What is the story Muhammad of how became a prophet

The story of how Muhammad became a prophet is a central narrative in Islamic tradition. According to Islamic beliefs, Muhammad, also spelled as Mohammad or Muhammad (peace be upon him), is considered the last prophet and messenger of God in Islam. The story of his prophethood is outlined in various Islamic sources, with the most significant being the Quran, the holy book of Islam.

The key events leading to Muhammad's prophethood include:

1. The Cave of Hira: Around the age of 40, Muhammad began to spend more time in contemplation and meditation in the Cave of Hira, located on the outskirts of Mecca. It was during one of these retreats, specifically in the month of Ramadan, that Muhammad received his first revelation from the angel Gabriel.

2. The First Revelation: According to Islamic tradition, in the year 610 CE, while Muhammad was meditating in the Cave of Hira, the angel Gabriel appeared to him and commanded him to "Read" or "Recite" in the name of God. This event marked the beginning of the revelation of the Quran.

   The first verses revealed are from Surah Al-'Alaq (Chapter 96), and they are as follows:

   "Read in the name of your Lord who created. Created man from a clot (a piece of thick coagulated blood). Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous— Who taught by the pen— Taught man that which he knew not."

   These verses emphasize the importance of knowledge and the act of learning.

3. Proclaiming the Message: After receiving the initial revelations, Muhammad was initially reluctant and feared the magnitude of the responsibility bestowed upon him. However, over time, he embraced his role as a prophet and began to convey the message of monotheism, calling people to worship the one true God (Allah in Arabic).

4. Opposition and Persecution: Muhammad faced significant opposition and persecution from the leaders of Mecca and the Quraysh tribe, as his message challenged the prevailing polytheistic beliefs and practices. Despite the challenges, he continued to preach the message of monotheism and moral conduct.

5. Migration to Medina: In 622 CE, due to increasing hostility in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers migrated to the city of Yathrib, later known as Medina. This event, known as the Hijra, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

6. Establishment in Medina: In Medina, Muhammad continued his mission, and the Muslim community began to grow. He also established a constitution known as the Constitution of Medina, which provided a framework for governance and cooperation among different religious and tribal groups.

The revelations continued over a period of approximately 23 years until Muhammad's passing in 632 CE. The compiled revelations form the Quran, the holy scripture of Islam. Muhammad is revered by Muslims as the final prophet and the "Seal of the Prophets," completing the line of prophethood that includes figures such as Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jesus in Islamic tradition.