The death of the Prophet Muhammad marks one of the most significant events in Islamic history. Muhammad’s passing not only ended the life of Islam’s founder and final prophet but also ushered in a new era of leadership and interpretation. Understanding the circumstances of his death provides insight into both the reverence with which Muslims view him and the strength of the nascent community he left behind. Although historical accounts differ on some details, there is enough agreement among early Islamic sources to form a coherent picture.

Historical Context

By the year 632 CE, Islam had spread rapidly across the Arabian Peninsula. Within just two decades, Muhammad had led a small band of believers to establish a unified religious community, known as the ummah. Mecca, once hostile to the Prophet’s message, had come under the fold of Islam, and many tribes had pledged their allegiance.

The community was still relatively young and fragile, having only recently overcome entrenched tribal rivalries and religious divisions. Stability and guidance had been consistently provided by the Prophet himself, so the idea of losing him must have been deeply unsettling. Against this backdrop, Muhammad’s final days gain particular significance, highlighting the careful transition of authority and the resilience of the faith.

The Period Before His Final Illness

In the year prior to his death, Muhammad had conducted what became known as the Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajj). This event was critical, as it allowed him to demonstrate the correct rites of pilgrimage for his followers, free from the pagan practices of the past. During this journey, he delivered what is called the Farewell Sermon, in which he emphasized the equality of believers, the sanctity of life and property, and the importance of kindness to women.

This sermon is often seen as a summation of his teachings. It is noteworthy that, shortly after this significant event, Muhammad’s health began to decline. Some historians attribute his eventual passing to a natural illness, while others suggest lingering effects from hardships endured earlier in his life. Whatever the cause, it is clear that his health started to wane a few months after the Farewell Pilgrimage.

Signs of Illness Emerge

Muhammad returned to Medina after the Farewell Pilgrimage and continued to guide his community. He attended prayers, offered counsel, and resolved disputes. It was during these last few months that signs of fatigue and illness became more evident. Headaches and fevers intermittently afflicted him, and these symptoms gradually intensified.

Though he was unwell, Muhammad made efforts to maintain a stable public presence. He led prayers whenever he could and continued to address the community in the mosque. His aim was to ensure that the unity of his followers remained strong, even as he felt weaker. He understood that the community needed reassurance, particularly in times of potential transition.

The Final Illness Begins

The onset of what can be considered Muhammad’s final illness occurred around late May or early June of 632 CE. As the days passed, his fever increased, and he found himself increasingly unable to lead prayers or conduct the community’s affairs directly. He delegated some responsibilities—most notably, he asked Abu Bakr to lead the congregational prayers in the mosque when he himself could not do so. This was a subtle yet important indication that the Prophet’s health was deteriorating and that he was preparing others to step forward.

Despite his worsening condition, Muhammad displayed patience, resilience, and a continued commitment to guiding his people. He remained mindful that his departure would test the community’s unity. His condition fluctuated, with some brief periods of improvement offering hope, only to be followed by bouts of severe weakness and pain.

His Last Days in Aisha’s Chamber

The Prophet spent his final days in the apartment of his wife Aisha, adjacent to the mosque in Medina. Aisha, known for her intelligence, devotion, and companionship to the Prophet, attended to him lovingly in these critical moments. He found comfort in her presence, leaning against her as his strength waned.

This intimate setting allowed him some measure of peace and reflection. Aisha and other family members offered gentle care, bringing water to cool his fevered forehead. According to several authentic reports, when his fever intensified, he would pass his hands over his face after dipping them in water, uttering prayers to God. In these quiet, private moments, the man who had guided an entire nation still remained utterly devoted to his Creator.

Who were the wives of Prophet Muhammad?

His Request to Meet the Angel of Death

Islamic tradition records that Muhammad, like other prophets, was given a choice: to continue his life on earth or to return to God. The angel of death, often identified as Azrael, approached him. Recognizing that his mission was complete and that he had delivered the Divine message faithfully, Muhammad chose to return to God.

He is reported to have said something along the lines of, “O God, with the highest companion,” indicating his wish to join the company of the righteous and the prophets who had gone before him. This sentiment reflects his understanding that his earthly work was done. By embracing death without fear, he conveyed to his followers that death is merely a transition, not an end.

The Final Moments

On the day of his passing, June 8, 632 CE, Muhammad’s condition worsened. It was a Monday, and the Muslim community carried on its daily routines unaware that their beloved Prophet’s end was imminent. Aisha cradled him as he drifted in and out of consciousness. At one point, he looked toward the ceiling, whispered some final words of devotion, and spoke of the pangs of death. Then, after a few final breaths, he became still.

The silence that followed must have been profound. In that quiet moment, the man who had unified Arabia under the banner of monotheism, delivered the Quran, and exemplified moral conduct left the worldly realm. He was approximately 62 or 63 years old.

