Prophet Muhammad died in 632 AD in Medina after falling ill with fever and severe headache. Traditional Islamic sources attribute his death to natural causes exacerbated by an illness, but many also believe he suffered lasting effects from poisoning by a Jewish woman after the Battle of Khaybar about four years earlier. The poison reportedly did not kill him immediately due to divine protection, but its effects lingered and contributed to his final illness and death. He died in the arms of his wife Aisha, having continued to lead and give orders until his final days. His death was considered martyrdom due to the poison's role, though the immediate cause was illness (fever and headache).
Details of the Death
- Muhammad fell ill sometime after his Farewell Pilgrimage and suffered a severe headache and fever.
- He showed signs of worsening illness for about two weeks but continued to lead prayers until physically unable.
- The poison he ingested at Khaybar caused internal pain which he reportedly mentioned repeatedly, symbolizing martyrdom.
- His last moments were spent in Aisha's care, where he died peacefully after murmuring prayers.
Different Perspectives
- Sunni hadiths and traditional biographies commonly mention the poisoning incident at Khaybar.
- Some Western scholarship is skeptical about the poisoning story due to the four-year gap between the poisoning and his death.
- Others emphasize his death as a natural illness with the poison as a contributing factor rather than direct cause.
- His death was peaceful, and he remained a strong spiritual leader until the end.
This combined view reflects the mainstream Islamic narrative that his death was a mix of natural illness with the delayed effects of poisoning, honoring his martyrdom status.
