The Seerah
Timeline, chapters, themes, places, people and lessons from the life of the Prophet ﷺ.
Every event points to the Qur'an and the Sahih narrations it comes from. Where dates or details are uncertain we say so — history is never filled in with invented detail.
- 01
Before Prophethood
c. 570 CE (Year of the Elephant)Born on a Monday
Asked about fasting on Mondays, the Prophet ﷺ said it was the day he was born and the day revelation came to him — reported by Abu Qatada (RA) in Sahih Muslim.
ChildhoodThe opening of the chest in childhood
Anas (RA) reports in Sahih Muslim that Jibril came to the Prophet ﷺ while he was playing with other children, opened his chest and cleansed his heart.
Before prophethood (c. 605 CE)Carrying stones for the Ka'bah
Jabir (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ carried stones with the people of Makkah when the Ka'bah was rebuilt, and how his modesty was protected.
- 02
First Revelation
c. 610 CEThe first revelation in the Cave of Hira
Aisha (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari how revelation began in the Cave of Hira with the first verses of Surat al-'Alaq (96:1–5), how the Prophet ﷺ returned afraid, and how Khadijah (RA) comforted him.
After a pause in revelation"Arise and warn" — revelation resumes
Jabir (RA) reports in Sahih al-Bukhari that after a pause in revelation the Prophet ﷺ saw the same angel again, asked to be wrapped up, and then the opening of Surat al-Muddaththir (74:1–5) was revealed.
- 03
Early Makkah
Early Makkan periodThe call from Mount Safa
When 'And warn your tribe of near kindred' (26:214) was revealed, the Prophet ﷺ climbed Safa and called the clans of Quraysh — narrated by Ibn Abbas (RA) in Sahih al-Bukhari.
Makkan periodThe splitting of the moon
When the people of Makkah asked for a sign, the moon was split in two — narrated by Anas and Ibn Mas'ud (RA) in Sahih al-Bukhari, and referred to in Surat al-Qamar (54:1).
Early Makkan periodAbu Dharr searches for the truth
Ibn 'Abbas (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari how Abu Dharr (RA) travelled to Makkah to find the Prophet ﷺ, was quietly guided to him by 'Ali (RA), accepted Islam and then declared it openly at the Ka'bah despite being beaten.
- 04
Persecution
Makkan periodInsulted while in prostration
Ibn Mas'ud (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that while the Prophet ﷺ prostrated near the Ka'bah, 'Uqba placed a camel's entrails on his back, and his daughter Fatimah (RA) came and removed them.
c. 615 CE onwardsRefuge in Abyssinia
Persecuted Muslims found refuge with the Negus. Abu Musa (RA) describes meeting Ja'far (RA) there, and Jabir (RA) reports the Prophet ﷺ praying the funeral prayer for the Negus — both in Sahih al-Bukhari.
c. 619 CE (the Year of Sorrow)The death of Abu Talib
Al-Musayyab narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari how the Prophet ﷺ pleaded with his dying uncle to say the testimony of faith, and how 'You cannot guide whom you love' (28:56) was revealed.
c. 619 CEHis hardest day — and his mercy
Aisha (RA) asked about his hardest day. In Sahih al-Bukhari he describes being rejected by Ibn 'Abd-Yalayl (an episode Seerah historians place at Ta'if), and refusing the Angel of the Mountains, hoping their descendants would worship Allah.
Before the HijrahThe Night Journey and Ascension
The Night Journey is affirmed in Surat al-Isra (17:1). Malik ibn Sa'sa'a (RA) relates the Prophet's ﷺ own description of the Ascension in Sahih al-Bukhari, including how the daily prayers were set at five.
c. 621–622 CEThe Pledge of al-'Aqabah
'Ubada ibn as-Samit (RA), one of the Ansar present that night, narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari the pledge they gave: not to associate partners with Allah, steal, commit zina, kill their children, slander, or disobey in good.
c. 619 CE (the Year of Sorrow)He never forgot Khadijah
Aisha (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ mentioned Khadijah (RA) so often, years after her death, that she felt jealous of her — he would even send gifts to Khadijah's friends.
