Unit: Life of the Prophet ﷺ · Lesson 31 of 50 · study cards + quiz
The Year of the Elephant
The Prophet ﷺ was born in Makkah in the Year of the Elephant (about 570 CE). His father Abdullah passed away before his birth, and his mother Aminah when he was six.
Raised an orphan
His grandfather Abdul-Muttalib then his uncle Abu Talib cared for him. He worked as a shepherd and later as a trader, known throughout Makkah as as-Sadiq al-Amin — the Truthful, the Trustworthy.
Marriage to Khadijah
Impressed by his honesty in trade, the noble Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) married him. She was the first to believe in him and his greatest support when revelation came.
📝 Test yourself
In which year was the Prophet ﷺ born? The Year of the Flood · The Year of the Elephant · The Year of Victory · The Year of Sorrow
What was he known as before prophethood? The Poet · As-Sadiq al-Amin (the Truthful, the Trustworthy) · The Knight · The Merchant King
Who was the first person to believe in him? Abu Talib · Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) · Abu Lahab · Heraclius