Khadija: Muhammad's wife, first believer in Islam.
Gabriel: The archangel who delivers God's message to Muhammad.
Bilal: A follower of Muhammad, known for his strong faith.
Abu Jahal: Antagonist, opposed to Muhammad's teachings.
Main Themes
Charity and Generosity:
Siham discusses the importance of charity as taught in the Quran—"For those who give in charity, men and women, and loan to Allah, a beautiful loan, it shall be increased manyfold."
Reflection on the greed that arose during the pilgrimage season.
Injustice in Mecca:
Muhammad is troubled by social injustices: slavery, mistreatment of women, and idol worship.
Muhammad goes to a cave to pray and reflect on these issues.
The Revelation:
In the cave, Muhammad encounters Gabriel who commands him to "Read".
The first revelations emphasize the importance of knowledge and the oneness of God.
Opposition and Persecution:
Muhammad's teachings face strong opposition from tribal leaders, particularly Abu Jahal.
The persecution of early Muslims and the societal backlash against them.
The Migration to Abyssinia:
Some Muslims flee to Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia) for protection.
Reasons include a Christian king's benevolence and their need for safety.
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah:
Muhammad and the Muslims negotiate a peace treaty allowing them to return to Mecca for pilgrimage.
This treaty symbolizes a turning point for the Muslim community.
The Conquest of Mecca:
Muhammad leads an army back to Mecca, signifying the acceptance of Islam.
The narrative illustrates a shift from persecution to empowerment of Muslims.
Important Events
First Revelations: Muhammad experiences the first revelation from Gabriel in the cave.
Khadija's Support: Khadija reassures Muhammad of his mental state and becomes the first believer.
Secret Teachings: For three years, Muhammad preaches in secret to avoid persecution.
The Hijrah: The migration to Yathrib (Medina), where Muhammad gains support and establishes a community.
Battle of Uhud: A significant battle highlighting the struggles faced by Muslims.
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah: A peace treaty allowing Muslims to perform pilgrimage.
Conquest of Mecca: Muhammad's triumphant return and the embrace of Islam in Mecca.
Quotations
"If they put the sun in my right hand, and the moon in my left, I will not stop what I am doing."
"There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet."
"The earth, our bodies, we must take care of them, and we will stand before God in a coming day and answer for our deeds."
Conclusion
The legacy of Muhammad's teachings emphasized social justice, equality, and the importance of faith in God.
The struggles faced by early Muslims paved the way for the establishment of a significant religious movement that would shape history.