Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) - Complete Life Timeline

The Seerah is the life story of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This timeline gives the main events in order, with approximate dates in the common era. Historians differ on some dates by a year or more, so dates below are approximate where marked and follow the widely accepted account.

The Quran, the hadith collections and early biographies such as those of Ibn Ishaq (as edited by Ibn Hisham) and Ibn Sa'd are the main sources. The Quran is the most reliable, while biographies contain narrations of varying strength, so details should be read with that in mind.

• Birth (about 570 CE). Born in Makkah in the Year of the Elephant, a Monday in Rabi' al-Awwal, with 12 Rabi' al-Awwal the date commonly cited, though scholars differ. His father Abdullah had died before his birth.
• Childhood. He was raised by his mother Aminah, who died when he was about six, then by his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, who died when he was about eight, and then by his uncle Abu Talib.
• Early life. He worked as a shepherd and later as a trader, known as As-Sadiq (the Truthful) and Al-Amin (the Trustworthy).
• Marriage to Khadijah (about 595 CE). At about 25, he married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (may Allah be pleased with her).

• First revelation (about 610 CE). At about 40, in the Cave of Hira, he received the first revelation, "Iqra'" (Quran 96:1-5), reported in Sahih al-Bukhari. See Surah Al-Alaq.
• The private call, then the public call. The first years were quiet, followed by the open call, including the gathering at Mount Safa.
• Persecution. Early Muslims, including Bilal and Sumayyah, suffered torture, and some migrated to Abyssinia (about 615 CE).
• The boycott. The Quraysh boycotted the Prophet ﷺ's clan for about three years.
• The Year of Sorrow (about 619 CE). Khadijah and Abu Talib both died. He then travelled to Ta'if and was rejected.
• Isra and Mi'raj. The Night Journey to Jerusalem and the ascension. Its exact date is disputed. See Surah Al-Isra.
• The pledges of Aqabah (621-622 CE). Men from Yathrib (Madinah) pledged to protect him.

• The Hijrah (622 CE). He migrated to Madinah, the start of the Islamic calendar (1 AH). He built the Prophet's Mosque and established brotherhood between the Muhajirun and the Ansar.
• Battle of Badr (2 AH, 624 CE). A decisive early battle.
• Battle of Uhud (3 AH, 625 CE). A setback for the Muslims, with lessons about discipline.
• The Trench (5 AH, 627 CE). Madinah was defended against a large coalition.
• The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH, 628 CE). A peace treaty that the Quran calls a clear victory. See Surah Al-Fath.
• Khaybar (7 AH). A campaign against a hostile fortress.
• The conquest of Makkah (8 AH, 630 CE). Makkah was entered with minimal fighting, and the Prophet ﷺ granted a general pardon.
• Hunayn and Ta'if (8 AH). Further campaigns.
• Tabuk (9 AH). The last expedition he led.
• The Farewell Hajj (10 AH, 632 CE). He gave his farewell sermon at Arafah.
• Passing (11 AH, 632 CE). He died in Madinah on a Monday in Rabi' al-Awwal, at the age of 63, and was buried in the room of Aisha. See Surah An-Nasr, which scholars link to the approach of his death.

1. Character before preaching. His truthfulness was known before prophethood.
2. Patience under persecution. The Makkan years show steadfastness.
3. Consultation and planning. The Hijrah and the Trench show careful planning with reliance on Allah.
4. Mercy in victory. The conquest of Makkah ended with forgiveness.
5. Family and community. The Madinah community was built on brotherhood and justice.

Start with a reliable summary, then read the primary sources with commentary. For the Quran's own references to events, read Surah Al-Anfal for Badr, Surah Aal-Imran for Uhud, Surah Al-Ahzab for the Trench, and Surah At-Tawbah for Tabuk. Browse our Seerah page and our knowledge section.