The Early History Of Islam - 1297 Words

THE EARLY HISTORY OF ISLAM Lily Grote HUM 2020: Introduction to the Humanities December 1st, 2015 The history of the Islamic religion begins in 610 C.E., with Muhammad ibn Abdallah, a merchant who every year during the month of Ramadan would â€Å"retire to a cave on the summit of Mount Hira, just outside Mecca in the Arabian Hijaz, where he prayed, fasted and gave alms to the poor.† This was a common practice for many Arabs in the peninsula. Muhammad was a merchant, a member of the tribe Quraysh which had become quite wealthy trading among bordering countries. The Quraysh were focused on accumulating more wealth but at the expense of the tribe’s poorer family groups, known as clans. A â€Å"spiritual restlessness† had become apparent among many of the Arab countries, as they knew that Judaism and Christianity were more refined than the Arab’s own pagan customs. Many Arabs began to believe that they were left out by al-Lah (the High God of their pantheon, literally meaning â€Å"the God†) because they were not sent a prophet or scripture such as Jesus, the Bible, or the Torah in that of the Christian and Jewish religions. Muhammad himself had most likely never heard of the Christian prophets. Oftentimes, the Jews and followers of Christ taunted the Arabs for not being a part of the divine plan. On the 17th day of Ramadan, 610 C.E., Muhammad awoke from his slumber by an overpowering presence that squeezed him so tightly that the word of a new Arab scripture fell from hisShow MoreRelated Hughes Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate1170 Words   |  5 PagesHughes Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate In the Hughes’ text, Women in World History: Volume 1, the chapter on Middle Eastern women focuses on how Islam affected their lives. Almost immediately, the authors wisely observe that â€Å"Muslim women’s rights have varied significantly with time, by region, and by class† (152). They continue with the warning that â€Å"there is far too much diversity to be adequately described in a few pages.† However, I argue that thereRead MoreHistory Of Islam : The Second Largest And Fastest Growing Religion Essay1400 Words   |  6 PagesHistory of Islam: Islam is the second largest and fastest-growing religion worldwide despite being the youngest of the major religions across the globe with 1.2 billion followers. The word Islam in the modern world does not only refer to countries from North Africa to Southeast Asia but also incorporates Muslim minority communities throughout the world. Currently, Islam is either the second or third largest religion in Americas and Europe since these regions have experienced the political, demographicRead MoreA Study Of Islamic History997 Words   |  4 PagesTo truly understand islamic history, one must examine the life of the individual who gave birth to such a phenomenon. Ibn Ishaq’s’ The life of Muhammad’ (1955), Syed Ameer Ali’s ‘The Spirit of Islam: A history of the Evolution and Ideals of Islam, with a Life of the Prophet’ (1923) and Ali Dashti’s ‘Twenty-three Years: A study of the Prophetic Career of Mohammad’ (1985), claim that Islam did not begin prior to Muhammad’s birth. The focus of that time period was centred on the idea of conquest whichRead MoreThe Rise of Christianity vs. the Rise of Islam740 Words   |  3 Pagesvs. the Rise of Islam The rise of Christianity and Islam happened during a turbulent time in history, when major civilizations like the Roman Empire and the Persian Empire were in decline due to political infighting, disease, and outside barbarians constantly applying pressure. Christianity was adopted in the heart of the Roman Empire, as a way to continue the influence of Rome, while not being able to control all of Europe militarily. (Rise of Christianity, 2012) Therefore, early Christianity, asRead MoreRelationship Between Muslims And Jews1292 Words   |  6 PagesJews in Early Islam While also Looking at it From a Christian Perspective When looking at Early Islam and the relationship it had on Jews and Muslims we can see both the difficulties and achievements. Islam which is a monotheistic religion that urbanized in the Middle East during the 7th century means surrender, and was founded on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as an expression of surrender to the will of Allah, who is know to be the creator of the world in their eyes. Islam refersRead MoreIslam More Than a Religion1408 Words   |  6 PagesIslam More Than A Religion Despite its huge following around the world and the growing Muslim communities in the United States, Islam is foreign to most Americans who are familiar with Christianity or Judaism. Because most Americans know little or nothing about Islam, they have many misconceptions about Muslim beliefs and rituals. The negative image many people in the United States and Europe have of Islam and the Muslim world has a long history. Many have judged Islam without making an effortRead MoreContributions Of Prominent Muslim Women1049 Words   |  5 Pagesacknowledged in anyway. Which is all a misconception only conceived by non- muslims or people who might not have much knowledge in Islam. If they were to look deeper they would be astonished to see a womans worth in Islam and all the rights given towards women. And how women in Islamic history helped shape the religion. Some prominent Muslim women throughout Islamic history and modern times are from the following: Khadija b. Khuwaylid , Nusayba b. Ka’b al- Ansariyya, A’isha b. Abi Bakr, Al- Malika al-Read MoreAccount for the Spread of Islam from Its Beginnings to Ad 600c1115 Words   |  5 PagesAccount for the spread of Islam from its beginnings to c.660AD Islam is a monotheistic religion founded around 615AD by Mohammed. In its early days, many people rejected it, but now it is the fastest-growing religion in the world. Exploring the reason for its rapid spread, we look at its roots and early rulers, particularly its founder, Mohammed. Mohammed was born in Mecca in 570AD. His father died before he was born and was orphaned at the age of six following his mother’s death. AfterRead MoreThe Islamic Religion Of The Arabian Desert1505 Words   |  7 Pages Michael Pudlin Professor Ermus November 18th, 2014 Allah says in the Qur an not to despise one another. So the criterion in Islam is not color or social status. It s who is most righteous. If I go to a mosque - and I m a basketball player with money and prestige - if I go to a mosque and see an imam, I feel inferior. He s better than me. It s about knowledge.(Hakeem Olajuwon) The Islamic religion may also be defined as your average day rollercoaster; You have yourRead MoreThe Prophet Muhammad, By Michele Thorpe1609 Words   |  7 Pages The Prophet Muhammad By: Michele Thorpe History 104 Professor Odamtten November 17, 2014 The prophet Muhammad was born in the year 570, in the town of Mecca, in Western Arabia. Officially named AbÃ… « al-QÄ sim Muá ¸ ¥ammad ibn Ê ¿Abd AllÄ h ibn Ê ¿Abd al-Muá ¹ ­Ã¡ ¹ ­alib ibn HÄ shim, the prophet once urged his followers to â€Å"say what is true, even though it may be bitter and displeasing to others.† It is with this notion that Muhammad lived his life doing what he believed to be right, and preaching what