How Muhammad Established Islam As A Major Political And Religious Force In The World Essay Example for Free

How Muhammad Established Islam As A Major Political And Religious Force In The World EssayWhile Muhammad was living with his wife Khadija, he often went to a cave outdoor(a) Makkah called Hira, where he would reflect and pray. During one night in 610CE, when Muhammad was 40, he was in a cave on Mount Hira. God revealed himself to Muhammad. This was called the night of power, and it relates in Surah 95 of the record book, which is entitled The Blood Clot.When Muhammad re cancelled home, Khadija became his first believer. Then his cousin Ali, a freed slave called Zayd, and one of his closest friends, Abu Bakr, all became followers. There started one of the great faiths of the world.Muhammad had a bulletproof belief that there was only one God, the creator. He believed that all humans should be equal in their relationship with this creator. This undermined the tribes of Makkah who, especially the Quarish, rose up against Muhammad and his followers. All through his life, Muhamm ad fought to establish Islam, to gather followers, and to create a substantial political force.In the 22 years after the first revelation, until Muhammad died in 632CE, God delivered the Quran to Muhammad, his messenger. By the time that God had finished revealing the Quran, Muhammad had moved to Madinah. Hence we get Makkan and Medinan verses. The Makkan verses are normally shorter, more judgemental, and are found towards the end of the Quran.After the second revelation, the night journey, Muhammad migrated to Yathrib, 40 miles north of Makkah, to submit disputes with the pilgrims from that town. He went there with family and followers in 622CE. When he arrived, he built a house, which was later to occasion the first mosque. He then renamed the town Madinah. This is where the central lodge was established.After Muhammad died, no one knew if he had named a successor. Usually, it would pass to his eldest son. In the end the draw was chosen by the Muslim community as a person of g reat personal integrity. This is the belief of the Sunni branch of Islam, who did not want a government, but they wanted to rely on an authoritative districtr. The Shia branch believes that the early history was biased against Ali, Muhammads cousin. When Ali did dumbfound the leader, those who believed Ali to be the true successor formed the separate Party of Ali. The Shia branch wanted a leader from the family of Muhammad.Islam was greatly diversified by the achievements of the first four caliph successors to Muhammad. Here is who they are and what they achieved in their rule* Abu Bakr (632-634 CE) He and his armies conquered Arab tribes, and they went as far as the Byzantine Empires borders. Abu Bakr had more than a personal belief of Islam and he had a belief of political ideology.* Umar (634-644 CE) He continued after Abu Bakr and captured Jerusalem and North Africa.* Uthman (644-656 CE) After Ali turned down the caliphate, Uthman was chosen and he expanded the empire through North Africa and Eastwards to India and China.* Ali (656-661 CE) He make Muawiya co-caliph, a disastrous move. Two parties were formed, one supporting Ali, the other supporting Muawiya.Islam today is the second largest religion in the world and it is growing fast. It is significant in the modern politics. It also contributes to art, music, architecture and philosophy. The religion has openhanded to have over 2 billion followers. However recently Islamophobia has stepped in. Islam has been treated very cruelly by the western media in the last few years. However Islam means to surrender, or submit, and it is linked closely to some other Arabic word meaning peace. Indeed a Muslim is one who surrenders.