How and when was the religion created? What was the historical context (what was happening during the time of its creation based on its location)?
Islam was formed in 622 CE in the Middle East. It was founded on teaching of Muhammad, as a surrender to creator of the world - Allah. During the time, Muhammad claimed to get a message from archangel Gabriel in 610 AD to be a prophet to people, promoting monotheism and believe in one god, Allah. Muhammad conquered Mecca, and later his troops took much of Arabian Peninsula. Islam continued to spread across Africa and Middle East, reaching India by around 11th century.
What are the basic doctrine and practices of the religion?
Beliefs:
- God, Who possess the most perfect and excellent qualities.
- Angels, who act upon the heart of each person, inspiring him to do good.
- Prophets and Messengers of God, sent to all the nations of the world, who taught virtue by their own high moral example.
- Books of God, which were revealed to all the nations through their respective prophets, containing guidance on how man should live and conduct himself.
- Life after death, when each person shall become conscious of all the deeds, good or bad, he/she did in this life, and shall face the consequences.
- Prayer (salaat)
- Fasting (saum)
- Pilgrimage to Makka (hajj).
Is there religious text(s) that are important to understanding the religion?
The Holy Quran is the scripture of the Muslims. It is the word of God as communicated to the Holy Prophet Muhammad on a number of different occasions from the time God made him a Prophet, when he was 40 years of age, till his death (during the years 609-632 C.E.).
- The Quran itself has never changed throughout its history since it's creation.
- It tells it's believers about the travels from Muhammad to angel Gabriel.
- The Quran mentions to make peace with God, meaning to obey the God completely. Also have to make peace with man, and do good to people around yourself. "Whoever submits himself completely to Allah, and does good to others, he shall have his reward from his Lord." (2:112)
Where did the religion begin?
Most historians believe that Islam originated in Mecca and Medina at the start of the 7th century.
Using a map visibly describe the spread of the faith.
Muhammad and his followers spread the teachings of Islam throughout the Arabian peninsula. Soon after the death of the prophet Muhammad, there were military expeditions, called "futuhat," or literally "openings," into what is now Egypt and other parts of North Africa.
Who were the important leaders, individuals and empires in the religion?
- Muhammad - the prophet that started Islam. Introduced Islam in 610 A.D. after experiencing what he claimed to be an angelic visitation.
- The Angel Gabriel - visited and taught Muhammad verses and scribes over a period of 23 years. All the verses are a part of the Quran.
- The Prophet Ibrahim - people went back to worshiping idols in 2100 BC. Ibrahim breaks them and is burned by the people for that. Allah saves him and the faith in people is restored.
- The Safavid Empire - Most significant Islamic empire in Iran. Greatest empire since Muslim conquest of Persia.
- The Mughal Empire - the people of this empire were descendants of Timur. Invaded India and defeated the Sultan. Extremely prosperous and rich empire.
What was the impact of the religion on world history?
During the Golden Age of Islam that lasted during the 13th century, the Muslim world was the main brain behind intellectual activity. It was the center for philosophers, mathematicians and scientists. Mathematics, language, astronomy and medicine were particularly influenced by this culture and its effects can still be seen to this day.