How Did Prophet Muhammad Die? The Final Moments!

The life of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is a beacon of guidance for all of humanity. From his birth in Makkah to his migration to Madinah, every moment was dedicated to the worship of the One True Allah and the betterment of mankind. 

However, like all human beings, he was mortal. The events surrounding his death are profound, emotional, and filled with lessons on Tawheed (Monotheism) and the temporary nature of this world.

In this article, we will explore how did Prophet Muhammad died, the events leading up to his passing, and the legacy he left behind.

The Signs of Prophet Muhammad’s Farewell

Before the actual illness that led to his death, there were several spiritual signs indicating that the mission of the Prophet (PBUH) was nearing its completion.

1. The Perfection of Religion

During the Farewell Pilgrimage (Hajjat al-Wada’) in the 10th year of Hijrah, on the Day of Arafah, Allah revealed a verse that brought tears to the eyes of companions like Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him). Allah said:

ٱلْيَوْمَ أَكْمَلْتُ لَكُمْ دِينَكُمْ وَأَتْمَمْتُ عَلَيْكُمْ نِعْمَتِى وَرَضِيتُ لَكُمُ ٱلْإِسْلَـٰمَ دِينًا

“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My Favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”

(Quran, Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:3)

Umar wept because he understood that if the religion was perfect, the mission of the Messenger was complete, implying his time on earth was ending.

2. The Choice Given by Allah

The Prophet (PBUH) indicated his approaching departure during a sermon. He said: 

“There is a slave to whom Allah has given the choice between the splendor of this world and what is with Him, and he chose what is with his Lord.”

Abu Bakr (RA) wept, realizing the Prophet was referring to himself.

When Did Prophet Muhammad Die?

The death of Prophet Muhammad occurred on Monday, the 12th of Rabi` Al-Awwal, 11 A.H. This corresponds to June 8, 632 C.E. This date is significant as it marks the end of divine revelation and the beginning of the era of the Caliphate.

Prophet Muhammad Causes of Death

Many people ask, how prophet muhammad died and what was the specific physical cause. Authentic narrations combine two factors: a feverish illness and the lingering effects of a past event.

1. The Poisoned Sheep at Khaybar

Years prior, after the conquest of Khaybar (7 A.H.), a Jewish woman named Zainab bint Al-Harith presented the Prophet with a roasted sheep that she had poisoned. The Prophet (PBUH) took a bite but did not swallow it all, spitting it out and saying, “This bone tells me that it is poisoned”.

However, the poison had a lasting effect. During his final illness, the Prophet (PBUH) said to Aisha (RA):

“يَا عَائِشَةُ مَا أَزَالُ أَجِدُ أَلَمَ الطَّعَامِ الَّذِي أَكَلْتُ بِخَيْبَرَ، فَهَذَا أَوَانُ وَجَدْتُ انْقِطَاعَ أَبْهَرِي مِنْ ذَلِكَ السَّمِّ”

“O `Aisha! I still feel the pain caused by the food I ate at Khaibar, and at this time, I feel as if my aorta is being cut from that poison.” 

(Sahih al-Bukhari 4428).

This grants the Prophet (PBUH) the status of a martyr (shahid) in addition to his prophethood.

2. The Final Fever

In late Safar 11 A.H., the Prophet (PBUH) visited the Baqi’ cemetery to pray for the deceased. Upon returning, he began to suffer from a severe headache and a high fever. The fever was so intense that his heat could be felt even through a headband or cloth placed on his head.

The Final Days During the Time of Prophet Muhammad

Despite his severe pain, the Prophet (PBUH) continued to lead the prayers until he became too weak.

Moving to Aisha’s Room

The Prophet (PBUH) would ask, “Where will I be tomorrow?” indicating his desire to be with his wife Aisha (RA). His other wives graciously permitted him to be nursed in Aisha’s room. He moved there, supported by Ali ibn Abi Talib and Al-Fadl ibn Al-Abbas, his feet dragging due to weakness.

The Command for Abu Bakr to Lead Prayer

When he could no longer go to the mosque, he instructed: “Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer”. This was a clear indication of Abu Bakr’s status and his suitability to lead the Muslim community (Caliphate) after the Prophet.

