Download or read book The Founder of Islam: Mohammed (Mahomet) written by MEENACHISUNDARAM.M and published by MEENACHI SUNDARAM. This book was released on 2024-09-05 with total page 205 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This ebook is for knowledge sharing only. Anybody can reuse this. No copyright. TABLE OF CONTENTS PREFACE. 4 INTRODUCTION.. 9 CHAPTER I: MAHOMET'S BIRTHPLACE. 17 CHAPTER II: CHILDHOOD.. 22 CHAPTER III : STRIFE AND MEDITATION.. 30 CHAPTER IV: ADVENTURE AND SECURITY. 36 CHAPTER V: INSPIRATION.. 43 CHAPTER VI: SEVERANCE. 52 CHAPTER VII: THE CHOSEN CITY. 61 CHAPTER VIII: THE FLIGHT TO MEDINA.. 70 CHAPTER IX: THE CONSOLIDATION OF POWER. 80 CHAPTER X: THE SECESSION OF THE JEWS. 89 CHAPTER XI: THE BATTLE OF BEDR. 96 CHAPTER XII: THE JEWS AT MEDINA.. 107 CHAPTER XIII: THE BATTLE OF OHOD.. 115 CHAPTER XIV: THE TYRANNY OF WAR. 123 CHAPTER XV: THE WAR OF THE DITCH.. 135 CHAPTER XVI: THE PILGRIMAGE TO HODEIBIA.. 145 CHAPTER XVII: THE FULFILLED PILGRIMAGE. 153 CHAPTER XVIII: THE TRIUMPHAL ENTRY. 161 CHAPTER XIX: MAHOMET, VICTOR. 170 CHAPTER XX: ICONOCLASM... 177 CHAPTER XXI: LAST RITES. 185 CHAPTER XXII: THE GENESIS OF ISLAM... 194 ABOUT THE AUTHOR. 203 PREFACE Early Life Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam, was born in Mecca (modern-day Saudi Arabia) in 570 CE into the powerful tribe of Quraysh. His father, Abdullah, died before his birth, and his mother, Amina, passed away when he was six years old. Orphaned at an early age, Muhammad was raised by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib. Despite growing up in a prominent tribe, his early life was marked by modesty and simplicity. Youth and Character As a young man, Muhammad earned a reputation for his honesty and integrity. He was known as "Al-Amin" (the trustworthy) because of his dependable and fair dealings in business. He worked as a merchant for a wealthy widow named Khadijah, who later proposed marriage to him. They married when Muhammad was 25, and Khadijah became his staunch supporter and companion throughout his life. Spiritual Inclination Muhammad had a reflective and spiritual nature, often withdrawing to the Cave of Hira, located near Mecca, for meditation and contemplation. This period of retreat reflected his growing discontent with the social injustices, idolatry, and moral corruption prevalent in Meccan society. He sought a deeper understanding of life and spiritual truths beyond the polytheism practiced by the Meccans. The First Revelation At the age of 40, while meditating in the Cave of Hira during the month of Ramadan, Muhammad received his first revelation through the Angel Jibril (Gabriel). The angel commanded him to "Read" or "Recite" in the name of God, the Creator. These initial words, later compiled into the Qur'an, marked the beginning of Muhammad’s prophetic mission. He was shaken and confused, but Khadijah reassured him, affirming his character and moral standing. Preaching the Message For the next 23 years, Muhammad preached the message of monotheism — belief in one God, Allah. He called for the rejection of idols and condemned the social injustices of Mecca, including the exploitation of the poor and the mistreatment of women and slaves. Initially, his message was met with resistance and ridicule from the Quraysh, who saw it as a threat to their social and economic power. Persecution in Mecca As Muhammad’s following grew, the leaders of Quraysh became increasingly hostile. They persecuted Muhammad’s followers, many of whom were poor and vulnerable, subjecting them to torture, exile, and even death. Muhammad himself was often subjected to mockery and violence. Despite this, he remained steadfast in his mission, preaching patience, perseverance, and faith. The Night Journey One of the most significant events in Muhammad’s life is the Isra and Mi'raj, or the Night Journey, which is believed to have occurred around 621 CE. According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad was transported from Mecca to Jerusalem in a single night and then ascended to the heavens. There, he encountered various prophets and ultimately stood in the presence of God. This event confirmed Muhammad’s special status as a prophet and strengthened his resolve Migration to Medina (Hijra) In 622 CE, due to escalating persecution in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers were invited by the people of Yathrib (later renamed Medina) to settle there. This migration, known as the Hijra, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad established a community of believers (ummah) based on Islamic principles, including justice, mutual support, and worship of Allah. Role as a Statesman In Medina, Muhammad took on a new role as both a religious and political leader. He