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The ProphetMuhammadwas born around 570 A.D.in Mecca,

Arabia.

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Arabia is a peninsula that is located in Southwest Asia, a region commonly referred to asthe Middle East.

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Muhammad wasa thoughtful and

spiritual man. Heoften went to

meditate and prayin the caves

around Mecca.

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One day, while meditating and

praying, Muhammad believed

that God spoke to him. Muhammad

became a prophet, a messenger

of God.

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Muhammad became the Prophet of a new religion, the religion of Islam. He preached belief in one God. However,the people of Mecca believed in many gods.

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Arabia wasa land of

trade routesand caravans.Muhammadhad learned

of monotheismfrom Jews

and Christians.

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However, Muhammadbelieved that he

was the “Seal of theProphets” or the

final prophet. Butthe people of Meccaforced Muhammadand his followers to

leave Mecca.

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Muhammadand his followers

were forcedto flee Meccaand journeyto Medina in

622 A.D.

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Muhammad’sflight to

Mecca is called the

Hegira or Hijra.It marks the first

year of theIslamic calendar.

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In Medina, Muhammad becamea powerful leader. Heeventually returned to Mecca and conquered it.

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The religion of Islam spread andthe followers of Islam, calledMuslims, developed a greatcivilization.

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The Five Pillars of Islam areimportant beliefs that

all Muslims share.

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1. The belief in one God2. To pray five times a day facing Mecca3. To give money to the poor or charity4. To fast during the month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset5. To make a pilgrimage or holy trip to Mecca

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The Koran or Qur'an is the

holy book of Islam. According

to Muslims, it contains the

words God spoke to his prophet,Muhammad.

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The Ka’aba is the most sacred sitein Islam. It is in Mecca. Muslimscircle it while on pilgrimage.

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Muslims are forbidden to eat pork or drink alcohol.

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A Muslim house of worship iscalled a mosque.

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The religion of Islam is a world religion. It spread through trade, warfare (jihad), and cultural diffusion.