A long time ago when I was about 8 years old, attending what was then the Central School, every morning we use to sing this song which I absolutely loved and still do.

The lyrics go like this: “He’s the Lily of the Valley, he’s the bright and morning star, he’s the fairest of 10,000, everybody ought to know.”

The words of that hymn pertained to our beloved Isa (sa) known as Jesus, in the Christian faith. I believe too, that those words can apply to the seal of the prophets, namely Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

There are many misconceptions about Muhammad. Many text books that are used in schools wrongly state that Muslims worship Muhammad, some call us Muhammadans! This is so far from the truth and completely without facts.

Muslims highly revere Prophet Muhammad as our beloved Messenger, sent as the last prophet to warn the people by Allah, the one and only God. Muslims have no deity but Allah, meaning we worship only Allah and Allah alone. Following is a brief, very brief introduction to who Prophet Muhammad is, because everybody ought to know!

Prophet Muhammad (570–632 CE) is a central figure in Islam, revered as the final messenger and prophet of God. Born in Mecca, a city in modern-day Saudi Arabia, he is considered the Seal of the Prophets in Islam, meaning no prophet will come after him. His life and teachings form the foundation of the Islamic faith, followed by over one billion Muslims worldwide.

Muhammad was born into the Quraysh tribe, a prominent family in Mecca, but his early life was marked by loss. Orphaned at a young age, he was cared for by his grandfather and later his uncle.

Known for his honesty and integrity, he earned the nickname “Al-Amin” (the trustworthy). As a young man, he worked as a merchant and married Khadijah, a wealthy widow 15 years his senior. Their marriage was deeply loving and supportive, and Khadijah played a critical role in the early days of Muhammad’s prophethood.

At the age of 40, Muhammad began receiving divine revelations through the Angel Gabriel (Jibril) while meditating in a cave on Mount Hira near Mecca. These revelations, delivered over 23 years, were later compiled into the Koran, Islam's holy book.

The core message of his teachings emphasised monotheism, social justice, compassion, and moral integrity. He called on the people of Mecca to abandon idolatry and embrace the worship of the one true God.

His message was for the whole world but started in Mecca, because at that time, the inhabitants of Mecca were indulging in mass foolishness and were in dire need of guidance.

Initially, Muhammad’s message faced significant resistance, particularly from the Quraysh elite, who saw it as a threat to their social and economic power. He and his followers endured persecution, leading to their migration (Hijra) to Medina in 622 CE. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

In Medina, Muhammad established a thriving Muslim community, built on principles of unity, equality, and mutual respect, and laid the groundwork for Islamic governance.

Over the next decade, Muhammad emerged as both a spiritual leader and a statesman. Through diplomacy, treaties, and military engagements, he unified the Arabian Peninsula under Islam. Notably, he entered Mecca peacefully in 630 CE, granting amnesty to his former enemies and rededicating the Kaaba, the sacred shrine, to the worship of Allah.

Prophet Muhammad’s teachings extend beyond religious practices to encompass all aspects of life, including personal conduct, social relationships, and justice.

His Sunnah (traditions) serves as a guide for Muslims alongside the Koran. He is described in Islamic tradition as the epitome of mercy, humility, and patience, embodying the Koranic ideal of “the best example“ for humanity.

Muhammad passed away in 632 CE in Medina, leaving behind a rapidly growing faith. His legacy endures as a spiritual, social, and political reformer who transformed the Arabian Peninsula and laid the foundation for one of the world's major religions. For Muslims, he remains a beloved figure, celebrated for his character, wisdom, and devotion to God.

Islam may have started in the East, but it’s growth had reached every corner of the globe. Islam is a complete way of life and I am proud to be Muslim. Islam satisfies my soul. Alhamdulilah!

Bermuda, continue to stand for humanity. Continue to stand against genocide, continue to call for cease-fire now wherever bombs are blasting. Stand firm and strong against injustices.

Have a beautiful week. As salaam alaikum (peace be unto you).

• Linda Walia Ming is a member of the Bermuda Hijab Dawah Team, a group of Muslim women who reside in Bermuda and have a goal of educating the community about the religion of Islam