This Seerah lecture covers the early life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) before prophethood, focusing on his marriage to Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) and the remarkable signs that pointed to his future role as the final messenger of God. From his impeccable character in business to the miraculous events that surrounded him, everything in his early life was a preparation for the greatest mission in human history.
The Marriage to Khadijah — Built on Trust and Character
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was a successful businesswoman who inherited a small fortune and grew it through honest trade, managing to control a significant portion of Makkah’s commerce. When she hired the young Muhammad to manage a trade caravan, his honesty, integrity, and exceptional business results caught her attention. Scholars differ on her age at the time of marriage — some say 40, others 28 — but what is clear is that this was a marriage built on mutual respect, not desire alone. For 25 years, she was his sole wife, his greatest supporter, and the first person to believe in his message.
“It is not haram to be in love — it is halal. But channel that love properly, pray to Allah, and follow the proper path. The Prophet’s love for Khadijah was so deep that even years after her death, he would speak of her with such tenderness that it moved those around him.”
Signs of Prophethood Before the Revelation
- A cloud was reported to shade Muhammad wherever he went, and rain would come when he prayed — subtle signs that those around him noticed but could not yet fully understand
- His business dealings yielded returns far beyond what was normal — Khadijah’s trade doubled and tripled under his management, though he never cheated or deceived anyone
- All of his sons passed away in childhood — Al-Qasim, Abdullah, and others — which was among the greatest personal afflictions of his life, yet Allah consoled him with Surah Al-Kawthar: “Indeed, We have given you abundance, so pray to your Lord and sacrifice. Indeed, your enemy is the one cut off”
- At age 35, he played a pivotal role in resolving a potentially violent dispute among the tribes of Quraysh over who would place the Black Stone back into the Ka’bah, proposing a solution so wise that all tribes accepted it unanimously
“His enemy is the one cut off — not Muhammad, whose mention is raised across the world in every call to prayer, in every age, in every land. Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab are the ones whose legacy has been severed, while the Prophet’s light continues to shine.”
The early life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) demonstrates that Allah was preparing him for prophethood long before the first revelation came. His character, his trials, and the signs that surrounded him all pointed to a destiny that would change the course of human history forever.
