Adapted from: http://www.world-federation.org

The month of Safar ends with the death of numerous personalities - the Prophet of Islam being one of them.  The man who was like no other left this world on the 28th of Safar after having brought the Arabian peninsula under the banner of Monotheism.  In tribute to the man whom Allah has honoured with sending prayers upon and commanding His Angels and the believers to do the same, we take this opportunity to educate ourselves, albeit in great brevity, on the life of the Seal of the Prophets.

Born on the 17th of Rabiul Awwal and orphaned even before coming into this world, the last luminary of Allah was brought up by his mother, Aminah.  Not alone, she had the help of the extended family which included the Prophet's grandfather, Abdul Muttalib and other notable personalities of the Quraish.  The love and compassion shown to him by these two loves of his life would come to a sudden end when the Prophet turned 6, as he lost these two figures and was brought up by none other than one of his staunchest supporters - Abu Talib. 

The Prophet's life was one fraught with challenges - on one hand, he was being groomed to be the final messenger, however at the same time, he was put face to face with the polytheism and decadence of the Arabs of his time.  Retreating himself to the cave of Hira on the Mountain of Light on many occasions to contemplate, pray and meditate, it was in the 40th year after his birth that the Arch Angel came to him with those famous words, “Read...”  And so began the message of the Quran - the final revelation of Allah to mankind for eternity and the official appointment of Muhammad to the station of the final messenger of Allah.

Historians note that thirteen years of challenges culminated in the order to migrate north east to the city of Yathrib, now know as Medina, which was a small but growing community.  They were ready to accept the Prophet not only as the final messenger, but also as the leader of the new Muslim state.

The community grew, progressed and prospered until they were finally given the order to return home and take back the city of Makkah and purify it from all forms of polytheism.  However with coming of this event, the life of the Prophet was to draw to a close as upon his return to Medina, the Messenger fell ill.  For close to two weeks, the Prophet of Islam was confined to his bed, however the dawning of 28th of Safar proved to be fateful.  It was on this day that the 'Mercy to the Universe' although weak, made his way to the Masjid (Mosque) to lead the prayers, and following a brief speech returned home, offered advice to his family, particularly to his Divinely ordained successor, Imam Ali and shortly after, breathed no more. This day marked the end of the Prophethood.

The Prophet Muhammad was laid to rest in his Masjid (Mosque), with the death rites conducted by none other than his rightful successor, Ali ibne Abi Talib.