The Life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Medina: A Timeline

622 – The Hijrah (Migration)

In July 622, about seventy-five Muslims from the tribes of Aws and Khazraj in Yathrib (later Medina) met Muhammad ﷺ during the pilgrimage season at Mecca. They pledged loyalty and promised him protection if he migrated to their city. This agreement, known as the Second Pledge of Aqabah, invited Muhammad ﷺ to act as a mediator among the feuding tribes of Yathrib.

Soon after, Muslims began migrating from Mecca to Medina, also known as Yathrib. Fearing Muhammad’s ﷺ growing influence and the loss of their power, the Quraysh plotted to kill him. However, Muhammad ﷺ escaped with Abu Bakr, secretly leaving Mecca in September 622. They arrived safely in Yathrib on 24 September 622 (12 Rabi’ al-Awwal, 1 AH), where Muhammad ﷺ was warmly welcomed. The city was renamed Madinat al-Nabi (“City of the Prophet”), also known simply as Medina.

This migration, known as the Hijrah, later became so significant that Caliph Umar (r. 634–644) established the Islamic calendar, which begins from this year. The calendar itself, however, was set to start from 16 July 622 (1 Muharram, 1 AH).

The Constitution of Medina

Soon after his arrival, Muhammad ﷺ drafted the Constitution of Medina (Sahifat al-Madinah). This charter defined relations between Muslims, Jews, and other groups in Medina. It guaranteed freedom of religion, security of the city, and mutual defense. Non-Muslims were granted equal political and cultural rights, with the freedom to practice their faith. They were not obliged to join Muslims in religious wars.

623 (1 AH)

●       Marriage to Aisha: Muhammad ﷺ married Aisha bint Abi Bakr (614–678), who later became one of his most important companions and transmitters of hadith. She was honored with the title “Mother of the Believers.”

624 (2 AH)

●       Change of Qibla: Muslims were commanded to change the direction of prayer from Jerusalem to the Ka‘bah in Mecca. The mosque where this event occurred became known as Masjid al-Qiblatayn (“Mosque of the Two Qiblas”).

●       Battle of Badr (17 Ramadan, 13 March 624): Muhammad ﷺ and about 313 Muslims faced a Meccan army of around 1,000. Against the odds, the Muslims won a decisive victory. Several Quraysh leaders, including Abu Jahl, were killed. This victory strengthened Muhammad’s ﷺ position and attracted many new converts.

625 (3 AH) – Battle of Uhud

On 23 March 625 (7 Shawwal, 3 AH), the Quraysh retaliated with a force of 3,000 against about 750 Muslims at Mount Uhud, near Medina. Initially, the Muslims held their ground, but a group of archers disobeyed orders by leaving their posts to collect spoils. This allowed Khalid ibn al-Walid’s cavalry to strike from behind. About 70 Muslims were killed, including Muhammad’s ﷺ uncle Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib. Muhammad ﷺ himself was injured. Though the Meccans claimed victory, Medina remained under Muhammad’s ﷺ leadership.

627 (5 AH) – Battle of the Trench (al-Khandaq)

A coalition of Quraysh and allied tribes, about 10,000 strong, besieged Medina. Following the advice of Salman al-Farisi, the Muslims dug a trench around exposed areas of the city, an unfamiliar tactic in Arabia. Unable to breach the defenses, the Quraysh withdrew after weeks of stalemate. The Muslims emerged stronger, while Quraysh influence declined.

This period also saw the conflict with the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza, accused of treason during the siege. Traditional accounts claim mass executions, but many scholars, both classical and modern, consider such reports exaggerated or fabricated.

628 (6 AH) – Treaty of Hudaybiyyah

Muhammad ﷺ set out with about 1,400 followers to perform pilgrimage rites at Mecca. Quraysh leaders blocked their entry, but a treaty was signed at Hudaybiyyah:

●       Muslims would return home that year but be allowed to perform the pilgrimage the following year.

●       Both sides agreed to a ten-year truce.

Though some companions viewed the terms as unfavorable, the treaty ultimately strengthened Islam, leading to widespread conversions.

629 (7 AH)

●       First ‘Umrah: Muhammad ﷺ and his followers performed the lesser pilgrimage to Mecca.

●       Battle of Khaybar: Muslims captured the Jewish stronghold of Khaybar, north of Medina. The inhabitants were allowed to remain, provided they gave half their produce to Muslims.

●       Battle of Mu’ta: A Muslim force of 3,000 confronted a large Byzantine-backed army in modern Jordan. The Muslims were defeated, and key commanders, including Zayd ibn Harithah and Ja‘far ibn Abi Talib, were killed. Khalid ibn al-Walid successfully led the retreat.

630 (8 AH) – Conquest of Mecca

In January 630, Muhammad ﷺ marched on Mecca with 10,000 men. The Quraysh surrendered peacefully. Muhammad ﷺ entered the city, forgave many former enemies, and cleansed the Ka‘bah of idols, establishing it as the spiritual center of Islam.

●       Battle of Hunayn (Shawwal, 630): Soon after Mecca’s conquest, hostile tribes attacked. Despite an initial setback, the Muslims achieved victory.

●       Siege of Ta’if: MMuhamma ﷺ besieged the city of Ta’if but withdrew without success.

●       Campaign of Tabuk: Toward the year’s end, Muhammad ﷺ led a large force to confront the Byzantines at Tabuk, though no battle occurred. This was his last major expedition.

630–631 (9 AH) – Year of Delegations

Arab tribes across the peninsula sent delegations to Medina, many accepting Islam and pledging allegiance.

●       Najran Delegation: A Christian delegation from Najran visited Muhammad ﷺ, engaging in theological dialogue. He allowed them to pray in Masjid al-Nabawi, marking an early example of interfaith tolerance.

632 (10 AH) – Farewell Pilgrimage

In March 632, Muhammad ﷺ performed his only full Hajj pilgrimage, delivering the Farewell Sermon at Mount Arafat. He reminded Muslims of the importance of brotherhood, justice, and the sanctity of life and property. A final revelation was received:

“This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and chosen Islam as your religion.” (Qur’an 5:3)

632 (11 AH) – Death of the Prophet

Shortly before his death, Muhammad ﷺ appointed Usama ibn Zayd to lead a military expedition to Palestine. While ill, he reaffirmed Usama’s command, despite objections about his youth.

On 8 June 632 (12 Rabi‘al-Awwal, 11 AH), Muhammad ﷺ died in Medina at the age of 63. He was buried in his house, which later became part of the Prophet’s Mosque.

Leadership passed to Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, his close companion and father-in-law, as the first Caliph (Khalifat Rasul Allah, “Successor of the Messenger of God”).

Muhammad’s ﷺ role as both Prophet and statesman laid the foundations for Islam as both a faith and a civilization. Within a century, his message and the community he built in Medina expanded to form one of the world's great civilizations under the Rashidun, Umayyad, Abbasid, and later dynasties.