Muhammad becomes a prophet
Muhammad was born in the oasis town of Mecca around A.D. 570. Mecca was a bustling market town at the crossroads of several caravan routes. It was also a thriving pilgrimage center. Many Arabs came to pray at the Kaaba, an ancient temple that housed statues of pagan god and goddesses. The pilgrims helped make the temple, making Mecca a safe and peaceful place to do business. Arabia's deserts and trade centers shaped Muhammad's early life. In his youth, he worked as a shepherd among the Bedouins. Later, he led caravans across the desert and became a successful merchant. When he was about 25, Muhammad married Khadika, a wealthy widow who ran a prosperous caravan business. Muhammad became known for his honesty in business and was a devoted husband and father.
Muhammad becomes God's messenger
Muhammad was troubled by the moral ills of Mecca society, especially greed. He often went to a cave in the hills near Mecca to Meditate. According to Muslim belief, when he was about 40 years old he heard the voice of an angel Gabriel calling him to be the messenger of God. After that, he devoted all of his time and life to spread the word of God. The word for God in Arabic is Allah.
Teachings of islam
Like Judaism and Christianity, Islam is monothestic, based of belief in one God. The Quran the sacred text of Islam, teaches that God is all-powerful and compassionate. It also states that people are responsible for their own actions. Islam does not require priests to mediate between the people and God. Muslims believe that God had sent other prophets, including Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, but that Muhammad was the last and greatest prophet.
The five pillars of islam
There were five pillars of Islam.
1. The first was Declaration of faith. The Muslim profession of faith is called shahada. It states, "There is no god but God, Muhammad is the messenger of God." Muslims believe that prophets, including Abraham, Moses and Jesus, but that Muhammad was the last and greatest prophet.
2. The second was Daily prayer. Muslims pray five times each day. After a ritual washing, they face Mecca and preform specific actions as they pray.
3. The third was Alms for the poor. Muslims care for others by giving charity to the poor. In the Muslim countries, money is collected in the form of a tax called the zakat. Other Muslims give individual donations.
4. Fast During Ramadan. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. The sick and very young children are not required to fast.
5. The fifth is Hajj. Muslims who are physically and financially able must make a pilgrimage to pray at Kaaba in Mecca at least once. More than 2 million muslims visit mecca each year for this purpose.
1. The first was Declaration of faith. The Muslim profession of faith is called shahada. It states, "There is no god but God, Muhammad is the messenger of God." Muslims believe that prophets, including Abraham, Moses and Jesus, but that Muhammad was the last and greatest prophet.
2. The second was Daily prayer. Muslims pray five times each day. After a ritual washing, they face Mecca and preform specific actions as they pray.
3. The third was Alms for the poor. Muslims care for others by giving charity to the poor. In the Muslim countries, money is collected in the form of a tax called the zakat. Other Muslims give individual donations.
4. Fast During Ramadan. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan. The sick and very young children are not required to fast.
5. The fifth is Hajj. Muslims who are physically and financially able must make a pilgrimage to pray at Kaaba in Mecca at least once. More than 2 million muslims visit mecca each year for this purpose.