Makkan period'Umar in fear after accepting Islam
'Abdullah ibn 'Umar (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari how his father, newly Muslim, sat at home in fear of Quraysh until Al-'As ibn Wa'il offered him protection and turned the crowd away.
Makkan period"Our master freed our master"
Jabir (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that 'Umar (RA) used to say: Abu Bakr is our master, and he freed our master — meaning Bilal (RA), the enslaved man Abu Bakr bought and set free.
- 05
Hijrah
- 06
Madinah
1 AHBuilding the Prophet's Mosque
Anas (RA) narrates that the land was offered by Banu an-Najjar seeking reward only from Allah, and Abu Sa'id (RA) describes the Companions carrying bricks — 'Ammar carrying two at a time — both in Sahih al-Bukhari.
1 AHBrotherhood between Muhajirun and Ansar
In Sahih al-Bukhari, 'Abdur-Rahman ibn 'Awf (RA) tells how he was paired with Sa'd ibn ar-Rabi' (RA), who offered half his wealth — and how 'Abdur-Rahman asked only to be shown the market.
Ramadan, 2 AHBadr
Ibn Abbas (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari the Prophet's ﷺ earnest supplication on the day of Badr and Abu Bakr's (RA) reassurance. The Qur'an reminds the believers that Allah helped them at Badr while they were few (3:123) and answered their call for help (8:9).
Shawwal, 3 AHUhud
Al-Bara' (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari how the archers were told not to leave their post, and what happened when many left it for the spoils. 'Abdur-Rahman ibn 'Awf (RA) recalls Mus'ab ibn 'Umayr (RA), martyred with barely a cloak for a shroud. The Qur'an addresses the day in 3:152.
5 AHThe Trench (al-Khandaq)
Anas and Jabir (RA) narrate in Sahih al-Bukhari how the Muhajirun and Ansar dug the trench in the cold, hungry, while the Prophet ﷺ worked with them — a stone tied to his belly — and broke a rock no one else could. The Qur'an describes the fear of those days in 33:9–11.
10 AHWhen his son Ibrahim died
Anas (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ held his dying son and his eyes filled with tears; asked about it, he explained that the heart grieves and the eyes weep, yet we say only what pleases our Lord.
Madinan periodThe woman weeping at a grave
Anas (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ gently told a grieving woman to be patient; she, not recognising him, pushed him away, and later he told her that real patience is at the first shock.
Madinan periodUmm Sulaym's patience when her son died
Anas (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari how Umm Sulaym (RA) received her child's death with calm, broke the news gently to her husband Abu Talha (RA), and how the Prophet ﷺ made dua for blessing in their night.
c. 4 AHUmm Salama's dua after losing her husband
Umm Salama (RA) reports in Sahih Muslim the dua the Prophet ﷺ taught for any calamity — returning to Allah and asking for something better — and that when Abu Salama died she said it, doubting anyone could be better, and Allah gave her the Prophet ﷺ.
Madinan periodThe Bedouin who urinated in the mosque
Anas and Abu Huraira (RA) narrate in Sahih al-Bukhari that when people rushed at a Bedouin who urinated in the mosque, the Prophet ﷺ stopped them, had water poured over the place and said they were sent to make things easy, not difficult.
Madinan periodWhen a Bedouin yanked his cloak
Anas (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that a Bedouin pulled the Prophet's ﷺ cloak so hard it marked his neck and demanded wealth; the Prophet ﷺ turned, smiled and ordered that he be given something.
c. 6 AHThumama ibn Uthal is set free
Abu Huraira (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that Thumama, a chief captured and held in the mosque, was treated well and then freed without conditions — after which he chose Islam and said the Prophet ﷺ had become the most beloved of people to him.
c. 5–6 AHThe slander against Aisha (al-Ifk)
Aisha (RA) narrates at length in Sahih al-Bukhari how a false rumour spread about her, how she endured it with patience until Allah declared her innocence (24:11–20), and how Abu Bakr (RA) resumed supporting Mistah — who had repeated the rumour — after 24:22 was revealed.
