12.1 Life of Prophet Muhammad and Early Islam
3 min read•august 7, 2024
's life and early Islam shaped the foundation of one of the world's major religions. Born in around 570 CE, Muhammad received divine revelations, faced persecution, and established the first Islamic state in .
The early Muslim community, united under Muhammad and his successors, rapidly expanded the Islamic empire. This period saw the emergence of the - divide, which continues to influence Islamic thought and politics today.
Life of Muhammad
Early Life and Revelations
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- Muhammad born in Mecca around 570 CE to the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe
- Orphaned at a young age and raised by his uncle Abu Talib
- Worked as a merchant and became known for his trustworthiness (al-Amin)
- Married , a wealthy widow, at the age of 25
- Received his first revelation from God through the angel Gabriel around 610 CE while meditating in a cave on Mount Hira
Migration to Medina (Hijra)
- Faced opposition and persecution in Mecca for preaching monotheism and criticizing the polytheistic practices of the Quraysh
- Escaped an assassination attempt and migrated to the city of Yathrib (later renamed Medina) in 622 CE
- The migration, known as the , marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar
- Established the first Islamic state in Medina, creating a constitution that governed the diverse population, including Muslims, Jews, and pagans
Final Years and Legacy
- Continued to receive revelations, which were compiled into the Quran after his death
- Returned to Mecca in 629 CE and peacefully conquered the city, forgiving his former enemies and establishing Islam as the dominant religion in the region
- Died in 632 CE in Medina, leaving a united Arabian Peninsula under the banner of Islam
- His life and teachings continue to serve as a model for Muslims worldwide, with his sayings and actions () forming the basis of Islamic law () alongside the Quran
Early Islamic Community
Unity and Expansion (Umma)
- The early Muslim community, known as the Umma, was united under the leadership of Muhammad and his successors (Caliphs)
- The Umma was guided by the principles of equality, justice, and solidarity, regardless of tribal or ethnic affiliations
- Rapid expansion of the Islamic empire under the Rightly Guided Caliphs (, , , and ) through military conquests and diplomatic alliances
- By the mid-7th century, the Islamic empire stretched from the Iberian Peninsula in the west to the Indus Valley in the east
Leadership and Succession (Caliphate)
- After Muhammad's death, the question of succession led to the emergence of two main branches of Islam: Sunni and Shia
- Sunni Muslims, who make up the majority, believe that the leader (Caliph) should be elected by the community based on their qualifications and the consensus of the Umma
- The first four Caliphs, known as the Rightly Guided Caliphs (Rashidun), were chosen through this method and are revered by Sunni Muslims for their piety and leadership
- The continued under the Umayyad (661-750 CE) and Abbasid (750-1258 CE) dynasties, serving as both political and religious leaders of the Islamic world
Sectarian Divide (Sunni and Shia)
- Shia Muslims believe that leadership should have remained within Muhammad's family, specifically with his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, and his descendants (Imams)
- The Shia maintain that Ali was designated by Muhammad as his successor and that the Caliphate was usurped by the first three Rightly Guided Caliphs
- The division between Sunni and Shia Muslims was solidified after the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, where Ali's son, Husayn, was killed by the Umayyad Caliph Yazid I
- The Sunni-Shia split has had significant political, social, and religious implications throughout Islamic history, with tensions and conflicts persisting to the present day (Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen)
Key Terms to Review (20)
Abu Bakr: Abu Bakr was a close companion and father-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, and he is known as the first caliph of Islam following Muhammad's death in 632 CE. His leadership was crucial in consolidating the Muslim community and expanding Islamic rule, establishing a foundation for the subsequent caliphates.
Ali: Ali is a significant figure in early Islam, known as the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, and the fourth caliph of the Islamic community. He is revered for his close relationship with Muhammad and is considered a central figure in both Sunni and Shia branches of Islam, symbolizing leadership, justice, and spiritual authority. His life and contributions are pivotal in understanding the development of the early Islamic community and the subsequent religious and political divisions that arose after Muhammad's death.
Caliphate: A caliphate is a form of Islamic government led by a caliph, who is considered a political and religious successor to the Prophet Muhammad. The caliphate plays a crucial role in uniting the Muslim community and governing according to Islamic law (Sharia). Its importance is rooted in early Islamic history, particularly during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and the subsequent rightfully guided caliphs, as well as in the ongoing Sunni-Shia divide regarding legitimate leadership in Islam.
Five Pillars of Islam: The Five Pillars of Islam are the foundational acts of worship and practice that define a Muslim's faith and practices. These pillars serve as a framework for a Muslim's life, establishing the core beliefs and actions that unite the global Muslim community and guide their relationship with God, including faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage.
Hadith: Hadith refers to the recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, which serve as a crucial source of guidance for Muslims alongside the Quran. These narratives provide insight into the Prophet's life and teachings, helping to inform Islamic law and ethical standards. The collection and interpretation of hadiths are essential for understanding both early Islamic history and contemporary practices among various Muslim communities.
