Memories of Muhammad: Why the prophet Matters is a book by scholar and author Omid Safi. Omid Safi focuses primarily on the life of the Prophet Muhammad and how he created a religion that has lasted since its creation in approximately the 7th century. In addition, what the book does extremely well is giving an in depth look at not only who Muhammad was according to Muslims, but the historical person as well. In light of this, by doing so we are able to see who the Prophet Muhammad was, his ideologies and beliefs, his travels and encounters with different religions and cultures that helped him create Islam. Furthermore, because the creation of Islam and Muhammad must go hand in hand, by focusing on the prophet Muhammad’s life we are able to …show more content…
Through resources and numerous sources, Crone argues that there is no evidence to prove the existence of extensive overland trade in late sixth and early seventh century. Therefore, the widespread agreement upon scholars regarding the socioeconomic circumstances and location in which Muhammad rose to great heights is without evidence. As a result, while her work has been highly criticized by scholars such as Robert Bertram Serjeant, a scholar in early Islam and one of the leading Arabists of his time, claiming her work too difficult to follow and how Crone has twisted certain aspects to fit her own agenda, other scholars such as Fred M. Donnor a leading scholar on Islam on the other hand, provides a much more open minded statement, believing the assumption that Mecca was the linchpin of international trade has been challenged in recent years with significant evidence and a well thought out argument, most notable giving praise to Patricia Crone’s book “Meccan Trade: And the rise of Islam”. The book took place in the late 6th century and late 7th century, focusing on the Meccan Trade, the rise of Islam and the characters involved such as the Prophet Muhammad and those close to him and those who worked with him. In conclusion, while the views in this book greatly differ, I found it essential, primarily due to the fact that it is one of the few books to argue commonly accepted assumptions, and provides a different perspective. With my research paper being on the Prophet Muhammad it is important I obtain all the different opinions and arguments by leading scholars in this
The Book of Contemplation written by Usama Ibn Munqidh is an interesting look at the relationship between the Latin Christian and Muslim cultures. Ibn Munqidh wrote this book to record the events taking place in the twelfth century; most of his anecdotes in sections throughout the book refer to the Latin Christians – or Franks – and the interactions between them and Muslims. Ibn Munqidh told of his curiosity into the matter of Franks on their first encounters with Muslim customs. He acknowledged the preconceived notions people had of the Franks during this time and wrote down these interactions Muslims had with them; this included conversations over medicine and intelligence. When Franks have lived in the Muslim community for a while, however, there is far more respect given to them by the Muslims.
While Christians became more lenient in their view of merchants over time, they at first did not have a high opinion of them because they thought they were too focused on acquiring material possessions and wealth. The New Testament of the Bible illustrates how Christians did not think that rich merchants would be going to heaven due to their emphasis on money and trade in their lives (D1). In a section of the Muslim Qur’an from about 620-650, the difference of attitudes toward merchants of each religion at their origins is shown (D2). This excerpt shows that Muslims first regarded merchants and trade in a positive light as long as they were honest and truthful, although it may have been biased since Muhammad himself was a merchant. This became a similarity between the two religions as Christians changed their opinions over time. Christians accepted honest and truthful merchants with time, similar to Muslims at their origins, rather than condemning them as they did in the past (D3, D4, D6). Christians began to see a great profit from tr...
Cobb, Paul. "Introduction." Ibn Munqidh, Usama. Book of Contemplation Islam and the Crusades. New York: Penguin Books, 2008. xv-xlii.
In conclusion, early Muslims had multitudinous connections with several religions as beneficial partners for trade, travel, and conquest. By analyzing each primary source, the benefits of having a relationship with different religions comes to light. Whether Muslims were interacting with Vikings, Jews, or Christians, establishing a friendly relationship allowed early Muslims to continue building stronger military forces, acquiring material goods, and avoid being raided by enemies. Each source provides different insight to how early Muslims thought and treated the religious groups they encountered.
For forty-one year’s Muhammad spread the word of the Nation of Islam, slowly but steadily attracting new members (biography.com). Muhammad built the religion from a small fringe group into a large and complex organization that attracted controversy along with its new prominence (biography.com). His legacy within the Nation of Islam intact, Muhammad, or simply “The Prophet,” is widely remembered for transforming a small temple into a nationwide movement with hundreds of thousands of devoted followers, culminating in an irrevocable effect on black culture and U.S. history (blackhistorynow.com).
