His Birth and Childhood

His birth in Makkah: The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was born in Makkah, in the Year of the Elephant, about 570 CE.

His early family: His father, Abdullah, died before he was born. His mother, Amina, raised him for a short time, and he was then nursed in the desert by Halima, as was the custom of Makkah.

Losing his mother: His mother died when he was about six years old. His grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, cared for him next, and after his grandfather's death, his uncle Abu Talib raised him with love and protection.

Example

Loss does not end a future: A child who loses his parents early can still grow into the greatest of people. The Prophet (SAW) lost his father before birth and his mother as a small child — yet Allah raised him, protected him, and prepared him for a great mission.

• If you have lost someone you love, remember: loss does not end your future.
• Allah's care can reach a person through many hands — a mother, a nurse, a grandfather, an uncle.

Key Terms

• Seerat (سیرت) — the life and way of the Prophet (SAW)
• Year of the Elephant (عام الفیل) — the year of the Prophet's birth, named after Abraha's attack on Makkah
• Abu Talib (ابو طالب) — the Prophet's uncle who raised and protected him

Quran or Hadith

Quran 93:6 — "Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter?" (translation as commonly given). — to be checked.

Fresh diagram to be drawn: A simple timeline: Birth in Makkah → Halima in the desert → Mother's death → Grandfather → Uncle Abu Talib. In Project Desk colours.