2.1: The life and work of the Prophet Muhammad

Key termsJahiliyyah

Benighted era

Dark ages

The Age of Ignorance

Byzantine Empire

Sassanian Empire

Polytheism

Lawless

Tribes & Clans

Vendetta

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Tribal system

Zoroaster

Animistic

Judaism

Christianity

Hanifs

Monotheism

Hijra

a). The historical, Political, economic and religious context of Muhammad’s life

Social context Arabia never been a great empire Desert with scattering of oases, only fertile part, a small strip South bordering

Indian Ocean Tribal division, council of elders, chief called Shaykh Trade through, sailing ships from India to Aden (South) Camel caravans brought goods from Byzantine Empire to North/Sassanian

Empire to Makkah…Trade dominated by South Arabia Abyssinians invaded the South, Sassanian Empire took over South Arabia in 580CE Hashim increased trade cycle yearly obtaining charters from Byz… Sass..

Abyss… to move freely in these areas Promotion of free trade called Al’hums, tribes agreed not fight over shares or

profit Quraish (Banu Makhzum & Ummayyad) made vast sums of money, Banu

Hashmites remained poorer… No social system of dealing with discontent Vendetta and infanticide, common tradition

Political context

“It was an imposingly advanced and civilised society.” (Watton) Main two powers: 1. Byzantine Empire and 2. Sassasinide Empire were losing

power and control East – Great Sassanian Empire ruling from China to Iraq and from North India

to the Caspian Sea. Advanced agricultural system Own philosophies, literature, etc

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“Both of these empires had a long history of civilisation and had a type and standard of living not reached in Western Europe until the middle of the 19th century.” (Watton)

These two powers were at war with each other. Religious disputes were occurring in the areas on the edge of Arabia.

No real political system in Arabia. “Might is right” was the slogan and

rule loyalty was to tribe each tribe had its own system, and each tribe’s political system varied. Resulted in anarchy and chaos.

The chiefs of each tribe were not interested in the welfare of people but power.

Trade

Mecca was ideally suited to trade. Accessible by two major trade routes – the route to Syria, the Jordan river and the Byzantine empire known as the Hijaz road and the route to Persia, known as the Najd road.

Situated by the sea, its potential for trade with North Africa was also considerable.

It has been proposed recently that Mecca only attracted trade due to the Kab’ah and is religious significance. During a 4 month period each year, it drew Arabs from all around, further enhancing trade.

“This trade...was wholly dependent on the Ka’bah.” (Aslan) Waines describes Mecca as being transformed into a ‘divine supermarket’

during the pilgrimage months.

Quraysh

Muhammad’s tribe, dominant in the Meccan area. Mecca was protected from within through an alliance with the Bedouin. In this

respect, during the 6th century the Quraysh were the dominant and most influential tribe in Mecca and surrounding Arabia.

They offered protection and, in return, had a share of the various Meccan businesses, especially during the pilgrimage season when they acted as stewards of all commercial trade.

Protection for caravans entering the city also merited a small fee.

Economical context

“The main economy of the area was trade between the South and the North.”

“Social and economic changes were taking

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place in Mecca and the system was finding it difficult to cope with them.” (Watton)

People used to live on credit Makkah at the time was known as a business

centre. It is referred by some writers as a merchants republic.

The rich made money at the cost of the poor. The society at the time were all materialistic, basically all they cared about

was money At the time of Jahilliyah it was a common custom to deceive in transactions.

The wives of leaders and the leaders themselves were given a higher priority in trading.

Religious context

Animistic:

Strange objects-rocks, trees, springs being inhabited by spirits, Believed in Jinn…. Spirits could be good or evil, touching the object would rub

off some holiness on them There is no separation between the spiritual and physical (or material) world, Souls or spirits exist, not only in humans, but also in some other animals,

plants, rocks, mountains or rivers The Spirits of nature, are believed to exist everywhere, from the major (such

as the goddess of the sun), which can be considered polytheistic.

Bedouin polytheism;

- al’Manat (goddess of fate), al’Uzza (the all-Powerfull goddess of love) who were daughters of Allah (the Chief God).. al’Lat was his wife.

