The Dawn Of Islam
The Land Of Arabia
● Arabia lies in Western Asia
● It is mostly hot And a dry desert that has little vegetation and less rainfall.
● Some areas have Oasis where people can live.
● In the 6th century Arabia was not very advanced.
● It was located between the Persian and Byzantines empires.
● The harsh climate kept Arabia isolated.
● The region was protected from invasions.
● The Arabs' way of life remained unchanged for a long time.
Arab Settlements
● MAKKAH -> An populus town, home to the Kaaba, and hub of pre-islamic
culture and trade.
● YATHRIB -> Important agricultural town, later called Madina.
● TA’IF -> Trade centre in the Hejaz region, known for fruits and agriculture.
● SANA’A -> Capital of Yemen, economic, political, and religious centre for
christians and jews.
● NAJRAN -> City between Hejaz and Yemen, population was christian.
● YAMAMA -> Agricultural area in central Arabia, part of Najd with Hajr as
its main town.
Timeline
● 570 BC -> Birth of prophet muhammad
● 610 BC -> Start of islam (first revelation)
● 622 BC -> Hijrah to madinah; islamic calendar begins
● 630 BC -> Conquest of makkah
● 632 BC -> Death of prophet muhammad; arabia united under islam
Life In Pre-Islamic Arabia
● Arabs lived in small tribal settlements, organized by lineage.
● Tribes were divided into smaller groups called clans.
● Many Arabs were nomads (Bedouins) who moved with their animals.
● Each Bedouin tribe was led by a Sheikh.
● Some tribes, like the Quraysh, were merchants settled near trading centers.
● Fighting between tribes was common, but they united against foreign
threats.
The Nabateans
● The Nabateans were the most successful nomadic Bedouin tribe in creating a
trading network across the Arabian Peninsula.
● They migrated from southeast Arabia to the desert east of Jordan around
600 BC.
● Their settlements stretched from the Euphrates River to the Red Sea,
between Syria and Arabia.
● They controlled the rich caravan trade, becoming very wealthy.
● After living a nomadic life, they learned to use dams, canals, and reservoirs
to manage water.
● This allowed them to settle permanently with a steady water supply.
● Their capital was Petra, Jordan, located on a key trade route.
● They charged caravans for staying and transporting goods through Petra.
The Quraysh
● The city of Makkah was controlled by the powerful tribe of quraysh.
● This tribe grew in number and influence due to the strategic and spiritual
value of makkah.
● By 600 AD, they were well-established merchants who had the command
over commerce between the Indian ocean and east africa on one side and the
mediterranean on the other.
Religion In Pre-Islamic Arabia
● Christianity existed but was divided.
● Sacred texts were altered.
● Arabs practiced polytheism.
● Kaaba had 360 idols.
● Major gods: hubal, al-lat, al-uzza, manat.
● Makkah was a worship center.
● No fighting allowed near the kaaba.
Conditions of Pre-Islamic Arabia
● Known as the age of ignorance.
● Injustice and social evils were common.
● Orphans were mistreated.
● Cheating, slavery, alcoholism, and gambling were widespread.
● Strict social hierarchy (rich over poor/slaves).
● Frequent blood feuds and violence.
● Female infanticide due to social/economic reasons.
The Early Life Of The Last Holy Rasool Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)
● Born in 571 AD, into the Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe.
● Father (Abdullah) passed away before Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)’s birth.
● Mother (Aminah Bint Wahab) died when Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) was 6.
● Grandfather Abdul Muttalib took care of him, followed by his uncle Abu
Talib.
● Known as Al-Amin (the trustworthy) and As-Sadiq (The Truthful).
● Famous for honesty and loyalty in trade.
● Selected by Hazrat Khadija (RA) to manage her trade caravans due to his
(last holy rasool Hazrat Muhammad) honesty and excellent reputation.
● Married Hazrat Khadija (RA).