Immediate Reactions Among the Companions

News of Muhammad’s death spread quickly through Medina, stirring disbelief, grief, and fear. Some of his closest companions struggled to accept that he had passed. One companion, Umar, initially refused to believe it, threatening anyone who said the Prophet had died. The community was at a crossroads, facing a future without the physical presence of the one who had guided them in every aspect of life.

Abu Bakr, known for his steady faith and calm demeanor, addressed the people, reminding them that Muhammad was a human being and that all humans are mortal. Quoting the Quranic verse, “Muhammad is but a messenger; messengers have passed on before him,” he gently realigned the people’s understanding. If they worshipped Muhammad, he said, then they should know he was gone, but if they worshipped God, God is ever-living and does not die. This speech helped calm the community and ensured that their faith would remain firmly centered on God rather than the physical presence of the Prophet.

Funeral and Burial

The funeral of Muhammad was simple and dignified. His body remained in Aisha’s chamber. People came in small groups to offer their prayers. Unlike modern funerals, there was no appointed imam leading the prayer over him. Rather, believers entered, prayed individually, and then left to allow others to pray. This practice allowed everyone the opportunity to bid farewell and seek blessings.

After these prayers, his body was prepared for burial. The companions buried him in the very room where he had passed away, according to his own guidance. To this day, that place lies within the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina and is visited by millions of Muslims who come to pay their respects and remember his life and teachings.

Reflections on His Death

Muhammad’s death tested the Muslim community’s unity and resilience. They no longer had their prophet among them to resolve disputes, explain revelations, or provide direct spiritual guidance. Instead, they had to rely on what he had taught them during his lifetime. His companions, who had learned from him, took up the mantle of leadership and worked diligently to preserve and disseminate his teachings.

Despite the sorrow of losing him, Muslims took solace in the belief that Muhammad had completed his mission. The Quran was revealed in full, and the guidance needed for a successful, pious life was available to all. His teachings continued to spread far beyond the Arabian Peninsula, eventually reaching all corners of the earth.

Continuing Influence and Legacy

Although Muhammad died, his influence did not wane. Through the Quran and the Hadith literature—records of his words, actions, and approvals—his example (Sunnah) lives on. Muslims strive to emulate his character, mercy, justice, humility, and devotion to God. His death, therefore, did not mark an end but rather the beginning of Islam’s global journey.

Over the centuries, countless scholars, leaders, and ordinary believers have drawn inspiration from his life and the manner in which he faced death. The simplicity of his funeral, his steadfast faith, and his concern for his community’s spiritual well-being remain central themes in Islamic thought and practice.

Conclusion

Prophet Muhammad’s death in 632 CE was a moment of profound transition and sadness for the early Muslim community. Yet, this event also demonstrated the maturity and stability of Islam. Even without his physical presence, the religion continued to flourish based on the foundations he had carefully laid.

His last days were marked by patience, humility, and deep spirituality. He showed his followers how to face mortality with faith and composure. Although many details of his passing are filtered through centuries of tradition and narration, the essential lessons remain: the faith is about worshipping God, upholding moral values, and continuing the legacy of peace and justice that Muhammad established.

Questions and Answers

Who led the group of Muslims to perform Hajj in 631 CE?

Abu Bakr led about three hundred Muslims on Hajj in 631 CE, as instructed by the Prophet Muhammad.

Ali delivered a sermon announcing that after that year, no pagan, non-believer, or unclothed person would be allowed to circumambulate the Kaaba, effectively ending certain pre-Islamic rites.

After the ban on non-Islamic practices, a large number of people from Bahrain, Yemen, and Yamama converted to Islam.

Which year did Muhammad personally perform the Hajj and deliver the Farewell Sermon?

Muhammad personally performed the Hajj in 632 CE and delivered the Farewell Sermon at Mount Arafat.

What key social reforms did Muhammad emphasize in the Farewell Sermon?

In his Farewell Sermon, Muhammad abolished old blood feuds, repudiated racism, and urged fair and kind treatment of women.

When and where did Muhammad pass away?

Muhammad passed away on June 8, 632 CE, in Medina, in the home of his wife Aisha.

How do many Muslims view Muhammad’s spiritual state after his death?

Many Muslims believe Muhammad maintains a form of spiritual existence, remaining aware of his community’s deeds and continuing to show concern for them.

Do Muslims worship Muhammad?

No. Muslims hold Muhammad in the highest regard and often say “Peace be upon him” when mentioning his name, but worship is directed exclusively to God.

What are some special occasions commemorated in Muhammad’s honor?

Muslims observe events like Mevlid Qindīl (his birthday), Laylat al-Raghaib, Miʿrāj-Qindīl, Niṣf šaʿbān, and Laylat al-Qadr, reflecting on Muhammad’s life and revelations.

What role is Muhammad believed to play on the Day of Judgment?

Muslims regard Muhammad as their primary intercessor on Judgment Day, expecting him to plead on behalf of believers and, according to some traditions, all of creation.