Huston Smith Reading Part I

Islamic Background: What aspects of Islam are important for us to understand?

1. The Arabian empire was one that was greater that the Roman empire
2. The empire expanded exponentially greatly because of their religion Islam
3. Allah comes from the definite "al" meaning the and the word "Ilah" meaning God
4. God created the world and after it human beings. (Adam then Noah then Shem then Abraham...)
5. Divergence between Christianity Judaism and Islam begins with the Koranic and biblical accounts of what happened with Issac and Ishmael 

Summary: The Arabian empire was a great empire larger than the Roman empire. It was so successful in expanding because of Islam. This religion really has a lot in common with Christianity and Judaism, so followers of those religions were greatly accepted. Allah is The God and there is only him and he does not need any help.

The Seal of the Prophets: How did Muhammad come to be the Prophet?

1. There were prophets before Muhammad but he was their culmination, which is why he is called "The Seal of the Prophets". No valid prophets will follow him
2. Mecca desperately needed a deliverer because it was a very chaotic place and  they had a lot of wars and disagreements. This is because they were living in a world full of ignorance. 
3. Muhammad understood human suffering forma very early age because he experienced death at such a young age.
4. Muhammad's revelation came to him in Mount Hira. He proclaimed as the angel had to him to and that began his life spreading the word of God. 
5. While he did gain many followers, there were also people who wanted him out because he threatened their polytheistic way of life. These people tried everything to drive Muhammad and his followers out of the city from petty insults to trying to persecute them. 

Summary: Muhammad's life started out with tragedy, but this only helped him to understand human suffering. Living in a world full of ignorance caused him to frequently seek to be alone and this led to his revelation on Mount Hira. This started his life as a prophet and earned him the name "The Seal of the Prophets"

The Migration that Led to Victory: How did Muhammad's banishment ultimately lead to their victory?

1. With Muhammad's life in danger, he and some of his followers migrated to the city of Yathrib, a city that was in need of someone who could unify them. 
2. The migration to Yathrib became known as the Hijira. 
3. Muhammad became more than just  spiritual leader, he became a statesman.
4. The Meccan's did not give up on trying to persecute Muhammad and the Muslims. The two went back and forth several times. Ultimately, the Muslims won because they believed that the angels were fighting on their side. 
5. Muhammad, who left Mecca and a fugitive, now returned as a conqueror and showed mercy to the city and his persecutors. 

Summary: With Muhammad forced to leave Mecca, he traveled to Yathrib, where he was welcomed as not only a spiritual leader but also a statesman. he ruled over these people for several years and gained countless followers. He was forced to face the Meccan's several times but in the end the Muslims came out on top an his great compassion and mercy that he showed towards his persecutors only allowed him to gain more followers.