Muhammad: A Very Short Introduction Ch. 1 Homework
1. Over the years before Muhammad’s birth, Arabs had corrupted the monotheism by creating lesser gods that varied from tribe to tribe in the area. They had also created the Kaba in Mecca into a very profitable revenue stream. Muhammad’s mother Amina knew that her son was destined to do great things when she heard a voice say, “You carry in your womb the lord of his people and when he is born say, ‘I place him in the protection of the one God, from evil of the enviers’, then name him ‘The Most Praised’.” When Muhammad was a child the portents of his birth were fulfilled after two figures removed his heart, washed it with pure snow, removed a black spot, replaced the heart, and placed seal between his shoulder blades.
Muhammad received his first revelation at the age of 40. His teachings would later become what made up the Qur’an in the Islam religion. The Qur’an was the word of God that was relayed to Muhammad by the archangel Gabriel. Abu Talib, Muhammad’s uncle, physically protected Muhammad as he traveled during his ministry because the Arab’s wanted to see him dead. The Quraysh offered reward to whoever would capture Muhammad; therefore, Muhammad and Abu Bakr made the emigration to Yathrib and spent their nights during the journey in caves. When Muhammad reached Yathrib he built the first mosque in Islam where his camel knelt after entering the city. Muslims led by Muhammad raged war on Arabs over the Holy Land Mecca and once they won the miraculous victory occurred by the Muslims they made it illegal for polytheists to make the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. At the age of 6, “the Prophet” and “Messenger of God” died of an illness.
2.
• Muhammad’s name means “the Most Praised”
• Mother died when Muhammad was six years old
• Began giving revelations from God at 40 years old, 610 CE
• Was