A brief introduction
Muhammad ﷺ was born in Mecca, in the Arabian Peninsula, around the year 570 CE. Orphaned young, he was raised by his grandfather and then his uncle, and grew up known among his people as al-Amin — the trustworthy one — for his honesty in trade and his care for the vulnerable.
Around the age of forty, while retreating to a cave outside the city for reflection, he began to receive revelation. Muslims believe those revelations, delivered over roughly twenty-three years, form the Qur’an, and that Muhammad ﷺ is the final prophet in a line that includes Abraham, Moses and Jesus.
His message
At its heart his message was simple: there is one God, and every human being stands equal before Him. He taught mercy, honesty, patience, generosity to the poor, kindness to parents and neighbours, gentleness with children and animals, and the dignity of orphans, women, workers and strangers.
His life and character
Those who knew him described a man of striking gentleness and humility: he mended his own sandals, ate with his companions, greeted children, forgave those who had driven him from his home, and asked his followers to answer harshness with patience. After thirteen difficult years in Mecca he migrated to Medina, where he built a community that welcomed people of different tribes and faiths, and returned years later to Mecca without bloodshed.
He passed away in Medina in 632 CE. Today roughly a quarter of the world’s population follows his teachings.
Why we gather
Lover’s Spring is a week of gatherings across New York City — talks, meals, poetry and remembrance — held in celebration of his life and character. Everyone is welcome, whatever your background or beliefs.