Muhammad's Life and Early Revelations

Study Notes

Muhammad Ibn Abdullah, born in Mecca around 570 CE, to the Banu Hashim clan.
Orphaned at age 6, raised by his grandfather, then his uncle Abu Talib, head of his clan.
Married Khadijah, a widowed merchant, 15 years older than him.
Became a trader and worked under Khadijah.
Began receiving divine revelations and hearing voices.
Meditated at Mount Hira near Mecca, where Archangel Gabriel appeared to him.
Received his first message to recite "In the name of [your] Lord."
His wife Khadijah was his first follower.
His monotheistic message angered the Meccan merchants who were concerned about their trade.
Muhammad was ostracized in Mecca, but initially protected by his wife and uncle.
After their deaths, Muhammad’s situation in Mecca deteriorated.
Muhammad and his followers emigrated to Medina in 622 to practice their religion freely.
The move from Mecca to Medina is called the Hijra.
Muhammad continued to receive divine revelations and built a community around the new faith.
Muhammad and his followers clashed with the Quraysh tribe, who had a larger army.
After years of violent clashes, Mecca surrendered.
Muhammad and his followers returned to Mecca, destroyed pagan idols, and spread their belief in one God.

The "Mi’raj" describes Muhammad’s night journey from Mecca to Jerusalem, where he met with other prophets and ascended to Heaven.
The Archangel Gabriel led him through Heaven and Hell.
Muhammad was the only person to see Heaven and Hell while still alive.

Sunni Muslims believe that the Prophet's successor should be determined by consensus. They recognize the first four Caliphs (leaders) - Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, and 'Ali.
Shi'a Muslims believe that only individuals with direct lineage to the Prophet can lead properly. They regard ’Ali as the first spiritual leader.
The split between Sunnis and Shi’a resulted in differing worship practices, political and religious views.
Sunnis make up the majority of the Muslim world.
Shi’a populations are concentrated in Iran and Iraq, with sizable numbers also in Bahrain, Lebanon, Kuwait, Turkey, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.