formulated the Constitution of Medina, a groundbreaking document that established the rights and responsibilities of all citizens, including Muslims, Jews, and other groups. This framework helped to create a unified and peaceful society in the multi-religious city, reflecting Muhammad’s skills in diplomacy and governance. The Battles of Badr and Uhud Despite the relative peace in Medina, tensions with the Quraysh of Mecca continued. In 624 CE, the Muslims engaged in the Battle of Badr, where they achieved a surprising victory despite being outnumbered. However, a year later, they faced a setback in the Battle of Uhud, where Muhammad himself was wounded. These battles were pivotal moments in the struggle for the survival of the early Muslim community. Treaty of Hudaybiyyah In 628 CE, Muhammad sought to make a pilgrimage to Mecca, but the Quraysh prevented him and his followers from entering the city. After negotiations, both sides agreed to the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, a truce that allowed Muslims to return for pilgrimage the following year. This treaty, though initially seen as a setback by some Muslims, eventually proved to be a diplomatic success, as it opened the way for peaceful interaction between Mecca and Medina. Conquest of Mecca In 630 CE, after repeated violations of the truce by the Quraysh, Muhammad led an army of 10,000 followers to Mecca. The city surrendered without bloodshed, and Muhammad, in a remarkable act of mercy, forgave many of his former enemies. He cleansed the Kaaba of its idols, rededicating it as a center for the worship of Allah. The conquest of Mecca marked the pinnacle of Muhammad’s mission, as Islam spread rapidly across the Arabian Peninsula. The Final Sermon During his final pilgrimage to Mecca in 632 CE, Muhammad delivered his Farewell Sermon on the plains of Arafat. In this address, he emphasized the equality of all humans, the sanctity of life and property, and the importance of justice and compassion. He also reminded Muslims of their religious duties, including prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage. His message reinforced the core principles of Islam and served as a final guidance to his followers. Muhammad’s Family Life Muhammad’s family life was a significant aspect of his character. He married multiple wives, most of whom were widows or women in need of protection. His marriages often had social or political significance, helping to strengthen alliances within the Muslim community. His deep affection for Khadijah, his first wife, is particularly noted, as is his love for his daughter Fatimah, who played a prominent role in early Islamic history. The Spread of Islam By the time of Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, Islam had spread beyond the Arabian Peninsula to regions in the Near East and North Africa. His message of monotheism, justice, and compassion resonated with many people, leading to a rapid expansion of the faith. After his death, his companions continued to spread Islam, eventually creating a vast Islamic empire that stretched from Spain to India. Prophet as a Lawgiver Muhammad’s role as a lawgiver is central to his legacy. Through his revelations and teachings, he provided guidelines on everything from religious rituals to social conduct, family life, and governance. The Qur'an, along with his sayings (Hadith), became the foundation of Islamic law (Sharia). His emphasis on justice, charity, and the importance of community continues to influence Muslim societies. Legacy of Mercy and Forgiveness One of the defining features of Muhammad’s character was his emphasis on mercy and forgiveness. Despite the hostilities and challenges he faced, Muhammad repeatedly showed leniency toward his enemies, offering them amnesty and reconciliation. His forgiving nature, especially during the conquest of Mecca, remains a model of leadership and compassion in the Muslim world. Challenges and Struggles Muhammad’s mission was not without its challenges. He faced persecution, exile, and personal loss, including the deaths of several of his children. His life was a testament to patience and perseverance in the face of adversity. His ability to inspire his followers, even during difficult times, was crucial to the survival and growth of the early Muslim community. Influence on Islamic Civilization Muhammad’s teachings laid the foundation for a flourishing Islamic civilization. His emphasis on knowledge and learning encouraged the development of sciences, philosophy, art, and literature in the Islamic world. His vision of a just and ethical society influenced the legal and political systems of various Muslim empires and continues to shape contemporary Muslim societies. Muhammad’s Place in World History As the