When and how did islam emerge? A historical overview
- Vanessa Chamma
- 6 de jun. de 2024
- 11 min de leitura
Atualizado: 8 de jul.
Islam, one of the world's major religions, emerged in the early 7th century in the city of Mecca, located in present-day Saudi Arabia. It was founded by the Prophet Muhammad, who is considered the last prophet in a long line of prophets that includes figures like Abraham and Jesus. Muhammad's early revelations, which later became known as the Quran, laid the foundation for Islamic beliefs and practices.
Islam
In the context of 7th century Arabia, the region was characterized by tribal societies and polytheistic beliefs. Muhammad's message emphasized monotheism and social justice, which gradually gained followers and led to the formation of a new religious community. After facing opposition in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina, an event known as the Hijra, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
The spread of Islam was facilitated by its theological appeal and the social and political structures established by Muhammad and his successors. Islam quickly expanded beyond the Arabian Peninsula, influencing regions far and wide through conquests, trade, and cultural exchanges. Understanding when and how Islam emerged provides valuable insight into its profound impact on world history and modern society.
Key Takeaways
Islam emerged in the early 7th century in Mecca, founded by the Prophet Muhammad.
The religion emphasizes monotheism and social justice, spreading quickly from Arabia.
Muhammad's life and teachings have significantly influenced global history and culture.
Historical Context of Arabia
Arabia before the rise of Islam was marked by a unique culture and social structure, influenced by various religious beliefs and extensive trade networks.
Pre-Islamic Arabia
The Arabian Peninsula was largely a desert region. Nomadic tribes known as Bedouins traveled across the harsh landscape with their livestock. These tribes valued poetry and oral traditions, which played a significant role in their culture.
Trade was vital in this region. Caravans traveled across Arabia, connecting it with regions like Byzantium and Persia. Mecca, a key trading hub, saw numerous merchants and goods pass through its markets. The city was important not just economically, but also religiously.
Muslims use the term ‘Jahiliya’ to refer to the time period and state of affairs of pre-Islamic Arabia. The word, which translates to “the age of ignorance”, holds a negative connotation. The Arabs of this era are believed to have conducted themselves in destructive and sinful ways, frequently practicing gambling, drinking wine, usury, and fornication. Polytheism, too is often negatively mentioned as characteristic of the time period. Virtually the only positive thing the Islamic tradition attributes to Jahiliya is the poetry of the time (LUURSEMA, 2023).
Religious Landscape Before Islam
Before Islam, Arabia had a diverse religious scene. Polytheism was widespread, with many deities worshiped at local shrines. The Kaaba in Mecca housed numerous idols and was a pilgrimage site.
Monotheistic religions also had a presence. Small communities of Christians and Jews lived in cities like Medina. Their influence grew through interaction with local tribes, blending certain beliefs and practices.
This mix of polytheistic and monotheistic faiths set the stage for the emergence of Islam in the 7th century. Muhammad, born in Mecca, would later unify these disparate religious traditions under a single monotheistic faith.
Life of Prophet Muhammad
Prophet Muhammad is known as the founder of Islam, and his life journey from his birth to his leadership in Medina shaped the beginnings of the Islamic faith. His early experiences, divine revelations, and struggles were crucial in establishing Islam as a major world religion.
Early Life
Muhammad was born around 570 CE in Mecca. He was part of the respected Quraish tribe. His father, Abdullah, died before he was born, and his mother, Amina, passed away when he was six, leaving Muhammad an orphan.
He was then raised by his grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib, and after his death, by his uncle, Abu Talib. Despite the hardships, Muhammad grew into a trustworthy and honest man. He later married Khadijah, a wealthy widow.
Revelation and Mission
At the age of 40, Muhammad began receiving divine revelations from Allah through the Angel Gabriel. These revelations would later be compiled into the Qur'an. The first revelation occurred in the Cave of Hira near Mecca.
Muhammad was commanded to preach monotheism and denounce idolatry. He began spreading these messages to his close relatives and eventually to the wider community. Over time, his following grew as more people accepted Islam.