- Ka’bah; 360 statues of gods, when Muhammad captured in 630 CE - More advanced polytheism; gods lived in the sky, Allah was immaterial, very

little mythology about gods, no holy literature, moral code or worship other than pilgrimage… slaughtered animals before idols as a sacrifice

Hanifs = Arabian monotheism

No religious wars were fought in north Arabia, although such wars were fought between Jews and Christians in Southern Arabia (Dhu Nuwas converted to Judaism)

Sacred Time and Sacred Space necessary for pilgrimage, killing prohibited (haram)

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Zoroastrianism (1500–1200 BCE):

Founded by the Persian prophet Zoroaster,

The religion contains both monotheistic and dualistic features.

It influenced the other major Western religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Began in Ancient Persia (Iran)

 Zoroaster was inspired to teach and preach when his peaceful society was being torn apart by warring tribes.

He saw this as a struggle between good and evil. His followers are called Paresis.

Arab polytheism, the dominant belief system, was based on the belief in deities, supernatural beings (jinn).

Judaism:

Arrived in Arabia 590 BCE

Large migration of Jews in 2nd century CE, when Romans banned them from living in Palestine.

There were several Jewish clans in Hijaz (Arabia)

Many Arabs converted to Judaism, difficult to differentiate between Jews and Arabs

Madinah had been a Jewish city, Jewish trade network existed

It was difficult for them to accept non-Jews as full members of ‘the people of God’

Christianity:

Main religion in South, North and East Arabia…. Cathedral at Sana… Christian monks and hermits in the desert.

Muhammad was taken to Waraqa- the Christian scholar.

Major Problem; hard for uneducated people to understand the doctrine of Trinity and differentiate from a belief in three gods.

The Orthodox; believed in the Trinity, Jesus being both God and Man at the same time … a dominant belief Byzantine Empire and Western Europe.

The Nestorians; Jesus was only a man who became Son of God through what he did on earth… The tribes of Hira and the Sassanian Empire

The Monophysites; believed that Jesus was simply God and he only appeared to become man, really he was God all the time. (Egypt, Syria, tribes of South & North Arabia)

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b). What type of literature existed prior to the revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad?

The most celebrated poems of the pre-Islamic period were known as the Mu’allqqat ("the suspended"), reputedly because they were considered sufficiently outstanding to be hung on the walls of the Ka’ba in Makkah. The typical poem of this period is the Qasidah (ode), which normally consists of 70-80 pairs of half-lines. They describe the Nomadic life, opening with a lament at an abandoned camp for a lost love.

Arabic poetry:

Poetry was constructed in elaborate meters of which sixteen are universally recognized. All verses are divided into types:

1. Occasional Poems; consisting 2 to 20 lines whose themes are usually war and revenge and praise of one’s own tribe.

2. Various types fall to this are: • Elegies (poems) • Praising the dead; the most famous type was Kansa. • The Odes or Qasidah was an elaborate ode usually of 60 to 100 lines

The influence of classical literature in The Qur’an:

The Qur'an was one of the first major works of Arabic literature The language of the Qur’an is classical Arabic and the most influential. It has a far more complicated structure than the earlier literary works with its

114 suras(chapters) which contain 6,236 ayat (verses).

The Qur’an contains: - injunctions, - narratives, - homilies, - parables, - direct addresses from God, - Instructions and even comments on itself on how it will be received and

understood. - Paradoxically, admired for its layers of metaphor as well as its clarity,

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- elements of both prose and poetry, and therefore is closest to Saj or rhymed prose,

The Qur'an is regarded as entirely apart from these classifications. The text is believed to be Divine Revelation and is seen by Muslims as being eternal or 'uncreated'. The Qur'an is important to Arabic literature. It is the source of many ideas, allusions and quotes and its moral message informs many works.

Summarise how each context might have influenced or affected Muhammad’s life.

