Founder of Islam: Life, Teachings, and Legacy of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Islam is the second-largest religion in the world with more than 1.9 billion followers to date. The founder of Islam is Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who is believed by Muslims to be the last messenger of Allah.

Unlike most of the other religions founded by human beings, Muslims do not think Islam is a new religion. Instead, it is the same original religion Allah revealed to earlier prophets such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus (peace be upon them all). Prophet Muhammad ﷺ appeared as the Seal of the Prophets to seal and complete Allah’s command to humanity.

Quran [33:40]:

“Muhammad is not the father of any one of your men, but he is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.”

In this article, we’ll explore the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, his teachings, the challenges he faced, and the impact of his message that still shapes the world today.

Who Is the Founder of Islam?

The prophet-founder of Islam is the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, born in Mecca in 570 CE. He was 40 years old when Allah first revealed to him through the agency of Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) while he was in meditation in the Cave of Hira. This signaled the start of Islam as the last and final guidance for humanity.

Islam is not a new religion according to Muslims. It has been there since the time of the creation of man. From Prophet Adam (AS) until Prophet Isa (Jesus, AS), all the prophets taught one and the same thing — the belief in one Allah. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was the Seal of the Prophets that came to complete and organize Allah’s word for the entire mankind.

Quran [33:40]:

“Mohammad is not the father of any among you, but the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets.”

Quran [5:3]:

“.Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and chosen Islam as your religion.”

Hadith statement also verifies Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the final messenger:

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“I am the last of the prophets, and my mosque is the last of the mosques.”

(Sahih Muslim)

Through him, Allah’s last revelation came down, written in the Quran and the Sunnah, to guide the world to the path of truth, peace, and salvation.

Early Life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ early life contributed significantly towards developing his personality, leadership, and mission:

Birth: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was born in Mecca during the Year of the Elephant in 570 CE.

Tribe: He was of the Quraysh tribe that was known for its vigor and commercial prowess.

Orphanhood: His grandfather Abdullah died before his birth and his mother Aminah died when he was six years old. He grew up under the care of his grandfather Abdul Muttalib and then his uncle Abu Talib.

Honesty and Integrity: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was honest and truthful and was nick-named Al-Amin (“The Trustworthy”).

Marriage: He got married to Khadijah (RA) at the age of 25. She was a rich and prominent businesswoman. It was not just a marriage based on love, but respect and companionship as well.

These good moral values and nature stood by him to gain people’s confidence when afterwards he preached Islam.

The First Revelation , The Birth of Islam

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, at the age of 40, would go to the Cave of Hira, not far from Mecca, and sit and ponder there. One night, Angel Jibreel visited him and recited:

“Read in the name of your Lord who created.”

(Quran 96:1)

This was the initial disclosure of the Quran. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who was originally drowned, was comforted by his dearest wife Khadijah (RA), the very first supporter and the very first convert to Islam.

Subsequently, Waraqah bin Nawfal, an erudite scholar of earlier books, bore witness that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was appointed by Allah as His Messenger.

Prophethood and Mission

When he had the first revelation, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ started calling humankind to serve Allah alone and abandon idolatry. He taught:

Tawheed (Oneness of Allah): Only serve Allah.

Equality: All human beings are equal in spite of their color, race, or social status.

Compassion and Justice: Islam teaches charity to the needy and justice to others.

Accountability: Everyone is accountable for his/her actions and will be held responsible in the Hereafter.

Knowledge and Education: Striving to know was a deed of worship.

Even though his message was simple and real, Quraysh leaders opposed him vehemently because Islam challenged their political dominance and economic interests.

Problems Encountered by the Founder of Islam

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the early Muslims were subjected to worst possible persecution by the Meccans. Right from the start, the Quraysh leaders resisted his preaching because Islam threatened their leadership and material possessions.

Ridicule and Torture: Muslims were mocked, insulted, and bodily tortured for obeying the Prophet ﷺ. Food and essentials were stopped from many.

Social Boycott: The believers and the Prophet ﷺ were severely boycotted by the Quraysh, plunging them into severe poverty.

Martyrdom: Believers were displaced from their homes, and some believers, like Sumayyah (RA), were the first martyrs of Islam, sacrificing their lives for the faith.

In spite of all these hardships, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was patient, firm, and dedicated to Allah’s cause. He counseled his people with wisdom, bravery, and kindness and encouraged them to stay resolute in their faith.

It was in 622 CE that the Prophet ﷺ and his followers emigrated from Mecca to Medina. This is one of the known events as Hijrah, forming the first Islamic state and the commencement of a new era of Islam for free practice of religion by the Muslim community. They were able to establish a society based on justice, equality, and the due worship of Allah.

Quran [16:127]:

“Be patient, for Allah is with those who are patient.”

Spread of Islam

Upon immigration to Medina, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ discovered a united and powerful Muslim community on the premises of justice, mercy, and fairness. He counseled people wisely, advising them to adhere to moral values, justice, and societal obligation.

The Prophet ﷺ also employed diplomacy and peace treaties like the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah to end strife and consolidate the Muslim state without having to endure excess violence. His exceptional character, forbearance, and honesty encouraged people to embrace Islam in huge numbers, and peaceful propagation became an effective means for religion’s dissemination.

With his initiatives, Islam propagated so fast throughout the Arabian Peninsula. At the time of the death of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in 632 CE, most of the region was Islamized, and this laid the foundation stones for a world religion that still influences billions of humans today.

Quran [61:9]:

It is He Who sent His Messenger with the guidance and the religion of truth, to proclaim it over all religions, even though the disbelievers abhor it.”

Impact and Legacy of the Founder of Islam

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ revolutionized society with his teachings and leadership. He ended the idols’ worship and reinstated the worship of one God among people, leading them to real monotheism. He gave rights to women by giving them inheritance, education, and respect, treating them as equal members of society. The Prophet ﷺ also encouraged education, declaring knowledge an Islamic obligation on all. By his teachings, he brought forth justice, mercy, and equality, making a moral and ethical society that remained a model for centuries to be emulated. Islam goes on to flourish today, shaping law, culture, and civilization on the planet.

Quran [16:90]: “Verily, Allah commands you to do justice and to stand upright when bearing witness and to forbear when you are not witnesses. Allah charges you with informing him.” 

FAQs About the Founder of Islam

1. Who founded Islam?

Islam was established by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who was being given revelations by Allah via Angel Jibreel.

2. When was Islam founded?

Islam started in the 7th century CE in Mecca when the Prophet first received the revelation.

3. What is the holy book of Islam?

The Quran is the last and guarded word of Allah, given to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ through a period of 23 years.

4. What is special about Prophet Muhammad ﷺ?

He is the Seal of the Prophets, the last messenger, and his message is the basis of Islam.

5. Is Islam a new religion?

No. Muslims consider Islam as an ancient religion sent to all prophets since the time of Adam (AS).

Conclusion

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the creator of Islam, is among the most impactful leaders in the history of humanity. He preached religion, mercy, justice, and equality, revolutionizing societies and inspiring billions of people across the globe.

Through life and teachings, Islam became a way of life, leading mankind to peace, justice, and obedience to the one God. His teachings have influenced values, cultures, and societies and continue to influence them, and Islam has thus evolved as an universal source of guidance for all generations of mankind.

Quran [68:4]: “And indeed, you are of a great moral character.