Persecution in Mecca
Despite his growing following, Muhammad and his followers faced harsh persecution from the Meccan authorities who saw his monotheistic teachings as a threat to their traditional beliefs and economic interests.
Muslims were boycotted, tortured, and some were even killed. Despite the severe hardships, Muhammad continued to preach with unwavering faith and determination. This period was marked by immense struggle and endurance for the early Muslim community.
Hijra to Medina
In 622 CE, due to increasing persecution in Mecca, Muhammad and his followers emigrated to Medina in an event known as the Hijra. This migration was a turning point in Islamic history and marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
In Medina, Muhammad established a constitution that united the various tribes and communities under his leadership. He continued to receive revelations and constructed the Prophet's Mosque, which became a center for the growing Muslim community.
Consolidation of Islamic Community
With the establishment of the Muslim community in Medina, Muhammad focused on consolidating Islamic principles and laws. He built alliances with neighboring tribes and engaged in conflicts to defend the new community. Over time, he successfully negotiated the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah with the Meccans, which allowed Muslims to perform pilgrimages.
In 630 CE, Muhammad and his followers returned to Mecca in a peaceful conquest, cleansing the Kaaba of idols and re-establishing it as the holiest site in Islam. Muhammad continued to lead and guide the Muslims until his death in 632 CE.
Movie Recommendation: The Message (1976)
This epic historical drama chronicles the life and times of the Prophet Muhammad and serves as an introduction to early Islamic history.
Theological Foundations of Islam
Islam’s theological framework includes a detailed concept of God, sacred texts like the Quran and Hadith, essential practices known as the Pillars of Islam, and comprehensive moral and ethical teachings that guide the lives of Muslims.
Concept of God in Islam
Islam is firmly based on monotheism, the belief in one God, Allah. Allah is considered the sole creator, sustainer, and judge of the universe. Muslims believe that Allah is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent.
Emphasis is placed on the uniqueness and oneness of Allah, a concept known as Tawhid. Unlike some other religious beliefs, Islam explicitly denies any partners or equals to Allah. The religion teaches that God does not share his divine attributes with anyone and should be worshipped alone.
Quran and Hadith
The Quran is Islam’s holy book, believed to be the literal word of Allah as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. It consists of 114 chapters, known as Surahs, and serves as the primary source of guidance on every aspect of life.
Supporting the Quran, Hadith refers to the recorded sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad. These texts further elucidate Islamic law, known as Sharia, and provide contexts and details about the Quranic verses.
Both the Quran and Hadith are essential to understanding Islamic doctrines, rituals, and ethical guidelines.
Pillars of Islam
The Pillars of Islam are five fundamental acts of worship that form the foundation of a Muslim's faith and practices.
Shahada: The declaration of faith, professing that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.
Salat: Performing the five daily prayers, which connect the worshiper to Allah.
Zakat: Giving a portion of one's wealth to charity, helping those in need.
Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan, promoting self-control and empathy for the less fortunate.
Hajj: Undertaking a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime, if physically and financially able.
These pillars structure a Muslim’s devotion to Allah and community responsibilities.
Moral and Ethical Teachings
Islam places a strong emphasis on ethical conduct and moral values, rooted deeply in both the Quran and Hadith. Muslims are urged to demonstrate honesty, compassion, and integrity in their every action.
Key moral teachings include the importance of justice, charity (Zakat), and respect for everyone. There is also a high regard for truthfulness and fulfilling promises. Acts such as theft, lying, and unjust murder are strictly prohibited.
The ethical guidelines extend to interpersonal relations, as well, advocating for kindness towards parents, spouses, children, and neighbors. These teachings aim to foster a harmonious and just society.
Expansion of the Islamic Empire
The expansion of the Islamic Empire was marked by numerous significant conquests and the establishment of powerful caliphates. The rise of the Rashidun, Umayyad, and Abbasid dynasties played crucial roles in spreading Islamic culture across vast regions including the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia.
To understand the character and extraordinary expansion of Islam, we must look both at its geopolitical context and at the religious influences of Judaism and Christianity
(DEMANT, 2006, p. 3).
