Thursday 17 March 2011


Hazrat Syed Muhammad Azeem Barkhiya aka Abdal-e-Haq Qalander Baba Aulia
Silsila: Azeemia
Date of Wisaal: January 27, 1979
Date of Urs: January 27
Address:
Shadman Town, North Nazimabad, Karachi, Pakistan
Description:                                                                                                              
Abdal-e-Haq, Husn-e-Ukhra, Syed Muhammad Azeem Barkhiya commonly renowned as Qalander Ba Ba Auliya, (Birth: 1898 in the town of Khorja, District Buland Shehr, Uttar Pardesh, India - Wisaal: January 27, 1979, Karachi) was the founder of the Sufi Order of Azeemia. His mother was adopted by Baba Tajuddin and hence Qalandar Baba always referred him as his Nana (maternal grandfather).
During his stay in Aligarh an inclination towards spirituality developed in him and he start spending most of his time in the company of a local Sufi Kabli Baba. He used to go there early in the morning and would come back late in the evening.
After completing the 12th grade education at Aligarh, Baba Tajuddin summoned him to Nagpur, India where he spent nine years under the vigilant guidance of his Baba Tajuddin of Nagpur until he physical demise in 1929. During his stay in Nagpur, his mother died, leaving four daughters and two sons. Qalandar Baba Auliya was the eldest son and most of his siblings were very young at the time. It was becoming difficult for him to serve as the surrogate parent for his siblings. Realizing that Baba Tajuddin arranged his marriage with one of his disciples' daughter in Delhi. Qalandar Baba moved his family to Delhi and worked there as a journalist until the partition of India in 1947.
After the partition, he migrated to Pakistan along with his family, and stayed in Karachi's Lyari subdivision. At the time, Karachi was not a fully developed city and finding a job was hard. He believed in hard work and was not ashamed of odd jobs to support his family. Later on, He chose journalism as a career and was appointed the sub-editor of the Daily Urdu Dawn.
In 1956, a famous dervish of Suhurwardiya Sufi Order, Hazrat Abul-Fayz Qalandar Ali Suhurwardi, came to Karachi. Qalandar Baba Auliya met and asked to be initiated in his Order. The visiting Shaykh told him at arrive at his hotel room at three in the morning. It was during winter; nevertheless, Qalandar Baba Auliya went at 2 A.M. to the hotel where Hazrat Abul-Fayz was staying and sat at the doorsteps. At 3 A.M sharp, Shaykh Abul-Fayz opened the door of his room and summoned him inside. Qalandar Baba Auliya sat before Hazrat Abul-Fayz, and Hazrat Abul-Fayz blew three times on the forehead of Qalandar Baba Auliya. On first blow, the Alam-e-Arwah (Cosmic World) was revealed to Qalandar Baba Auliya; on the second blow, the Alam-e-Malkut (Angelic realm); on the third one, the Arsh-e-Mu'alla (The Divine Throne).
Hazrat Abul-Fayz Qalandar Ali Suhurwardi completed his teachings of Qutub-e-Irshad to Qalandar Baba Auliya, in three weeks. After that, he spiritually(oweysia) received divine knowledge from many saints including Shaikh Najamuddin Kubra.
When Qalandar Baba Auliya was working as a journalist in the local magazine in Karachi, it was his routine that he would go to the residence of his beloved disciple Khwaja Shamsuddin Azeemi where he conducted Sohbet(satsung).People from all walks of life would come to discuss various topics.
One week before of his death, he told to his disciples and friends that, "I'm a guest here for a maximum of one week". He appointed Khwaja Shamsuddin Azeemi as the head of the Sufi Order of Azeemia. He died on January 27, 1979. His tomb is in the Shadman Town subdivision of Karachi.
The essence of the teachings of Qalandar Baba Auliya is that man has not been created solely to earn a livelihood. The first and foremost purpose of his creation is that he should recognise his own Self and have an intimate relationship with his Creator.
His famous quote: 'One can not find Truth in the outward (zahir), it can only be realized by turning to inward(batin). Your inner is the doorway the Cosmos that is why Man is called microcosm (al-alam sughra).'
COURTESY: Wikipedia

