BBC - Religions - Islam: Prophet Muhammad (570-632) Prophet Muhammad (570-632) Last updated 2011-07-08 Muslims believe that the final and complete revelation of their faith was made through the Prophet Muhammad. On this page Introduction The Prophet Muhammad Muslims believe that Islam is a faith that has always existed and that it was gradually revealed to humanity by a number of prophets, but the final and complete revelation of the faith was made through the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE. Muhammad was born in Mecca in Saudi Arabia © Muhammad was born in Mecca in Saudi Arabia in 570. He was a deeply spiritual man, and often spent time in meditation on Mount Hira. The traditional story of the Qur'an tells how one night in 610 he was meditating in a cave on the mountain when he was visited by the angel Jibreel who ordered him to recite . Once Jibreel mentioned the name of Allah, Muhammad began to recite words which he came to believe were the words of God. The Qur'an During the rest of his life Muhammad continued to receive these revelations.

The words were remembered and recorded, and form the text of the Holy Qu'ran, the Muslim scripture. Preaching Believing that God had chosen him as his messenger Muhammad began to preach what God had revealed to him. The simple and clear-cut message of Islam, that there is no God but Allah, and that life should be lived in complete submission to the will of Allah, was attractive to many people, and they flocked to hear it. The Hijrah Muhammad's popularity was seen as threatening by the people in power in Mecca, and Muhammad took his followers on a journey from Mecca to Medina in 622. This journey is called the Hijrah (migration) and the event was seen as so important for Islam that 622 is the year in which the Islamic calendar begins. The return to Mecca Within ten years Muhammad had gained so many followers that he was able to return and conquer Mecca. From this time on he was generally accepted by the faithful as the true final Prophet of God. Muhammad continued to lead his community both spiritually and in earthly matters until his death in 632. Muhammad: an audio journey Desert landscape.

In the Footsteps of Muhammad, Edward Stourton traces the roots of Islam; the history of the prophet, and the impact this mystic and warrior has on international affairs today. Mecca In the year 610 a 40 year old illiterate trader in the deserts of Arabia received a revelation that would change the world. Islam is now the second most popular religion on the planet with more than a billion followers. In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions The Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem. Jerusalem Jerusalem is the third holiest site in Islam: the first Muslims didn't pray towards Mecca, but to Jerusalem. This episode explores the theory that Islam may have grown out of a cult of Judaism . It also explores the meaning of jihad and how the life of the prophet and the battles against the pagan Meccans have been used to justify suicide bombings. In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions Alhambra Palace.

Granada The Alhambra Palace is perhaps the finest surviving Muslim palace in the world and its symbolic of an episode that many Muslims believe has been all but written out of the history books by Europe's Christians: the flowering of Islam culture, philosophy and science, which meant that once the intellectual heart of Europe beat not in Paris, Rome or Athens, but in the great Muslim cities of Granada and Cordoba . The music in this episode is from a group called Joglaresa. In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed. Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions Indonesian with headscarf. Indonesia Indonesia is the world's largest Muslim nation and since it proclaimed its independence in 1945 it has often been plagued by religiously motivated violence. But Islamic reformers in the country are advocating a radical reinterpretation of the life of Muhammad as a way of leading the country to democracy. Could this be the start of an Islamic enlightenment that will lead the way for the rest of the Muslim world? In order to see this content you need to have both Javascript enabled and Flash installed.

Visit BBC Webwise for full instructions Belief in the Prophets - The Religion of Islam The Six Pillars of Faith and Other Islamic Beliefs Belief in the Prophets Font size: Description: The purpose and role of the Prophets, the nature of the message that they brought to humanity, and the emphasis that they were mere humans with no divine attributes. Category: Published on 16 Jan 2006 Last modified on 04 Jan 2015 Printed: 1048 Viewed: 85302 (daily average: 21) Rating: 4.1 out of 5 Rated by: 34 Best Rate it Belief in certain prophets who God chose to relay His message to humans is a required article of Islamic faith.

"The Prophet (Muhammad) believes in what has been sent down to him from his Lord, and (so do) the believers.� Each one believes in God, His Angels, His Books, and His prophets.� (They say,) �We make no distinction between one another of His prophets...�" (Quran 2:285) God conveys His message and relates His will through human prophets.� They form a link between the earthly beings and the heavens, in the sense that God has picked them to deliver His message to human beings.� There are no other channels to receive divine communications.� It is the system of communication between the Creator and the created.� God does not send angels to every single individual, nor does He open the skies so people can climb up to receive the message.� His way of communication is through human prophets who receive the message through angels.

To have faith in the prophets (or messengers) is to firmly believe that God chose morally upright men to bear His message and pass it to humanity.� Blessed were those who followed them, and wretched were those who refused to obey.� They faithfully delivered the message, without hiding, altering, or corrupting it.� Rejecting a prophet is rejecting the One who sent him, and disobeying a prophet is disobeying the One who commanded to obey him. God sent to every nation a prophet, mostly from amongst them, to call them to worship God alone and to shun false gods.

