Houston Smith Part 1

Page 3-22

Islamic Background: What are important aspects of the origin of Islam?

       1.) Islam is the religion of the Arab empire

       2.) The Arab empire was very vast and caused Islam to be widely accepted

       3.) Allah means “the God”. Muslims believe that there is only one God

       4.) God created the world then humans (still on course with the Judaism and Christianity)

       5.) According to Islam Ishmael went to where Mecca was to rise (where the difference between               Judaism and Christianity occurs.

Summary:

The Arabian Empire was even larger than the Roman Empire. The Arabs believe in their religion of Islam. In the religion they believe in only one god called Allah. The word Allah comes from “al” the masculine form of the word “the” and “llah” which means “god.” The origins of Islam are similar to Judaism and Christianity up until Ishmael and Hagar are banished from Abraham’s clan.

The Seal of the Prophets: Why is the prophet Muhammad considered so significant?

       1.) No valid prophet will follow Muhammad.

       2.) The angles of God opened his heart and filled it with light. (He was touched by God and used             as a messenger)

       3.) He is said to be pure hearted and of gentle deposition as well as humble.

       4.) He realized that Allah was the only God.

       5.) Muhammad spread the message that Allah is the only God.

Summary:

                Muhammad is considered to be the last true prophet that will be sent by God. From a young age he was disgusted by the disagreements that he saw between the tribes in Mecca. By considering why these disagreements occurred he essentially let Allah into his life and he was able to realize that Allah is the only God. Muhammad worked to spread the word that Allah is the only God to the people of Mecca.

The Migration That led to Victory: How did being banished benefit the Muslims in the end?

        1.) Since Muhammad was in danger, some of the other Muslims migrated with him so that he                  could escape the danger he was faced with.

       2.) Muhammad becomes not only the final prophet but the political leader of Medina.

       3.) Muhammad remained humble with the newly found power he had obtained

       4.) The tribes the Muslims were at war with were defeated.

       5.) With all the power of armies and police, no other Arab had ever succeeded in uniting his                     countrymen as he had.

Summary:

                After being banished to Medina Muhammad assumed power as the leader of the city. The Muslims were at conflict with many different tribes. Muhammad and his armies were eventually able to defeat the opposing armies. Muhammad then took steps to take Mecca back into the hands of the Muslims. The prophet was able to unite the empire through the use of his armies and police. Muhammad died with pretty much all of the empire under his control.