Full Name of Hazoor Qalander Baba Auliyaa is Hasan - e - Ukhra Syed Muhammad Azeem Barkhiya. Hasan - e - Ukhra is the Title granted by the Prophet Mohammed (SAW). Mohammed Azeem is the name given by his parents (Azeemia Spiritual Order or Silsila-e-Azeemia is named after him). Burkhiya is pen name, which he used as a poet. Qalander Baba Auliya is the alias with which most of the people are familiar. The terrestrial and celestial angels know and address him using this title.
Qalander Baba Auliya was born in Khorja, Buland Sheher, which is in the U.P. province of India in 1898.Qalander Baba Auliya received his primary and religious education in a local school. He went to high school in Buland Sheher. After completing his education in high school, he went to Aligarh Muslim University in Aligarh, now in India.
During his stay in Aligarh, Qalander Baba Auliya became inclined towards learning spirituality. He spent a lot of time at the tomb of Sufi Maulana Kabuli. It was in those times, when he went to visit his maternal grand father, Tajuddin Baba Auliya Nagpuri.
Teacher of the teachers, Knower of Divine Secrets, Baba Tajuddin instructed his grand son to stay with him in Nagpur for Spiritual training. Upon learning his son's intention to learn spiritual knowledge, Qalander Baba's father came to Nagpur to persuade his son to complete his academic education. Baba Tajuddin replied to his father that if he would receive further academic education, he would not be useful to him. His father left his son to his own liking. Qalander Baba Auliya stayed with Tajuddin Baba Auliya, whom he called grandfather (Nana), for nine years. During this time he received his spiritual training from him in an arduous manner.
Qalander Baba's mother died leaving six children; one sister was older and all others were younger to him. Tajuddin Baba advised him to get married. He married the daughter of one of the followers of Tajuddin Baba Auliya in Delhi. In 1947, during the partition of India and Pakistan, Qalander Baba Auliya migrated to Karachi in Pakistan with his father, siblings and his family.
He rented an old house near Lee Market. The Commissioner for Rehabilitation, who was also one of the followers of Tajuddin Baba, requested him to lodge an application with him so that he could be allocate a house to him. He did not take any notice of his suggestion and continued to reside in a rented premise.
Qalander Baba seldom washed his hands with soap. He washed his hands with lukewarm water until all traces of grease were removed. He was very meticulous and organized in his day-to-day life. He did not sleep for more than two to three hours. He went through phases of silence and spiritual ecstasy and selflessness.
After marriage, Qalander Baba settled in Delhi. He became a freelance journalist for different newspapers and magazines. He also proofread and corrected the works of the contemporary poets. People who were interested in Tassuvuf (spiritual knowledge or Sufism) approached him and held discussions with him on the subject. After migrating to Karachi he opted repairing of domestic electrical appliances till he had the job as sub editor of the daily newspaper Dawn. He also worked for the monthly Naqqad for some time. He edited many magazines, and also published many stories in serial form.
In 1956, the then Master of the Sohrwardi Order, Hazrat Abul Faiz Qalander Ali Sohrwardi visited Karachi. Qalander Baba Auliya went for an audience with him and requested to be initiated. Hazrat Abul Faiz asked him to come at 3 O? clock in the morning. In the bitter cold of the early morning, he sat on the steps of the Grand Hotel on McLeod Road, Karachi; exactly at 3 O? clock Hazrat Abul Faiz opened the door and asked him to come inside. He instructed Qalander Baba to sit in front of him and then he blew on Qalander Baba's forehead 3 times. With the first breath the realm of spirits was revealed. With the second blowing of the breath, angels and the Divine Attributes was revealed and with the third breath the highest realm was revealed to him.
Hazrat Abul Faiz Qalander Ali Soharwardi imparted spiritual training to him in three weeks time. After that, Qalander Baba's spiritual training was taken over by the soul of Sheikh Najmuddin Kubra. When the training was completed He transferred the spiritual knowledge to him and presented him to the Divine Presence of God. During this period Qalander Baba Aulia did not sleep for ten days and nights. He prayed and chanted the holy verses all the time.
To spread and to be benefited with the teachings of Hazoor Qalander Baba Auliya, following three books have been inherited by Silsila-e-Azeemia:
1) Loh-o-Qalum (Pen and the Scripturum): A treasure of divine knowledge of mysteries and secrets of nature.
2) Rubaiyat-e-Qalander Baba Auliya: A valued collection of enlightening mystic verses.
3) Tazkira-e-Tajuddin Baba (R.A): An authentic work of metaphysical sciences and scientific interpretations of divinations and wonder-workings performed by spiritual people.
Additionally, Qalander Baba Auliya left countless maps and diagrams of the visible and invisible realms. He also started the publication of the monthly magazine called Roohani Digest. He also formed a Trust called The Azeemia Trust. The Trust acquired land and constructed a mausoleum over his eternal place of resting in Shadman Town, North Karachi.
Qalander Baba Auliya died on 27th January 1979 in Karachi. Every year on this date his Urs is celebrated which is attended by thousands of people from all over the country and abroad. During Urs many seminars and workshops are held. There are organized sessions of meditation under the instruction of the present Master of Silsila Azeemia; Khwaja Shamsuddin Azeemi. Qalander Baba Auliya left a widow, two sons and two daughters.
COURTESY: zaveia.blogspot.com