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Social

Political

Economic

Religious

a). The key events in the life of MuhammadBirth and Childhood:

- Born in Makkah, 570 CE- When Abyssinians attacked Makkah with elephants. - Prestigious clan of Hashemite- great grandfather Hashim- Father ‘Abdullah’ a merchant died before his birth. Mother ‘Aminah’ died in

576CE.- First brought up by grandfather ‘Abd al Muttalib’ the guardian of Ka’bah and

later by his uncle Abu Talib who was leader of Hashemites clan used to take him on trade journeys.

- Then ‘Halima’ brought him up for first two years, extra ordinary events occurred;

- * Her weak donkey starts running faster carrying the child Muhammad

- * Her barren land got green grass

- * Her goats and sheep full of milk

- The Qur’an refers; ‘Did We not find thee an orphan and shelter thee’ (s93)

The young tradesman:

- During Muhammad’s childhood his clan declined greatly in importance because Abu Talib wanted to protect the old trade network of al’Hums (free trade around Makkah) set up by Hashim which relied on sharing profit rather than making the most.

- Other clans made profit for themselves

- Muhammad was employed in the trading business, he also spent some of his youth as a shepherd.

Bahira the Monk:

- Muhammad being in a caravan train with his uncle which stopped at a Monastery.

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Literature including poetry

- The adults went in for meal and Muhammad was left outside to look after camels.

- Now in Bostra, in Syria, the monk named Buhaira said he had had a vision of a prophet with the party. He asked if all party had been seen, he couldn’t find the sign.

- He found that Muhammad was outside, the monk examined him carefully. Between his shoulder blades he discovered the mark of the prophetic office.

The best tribe:

- When Allah wished to select a Prophet He chose first the best tribe.

- He finally came to the tribe of Banu Kinana and from the Quraysh He chose the family of Banu Hashim.

- ‘Legend has it that Allah once made the well spring forth for Ishmael the ancestor of Muhammad.

- Muhammad was known by the names of Al-Amin, the reliable and Al Sadiq, the truthful.

Marriage:

- Muhammad used to work for Khadija 40, - She sent message for marriage- got married at the age of 25 in 595CE. The

only wife till her death.- Children:- 4 daughters two sons ( sons died during their infancy)- The Prophet said: “No, no one is better than Khadija. She believed in me

when all others were unbelieving; she took my words to be true when all others treated me as a liar.”

The Black stone issue:

- Kabbah got damaged due to heavy rains

- And been repaired by the four tribes.

- The Black Stone was going to be fixed in one corner of the Kabah.

- Argument began---it looked that a civil war might break out-----Some influential chief of a tribe decided that the first man arrived early morning would decide what to do.

- The first person turned out to be Muhammad. He put the stone in a cloak and asked four leaders of the tribe to hold it from each corner ----- then he himself slid the stone into position.

- [It is believed that this stone came from the Heaven whoever kiss it his/her sins are forgiven.]

Preparation for prophet hood:

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Learnt trading techniques, diplomacy and warfare by the age of 21, employed by the wealthy lady Khadijah

Western biographers concluded that Muhammad must have been literate, but biographies assert that He never learnt to read or write

The first revelation in The Cave of Hira:

Between 595-610CE more interest in religion.. Muhammad met a hanif ‘Zayd ibn Am’r’ who impressed him, His household had two Christians a young slave Zayd ibn Harith and wife’s cousin Waraqa.

Muhammad had experience of managing affairs, solving problems, dealing with crisis, had been involved in wars before his deep involvement in religion.

Muhammad began to spend time in the cave of Hira on the Mount Nur, spent whole month of Ramadhan in prayer and contemplation.

Muhammad is Prophet now:

The angel brought first revelation, ‘S 96’.

‘Proclaim! (or read!) in the name of thy Lord and Cherisher, Who created- Created man, out of a (mere) clot of congealed blood: Proclaim! And thy Lord is Most Bountiful, - He Who taught (the use of) the pen, - Taught man that which he knew not’.

The angel asked Muhammad 3 times to read, He said, ‘I can’t read’. Angel gripped his body tightly so he began uttering these words of the Qur’an.