Madinan periodThe guest, the hungry children and the lamp
Abu Huraira (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that an Ansari couple fed the Prophet's ﷺ guest with the little they had, put out the lamp so he would not notice they were not eating, and 59:9 was revealed about preferring others.
Madinan periodAbu Huraira's hunger and the cup of milk
Abu Huraira (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari how he lay on the ground from hunger, how the Prophet ﷺ noticed him, and how one cup of milk was passed around all the people of the Suffa before he and the Prophet ﷺ drank last.
1 AH"Show me the market"
'Abdur-Rahman ibn 'Awf (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that when his Ansari brother Sa'd offered him half his wealth, he thanked him and asked only to be shown the market — and began to earn by trade.
Madinan periodHakim ibn Hizam asks three times
Hakim ibn Hizam (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that he asked the Prophet ﷺ for wealth three times and was given, then told that wealth taken with a greedy soul is not blessed and that the upper (giving) hand is better — after which he never asked anyone for anything.
Madinan period"Whoever seeks self-sufficiency…"
Abu Sa'id (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that after giving some Ansar all he had, the Prophet ﷺ told them that whoever refrains from asking, Allah keeps him chaste; whoever seeks self-sufficiency, Allah makes him self-sufficient; and no one is given anything better than patience.
Madinan periodThe poor who felt left behind
Abu Huraira (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that poor Companions complained the wealthy could outdo them in reward through charity, and the Prophet ﷺ taught them the tasbih, tahmid and takbir after each prayer.
Madinan periodFatima asks for a servant
'Ali (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that Fatima (RA), tired from the hand-mill, asked her father for a servant; he came to them at night and taught them tasbih, tahmid and takbir before sleep as better than a servant.
Madinan periodThe heap of grain that was wet underneath
Abu Huraira (RA) reports in Sahih Muslim that the Prophet ﷺ put his hand into a heap of food in the market, found it wet beneath, told the seller to put the wet part on top so people could see it, and said that whoever deceives is not of him.
Madinan period"Your family has a right over you"
Abu Juhayfa (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that Salman (RA) visited his brother Abu ad-Darda', saw his wife neglected while he fasted and prayed all night, and told him that his Lord, his body and his family each have a right over him; the Prophet ﷺ said Salman had spoken the truth.
After Uhud (3 AH)Jabir's choice after his father's death
Jabir (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that after his father died leaving several daughters, he married an older woman who could care for his sisters; the Prophet ﷺ asked him about it and made dua for him.
Madinan periodHe wept at Sa'd ibn 'Ubada's sickbed
Ibn 'Umar (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ visited the sick Sa'd ibn 'Ubada with other Companions, wept, and taught that Allah does not punish for tears or the heart's sadness but for what the tongue says.
Madinan periodVisiting the sick Jewish boy who served him
Anas (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that a Jewish boy who used to serve the Prophet ﷺ fell ill; he visited him, sat by his head and invited him to Islam, and the boy accepted with his father's encouragement.
Madinan period"I am ruined" — the man who broke his fast
Abu Huraira (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that a man came saying he was ruined because of a sin in Ramadan; the Prophet ﷺ calmly walked him through the expiation, and when he could afford none, gave him dates — and he ended up feeding his own family.
1 AHBilal calls the first adhan
Ibn 'Umar (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari how the Muslims in Madinah discussed how to gather for prayer — a bell, a horn — until 'Umar (RA) suggested a man call the people, and the Prophet ﷺ ordered Bilal (RA) to get up and call the adhan.
c. 2 AHThe Qiblah turns to the Ka'bah
Al-Bara' (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ prayed towards Jerusalem for sixteen or seventeen months while longing to face the Ka'bah, until Allah revealed 2:144 — "We have seen the turning of your face towards the heaven."
Shawwal, 3 AHAnas ibn an-Nadr at Uhud
Anas (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that his uncle, who had missed Badr, vowed Allah would see what he would do; at Uhud he advanced saying he smelt the fragrance of Paradise beyond Uhud, and was found with more than eighty wounds. Verse 33:23 speaks of such men.
