The Birth And Childhood Of Rasoolullah Sallalaho Alayhi Wasallam‏

Our noble master Muhammad sallalaho alayhi wasallam was born in Makkah in the year 570 C.E in what was referred to as the ‘Year of The Elephant’ in the month of Rabi ul awal which is the third month in the Islamic Calendar. This year was given its title of ‘Year Of The Elephant’ as it corresponded with the failed attempt of an African King named Abraha who attempted to destroy the Kaaba with an army of Elephants, we all know what his fate was as Allah has mentioned it in surah Al Fil:

1. Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the men of the Elephant?
2. Did He not cause their device to be ruined.
3. And He sent against them flocks of birds.
4. Striking them against stones of baked clay.
5. And thus made them like broken straw eaten up.

Rasoolullah’s father sayyidinah Abdullah radiyallo anho had passed away approximately 6 months before he was born and his mother Aminah radiyallo anha also passed away whilst Rasoolullah was at the tender age of 6. The baby was named ‘Muhammad’ by his (paternal) grandfather Abdul Muttalib and was named ‘Ahmad’ by his mother. ‘Muhammad’ means ‘He who is praised the most by Allah’ and ‘Ahmad’ means ‘one who praises Allah the most.’

 

The Noble Features Of Rasoolullah Sallalaho Alayhi Wasallam

Hazrat Sheikh-ul Hadeeth Maulana Muhammad Zakaria (R.A.) writes in Khasa’Ile Nabawi — in explanation of SHAMA’ILE TIRMIDHI:-

Imaam Tirmidhi has quoted in this chapter those ahaadith that have been narrated on the noble features of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam). It is impossible to accurately describe actual beauty and elegance of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam).

To draw a pen-picture of his appearance is beyond one’s capability, but the Sahabah (Radiallahu anhum) have endeavoured, according to their capabilities, to preserve what little they could, of which some is written here. Qurtubi says: “The full beauty and elegance of Sayyidina Rasulullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam) has not been made manifest, otherwise it would not have been possible for man to look at him”.  The Sahabah (Radiallahu anhum), have done the ummah an immense favour by conveying to them the perfect intrinsic knowledge, as well as the perfect conspicuous elegance and beauty of Sayyidina Rasullullah (Sallallahu alaihe wasallam). When an unfulfilled lover is deprived of meeting the beloved then he stands in front of the beloved’s house remembering the features of his beloved, in an attempt to gain some solace. It is from habits and features that the heart is appeased.