The Old Arabs worshipped many gods before Islam was born. They gave many names to these gods. Some of these gods were fire and light-loving gods. These gods and beliefs were supported by many myths. Today, Islam is the most widely practiced religion in the Arab world.
Early Islam religions
Islam was a combination of Christianity and Judaism. It respected the sacred books of both religions as well their great prophets. The prophet Muhammad's message was received especially well by the poor and slaves. However, he was met with opposition by many and eventually fell out of favor. In fear of his life, he fled Medina. Today, Muslims pray five times daily while facing the holy city of Mecca, pay a yearly tax, and fast during the month of Ramadan.
The Qur'an's prophetic stories are chronological in nature, but not necessarily in a linear manner. Sura 7 discusses Noah and Hud, while Sura 11 mentions Abraham and Hud. The Prophets are not chronological and there are many other traditions that predate their existence.
Origins of Islam
The history of Arabian Peninsula can be traced back as the source of Islam's origins. Before Islam's arrival in the Arab world, they had other religions and practices. This period was known as the "Time of Ignorance" because of the beliefs and practices of these pagan people.
Islam is the third most important religion in the world today. It claims to be monotheistic and its name means "surrender" to God. Muslims believe that Allah is the only all-powerful, all-knowing god who created the world and is responsible for its creation. The Quran, also known as the Koran is the principal source of Islamic faith.
Origins of Islam in Arab World
Islam's history includes the Arab world. It is the birthplace of the religion. Its followers fled to the Arabian Peninsula in search of a better life. They conquered the Sassanian Imperial and Byzantine Empires. They eventually expanded the empire and united a large area, from Pakistan to present-day Pakistan. Islam is the fastest-growing religion worldwide today.
Early Arabs were tribal people by nature. They needed unity. Islam became a tool to bring them together. In 632 CE, the Prophet Muhammad died. His son Abu Bakr took over leadership of Muslim Ummah. Abu Bakr ruled over the Arabian Peninsula, bringing peace and unity to the area and expanding his influence on neighboring tribes that were under Sassanian and Byzantine rulership.
Evolution of Islam and the Arab world
The complicated evolution of Islam throughout the Arab world has seen multiple political and religious rivalries. In some countries, official religious institutions have grown to be powerful political allies. Others see them as potential partners in fighting Islamic extremism. These institutions are complex and have many agendas. They are difficult to manage without creating tensions.
The military conquest was the main factor that allowed Islam to spread in the Arab world. This occurred within a short period of time after the rise of Islam. In the early days of Muslim rule, only a tiny fraction of the population adopted Islam. By the end of the eleventh century, however, Muslims were the majority of the population in many Islamic empires.
Evolution of Islam and the United States
Americans are familiarized both with the Nation of Islam or the Five Percent Nation. These groups were born from the desire to support African American nationalism. These groups included Malcolm X the charismatic civil leader and the Five Percent Nation. Their message became relevant due to the racism and poverty prevalent in urban communities.
In the late nineteenth- and early twentieth century, large numbers of Arabs moved to the United States. Most of these immigrants were Christian Arabs, but a few Muslim communities also sprang up in the Midwest. The first mosque in the United States, built in Ross in North Dakota in early 20th century, was located in Cedar Rapids.