**The Birth of the Last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)**
The birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), the final messenger of Islam, marks a pivotal moment in human history. Born in the year 570 CE in the holy city of Makkah (in present-day Saudi Arabia), his arrival came during a time of spiritual darkness, widespread ignorance, and social injustice. This period, known in Islamic tradition as the Age of Ignorance (Jahiliyyah), was characterized by tribal warfare, idolatry, and the oppression of the weak.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born into the respected tribe of Quraysh, specifically the Banu Hashim clan. His father, Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib, tragically passed away before Muhammad was born. His mother, Amina bint Wahb, raised him briefly before she too passed away when he was only six years old. Orphaned at such a young age, the Prophet was first placed under the care of his grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib, and after his grandfather's death, his uncle, Abu Talib, took responsibility for him.
Despite these hardships, Muhammad (PBUH) grew up to be known for his honesty, integrity, and kind nature. He earned the titles "Al-Ameen" (the trustworthy) and "As-Sadiq" (the truthful) among his people. Even before receiving revelation, his character and mannerisms reflected the traits of a leader who would later guide humanity toward light and truth.
His birth was not only significant for the Arabian Peninsula but for the entire world. Islamic tradition tells of various signs that accompanied his birth. Some narrations describe how the fire in the temple of the Persians, which had burned continuously for a thousand years, extinguished on the night of his birth. Others speak of how the skies lit up and how idols in the Kaaba crumbled. While not all such narrations are confirmed, they symbolize the transformative impact his message would have on the world.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life and mission began fully at the age of 40 when he received his first revelation through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in the Cave of Hira. This revelation marked the beginning of the message of Islam — a religion built on the foundation of monotheism, justice, compassion, and moral conduct. Over the next 23 years, he would deliver the Qur'an, lead a spiritual revolution, and transform the hearts and minds of people across the Arabian Peninsula and beyond.
His legacy today lives on through the teachings of Islam, which emphasize peace, charity, humility, and the worship of one God. For Muslims around the world, the birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not merely a historical event — it is a celebration of the mercy and guidance that he brought to mankind. He is remembered not just as a prophet, but as the best example for humanity.
Indeed, Allah says in the Qur'an (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:21): *"Indeed, in the Messenger of Allah you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much."*
The birth of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the dawn of a new era — one that continues to inspire, guide, and uplift hearts to this day.
**Lineage of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)**
The lineage of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) is noble and well-respected, tracing back to the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, Peace Be Upon Him) through his son Prophet Isma'il (Ishmael, PBUH). Both his paternal and maternal lineages come from the prominent Quraysh tribe of Makkah, known for its guardianship of the Kaaba and leadership among the Arab tribes.
### **Paternal Lineage (from his father Abdullah):**
1. **Muhammad ibn Abdullah**
2. **Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib**
3. **Abdul-Muttalib ibn Hashim**
4. **Hashim ibn Abd Manaf**
5. **Abd Manaf ibn Qusayy**
6. **Qusayy ibn Kilab**
7. **Kilab ibn Murrah**
8. **Murrah ibn Ka’b**
9. **Ka’b ibn Lu'ayy**
10. **Lu'ayy ibn Ghalib**
11. **Ghalib ibn Fihr**
12. **Fihr ibn Malik**
13. **Malik ibn An-Nazr**
14. **An-Nazr ibn Kinana**
15. **Kinana ibn Khuzaymah**
16. **Khuzaymah ibn Mudrikah**
17. **Mudrikah ibn Ilyas**
18. **Ilyas ibn Mudar**
19. **Mudar ibn Nizar**
20. **Nizar ibn Ma’ad**
21. **Ma’ad ibn Adnan**
22. **Adnan** – It is widely agreed that Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) lineage up to Adnan is historically authentic.
From Adnan, Islamic historians trace the lineage back to **Prophet Isma'il (Ishmael), the son of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), peace be upon them both**.
### **Maternal Lineage (from his mother Amina):**
1. **Muhammad ibn Amina**
2. **Amina bint Wahb**
3. **Wahb ibn Abd Manaf**
4. **Abd Manaf ibn Zuhrah**
5. **Zuhrah ibn Kilab**
It is notable that both Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) paternal and maternal lines meet at **Kilab ibn Murrah**, which means his parents shared a common ancestor just a few generations back. This common ancestry within the Quraysh tribe emphasizes the purity and nobility of his lineage, a matter of pride among the Arabs of that time.
The Prophet (PBUH) himself once said,
> *“Indeed, Allah chose Kinanah from the children of Isma'il, and He chose Quraysh from Kinanah, and He chose Banu Hashim from Quraysh, and He chose me from Banu Hashim.”*
— (Sahih Muslim)
This noble lineage, rooted in purity and honor, further highlights the esteemed position of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the divine wisdom behind his selection as the Seal of the Prophets.