Les 2: Beginnings

• Religious education
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

Les 2: Beginnings

Program

1. Welcome

2. Discuss homework

3. Life of Muhammad

4. Time line assignment

5. Homework

Homework

Go to page 94-95

Read the text

Do question 1-5 on page 95 in your notebook

Homework

1. In 1900 12% was Muslim, in 2050 it is expected to be 30%. This is mainly due to high birth rate. 

2. Islam means submission: Muslims believe there is one God who created the world out of nothing and has complete control over people's lives. 

3. Muhammad. Messages from God were revealed to him. 

4. All over the world, but large populations in the MENA region, Bangladesh and Indonesia. 

5. Personal answer

How did Islam begin?

Page 95: Did Muhammad really live?

Historical and religious perspective

- Main cities: Medina (Jatrib) and Mecca

- Muhammad born 570CE

- Orphan

- At 25 married Khadija

- Tribal area - polytheism

- Tribe Quraysh

Revelations

- Laylat al-Qadr - Night of Power

- Age of 40

- Jibril (Gabriel)

- First muslims: Khadija, Ali, Abu Bakr

Cave of Hira - Where Muhammad is believer to have received his first revelations

Qur'an

Qur'an means recitation or that which is read or recited

Night of Power is recorded in surah 96

Jibril visited Muhammad over the next 23 years with more revelations

Passed on orally

Put into script around 650CE after Muhammad's death

Assignment

1. Birth in Mecca 
2. The Beginning of Public Preaching 
3. The Isra and Mi’raj (Night Journey and Ascension
4. Marriage to Khadija 
5. The Battle of Badr
6. Death
7. First Revelation in the Cave of Hira 
8. The Farewell Pilgrimage and Farewell Sermon 
9. The Hijra to Medina 
10. The Conquest of Mecca

Make a time line of the events. Give a short explanation of each event. You can use your notes but will also have to find information on the internet.

Assignment

Birth in Mecca (circa 570 CE)

Marriage to Khadija (595 CE)

First Revelation in the Cave of Hira (610 CE)

The Beginning of Public Preaching (613 CE)

The Hijra to Medina (622 CE)

The Battle of Badr (624 CE)

The Conquest of Mecca (630 CE)

The Farewell Pilgrimage and Farewell Sermon (632 CE)

The Isra and Mi’raj (Night Journey and Ascension, 620 CE)

Birth in Mecca (circa 570 CE)

Muhammad was born into a prominent but impoverished clan of the Quraysh tribe. His father passed away before his birth, and his mother died when he was six years old. He was raised by his grandfather and later by his uncle Abu Talib.

Marriage to Khadija (595 CE)

At the age of 25, Muhammad married Khadija, a wealthy widow and successful merchant. She became his pillar of support and the first person to accept his prophethood.

First Revelation in the Cave of Hira (610 CE)

During a retreat in a cave on Mount Hira, Muhammad received his first revelation through the angel Gabriel. This marked the beginning of his role as a prophet and messenger of Allah.

The Beginning of Public Preaching (613 CE)

After three years of private preaching, Muhammad began publicly sharing his message in Mecca. He called for monotheism and social justice, which provoked resistance from Quraysh leaders.

The Isra and Mi’raj (Night Journey and Ascension, 620 CE)

Muhammad experienced a miraculous night journey to Jerusalem (Isra) and ascended to the heavens (Mi’raj), where he received guidance about prayer.

The Hijrah to Medina (622 CE)

Muhammad and his followers emigrated to Medina (then called Yathrib) to escape persecution. This event marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar (Hijri year 1).

The Battle of Badr (624 CE)

This was the first major battle between Muhammad's followers and the Meccans. Despite being outnumbered, the Muslims achieved a victory, strengthening their faith and morale.

The Conquest of Mecca (630 CE)

Muhammad led a peaceful entry into Mecca with a large army. He forgave his former enemies and cleansed the Kaaba of idols, establishing Mecca as the center of Islamic faith.

The Farewell Pilgrimage and Farewell Sermon (632 CE)

Shortly before his death, Muhammad performed his final pilgrimage and delivered his famous farewell sermon. In it, he emphasized equality, justice, and the importance of following the Quran and his example (Sunnah).