My dear children!

Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam (Peace Be Upon Him) was born on Monday, the 12th of Rabi’ al-Awwal, in the Arabian city of Mecca. His father’s name was Abdullah, and his mother’s name was Bibi Aminah.

Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam (Peace Be Upon Him) belonged to the Banu Hashim family, a renowned clan of the Quraish tribe.

His grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, named him Muhammad, which means “the praised one.”

Prophet Muhammad’s father, Abdullah, passed away before his birth.

It was customary among Arabs to send young children to the villages for upbringing. Arab women from the villages would come to Mecca at different times of the year and take newborn babies to the desert and villages so they could grow up mentally and physically strong in the open air of the desert. Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam (Peace Be Upon Him) also grew up with his wet nurse, Umm Halima, in the village until he was four years old. After that, he returned to his mother, Hazrat Aminah.

When Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam (Peace Be Upon Him) was six years old, his mother, Hazrat Aminah, traveled to Yathrib to visit her husband’s grave. Umm Ayman was also with them on this journey. In Yathrib, the Prophet met with relatives and family members. He was pleased to meet the children and elders of his family.

His mother, Hazrat Aminah, stayed in Yathrib for one month. During her stay, her health worsened, and she passed away on the way back to Mecca. (اِنَّا لِلّٰہِ وَاِنَّآ اِلَیْہِ رَاجِعُوْنَ Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un – “Indeed we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.”)

After his mother’s passing, Abdul Muttalib raised Prophet Muhammad Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam (Peace Be Upon Him). He loved his grandson very much. Abdul Muttalib was a respected person in Mecca and a prominent leader of the Quraish. When the Prophet was eight years old, his grandfather also passed away.

After his grandfather’s death, Prophet Muhammad’s Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam (Peace Be Upon Him) uncle, Abu Talib, took on his upbringing. Abu Talib was also very affectionate and loving toward his dear nephew and took great care of him.