"And ask (O Muhammad) those of Our prophets whom We sent before you: �Did We ever appoint gods to be worshipped besides the Most Merciful (God)?�" (Quran 43:45) Muslims believe in those prophets mentioned by name in Islamic sources, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, David, Solomon, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, to name a few.� A general belief is held in those not mentioned by name, as God says: "And, indeed We have sent prophets before you (O Muhammad), of some of them We have related to you their story, and of some We have not related to you their story..." (Quran 40:78) Muslims firmly believe the final prophet was the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, and there will be no prophet or messenger after him.

To appreciate this fact, one must understand that the teachings of the last prophet are preserved in original language in their primary sources.� There is no need for another prophet.� In the case of earlier prophets, their scriptures were lost or their message was corrupted to the point that truth was hardly distinguishable from falsehood.� The message of the Prophet Muhammad is clear and preserved and will remain so till the end of time. The Purpose for Sending Prophets We can identify the following main reasons for sending prophets: (1)� Guiding humanity from the worship of created beings to the worship of their Creator, from being in a state of servitude to the creation to the freedom of worshipping their Lord. (2)� Clarifying to humanity the purpose of creation: worshipping God and obeying His commands, as well as clarifying that this life is a test for each individual, a test of which its results will decide the type of life one will lead after death; a life of eternal misery or eternal bliss.� There is no other definite way to find the true purpose of creation. (3)� Showing humanity the right path that will lead them to Paradise and to salvation from Hellfire.

(4)� Establishing proof against humanity by sending prophets, so people will not have an excuse when they will be questioned on the Day of Judgment.� They will not be able to claim ignorance to the purpose of their creation and life after death. (5)� Uncovering the unseen �world� which exists beyond the normal senses and the physical universe, such as the knowledge of God, existence of angels, and the reality of the Day of Judgment. (6)� Providing human beings practical examples to lead moral, righteous, purpose-driven lives free of doubts and confusion.� Innately, human beings admire fellow human beings, so the best examples of righteousness for humans to imitate are those of God�s prophets. (7)� Purifying the soul from materialism, sin, and heedlessness. (8)� Conveying to humanity the teachings of God, which is for their own benefit in this life and in the Hereafter.

Their Message The single most important message of all prophets to their people was to worship God alone and none else and to follow His teachings.� All of them, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Jesus, Muhammad and others, in addition to those we do not know - invited people to worship God and shun false gods. Moses declared: "Hear, O Israel The Lord our God is one Lord." (Deuteronomy 6:4). This was repeated 1500 years later by Jesus, when he said: "The first of all the commandments is, �Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord.�" (Mark 12:29).

Finally, the call of Muhammad some 600 years later reverberated across the hills of Mecca: "And your God is One God: there is no god but He..." (Quran 2:163) The Holy Quran states this fact clearly: "And We did not send any Messenger before you (O Muhammad) but We revealed to him (saying): �none has the right to be worshipped but I, so worship Me.�" (Quran 21:25) The Message Bearers God chose the best among humanity to deliver His message.� Prophethood is not earned or acquired like higher education.� God chooses whom He pleases for this purpose. They were the best in morals and they were mentally and physically fit, protected by God from falling into cardinal, major sins.� They did not err or commit mistakes in delivering the message.� They were over one hundred thousand prophets sent to all mankind, to all nations and races, in all corners of the world.� Some prophets were superior to others.� The best among them were Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him.

People went to extremes with the prophets.� They were rejected and accused of being sorcerers, madmen, and liars.� Others turned them into gods by giving them divine powers, or declared them to be His children, like what happened to Jesus. In truth, they were fully human with no divine attributes or power.� They were God�s worshipping slaves.� They ate, drank, slept, and lived normal human lives.� They did not have the power to make anyone accept their message or to forgive sins.� Their knowledge of future was limited to what God revealed to them.� They had no part in running the affairs of the universe. Out of the Infinite Mercy and Love of God, He sent to humanity prophets, guiding them to that which is the best.

He sent them as an example for humanity to follow, and if one does follow their example, they would live a life in accordance to the Will of God, earning His Love and Pleasure Poor Greatest Prophets In Islam - Top Ten List - TheTopTens® Greatest Prophets In Islam The Top Ten 1 Muhammad Muhammad (570 AD - 632 AD) was an Arabian Prophet, best known as the central figure (And last prophet) of the Abrahamic religion of Islam and is amongst the most revered and important historical figures in the world. Our prophet went through loads of bad stuff. I just want to tell you that loads of people these days are loving prophet Muhammad (s.A. W, peace be upon him)more than mighty Allah, we need to think before we say anything, we need to give more love to Allah instead of prophets, I am not saying our prophet is bad or anything, but prophet is nothing similar than Allah subhanatalla. Did you know when you pray or talk to prophets they can not here you because they are in there graves, its just like humans, E.

