Muhammad

Arabia During Muhammad’s Time

Mecca Trading town only; no agriculture Popular stopping point for caravans By 6th 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

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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

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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.

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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.

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Prophecy

Muhammadas 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