Middle East

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

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 2 - 4 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

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

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

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