Topic
The Prophet
The life, teaching, and example of Muhammad, whom Muslims regard as the final prophet.
Guides
Who was Prophet Muhammad?
An introductory account of his life, message, and place in Muslim belief.
3 min readThe ProphetHadith and Sunnah: learning from the Prophet.
What a hadith is, how reports were collected and graded, and why Muslims look to the Prophet’s example.
3 min readThe ProphetThe character of the Prophet.
What Muslims mean when they describe Muhammad as a mercy, and the qualities they seek to imitate.
3 min readQuestions & answers
What is a hadith, and how do Muslims know if it is reliable?
A report of the Prophet’s words or actions, with a chain of transmitters that scholars examined for reliability.
Read the answer The ProphetWhy do Muslims say “peace be upon him” after the Prophet’s name?
It is a short prayer of respect, commanded in the Qur’an, said for Muhammad and for all the prophets.
Read the answer The ProphetDid Muhammad write the Qur’an?
Muslims believe he received it from God and conveyed it; he is described as unlettered and the Qur’an as not his own speech.
Read the answer The ProphetWhy don’t Muslims make pictures of the Prophet?
To prevent any slide towards worshipping him, and from a broader reserve about images of living beings in religious settings.
Read the answer The ProphetWhat was the Night Journey?
A journey by night from Mecca to Jerusalem and an ascent through the heavens, in which the five daily prayers were given.
Read the answer The ProphetWhy are Mecca and Medina holy cities?
Mecca holds the Ka‘bah and is where the Prophet was born and first received revelation; Medina sheltered the first Muslim community and holds his grave.
Read the answer