Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
History
The Birth of Islam
Islam was founded in the early 7th century by the Prophet Mohammed. Born around AD
570 in the city of Mecca, Mohammed began receiving revelations at the age of 40 that con-
tinued for the rest of his life. Muslims believe these revelations, some received in Mecca,
others in Medina, came directly from Allah through the angel Gabriel.
As Mohammed came from an oral tradition, he memorised the revelations, rather than
writing them down, and then repeated them to friends and family. His contemporaries re-
cognised the revelations as divine and they formed the basis of the Quran (meaning 'recita-
tion' in Arabic). In turn, the Quran, as well as a series of suras (verses), became the basis of
the new religion of Islam.
The Prophet Mohammed
Very little is known about the early years of Mohammed, other than that he was born
around AD 570. His biography was written a century after his death and is more adulatory
than factual.
Mohammed's early life doesn't appear to have been easy. His father died before he was
born, and his mother died when Mohammed was six years old. Adopted by his grandfather,
who also died shortly after, he was eventually sent to live with his uncle. With few means,
the boy was obliged to start work early as a caravan trader. Mohammed's honesty, integrity
and efficiency, however, didn't escape the eye of a much older, wealthy widow called
Khadijah, who soon took him on as her agent. Eventually the couple married and had four
daughters. After Khadijah's death, Mohammed married several other wives (polygamy was
acceptable) for political and altruistic reasons. In addition he had at least two concubines.
Sunnis & Shiites
Islam split into different sects soon after its foundation, based not so much on theological
interpretation but on historical event.
When the Prophet died in 632, he left no instructions as to who should be his successor,
or the manner in which future Islamic leaders (known as caliphs) should be chosen. The
community initially chose Abu Bakr, the Prophet's closest companion and father-in-law, as
the new leader of the Muslim faith, but not everyone was happy with this decision. Some
supported the claim of Ali bin Abi Taleb, Mohammed's cousin and son-in-law. These sup-
porters became known as Shiites ('partisans' of Ali). Ali eventually became caliph, the
