Islam's Origin and Early History

Created by

@RefreshedLeaningTowerOfPisa

Study Notes

Islam originated in Arabia in the 7th century
Muhammad is the founder of Islam and considered Allah's messenger and a prophet
In 610 AD, Angel Gabriel revealed to Muhammad that Allah is the one and only God

Muhammad preached Islam in Mecca from 610-622 AD
Meccans worshipped multiple gods, and local religious leaders and merchants profited from pilgrims
Muhammad's message to worship only Allah threatened their profits
In 622 AD, Muhammad and his followers migrated from Mecca to Medina (known as the Hegira)
This event marks the first year of the Islamic calendar
In 630 AD, Muhammad returned to Mecca, removed idols from the Kaaba, and made Mecca a pilgrimage center and holy city of Islam

The word "Islam" means "submission" in Arabic
Followers of Islam are called Muslims, meaning "those who have submitted to Allah"
Muslims obey Allah's teachings and those of Muhammad
Muslims follow the Six Articles of Faith and the Five Pillars of Islam
Muslims avoid gambling, drinking alcohol, and eating unclean meat (pork)
They believe in the Last Judgement, resurrection, and eternal life

The crescent moon is a symbol of Islam, often seen on national flags and building tops
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, with each month beginning on the first sighting of the crescent moon
The holy book of Islam is the Koran, containing Allah's words as revealed to Muhammad through Angel Gabriel
The Koran should only be read in Arabic during religious rituals
Muslims must perform ablution before reading the Koran
Damaged Korans should be respectfully burnt or buried
Mosques serve as places of worship for Muslims

The Six Articles of Faith include believing in Allah, prophets, angels, the Koran, the Day of Judgement, and predestination
The Five Pillars of Islam are declarations of faith, prayer, fasting during Ramadan, giving alms, and pilgrimage to Mecca