Muhammad
Arabia During Muhammad’s Time Mecca Trading town only; no agriculture Popular stopping point for caravans By 6 th century, Mecca very prosperous Merchants became wealthy Handful of families started ruling the city. Did not share wealth with poorer clans..
Arabia During Muhammad’s Time Mecca Religious center Ka’ba said to have been built by Abraham for God centuries before Most people polytheistic Ka’ba housed statues of hundreds of gods. People came to worship them.
Arabia During Muhammads’s Time Government Most people lived in desert No central government Loyalty pledged to clans (small groups) or tribes (large groups) Much fighting, tribe against tribe Capture territory, animals, goods, oases, and wives When someone killed, his family was honor bound to avenge death.
Arabia During Muhammad’s Time Bound together Shared ties of culture, especially language Poetry celebrated history of people, beauty of land, and way of life. Poets and singers competed at gatherings in markets and during pilgrimages.. Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi
Early Life Muhammad Born in 570 CE Became an orphan at a young age, raised by uncle and aunt Was a trader and herder Well known in trade cities for honesty Attributed to his strong character, morality, courage and compassion…as well as teachings..
Prophecy Muhammad as a prophet 610 CE went to hills to pray Saw an angel that told him he was prophet of God Worship one god, everyone was equal, take care of poor, improve women’s status New teachings were met with resistance. Few people converted to Islam 622 Moved with his followers to Medina Converts started to increase Battles over Mecca began
Death Muhammad the prophet 630 CE went back to Mecca and won battle, destroyed idols, took over the Ka’ba 632 Muhammad dies suddenly. Shrine of Muhammad
Next Rulers Caliph Title taken by Muslim rulers who claim religious authority to rule. First 4 caliphs after Muhammad’s death Known as the “rightfully guided” caliphs Islam expanded greatly under their rule