G if I was all the way to Pakistan and my friend is in England she is she is screaming, I wouldn't here her, so it is exactly the same as humans. Plus Allah's favourite prophet is our beloved prophet Muhammad (s.A. W)and he was the last ever prophet to be created. Allah didn't want anymore prophets in this lovely world. I love Allah more and so does everyone, no one is similar to Allah and no one looks like Allah, Allah is way more pretty and beautiful than us mashallah. We are his ... more He Did lots of things for us, Islam, Manners, He prayed and showed us the right path. He was the best prophet to tell the people about Islam. He showed Kindness to the world. There were many people who were Christians but Hazrat Muhammad Converted them into Muslims. There were many prophets who were good and pious But the best and the last prophet Hazrat Muhammad was the best of that Time. Hazrat muhammad was Born in The Tribe of Quraish In Makkah, The date when he was born was 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal 571 A. D.

A Few days After his birth, Hazrat Muhammad was given to Bibi Halima. Hazrat Muhammad established Mawakhat or Brotherhood between the Muhajirin And Ansar. This was All About Hazrat Muhammad. prophet muhammad muhammad s. a. w is number 1 and I love all prophets suban allah Definitely number 1 prophet. May Allah raise his ranks V 345 Comments 2 Isa (Jesus) Being the sinless Adam Kadmon/al-Isnan al-Kamil, Yahushuah ha Mashiach/Isa al-Masih (SAAWS) is the only Nabi of Allah Subhana wa ta'ala to be the "Right Hand Power of Judgment. " He was Metatron (SAAWS) incarnate in human form, and Metatron is the highest of all Mala'ikah.

Jibra'il (SAAWS), Mika'il (SAAWS), Israfa'il (SAAWS), and Azrael (SAAWS) are all four equal as "executive officers" under Metatron, ostensibly being "The Four Immeasurable Minds of al-Mala'ikah" (just to sneak in a little Buddhist theory). Jesus P.U.H didn't say worship me. He didn't say he was God. He pray, ask and worship God. God put his spirit in Adam P.U.H. he was created without a mother nor a father.Why Adam is not called God? God is one! He is unique! He doesn't have a mother nor a father and nothing is like him, no human can compare to him. If Jesus were God why his companions didn't worship him? Why nobody worship Jesus for the first century after his "death"? THINK! He is the true and living Son of The Great I Am, without Him we are all destined for eternal hell fire, with Him we have the promise of eternal life in Heaven. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. There is a very distinct difference between Jesus and the Prophets.

He is God in the flesh, one-third of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. ) He is the only path for salvation. There is none like Him. Wow the content and the comments seriously amaze me! Hazrat Isa was a prophet, a messenger, a human being. God sent him to correct people just like every prophet in the history. So please don't blurt out blasphemous talk! V 19 Comments 3 Ibrahim (Abraham) he is very great prophet of allah he is al khlil ullah the friend of allah he is 2 great prophet of allah after prophet muhammad s. a.

w he should be on second Islam is the religion that has such best prophet I believe that prophet Ibrahim was the second best prophet after our beloved prophet Muhammad (saw) but anyways he was a wonderful prophet and the kaaba we see today was built by Ibrahim AS if he had not built it we would have a pilgrimage This was all about prophet Ibrahim AS May peace and blessing be upon him and all the other prophets Prophet Ibrahim deserves to be second due to the fact that he made the biggest sacrifice of his son for allah s.w.t and he is the forefather of a lot of important and great prophets in Islam such as Isa a.s, Musa a.s, prophet Muhammad s.a.w and so on.

V 13 Comments 4 Musa (Moses) Guys may we all who post comments in Islam talk about by putting our gmail in our comments About beloved Islam I love musa He is the messenger of Allah so obviously he will b the best 14 Daud (David) V 2 Comments 15 Luth (Lot) V 1 Comment 16 Shuayb He is an amazing prophet, he tryed to lead his people through the correct path and told them to as he was waiting him self And told them to wait as he was waiting himself(correction from myself 18 Al-yasa (Elisha) V 2 Comments 19 Yunus (Jonah) V 1 Comment 20 Ayyub (Job) prophet ayub ahle salam is very very great prophet allah s. w. t.

his sabr is amazing and greatest Ya allah ya allah Prophet Job has the most beautiful story, I learned to value his patience Ulul'azm Anbiya' (Arch-Prophets) and All Other Prophets | Islamic Teachings in Brief | Books on Islam and Muslims | Al-Islam.org Islamic Teachings in Brief Glossary of non-English Terms Ulul'azm Anbiya' (Arch-Prophets) and All Other Prophets There were five prophets who had divine books and independent teachings. They are referred to as Nuh (Noah) (as), Ibrahim (Abraham) (as), Musa(Moses) (as), 'Isa (Jesus) (as), and Muhammad (S) in the following verse: "He has made plain to you of the religion what He enjoined upon Nuh and that which We have revealed to you, and that which We enjoined upon Ibrahim and Musa and 'Isa that keep to obedience and be not divided therein... (42:13)." These five prophets, who have books and divine religious laws, are called the Ulul'azm Anbiya' (arch-prophets).

