Muhammad: Origins of Islam
The Pre-Islamic World
Chaos was spreading all over the Arab Peninsula. Incessant ghazu raids now led to what seemed to be a constant state of warfare between tribes, a condition that was exacerbated by unprecedented drought and famine.
Jahiliyyah, “The Time of Ignorance”
Despite an apparent code of chivalry (muruwah), by the end of the sixth century Arabs considered their own tribe first before anything, no matter what a tribe member had done.
The Life of Muhammad
Orphaned at 6, Muhammad was saved from a life of slavery by his uncle who gave him a job in his successful caravan business. Married to a successful businesswoman in her own right, Muhammad saw firsthand how the leading families of the Quraysh lived.
Muhammad the Messenger
Muhammad had developed a refined integrated understanding, an intuitive capacity to connect to what has been referred to throughout our religious history as God/Truth/Knowledge/Love.
Understanding the Qu’ran
Traditionally it is understood that there are seven levels of understanding possible in the passages of the Qu’ran.
A New Mindset
Muhammad was tasked to revitalize the original monotheistic faith of Adam, Abraham and other prophets whose messages had become misinterpreted or corrupted over time.
Muhammad the Unifier
Muhammad, was tasked to unite not only the Arab tribes, but, as he proclaimed again and again, anyone who believes in the One True God.
Moral and Social Reform
Muhammad was convinced that social reform must be founded on a new spiritual solution, or it would remain superficial.
Judaism and Christianity in the Qur’an
Islam, unlike any of its predecessors, insisted that truth became available to all peoples at specific times in their development; and that Islam, far from being a new religion, was no more and no less than the last in the chain of great religions addressed to the peoples of the world.
The Community of Believers
Just as the first followers of Jesus did not think of themselves as part of a new religion, the original community around Muhammad did not either.