Muhammad and the Rise of Islam
“In the year 570, in the Arabian city of Mecca, there was born a child named Muhammad whose life changed the course of world history” (WH 192). Like Jesus Christ, Confucius, Buddha, and many other great spiritual leaders, Muhammad introduced a new way of life into the world. In spite of certain difficulties during his childhood, Muhammad was able stay strong and make an impact on many peoples lives. Throughout his lifetime Muhammad was able to unite divided states through his beliefs, practices and faith. Muhammad Ibn ‘Abdullah was born in Mecca in the year 570 AD. ... ‘Abdullah, Muhammad’s father, passed away shortly before his birth, while his mother, Amina bint Wahb, passed away when he was only six years old. Muhammad was brought up by his uncle Abu Talib. ... Muhammad did work for him and traveled to other countries like Syria for an occasional trade. It was in Syria where Muhammad first learned about Christianity. ... As Muhammad grew older, he earned a respected name within society. ... At a time when men were known to be “excitable, exuberant, [and] boastful,” Muhammad’s rare qualities caught the attention of a wealthy widow by the name of Khadija bint Khuwailid. Although Khadija was many years older than Muhammad, she would go on to make him a steward and eventually her husband. After getting married, Muhammad no longer worked, because his wife was wealthy enough to support both of them. Muhammad was troubled by the growing gap between the Bedouin values of honesty and generosity and the acquisitive behaviorof the affluent commercial elites in the city. Muhammad was deeply concerned about these things and he now had a lot of extra time on his hands so he would go into the dessert to meditate in isolation (WH, 194). Muhammad was also troubled by some of the Christian and Jewish views on life. ... Muhammad was obviously a very righteous and spiritual man or else these things that were going on in his country wouldn’t bother him. ... Muhammad had now been going to the dessert to meditate for several years now. ... ’ It would come like the breaking of dawn and for Muhammad these sighting were enough to set him on a mystic path. After this first sighting Muhammad would go back to the dessert for several days and night consecutively, taking provisions with him, in order to engage in devotional exercises. ... Gabriel’s message was, “Muhammad, thou art the messenger of God. ... For Muhammad this Night of Power represents the moment when he assimilated the tradition to himself.