The messengers of Allah, however, were not limited to these five prophets, rather each ummah (people) had a messenger. Many prophets were sent by Allah to lead the people, of whom only the names of less than twenty have been mentioned in the Holy Qur'an. The Almighty Allah states: "... There are some of them that We have mentioned to you and there are others whom We have not mentioned to you...(40:78)." He also states: "And every ummah had a messenger...(10:47)." Allah states: "...And (there is) a guide for every people (13:7)." Yes, prophets, who came after each of the Ulul'azm Anbiya' invited people to follow the divine religious laws of the same prophets. Thus, prophetic mission and the call continued until Allah appointed the Prophet Muhammad (S) ibn Abdillah to bring the previous prophetic missions to perfection and to communicate the latest orders and the most complete divine religious laws. His divine book became the last book and consequently, the religion of Prophet Muhammad (S) will remain valid until Qiyamah (Resurrection) and his religious laws will remain everlasting.

(1) Prophet Nuh (as) Nuh (as) (Prophet Noah) was the first prophet appointed to prophetic mission and sent towards mankind as bearer of divine religious laws and a divine book by Allah, the Merciful. Nuh (as) invited the people of those days to monotheism and belief in the Oneness of Allah and asked them to refrain from polytheism and idolatry. As evident from his stories in the Holy Qur'an, Nuh (as) seriously struggled to settle class distinctions and to eradicate injustice and cruelty. He notified the people of his teachings by way of reasoning which was something new to the people of those days. After a long period of suffering with ignorant, stubborn, and unruly people, Nuh (as) guided only a small group of people. Thus, by means of Nuh's(as) Deluge, the Almighty Allah annihilated unbelievers and cleansed the earth of their defiled entity. Nuh (as) and a group of his followers who were saved laid the cornerstone of a religious society over again. This Holy Prophet (S) is the founder of the religious laws of monotheism and the first divine representative who struggled against cruelty, injustice, and rebellion.

Owing to his valuable services rendered to the divine religion, he is allotted a praise and greeting by Allah, a praise which will remain alive and perpetual as long as mankind exists. "Peace and salutation to Nuh among the nations (37:79)." (2) Prophet Ibrahim (as) A long time elapsed after Nuh. (as). Although many prophets, such as Hud, Salih, and others also led the people towards Allah and righteousness, the polytheism and idolatry flourished day by day and finally became universal. By His sublime wisdom, the Almighty Allah appointed Ibrahim (as) (Prophet Abraham) as a prophet. Ibrahim (as) was a perfect example of a man with innate disposition who searched for truth with his pure and immaculate nature. He found out the oneness of Allah and struggled against polytheism and injustice all his life. As revealed by the Holy Qur'an and confirmed by the ahadith of the Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (Members of the Household of the Prophet Muhammad [SA]), Ibrahim (as) spent his childhood in a cave away from the clamours of people and the tumultuous urban life.

He only saw his mother who carried food and water for him from time to time. One day he came out of his cave and followed his mother to town and paid a visit to his uncle, Adhar, but everything seemed new and interesting to him. Amidst thousands of bewilderments and wonders and with utmost impatience and calmness, his immaculate nature focused on the creation of things that he saw, trying to find out the secret of their existence and the cause of their creation. He saw idols which Adhar and others carved and worshipped. Ibrahim (as) asked about their identity, but the explanation he got about their divinity was not convincing. He saw a group of people who worshipped Venus, others who worshipped the moon, and yet another group who worshipped the sun. Their divinity was unbelievable to Ibrahim (as) because each one of them set after a few hours. After these incidents, Ibrahim (as), fearlessly, announced his worshipping of the Almighty Allah and his disgust of polytheism and idolatry. He thought of nothing but struggle against idolatry and polytheism. He struggled against idol-worshippers tirelessly and relentlessly and invited them towards monotheism.

Finally, he found a way to the idol-temple and broke the idols. Because of this deed, which people regarded as the greatest crime, Ibrahim (as) was put to trial. After completion of the formalities, Ibrahim (as) was thrown into the fire, but Allah saved him and he came out of the fire unharmed. After a while, Ibrahim (as) emigrated from his original birthplace, Babylon, to Syria and Palestine and continued his invitation of monotheism there. In the last days of his life, he was blessed with two children: Ishaq (as) (Prophet Isaac), the father of Isra'il (as) and Isma'il (as) (Prophet Ishmael), the father of 'Arab Mudar. By the order of Allah, Isma'il (as), in infancy, and his mother were taken to Hijaz by Ibrahim (as). They settled around Mount Tuhamah in an arid and barren land without inhabitants. In this manner, Ibrahim (as) invited the nomadic Arabs to monotheism.