most expensive perfume, best perfume, costly perfume


10. Chanel No. 5 : $234 per 100 ml
Chanel No 5 was the first perfume launched by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel of Paris. It has been sold countinuosly since 1921 the time when It was introduced. This perfume has been “the world’s most legendary fragrance,” and ranks on the top places in the perfume sales chart. This perfume remains one of the best seller perfume of the company till this time. It’s estimated by the company that every 30 seconds the perfume is sold. The speciality of this perfume is the artificial floral aldehyde composition that can last longer.
most expensive perfumes channel no 5
Channel no 5
9. Shalini Perfume: $900 a 2.2 oz bottle
Shalini perfume was created by Maurice Roucel. The creator was the perfumer of the Musc Ravageur, Iris Silver Mist, 24 Faubourg and Tocade series. All are the luxury perfumes. Shalini is fused with the deep luxurious aroma of sandalwood, musk, tuberose and vanilla. You can buy this luxurious perfume for $900 for a 2.2 oz bottle.
most expensive perfumes shalini perfume
Shalini Perfume
8. Caron’s Poivre : $2000 per 2 ounces
The perfume come on a special package of amazing Baccarat bottle. The bottle is encrusted with Pristine crystal on white gold collar. The bottle reflects shine of sophistication. A 2 ounces of Caron’s Poivre in Baccarat bottle are sold for $2,000.
most expensive perfumes Caron's Poivre
Caron's Poivre
7. Ralph Lauren Perfume Notorious: $3,540 per bottle
This perfume is one of the most expensive perfume ever launched (not to mention that It’s not because of the bottle only). It’s tagged for $3,540. The perfume is sold in special retail outlet, Harrods. You can be sure that this perfume is positioned as a perfume for ultra premium people. This perfume was best to be sprayed during Christmas time. The endorser of the perfume was the French Model, Laetitia Casta.
most expensive perfumes Ralph Lauren Perfume Notorious
Ralph Lauren Perfume Notorious
6. Les Larmes Sacrées de Thebes of Baccarat: $ 6,800
As We know, Baccarat is previously famoud of become the producer of crystal-encrusted bottles to pack exclusive perfume. Baccarat step into the perfume business with the launch of Les Larmes Sacrées de Thebes. This perfume become a leap of successful of Baccarat in the perfume business.
most expensive perfumes Les Larmes Sacrees De Thebes
Les Larmes Sacrees De Thebes

