Karen armstrong muhammad summary
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Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet Summary & Study Guide!
1. Muhammad's early life and the emergence of Islam in Mecca
"Afterwards he found it almost impossible to describe the experience that sent him running in anguish down the rocky hillside to his wife."
Divine revelation. Muhammad's first encounter with the divine occurred in a cave on Mount Hira near Mecca.
This experience, initially terrifying and confusing, marked the beginning of his prophetic mission.
Karen armstrong muhammad summary
The revelations he received would form the basis of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam.
Meccan society. At the time of Muhammad's birth (c. 570 CE), Mecca was a thriving commercial center. The city was dominated by the Quraysh tribe, who controlled the Kabah, a sacred shrine housing numerous idols.
This polytheistic society was characterized by:
- Tribal loyalty and honor (muruwah)
- Economic inequality
- Limited rights for women and the weak
Early challenges. As Muhammad began to preach his monotheistic message, he faced significant opposition from the Meccan e