Who is Muhammad ﷺ?
By the Dawah Norway teamLast updated:
Muslims regard Muhammad (peace be upon him) as the final Prophet in a succession that includes Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus. His life is the living embodiment of the Qur'an.
“His character was a reflection of the Quran.”— 'A'isha, wife of the Prophet ﷺ
Mission of Mercy
Muhammad ﷺ emphasized that authentic faith manifests through righteous conduct and compassionate treatment. He taught that the best of people are those with the best character, and stressed mercy toward all.
“And We have not sent you (Muhammad) except as a mercy for mankind.”— Quran 21:107
Forgiveness
Muhammad ﷺ exemplified extreme patience and forgiveness, particularly when possessing power to retaliate.
“Keep to forgiveness (O Muhammad), and enjoin kindness, and turn away from the ignorant.”— Quran 7:199
Equality
He taught universal human equality — that no race, color or status raises one above another; only piety does.
“All humanity is from Adam, and Adam is from clay. There is no superiority for an Arab over a non-Arab, nor for a black over a white, except through piety.”— Final Sermon
Tolerance
Muhammad ﷺ taught self-control in the face of provocation.
“The strong is not the one who overcomes people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.”— Sahih al-Bukhari
Gentleness
A ten-year companion noted his consistent gentleness. He advised his wife that gentleness beautifies everything it touches.
Humbleness
He refused special treatment, sitting wherever space permitted and mixing with the poor. He cautioned against excessive praise, reminding his followers that he was only the Lord's servant.
The Ideal Husband
He encouraged companions to emulate his example in family life, saying the most perfect believers are the best in morals — and the best among them are those who are best to their wives.
Comments from Non-Muslims
“It was the rigid simplicity, the utter self-effacement of the Prophet, the scrupulous regard for his pledges, his intense devotion to his friends and followers, his intrepidity, his fearlessness, his absolute trust in God and in his own mission. These and not the sword carried everything before them and surmounted every obstacle.”— Mahatma Gandhi
“The world is in dire need of a man with the mind of Muhammad. I came to the conclusion that he was never an enemy of Christianity, and must be called instead the saviour of humanity.”— George Bernard Shaw
Frequently Asked Questions About Muhammad ﷺ
Who was Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?
Muhammad ﷺ (c. 570–632 CE) is regarded by Muslims as the final prophet of God, sent to all of humanity. Muslims believe he received the Quran over 23 years and lived as a model of mercy, justice and devotion, in a line of prophets including Adam, Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
When and where was Muhammad ﷺ born?
Muhammad ﷺ was born around 570 CE in Mecca, in present-day Saudi Arabia. Raised an orphan, he became known for his honesty and was given the title Al-Amin (the trustworthy) before receiving prophethood at the age of forty.
Do Muslims worship Muhammad ﷺ?
No. Muslims do not worship Muhammad ﷺ. Worship in Islam is directed to God (Allah) alone. Muhammad ﷺ is honoured and followed as Gods messenger and the best example of how to live, but he is a human being, not divine.
What is the Sunnah of Muhammad ﷺ?
The Sunnah is the recorded sayings, actions and approvals of Muhammad ﷺ. Alongside the Quran, it is a primary source of guidance in Islam, showing Muslims how to pray, treat others, and live with character and balance.
Why do Muslims say peace be upon him (ﷺ)?
When Muslims mention Muhammad ﷺ they add peace be upon him (in Arabic, sallallahu alayhi wa sallam, shown by the symbol ﷺ) as a sign of love and respect, following an instruction in the Quran to honour the Prophet.