5. Jar Perfumes The Bolt of Lightning: $765 per ounce
JAR named after the creator’s initial, Joel A. Rosenthal, He’s a famous jewelry designer. The perfume give a heady and strong smell, It’s something to the odor of the air just after a bolt of lightning has cut through the atmosphere. This perfume is packaged is hand cut glass bottle. You can find this perfume is two selected boutique in Paris. The unusual aroma of the perfume is coming from the style of the creator, Joel A. Rosenthal.
most expensive perfumes Jar Perfumes The Bolt of Lightning
Jar Perfumes The Bolt of Lightning
4. Joy Perfume From Jean Patou Perfume by Henri Alméras: US$800 (1 oz)
Joy is launched by Jean Patou and was designed by famous perfumer Henri Alméras in 1929. It’s created from a combination of jasmine and rose. 10,000 jasmine flowers along with 28 dozen of roses are needed to create 30ml of this perfumes, that’s way the selling price is very high. This perfume is considered greatest fragrance created especially in floral genre in the perfume business.
most expensive perfume Joy Perfume From Jean Patou Perfume by Henri Almeras
Joy Perfume From Jean Patou
3. Annick Goutal Perfume EAU D’hadrien: $1,500 for 3,4 ounces bottle
EAU D’hadrien was launched by Annick Goutal. She’s a famous perfume maker, renowned model as well as a pianist. She was doing extensive research on citrus fruits (like grapes and Sicilian lemons) and creating this perfume as a result of her research. This perfume is an outstanding perfume for a special person like you.
most expensive perfumes EAU D'hadrien from Annick Goutal
EAU D'hadrien from Annick Goutal
2. Hermes Perfume 24 Faubourg = $1,500 for 1 oz bottle
The 24 Faubourg perfume was launched in 1995 by the Hermes International. It was designed by by Maurice Roucel and Bernard Bourjois. It’s packaged on 1 oz of St.Louis crystal bottle and sold for $1,500 each. This perfume has an image of luxurious and feminine. This is a limited perfume that just produced for 1000 bottles all over the world.
most expensive perfumes Hermes Perfume 24 Faubourg
Hermes Perfume 24 Faubourg
1. Clive Christian Perfume: $215,000
This perfume is the top quality perfume in top quality bottle. You should be amazed with the price, but when you know that the bottle is a dazzling diamond that can be worth $215,000 (the same price of the perfume) you would understand. The perfume has a unique scent coming from the combination of jasmine, cardamom, carnation, lemon, bergamot and benzoin. Just 10 bottles of Clive Christian is produced all over the world.
most expensive perfumes Clive Christian Imperial majesty
Clive Christian Imperial majesty

Wednesday 16 March 2011

Most paying Jobs, Most 5 Fast Growing Careers That Pay


5 Fast Growing Careers That Pay

One of these hot jobs pays over $87,000 per year!

