Book 1 - History Flashcards
Muhammad’s early life
Born in Makkah in 570CE
Raised by his uncle and grandfather and his parents died
As a child, he thought of a higher being
Became a camel driver and trader
Known for his honesty
Saw the corruption, greed and idolatry of Makkah
Worked for Khadijah, and took her as his wife
Muhammad’s night of power (Lialat ul Qadr)
Cave of Hira, Mount Nur
40yr old, during Ramadan 610CE
Called to “Recite”
Angel Jibril orders Muhammad to read, Muhammad said he could not x3
Felt a rush of energy, words stuck in his mind Surah 96
The revelations continued for 23 years
Persecutions in Makkah
Muhammad preached to family
Preached in public - openly against idolatry, incurred wrath of Quryash (group of clans that controlled Makkah).
Poorer followers persecuted. Persecution increased, and Muhammad advised his followers to leave Makkah
The Hijrah
12 men from Madinah heard Muhammad, accepted his teaching, protected him to Madinah.
24 September 622, fled to Madinah.
Medinah accepted him, became their leader. Established Islam
End of Muhammad’s life
Preached his last sermon on the Mount of Mercy, asked “Have I fulfilled my mission”, the crowd approved and died in Madinah 8 June 632, buried in the house know as the first mosque
Why is Muhammad a model to Muslims
Guide for moral spiritual development
Key figure for all Muslims
Best model of a human being, a Khalifah, a prophet, leader, husband and believer. Seal of the Prophets
Islam shortly after Muhammad
Muhammad chose no succesor, Abu Bakr his trusted friend and uncle became the Khalifah (custodian) of IslamWithin 100 years, reached Spain and South France.
Conquered Jerusalem
Crusades and Muslim Empire
11th Century, European Christianity, fought back. 7 major crusades to regain Palestine. Many citizens killed, unsuccessful, cruel.
Islam spread to Africa and Asia, conquered Constantinople - Istanbul
Safavids in Iran, Moguls in India, Ottomans in Turkey
Islam today
Over 1.8B Muslims, 24.1% of population.
Fastest spreading religion, dominant in richest and poorest countries
6% of Europe, 2% Australia, 1% NZ
Origins of Sunni and Shia
Sunnah - Custom or tradition
Shi’ite - party of Ali
Ali - first convert and son in law,
Shi’ah think the Khalifah should be of Muhammad’s family.
Abu Bakr died naturally, Khalifahs Umar and Uthman both murdered, Ali became Khalifah - objected too by many. Supporters went to Iraq, Muawiya, cousin of Uthman fought, Ali killed - Muawiya Khalifah
Events of Plain of Karbala
Muawiya’s son, Yazid became Khalifa. Ali’s grandson Hussein claimed as next Khalifah but had little supporters.
Yazid surrounded Hussein, with no water Hussein held his son - innocent - to get water. Baby killed by arrow, all killed.
Ashura Festival
Festival for Shia Muslims, mourning the matyrdom of Hussein, day of fasting, mourning rituals and passion plays. Parade in black, slapping their chests. Some men cut their foreheads or flog themselves with chains until blood runs.
The famous 12 imams (shia)
Shia culture - direct descendents of Ali. Intermediaries between Allah and the people, infallible, chosen by Allah, free from sin. Appointed by previous imams, and helped the development of Shi’ah
Fivers, Seveners and Twelvers groups are how many imams they believe in. All believe the last Imam, Mahdi or Hidden Imam is still alive, appearing to worshippers, some believe it is prophet Isa (Jesus)
Muhammad as the Seal of the prophets
Sunni
Muhammad as the lastprophet from Allah, because the revelation was completed in the Qur’an. Allah gave the Qur’an to Muhammad in Arabic, all copies are the same.
Islam did not start with Muhammad but with Adam, and hasen’t changed since. Qur’an can’t be changed so doesn’t need a new prophet. Anyone claiming to be a prophet is not muslim
