Introduction
Throughout history, Allah (SWT) sent Prophets and Messengers to guide humanity to the truth, calling them to worship Allah Almighty alone and live righteous, moral lives. These Prophets were known for their honesty, sincerity, and integrity—even their staunchest enemies could not deny their truthfulness. Allah (SWT) granted miracles to these Prophets. In addition, these signs confirmed the authenticity of their message and removed doubts about their mission. Among these miracles, the Miracles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stand out as clear signs of his prophethood and Allah Almighty’s divine power.
As Muslims, we affirm that these miraculous events took place as described in both the Quran and authentic hadiths. Allah (SWT) granted these miracles to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to prove his prophethood to the people of his time. Furthermore, they served as ongoing evidence for future generations.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known for his perfection of character. However, his miracles went beyond human ability, clearly showing divine intervention and support. With Allah Almighty’s help, He (SAW) could perform incredible acts that no human could achieve.
What Are Miracles in Islam?
In Islam, a miracle (Mu’jiza) is an extraordinary event that happens through Allah’s (SWT) will and power. It is something far beyond human capability. These miracles serve as divine signs that confirm the truth of a prophet’s message. Allah (SWT) grants these miracles to His prophets to strengthen the faith of believers and challenge the doubts of non-believers. These miracles also prove the divine nature of the prophet’s (May Allah Please with them) mission.
Miracles not only display Allah’s (SWT) unlimited power but also confirm that the prophets’ teachings are His true guidance. The miracles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) hold immense significance, continuing to inspire and reaffirm the faith of believers worldwide.
10 Miracles of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Miracles at the Birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
The first Miracle of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) occurred even before he began his mission. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was born in the Year of the Elephant (570 CE) when a miraculous event occurred. The Yemeni ruler Abraha attempted to destroy the Kaaba, the sacred house in Mecca, using an army of elephants. However, Allah (SWT) sent flocks of birds carrying stones to defeat Abraha’s army, as mentioned in Surah Al-Fil. However, as noted earlier, scholars consider this event a miracle of Allah (SWT), not a direct miracle of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It occurred before his birth and was not an action performed by the Prophet (SAW) himself.
Hazrat Amina (RA), the Prophet’s mother, witnessed a light that signified the importance of her child and foretold his future role as a guiding light for humanity. Some scholars mention this as a miraculous sign connected to his birth, though not a personal miracle of the Prophet (PBUH).
The Holy Quran as the Greatest Miracle
Among the miracles granted to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the Quran is the most lasting and impactful. Allah (SWT) revealed the Quran over 23 years. This began in 610 CE when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was 40 years old. The Quran is a book of divine guidance. It stands out for its perfection, profound wisdom, and unmatched ability to transform hearts and minds.
During a time when articulateness and poetry were highly valued in Arabia, the Quran shocked even the most skilled poets of Mecca due to its beauty, depth, and wisdom. What makes the Quran a living miracle is that it has remained unchanged since its revelation over 1,400 years ago. Despite countless attempts to reproduce even a chapter like it, the Quran remains unique and continues to guide humanity, accessible to every generation. The Quran highlights its miraculous nature.
Shaq al-Sadr (The Splitting of the Chest)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) experienced one of his earliest miracles during his childhood. At the time, He (SAW) was living with his foster mother, Halima. As the reports describe, Hazrat Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) (AS) came to the Prophet (PBUH), laid him down, opened his chest, and removed a black clot from his heart. Angel Jibreel then washed the Prophet’s heart with Zamzam water, purifying and preparing him for his prophetic mission.
This event, called Shaq al-Sadr (The Splitting of the Chest), symbolizes the spiritual purification of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It also signifies his readiness to deliver Allah’s (SWT) message. It is believed to have occurred when He (SAW) was about four or five years old. His foster family witnessed the change in his behavior afterward, marking this as a significant early miracle in his life.
Isra and Miraj (The Night Journey and Ascension)
The story of Isra and Miraj is one of the most famous miracles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Allah (SWT) took the Prophet (SAW) on a special night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem in this event. He traveled on a winged animal called Buraq. From Jerusalem, the Prophet (PBUH) climbed through the seven heavens. Along the way, He (SAW) met other prophets like Adam, Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus). During this journey, the Prophet (PBUM) saw the blessings of paradise and the punishments of hell. This miraculous journey powerfully reminds us of Allah’s (SWT) greatness and Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) high status.
This miraculous event happened during a difficult time in the Prophet’s (PBUH) life. He had just lost both his wife, Hazrat Khadijah (RA), and his uncle, Hazrat Abu Talib (RA). Allah (SWT) gave him this special journey to comfort him and give him strength to continue his mission. During this journey, Allah (SWT) also commanded us to pray five times daily. This miracle showed Allah’s (SWT) care for the Prophet (PBUH) and became a key moment in how we worship.
The Miracle of Returning the Sun
Another remarkable event in Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life occurred involving his cousin, Hazrat Ali (RA). During an outing, Hazrat Ali (RA) was performing his prayer as the sun began to set. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) prayed to Allah (SWT) to stop the sun so that Hazrat Ali (RA) could complete his prayer. Miraculously, the sun reversed its course and stayed in the sky, allowing him to finish his prayer. This event is known as Radd al-Shams (The Returning of the Sun).