By Tony Moton
In a competitive job market, maximizing the potential of your education could hinge on a question of numbers: How many workers might be hired in a given field?
Since crystal balls aren't exactly what one might call reliable, the U.S. Department of Labor has done some projecting of its own when it comes to employment outlook.
Here's a closer look at five of the fastest growing occupations, in terms of numbers hired, through 2016.
1. Networks systems and data communications analysts perform a number of tasks in relation to data communications systems, like the Internet, including designing, analyzing, testing, and assessing systems and their performance. Analysts might also supervise computer programmers and work as specialists who handle the interfacing of computers and communications equipment.
How Fast Is It Growing? This is considered the leading occupation in terms of the percentage of growth in jobs. In large part, this is due to the increasing use of computers and information technology. The rise from 262,000 employees in 2006 to 402,000 in 2016 represents a 53.4 percent increase over that span - that's 140,000 new jobs
How Do I Get Started? Many jobs require a bachelor's degree, although some might only require a two-yeardegree in computer science or an information technology-related field.
Salary: $73,800 a year
2. Computer software engineers rely on their knowledge of computer science and mathematical analysis to develop, design, test, and evaluate the software and systems that operate our computers. Their tasks are evolving quickly and reflect the ever-changing landscape of computer technology. Computer games, word processing, and operating systems are among their areas of expertise.
How Fast Is It Growing? A 44.6 percent increase in jobs from 2006-2016 puts computer software engineers near the top of the growth scale. This growth will be the result of businesses and other organizations embracing and integrating new technologies and seeking to maximize the efficiency of their computer systems.
How Do I Get Started? The prospects are very good for job applicants with at least a bachelor's degree in software engineering or computer science and with some work experience.
Salary: $87,900 a year
3. Financial analysts and personal financial advisors share their expertise on investment strategies with businesses and individuals. Financial analysts generally focus on a specific industry, region, or type of product. Personal financial advisors assess and individual clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives to develop sound money strategies.
How Fast Is It Growing? Financial analysts and personal financial advisors held 397,000 jobs in 2006. This number will grow to 543,000 in 2016, an increase of 38.8 percent for both. The peak years of retirement savings and personal investments of a large baby-boom generation are creating a need for more people to seek help from experts.
How Do I Get Started? A bachelor's degree in financebusiness administration, or accounting is considered highly desirable for financial analysts. Coursework in statistics, economics, and business is required. Knowledge of accounting policies and procedures, corporate budgeting, and financial analysis methods also is recommended. An advanced business degree such as an MBA can be an asset in this competitive field.
Salary: $66,590 a year
4. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors offers counseling and advice to people dealing with problems such as alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gambling, and eating disorders. Some counselors work at therapeutic communities where people with addictions live while being treated.
How Fast Is It Growing? The number of counselors will rise from 83,000 to 112,000 by 2016, a 34.3 percent increase over the 10-year period. The rising number of people suffering from depression and other serious mood disorders has helped create a demand for counselors, according to a recent study by jobfox.com. That growth, coupled with the need to replace people leaving the field, make this a solid choice for those who seek a stable, rewarding career.
How Do I Get Started? A master's degree is usually required to be licensed as a counselor. Some states accept applicants with a bachelor's degree and appropriate counseling coursework.
Salary: $39,670 a year
5. Physical therapist assistants help physical therapists treat victims of accidents or people with disabling conditions. The job involves working to improve patient mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or alleviate physical disabilities. A physical therapist might prepare physical therapy equipment, assist with exercises, or apply hot and cold packs while recording and reporting patients' responses to treatment.
How Fast Is It Growing? Consumer demand for physical therapy services is on the rise, helping employment for physical therapy aides to grow much faster than average for all occupations. The main reasons: an increasing elderly population, a baby-boom generation entering the prime age for illness, and an improved survival rate for trauma patients. There were 60,000 employed in 2006, and that number is expected to rise to 80,000 in 2016.
How Do I Get Started? Most physical therapists earn an associate's degree from an accredited physical therapist assistants program.



Salary: $46,300 a year

Tuesday 15 March 2011

Most beautiful natural pictures


The universe is so beautiful, indicates the greatness of the God
Harbor of Rio de Janeiro
The Rio de Janeiro harbor is a spectacular natural setting in south-east Brazil, stretching inland for about 20 miles.  Many people know the bay for its massive statue of Jesus Christ which looms on the Corcovado Mountain overlooking the bay.
Angel Falls

Angel Falls in Venezuela is the world’s highest free-falling waterfall at 979m with an uninterrupted drop of 807m. Angel Falls was officially discovered in 1933 by an American aviator, James Crawford Angel.

