(14) Mission of Muhammad (Mecca period)

OUTLINE OF CHAPTER
Pre-Islamic history of Arabia: Struggle between Judaism and Christianity and rise of Abraha, Quraysh as custodians of the Kabah, Al-Fil: The elephant (105), spiritual and moral crisis, short history of Muhammad’s life (before prophethood), childhood of Muhammad, marriage to Khadijah.
Muhammad’s spiritual journey: The beginning of revelation: Al-Alaq, The Germ-Cell (96), the night of destiny, hiatus in revelation. The enfolded one (74): Arise and warn, no punishment in this life for those who deny the truth, Hell-fire, allegorical nature of punishment in afterlife, sinner’s suffering in hereafter as natural outcome of wrongdoing, sin of arrogance and false pride. Prophet’s vision of the angel Gabriel (angel of revelation), Al-Qalam: The Pen (68), prayer at night and spiritual awareness (The Enwrapped One, 73). Receiving divine writ slowly (admonition). Subsiding of revelation (The Bright Morning Hour, 93): God’s mercy bound to lighten every suffering. Was Muhammad infallible, ethical unity underlying God’s teachings (The Fig, 95).
Early converts, going public and onset of persecution: Contempt for poor Muslims of Mecca, disassociate from lowly Muslims, going public, persecution, the twisted strands (111), overwhelming Muhammad with crowd, urging Abu Talib to relinquish his protection for Muhammad, coercion in religion, offer of temptation by Utbah ibn Rabiah, the first exile (emigration to Ethiopia (615), frowned and turned away (admonishment to the prophet), satanic verses and three goddesses (Al-Lat, Al-Uzza and Manat), conversion of Umar ibn al Khattab, economic and social boycott (616), persecution of believers, the year of mourning (619), failure to convert Abu Talib, persecution in Taif, pledges of Al-Aqabah (621-622), plot to kill Muhammad, exodus to Medina (622), prediction of defeat of Quraysh.
 
 
 
 
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