Throughout the 6th and 7th centuries, Arabia bordered the two regional “superpowers” of the time: the Byzantine Empire and the Persian Empire, the only neighbor not conquered by the Romans. On the Byzantine side, we had Christian power extremely combined with the State, a phenomenon called “Caesaropapism”, whose model was later used by Islam. However, this "double arm" of religion/state brought two problems:
1) Christianity as a state religion led to the transformation of theological disputes into political ones. There were conflicts and many disagreements even in debates about the nature of Christ: divine, human or both? In fact, within this scenario, two facts made it possible for Islam to be welcomed: the religious persecution of Middle Eastern Christians by Constantinople and the ethnic proximity of its Semitic population to the Arabs.
2) the invasions and tiring battles with the Persians, followers of Zoroastrianism [1], began to weaken the Byzantines.
It is still interesting to point out that the armed conflicts between the Romans ["Byzantines"] and the Persians brought insecurity and danger to the trade carried out by caravans coming from East Asia along the Silk Road. In order to alleviate this loss, traders established alternative routes through the Red Sea and Arabia, which, in turn, favored the city of Mecca, where the Kaaba (Kaaba or Ka'bah), a traditional place of pilgrimage for the Arabs, was located. polytheists.
At this time, the people of the Arabian Peninsula were speakers of a South Semitic language known as "Arabic", were pagans (despite the presence of several Jewish and Christian settlements) and followed the tribal kinship model. Severe climatic conditions put pressure on the nomadic way of life, whose caravan trade was predominant. Furthermore, the values defended by these Bedouins were fixed in Arab culture, such as, for example, freedom of movement, honor (linked to the control of female sexuality) and clan solidarity. It is worth mentioning that Islam managed to "overcome" tribal traditions, but only partially, and subsequent Islamic conquests brought Arab customs throughout the Middle East.
Early Conquests
Shortly after the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, the Muslim community embarked on a series of rapid military expansions. Under the leadership of caliph Abu Bakr, Muslims achieved critical victories. One of the first major battles was the Battle of Yamama in 632 CE.
These early campaigns laid the groundwork for more substantial conquests in Syria, Iraq, and Egypt. By 636 CE, Muslims had defeated the Byzantine Empire in the Battle of Yarmouk. This victory was pivotal, allowing for the capture of Damascus and Jerusalem.
The Muslims triumphed at the Battle of Yarmouk (or Jarmuque), in 636; in northern Palestine, they dominated Jerusalem in 638; and controlled all of Syria, Palestine and Egypt in 641
(CHAMMA, 2024).
The Rashidun Caliphate
The Rashidun Caliphate (632-661 CE) saw immense territorial expansions under the leadership of the first four caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. Caliph Umar played a significant role in consolidating and expanding Muslim rule. His conquests included important regions such as Syria and Iraq.
Under Caliph Uthman, the Muslim navy was established, allowing for control over the Mediterranean. The assassination of Caliph Uthman led to internal conflicts, but Caliph Ali's leadership continued the expansion, despite facing resistance.
Three times, Ali was overlooked in favor of candidates from the opposite faction, who soon showed a remarkable talent for power politics. Ali, on the other hand, represented the “clean conscience” of the ummah, committed to the idealism of unadulterated faith. But he was not a politician, and when he finally became the fourth caliph, he alienated both the Quraysh and his own more extremist and conservative followers, who broke with him to form an egalitarian and ultra-puritan sect, the Kharijites (DEMANT, 2006).
The Umayyad Dynasty
The Umayyad Dynasty (661-750 CE) marked a period of significant territorial growth and administrative reforms. The Umayyads moved the capital to Damascus, which allowed better management of their vast empire. This shift facilitated several key conquests.
Muslim forces expanded into North Africa, reaching the Atlantic coast by 709 CE. They also advanced into Europe, capturing parts of Spain in 711 CE. The Umayyads succeeded in bringing diverse cultures under a unified political framework, though their rule faced resistance in various regions.