This happened on the ‘Night of Power’ (one of the odd nights at the end of Ramadan 21, 23, 25, 27, 29)

Muhammad got terrified ran home, Khadijah consoled

Pressure of the Divine Revelation and tremendous responsibility

Khadijah took Him to her cousin Waraqa who confirmed that Muhammad was the prophet of God had promised in the Bible to send to Arabs

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What is the significance of the ‘Night of Power’? Write a constructive paragraph.

Beginning of Islam in Makkah:

In 612CE; 2nd revelation surah 74 ‘The Mantled One’---Home resting under blanket, preached within family---

“O thou wrapped up (in the mantle)! Arise and deliver thy warning! And thy Lord do thou magnify! And thy garments keep free from stain! And all abomination shun”! (s74:1-5)

The pattern of revelation emerged gradually from secret to open preaching:

1. Polytheism was wrong (There is no god but God’) the beginning of Tawhid.

2. Muhammad was being called to the religion of Islam, which was original

religion of Arabia. (Risalah)

3. The Arabs were to judge by God on their religion and ways of life. (Akhirah)

The public ministry of Muhammad in Makkah:

In 613CE, ‘Proclaim what you have been ordered and turn away from the polytheists’.(S15 V94)

Dar e Arqam; Headquarter set up in the house of a young wealthy convert ‘al Arqam’ who was head of a clan. The first place of prayer was set up in the courtyard.

Converts were ‘chiefly poor and weak persons’. Montgomery Watt claims this does not mean exactly what it says. The converts were young members of the wealthy clans, older members of the weaker clans, strangers to Makkah who were outside the clan protection or slaves.

Why Persecution began: Converts posed threat to Makkan leaders--- Muhammad’s reputation of wisdom---should become leader if accepted Prophet--- threatening the wealth of Makkah by rejecting idols--- Makkah could lose money made through the pilgrimage.

Persecution:

Hostile campaign against Muhammad and Muslims-----Attempt on Muhammad’s life--------Torture or killed by exposure to the midday sun…his meetings were broken up by hooligans….people threw rubbish, stones and thorns outside the door of his house….Two great warriors’ conversion strengthen Muslims, Hamza and Umar.

83 Muslims fled to Abyssinia where they would be well treated by the Christian king Najjashi.

Clan system protected Muhammad (AbuTalib protected but never became Muslim)

Abu Jahl began new policy– the boycott of Banu Hashim. This boycott got extended to the other clans who were members of the League of Virtuous----Muhammad was in great difficulties.

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During this period Muhammad received many of the revelations about previous Prophets e.g sura 12 Yusuf, sura 71 Nuh, sura 14 Ibrahim….. Each of these revealed how God’s prophets had been rejected by their people, but in the end the will of God had triumphed.

Hijra 622CE:1. Boycott in 617CE - 619CE; boycott lifted because of the revelations about the prophets spread around Makkah.(some Muslims) because of detrimental effect it had on Makkan trade (Western scholars) because non-Muslim members of the boycotted tribes were suffering as well. (Abd al Rahman Azzam)

Double disaster; Khajijah (wife) and Abu Talib died (The year of Sorrow)

2. ‘Taif’ a nearby town to convey the message, they rejected– stoned– driven out– bleeding. In the desert He visited by jinn who converted to Islam, this confirmed that God was with Him and His mission would eventually triumph. (Say: It has been revealed to me that a company of Jinns listened (to the Qur'an). They said, 'We have really heard a wonderful Recital! (Sura 72) Muhammad returns from Taif to Makkah under the protection of the weakest clan--- forbidden to preach openly in the city. He could convert at events e.g the fair of Ukaz outside Makkah.

Al’Miraj (The night journey) occurred in 620CE--- from Makkah to Jerusalem then to heaven--- met all prophets…lead prayer--- mentioned in the Qur’an (sura17) ‘Glory to (Allah) Who did take His servant for a Journey by night from the Sacred Mosque to the farthest Mosque, whose precincts We did bless,- in order that We might show him some of Our Signs: for He is the One Who heareth and seeth (all things)’.

