The Life of Muhammad Class Notes for Mr. Dresel’s Social Studies 7 Class

A. Makkah Important trade stop & religious center of Arabia. People settled there because of the fresh water wells. Location of the Kaaba (shrine with 300 religious idols). Population very diverse: Arabs, Christians, Jews, etc.

B. Arabs Arab: (abhar = to move or pass). Majority of Arabia’s first inhabitants were Bedouins (nomadic Arabs). Valued camels and swords above all else. Had no strong central government. Practiced animistic polytheism (many gods).

C. Quraysh Powerful local tribe of Arabs in the area around Makkah. Encouraged tribes to deposit idols in the Kaaba and protected them for a fee.

Muhammad’s Early Life Born into Hashim family of the Quraysh tribe between A.D. 570 and 580. Orphaned, raised by uncle, Abu Talib. As a young man he worked for a wealthy widow, Khadija. Married Khadija, 7 children, 1 daughter survived. Had a reputation as seeker of solitude.

The Divine Revelations Received 1 st revelations while on retreat on Mt. Hira (around A.D. 610). Became convinced he had been chosen as God’s prophet. Learned sinners must submit to the mercy of God (islam). Few early converts, he was described as a convincing speaker, not pictured in artwork.

A. Muhammad’s Teachings There was only one God (Allah) and all should submit to him. All believers in God were equal. The rich should share with the poor. People should live righteously. All people would be subjected to a Judgement Day.

B. Angry Makkans Muhammad’s preaching angered many of the people of Makkah. He wanted to abolish idolatry, yet most Makkans did not want to give up their idols. He was critical of wealthy merchants who controlled most of the money and power in Makkah.

C. Protection for the Prophet Muhammad was able to remain in Makkah because of his powerful and respected family.

The Hijrah Muhammad decided to leave Makkah after the death of Khadija and Abu Talib. He and his followers travelled to the desert city of Yathrib. This journey (hijrah, in Arabic) marks the beginning of Islam and the Muslim calendar.

Muhammad’s Welcome The Prophet was welcomed by the Jews and Arabs of Yathrib. Both groups hoped Muhammad could prevent a civil war from breaking out. The city is re-named Yathrib Madinaht unNabit, which means, “City of the Prophet.” Believers in Islam begin to call themselves Muslims (those who submit to God’s will”).

Conflict in Madinah Muhammad hoped Islam could win new converts. Some Jewish leaders did not accept Muhammad as God’s latest prophet. Jews who opposed Muhammad were expelled from Madinah. At first, Muhammad told Muslims to pray in the direction of Jerusalem, but later changed it to the Kaaba in Makkah.

The Quraysh As more people accepted Islam, the Quraysh became more and more hostile towards the Muslims. Muhammad’s army, though tremendously outnumbered, won the Battle of Badr. Muhammad and his Followers

Outcomes of the Battle of Badr More battles were fought in the years that followed the Battle of Badr. Makkens laid siege on Madinah in A.D. 627, in the Battle of the Trench. In A.D. 630, Muhammad and his supporters captured Makkah. Idols and other pagan relics were destroyed and the Kaaba was rededicated to Allah.

Outcomes of the Battle of Badr In 632, Muhammad led the Hajj, commonly called “the pilgrimage of farewell,” for it was his last. Every detail of his actions on this event was noted and imitated by his disciples. The rites and ceremonies of the Hajj became standard practice for all Muslims.

The Five Pillars of Faith Muhammad’s companions desired to maintain an Islamic community. They recorded his revelations into the Qur’an; his personal deeds into the Sunna. The Sunna and Qur’an provide guiding rules and principles for all Muslims. The most basic rules of the Sunna and Qur’an are summarized in the five pillars.

The Five Pillars of Faith (profession of faith): “There is only one God (Allah) and Muhammad is his Prophet.” (daily worship): five times a day; guided by a precise set of rituals. (almsgiving): 2 ½% of a Muslim’s income or 1/40 of all they possess annually. (fasting): From sunrise to sunset during the holy time of Ramadan. (pilgrimage to Makkah): undertaken once in a lifetime; reminder of equality between all Muslims.