After the conquest of MakkahWahshi comes to the Prophet ﷺ
In Sahih al-Bukhari, Wahshi himself recounts killing Hamza (RA) at Uhud, later accepting Islam, and the Prophet ﷺ — who had lost his beloved uncle — accepting him while asking him to keep his face from him.
5 AHThe Throne shook for Sa'd ibn Mu'adh
Jabir (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that he heard the Prophet ﷺ say the Throne of Allah shook at the death of Sa'd ibn Mu'adh (RA).
- 07
Treaties
Dhul-Qa'dah, 6 AHThe Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
Al-Bara' and Jabir (RA) describe in Sahih al-Bukhari the 1,400 companions, the Pledge of Ridwan, and water flowing from between the Prophet's ﷺ fingers. The treaty felt like a setback, yet Surat al-Fath called it a clear victory (48:1) — reflected in 'Umar's (RA) account.
7 AHKhaybar — the flag given to 'Ali
Sahl ibn Sa'd (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ said he would give the flag to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger and is loved by them — and gave it to 'Ali (RA), advising him that guiding one person is better than great wealth.
During the truce (6–8 AH)Asma' and her non-Muslim mother
Asma' bint Abi Bakr (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that her mother, not yet Muslim, came to visit hoping for kindness; the Prophet ﷺ told her to keep good ties with her mother.
Dhul-Qa'dah, 6 AHAbu Jandal in chains, and a hard patience
Al-Miswar and Marwan narrate at length in Sahih al-Bukhari the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah: the she-camel kneeling, the hard terms, Abu Jandal arriving in chains and being returned, the Companions' grief — and how what looked like a loss became an open victory (48:1).
- 08
Conquest of Makkah
Ramadan, 8 AHThe Conquest of Makkah
Ibn Mas'ud (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ entered Makkah and struck down the idols around the Ka'bah, reciting 'Truth has come and falsehood has vanished' (17:81). Surat an-Nasr (110:1–3) links victory with glorification and seeking forgiveness.
Shawwal, 8 AHHunayn
The Qur'an recalls that at Hunayn the believers' large numbers pleased them yet availed them nothing, until Allah sent down tranquillity (9:25–26). Al-Bara' (RA) testifies in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ himself did not flee.
Rajab, 9 AHTabuk — the repentance of Ka'b ibn Malik
Ka'b ibn Malik (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari how he delayed and stayed behind from Tabuk, chose to tell the truth instead of making excuses, endured fifty nights of boycott, and how his repentance was accepted (9:118).
8 AH, before the conquestHatib's letter and the Prophet's forgiveness
'Ali (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari how a secret letter from Hatib (RA) to Quraysh was intercepted; the Prophet ﷺ first heard Hatib's reason, accepted his sincerity and his record at Badr, and did not punish him. Surat al-Mumtahanah (60:1) addresses the incident.
8 AH"Even if Fatima…" — no favouritism in justice
Aisha (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that when Usama (RA) interceded for a noblewoman of Makhzum who had stolen, the Prophet ﷺ rebuked him and said nations before were destroyed for exempting the powerful — and that he would apply the law even to his own daughter.
c. 9–10 AHMu'adh is sent to Yemen
Ibn 'Abbas (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari the Prophet's ﷺ instructions to Mu'adh (RA): teach step by step, take zakah from the rich for the poor, avoid people's best property, and fear the supplication of the oppressed.
- 09
Farewell Hajj
Dhul-Hijjah, 10 AHThe Farewell Hajj and sermon
In Sahih al-Bukhari, Ibn Abbas (RA) reports the sermon declaring lives, property and honour sacred, and 'Umar (RA) identifies 5:3 — the perfection of the religion — as revealed at Arafah. Jabir's (RA) account in Sahih Muslim includes the abolition of riba and the command to fear Allah regarding women.
10 AHSa'd wants to give away all his wealth
Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that, seriously ill during the Farewell Hajj, he asked to give away most of his wealth; the Prophet ﷺ allowed only a third, said leaving heirs well-off is better than leaving them dependent, and that even a morsel put in one's wife's mouth is rewarded.
