Home to the Kaaba, an ancient temple originally built to worship God.
Birthplace of Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Early Life of Muhammad
Family Background:
Orphaned early; father died before birth, mother died when he was six.
Raised by grandfather Abdul Mutalib and later by uncle Abu Talib.
Occupation:
Started as a shepherd, then became a businessman.
Married Khadija, a wealthy widow impressed by his honesty.
Revelations and Prophethood
The Cave of Hira: Muhammad often retreated here to pray.
First Revelation:
Angel Jibrael (Gabriel) appeared and commanded him to read.
Muhammad received a message from Allah, proclaiming him as a prophet.
The revelations were later compiled into the Quran.
Initial Reception
Message: There is one God, Allah, and people should be treated fairly.
Challenges:
Met with resistance from Mecca's ruling families.
Early Muslims faced persecution; some fled to Abyssinia (Ethiopia).
The Night Journey
Muhammad experienced a spiritual journey:
Flew on a winged horse from Mecca to Jerusalem.
Prayed with past prophets and ascended to the heavens.
Allah instructed him to pray five times a day.
Migration to Medina (Hijra)
Reason: Persecution in Mecca; invitation from the people of Yathrib (later Medina).
Escape: Muhammad and followers escaped Mecca despite assassination attempts.
Protected by: A spider's web and a bird at the cave’s entrance.
Battles and Peace
Battle of Badr: Muslims (313 men) defeated 1,000 Meccan soldiers.
Battle of Uhud: A setback due to disobedience among Muhammad's men.
Battle of the Trench: Muslims defended Medina effectively by digging a trench.
Peace Treaty: Signed at Hudaybiyyah, but later broken by Meccans.
Conquest of Mecca
Decision: Muhammad led 10,000 men to Mecca, which surrendered without a fight.
Actions: Muhammad cleared the Kaaba of idols, dedicating it to Allah.
Islamic Practices
Worship:
Muslims are to only worship Allah, the unseen God.
No depictions of Muhammad or Allah to avoid idolatry.
Conclusion
This account provides a brief overview of the beginnings of Islam and the life of Muhammad, emphasizing the key events and teachings that shaped the religion.