The Beginnings of Islam Chapter 10 lesson 2

The Beginnings of Islam I. Muhammad Muhammad was born in the Arabian oasis trading center Mecca between 570 and 580. During this time the city of Mecca had many Christians, Jews, and other religions. Muhammad’s parents died when he was a young child. He was probably raised by his uncle, a trader like his parents had been. When he grew up he married a wealthy, widow women named Khadija, whose 1st husband had been a trader.

The Beginnings of Islam Muhammad was around forty when he received a message from Allah. Muslims believe Muhammad was told “O Muhammad you are a prophet of Allah, and that there was only one god, Allah.” Allah is the Arabic word for God. Muslims believe Muhammad was also told the words of the Quran (Koran). The Quran is the Muslim holy book.

The Beginnings of Islam Muhammad began preaching this new religion. Soon, he angered many people and was forced out of the city. Muhammad left Mecca in 622. When Muhammad left Mecca and goes to Medina, this is known as Muhammad’s Hijra. Muhammad’s Hijra marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.

The Beginnings of Islam Muhammad fled to Medina where he continued to preach. In Medina Muhammad gained many followers and in 624 returned to Mecca with an army and conquered it. The city of Mecca contained a temple called the Kaaba. The Kaaba contained many different gods and goddesses worshipped by the Romans. Muhammad destroyed the statues and proclaimed Mecca a Muslim city. The Kaaba is now the holiest site in the Islamic world. The Kaaba contains a large black stone Muslims believe dates back to Adam and Eve’s time. Muhammad continued to unite many Arabic tribes and spread Islam.

The Beginnings of Islam II. New Religion Muslims believe the Quran contains Allah’s teachings to Muhammad. The Quran says Allah is the same God worshipped by Christians and Jews. The Quran contains the duties of all Muslims. Mosques are Muslim places of worship and prayer. The word "mosque" is Arabic. Muslims are expected to pray five times a day, preferably in a mosque: morning, midday, afternoon, sunset, and evening. A muezzin calls the worshippers to prayer from a minaret (Arabic manara, a tower).

The Beginnings of Islam These duties are called the Five Pillars of Islam. 1st pillar is belief in Allah and that Muhammad is Allah’s prophet. 2nd Muslims must pray five times a day facing Mecca. 3rd giving to those in need. 4th fasting during the month of Ramadan. 5th making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their life.

The Beginnings of Islam Islamic armies continued to conquer and spread the teachings of Islam. By 750 Islamic armies had conquered all of West Asia, North Africa, and into Europe, controlling most of Spain and the Byzantine Empire. As Islam spread the Arabic language spread as well. Arabic is the language of the Islamic lands.