Arabia before Muhammad

Crossroads

Located on the southwest corner of Asia

Intersection of three continents

Land and sea routes

Spices, gold, silk

People introduced to new products and ideas

Arabia before Muhammad

Nomads Raised sheep, goats, and

camels

Moved around to get food and water for animals

Camels and tents belonged to individuals

Water and grazing land belong to tribes

Tribes Offer protection

Arabia Before Muhammad

Bedouins

first inhabitants

nomads

valued camels above all else

no strong central government

Arabia Before Muhammad

Towns

Sedentary lifestyle

Usually around oases

Caravans traveled in and out

Caravan = traders that travel together

Souks = markets/bazaars

Sold all types of goods

What would you do with…

What would you do with…

What would you do with…

Arabia Before Muhammad

Mecca

important trade stop and religious center

Fresh water well

Location of Kabba

Shrine with over 300 religious idols

Annual pilgrimage by tribes

Why would people start to settle in Mecca?

Answer in two complete sentences.

Question??

Arabia before Muhammad

Quraysh

Powerful tribe of Arabs

Encouraged tribes to put idols in the Kaaba

Would protect them for a fee

Muhammad’s Early Life

Muhammad

570 C.E.- Born into Quraysh tribe

Muhammad = highly praised

Father died before his birth, mother died when he was 6

Raised by Abu Talib

Uncle

Muhammad’s Early Life

Works for Khadija Wealthy widow

Marries Khadija in 595 C.E. Have 7 children

One daughter survives to adulthood, Fatima

Muhammad has a reputation as a seeker of solitude

Muhammad’s Call to Prophethood

Muhammad went to meditate in a cave

Troubled by the gap between rich and poor in Mecca

Muhammad’s Call to Prophethood

Angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad in 610 C.E.

Told him he was a messenger for God

Doesn’t tell anyone until 613 C.E.

Neighbors convince Muhammad he is a prophet

Muhammad’s Message

Basis for Islam

Islam = to submit to God

Muslim = follower of Islam

Qur’an = holy book of Islam

Filled with word of God told to Muhammad

Muhammad’s Teachings

There is only one God (Allah) and all should submit to him

All believers in God are equal

The rich should share with the poor

People should live righteously

All people are subjected to a Judgment Day

Muhammad’s Teachings

Prophets

Abraham, Moses, Jesus

Muhammad is the last prophet

“People of the Book”

Respect for Jews and Christians

Taught many of the same ideas

Muhammad’s Teachings

Challenges traditional beliefs

Monotheism

Like Judaism and Christianity

Wants to destroy idols

Wants people to share wealth

Who do you think would be most upset by Muhammad’s new teachings?

Think

Pair

Share

Question??

Hegira

Muhammad’s life threatened in Mecca

622 Muhammad moves north to Medina

Medina hopes for peace

Move to Medina = hegira

Life in Medina

Muhammad’s House

first mosque

Prayer

Face Mecca

Return to Mecca

630

Muhammad returns to Mecca

Destroys idols in Kaaba

Dedicates it to Allah

Muhammad’s Death

Dies in Medina in 632 C.E.

Buried in unmarked grave

In your notes, create a timeline with the following

events and dates

Muhammad’s birth

Marriage to Khadija

Message from Gabriel

Begins to spread message

Hegira

Return to Mecca

Death

Timeline