The Birth of Islam - Key Points

Foundational Events and Figures

• Prophet Muhammad: Born in Mecca, circa 570–632 CE. Considered the last in the line of Judeo-Christian prophets.
  • First Revelation: Received in 610 CE from the archangel Gabriel in Arabic.
  • The Quran: Collection of Muhammad's revelations, central religious text of Islam.
  • Mecca's Socio-Religious Context: A prosperous city with wealth from trade and the Kaba shrine.

Major Developments

• Hijra (622 CE): Emigration from Mecca to Medina due to opposition from Meccan leaders.

  • Significance: Marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.
  • Result: Formation of a new socio-religious community in Medina.

• Return to Mecca: Islam eventually dominates Mecca.

  • Cleansing of the Kaba: Muhammad removes idols, rededicating the shrine to Allah.

Expansion after Muhammad

• Caliphs: "Rightly Guided" leaders continued spreading Islam after Muhammad's death in 632 CE.
  • Expansion: Regions conquered include Syria, Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, and Iran.
  • Arab Armies: Moved from the Arabian Peninsula, establishing a vast religious and cultural empire.

Cultural and Artistic Developments

• Calligraphy: Arabic script beautified to transmit the Quran, becoming a prominent art form.

  • Islamic Ornament: Integrated calligraphy into decorative arts.

• Architecture: Muhammad's house in Medina evolved into the first mosque.

  • Mosque Features: Included hypostyle hall, courtyard, minbar (pulpit), mihrab (prayer niche), and call to prayer (eventually from a minaret).

Artistic Representations

• Illustrations: Various folios from the Majma' al-Tavarikh depicting Muhammad's prophecy, journey, and preaching.
  • Notable Works: "Muhammad's Call to Prophecy and the First Revelation" and "The Night Flight of Muhammad".

Contributors and Further Reading

• Essay Contributors: Suzan Yalman, based on work by Linda Komaroff.
• Recommended Readings:
  • Oleg Grabar, The Formation of Islamic Art
  • Marshall G. S. Hodgson, The Venture of Islam

Additional Resources

• Further Essays: Available in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Timeline of Art History.
• Online Access: Visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art for more details.