The Abbasid Dynasty
The Abbasid Dynasty (750-1258 CE) continued the expansion and consolidation of the Islamic Empire. They shifted the capital to Baghdad, making it a center of learning and culture. Abbasid Caliphs focused on fostering intellectual and cultural advancements alongside physical expansion.
Abbasid rule saw the integration of new regions through trade and diplomacy rather than just conquest. They expanded into Central Asia and maintained control over previously conquered territories in the Middle East and North Africa. The Abbasid era also witnessed a flourishing of Islamic culture, art, and science.
Sects and Traditions Within Islam
Islam, with its diverse branches and rich traditions, has a complex history. Various sects have developed over time, each with its distinct beliefs and practices, contributing to the rich tapestry of Muslim culture.
Sunni and Shia Split
The split between Sunni and Shia Islam dates back to the seventh century, soon after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 A.D. The main disagreement was over who should lead the Muslim community. Sunnis believed that the leader, or Caliph, should be elected by consensus, while Shia Muslims held that leadership should remain within the Prophet's family, specifically his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.
Sunnis make up the largest branch of Islam, around 85-90% of all Muslims. They emphasize the role of the community and the importance of consensus in decision-making. In contrast, Shia Islam, which constitutes about 10-15% of Muslims, maintains the significance of the Imams—special leaders who are considered to have spiritual and political authority.
Both sects share fundamental beliefs in the Quran and the Five Pillars of Islam. Despite their differences, Sunnis and Shias have coexisted for centuries, though there have been periods of conflict and tension.
Sufism and Philosophical Thought
Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam that emphasizes inner purification and the direct personal experience of God. Sufis seek a deeper, more personal connection with the Divine through practices like meditation, chanting, and poetry. Sufism has a rich tradition of philosophical thought, with works from great thinkers such as Al-Ghazali and Rumi.
Sufis often form brotherhoods or orders, known as Tariqas, which follow specific spiritual practices and a lineage of teachers. These orders are found within both Sunni and Shia Islam. Sufi practices are diverse and can include music, dance (such as the Whirling Dervishes of the Mevlevi order), and elaborate rituals. Sufism has been influential in spreading Islam and has contributed significantly to Islamic art, literature, and culture.
Contemporary Islamic Movements
In modern times, Islam has seen various movements aimed at reform and revival. These movements arise from a desire to return to early Islamic principles or to address contemporary issues within Muslim societies. Some key contemporary movements include Salafism, an ultra-conservative reform branch that aims to emulate the practices of the first three generations of Muslims, and the movement led by the Muslim Brotherhood, which seeks to integrate Islamic principles with modern governance.
Each movement has a unique approach and influence on different regions. These movements often interact with political, social, and cultural changes in Muslim-majority countries, impacting the global Muslim community, or Ummah.
Quote:
[1] Zoroastrianism is a dualistic religion, which emerged between the centuries 628 and 551 BC. It is still practiced today by some populations in Iran and India. In developing their beliefs, the Persian people created a religion conceived through the exhortations preached by the prophet Zoroaster (628 – 551 BC). The development of Zoroastrianism began a dualistic religion that guided its explanatory universe through the opposition between the gods Omuz-Mazda (Good) and Ahriman (Evil). The doctrines of Zoroastrianism are found in a sacred book known as the Zend Avesta. Among other points, this work teaches the denial of any type of magical practice, refuting the worship of various deities and the performance of sacrifices involving the use of blood. Furthermore, he preached that each individual could follow one of the two paths offered by Mazda and Ahriman. Commitment to the truth and love for others would guarantee eternal life in Paradise (MUNDO EDUCAÇÃO/UOL). Available in: Zoroastrismo. Doutrinas do Zoroastrismo - Mundo Educação (uol.com.br)
Sources:
CHAMMA, Vanessa. The Islamists: Pre-Islamic Arabia to the Ottoman Empire, 2024.
DEMANT, Peter. Islam vs. Islamism: The Dilemma of the Muslim World. Praeger, London, 2006.
LUURSEMA, Ilias. The Age of Jahiliya: What Did Arabia Look Like Before Islam? The Collector, 2023.
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