By the Star when it goes down. Your Companion is neither astray nor being misled. Nor does He (Muhammad) say (aught) of (his own) Desire. It is no less than inspiration sent down to him: He was taught by one Mighty in Power. Endued with Wisdom: for he appeared (in stately form); While he was in the highest part of the horizon: Then he approached and came closer, and was at a distance of but two bow-lengths or (even) nearer; (S53 V1-9)

Things must have looked bleak, made a big impact on Makkah but seemed to have no future. In 620CE 6 men from Yathrib met Muhammad… because of

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their close contact with Judaism and awareness of the nature of prophets, they were most impressed, 5 of them returned with 7 more in 621CE.

Yathrib; an agricultural oasis, trading centre, dominated by Jews, had been taken over by two Arab tribes Aws and Khazraj, fighting for leadership of the city. The battle of Bu’ath 618CE ended in stalemate.

The pledges of al’Aqabah: First Pledge of Aqaba; 12 Yathribans arrived at Ukaz in 621CE. They made the

1st Pledge agreeing to serve non but the Prophet, worship God alone and lead moral lives.

• Muhammad sent Makkan Muslims under the leadership of• Mus’ab ibn Umayr to Yathrib to instruct the converts correctly there. • In 621CE the 12 Muslims returned with 63 who represented several

groups • in Yathrib.

• They made the 2nd Pledge of Aqaba, agreeing to accept the political leadership of Muhammad as well as their prophet.

Why did Muhammad leave Makkah?

The 2nd Pledge of Aqaba made clear that Muhammad would move to Yathrib. Preaching was very difficult in Makkah. Muhammad saw the pledges by the converts from Yathrib as a sign from God that He was to leave. The reaction of the Makkans when 2nd Pledge of Aqaba leaked out (they tortured and tried to stop them leaving Makkah) seemed to confirm this view because the Meccans were against it, God must be for it.It must have been clear to Muhammad from the revelations that Islam could never be just a religion. It had to be a complete way of life and it

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M.A.Shaban…’Yathribans wanted to the trading enterprise of Muhammad and Makkans to establish a Yathriban trading centre’. The traditional biographers; ’Yathribans recognised Muhammad as the coming prophet they had been told by the Jews, ‘by Allah this is surely prophet with whom the Jews threatened us. We must not let them get ahead of us with him’, (Ibn Hisham quoted by Maxime Rodinson)

meant that politics had to be a part of religion, opportunity to go to Yathrib as the political leader as well as the Prophet.Muhammad must have been worried about the safety of His followers in Makkah and He would be able to protect them in Yathrib.He must have been desperate to be able once more to preach openly the revelations from God.Persecution…

3 years kept secret-( “Warn your close relatives only”)

“Stand up and Warn (openly)

Torture

Migration to Abyssinia

Boycott 617CE

Ascension. One night in 620 C.E

The Quraish of Makkah made a plot to murder the Holy Prophet

Muhammad allowed the followers first then went himself accompanying Abu Bakr…..Refuge in a cave in Mount Thaur some five miles south of Makkah.

Decided for Migration to Yathrib in 622CE.

- Muhammad saw Islam as a community rather than individual religion- He sent 70 people including their wives and children to Yathrib- Yathrib changed into Madina Nabi-city of the Prophet—more like

statesman to ensure that the His community is accepted

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Welcomed warmly; (Children sang)

“From the hill tops of the south,

The full moon cloth arise,

With what a lovely call,

Unto God does he call,

And we thank him for it all.

O you sent by Allah the Rahman (The most Merciful)

We bow to thy demand."

Task: Research further on the event of Hijra. Find out significant details of the event for your notebook. E.g. ‘The story of the cave of Thaur’.

Significance of Hijra:

- Construction of the mosque.- Rehabilitation of the refugees - Established an Ummah- Change in climate- First Muslim state- Islamic calendar starts as 1AH

Muhammad in Madinah:

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Exam question

‘Hijra is the sole reason for the success of Islam’. To what extent the statement is true? Assess [12 marks]

1. List the problems Muhammad might have faced in Madinah:

2. Assess Muhammad’s dual role (a prophet and a political leader) in Madinah:

The Ummah: Jews regarded as first supporters, already believed in one God, but

argued about the differences between the Qur’an and their scriptures and assertion that Jesus was a prophet.

