Skip to main content

Seerah: Life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Categories: English Track, Seerah
Wishlist Share
Share Course
Page Link
Share On Social Media

About Course

Wednesdays | 6 pm to 8 pm
Starting September 10th

This course offers a chronological exploration of the life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), tracing his journey from birth and early years through prophethood, the challenges in Makkah and Hijrah to Madinah, major battles and treaties, and his final sermon and passing. Drawing on classical sources such as Martin Lings’ “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” and modern works like Karen Armstrong’s “Muhammad: A Prophet for Our Time,” students will examine key events, analyze the Prophet’s character and leadership, and reflect on the spiritual and ethical lessons that continue to inspire Muslims today.

The course combines lecture and discussion with reflection on how the Prophet’s example can guide personal development and community building. Each week includes readings and assignments to deepen understanding of the historical context and to connect the Seerah with contemporary issues.

Show More

What Will You Learn?

  • Understand the chronological events of the Prophet’s life from birth to final sermon
  • Identify key social, political and cultural contexts shaping the Seerah
  • Recognise the Prophet’s exemplary character traits and leadership qualities
  • Appreciate the lessons of patience, resilience and mercy from major events and trials
  • Analyze the significance of the Hijrah, the Madinan constitution and major battles
  • Reflect on the Prophet’s teachings and apply them to personal and community life
  • Develop a deeper love and connection to the Prophet through study and reflection

Course Content

Week 1 | Introduction to Seerah
Overview of sources of the Seerah—Hadith, Sira, Maghazi and the Qur’an—and why studying the Prophet’s life remains important today. Reading: Armstrong Introduction; Lings Introduction–Chapter 2.

  • Introduction to Seerah Studies

Week 2 | Arabia Before Islam & the Prophet’s Birth
Explore the social and political landscape of pre-Islamic Arabia, including tribal structure, moral codes and trade networks. Learn about the lineage of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), his birth in Makkah and early childhood. Reading: Lings Chapters 3–5; Armstrong Chapter 1.

Week 3 | Early Life & Makkan Society
Delve into the Prophet’s youth and early adulthood—his reputation as Al-Amin, work as a shepherd and merchant, marriage to Khadijah, and influences that shaped his character. Gain insight into the social, economic and religious fabric of Makkan society. Reading: Lings Chapters 6–9; Armstrong Chapter 2.

Week 4 | First Revelation & Early Converts
Study the momentous first revelation in the Cave of Hira, the support of Khadijah and Ali, and the earliest converts such as Abu Bakr and Zayd. Explore the secret phase of the mission, the beginning of prayer and the small community’s resilience. Reading: Lings Chapters 10–13; Armstrong Chapter 3.

Week 5 | Public Preaching & Persecution
Trace the Prophet’s shift from private to public preaching and the escalating opposition from the Quraysh. Discuss the persecution of early Muslims, including the torture of Bilal and the boycott. Understand the courage and patience of the early community. Reading: Lings Chapters 14–17; Armstrong Chapter 4.

Week 6 | Year of Sorrow & Night Journey
Examine the Prophet’s personal tragedies during the Year of Sorrow, marked by the deaths of Khadijah and Abu Talib, and his hopeful journey to Ta’if. Study the miraculous Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj), its spiritual significance and the gift of prayer. Reading: Lings Chapters 18–21; Armstrong Chapter 5.

Week 7 | Midterm Review & Exam
Consolidate learning from Weeks 1–6 and engage in a comprehensive review of major events and themes from the Prophet’s Makkan period. This week will include discussions, reflection exercises and a midterm assessment to gauge understanding and retention.

Week 8 | Hijrah: Migration to Madinah
Learn about the Hijrah (migration) from Makkah to Yathrib (Madinah), including the planning and execution of the journey, the building of the first mosque, and the forging of brotherhood between Muhajirun and Ansar. Understand the significance of this event as the start of the Islamic calendar. Reading: Lings Chapters 22–25; Armstrong Chapter 6.

Week 9 | Madinan Constitution & Social Reform
Examine the formation of the Muslim community in Madinah under the Constitution of Medina. Learn how the Prophet established a multi-faith community by setting rules for Muslims, Jews and other tribes, ensuring mutual protection and freedom of religion. Discuss the building of the Prophet’s mosque, the bonds of brotherhood (mu’akhat) between Muhajirun and Ansar, and the social reforms that addressed issues like family, inheritance, and charity. Readings: Lings Chapters 26‑28; Armstrong Chapter 7.

Week 10 | Battles & Strategy
Study the major battles that shaped the early Muslim community, including the victories at Badr and the setbacks at Uhud and the Battle of the Trench. Learn about the military strategies employed by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the role of faith and morale, and the ethical guidelines for warfare. Reflect on lessons of leadership, patience and reliance on God drawn from these campaigns. Readings: Lings Chapters 29‑33; Armstrong Chapter 8.

Week 11 | Treaty of Hudaybiyyah & Conquest of Makkah
Explore the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the historic truce negotiated between the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Quraysh in 628 CE. Understand the seemingly unfavourable terms of the agreement, the patience and foresight shown by the Prophet, and how the treaty paved the way for greater numbers to enter Islam. Then analyse the peaceful conquest of Makkah two years later, including the Prophet’s entry into the city, the destruction of idols and the general amnesty he granted to former adversaries. Reflect on the principles of diplomacy, forgiveness and restraint demonstrated in these events. Readings: Lings Chapters 34‑39; Armstrong Chapter 9.

Week 12 | Final Sermon, Death & Legacy
Conclude the course with a reflection on the Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell Pilgrimage and final sermon at Mount Arafat, in which he emphasised the sanctity of life and property, equality of all humans regardless of race or tribe, the rights of women, and the importance of adhering to the Qur’an and his Sunnah. Study the events surrounding his final illness, his passing away in the house of Aishah, and his burial in Madinah. Discuss the reactions of the companions to his death and how Abu Bakr reminded them that Muhammad was a messenger who had fulfilled his mission. Reflect on the Prophet’s enduring legacy, his character and leadership, and the lessons we can carry forward today. Readings: Lings Chapter 40–end; Armstrong Chapter 10.

Earn a certificate

Add this certificate to your resume to demonstrate your skills & increase your chances of getting noticed.

selected template

Student Ratings & Reviews

No Review Yet
No Review Yet