The Life of Muhammad and the Genesis of Islam Chapter 6 (part 2 of 5)

Muhammad’s Early Life 570 – Born into Quraysh tribe Father died before he was born Raised by relatives, (uncle Abu Talib) Grandfather taught him to be merchant

Moved to Mecca in his late teens Muhammad Moves to Mecca Khadijah – wealthy widow Muhammad worked for and later married Became a very successful, wealthy merchant

Trade led to great wealth disparity. Some tribes like Quraysh in Mecca very rich, other very poor. This divided Arabs Clan rivalries were dividing the Arab people. Living in Mecca and traveling as merchant gave Muhammad first-hand view of problems in Arab world

Muhammad grew dissatisfied with material gains Spent time meditating in hills around Mecca 610 = received 1 st of many revelations which supporters believe were from Allah This was beginning of Islamic religion

Quran – Muhammad’s revelations were written down in the Quran, the sacred text of Islam

Muhammad a Threat to Umayyads

Flight from Mecca 622 – Muhammad flees Mecca (start of Islamic calendar) Invited to Medina to stop clan warfare there He makes peace and is huge hero Umayyads in Mecca see Muhammad as even bigger threat

Mecca v. Medina Quraysh in Mecca fight against Muhammad and his supporters in Medina Muhammad shows courageous leadership and is victorious over Mecca

Muhammad’s Triumphant Return to Mecca 628 – Signs treaty allowing Muslims to visit the Ka’ba during truce season 629 – Over 10,000 bedouins (now Muslim) come with Muhammad to Mecca Muhammad smashes shrines at the Ka’ba dedicated to other gods to show Allah the one true god Muhammad gradually wins over the Umayyads, and most of Mecca converts to Islam

The Appeal of Islam to Arabs Monotheism Monotheistic Religion – many people liked this more than polytheism Arab Origins Religion was Arab in origin (it was their own) Umma Umma = community of the faithful; came from all tribes, so Arab unity finally possible Unity Unity in Arab world could finally prevent domination by outsiders

Islam Provides Ethical System Preached equality for all Zakat – charity tax (wealthy helped the poor) Follow Islamic law on earth, have good eternity

5 Pillars of Faith 1. Allah is only god, and Muhammad is his prophet 2. Pray to holy city of Mecca 5 times a day 3. Ramadan – month of fasting 4. Zakat – charity tax, how the wealthy take care of the poor 5. Hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca to worship Allah at the Ka’ba