Download The Rise of Islam

The Rise of Islam
Ishmael— Arab Forefather
Many Muslims, like Jews, are descendents of Abraham; however, Muslims are related to
Abraham through Ishmael—Abraham’s child with Hagar, a woman of Egyptian birth.
According to Islamic beliefs, Hagar was Abraham’s second wife and Ishmael his first
born child and half brother to Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah.
Sarah and Hagar suffered many disagreements arising from jealousy over Abraham’s
relationship with Hagar. As a result, Abraham, in response to Sarah’s bidding, sent Hagar
and Ishmael into the desert. While in the desert, an angel of God appeared to Hagar and
promised the safekeeping of both her and Ishmael. In addition, God told Hagar that her
son would have many descendants and from his children would rise the 12 tribes of
Arabia to which Arabs would trace their origins.
During a visit with Abraham, Ishmael and his father renewed their covenant at the well of
Zam Zam, and the two men built the Ka’aba, the holiest place in all of Islam. Today, the
Ka’aba includes a mosque—an Islamic place of worship. All Muslims, regardless of
where they are in the world, must face the Ka’aba when they pray. As a prophet of
Islam, Ishmael is held with great respect and is mentioned in the Qur’an, the Islamic holy
book.
Muhammad: Islam’s Greatest Prophet
A successful trader by the name of Muhammad lived in Makkah during the 7th century.
Muhammad became increasingly concerned over the corruption he witnessed in Makkah.
Many were obtaining great wealth, not always by honest pursuits, and they often ignored
the Arab custom of caring for the poor and less fortunate. Around 610 AD, Muhammad
went to a secluded cave to meditate on his concerns. During his stay, the angel Gabriel
visited Muhammad and revealed the word of Allah—the Arabic word of god. These
revelations from Allah are considered to be the greatest miracle during Muhammad’s
prophethood.
During this period, the Arabs included nomads, traders, farmers and those who lived in
towns. They belonged to many tribes and were polytheistic. Muhammad urged the
people of Makkah to abandon their gods for the one and only God, Allah. This angered
many of the people who believed strongly in the gods of their fathers. Regardless,
Muhammad continued to spread the word of Allah and spoke of the rewards in heaven to
those who would believe, lead a good life and care for the poor. Many in Makkah feared
these teachings could interfere with the profitable trade and began to persecute Muslims.
Storekeepers refused to sell Muslims food; others were harassed and even killed for their
beliefs. Finally, in 622 AD, the various tribes met and agreed on a plan to kill
Muhammad. A future meeting that would include Muhammad was planned. During the
meeting, he was to be executed; however, Muhammad received word of the plans and
fled Makkah to live in Madinah where his safety was promised. Muhammad’s safe
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escape to Madinah is known as the Hijrah and marks the year 1AH on the Islamic
calendar.
Many in Madinah converted to Islam; however, the people of Makkah still viewed Islam
as a threat to their beliefs and way of life. As a result, a war between Makkah and
Madinah occurred, and for eight years the war raged. In 630AD, Muhammad proved
victorious and a treaty was signed, officially ending the war. Muhammad returned to
Makkah, now the center of Islam and the holiest of all Islamic cities.
Muhammad died in 632 AD. Varying accounts surround his death; however, most claim
that Muhammad was poisoned and died within three days or three years. Some reports
state that Muhammad was spared death and ascended to heaven on a cloud. Regardless,
Muslims were left without a leader. As a result, Islam went to war, this time over who
should fill Muhammad’s place. For many years, Muslim fought Muslim to determine if
the leader should be a direct descendant of Muhammad’s or a community leader. The
dispute over Muhammad’s successor led to Islam’s split into two distinct denominations:
the Sunnis and the Shiites.
Sunnis and Shiites
Today, the Sunnis and the Shiites are the two largest denomination of the Islamic faith.
The Sunnis believe that a religious leader should be elected through a community vote,
while the Shiites believe that only Allah can select a religious leader. For this reason,
Shiites believe religious leaders should be direct descendants of Muhammad’s family.
Only 10% of Islam belongs to Shiite, and the majority of Shiite Muslims are located in
Iran and Iraq.
Islam means “to achieve peace through submission to God.” This peace is achieved
through the five pillars of faith. The pillars are the framework of Muslim life. They are
the profession of faith, prayer five times a day, giving of charity to the needy, fasting
during the month of Ramadan from sunup to sundown, and a pilgrimage to Makkah once
in a lifetime for those who are able. Ramadan, the holiest of all Islamic holidays, honors
the revealing of the Qur’an to Muhammad. The month long celebration, which is tied to
the lunar calendar, includes fasting from sunup to sundown so that stronger empathy for
the poor is achieved. Eid-al-Fitr (festival of breaking the fast) marks the end of
Ramadan. Celebratory meals, treats, gifts and time spent with friends and family are all
part of Eid-al-Fitr; however, charity to those less fortunate and contributions to mosques
hold special significance during this holiday.
Today there are over one billion Muslims making Islam the second largest religion and
approximately 20% of the world’s population.
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