Revelations made Islam more Arabic than Jewish, The Qibla changed from Jerusalem to Makka (sura2 v 144-45)

Ibrahim was repeatedly referred as a Hanif Muslim rather than a Jew, Emphasis that Jews had rejected all their prophets, so expected that they would reject the message of Islam.

Chief hypocrite Ibn Ubbay had been trying to be the king of Medina, was supporter of Jews….Muhammad gained the support of anti-Jewish clan leader Sa’ad ibn Mu’adh.

After the battle of Badr all clans of Medina converted to Islam. Some individual incidents of fighting between Jews and Arabs…The battle of Badr weakened the Ubbay’s position. Banu Quanuqa were to leave Medina they went to the Jewish stronghold of Kaybar. Market taken over by Muhajirun.

Islam was now the religion of Medina... Medians were acknowledging Muhammad being leader. It became impossible to go against Muhammad because of His religious and military prestige.

New regulation through revelations of the Qur’an made it possible for Muhammad to spend next 2/3 years making Medina a Theocracy (State ruled by God)

Zakah established to help orphans and widows

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3. What type of community did Muhammad form in Madinah?

Polygamy was encouraged to remarry the widows, Muhammad cemented relationship through several marriages with refuges eg daughter of Abu Bakr, and Umar.

Established alliance with surrounding tribes Inheritance rules were revealed and riba (lending money at interest) Alcohol banned In the month of Ramadhan fasting Laws were revealed about making contracts Five pillars of Islam enforced (Shahada, Salah, Zakah, Sawm and Hajj) By 628CE established Arab religion in Medina– people were united in a

theocracy ---Jews were a subservient minority

Muhammad and Makkah:

- Unacceptable for Meccans to let Muhammad be the leader of Medina without being head of any clan. It was their interest to prevent Muhammad from gaining control of Medina.

- The combination of methods to ensure success against Makka; Muhajirun were trained for organising razzias (raids on trading caravans without bloodshed) in the locality of Medina.

- It involved various military methods to defend Medina and conquer Mecca.

- Religious method; sent missionaries to Makkah to convert, making clear that they need nothing to fear from Islam

The Battles1. The battle of Badr -624CE

Background

• A stable community life in Madinah was established Muhammad introduced these rules through the Qur’an;

• Zakah was announced to run the system

• Neighbours should be kind to each other

• Young to respect old

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Explore the concept of Ummah in Islam. [8 marks]

• Man and wife to be honest to each other

• Drinking, Interest on Loans & gambling forbidden

• Respect orphans

• Marriage laws and rights of women

Reason

• Makkans attack Outskirts of Madina

• Crops and properties set on fire

• Maldivians peaceful life not acceptable

• Abu Sufyan (one of the chiefs of the Quraish)- trade caravan assumed to be robbed by Muslims- message to Makkah- Army raided-Prophet organised a group to defend

Rule set for battles or conflicts

Crops, Women, Old people, Children, Ill people, and Peaceful common citizens must remain safe and unharmed.

What happened?

• 17th Ramadan 2 AH (624 CE)• Permission from Allah to defend• Prophet prayed for victory- achieved Heavenly help• The role of Hypocrites • Allah sent angels to help• Triumph• Each prisoner should teach ten Muslims to read and write

• Anfal (goods captured) distributed among the soldiers

2. The Battle of Uhud 625 CE(3AH) Revenge for the defeat in the battle of Badr Strengthen of Muslim community in Madina Abbas (Prophet’s uncle) informed prophet Muhammad about Makkan’s

preparations of 3000 men, 200 horsemen, Prophet’s consultation with companions Abdullah ibn Ubai walked out excusing that his opinion of defending

inside the city was rejected

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Prophet appointed 50 archers to protect a strategic mountain pass and ordered not to leave the position in any circumstances

The fierce fighting broke out Makkan army was forced to retreat Muslims collected the baggage left by Makans Archers joined them as well

Makkans attacked from behind the mountain pass and killed all of them

Rumour of Prophet’s martyrdom spread, Muslim men were confused- regrouped for counter attack- but Makkans already left

Result almost was a draw

Why did Muslims face grief?