founder of one of the world’s major religions, Muhammad’s impact on history is profound. He united the Arabian Peninsula under the banner of Islam and laid the groundwork for a global civilization that has lasted for over 1,400 years. His legacy as a prophet, leader, and reformer continues to inspire millions of Muslims worldwide, making him one of the most significant figures in world history. INTRODUCTION The impetus that gave victory to Islam is spent. Since its material prosperity overwhelmed its spiritual ascendancy in the first years of triumph its vitality has waned under the stress of riches, then beneath lassitude and the slow decrease of power. The Prophet Mahomet is at once the glory and bane of his people, the source of their strength and the mainspring of their weakness. He represents more effectively than any other religious teacher the sum of his followers' spiritual and worldly ideas. His position in religion and philosophy is substantially the position of all his followers; none have progressed beyond the primary thesis he gave to the Arabian world at the close of his career. He closes a long line of semi-divine teachers and monitors. After him the curtains of heaven close, and its glory is veiled from men's eyes. He is the last great man who imposed enthusiasm for an idea upon countless numbers of his fellow-creatures, so that whole tribes fought and died at his bidding, and at the command of God through him. Now that the vital history of Islam has been written, some decision as to the position and achievements of its founder may be formulated. Mahomet conceived the office of Prophet to be the result of an irresistible divine call. Verily the angel Gabriel appeared to him, commanding him to "arise and warn." He was the vehicle through whom the will of Allah was revealed. The inspired character of his rule was the prime factor in its prevailing; by virtue of his heavenly authority he exercised his sway over the religious actions of his followers, their aspirations and their beliefs. In order to promulgate the divine ordinances the Kuran was sent down, inspired directly by the angel Gabriel at the bidding of the Lord. Upon all matters of belief and upon all other matters dealt with, however cursorily, in the Kuran Mahomet spoke with the power of God Himself; upon matters not within the scope of religion or of the Sacred Book he was only a human and fallible counsellor. "I am no more than man; when I order you anything with respect to religion, receive it, and when I order you about the affairs of the world, then am I nothing more than man." There is no question of his equality with the Godhead, or even of his sharing any part of the divine nature. He is simply the instrument, endowed with a power and authority outside himself, a man who possesses one cardinal thesis which all those within his faith must accept. The idea which represents at once the scope of his teaching and the source of his triumphs is the unity and indivisibility of the Godhead. This is the sole contribution he has made to the progressive thought of the world. Though he came later in time than the culture of Greece and Rome, he never knew their philosophies or the sum of their knowledge. His religion could never he built upon such basic strength as Christianity. It sprang too rapidly into prominence, and had no foundation of slowly developed ideas upon which to rest both its enthusiasm and its earthly endeavour. Mahomet bears closer resemblance to the ancient Hebrew prophets than to any Christian leader or saint. His mind was akin to theirs in its denunciatory fury, its prostration before the might and majesty of a single God. The evolution of the tribal deity from the local wonderworker, whose shrine enclosed his image, to the impersonal and distant but awful power who held the earth beneath his sway, was Mahomet's contribution to the mental development of his country, and the achievement within those confines was wonderful. But to the sum of the world's thought he gave little. His central tenet had already gained its votaries in other lands, and, moreover, their form of belief in one God was such that further development of thought was still possible to them. The philosophy of Islam blocks the way of evolution for itself, because its system leaves no room for such pregnant ideas as divine incarnation, divine immanence, the fatherhood of God. It has been content to formulate one article of faith: "There is no God but God," the corollary as to Mahomet's divine appointment to the office of Prophet being merely an affirmation of loyalty to the particular mode of faith he imposed. Therefore the part taken by Islam in the reading of the world's mystery ceased with the acceptance of that previously conceived central tenet.