History of the Middle East I. The Prophet Muhammad
Life of Muhammad Born 570 AD in Mecca, Saudi Arabia Orphaned at 6, married Khadijah who was 15 years older 610 AD, during the Arabic month of Ramadan, had his first vision of the Angel Gabriel Nephew Ali was an early convert Muslim: one who submits to Gods will
Muhammad’s Hijra Meccans thought he would disrupt pilgrimage to the Ka’bah. Ka’bah: black box full of pagan idols in Mecca Muhammad had another vision where he went to heaven from Jerusalem and visited Moses 620 AD, In trouble at Mecca, people from Medina ash Muhammad to arbitrate an argument 622 AD, Muhammad leaves for Medina (Hijra) and establishes his Ummah there. Observes Yom Kippur and faces Jerusalem when praying
Conquest of Mecca In Media, Muhammad could not farm. Raided caravans to Mecca. Battle of Badr, Muhammad defeats a force from Mecca 629 AD: He takes Mecca without bloodshed
Mohammad’s Personal Life Wife died in 619 AD Took 9 more wives Married for alliances and married widows of his slain friends. (9) Died in 632 AD
No pictures of Mohammad. False Idols