1. Middle East

2. Middle East
Includes South West Asia and North of the Sahara Desert in Africa
It is a united region due to its Climate, Religion, Language, and Economics

3. Original Religion and Culture
Pre-Muhammad’s World
Abraham and his son Ishmael built the Kaaba
Tribes were animistic and polytheistic
Temperatures up to 129 ºF and only inches of rainfall
Tribes defended trade routes, family, and water
Mecca was an established and vibrant center for trade
Diverse mixture – Christians, Jews, and Arabs of the desert

4. Life of Muhammad Born in Mecca in 570 C.E. Orphan at 4 years old
Raised by grandfather and nomads
Uncle Abu Taalib took him in
He was taught to be an expert in trade
Did not like the polytheistic belief system
Founded Islam
Qur’an or Koran is the record of his words and the sacred text of Islam

5. Life of Muhammad Not nationality or tribe, but faith matters now
No longer poor vs. rich, now everybody is equal
Where is your miracle?
My miracle is the beauty of my message
Mecca became divided

6. Life of Muhammad Timeline Born in Mecca in 570 C.E.
In 595 C.E. he married a wealthy widow, Khadija
In 610 he received a revelation from the Angel Gabrielle
In 622 he fled to Medina
In 629 he returned to conquer Mecca
By 630 Islam was dominant in Mecca
In 632 Muhammad died in Medina