The Noble Lineage of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: His Family, Wives, and Children

Introduction

Every believer’s heartbeat echoes the name of the Beloved — Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the mercy to humanity, the light that brightened a darkened world. His life is not merely a story but a truth that continues to guide and inspire hearts with faith, patience, and love.

As a writer, I tried my best to read from authentic Hadith books and reliable scholars to gather correct information about the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — his family, wives, children, uncles, aunts, and his noble background. Through this small effort, I wish to bring this information in front of my readers with love and respect, as a reminder of the blessed family of our beloved Prophet ﷺ.

Birth and Early Life

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — the final Messenger of Allah — was born in Makkah in the Year of the Elephant (around 570 CE). His full name was Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib ibn Hashim.

• Father: Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib (passed away before his birth)
• Mother: Aminah bint Wahb (passed away when he was six years old)
• Grandfather: Abdul-Muttalib, who cared for him after his mother’s death
• Uncle: Abu Talib, who later raised and protected him with deep affection

He belonged to the noble tribe of Quraysh, specifically the Banu Hashim clan, descendants of Prophet Isma’il (AS), the son of Prophet Ibrahim (AS). His lineage was among the most honored in Arabia.

Tribe and Lineage

The Prophet ﷺ came from the tribe of Quraysh, known for its leadership, honor, and guardianship of the Ka‘bah. His family tree traces back to Prophet Ismail (AS) and Prophet Ibrahim (AS), showing the purity and nobility of his ancestry.

Even before prophethood, he was known among his people as Al-Amin — the Trustworthy — for his honesty, fairness, and truthfulness.

Marriage and Family Life

At age 25, the Prophet ﷺ married Sayyidah Khadijah (RA) — a noble and wise woman known for her dignity and business success. She was his first and most beloved wife, and he remained married only to her until her passing. Together, they had six children.

After her death, the Prophet ﷺ married other women for social, compassionate, and communal reasons — supporting widows, uniting tribes, and spreading knowledge and mercy.

Children of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

With Sayyidah Khadijah (RA):

1. Qasim ibn Muhammad – his first son; the Prophet’s kunya (nickname) “Abul Qasim” comes from him.
2. Zainab (RA) – married Abu al-As ibn al-Rabi‘.
3. Ruqayyah (RA) – married Uthman ibn Affan (RA), the third Caliph.
4. Umm Kulthum (RA) – after Ruqayyah’s passing, she also married Uthman ibn Affan (RA).
5. Fatimah (RA) – the youngest and most beloved daughter; married Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA). Their sons, Hasan (RA) and Husain (RA), were the beloved grandsons of the Prophet ﷺ.
6. Abdullah (al-Tayyib or al-Tahir) – passed away in infancy.

With Maria al-Qibtiyya (RA):

Ibrahim ibn Muhammad was born in Madinah and passed away in infancy.

Grandchildren

Through Fatimah (RA) and Ali (RA):

• Hasan ibn Ali (RA) is known for his patience, kindness, and leadership.
• Husain ibn Ali (RA) is known for his bravery and martyrdom in Karbala.

Their descendants are known as Sayyids or Sharifs, representing the blessed family line (Ahl al-Bayt).

Wives of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Mothers of the Believers)

1. Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA)
2. Sawda bint Zam‘a (RA)
3. Aisha bint Abi Bakr (RA)
4. Hafsa bint Umar (RA)
5. Zaynab bint Khuzayma (RA)
6. Umm Salama (RA) – Hind bint Abi Umayya
7. Zaynab bint Jahsh (RA)
8. Juwayriya bint al-Harith (RA)
9. Umm Habiba (RA) – Ramlah bint Abi Sufyan
10. Safiyyah bint Huyayy (RA)
11. Maymunah bint al-Harith (RA)

Maria al-Qibtiyya (RA)—Though not a formal wife, she was respected like one and honored as the mother of his son Ibrahim.

Each of them was noble, pious, and chosen for a purpose — to support the Prophet ﷺ and spread his message after his passing.

Uncles and Aunts

Uncles:

• Abu Talib – protector and guardian of the Prophet ﷺ.

• Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib (RA) – the Lion of Allah and a martyr of Uhud.

• Abbas ibn Abdul-Muttalib (RA) is among the later converts and a close supporter.

• Abu Lahab – opposed Islam and is mentioned in Surah al-Masad.

Aunts:

• Safiyyah bint Abdul-Muttalib (RA) – mother of Zubayr ibn al-Awwam (RA).

• Arwa, Atika, Barrah, and Umm Hakim al-Bayda are known and respected among the Quraysh women.

Prophethood and Mission

At age 40, while meditating in the Cave of Hira, the Prophet ﷺ received his first revelation from Angel Jibreel (AS).

He was commanded to “Read in the name of your Lord who created” (Surah Al-‘Alaq 96:1).

For 23 years, he carried the message of Islam — calling people to the Oneness of Allah (Tawheed), justice, kindness, and mercy. He faced hardship, persecution, and battles, but never lost patience or faith.

Through him, Allah perfected the religion of Islam and guided the entire humanity.

Passing Away

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed away in Madinah in 632 CE (11 AH) at the age of 63.

He was buried in his home beside Masjid an-Nabawi, where Muslims today send peace and blessings upon him.

His final words were filled with love and remembrance of Allah:

“O Allah, the Highest Companion.”

Closing Reflection

May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — the light who guided humanity from darkness to faith, from ignorance to wisdom. His life remains a timeless example of patience, mercy, justice, and love. Through his family, companions, and teachings, the world continues to witness Islam's beauty and Allah's mercy.

This article has been written with deep respect and love, based on authentic Islamic sources such as Seerah Ibn Hisham, Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar) by Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri, Tafsir Ibn Kathir, and verified Hadith collections (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).

May Allah fill our hearts with the love of His Messenger ﷺ, grant us the ability to follow his noble example, and bless us with his intercession on the Day of Judgment.

اللهم صل وسلم على نبينا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين