Today, Muslim faithful around the world celebrate Eid-el-Maulud; the birth of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. But here in Southern Nigeria, it is a thing of surprise that not many non-Muslims know much about this revered, spiritual leader of Islam.

This, however, is partly due to the deeply religious intolerance in Nigeria and partly due to the obvious inadequate religious education in Nigeria school system.

Let us, therefore, take a peep into the life of this religious colossus.

Who is Prophet Muhammad?

Prophet Muhammad was an Arab religious, social and political leader and the founder of Islam. According to Islamic doctrine, he was a prophet, sent to present and confirm the monotheistic (single religion) teachings previously preached by Adam, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and other prophets according to Wiki.

Having known who we are talking about, let us take a look at these five facts every non-Muslims should know about Prophet Muhammad.

1. When was Prophet Muhammed Born?

Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, was born into an ordinary but a well-respected family. Contrary to what you might think, Muhammad was orphaned pretty early. He was born after the death of his father. He was raised by his grandfather and then by his uncle Abu Talib.

However, unlike other religious leaders like Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity, Muhammad's birth depicts a most humble beginning. No prophet announced his birth, no star shone for his birth, and no wise men anywhere even knew he existed until his time came to fulfil his destiny.

Meanwhile, the popular belief is that the cleric was born in Mecca around the year 570.

Muhammad began working as a merchant and became known for his trustworthiness. This is why Muslims are widely known for their honesty today.

2. Prophet Mohammad was not a Muslim

This one will really shock you, but according to research, Prophet Muhammad was originally a Hanifs – a native pre-Islamic Arabs who "professed a rigid monotheism". They are also sometimes listed alongside Jews and Christians in pre-Islamic Arabia.

According to Muslim tradition, Muhammad himself was not a Muslim from the beginning, he was a Hanif and one of the descendants of Ishmael, son of Abraham.

Now, I know this is hard to believe but come to think of it, Jesus Christ himself was also not a Christian. He was Jewish. This tells you that one's religion today does not define him, it only confines one's perception of things around him.

3. How did Prophet Muhammad Die?

According to scholars, Muhammad returned to Mecca in March, 632, one last time to perform a pilgrimage where tens of thousands of Muslims joined him. After the pilgrimage, he returned to Medina. Three months later, on June 8, 632 he died there, after a brief illness.

When one looks at the events surrounding the death of Muhammad in comparison to the leaders of other religions, there is no doubt that he lived a humble and peaceful life.

Take Jesus Christ, for instance, he was arrested for whatever crimes the Jews and Romans charged him with, tortured and crucified. He was buried secretly and he was believed to have risen from the dead.

But Prophet Muhammad died after a brief illness. There was no superhuman mystery surrounding his death and he was interned in a mosque he built himself.

4. Why is Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday a Public Holiday?

Prophet Muhammad's birthday is called Eid-el-Maulud.

Prophet Muhammad’s birthday is a public holiday because he was a holy man. And because of his good works to bring peace unto the world, the world Islamic community remembers his birth today. In many countries, it is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

5. Did Muhammad Have a Family?

The children of Muhammad include three sons and four daughters (one daughter according to Shia sources). All were born to Muhammad's first wife Khadija bint Khuwaylid except one son, who was born to Maria al-Qibtiyya.

Contrary to the belief that Muslims must marry four wives and have an uncountable number of children, the prophet only had three sons and four daughters. Some sources even said he had one daughter.

The names of his sons were; Ibrahim ibn Muhammad, Abdullah ibn Muhammad, Qasim ibn Muhammad.

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But while compare....nah

I think he married a young teenager( i mean small pikin)at one time, correct me if I'm wrong