When was the Messenger Muhammad, may God's prayers and peace be upon him, born and when did he die?

Historians have differed on determining the day of the Prophet’s birth (peace and blessings be upon him). Some say it was on the second night of Rabi' al-Awwal, others say on the eighth, and yet others on the twelfth of the same month. However, it is agreed upon that he was born in the Year of the Elephant and on a Monday. As for his death (peace and blessings be upon him), it was in Rabi' al-Awwal, and it is well-known that it was on the twelfth of that month, though some say it was on the first or second.