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The Birth of Islam-

Islam is one of the most largest and popular religions in the world. The believers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims can be found all over the globe. Muhammad is called the founder of Islam. He preached, converted and organized an Islamic army. Muslims are monotheistic, meaning, they believe in one god, Allah. It is believed Muhammad was his last prophet. The Muslims holy book, the Qur’an, is believed to be the word of Allah.

Biography of Muhammad-

Muhammad was born in Mecca around 570 A.D. He was poor and was orphaned at age six. Later in life, he became a merchant and married a widow. Due to some problems in his life, Muhammad decided to go pray in a cave in Mount Hira at age 40, where he was visited by Gabriel the Archangel. It is said that his visitations continued until his death 20 years later. These visitations were later written down and currently make up the Qur’an, where the Islamic religion is from.

Islam’s Beginning-

Muhammad’s preaching wasn’t popular because it encouraged the people to believe in one god opposed to believing in multiple gods. Those who were converted were publicly tortured or placed under house arrest. In 622 A.D., soldiers were sent to arrest and murder Muhammad in Mecca. So, he and his follower, Abu Bakr, fled to the city of Medina for safety. With the arrival of Muhammad and Abu Bakr, the Islamic dates began. Shortly after arriving, Muhammad was welcomed in Medina, whereas in Mecca, he was an enemy. In the city of Medina, Muhammad built the first mosque, an Islamic place of worship. In the next ten years, many people converted to Islam. Muhammad was considered both a spiritual and political leader of the city to the people. Some tribes weren’t so happy with the fact that Muhammad was teaching people a different religion. So as a result, Muhammad and his supporters were engaged in war almost all the time. With ongoing warfare all the time, traveling Muslims would often get raided by Meccans for supplies and Muslims wanted revenge.