Founder of Islam
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Allah is the object of faith, not worshiped. Associated with Allah were three goddesses, his daughters: al-Lat, Manat, and al-Uzza, they are
goddesses related to nature, the moon, and fertility.
Muhammad was born in Mecca 570-632 CE, which is today Saudi Arabia. Much of what we know about Muhammad is from his sermons and revelations in the Muslim sacred book, the Qur’an. Muhammad’s parents died at a young age, his mother died at childbirth and his father died not long after his birth leaving him an orphan. Muhammad’s grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib, who sent him to live with a nomadic tribe. This was customary at the time for boys born in the towns of the Arabian Peninsula. Muhammad lived with him for 2 years before he died, he was then sent to live with his uncle, Abu Talib. As an adult Muhammad worked as a caravan driver, for a widow named Khadijah. The friendship between Muhammad and Khadijah grew over time and they married in 595 CE, she was 40 years old and he was 25. Together they had 6 children no boys were able to survive to be his successor. The marriage between Khadijah and Muhammad provided financial, spiritual and emotional support. After Khadijah death in 619 CE he married several times, it is believed that he married women out of compassion due to women who were left widowed. Muhammad is a very religious person. He frequently went into caves to meditate and reflect. When he was 40 years old a great revelation was presented to him in the cave of Mount Hira. A bright presence came to him and held before his eyes a cloth covered in writing. It commanded three times that he recite:
“Recite in the name of the Lord who created—created man from clots of blood.
Recite! Your Lord is the Most Bountiful One, who by the pen taught man what he did not know.
Indeed, man transgresses in thinking himself his own master; for to your
Lord all things return.
Prostrate yourself and come nearer.”
Muhammad confided in his close friends and family he then came to the conclusion that the bright presence was Angel Gabriel. His wife, his cousin Ali and his friend Abu Bakr were considered to be the first Muslims which means people who submit to Allah. When Muhammad began sharing his proclamations more openly, he was not well received. He insisted that there is only one God to worship, and demanded the destructions of statues and images. He also practiced fair contracts, this became a problem with unethical business men. Muhammad became scared for his safety due to the constant stress around him, he was considering to leave Mecca. In 620 CE Muhammad experienced Night Journey or Night of Ascent, where the angel Gabriel guided him upward.He felt as if he was being carried to Jerusalem and ascending into paradise.Here in paradise he met great prophets of the past including Abraham and Jesus he was also able to meet God. This experience was the confirmation Muhammad needed to view himself as a messenger of God, a prophet.
Muhammad and his followers left Mecca in 622 CE, this migration is known as Hijra. This is the point of were his message was received and the start of the Islamic community. Muhammad had enemies in Yathrib, the Jewish community with political and financial powers disliked him due to recognizing Jesus as a prophet. Soon enough Muhammad had vanished his enemies and he gained control of the city. Mecca, Jerusalem and Media also known as Yathrib became the most sacred cities in Islam. Muhammad returned to Mecca in 630 CE, where he took control of the city, destroyed all images in the Kabah and marketplace, and began to institutionalize his religious ideals. He then extended his control over further territory in Arabia. He is remembered as wise and humble, never living above the rest of the community, his door open to anyone, quick to share his wit and charm. Muslims will often say "Peace Be upon Him," after hearing or saying his name, he died in Medina 632 CE.
goddesses related to nature, the moon, and fertility.
Muhammad was born in Mecca 570-632 CE, which is today Saudi Arabia. Much of what we know about Muhammad is from his sermons and revelations in the Muslim sacred book, the Qur’an. Muhammad’s parents died at a young age, his mother died at childbirth and his father died not long after his birth leaving him an orphan. Muhammad’s grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib, who sent him to live with a nomadic tribe. This was customary at the time for boys born in the towns of the Arabian Peninsula. Muhammad lived with him for 2 years before he died, he was then sent to live with his uncle, Abu Talib. As an adult Muhammad worked as a caravan driver, for a widow named Khadijah. The friendship between Muhammad and Khadijah grew over time and they married in 595 CE, she was 40 years old and he was 25. Together they had 6 children no boys were able to survive to be his successor. The marriage between Khadijah and Muhammad provided financial, spiritual and emotional support. After Khadijah death in 619 CE he married several times, it is believed that he married women out of compassion due to women who were left widowed. Muhammad is a very religious person. He frequently went into caves to meditate and reflect. When he was 40 years old a great revelation was presented to him in the cave of Mount Hira. A bright presence came to him and held before his eyes a cloth covered in writing. It commanded three times that he recite:
“Recite in the name of the Lord who created—created man from clots of blood.
Recite! Your Lord is the Most Bountiful One, who by the pen taught man what he did not know.
Indeed, man transgresses in thinking himself his own master; for to your
Lord all things return.
Prostrate yourself and come nearer.”
Muhammad confided in his close friends and family he then came to the conclusion that the bright presence was Angel Gabriel. His wife, his cousin Ali and his friend Abu Bakr were considered to be the first Muslims which means people who submit to Allah. When Muhammad began sharing his proclamations more openly, he was not well received. He insisted that there is only one God to worship, and demanded the destructions of statues and images. He also practiced fair contracts, this became a problem with unethical business men. Muhammad became scared for his safety due to the constant stress around him, he was considering to leave Mecca. In 620 CE Muhammad experienced Night Journey or Night of Ascent, where the angel Gabriel guided him upward.He felt as if he was being carried to Jerusalem and ascending into paradise.Here in paradise he met great prophets of the past including Abraham and Jesus he was also able to meet God. This experience was the confirmation Muhammad needed to view himself as a messenger of God, a prophet.
Muhammad and his followers left Mecca in 622 CE, this migration is known as Hijra. This is the point of were his message was received and the start of the Islamic community. Muhammad had enemies in Yathrib, the Jewish community with political and financial powers disliked him due to recognizing Jesus as a prophet. Soon enough Muhammad had vanished his enemies and he gained control of the city. Mecca, Jerusalem and Media also known as Yathrib became the most sacred cities in Islam. Muhammad returned to Mecca in 630 CE, where he took control of the city, destroyed all images in the Kabah and marketplace, and began to institutionalize his religious ideals. He then extended his control over further territory in Arabia. He is remembered as wise and humble, never living above the rest of the community, his door open to anyone, quick to share his wit and charm. Muslims will often say "Peace Be upon Him," after hearing or saying his name, he died in Medina 632 CE.