1. And the Prophet Mohammed
Islam
And the Prophet Mohammed

2. Arabia Before Islam Mostly settled peoples Polytheism was most popular
Nomads helped to facilitate trade throughout the Middle East
Mecca was an important city
It was a trading
hub
It was also home
to the Ka’ba, a
shrine of relics

3. Mohammed Became a successful Born around 570 A.D. caravan operator
Married a successful widow at age 25
Born around 570 A.D.
Orphaned early in life,
raised by his Uncle.

4. The Prophet Mohammed
To find peace Mohammed traveled to caves outside Mecca
Around 610 Mohammed believes he is having visions given to him by the Angel Gabriel
He realizes that he is a prophet
His revelations form the Quran
Though his wife converts he is not very popular in Mecca

5. Mohammed in Medina The city of Yathrib was experiencing turmoil.
Some of Mohammed’s followers were already there.
It was proposed that he go there to lead with the promise of more followers.
Yathrib becomes Medina, “the City”

6. March on Mecca
Mohammed successfully establishes himself and Islam in Medina
He and his followers want to take Islam to Mecca
After a victory against large odds they feel they have the blessing of Allah
In 630 Mecca falls, the Ka’ba is rededicated and most of the population converts

7. Mohammed’s Death In the year 632 Mohammed dies in Medina
By this point most of the Arabian peninsula is under the control of the Islamic caliphate
Initially he is succeeded by an early follower Abu Bakr
Later Mohammed’s cousin and son-in-law makes a bid for the caliphate stating that what made Mohammed special is still in his bloodline.
This begins the Sunni and Shi’ite split.

8. Five Pillars of Islam
Confession of Faith (Shahada)- There is no god but God and Mohammed is the prophet of God
Daily Prayer (Salat)- 5 times a day facing Mecca
Alms (Zakat)- An offering required of all capable adults. Additional voluntary alms giving is encouraged.
Pilgrimage (Hajj) – To Mecca at least once in your life if you are able.
Fasting during Ramadan (Sawm)- Commemorates the revelation of the Quran

9. Islam in Relation to Judaism and Christianity
Mohammed as the last Prophet, not the first
Descended from Abraham, through Ishmael
Islam is the “surrender” to God and the pure form of his worship
The Quran supersedes the revelations to all past prophets including Noah, Moses, and Jesus