Islam Reading

Muhammad and the founding of Islam:
Muhammad born around 570, orphan

Arabia prior to Islam:
-Tribes organized raids, to gain supplies they needed, such as food, animals, women, etc.
-Leaders of tribes (shaykh's) were important, but poets were just as important, if not more.
-Poets, supposedly possessed by jinn, spirits in the natural world.
-Religion differed. Some focused on pleasing the jinn. Others revered gods and goddesses, but all believed in at least Allah, the creator of the universe.

The Town of Mecca:
-There existed the pilgrimage (hajj). Process to Mecca and do ceremonies around the sacred shrine
-With Muhammad's birth, the influence and prevalence of tribes died down, and a class distinction rose up.

Muhammad's early life:
-People became acquainted with the practices of christianity and judaism.
-But these beliefs were not to penetrate the city of Mecca.
-Muhammad became used to the ideas of monotheistic religions.
-Met and married Khadijah and became a member of the merchant class.
-Muhammad had many influences from his young life that carriedd through to his death and the teachings of Islam, like the poor, and monotheistic ideas.

The Coming of Revelation:
-Muhammad was visited by the angel Gabriel
-Constantly visited.
-He began to preach a little openly to the Meccans
-Took on the name "Prophet/Messenger of God"
-Muhammad preached of ONLY one god: Allah, and of his power
-But the leaders of Mecca didn't want him to succeed

The Opposition of Muhammad:
-He and followers were forced to leave Mecca.
-Had most famous revelation: he was taken to Jerusalem by Gabriel and ascended to heaven, where he met with prophets such as Jesus, Moses, Abraham, and supposedly stood before God.
-Fled to Medina.
-His followers......followed to Medina.

Muhammad: Politics and Prophethood:
-The first mosque was built, and he continued to receive revelations from God.
-Continued to teach his followers.
-Muslims and Jews used to pray together, but once Muhammad was told in a revelation to pray towards Mecca, and not Jerusalem, they split.
-Muhammad taught followers how to raid, not farm.

The Clash of Arms:
-Meccans outraged.
-Couple of fights happened between Muslims and Meccans, they traded off winning and losing.
-When the Muslims won, they gave credit to "divine guidance," when they lost, it was "represented as a test for the true believer."
-Eventually, there was no more opposition to Muhammad.
-So, Muhammad went to go take out old enemies, and succeeds.
-Mecca then belonged to all of Islam, Muhammad, and his followers.
-"Allahu Akbar!"

Victory and the Final Pilgrimage:
-Muhammad expands Islam even more, down the Arabian Peninsula.
-He participates in the annual pilgrimage in 632.
-Previously all faiths could make pilgrimage, but this time, it was only Muslims, and from then on out.
-Last great sermon.
-Farewell pilgrimage, back to Medina.
-"It was up to the community to find a successor."