● Hazrat Khadija (RA) became the first person to embrace Islam.
Revelation Of The Holy Quran And Prophethood
● At the age of 40, prophethood was given to him.
● Angel Jibraeel (A.S) revealed the first 5 verses of Surah Al-Alaq.
● Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) first began preaching secretly to people who
were the closest to him.
● After 3 years, he was commanded to preach openly.
Migration To Abyssinia
● The early muslim community in Makkah faced severe persecution from the
leaders of the Quraysh tribe.
● Various forms of persecution, including physical violence and economic
boycotts.
● The Last Holy Rasool Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) instructed a group of his
followers to migrate to Abyssinia.
● Ruled by a christian king known as Negus (Najashi).
● First migration took place in the 5th year of prophethood.
● First group to migrate consisted of 12 men and 5 women.
● 17 companions.
● Stayed in Abyssinia peacefully for 3 months.
● Rumor began to spread that the Quraysh have accepted Islam, and they set
out for Makkah.
Migration To Yathrib
● Yathrib, a city in north Makkah was experiencing internal conflicts and
disputes among it’s tribes.
● The leaders of the city invited Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) to come to
Yathrib and serve as a mediator and leader to help resolve their disputes.
● In 620 AD, a group of 12 representatives from Yathrib met with Hazrat
Muhammad (PBUH) in Makkah during the annual pilgrimage season.
● They pledged their support for him and Islam and invited him to Yathrib,
promising to protect him and his followers.
● In the next year, an even greater group came to Makkah and pledged
allegiance to Islam and The Last Holy Rasool Hazrat Muhhammad (PBUH).
● These pledges were known as The Pledges Of Aqaba.
Cave Of Thawr
● The Quraysh were plotting to assasinate Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).
● Learning about this plot, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and his companion
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) were guided by Allah to leave Makkah to ensure
Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH)’s safety.
● Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) told Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) to sleep in his bed
that night and to return the valuables of the people of Makkah that Hazrat
Muhammad (PBUH) had been safekeeping.
● Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) headed for Madina in
the opposite direction in order to avoid the Quraysh.
● They reached the Cave Of Thawr, and the Quraysh, who were searching for
Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), did not find a trace of them.
● The Quraysh waited for 3 days, outside the cave but did not find any trace
of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) or Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA).
● Eventually, they gave up and returned to Makkah, leaving Hazrat Muhammad
(PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) to continue their journey to Madina
safely.
Arrival Of Madinah
● In 622 AD, Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), along with Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA),
made the journey from Makkah to Yathrib, with the Quraysh pursuing them.
● This migration, called “Hijrah,” was a turning point in the history of Islam
and its year 622 was later marked as the beginning of the Islamic calendar
called the Hijri Calendar.
● Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) changed the name of the city from Yathrib to
Madina Munawwarah upon his arrival, which means the illuminated city.
● Madina became the center of Islamic governance and the starting point for
the spread of Islam throughout the Arabian Peninsula.
Brotherhood Between Al-Ansar And Al-Muhajireen
● The Muhajireen (migrants) left behind their homes, wealth, and families (in
622 AD).
● The Muslims of Madina who supported and sheltered Hazrat Muhammad
(PBUH) and the Muhajireen were known as Al-Ansar.
● Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) paired each Muhajireen with an Ansar, making
them brothers in faith and companions in Madinah.
● This arrangement served several important purposes such as social
integration, economic support, emotional support, and unity.
Charter Of Madina
● Established by Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) after migrating to Madina in 622
AD.
● Contained 6 key articles.
● Promoted unity among Muslims, Jews, and pagans.
● Protected rights and duties of all communities.
● Encouraged peaceful resolution of disputes.
● Treated all residents as equal citizens.
● Guaranteed freedom of religion for everyone.
● Required all groups to defend Madina together.
● Appointed Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) as chief arbitrator.
● Included shared financial responsibilities.
● Prohibited fighting among groups and aiding enemies.