Then he built Ka'bah and described the rites of Hajj (pilgrimage to Makkah) which remained prevalent among the Arabs until the advent of Islam and the call of Prophet Muhammad (S). Ibrahim (as) was endowed with the innate religion. According to the explicit wording of the Holy Qur'an, he had a divine book. He was the first person to call the divine religion as "Islam" and it's followers as "Muslims". Indeed, the religions of the world advocating monotheism, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam terminate at Ibrahim (as), because Musa (as), 'Isa (as), and Prophet Muhammad (S), the leaders of the aforementioned three religions, were all the descendants of Ibrahim (as) and had followed his path of call and invitation to monotheism. (3) Prophet Musa (as) Musa (as) (Prophet Moses) ibn 'Imran is the third of the Ulul'azm Anbiya'and is bestowed with a book and shari'ah (divine religious laws). He was a descendant of Isra'il (as) or Y'aqub (as) (Prophet Jacob).

Musa (as) had a tumultuous life. He was born at a time when the Israelites were living in Egypt among Gipsies in a state of abjectness and servitude and when their sons were beheaded by the order of Fir'awn (Pharaoh 1 ). The mother of Musa (as), according to the order given to her while asleep, placed Musa (as), in a wooden box and left him in the Nile River. The water carried the box directly to the castle of Fir'awn. By the order of Fir'awn, the box was picked up. When they opened it, they found a baby inside. Because of the insistence of the queen, Fir'awn dispensed with killing the child. Since they did not have a son, they adopted him as their own son and put him under the care of a nurse (who was incidentally his own mother) Up to the early stages of his youth, Musa (as) lived in the palace of Fir'awn. Then, after an accidental murder, fearing Fir'awn, he ran away from Egypt. He went to Madyan and met Prophet Shu'ayb (Jethro) (as).

He married one of Shu'ayb's daughters and grazed his sheep for a few years. After a few years, he reminisced about his birthplace, took his wife with him, and set out for Egypt, carrying his belongings along. On his way, when he reached Mount Sinai at night, he was assigned to prophetic mission by the Almighty Allah. He was chosen by Allah to invite Fir'awn to the religion of Tawhid, to liberate the Israelites from the yoke of the Gipsies, and to designate his brother, Harun (Aaron), as his minister. But after he announced his mission and communicated the divine message, Fir'awn who was an idol-worshipper and who had also introduced himself to the people of Egypt as one of the gods, did not accept Musa's (as) prophetic mission and refused to grant freedom to the Israelites. Although for many years Musa (as) invited people to tawhid and showed many miracles, Fir'awn and his people showed no reaction other than toughness and moroseness. Finally, by the order of Allah, Musa (as) emigrated the Israelites and went from Egypt to Sinai desert at night.

When they reached the Red sea, Fir'awn, too, came to know and chased them with his army. Through a miracle, Musa (as) split the water of the sea and crossed it along with his people, but Fir'awn and his army were drowned. After this event, Allah revealed the Tawrat to Musa (as) and established the Shari'ah of Musa (as) among the Israelites. (4) Prophet 'Isa (as) Prophet 'Isa (as) is the fourth of the Ulul'azm Anbiya' bestowed with a book and shari'ah. The circumstances of his birth were unusual. His mother,Maryam, a pious virgin, was worshipping Allah (in Jerusalem) whenRuhulqudus or Jibril (Gabriel) descended from heavens, gave her the good tidings of 'Isa's (as) birth; and by Jibril's breathing on her sleeves, Maryambecame pregnant with 'Isa (as). After his birth, 'Isa (as) began to speak in the cradle in defence of his m other against unfair calumnies attributed to her.

He also informed the people about his Nubuwwah and divine book (Injil). Later, in his youth, he proceeded to invite the people and revived the shari'ah of Musa (as) with minor modifications. He sent missionaries from among his hawaris(disciples) to the surrounding places. After his call was spread among the people, the Jews (his ummah) embarked on killing him, but Allah saved him, and the Jews caught someone else in his place and crucified him. It should be pointed out here that the Almighty Allah, in the Holy Qur'an, confirms a divine book called the "Injil" for 'Isa (as), which was revealed to him. It is different from the Gospels written after 'Isa (as) about his life and call. Among them, four Gospels compiled by Luke, Mark, Matthew, and John are formally recognized by Christians. 1. In Egypt, kings were called "Pharaohs". PBS - Islam: Empire of Faith - Profiles - Muhammad Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, was born in Mecca around the year 570.

Orphaned before he had reached the age of six, he was raised under the protection of his uncle Abu Talib. Muhammad began working as a merchant and became known for his trustworthiness. When he was about twenty-five, he married Khadija, a wealthy widow whose status elevated Muhammad's position in Meccan society. Muhammad and Khadija had four daughters and two sons, both of whom died in infancy. About fifteen or twenty years after his marriage, he began to have visions and hear mysterious voices. He sought solitude in a cave on Mount Hira on the outskirts of Mecca. One night during Ramadan, the traditional month of spiritual retreat, when Muhammad was about forty years old, an angel appeared to him in the form of a man and ordered him to; Recite in the name of thy lord who created, Created man from a clot; Recite in the name of thy lord, Who taught by the pen, Taught man what he knew not. Muhammad, fearing that he was being attacked by an evil spirit, fled down the mountain in terror.