... had control various territories. Many merchants learned the Islamic language and became custom to their traditions. This allowed for its culture to spread and Islam had received converts. The trading industry has a major effect on the economy and allows the spread of one’s culture.
The Favorability of the Social and Religious Situation in Arabia around 600 AD Toward the Rise of Islam
Writing about a topic that has been on an upward slope of controversy and criticism within the past two decades, Fred Donner a notable Islamic History professor at the University of Chicago whom has written multiple texts about the origins of Islam, tells the tale of the beginnings of Islam and how it would be shaped into its current manifestation today with Muhammad and the Believers. Donner admirably conveys the early history of Islam and its success to its centrality and “Believers’ Movement” opposed to many western historians accrediting it to the need of social and economic reform. Muhammad and the Believers is split up into five chapters, all of which Donner imparts his main thesis of Islam being a group of believers (mu’minun) opposed
According to Amin Maalouf, “It seems clear that the Arab East still sees the West as a natural enemy. Against that enemy, any hostile action-be it political, military, or based on oil-is considered no more than legitimate vengeance. And there can be no doubt that the schism between these two worlds dates from the Crusades, deeply felt by the Arabs, even today, as an act of rape” (Amin Maalouf). When reflecting on The Crusades Through Arab Eyes, this quote always sticks out as the most powerful piece of Maalouf’s work. As a growing college student this quote brings harsh reality to the world I live in. I believe as you grow through life, you become more and more aware of the world around you through education. In order to be aware you must be educated; The Crusades Through Arab Eyes has done just that by opening my eyes to a world and viewpoint I have never before considered.
Al Ghazali a significant person in Islam has helped shape Islam to be what it is today - a living religious tradition for the lives of its adherents. His contribution to Islam though his theories, knowledge and works have left a positive impact upon the Islamic world that continues into the present. An everlasting impact upon the faith, Muslims and the expansion of Islam to be one of the most popular religious traditions in the present world for the lives of its adherents is seen as Al Ghazali’s
This investigation attempts to analyze the Silk Road’s impact on cultural diffusion. The Silk Road was a trade route connecting Eastern China to the Mediterranean regions. It was incredibly important because it brought Europe, Asia, and the Middle East together in trade, and allowed them to trade goods and ideas. The parameters are the cultural diffusion east meets west and the spread of religion. It will focus on the time period between the 2nd and the late 17th centuries and the places investigated will be the west, (made up of Europe and the Middle-East) and the east (which refers to most of Asia, although in this investigation it will focus mostly on China). This will be accomplished through a thorough examination of historical books such as Horizon Book Division’s History of China, John S. Bowman’s Exploration in the World of the Ancients, and Daniel Waugh’s “THE SILK ROADS IN HISTORY”.
This shows that Mecca is in the middle of many trade cities, as a result of this trade moves through the city. Trade allows people to interact and move around, when they move around they bring their religious beliefs with them. Mecca was also the home to the most famous pagan shrine, the Ka’ba(Document A).This proves that many people come to Mecca, they came seeking the Ka’ba for their own religions that were important to them. , while they were in the city they began to trade. The people came seeking the Ka’ba but they may hear some Islamic people talking about their own religion.
The book Muhammad, by Michael Cook, describes the impact Muhammad has had on the world as we know it. It explains why Muhammad chose the paths he did, and how certain laws came about. Cook offers a very objective view of the laws and policies Muhammad outlined in the Koran, and the traditions that are carried on that supplement his written law.
The two largest religions in the world, Christianity and Islam, were implemented by two of religions most powerful leaders, Jesus and Muhammad. Without question, both Jesus and Muhammad have affected humanity powerfully. As religious leaders both men laid down the principles upon which Christianity and Islam are founded yet today. However, while Jesus performed miracles and arose from the dead, thus proving to his followers he was God, Muhammad performed no such feats, and made no such claims. In fact, Muhammad’s only claim was that he was the last prophet sent from God.
Lane, Edward William. Arabian Society in the Middle Ages. New York: Barnes and Noble, 1971.