most spiritual personality of the world


Khwaja Shamsudin azeemi




The Azeemia Sufi Order (Silsila-e-Azeemia) is named after its founder, Hassan Ukhra Sayyed Muhammed Azeem Burkhia, commonly known as Hazoor Qalandar Baba Auliya. It was established in July 1960 in Karachi (Pakistan) after being granted acceptance spiritually by the Holy Prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him). Hazoor Qalandar Baba Auliya's life history can be studied in more detail in his biography “Tazkira-e-Qalandar Baba Auliya”.
                          The present head of the Azeemia Sufi Order (khanwada of Silsila-e-Azeemia) is the Sufi MasterAl Shaikh Khawaja Shamsuddin Azeemi. He was born on 17th October 1927 in Qasba-e-pirzaadgan in the district of Saharunpur, (UP) India. His lineage goes back to Hazrat Abu Ayub Ansari, the famous host of Prophet Muhammad. He lived with and served his spiritual master Hazoor Qalandar Baba Auliya for sixteen years until Hazoor Qalandar Baba Auliya departed from this physical world. During this long companionship Hazoor Qalandar Baba Auliya prepared his able student, both at conscious and subconscious levels, to enable transference of his spiritual knowledge to him.
                        When a student of the founder (Imam) of a Sufi Order is transferred to that complete mental framework (pattern of thinking) which the founder spiritually inherited from the Holy Prophet Muhammad he is called the Khanwada of that Sufi Order.
                       When Hazoor Qalandar Baba Auliya was about to pass away he blew three times at Khawaja Shamsuddin Azeemi’s head and uttered… “You are to take my place and run my Silsila (Sufi Order) after me…the people who run a mission work obsessively”. Khawaja Shamsuddin Azeemi acted upon the advice of his spiritual master and worked day and night to promote his mission to all corners of the world. As a result, the Azeemia Sufi Order is now a well-known and respected Silsila across the globe.
                     One thing that particularly stands out in Khawaja Shamsudsdin Azeemi’s teachings is the way he tries to arouse feelings of love for Allah in people’s hearts. He has unveiled the mysteries surrounding spiritual knowledge and taken it out from an unrealistic and imaginary traditional image introduced and taught it as a science to the satisfaction of the modern scientific mind.
                      Presently there are more than seventy Azeemia Centres (Muraqba Halls) throughout the world working under his patronage to promote and spread spiritual knowledge and to serve humanity by offering solutions to their physical, mental, marital and social problems.
                       Khawaja Shamsuddin Azeemi is also the Chief Editor of Roohani Digest International. He has been writing columns for various newspapers and magazines for the past thirty-seven years, which cover a variety of spiritual subjects. Hundreds and thousands of people have benefited from the advice and solutions he has offered to their social, financial, psychological and health problems. He has answered numerous questions on paranormal manifestations and spiritual phenomena to the satisfaction of curious minds.
                        He has authored sixty booklets and twenty-nine books on metaphysical science, some of which have been translated into English, Sindhi, Arabic, Persian, Pushto, and Russian languages. In his latest book Muhammad the Messenger of Allah (Volume 1), he has portrayed, in a unique way, the Holy Prophet’s struggle and efforts to spread his mission. Volume 2 of the same book presents scientific explanations of the miracles performed by him. Light and Colour Therapy is another field which he has introduced in Pakistan and abroad in his unique scientific style. This book presents, from theory to practice, a healing method using Light and Colour based on his decades of experience in this field.
                      In order to encourage reading and to promote the learning of inner knowledge he has established more than ninety spiritual libraries throughout the world. His books are taught not only in the Qalandar Conscious Academy but also in colleges and universities in Pakistan and abroad.
                      He has been invited to give lectures at several universities and other educational establishments in Pakistan and abroad, which include Glasgow University, Arthur Findley College in London, Karachi University, Faisalabad Agricultural University, Lahore Bar Council, and King Edward Medical College. He was also presented with the shield of Walthamstow Town, London by the Lord Mayor of Walthamstow.
                      He has appeared in several talk shows, live programmes on various radio and television stations in Pakistan, UAE, UK< Europe, Canada and USA. He was especially invited to enlighten viewers or the audience on Inner Knowledge and to answer any questions or queries they might have on the subject.
                       “Khawaja Shamsuddin Azeemi Society”, an organisation named after him has established a public school in the remote area of Surjani Town in Pakistan especially for the benefit of children from low earning families. This Society aims to promote the education of modern science aw well as the Holy Qur’an and Islam in general, and is planning is planning to establish high standard educational institutes, libraries and research bodies. It also has a separate Islamic School (Madrasa), Behr-ul-Noor (The Sea of Light), wholly devoted to Qur’anic education e.g Memorisation of the Qur’an (Hifz) and Arabic text reading (Nazrah).
                       A phone service is also in operation, both within Pakistan and at some Azeemia centres outside Pakistan, to present solutions to people's social, marital, family and spiritual problems, free of charge.
                          Up to eleven thousand letters addressed to Al-Shaikh Azeemi are replied to every month by the Azeemia World Centre (Markazi Muraqba Hall), Karachi. Nearly two million people have benefited from this service up to now, which is again totally free of charge.


