Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is considered one of the greatest figures in human history. His life and legacy are not only significant to Muslims but also attract deep interest from people around the world. Below are 10 lesser-known and fascinating facts about the Prophet.
1. He was an orphan before he was born
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in 571 CE in Mecca. His father, Abdullah, passed away before he was born. His mother, Amina, died when he was six years old. After that, he was raised by his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, and later by his uncle Abu Talib.
2. He was called "Al-Amin" (The Trustworthy)
Even before receiving prophethood, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had earned the trust of the people. The Meccans called him “Al-Amin” for his honesty and integrity. He was always known for truthfulness, justice, and loyalty.
3. He received the first revelation at the age of 40
At the age of 40, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation in the Cave of Hira. The angel Gabriel (Jibreel) came to him and said, "Read!"—thus revealing the first verses of the Qur’an. This marked the beginning of his prophetic mission.
4. His name is mentioned only four times in the Qur’an
Although the Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his name appears only four times. Other prophets are mentioned more frequently. This emphasizes the importance of his mission rather than his name.
5. He was very compassionate toward animals and nature
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known for his kindness to animals. One well-known story tells how he cut off a piece of his cloak rather than disturb a cat sleeping on it. He taught people to treat animals with mercy and justice.
6. He often smiled
His companions reported that the Prophet (PBUH) frequently smiled and treated people kindly. He encouraged interacting with others through smiles and warm behavior.
7. He loved to work with his own hands
The Prophet (PBUH) valued hard work. He would not shy away from manual labor. He helped in building the mosque alongside his companions and assisted his wives with household chores.
8. He lived a very simple life
Despite being a great leader, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived a modest life. His room was small, his bed was made of palm fibers, and his clothing was simple. There were times when he went several days without food.
9. He emphasized the rights of neighbors
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) placed great importance on good neighborly relations. He said:
“Gabriel kept advising me about the neighbor to the point that I thought he would make him an heir.” (Bukhari, Adab, 28)
10. His last words were: “My ummah, my ummah…”
Even in his final moments, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was thinking about his followers. His last words were:
“My nation, my nation…” — expressing his deep love and concern for his community.
Conclusion
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was not only a religious figure but also an extraordinary human being and a perfect role model. His life teaches all of humanity lessons in justice, love, and compassion.