The Birth of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

The birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is a significant event in Islamic history. He was born in the Year of the Elephant, an event marked by Abraha's failed attempt to destroy the Kaaba using an army of elephants. Historians generally agree that his birth occurred around 570 CE, though there are varying opinions on the exact date.

There is limited information about the first 20-40 years of the Prophet’s life, with most detailed records focusing on his life after the age of 40, particularly during his time in Madinah.

Foster Care in the Desert

After his birth, the Prophet ﷺ was sent to be raised in the desert, a common custom among the Quraysh elite. This practice ensured that children were raised in a healthier environment away from the diseases of the city. It also helped build stamina and resilience, which were highly valued traits in Qurayshi culture.

Sending children to be raised away from their extended family was also intended to prevent over-pampering, especially by relatives like grandparents, who tend to spoil children. The Quraysh valued a disciplined upbringing for their children and sought to avoid excessive indulgence.

The Quraysh highly valued the pure Arabic spoken by the desert tribes. This form of Arabic was untainted by foreign influences, making it more eloquent and prestigious. The Prophet ﷺ was raised among the Banu Sa'd ibn Bakr tribe, who were known for their mastery of pure Arabic.

Halima Sa’diyah as Foster Mother

Halimah al-Sa'diyah, a poor desert-dweller, came to Makkah with other women of Banu Sa'd ibn Bakr seeking infants from Quraysh families to foster for payment. She had a newborn son and could nurse another child. That year, all her companions found babies except her; the only remaining infant was the “orphan child,” the Prophet ﷺ, whose father had passed away. Initially reluctant, she agreed after her husband suggested taking him, hoping for Allah’s blessings. Immediately, blessings appeared:

• Their old goat, dry for a long time, began producing milk.

• Their slow mount became the fastest when carrying the Prophet ﷺ.

The foster care usually lasted two years, but Halimah, eager for the blessings, persuaded Aminah to extend it despite little payment.

Incident of the Opening of the Heart

During this extended period, when the Prophet ﷺ was around four years old, Jibril came while he played with other children. The others fled, but the Prophet ﷺ stayed. Jibril opened his chest, removed the heart, took out a black portion (shaytan’s share), discarded it, washed the heart in a golden vessel of Zamzam, and returned it. This severed any connection with shaytan; his assigned qareen had accepted Islam and only inspired good.

Children, including foster siblings Shayma and her brother, thought he had been harmed and called for help. Halimah found him pale but calm, with a visible mark on his chest. Alarmed, she returned him to Aminah.

Amina’s Passing and Care under Abdul Muttalib & Abu Talib

After spending about two years with Halima, Muhammad ﷺ was reluctantly returned to his mother, Amina, due to unusual incidents and fears. Later, Amina took Muhammad to Yathrib (Madinah) to visit his maternal relatives. Unfortunately, she fell ill and passed away on the return journey, leaving Muhammad ﷺ an orphan.

After Amina’s death, Muhammad ﷺ was cared for by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, who showed him special attention and affection. Abdul Muttalib allowed him to sit on his raised platform near the Kaaba, a privilege not given to his other grandchildren, signifying the importance of the young Muhammad ﷺ.

When Abdul Muttalib passed away, Muhammad ﷺ was entrusted to his uncle, Abu Talib, who took on the responsibility of raising him. Abu Talib protected and supported Muhammad ﷺ throughout his youth and early prophethood, standing by him until his own death.