Tag Archives: Ka’aba

Abbasid Caliphs and the Qarmatians, 892-932

Posted on May 23, 2022 by Ruth

Increasingly, the Caliph at Baghdad was not the main story in the Muslim world. At his own court, he could be sidelined by his brother, as al-Mutamid was. He could be outshone by a Vizier, as al-Muktafi was. A few, … 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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Origins of Mecca

Posted on November 14, 2020 by Ruth

At the time Mohammad was born there, Mecca was a central place for polytheistic worship. We don’t have much to go on, for its history. The Quran suggests a faith-based account of Mecca’s history. The story begins with Abraham’s having … Continue reading →

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