The voice called after him, "O Muhammad, you are the messenger of God, and I am the angel Gabriel." This revelation was soon followed by others about the one true God. Eventually, the angel told Muhammad to begin proclaiming God's message. Muhammad slowly began to attract some followers, most of them young and of modest social standing, including his cousin Ali, the son of his uncle and protector Abu Talib. When Muhammad began to impugn the traditional polytheism of his native town, the rich and powerful merchants of Mecca realized that the religious revolution taking place under their noses might be disastrous for business, which was protected by the Meccan pantheon of gods and goddesses. The ruling elite ganged up against Muhammad and his followers, and began to persecute them. A few Meccans began to accept Muhammad's message, while other members of his clan came to support their kinsman out of family loyalty, even if they did not yet believe in his cause. Muhammad's position in Mecca became hopeless when his wife Khadija and uncle Abu Talib died in quick succession. In 622 the local rulers of Mecca forced Muhammad and his small band of followers to leave the city.

Muhammad accepted an invitation to settle in the oasis of Yathrib, located some eleven days (280 miles) north by camel, for the oasis had been nearly torn apart by wars between the clans, of which many were Jewish. Muhammad's hegira from Mecca marks the beginning of a new polity. For the first time in Arabia members of a community were bound together not by the traditional ties of clan and tribe but by their shared belief in the one true God. Later believers, looking back on this event, recognized its seminal importance by designating it as the first year of their new era. In further recognition of this great event, the oasis of Yathrib came to be called Medina, "the city [of the Prophet]." Muhammad, surrounded by his followers, lived in Medina for ten years, slowly winning over converts. Muhammad made repeated attempts to attract the Jews to his cause, for example, he directed that believers worship like the Jews in the direction of Jerusalem. Ultimately these attempts failed, and henceforth Muslims prayed in the direction of the Kaaba in Mecca.

Muhammad's native town, which had long been a center of paganism, thereby became the center of the true religion, the focal point of the believers' daily prayer, and eventually the object of their annual pilgrimage. Raiding and warfare were the primary economic activities of the new community in Medina, and the rich caravans organized by the Quraysh of Mecca were particularly attractive targets. In 628, Muhammad finally negotiated a truce with the Meccans and in the following year returned as a pilgrim to the city's holy sites. The murder of one of his followers provoked him to attack the city, which soon surrendered. Muhammad acted generously to the Meccans, demanding only that the pagan idols around the Kaaba be destroyed. Muhammad's prestige grew after the surrender of the Meccans. Embassies from all over Arabia came to Medina to submit to him. Muhammad's extraordinary life and career were cut short by his sudden death on June 8, 632, aged about sixty, less than a decade since he had set off from Mecca with his small band of followers.

Muslims to this day revere Muhammad as the embodiment of the perfect believer and take his actions and sayings as a model of ideal conduct. Unlike Jesus, who Christians believe was God's son, Muhammad was a mortal, albeit with extraordinary qualities. Today many Muslims believe that it is wrong to represent Muhammad, but this was not always the case. At various times and places pious Muslims represented Muhammad although they never worshipped these images. Understanding Islam and Muslims - IslamiCity Understanding Islam and Muslims 30 Acknowledgments What is Islam ? Islam is not a new religion, but the same truth that God revealed through all His prophets to every people. For a fifth of the world’s population, Islam is both a religion and a complete way of life. Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness, and the majority have nothing to do with the extremely grave events which have come to be associated with their faith. A Moroccan in prayer Muslims praying in Jerusalem outside The Dome of the Rock Who are the Muslims? One billion people from a vast range of races, nationalities and cultures across the globe – from the southern Philippines to Nigeria – are united by their common Islamic faith.

About 18% live in the Arab world; the world’s largest Muslim community is in Indonesia; substantial parts of Asia and most of Africa are Muslim, while significant minorities are to be found in the Soviet Union, China, North and South America, and Europe. What do Muslims believe? Muslims believe in One, Unique, Incomparable God; in the Angels created by Him; in the prophets through whom His revelations were brought to mankind; in the Day of Judgement and individual accountability for actions; in God’s complete authority over human destiny and in life after death. Muslims believe in a chain of prophets starting with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, Aaron, David, Solomon, Elias, Jonah, John the Baptist, and Jesus, peace be upon them. But God’s final message to man, a reconfirmation of the eternal message and a summing-up of all that has gone before was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through Gabriel. How does someone become a Muslim? Simply by saying ‘there is no god apart from God, and Muhammad is the Messenger of God.’ By this declaration the believer announces his or her faith in all God’s messengers, and the scriptures they brought.

What does Islam mean? The Arabic word ‘Islam’ simply means ‘submission’, and derives from a word meaning ‘peace’. In a religious context it means complete submission to the will of God. ‘Mohammedanism’ is thus a misnomer because it suggests that Muslims worship Muhammad rather than God. ‘Allah’ is the Arabic name for God, which is used by Arab Muslims and Christians alike. Why does Islam often seem strange? Islam may seem exotic or even extreme in the modern world. Perhaps this is because religion does not dominate everyday life in the West today, whereas Muslims have religion always uppermost in their minds, and make no division between secular and sacred. They believe that the Divine Law, the Shari’a, should be taken very seriously, which is why issues related to religion are still so important. Do Islam and Christianity have different origins? No. Together with Judaism, they go back to the prophet and patriarch Abraham, and their three prophets are directly descended from his sons, Muhammad from the elder son Ishmael, and Moses and Jesus from the younger son Isaac. Abraham established the settlement which today is the city of Makkah, and built the Ka’ba towards which all Muslims turn when they pray.

