The Formative History of Islam

The Formative History of Islam

Formative History of Islam

The Prophet Muhammad

  • Born in Mecca, present-day Saudi Arabia, around 570CE.
  • He belonged to the Quraysh tribe which was a powerful and respected tribe in Mecca.
  • At the age of 40, he had a revelation by the angel Gabriel in a mountain cave.
  • He was taught the words of Allah, which are recorded in the holy book of Islam, the Qur’an.
  • Muhammad spent his remaining life revealing the messages of Allah and assembling a group of followers eventually forming the Muslim community.

Migration to Medina (The Hijrah)

  • Muslims were persecuted for their beliefs in Mecca and in 622CE, they migrated to Medina.
  • This journey is known as the Hijrah and marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
  • Muhammad’s wisdom and leadership skills lead him to be asked to resolve disputes in Medina.
  • He established a constitution, The Constitution of Medina, to regulate the societal obligations among Muslims, Jews, and Christians.

Establishment of Islam in Arabian Peninsula

  • Muhammad led his followers in several battles against the Meccan forces.
  • In 630CE, Muhammad and his followers captured Mecca without bloodshed.
  • He destroyed all pagan idols of the Kaaba and dedicated it to Allah, marking the conversion of Mecca to Islam.
  • By the time of his death in 632CE, most of the Arabian Peninsula had converted to Islam.

Early Caliphate and Sunni-Shi’a Division

  • After Muhammad’s death, the title of Caliph was established to lead the Muslim world.
  • The first four caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali) are known as the Rightly Guided Caliphs.
  • Disputes arose over who should hold the leadership creating division in the Muslim community.
  • Those who believed that the caliph should be chosen by consensus came to be known as Sunnis.
  • Those who felt the caliphate should remain within Muhammad’s family supported Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, and became known as Shi’as or Shia Muslims.

Please note that this is a simplified version of the history and there is much more depth to each subject area mentioned.