Muhammad
Early life
• Born into Quraysh tribe btwn 570-580 • Father died before he was born • Age 6 – mom dies • Raised by Uncle Abu Talib • Worked for and later married Khadija • 7 children only 1(Fatima) survived • Liked being by himself
Call to prophethood
• Age 40-in spent time in a cave on Mount Hira • A voice (Angel Gabriel) told Muhammad to recite
Muhammad Spreads the Word -teachings
• 1. there was only 1 God (Allah) and all submit to Him • 2. All believers in God are equal • 3. rich should share with the poor • 4. People should live righteously (good) • 5. all people face a judgment day
Teachings Cont.
• Companions credited Muhammad with miracles
– Passed through the 7 levels of heaven “night journey” – Brought a spring into Makkah (Mecca)
Angry Makkans
• Preaching angered Mecca
– Wanted to abolish (get rid of) idolatry – Critical of rich merchants who controlled most of the money and power in Mecca
Protection for the Prophet
• His powerful and respected family kept him safe • After Uncle and wife died fled to Madinah
Emigration to Madinah
• Traveled to Yathrib • Journey (hijrah) marks beginning of Islam/Muslim calendar
Muhammad’s welcome
• Was welcomed by Jews and Arabs • Thought Muhammad would stop a civil war • renamed city Yathrib Madinaht (Madinah) • Believers began to call themselves Muslims (those who submit to God’s Will)
Conflict in Madinah
• Muhammad wanted new converts • Some Jewish leaders did not accept Muhammad as a prophet • Expelled (kicked out) Jews who opposed Muhammad • Muhammad told followers to pray toward Mecca not Jerusalem
Return to Mecca
• Quraysh
– Became more hostile as more people became Muslim
• Muhammad’s followers
– Were outnumbered but won the battle of Badr
Battle of Badr
Outcome
• More battles fought in yrs that followed • Makkans laid siege on Madinah in 627 • 630 captured Makkah • Destroyed all idols and pagan relics – dedicated Kaaba to Allah • 632 Muhammad's last hajj (pilgrimage) • Rites and ceremonies of the hajj became standard practice for Muslims