Category Archives: Islam History A: the Prophet

The Prophet’s Death, 632

Posted on March 18, 2021 by Ruth

For about three months after returning from Mecca, Muhammad lived a normal life. He taught and led prayers, dealt with envoys from other parts of Arabia, and planned another military expedition to Syria. He may have begun to feel unwell … Continue reading →

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Speech at the Deceptive Pond

Posted on March 16, 2021 by Ruth

Thousands had accompanied Muhammad to Mecca, and for the first day on the return trip, many or most of them were still there. Before the crowd broke up to go separate ways, Muhammad gave another short speech. They had stopped … Continue reading →

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The Last Hajj of Muhammad

Posted on March 13, 2021 by Ruth

Muhammad’s health appeared to be good for his age. We’re uncertain of all numbers, but he was somewhere in his early 60s, which in the 7th century could be very old and aged. In his case, the stories say that … Continue reading →

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Respite and Growth of the Islamic State

Posted on March 13, 2021 by Ruth

The Arabian tribes who were not already allied with or tributaries of Muhammad were impressed and maybe shocked at how large the army for Tabuk had been. Arabia had never been united. Its largest cities, like Saba, employed much smaller … Continue reading →

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Challenge to the Roman Empire

Posted on March 10, 2021 by Ruth

During these same years when Mecca and Medina had a truce, then Mecca surrendered and the idols were smashed, a larger imperial story was playing out to the north. In the end, the battles and personal ups and downs came … Continue reading →

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Destroying the Idols of Arabia

Posted on March 6, 2021 by Ruth

Muhammad had a first priority when he felt secure in Mecca. This first task was to destroy the idols that crowded the space around and inside the Ka’abah. Since Mecca’s business model was to hold an all-Arabia pilgrimage, the city … Continue reading →

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Mecca’s Downfall, 630

Posted on February 20, 2021 by Ruth

In a truce, the parties agreeing to the terms are held responsible for making sure everyone on their side complies. As long as the central power is strong enough, it can keep people intimidated from disobeying. But when that power … Continue reading →

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Muhammad and Syria

Posted on February 6, 2021 by Ruth

During the Prophet’s life, the region that is now Jordan, Israel, Lebanon and Syria was generally referred to as Syria (Arabic “Shams”). Its main cities had changed hands rapidly during the long war between Byzantines and Persians. In 627, Emperor … Continue reading →

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The Mothers of the Faithful

Posted on January 31, 2021 by Ruth

Muhammad acquired six new wives during this time. After the Banu Qurayza Jews were executed or expelled, he took the chief’s daughter Rayhanah as a captive, and she became his servant. That meant concubine, but some narratives say that she … Continue reading →

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Khaybar, the last Jewish fortress

Posted on January 30, 2021 by Ruth

The main Jewish tribes of Medina had left, but various Jewish individuals and families still lived there. Many of the Jews had moved to Khaybar, a much larger town to the north. It may have been mostly Jewish; it certainly … Continue reading →

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