● Masjid-an-Nabawi symbolizes the Charter's values of unity and cooperation.
March Towards Makkah
● Muslim army (10,000 soldiers) marched towards Makkah.
● Quraish surrendered without battle.
● Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) entered Makkah with humanity and forgiveness.
● Idols removed from Kaaba.
● Kaaba cleansed of pagan associations.
● Many Quraish accepted Islam after conquest.
● Amnesty granted to those seeking refuge.
● End of hostilities, peace restored in Makkah.
The Farewell Sermon
The Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) delivered his Farewell Sermon in Makkah,
emphasizing key principles :-
● Monotheism
● Equality of believers
● Rights and responsibilities
● Prohibition of usury
● Sanctity of blood and property
● Accountability on the Day of Judgment
● Finality of Prophethood
The Rightly Guided Caliphs
After the passing of The Last Holy Rasool Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), the muslim
community was led by succession of 4 caliphs, known as The Rashidun Caliphate
(The era of 4 rightly guided Caliphs or Khulafa-Al-Rashideen).
● These Caliphs are highly revered in Sunni Islam for their close association
with the prophet and their adherence to his teachings.
● The period of The Rashidun Caliphate (roughly 632 - 661 AD) is considered
the golden age of Islam.
The rightly guided Caliphs were :-
● Hazrat Abu Bakr (632 - 634 AD)
● Hazrat Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (634 - 644 AD)
● Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (644 - 656 AD)
● Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib (656 - 661 AD)
Key Achievements of the Rashidun Caliphate :-
● Consolidation of the early muslim state.
● Significant territorial expansion, including parts of Persia, Syria, Egypt and
North Africa.
● Establishment of administrative and financial systems.
● Compilation and standardization of the Quran.
● Spread of Islamic teachings and culture.
The Rashidun Caliphate laid the foundation for the future growth and influence of
the Islamic world.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)
Election :-
Chosen as the first Caliph after the passing of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Challenges :-
Faced major challenges in maintaining the unity of the Muslim Ummah.
Confronted apostasy and refusal to pay Zakat.
Consolidation of Power :-
Launched the Ridda Wars to suppress false prophets and rebel tribes.
Re-established the authority of the Caliphate.
Preservation of Islam :-
Prioritized preserving the core teachings of Islam and the Sunnah.
Compilation of the Quran :-
Ordered the collection and compilation of the Quran into a single written
manuscript.
Administrative Reforms :-
Began organizing the army, managing state finances, and laying down the early
governance system.
Justice and Equality :-
Known for upholding justice and fairness in leadership.
Short but Pivotal Reign :-
Though brief, his leadership was crucial in stabilizing and preserving the early
Muslim community.
Hazrat Umar (RA)
Hazrat Umar (RA) was appointed as the second caliph of Islam after Hazrat Abu
Bakr (RA) agreed to the decision. nominated him, and the companions of the
Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH). During his rule, the Islamic empire expanded greatly,
with Muslim forces conquering vast territories including parts of the Byzantine and
Sassanian empires, and regions like Egypt, Iraq, and Persia. He introduced many
administrative reforms, such as setting up the diwan (a bureaucratic department),
appointing governors, standardizing tax collection, and emphasizing justice and
equality. He also introduced the first Islamic coins and promoted education,
encouraging the study of the Quran and Hadith. Hazrat Umar (RA) was known for
his simplicity, modesty, and humble lifestyle. He started the Bayt al-Mal, a public
treasury to help widows, orphans, and the needy, showing his deep concern for
public welfare. He kept himself accessible to the people and ensured officials
served honestly. He was the first caliph to be called "Amir al-Mu’mineen" (Leader
of the Believers). His strong leadership, administrative skills, and commitment to
justice contributed greatly to the spread and strength of Islam.
