The Rise of Islam
Who are the Bedouin?
The Bedouins were a group of Arabs who were nomadic desert people. To get water for their animals they would go from oasis to oasis. They lived in tents and ate dried fruits and nuts. They drank milk from their animals, they rarely at meat because their animals were too valuable.
What was Muhammad's message?
Muhammad was born in 570 in Mecca, he was raised by his uncle. When he was a teenager he was a caravan worker, and eventually he became a successful merchant. He was later married and had children. Even though he was very successful he was not happy, he believed that wealthy town leaders needed to return to the old ways. So Muhammad went to the hills to pray, in about 610 he was visited by an Angel who told him that he needed to preach Islam. So Muhammad went back to Mecca to tell everyone that they needed to destroy statues of all false gods and only worship Allah. He also preached that all people are equal and that the rich should share their goods with everyone else. He also said that God would reward the good people and punish the evildoers.
Why was Islam not liked at first?
Muhammad slowly began to convince people that his message was true, at first only his family became Muslims. Soon many of the poor were attracted to the idea that goods should be shared. However there were many people who did not like his message, they believed that he was trying to take their power. They made his life difficult and beat and tortured his followers, so Muhammad and his followers left Mecca and went to Medina, this journey was later known as the Hajrah, and this marked the start of a new calendar.
What does Islam teach?
Islam, Judaism, and Christianity have some beliefs in common, like Christians and Jews Muslims believe in one God. Muslims believe that God created the Universe and holds all the power. They believe that God determined what is right and what is wrong, they also believe that they must follow God's laws if they want to be blessed in the afterlife. All 3 of these religions believe that God spoke through prophets. But one difference is that Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet, but Christians believe that he was more than a prophet, they believe that he is the Son of God.
What is the Quran?
Muslims wrote down the message that Muhammad said he received from Allah, these weightings became known as the Quran or the Holy Book of Islam. Muslim believe that the Quran is God's written word, and this is why they strive to follow it. They believe that the Quran instructs them on how to live, they are told to be honest and treat others fairly. Many rules in the Quran applies to Muslim's daily life.
What are the 5 Pillars of Islam and Sunna?
Muslims are expected to fulfill the 5 pillars of Islam. They are: 1.(Belief) They must declare that there no God but Allah and that Muhammad was his prophet. 2.(Prayer) They must 5 times a day facing toward Mecca. 3.(Alms) They must give to the poor. 4.(Fasting) During Ramadah they must not eat from dawn till dusk. 5.(Hajj) They must visit Mecca once in their life if possible. The Sunna is customs based on Muhammad's words and deeds, and it covers all areas of life.