in the year 570. Since his father died before his birth and his mother died shortly thereafter, he was raised by his uncle who was from the respected tribe of Quraish. He was raised illiterate, unable to read or write, and remained so until his death. His people, before his mission as a prophet, were ignorant of science and most of them were illiterate.
As he grew up, he became known to be truthful, honest, trustworthy, generous and sincere. He was so trustworthy that they called him the Trustworthy (Al-Ameen)! Muhammad was very religious, and he long detested the decadence and idolatry of his society.
Muhammad was growing up in the affectionate care of his uncle, Abu-Talib when at the age of twelve he accompanied him on a business trip to Syria.
When the caravan reached Busra, a monk who was called Buhaira, met Muhammad. He told Abu-Talib that Muhammad would become a prophet in the future. His advice to Abu-Talib was to take special care of his nephew.
At the age of forty, Muhammad received his first revelation from Almighty Allah through the Angel Gabriel. The revelations continued for twenty-three years, and they are collectively known as the Qur’an.