Muhammed (pbuh)was born around 570CE in Makkah. He was orphaned at a young age so he was brought up by his uncle.He worked as a tradesman, married at the age of 25 and lived a modest and relatively uneventful life. He was however well-respected and noted for his honesty and integrity, and as such was given the title 'The Trustworthy One'. He used to spend long hours meditating in a cave around Makkah. Here, at the age of 40, he started getting revelations from Almighty God. He immediately started preaching to his people, to direct their lives and worship purely to God alone, and to forsake all forms of idolatory.(ie: the worship of other than Almighty God alone) To prevent people from worshipping him like previous prophets had been, he always referred to himself as the Messenger and Slave of God. He and his early followers were persecuted for their beliefs, but many people began to become muslim. As the persecution became severe he and his followers were forced to flee to another city Madinah to the north of Makkah in Madinah, the people accepted his message and made him their leader. From this position of strength he was able to spread Islam far and wide. The enemies of Muhammed (pbuh) sent armies to wipe out the small muslim community, however, although being significantly outnumbered they were able to overcome or repel the aggressors. Within a few years he was able to conquer Makkah. In victory, Muhammed (pbuh) was very merciful, and many of his former enemies, including the leaders became muslim...By his death, at the age of 63 Muhammed (pbuh) had spread Islam to most of the Arabian Peninsula and his followers spread the religion to most of the world.
Muhammed (pbuh) taught many things that were truly revolutionary and transformed the society. He (pbuh) encouraged the liberation of slaves, (1200 years before Abraham Lincoln) and taught, "No white is better than a black and no black is better than a white. Superiority is by righteousness and God-fearing alone". Malcolm X commented, "America needs to understand Islam, because this is the one religion that erases from its society the race problem".
Women were given rights with regards to inheritance, and education, rights only gained in Britain in the 20th Century. Muhammed (pbuh) taught, "the most perfect amongst believers....is the best in manner and kindest to his wife".
To muslims, Muhammed (pbuh) is the supreme example for all people, he was the exemplary prophet, statesmen , military leader, ruler, teacher, neighbour, husband, father and friend. His actions, interactions with people and rulings form the basis of how muslims lead their lives today.
There is no doubt that Muhammed (pbuh) was one of historys great individuals...