Hazrat Uthman Ibn Affan (RA)
Hazrat Uthman (RA) was a noble caliph known for his exemplary character and
significant contributions to Islam. During his caliphate, the Islamic empire
expanded rapidly, reaching new regions and strengthening the Muslim community.
One of his most remarkable achievements was the compilation and standardization
of the Holy Quran, ensuring its preservation and consistency across the growing
Islamic world. Additionally, he was entrusted with the responsibility of choosing a
successor, highlighting the trust and respect he commanded among the companions
of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Hazrat Ali (RA)
Hazrat Ali moved the capital of the Islamic Empire from Madina to Kufa to make
ruling easier. He introduced land reforms to ensure fairness for landowners and
farmers. He also supported the poor, needy, and widows through welfare programs.
Hazrat Ali was raised in the house of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and was known
for his bravery, honesty, and deep knowledge of Islam. He was a just leader who
treated everyone equally, including non-Muslims. Hazrat Ali (RA) often helped the
poor at night and guided others to do the same. In 661 AD, he was attacked while
praying in a mosque in Kufa and passed away, marking the end of the Rightly Guided
Caliphs.
Legacies Of Islam
Broad and Profound Impact :- The legacies of Islam encompass a wide range of
profound and influential contributions to various aspects of human civilization.
Intellectual and Cultural Influence :- Islamic civilization has made significant and
lasting contributions to fields such as philosophy, science, mathematics, astronomy,
medicine, art, architecture, and literature.
Spiritual And Religious Influence
Monotheism
● At its core, Islam is a monotheistic religion centered on the belief in one
God (Allah).
● This principle of Tawhid (Oneness of God) has deeply shaped Islamic
thought, ethics, and practices.
● Islam shares a common Abrahamic heritage with Judaism and Christianity.
The Quran
● The Quran is considered by Muslims to be the literal word of God (Allah),
revealed to The Last Holy Rasool Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH).
● It serves as the ultimate guide for Muslims in all aspects of life, providing
commandments, moral principles, and spiritual guidance.
● The teachings of the Quran have profoundly influenced
● Islamic societies continue to shape the lives of Muslims worldwide.
Cultural And Artistic Contributions
● Islamic heritage has greatly influenced global culture and the arts.
● Features include calligraphy, intricate architecture, and rich artistic
traditions.
● Geometric and floral designs are used in religious buildings to reflect
spiritual values.
● Arabic literature covers poetry, prose, and historical writings.
● Islamic art and literature have crossed time and geographical boundaries,
leaving a lasting legacy.
Islamic Art And Architecture
● Mosques were built to accommodate five daily prayers.
● Early mosques were simple, made from reeds or sticks.
● Later structures used durable materials like stone (North Africa) and mud
(West Africa).
● Arabic calligraphy replaced images as mosque decoration to emphasize
religious messages.
● Lamps made of glass, metal, or pottery were commonly used.
● Architectural elements like domes, arches, and minarets highlighted the
importance of Allah and faith.
Arabic Language And Literature
● Arabic has significant historical and cultural importance.
● It became widely used for daily communication and trade.
● As the language of the Quran, Arabic inspired various literary
forms—poetry, prose, and scientific works.
● Classical Arabic poetry is known for its complex meters and global influence.
● Literature ranges from epic tales like One Thousand and One Nights to
scholarly works by Ibn-e-Sina (Avicenna).
● Arabic literature has had a lasting impact on both the Islamic world and
global literary traditions.
Scientific Advancements
● The Islamic Golden Age saw major contributions in science, medicine,
astronomy, and mathematics.
● Muslim scholars preserved and translated classical texts from Greek, Latin,
Sanskrit, Roman, and Syriac into Arabic.
● These translations spread from Spain to India and China, sharing knowledge
widely.
● Arab astronomers studied and expanded on ancient knowledge, creating
detailed observations of the sky.
● They designed tools to track celestial events like eclipses and star paths.
● These advancements helped merchants navigate long-distance journeys more
effectively.
