Foundations of Islam and how the term Islam came into the existence

The seventh century saw the emergence of Islam on the Arabian Peninsula. Islam is an Abrahamic faith that the Prophet Muhammad founded. Here is a quick history of Islam's beginnings:

Pre-Islamic Arabia

 The Arabian Peninsula was inhabited by several tribes and clans before Islam, the majority of which practiced polytheism. Although it was a cube-shaped building, the Kaaba in Mecca served as a major religious center and included idols of numerous gods and goddesses.

Prophet Muhammad

Muhammad was born in Mecca in approximately 570 CE. He grew up as an orphan and worked as a merchant. At the age of 40, he began receiving revelations from Allah (God) via the angel Gabriel. The Quran, Islam's holy book, eventually compiled these revelations.

Proclamation of the Message

Muhammad initially shared his revelations with a small group of followers, including his family members and close friends. He preached the oneness of God and the rejection of idols and polytheism. He faced opposition from the Meccan leadership, as his message challenged the existing order and threatened the lucrative pilgrimage business centered around the Kaaba.

Migration to Medina

In 622, due to increasing persecution and threats to his life, Muhammad and his followers migrated to the city of Yathrib, which later became known as Medina (meaning "the City of the Prophet"). The Hijra, also known as this occasion, is the first day of the Islamic calendar.

Spread of Islam

In Medina, Muhammad's community grew, and he established a constitution that governed the diverse population, including Muslims, Jews, and others. Muhammad (PBUH) continued to receive revelations during his time in Medina, which addressed various aspects of life, including law, ethics, and worship.

Conquest of Mecca

In 630 CE, after years of conflict, Muhammad and his followers returned to Mecca, where they peacefully conquered the city. The idols were removed from the Kaaba, and it was rededicated to the worship of the one true God, Allah.

Expansion and Legacy

After Muhammad's death in 632 CE, his successors, known as the Caliphs, continued to spread Islam throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. The Islamic empire eventually expanded to encompass vast territories in Asia, Africa, and Europe.

Development of Islamic Theology and Jurisprudence

Over time, Islamic theology and jurisprudence (Islamic law) developed, leading to the formation of various schools of thought within Islam. These schools interpret the Quran and the Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad) differently, resulting in different legal and theological traditions within Islam.

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