What is the Ka’ba? The Ka`ba is the place of worship which God commanded Abraham and Ishmael to build over four thousand years ago. The building was constructed of stone on what many believe was the original site of a sanctuary established by Adam. God commanded Abraham to summon all mankind to visit this place, and when pilgrims go there today they say ‘At Thy service, O Lord’, in response to Abraham’s summons. Who is Muhammad? Muhammad, was born in Makkah in the year 570, at a time when Christianity was not yet fully established in Europe. Since his father died before his birth, and his mother shortly afterwards, he was raised by his uncle from the respected tribe of Quraysh. As he grew up, he became known for his truthfulness, generosity and sincerity, so that he was sought after for his ability to arbitrate in disputes. The historians describe him as calm and meditative. Muhammad was of a deeply religious nature, and had long detested the decadence of his society. It became his habit to meditate from time to time in the Cave of Hira near the summit of Jabal al-Nur, the ‘Mountain of Light’ near Makkah.

How did Muhammad become a prophet and a messenger of God? At the age of 40, while engaged in a meditative retreat, Muhammad received his first revelation from God through the Angel Gabriel. This revelation, which continued for twenty-three years, is known as the Quran. The Mountain of Light where Gabriel came to Prophet Muhammad. As soon as he began to recite the words he heard from Gabriel, and to preach the truth which God had revealed to him, he and his small group of followers suffered bitter persecution, which grew so fierce that in the year 622 God gave them the command to emigrate. This event, the Hijra, ‘migration’, in which they left Makkah for the city of Madinah some 260 miles to the north, marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar. After several years, the Prophet and his followers were able to return to Makkah, where they forgave their enemies and established Islam definitively. Before the Prophet died at the age of 63, the greater part of Arabia was Muslim, and within a century of his death Islam had spread to Spain in the West and as far East as China.

The Prophet’s Mosque, Madinah, the dome indicates the place where his house stood and where he is buried. How did the spread of Islam affect the world? Among the reasons for the rapid and peaceful spread of Islam was the simplicity of its doctrine – Islam calls for faith in only One God worthy of worship. It also repeatedly instructs man to use his powers of intelligence and observation. Hui Shen Mosque, China, Built in the 7th Century. Taj Mahal, India. Within a few years, great civilizations and universities were flourishing, for according to the Prophet, ‘seeking knowledge is an obligation for every Muslim man and woman’. The synthesis of Eastern and Western ideas and of new thought with old, brought about great advances in medicine, mathematics, physics, astronomy, geography, architecture, art, literature, and history. Many crucial systems such as algebra, the Arabic numerals, and also the concept of the zero (vital to the advancement of mathematics), were transmitted to medieval Europe from Islam. Sophisticated instruments which were to make possible the European voyages of discovery were developed, including the astrolabe, the quadrant and good navigational maps. What is the Qur’an?

The Quran is a record of the exact words revealed by God through the Angel Gabriel to the Prophet Muhammad. It was memorized by Muhammad and then dictated to his Companions, and written down by scribes, who cross-checked it during his lifetime. Not one word of its 114 chapters, Suras, has been changed over the centuries, so that the Quran is in every detail the unique and miraculous text which was revealed to Muhammad fourteen centuries ago. This opening chapter of The Quran, the Fatiha, is central in Islamic prayer. It contains the essence of The Quran and is recited during every prayer. What is the Qur’an about? The Quran, the last revealed Word of God, is the prime source of every Muslim’s faith and practice. It deals with all the subjects which concern us as human beings: wisdom, doctrine, worship, and law, but its basic theme is the relationship between God and His creatures. At the same time it provides guidelines for a just society, proper human conduct and an equitable economic system. Are there any other sacred sources? Yes, the sunna, the practice and example of the Prophet, is the second authority for Muslims.

A hadith is a reliably transmitted report of what the Prophet said, did, or approved. Belief in the sunna is part of the Islamic faith. Examples of the Prophet’s sayings The Prophet said: ‘God has no mercy on one who has no mercy for others.’ ‘None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.’ ‘He who eats his fill while his neighbor goes without food is not a believer. ‘ ‘The truthful and trusty businessman is associated with the prophets the saints, and the martyrs.’ ‘Powerful is not he who knocks the other down, indeed powerful is he who controls himself in a fit of anger. ‘ ‘God does not judge according to your bodies and appearances but He scans your hearts and looks into your deeds.’ ‘A man walking along a path felt very thirsty. Reaching a well he descended into it, drank his fill and came up. Then he saw a dog with its tongue hanging out, trying to lick up mud to quench its thirst. The man saw that the dog was feeling the same thirst as he had felt so he went down into the well again and filled his shoe with water and gave the dog a drink.

