Muhammad

Mu·ham·mad

biographical name \mō-ˈha-məd, mü-\

Definition of MUHAMMAD

Elijah 1897–1975 originally surname Poole Am. religious leader

Mu·ḥam·mad

biographical name \mō-ˈha-məd, -ˈhä- also mü-\

Definition of MUḤAMMAD

ca 570–632 Abū al-Qāsim Muḥammad ibn ʽAbd Allāh ibn ʽAbd al-Muṭṭalib ibn Hāshim Arab prophet & founder of Islam

Muhammad

biographical name    (Concise Encyclopedia)

(born c. 570, Mecca, Arabia—died June 8, 632, Medina) Arab prophet who established the religion of Islam. The son of a merchant of the ruling tribe, he was orphaned at age six. He married a rich widow, Khadijah, with whom he had six children, including Fatimah, a daughter. According to tradition, in 610 he was visited by the angel Gabriel, who informed Muhammad that he was the messenger of God. His revelations and teachings, recorded in the Qur'an, are the basis of Islam. He began to preach publicly c. 613, urging the rich to give to the poor and calling for the destruction of idols. He gained disciples but also acquired enemies, whose plan to murder Muhammad forced him to flee Mecca for Medina in 622. This flight, known as the Hijrah, marks the beginning of the Islamic era. Muhammad's followers defeated a Meccan force in 624; they suffered reverses in 625 but repelled a Meccan siege of Medina in 627. He won control of Mecca by 629 and of all Arabia by 630. He made his last journey to Mecca in 632, establishing the rites of the hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca. He died later that year and was buried at Medina. His life, teachings, and miracles have been the subjects of Muslim devotion and reflection ever since.

Variants of MUHAMMAD

Muhammad or Mohammed