Huston Smith Part I

Chapter 1- Islamic Background

-It only took a century for Islam to expand from the Atlantic to China.
-These people developed their own culture and denied any of the massive empires around.
-The creation of Islam is a combination of socioeconomic conditions and the message of God.
-Muslims believe that Adam was the first man created by God,
-Muhammad's son, Ishmael was banished and may have further spread Islam, or Judaism/Christianity.

Islam saw success almost immediately in its spread due to the conditions of the time. This led to the creation of a new people whose believes accepted some of those of Christianity and Judaism, but differed in many aspects. This started with the account of Ishmael's life, Muhammad's son.

Chapter 2- The Seal of the Prophets

-Muslims believe that there have been many authentic prophets, but that Muhammad was there culmination or "The Seal of the Prophets".
-Muhammad was born into an "Ignorant" world of tribes and impulse. He suffered many losses early in his life and God brought light through his revelations.
-His first wife Khadija comforted him after the message became his burden, and made it his light, she helped him prepare to share his new status of prophet.
-Muhammad brought science to Muslims by discussing the world's incontrovertible order.
-Violence resulted due to the democratic message he gave, but when influential people began to see the truth in his message, they joined his effort and spread Islam.

Islam's believe that Muhammad is the final prophet of God, and that he gave light to the ignorant world he was born into. His wife helped him accept his role in the new religion and in God's eyes. This allowed him to fight for the spread of his message and slowly cultivate a following. His early successes quickly displayed that he had God on his side, and increased his following and the eventual spread of Islam.

Chapter 3-The Migration that Led to Victory

-Yathrib was a city 280 miles north of Mecca that felt the impact of Muhammad's teachings. Therefore, they reached out to him when they needed a strong leader.
-The migration to this city is referred to as the Hijra and is the start of the Muslim calendar.
-At his arrival in the city now known as Medina, Muhammad became more than a prophet, but a powerful politician. He still remained humble. \
-After merging the 5 conflicting tribes of Mecca word of his Miracle and his reputation began to spread.
-Even after Muhammad's untimely death, Islam spread quickly to the shores of the Atlantic ocean.

After Muhammad's miracle, he began to spread his revelations. This caused lots of conflict as well as attention, and although his life was threatened at multiple points he was still able to get to Medina to help the struggling city. His incredible reputation and humble character increased his following which spread the religion even after his young death in 632.