In addition to the above, Surjani Welfare Clinic, blood transfusion service, and a free medical complex are also busy providing free health services to the people of Surjani Town i.e. those living within the vicinity of the Markazi Muraqba Hall, Karachi. Al-Shaikh Azeemi is personally supervising all this.
                             Khawaja Shamsuddin Azeemi is a staunch supporter of women’s rights and sex-equality. In his words, “the same soul (Ruh) is operating in both men and women, and they are therefore both equally capable of progressing in the field of spiritualism”. In his view it is mere male bigotry to consider women as inferior or less intelligent.
                             Al-Shaikh Azeemi’s mission and his invitation to the whole of mankind is that they should learn the Inner Knowledge and realise their latent potential so that they may get to know the Lord Creator of the universe, and hence enjoy a blissful life both here and in the hereafter.

most spiritual, most popular, greatest prophet, great man


Muhammad ibn ‘Abdullāh




Muhammad saw
 (Arabic:محمدTransliterationMuḥammad;[n 1] pronounced [mʊˈħæmmæd]  ( listen); also spelled Muhammed orMohammed)[n 2][n 3] (ca. 570/571 – June 8, 632),[1](Monday, 12th Rabi' al-Awwal, Year 11 A.H.) is regarded as the founder[n 4] of the religion of Islam,[2] and is byMuslims seen as a messenger and prophet of God(Arabicالله Allāh), the last law-bearer in a series ofIslamic prophets, and, by most Muslims,[n 5] the last prophet of Islam as taught by the Qur'an.[3] Muslims thus consider him the restorer of an uncorrupted originalmonotheistic faith (islām) of AdamNoahAbraham,MosesJesus and other prophets.[4][5][6] He was also active as a diplomatmerchantphilosopherorator,legislatorreformermilitary general, and, according to Muslim belief, an agent of divine action.[7]
Born in 570 in the Arabian city of Mecca,[8] he was orphaned at an early age and brought up under the care of his uncle Abu Talib. He later worked mostly as a merchant, as well as a shepherd, and was first married by age 25. Discontented with life in Mecca, he retreated to a cave in the surrounding mountains for meditation and reflection. According to Islamic beliefs it was here, at age 40, in the month of Ramadan, where he received his first revelation from God. Three years after this event Muhammad started preaching these revelations publicly, proclaiming that "God is One", that complete "surrender" to Him (lit. islām) is the only way (dīn)[n 6] acceptable to God, and that he himself was a prophet and messenger of God, in the same vein as other Islamic prophets.[6][9][10] Muhammad gained few followersearly on, and was met with hostility from some Meccan tribes; he and his followers were treated harshly. To escape persecution, Muhammad sent some of his followers to Abyssinia before he and his remaining followers in Mecca migrated to Medina (then known as Yathrib) in the year 622. This event, the Hijra, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar, which is also known as the Hijri Calendar. In Medina, Muhammad united the conflicting tribes, and after eight years of fighting with the Meccan tribes, his followers, who by then had grown to 10,000, conquered Mecca. In 632, a few months after returning to Medina from his Farewell pilgrimage, Muhammad fell ill and died. By the time of his death, most of the Arabian Peninsula had converted to Islam; and he had united the tribes of Arabia into a single Muslim religious polity.[11][12]
The revelations (or Ayat, lit. "Signs of God")–which Muhammad reported receiving until his death–form the verses of the Qur'an, regarded by Muslims as the “Word of God” and around which the religion is based. Besides the Qur'an, Muhammad’s life (sira) and traditions (sunnah) are also upheld by Muslims. They discuss Muhammad and other prophets of Islam with reverence, adding the phrase peace be upon him whenever their names are mentioned.[13] While conceptions of Muhammad in medieval Christendomand premodern times were largely negative, appraisals in modern historyhave been far less so.[10][14] His life and deeds have been debated and criticized by followers and opponents over the centuries.[15] He is revered as a true prophet and Manifestation of God in the Baha'i Faith.[16]