- 10
Final days
Rabi' al-Awwal, 11 AHHis passing
Aisha (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari his last words, 'O Allah, with the highest companion'. When people were shaken, Abu Bakr (RA) recited 'Muhammad is no more than a Messenger…' (3:144), as she also narrates.
11 AHHis armour, mortgaged for barley
Aisha (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ died while his iron armour was mortgaged to a Jewish man for barley.
Rabi' al-Awwal, 11 AH"Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer"
Aisha (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that during his final illness the Prophet ﷺ insisted that Abu Bakr (RA) lead the prayer, and how he came out once, supported between two men, to join it.
Rabi' al-Awwal, 11 AHFatima's tears, then her smile
Aisha (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that in his last days the Prophet ﷺ whispered to Fatima (RA) and she wept, then whispered again and she smiled; after his death Fatima explained he had told her of his approaching death, and that she would be the first of his family to follow him.
- 11
His character & the Companions
Ten years in MadinahTen years without a harsh word
Anas (RA), who served the Prophet ﷺ as a boy, narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that in ten years he never once said 'uff' to him, nor blamed him for what he did or did not do.
Madinan period"Advise me" — "Do not become angry"
Abu Huraira (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that a man asked the Prophet ﷺ for advice again and again, and each time he answered: do not become angry.
Madinan period'Umar weeps at the marks of the mat
Ibn 'Abbas (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that 'Umar (RA) found the Prophet ﷺ lying on a palm-fibre mat that had left marks on his side, and wept comparing it to the kings of Persia and Rome; the Prophet ﷺ asked whether he was not content that they have this world and we the Hereafter.
Madinan periodAt home: in the service of his family
Aisha (RA), asked what the Prophet ﷺ did at home, says in Sahih al-Bukhari that he kept busy serving his family, and when the time of prayer came he went out to pray.
Madinan periodThree men who wanted to out-worship him
Anas (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that three men vowed to pray all night, fast every day and never marry; the Prophet ﷺ said he prays and sleeps, fasts and breaks his fast, and marries — and whoever turns away from his Sunnah is not from him.
Madinan periodKissing his grandson al-Hasan
Abu Huraira (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that al-Aqra' said he had ten children and had never kissed one; the Prophet ﷺ, who was kissing al-Hasan, replied that whoever does not show mercy is not shown mercy.
Madinan periodHe shortened the prayer when a baby cried
Abu Qatada (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ would intend to lengthen the prayer, then hear a child crying and shorten it so as not to burden the mother.
Madinan period"Your mother… your mother… your mother"
Abu Huraira (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that a man asked who most deserves his good companionship; the Prophet ﷺ said: your mother, three times, then your father.
Madinan periodAbu Dharr asks for a public office
Abu Dharr (RA) reports in Sahih Muslim that when he asked to be appointed, the Prophet ﷺ patted his shoulder, told him he was weak and that office is a trust which will be regret on the Day of Judgement except for one who takes it rightly and fulfils it.
Madinan period"Should I not be a grateful servant?"
Aisha (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ prayed at night until his feet cracked; when she asked why, since he was forgiven, he replied: should I not love to be a grateful servant?
Madinan periodBilal's footsteps in Paradise
Abu Huraira (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ told Bilal he had heard his footsteps ahead of him in Paradise, and asked what he did; Bilal said he prayed after every ablution.
Madinan period"Enough" — and his eyes were full of tears
'Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ asked him to recite the Qur'an to him; when he reached 4:41 — "How will it be when We bring from every nation a witness, and bring you as a witness over these?" — the Prophet ﷺ said "Enough", and his eyes were shedding tears.
Madinan period"This is mercy which Allah has placed in hearts"
Usama ibn Zayd (RA) narrates in Sahih al-Bukhari that the Prophet ﷺ went to his daughter's dying child; holding the child, his eyes overflowed, and when Sa'd asked about it he said it is mercy that Allah places in the hearts of His servants.
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