God forgave his sins for this action.’ The Prophet was asked: ‘Messenger of God, are we rewarded for kindness towards animals?’ He said, ‘There is a reward for kindness to every living thing.’ From the hadith collections of Bukhari, Muslim, Tirmidhi and Bayhaqi What are the Five Pillars of Islam ? They are the framework of the Muslim life: faith, prayer, concern for the needy, self-purification, and the pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able. FAITH There is no god worthy of worship except God and Muhammad is His messenger. This declaration of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula which all the faithful pronounce. In Arabic, the first part is la ilaha illa Llah – ‘there is no god except God’; ilaha (god) can refer to anything which we may be tempted to put in place of God – wealth, power, and the like. Then comes illa Llah: ‘except God’, the source of all Creation. The second part of the Shahada is Muhammadun rasulu’Llah: ‘Muhammad is the messenger of God.’ A message of guidance has come through a man like ourselves.

The Shahada inscribed over entrance to Ottoman Topkapi Palace (the museum contains a mantle worn by the Prophet, among other treasures), Istanbul. PRAYER Salat is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day, and are a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam, and no priests, so the prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Quran, chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Quran, and are said in Arabic, the language of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one’s own language. Prayers are said at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayers in daily life. A translation of the Call to Prayer is: God is most great. God is most great. God is most great. God is most great. I testify that there is no god except God. I testify that there is no god except God.

I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God. I testify that Muhammad is the messenger of God. Come to prayer! Come to prayer! Come to success (in this life and the Hereafter)! Come to success! God is most great. God is most great. There is no god except God. Courtyard of Great Mosque, Herat, Afghanistan. THE ZAKAT One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God, and that wealth is therefore held by human beings in trust. The word zakat means both ‘purification’ and ‘growth’. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth. Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purposes this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one’s capital. Zakat keeps the money flowing within a society, Cairo. A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as ‘voluntary charity’ it has a wider meaning.

The Prophet said ‘even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity.’ The Prophet said: ‘Charity is a necessity for every Muslim. ‘ He was asked: ‘What if a person has nothing?’ The Prophet replied: ‘He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.’ The Companions asked: ‘What if he is not able to work?’ The Prophet said: ‘He should help poor and needy persons.’ The Companions further asked ‘What if he cannot do even that?’ The Prophet said ‘He should urge others to do good.’ The Companions said ‘What if he lacks that also?’ The Prophet said ‘He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.’ THE FAST Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from first light until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed.

Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayer) from puberty, although many start earlier. Although the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method of self purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well as growth in one’s spiritual life. PILGRIMAGE (Hajj) The annual pilgrimage to Makkah – the Hajj – is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, about two million people go to Makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nations to meet one another. Although Makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year (which is lunar, not solar, so that Hajj and Ramadan fall sometimes in summer, sometimes in winter). Pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garments which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before God. Pilgrims praying at the mosque in Makkah.

The rites of the Hajj, which are of Abrahamic origin, include circling the Ka’ba seven times, and going seven times between the mountains of Safa and Marwa as did Hagar during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafa and join in prayers for God’s forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the Last Judgment. In previous centuries the Hajj was an arduous undertaking. Today, however, Saudi Arabia provides millions of people with water, modern transport, and the most up-to-date health facilities. Pilgrim tents during Hajj. The close of the Hajj is marked by a festival, the Eid al-Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This, and the Eid al-Fitr, a feast-day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the main festivals of the Muslim calendar. BBC - Schools - Religion - Islam Religion Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers. There are around 2 millions Muslims in Britain, around 2.7% of the population. The word 'Islam' in Arabic means submission to the will of God.

Followers of Islam are called Muslims. Muslims believe there is one true God Allah (the Arabic word for God) Muslims believe that Islam was revealed over 1400 years ago in Mecca, Arabia through a man called Muhammad. Muhammad is so revered that it is usual for Muslims to say 'peace be upon him' whenever they mention his name. Muhammad is believed by Muslims to be the last prophet sent by God (Allah) According to Muslims, God sent prophets to mankind to teach them how to live according to His law. Jesus (Isa), Moses (Musa) and Abraham (Ibrahim) are other respected prophets. The Muslim holy book is called the Qur'an. Muslims believe this to be the word of Allah as dictated to Muhammad. They also have the Sunnah, which Muslims believe to be the practical example of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims follow the five basic Pillars of Islam.They are an essential part of Muslim life: The Five Pillars of Islam are an essential part of Muslim life.

These pillars are: the declaration of faith (Shahada) praying five times a day (Salat) giving money to charity (Zakah) fasting (Sawm) a pilgrimage to Makkah at least once in a lifetime(Hajj) Muslims worship in a building called a Mosque. On Friday at noon, the most important of the weekly services is held. When Muslims pray, they must always face Makkah. More Islamic festivals and events Islam - An Introduction

Question: Who is the most important prophet in Islam?
Answer: Muhammad