2. ISLAM Founder: Muhammad b. 57O - 632 AD (also Mohammed, Mahomet)
Islam--"submission" (to God)
Practitioners called Muslims (submitters)
Sacred Texts:
The Qur'an (Koran)
The Hadith ("traditions" of Muhammad and early Muslim leaders)

3. Historical Background
7th Century Arabia
Barbarism-warring tribes, settling in Mecca, trade
Paganism--Polytheism and Animism--pantheon of gods with Allah, the Moon God and his three daughters at the top, lesser gods, jinn (genies, nature spirits)
Month of Fasting in the cult of the moon god

4. Historical Background
Worship at the Kabah ("cube")--square stone temple in Mecca with 36O idols
Pilgrimage to Mecca
Prayer towards the Kabah in Mecca
Superstition

10. The Life of Muhammad Father dies before birth, "spiritualist" mother
Orphaned at 5, shuffled around, raised by uncle
Cave exploration
Early vision--insides stirred
Age 25-4O Marries Khadijah, becomes caravan owner

11. The Life of Muhammad Age 4O Prophetic call--"The Night of Power"
Muhammad's visions--temporal lobe epilepsy?
Muhammad's doubt
Demon possession?
Mental illness?
Suicide attempts thwarted by Gabriel

12. Hira cave - photo by Nacizane

13. The Life of Muhammad Flight to Medina (Yathrib)--success
The Satanic Verses: Is it O.K. to worship Allah's 3 daughters?
Caravan Looting and Pillaging
Plundering of the Jews
Defeat by the Meccans, Muhammad nearly killed at Uhod

14. The Life of Muhammad Muhammad regroups, rebuilds Treaty with Mecca
Conquest of Mecca
The Character of Muhammad
Charisma, diplomatic skills
Social justice concerns

15. The Character of Muhammad
Temper
Plunder, torture, assassinations, revenge, severe punishments
Superstition
Sexual appetite
Zaynab
Aesha
Attitude towards women
Muhammad vs. Jesus

16. The Five Pillars of Islam
1. The Shahadah: "There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet."
2. Salat: Prayer towards Mecca 5x a day
3. Zakat (annual charitable tax on net worth)
4. Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan (Month in Muslim calendar)--no eating or drinking
5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca (at least once)