Hijra: Hijra refers to the migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, marking a significant turning point in Islamic history. This event is not only crucial for understanding the life of Muhammad and the early Muslim community but also symbolizes the transition from persecution to a thriving society based on Islamic principles. The hijra established Medina as the first Islamic state and is considered the starting point of the Islamic calendar.
Khadija: Khadija bint Khuwaylid was the first wife of Prophet Muhammad and one of the most influential figures in early Islamic history. She was a wealthy merchant who played a crucial role in supporting Muhammad both emotionally and financially during the early years of his prophethood, helping to establish the foundation of Islam in a society that was largely resistant to change.
Mecca: Mecca is a city in present-day Saudi Arabia and is considered the holiest site in Islam. It is the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and the site of the Kaaba, a cube-shaped structure that Muslims face during their prayers. Mecca plays a crucial role in the Islamic faith, as it is the destination for the Hajj pilgrimage, which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Medina: Medina is a city in present-day Saudi Arabia that holds significant historical importance as the second holiest city in Islam after Mecca. It was here that Prophet Muhammad and his followers migrated in 622 CE, marking a pivotal moment known as the Hijra, which not only provided a safe haven for the early Muslim community but also established Medina as the administrative and spiritual center of Islam during its formative years.
Muhammad: Muhammad is regarded as the final prophet of Islam, born in Mecca around 570 CE. He is central to Islamic belief and practice, as he received revelations from Allah that form the basis of the Quran, which is the holy book of Islam. His life and teachings significantly shaped early Islamic communities and laid the groundwork for one of the world's major religions.
Qur'an: The Qur'an is the holy book of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. It serves as the primary source of Islamic theology, law, and guidance for Muslims, encompassing themes of morality, spirituality, and human conduct. The Qur'an is written in Arabic and is divided into chapters called surahs, which vary in length and cover various aspects of life and faith.
Rashidun Caliphate: The Rashidun Caliphate refers to the first four caliphs who led the Muslim community after the death of Prophet Muhammad from 632 to 661 CE. This period is marked by significant military expansions, the compilation of the Quran, and the establishment of Islamic governance, laying foundational principles for future Islamic states.
Sharia: Sharia refers to Islamic law derived from the Quran and Hadith, guiding the moral, ethical, and legal aspects of Muslim life. It encompasses both personal conduct and community regulations, shaping the daily lives of Muslims and influencing various aspects of society, including governance and justice.
Shia: Shia, or Shi'ism, is one of the two main branches of Islam, originating from a dispute over the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims believe that Ali, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, was divinely appointed as his rightful successor. This belief led to significant theological and political differences with the Sunni branch, influencing the development of Islamic teachings, practices, and community structures.
Sunni: Sunni refers to the largest denomination of Islam, encompassing about 85-90% of the global Muslim population. Sunnis follow the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing community consensus and the importance of the Quran and Hadith in shaping their beliefs. This branch of Islam is characterized by its acceptance of the first four caliphs as rightful successors to Muhammad, which sets it apart from Shia Islam, leading to distinct theological and political differences.
Tawhid: Tawhid is the Islamic concept of monotheism, emphasizing the oneness and uniqueness of Allah. This principle is fundamental to Islamic theology, as it shapes the understanding of God, influences worship practices, and forms the basis of all Islamic beliefs. Tawhid rejects any form of polytheism or association of partners with Allah, reinforcing the idea that God is singular and unparalleled in His attributes and authority.
Umar: Umar ibn al-Khattab was the second caliph of Islam, serving from 634 to 644 CE, and is known for his significant role in the early expansion of the Islamic state and its administration. He is often celebrated for implementing numerous reforms, establishing a welfare system, and promoting justice and equality within the rapidly growing Muslim community. His leadership style and military conquests helped solidify the foundations of early Islamic governance and played a crucial part in shaping the future of the Muslim world.
Umayyad Caliphate: The Umayyad Caliphate was the first major Islamic caliphate established after the death of Prophet Muhammad, ruling from 661 to 750 CE. It marked a significant expansion of Islamic territory and influence, reaching across North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, and into parts of Central Asia, while also laying down administrative structures that would shape future Islamic governance.
Ummah: Ummah refers to the collective community of Muslims worldwide, bound together by faith and shared beliefs. This concept emphasizes the unity and brotherhood among Muslims, transcending national and ethnic boundaries, and is essential in understanding early Islamic society, the practices of faith, and key theological concepts within Islam.
Uthman: Uthman ibn Affan was the third caliph of the Islamic community after the death of Prophet Muhammad. He played a crucial role in the early expansion of Islam and is best known for commissioning the compilation of the Quran into a single book form, which helped unify the Muslim community during a time of rapid growth and change.