1. The Muslim Mindset Primary influence

2. That of Mohammed -his words, his works, his example- Still the primary influence on the Muslim mindset

3. It was Mohammed That recited the words of the Qur’an and it was his life recounted in the Hadith which became the model for his followers

4. And so into this heathen context … (Described in “Pre-Islamic Arabia” Mohammed is born in 570 AD, and will die in 632 AD at age 62 What experiences will shape his life and mindset? – Kaaba, pagan worship, superstitions, – Very small exposure to monotheism

5. His experiences A difficult youth Father dies while mother is pregnant; she dies 6 years later; raised by uncle Becomes a successful merchant -marries wealthy widow Khadija, 15 years his senior at age 25 (595)

6. His religious experiences At age 40 begins to receive visions and messages, supposedly from God, in a cave at Mt. Hira (610) Terrified and confused Mohammed fears he has been possessed of a spirit – (majnoun) He runs to Khadija ….

7. And then …. Khadija assures the doubting Mohammed that the messages are truly from God and that he is called to be a prophet to the Arab peoples. She becomes his first disciple. Sorrows- death of wife, uncle (619) Mohammed attempts to bring his message to his own people right up to 622 AD, but is being both rejected and persecuted. WHY? (Hurting religious tourism business !)

8. Life of Mohammed - continued Flees to Yathrib – renamed “Medina” where he is received by “the People of the Book” because he confesses monotheism. Parallels with Judaism but meets Jewish hostility (You are a Prophet? Prove it!) Christians: “At least make a miracle!”

9. Life of Mohammed - continued He encounters several struggles, even battles particularly with Mecca, his religious competitor But Mohammed does see growth, taking new territory, advancing Islam by conquest. Conquest of Mecca (629) Destroys most idols…. BUT …. A BIG “but” -Idolatry retained * Death (632)

10. Death of Mohammed -632 But by now Islam has a firm foothold in the region, especially in Mecca, the new center of Islam. Hajj is now central to that religion and business is about to take off. The Qur’an, although still not compiled, is the authority The model of conquest and empire building is well established; where will this take them?