WHI-Chap14-Obj1

Identify Muhammad, discuss his background, and explain his teachings.

Personal Life Muhammad was born to nomadic merchants in 570 C.E. He had a difficult early life and was raised by his grandfather and uncle. By age 30 he had established himself as a merchant and made a comfortable life for himself in Arabian society. In 610 C.E. when he was about 40 years old, Muhammad had a spiritual revelation in which he became utterly convinced that there was only one true deity, Allah ("God") who ruled the universe. Any worship of other gods and idols was considered evil, and soon Allah will pass judgment on the world, punishing the wicked and rewarding the righteous. Muhammad presented his revelations orally, and his followers prepared a book of his oral recitations known as The Quran.

Political Implications The growing popularity of Muhammad's religion soon put the Meccan ruling elite on edge with his denunciation of greed and idolatry. Persecution of Muhammad and his followers soon ensued. Muhammad and his followers relocated to Medina in a movement known as the hijira. Muhammad then organized his followers in a group known as the umma, overlooking their economic welfare and leading them in daily prayer and in battle against his enemies. In 629 C.E. Muhammad and his followers returned to Mecca and overtook it in 630 C.E., establishing it as a center of thriving Muslim tradition.

Muhammad's Teachings The foundation of Muhammad's teachings were known as the Five Pillars of Islam. Muslims must acknowledge Allah as the only god and Muhammad as his prophet. They must pray to Allah daily while facing Mecca. They must observe a fast during the daylight hours of the month of Ramadan. They must contribute alms for the relief of the weak and poor. And, in honor Muhammad's return to Mecca, Muslims must undergo a pilgrimage to Mecca known as the hajj.

(346-351 Traditions and Encounters)

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