Chapter 1: The World Awaiting Muhammad ﷺ

It was a night shrouded in deep darkness, broken occasionally by flickering flames atop distant hills, the lonely sentinels in a vast, silent desert. Arabia, a land known more for scorching sands than gentle mercies, lay restless in wait of something—or rather, someone.

Centuries of darkness had blanketed the region. The Arabian Peninsula, sprawling between mighty empires—Byzantine in the north-west and Persian to the east—remained largely untouched by civilization’s enlightenment. For centuries, tribes lived and perished amid ignorance, guided not by reason or compassion but by the blind passions of vengeance, pride, and ancestral pride. Yet, unbeknownst to these tribes, a prophecy lingered: soon, the very sand beneath their feet would witness the arrival of a luminous beacon whose light would illuminate every corner of the earth.

At the heart of this desert lay Makkah, a city whose significance transcended its smallness. Though surrounded by barren sands, it held within its bosom the sacred Kaaba, built centuries before by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and his son Prophet Ismail (Ishmael). The Kaaba, a cube-shaped sanctuary of humble stone, had been consecrated to the worship of the One true God. But as centuries elapsed, its purity was gradually obscured by the dust of idolatry. The walls once echoing with monotheistic prayers now stood cluttered with idols carved from stone, wood, and even dates. Over three hundred idols crowded its sacred space, each reflecting humanity's deep yearning for divine connection yet veiled by ignorance.

Yet even in that darkness, occasional glimpses of purity flickered through. Some thoughtful men—known as Hanifs—rejected idols, believing instead in one supreme creator. Among them was the noble Zayd ibn Amr ibn Nufayl, who journeyed far in search of the truth, praying to the unseen Almighty, asking Him to guide Arabia out of darkness. He was a living testimony that, despite the prevalent darkness, the heart of Arabia awaited deliverance.

Life in Arabia was harsh. Tribes engaged in bloody battles over trivial matters. A stolen camel, a disparaging word, a careless glance could ignite generations of warfare. Families, torn apart by vendettas, suffered endlessly, with blood becoming cheaper than water. Womanhood bore the brunt of injustice—buried alive at birth, traded as commodities, often left voiceless and vulnerable in society. Moral corruption seeped deep into the societal fabric, slowly poisoning relationships and communities. Alcohol flowed freely, greed and corruption rampant, and human rights nonexistent.

Beyond Arabia’s borders, the world wasn’t much brighter. Mighty empires clashed, consuming nations in fires of conquest. Rome and Persia, in an endless rivalry, spread suffering far and wide. India, a subcontinent rich in philosophy, art, and spirituality, grappled with social hierarchies—caste oppression, gender injustice, and widespread inequality. Even amidst the spiritual truths hidden in the scriptures of distant lands, humanity awaited true guidance—a universal messenger, promised by sages, seers, and prophets across civilizations.

Across distant lands, sages and learned men whispered of ancient prophecies, passed through generations. In the fading ink of sacred scrolls, in the shadows cast by temple pillars, in the whispered hymns within synagogues and churches, there lived the prophecy of an ultimate Messenger.

The Torah hinted clearly of a prophet like Moses (Deuteronomy 18:18), whose words would carry divine authority.

The Gospel described a comforter who would guide humanity into all truth, a spirit of truth who would glorify God and speak not of his own accord.

Ancient Hindu scriptures, perhaps less known among Arabs, subtly described a Kalki Avatar—a righteous leader emerging from a land of desert sands, bringing renewal, enlightenment, and spiritual rebirth.

But these words of prophecy were scarcely understood. Misinterpretations flourished. Yet, within the confusion, an echo lingered in the hearts of sincere seekers: a prophet was near.

In the midst of such yearning, Arabs awaited unknowingly. Under the starry heavens, ancient Bedouins spoke around flickering fires, unaware that these very sands were about to host history’s greatest miracle—a mercy that would embrace all creation.

Closer to home, within the walls of Makkah, tensions simmered. The Quraysh—the most influential tribe—dominated society and religion. Their authority was unquestioned, their wealth vast, acquired from pilgrimage and trade. Yet deep within their opulent homes, a subtle restlessness brewed. Even the affluent sensed something lacking, an emptiness of the soul that neither idols nor wealth could fill.

In this backdrop, the wise sages whispered: "Soon, darkness will vanish, and light will emerge from the very heart of Arabia." And indeed, a certain family, tracing its lineage back to Abraham through Ishmael, held a special place. The clan of Hashim, respected among the Quraysh, was known for its generosity, nobility, and righteousness.

Abdul Muttalib, the revered leader of Banu Hashim, stood at the Kaaba’s door, praying to the One God of Abraham, whose name he knew from ancestral memory. Abdul Muttalib was a wise and generous chief, respected not just for his position but for his moral integrity. He dreamt of a bright future, praying for his city, his tribe, and above all, his offspring. Little did he know his lineage was to produce the last Prophet, the greatest mercy ever known.

His son Abdullah—a handsome, gentle, and noble youth—had married Amina, a respected woman from Yathrib (Medina). Their marriage bore an air of divine appointment. Shortly after, Abdullah traveled north to Syria on business, unaware that destiny awaited him, drawing him closer to the fulfillment of ancient prophecies.

Back in Makkah, Amina felt the stirrings of life within her. The child she carried was special—she felt a unique tranquility, a blessedness she couldn’t yet define. Visions, dreams, and subtle signs revealed themselves gently, whispering softly that her unborn child would become the greatest leader humanity would ever witness.

And thus, in silent anticipation, the world awaited the arrival of a man who would transform hearts, minds, and entire civilizations. Arabia stood on the brink of dawn—a dawn whose light would surpass all horizons. This was the moment destiny itself had awaited since the creation of the universe.

This was the world awaiting Muhammad ﷺ—soon, the darkness would be dispelled by his luminous presence. Soon, the heavens would rejoice, the earth would breathe anew, and humanity would rediscover its lost connection with the Almighty.

Next Chapter (Chapter 2):

"A Blessed Birth – Muhammad ﷺ Arrives into the World"