Birth: After sunrise on Friday the 17th of Rabiul Awwal 570 A.D. in Makka. He was born in the Year of the Elephant, when Abraha tried to destroy the Holy Ka'ba.

Parents: Abdullah son of Abdul Muttalib and Aamina daughter of Wahab.

                                    

Abdullah died two months before The Holy Prophet (S) was born and he is buried in Madina.

Family Name: The respected family of Bani Hashim from the tribe of Quraish.

Abdul Muttalib decided to bring up the Holy Prophet (S) under his own care. On the seventh day of the birth of his grandson, he slaughtered a sheep to show his gratitude to Allah for blessing him with a healthy grandson. Many people were invited to take part in the celebrations.

In this gathering, Abdul Muttalib announced to the people that he would name the child "Muhammad", which means "One who is worthy of praise".
When the Quraish asked him why he was keeping such an unusual name, he replied that he wanted his grandson to be praised in the heavens and on the earth.

Arabic Exercise 1: Learn to write the word "Muhammad" in Arabic

Before this event, the Holy Prophet's (S) mother had already named him "Ahmad". Allah has referred to him by both names in the Holy Qur'an.

Arabic Exercise 2: Learn to write the word "Ahmad" in Arabic

The Holy Prophet (S) was breastfed by his own mother Aamina for three days only. As was the custom in those days, he was then given to a foster-mother to nurse. Two women had this honour.

They were:

1. Suwaybah.
2. Halimah.

Extension Exercise: Abdul Muttalib called his grandson "Muhammad" because he wanted him to be praised in the heavens and the earth which is also mentioned in Verse 56 of Suratul Ahzab. Write down the translation

Now You Know.... The Holy Prophet (S) was born on Friday 17th Rabiul Awwal 570 AD in Makka. The year in which he was born is called 'Aamul Feel' – The Year of the Elephant. His father was Abdullah son of Abdul Muttalib and his mother was Aamina daughter of Wahab. Abdul Muttalib named the Holy Prophet (S) 'Muhammad' which means 'One who is worthy of praise'. However, his mother had already named him 'Ahmad'. Allah has referred to him by both names in the Holy Qur'an. The Holy Prophet (S) was breastfed by his mother Aamina for only three days. As was the custom, he was given to a foster-mother to nurse. He had two foster-mothers: Suwaybah Halimah