The Prophet Muhammad was born around 570 A

The Prophet Muhammad was born around 570 A. D. in Mecca, Arabia. E. Napp

Arabia is a peninsula that is located in Southwest Asia, a region commonly referred to as the Middle East. E. Napp

Muhammad was a thoughtful and spiritual man. He often went to meditate and pray in the caves around Mecca. E. Napp

One day, while meditating and praying, Muhammad believed that God spoke to him. Muhammad became a prophet, a messenger of God. E. Napp

Muhammad became the Prophet of a new religion, the religion of Islam. He preached belief in one God. However, the people of Mecca believed in many gods. E. Napp

Arabia was a land of trade routes and caravans. Muhammad had learned of monotheism from Jews and Christians. E. Napp

However, Muhammad believed that he was the “Seal of the Prophets” or the final prophet. But the people of Mecca forced Muhammad and his followers to leave Mecca. E. Napp

Muhammad and his followers were forced to flee Mecca and journey to Medina in 622 A. D. E. Napp

Muhammad’s flight to Mecca is called the Hegira or Hijra. It marks the first year of the Islamic calendar. E. Napp

In Medina, Muhammad became a powerful leader. He eventually returned to Mecca and conquered it. E. Napp

The religion of Islam spread and the followers of Islam, called Muslims, developed a great civilization. E. Napp

The Five Pillars of Islam are important beliefs that all Muslims share. E. Napp

1. The belief in one God 2. To pray five times a day facing Mecca 3. To give money to the poor or charity 4. To fast during the month of Ramadan from sunrise to sunset 5. To make a pilgrimage or holy trip to Mecca E. Napp

The Koran or Qur'an is the holy book of Islam. According to Muslims, it contains the words God spoke to his prophet, Muhammad. E. Napp

The Ka’aba is the most sacred site in Islam. It is in Mecca. Muslims circle it while on pilgrimage. E. Napp

Muslims are forbidden to eat pork or drink alcohol. E. Napp

A Muslim house of worship is called a mosque. E. Napp

The religion of Islam is a world religion. It spread through trade, warfare (jihad), and cultural diffusion. E. Napp