Life of Muhammad and Beginnings of Islam vid

Study Notes

The Beginnings of Islam

Islam, meaning "surrender," centers on the life and revelations of the Prophet Muhammad
Islam is built upon the teachings of Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, with the Quran considered the final testament
6th century Arabia was a tribal world ruled by laws of vendetta and revenge, with nomadic Bedouins and settled people
The Kaaba was the center of worship for diverse tribes in Arabia, housing hundreds of idols
Muhammad was born into a prominent family in Mecca, the Quraysh tribe, which controlled the powerful city
Muhammad lost his father before birth, mother at age six, and grandfather at eight, leaving him in a difficult early life
He developed a reputation for trustworthiness and truthfulness, becoming a merchant and traveling with his uncle
Khadija, a wealthy widow and successful businesswoman, married Muhammad at age 25, and became the first to follow his revelations
In a cave on the Mountain of Light, Jabal an-Nour, near Mecca, Muhammad received his first revelation from God
He initially struggled to accept his role as prophet, but was reassured by his wife's Christian cousin
His revelations emphasized the oneness of God, challenging the idolatry practiced by Mecca's powerful establishment
Early Muslims faced persecution for their beliefs by the Quraysh tribe, leading to their migration to the Kingdom of Axum
Muhammad's wife, Khadija, died in 619, a year recognized as the Year of Sorrows
The death of Khadija, his only wife, and that of his uncle in the same year, caused great emotional distress for Muhammad
The Hadith, a collection of accounts and sayings about Muhammad, highlights Khadija's crucial role in his life and faith