This miracle demonstrates the profound connection between Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Allah (SWT). Even the movement of heavenly bodies responded to his prayers. It also highlights the importance of prayer in Islam. This miracle reminds believers that nothing, not even the setting of the sun, should interfere with our devotion to Allah (SWT).
Splitting of the Moon
One of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) most surprising miracles is the splitting of the moon. This miracle occurred when the disbelievers of Mecca demanded a sign. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) pointed to the moon, which split into two halves. The Quran mentions this event.
Many in Mecca witnessed this miracle, but despite seeing such a great event, many still refused to believe. The Splitting of the Moon is a clear sign of the Prophet’s (PBUH) divine mission and one of Islamic history’s most visually striking miracles.
The Tree That Cried
One of the most heartwarming miracles of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) occurred during his Friday sermons. The Prophet (PBUH) used to lean on a tree stump in the mosque while delivering his sermons. After the people built a pulpit for him to stand on, the Prophet (SAW) no longer leaned on the stump. The tree, missing the Prophet (PBUH), started to cry loudly. The Prophet (PBUH), feeling the tree’s sadness, went to it and comforted it by placing his hand on it. The tree stopped crying after the Prophet (PBUH) comforted it.
Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) narrated that:
The Prophet (SAW) used to stand by the stem of a date palm tree (while delivering a sermon). When the pulpit was placed for him we heard that stem crying like a pregnant she-camel till the Prophet (SAW) got down from the pulpit and placed his hand over it.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 918]
This miracle of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) shows how deeply he was connected with everything around him. Even nature noticed when he left, showing how much the world responded to him. This event also reminds us of the Prophet’s (PBUH) kind and caring character.
Talking to Animals
Another miracle demonstrated the compassion and connection of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with all living beings. In this event, the Prophet (PBUH) communicated with animals. On one occasion, a camel approached the Prophet (SAW), weeping due to the harsh treatment it had received from its owner. The Prophet (PBUH) soothed the camel and advised its owner to treat it kindly. The hadith also mentions this.
Hazrat Abd Allah (SWT) bin Jafar said “The Apostle of Allaah(SAW) seated me behind him(on his ride) one day, and told me secretly a thing asking me not to tell it to anyone. The place for easing dearer to the Apostle of Allaah(SAW) was a mound or host of palm trees by which he could conceal himself. He entered the garden of a man from the Ansar(Helpers). All of a sudden, when a Camel saw the Prophet (SAW), it wept tenderly, producing a yearning sound, and its eyes flowed. The Prophet (SAW) came to it and wiped the temple of its head. So it kept silent. He then said “Who is the master of this Camel? Whose Camel is this? A young man from the Ansar came and said “This is mine, Apostle of Allaah(SAW).” He said “Don’t you fear Allah about this beast which Allaah has given in your possession. It has complained to me that you keep it hungry and load it heavily which fatigues it.” [Sunan Abi Dawud 2549]
Healing of the Sick
The Prophet (PBUH) was also known for his ability to heal the sick through prayer. One famous instance occurred during the Battle of Khaybar when Hazrat Ali (RA) suffered an eye infection. The Prophet (PBUH) applied his saliva to Hazrat Ali’s (RA) eyes, which were immediately healed.
Hazrat Sahl ibn Sa’d (RA) narrated that:
That he heard the Prophet (SAW) on the day (of the battle) of Khaibar saying, “I will give the flag to a person at whose hands Allah (SWT) will grant victory.” So, the companions of the Prophet (SAW) got up, wishing eagerly to see to whom the flag will be given, and every one of them wished to be given the flag. But the Prophet (SAW) asked for Hazrat Ali (RA). Someone informed him that he was suffering from eye trouble. So, He (SAW) ordered them to bring Hazrat Ali (RA) in front of him. Then the Prophet (SAW) spat in his eyes and his eyes were cured immediately as if he had never had any eye trouble. Hazrat Ali ()RA said, “We will fight with them (i.e. infidels) till they become like us (i.e. Muslims).” The Prophet (SAW) said, “Be patient, till you face them and invite them to Islam and inform them of what Allah Almighty has enjoined upon them. By Allah (SWT)! If a single person embraces Islam at your hands (i.e. through you), that will be better for you than the red camels.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 2942]
This healing miracle happened many times. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) healed his companions by praying for them or touching them. These acts show that He (SAW) was a spiritual guide and cared for their physical health.
Water Flowed from the Prophet’s Hands
One of Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) most extraordinary Miracles occurred during a journey when the Prophet (PBUH) and his companions were running out of water. In a moment of need, the Prophet (PBUH) placed his hands in a container. Water flowed from his fingers, providing enough for the entire group to drink and perform ablution.
Hazrat Salim bin Abi Aj-Jad (RA) narrated that:
Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah (RA) said, “The people became very thirsty on the day of Al-Hudaibiya (Treaty). A small pot containing some water was in front of the Prophet (SAW) and when he had finished the ablution, the people rushed towards him. He asked, ‘What is wrong with you?’ They replied, ‘We have no water either for performing ablution or for drinking except what is present in front of you.’ So he placed his hand in that pot and the water started flowing among his fingers like springs. We all drank and performed ablution (from it).” I asked Jabir, “How many were you?” he replied, “Even if we had been one hundred thousand, it would have been sufficient for us, but we were fifteen hundred.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 3576]