The Last Sermon and Warnings

In his final days, he warned the Ummah against worshipping graves, emphasizing Tawheed (Monotheism). He also advised kindness towards the Ansar (Supporters) and emphasized the importance of the prayer (Salah).

How Did Prophet Muhammad Died? 

On the morning of Monday, 12th Rabi’ Al-Awwal, the Prophet (PBUH) lifted the curtain of his room and looked at the Muslims praying Fajr behind Abu Bakr. He smiled, pleased to see his community united in worship. The companions were overjoyed, thinking he had recovered, but he signaled them to continue and closed the curtain. This was the last time they saw him alive.

The Siwak Incident

As he lay with his head resting on Aisha’s chest, her brother Abdur-Rahman entered with a Siwak (tooth stick). The Prophet looked at it, and Aisha understood he wanted it. She softened it with her teeth and gave it to him. He cleaned his teeth vigorously, maintaining purity even in his final breath.

The Soul Departs

As the pangs of death intensified, he dipped his hand into a container of water and wiped his face, saying: 

“La ilaha illallah (There is no god but Allah). Death has its agonies.”

He then raised his hand and spoke his final words, choosing the company of Allah over this world:

اللَّهُمَّ الرَّفِيقَ الأَعْلَى

“Nay, the Most Exalted Companion in Paradise.”

His hand dropped, and the noble soul of the Messenger of Allah departed.

How Old Was Prophet Muhammad When He Died?

The Prophet (PBUH) was 63 years old according to the lunar calendar. He had spent 40 years before prophethood, and 23 years conveying the message of Islam (13 in Makkah and 10 in Madinah).

The Reaction of the Companions

The news of the death of Prophet Muhammad stunned Madinah. The atmosphere was filled with grief and confusion.

Umar’s Denial

Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), out of immense love and shock, stood in the mosque and threatened to kill anyone who said the Prophet was dead. He believed the Prophet had gone to meet his Lord just as Moses had done and would return.

Abu Bakr’s Wisdom

Abu Bakr (RA) arrived, uncovered the Prophet’s face, kissed him, and wept, saying: 

“How good you are living and how good you are dead.”

He then went out to the people and delivered a historic speech that anchored the Muslim faith in Allah alone, not in a man. He said:

“O people! Whoever worshipped Muhammad, indeed Muhammad has died. And whoever worships Allah, indeed Allah is alive and shall never die.”

He then recited the verse:

وَمَا مُحَمَّدٌ إِلَّا رَسُولٌ قَدْ خَلَتْ مِن قَبْلِهِ ٱلرُّسُلُ ۚ أَفَإِي۟ن مَّاتَ أَوْ قُتِلَ ٱنقَلَبْتُمْ عَلَىٰٓ أَعْقَـٰبِكُمْ

“Muhammad is no more than a Messenger, and indeed (many) Messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you then turn back on your heels (as disbelievers)?”

(Quran, Surah Ali ‘Imran 3:144)

Upon hearing this, Umar (RA) fell to his knees, realizing the truth. The Prophet (PBUH) had indeed passed away.

Burial of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

A disagreement arose regarding where to bury him. Abu Bakr (RA) resolved it by recalling a Hadith he heard from the Prophet: “Any prophet who died was buried where he died.”

Thus, his grave was dug in Aisha’s room, exactly where his bed was located. He was washed by his close family members (Ali ibn Abi Talib, Al-Abbas, and his sons) without removing his shirt, shrouded in three white cloths, and the Muslims offered the funeral prayer in small groups without a single Imam leading them.

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Conclusion

The question of how did Prophet Muhammad died is not just about the physical end of a life, but the completion of a divine mission. He left behind two things which, if followed, ensure we never go astray: The Book of Allah (Quran) and his Sunnah.

His death teaches us that immortality belongs only to Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) fulfilled his trust, conveyed the message, and advised the Ummah.

We invite you to learn more about this great man. His life was a miracle, his character was the Quran, and his message is the path to eternal salvation. “O Allah, send peace and blessings upon Muhammad and the family of Muhammad.”