The Life of Muhammad and the Genesis of Islam

1. The Life of Muhammad and the Genesis of Islam Chapter 6 (part 2 of 5)

2. Muhammad’s Early Life 570 – Born into Quraysh tribe Grandfather taught him to be merchant Father died before he was born Raised by relatives, (uncle Abu Talib)

3. Muhammad Moves to Mecca Moved to Mecca in his late teens Khadijah – wealthy widow Muhammad worked for and later married Became a very successful, wealthy merchant

4. Living in Mecca and traveling as merchant gave Muhammad first-hand view of problems in Arab world Clan rivalries were dividing the Arab people. Trade led to great wealth disparity. Some tribes like Quraysh in Mecca very rich, other very poor. This divided Arabs

5. Muhammad grew dissatisfied with material gains • Spent time meditating in hills around Mecca • 610 = received 1st of many revelations which supporters believe were from Allah • This was beginning of Islamic religion

6. Quran – Muhammad’s revelations were written down in the Quran, the sacred text of Islam

7. Muhammad a Threat to Umayyads Umayyads (who controlled Mecca) saw Muhammad as threat Muhammad’s new religion was threat to importance of the Ka’ba, Mecca’s big drawing card

8. Flight from Mecca • 622 – Muhammad flees Mecca (start of Islamic calendar) • Invited to Medina to stop clan warfare there • He makes peace and is huge hero • Umayyads in Mecca see Muhammad as even bigger threat

9. Mecca v. Medina Muhammad shows courageous leadership and is victorious over Mecca Quraysh in Mecca fight against Muhammad and his supporters in Medina

11. The Appeal of Islam to Arabs

12. Islam Provides Ethical System Preached equality for all Zakat – charity tax (wealthy helped the poor) Follow Islamic law on earth, have good eternity

13. 5 Pillars of Faith