Islam in 10 Minutes
Its history and main ideas
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Background of Islam
To understand Islam, it’s useful to first see where it came from. Islam emerged in the 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula, where the Prophet Muhammad received divine revelations from Allah. It is important to keep in mind that “Allah” is just a word in a different language, but it refers to essentially the same God that Christians also think of as the one God.
Despite of all the religious wars and the violent history between the two religions, both Islam and Christianity agree on much of their tradition and assumptions. Both recognise and revere many of the same prophets including Noah, Abraham, Moses, John the Baptist and even Jesus. Muslims even recognise the Bible as a holy book, as long as it does not contradict the Quran. Adherents of both follow similar rules in their everyday lives and aspire to be virtuous in similar ways, and both believe that following these rules will be rewarded after death. Both believe that Jesus Christ was a Messiah who performed miracles, and both believe in heaven, hell and a day of judgement.
Life of the Prophet Muhammad
Islam’s history begins with the Prophet Muhammad. Born in Mecca around 570 CE, he was orphaned at a young age and raised by his uncle, who was a respected merchant in Mecca. Muhammad, too, grew into a successful merchant, earning a reputation for honesty and integrity.
In his early 40s, Muhammad began to retreat to a cave in the mountains for contemplation. During one of these retreats, he received his first revelation from the Angel Gabriel. The revelations continued for 23 years and were later compiled into the Quran, the holy book of Islam. As opposed to the Bible, which was written by many authors and over a long time, the Quran is therefore seen as a direct dictation from God. This is why Muslims believe that it is a more precise revelation of God’s will. This is also why they don’t accept translations as valid versions of the Quran. God’s word is only real in the language and the precise wording in which it was given to Muhammad.
Muhammad’s teachings did not initially gain much traction in Mecca. He faced opposition from Meccan tribes, who controlled the city’s lucrative pilgrimage trade. In 622 CE, Muhammad and his followers migrated to the city which later became known as Medina, where he was invited to lead the community. This journey, known as the Hijrah, marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
In Medina, Muhammad’s influence grew. He established a Constitution, which laid down a set of laws for the community, and he became a spiritual, political, and military leader. He began to lead expeditions to spread the message of Islam, which sometimes led to conflicts with other tribes.
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In 630 CE, Muhammad and his followers returned to Mecca, and the city capitulated without resistance. Muhammad pardoned the Meccans for their resistance and declared the city a center of Muslim pilgrimage, or Hajj. The Kaaba, a revered pre-Islamic pilgrimage site, was then dedicated as an Islamic house of worship.
This is, by the way, typical of the way Islam approached other religions and cultures. Despite its present aura of violence, Islamic conquests have often been peaceful, aiming more at the integration of other cultures than their annihilation. Oftentimes, the populations of countries that were occupied by Islamic rulers were allowed to keep and practice their own religions, as long as they did not cause trouble.
Muhammad passed away in 632 CE, but his life and teachings continue to be deeply influential. His journey from Mecca to Medina, his leadership, and his dedication to the message of Islam form the cornerstones of the faith. Today, Islam is one of the world’s major religions.
The five pillars of Islam
Islam is built upon five pillars, which are the core principles that govern a Muslim’s life.
- The first pillar is Shahada, the declaration of faith, where Muslims bear witness that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.
- The second pillar of Islam is Salah, which refers to the obligatory prayers that are performed five times a day.
- The third pillar is Zakat, which is the act of giving to those who are less fortunate.
- The fourth pillar is Sawm, which is the practice of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
- And finally, the fifth pillar is Hajj, which is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca, a journey that every Muslim is expected to undertake at least once in their lifetime if they are physically and financially able to do so.
Islamic philosopher Al Ghazali (c. 1058–1111 CE)
Everyday behavior of the Muslim
Beyond the five pillars, Islam encourages Muslims to embody certain values and principles in their everyday lives. These include honesty, kindness, generosity, and respect for others. Muslims strive to follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, known as the Sunnah, which provides guidance on various aspects of life, including social interactions, family life, and personal conduct.
Like any religion, Islam is diverse, and its followers may interpret and practice their faith in different ways. This is true of other religions as well: there is little in common between a Latin American liberation theologian and the medieval inquisition. In the same way, one cannot equate the great minds of Islamic theology and history with the atrocities of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
But by understanding the history, pillars, and everyday behavior of Muslims, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this global faith. Peace always begins with the attempt to understand the other side.
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