Indiscipline of the archers

Love of the spoils of war

Obedience of the commander is crucial but They did not disobey but misunderstood

Victory changed into grief

3. The battle of Ahzab- The trench The battle is named the khandaq. The word (meaning "That which has been dug"). For this reason the word "trench" may be replaced for Khandaq. It may also be referred to by its original Arabic name "khandaq”

Muslim army used unconventional methods (at Badr), the Muslims surrounded the wells, depriving their opponents of water

At the Battle of Uhud, Muslims made strategic use of the hills). In this battle they dug a trench to render the enemy cavalry ineffective. At the end of the battle of Uhud Abu Sufyan returned to Makka after

promising that he will come back next year and will take revenge for the defeats of Badr and Ohud.

Jews violate the treaty and helped Makkans One; to send soldiers to fight in the battlefield Two; to create fear among the women and children who were left in the

town unprotected In Badr the Makkans lost and in Uhud their mission remained

incomplete A Persian Muslim (Salman) advised digging trenches around Madinah

that was completed in 20 days

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Allies, an army of ten thousand Surprise – 4 weeks boring wait Exchange of a few arrows, besieged Jews got killed Weather changed winds, thunder, rain, storms made them flee- Allah’s

help. Now Muslims were relieved.

The conquest of Makkaho Prophet’s dream & plan of first Pilgrimage (Umrah)o Makkans army to stop them and send them back without performing

Umrah (pilgrimage)o Uthman was sent to take the message of peace treatyo The Treaty of Hudaybiya

The Treaty of Hudaybiya- 628CE

The terms of the treaty were:

1. The Muslims would not be allowed into Mecca in 628CE, but would be able to enter for three days in 629CE.

2. Meccans taking refuge in Medina would be handed over to the Meccans, but Muslims taking refuge in Makkah would not be handed over to Muhammad.

3. There would be a ten year truce in which Meccans and Muslims would be free to travel in Arabia.

4. Each party would remain neutral in the event of a war between the other and third party.

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In what ways these battles affected the spread / supremacy of Islam? Assess.

5. Any tribe wishing to make an alliance with either Muhammad or Mecca would be free to do so.

The conquest

The Meccans broke the treaty in 630CE, attacking a tribe under Muhammad’s protection. Muhammad was able to lead an army to Makkah. He wisely did not attempt to take Makkah by force. He camped outside the city and converted people like Khalid who came to see him. Muhammad also warned people to stay indoor whilst He entered the city. Some did fight and 28 people got killed. Main amnesty was declared and Invitation letters were sent to the kings.

The Farewell Sermon in The last pilgrimage 632CE

Prophet performed his last Hajj and gave a speech in Arafat the main points of the speech are as a guideline for Muslims;

All Praise to Allah and Declaration of faith –the Oneness of Allah, Muhammad is the last Messenger of Allah

Warning of prophet’s last days of life Honour Lives , Properties of other people, these are as sacred this day

and this place (Makkah) Everyone is responsible for his/her own actions Treat others equally and kindly All pre-Islamic practices are cancelled eg Revenge, (prophet forgave a

murderer of his family member)

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Task‘It seemed that Muhammad accepted some terms against him’. Was this

treaty a steppingstone to the conquest of Makkah? Explain how?

Women’s rights: Treat them kindly and respectfully as a mother, sister, daughter or a wife.

Two things must be followed; a). The Qur’an b). Hadith Practice 5 pillars (basic duties) of Islam The noblest the one who is the most aware of Allah Pass the message of Islam to others Prophet passed away leaving about 120,000 followers

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After having performed His final Hajj Muhammad caught fever and had to allow Abu Bakr to lead Salah. The fever left Him momentarily and He led a last Salah just before He passed away.

Summarise the text and possibly add some point from your own research.

‘Muhammad and the rest of Arabia’ (Islam, V .W Watson p92-93)

Independent/pair work

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‘Changes that Muhammad brought to the way of life in Arabia’ (Islam, V Watson p93-95)

‘The significance of the life of Muhammad for Muslims’ (Islam, V Watson p95-96)

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