Muhammad, originally named Abu l-Qāsim Muḥammad ibn’Abd Allāh al-Hāšimī al-Qurayšī, is widely recognized as the esteemed founder of Islam. He was born in Mecca, which is now located in present-day Saudi Arabia, on April 26, 570. Sadly, at the age of 63, Muhammad passed away on June 8, 632 in Yazrib, currently known as Medina, situated in the Hijaz region of Saudi Arabia.
Muhammad’s teachings and revelations form the basis of Islam, a monotheistic religion stemming from the Abrahamic tradition. The Holy Quran, a sacred text that holds great importance for its followers, serves as the guiding doctrine for Muslims. One of the core tenets of Islam lies in the belief that “There is no God, but Allah, and that Muhammad is the final messenger of Allah.”
In summary, Muhammad’s life began in Mecca and concluded in Medina, with his profound influence leading to the establishment and development of Islam. His teachings, encapsulated in the Quran, continue to shape the lives and faith of millions around the world.
Muhammad’s parentage remains somewhat a mystery, although it is widely believed that he was born into the Quraish tribe. Legend has it that his first miracle occurred when the archangel Gabriel appeared and performed an extraordinary task. He delved into Muhammad’s chest, extracting a dark clot, symbolizing the presence of Satan’s influence. However, Gabriel swiftly washed this dark clot with water from the esteemed Zamzam well, using a splendid golden bowl. Remarkably, the archangel then returned the purified heart to its rightful place within Muhammad’s chest. This wondrous event quickly spread amongst Muhammad’s childhood companions, who, upon witnessing the radiant spectacle, rushed to inform his wet nurse about the supposed tragedy. To their astonishment, they discovered that Muhammad was very much alive, dispelling any concerns of his demise.
When he was only six years old, he tragically lost his parents and was taken in by his uncle Abu Talib. They traveled together on trade journeys, and even at a young age, he took on various jobs. However, his most significant role was as a commercial representative for Khadijah, a wealthy widow who he eventually married. Khadijah remained a loyal and supportive partner for a remarkable twenty-five years, bringing him immense joy and affection. Although he had multiple children, it was his daughter Fatima who would continue his bloodline.
When Muhammad reached the age of forty, he decided to retreat to the solitude of the desert and spend several days at a cave on Mount Hira. It was during this time that he believed he received a divine revelation from God-Allah, with the archangel Gabriel serving as the messenger. Initially, Muhammad was perplexed by these revelations and even contemplated ending his life, thinking they were influenced by a demonic force. Thankfully, his wife intervened and convinced him to embrace the messages instead. With the support and encouragement of his wife, Jadicha, Muhammad began to share these revelations with his fellow citizens, presenting himself as a follower of the great prophets of monotheism from the past, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus Christ.
The Koran was written by preserving the word of God (Allah), which was transmitted by Gabriel to those with exceptional memory abilities. These people tirelessly recited and memorized the verses, ensuring that the original message remained unchanged. Interestingly, the materials used to record these verses included the scapulae of camels. While the Koran provides insights into the thoughts of Prophet Muhammad, it lacks detailed information about his life. Similar to other religious leaders like Buddha and Jesus, we only have a broad understanding of the events leading up to the start of their teachings.
When Muhammad delivered his sermons, he emphasized a monotheistic belief system centered around a compassionate and all-powerful God who would pass judgment based on one’s actions. It was crucial for humans to express gratitude towards God and acknowledge their reliance on Him. The acknowledgment of God’s omnipotence contrasted with the mindset of wealthy merchants who believed their riches exempted them from any moral obligations. According to Muhammad, the purpose of human life was to strive for actions that would lead to paradise. The key principles of his initial teachings were generosity and treating the vulnerable with respect.
In the beginning, Islam emerged as a faith that built upon the teachings of Christianity and Judaism, both of which were familiar to Muhammad. As Muhammad publicly preached about the concept of monotheism, it triggered criticisms from those who adhered to polytheistic beliefs. Consequently, Muhammad found himself in a confrontation with the Arab population, who worshiped multiple gods. While the Kaaba, a sacred structure in Mecca, allowed the worship of the one God proclaimed by Muhammad, other shrines on the outskirts of the city were dedicated to different deities and did not permit the monotheistic worship. However, it is not entirely certain, despite claims, that the resistance against Muhammad stemmed primarily from the influential merchants who feared a decline in their commercial activities once the idols disappeared.
The Kaaba, the holy place in Mecca, has always been considered the ultimate sanctuary. If the idols had disappeared, it would have only affected a few merchants who had set up shop nearby and built their own shrines. These shrines were strongly denounced by Muhammad. So, the significance of the idols’ disappearance was limited to this specific group.
The reasons behind the increasing animosity of the wealthy ruling class in Mecca towards Prophet Muhammad can be attributed to a few key factors. Firstly, Muhammad’s criticisms and challenges to the extravagant lifestyle and privileges enjoyed by the rich played a significant role. Additionally, the Prophet’s refusal to accept the notion of his own absolute power and authority was a source of tension. Lastly, the act of preaching itself endowed Muhammad with a notable political persona, which posed a potential threat to the ruling oligarchy’s control over the city in the foreseeable future.
The core teachings of the faith centered around the belief in Allah as the one and only God, who is all-powerful, timeless, and the creator of everything in existence. This belief in Allah was coupled with the acceptance of prophets, with Muhammad being recognized as the final one. Furthermore, the faith encompassed a belief in the existence of angels, the importance of sacred texts (with the Qur’an being the most recent and essential), the concept of resurrection, and the idea of predestination.
If you’re a follower of Islam, there are a few important things you need to do to uphold your faith. First off, it’s essential to openly declare your belief in Islam. Additionally, make sure you pray five times a day, give the required alms, complete the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in your lifetime, and observe the fast during Ramadan. By adhering to these practices, you can strengthen your connection to your religion and fulfill your religious obligations.