Outline Lecture Five— and the Founding of

Key Focus: 1) Understanding a scholar’s claim that “Islam was born in the full light of history”? a. Founding not shrouded in mystery or obscurity b. Spiritual founder was also a full-fledged secular leader c. Distinct historical identity as a new religious community

I) The Socio-political Landscape of Pre-Islamic Arabia a) The Geopolitical Setting i) Byzantine-Sasanid Conflict 4th to 7th century (1) Byzantine Emperor Heraclius in 626 ii) Effect on Arabia (1) Trade on the Hijaz Corridor (2) as trade depot and center for pilgrimage (3) The Ka’ba b) Bedouin Tribalism i) Social norms: (1) Emphasis on tribal vs. personal identity (2) Rejected notion of absolute right over property ii) Political norms: (1) Council of elders called the majlis (2) Figure of the sheikh (a) Leadership qualities: “Hilm” and“Jahl” iii) Religious norms: (1) Bedouin Polytheism (2) Exposure to Monotheism

II) Muhammad’s Biography a) Sources: i) The Qur’an—114 “revelations” or suras first compiled in mid-7th century ii) —“deeds” and “sayings” attributed to Muhammad; compiled in 9th century b) Family background (570-632) i) “Quraysh of the Inside” vs. “Quraysh of the Outside” ii) Marriage to Khadija c) Experience as caravan merchant i) Masterful negotiator and diplomat

III) The Challenge of Muhammad’s Message a) The Calling—610 C.E. i) Annual family retreat on Mount Hira ii) Visions of the angel Gabriel iii) Crucial role of Khadija b) “The Seal of the Prophets” i) To revive the spirit of ethical monotheism of the Judeo-Christian tradition ii) Islam’s belated yet decisive contribution to the monotheistic tradition (1) “Last shall be first” mentality c) Challenge to Meccan Oligarchy i) Social reform (1) Against usurers and soothsayers (2) Welfare of the poor, orphans, widows, and women in general ii) Muhammad’s insistence on gender equality in faith (1) Men and women equal before God (2) Domestic harmony between men and women (a) Muhammad’s own response to A’isha’s alleged adultery (a) New rights for women introduced by Muhammad (3) Prominent role of A’isha as the “Mother of the Faithful” d) Persecution of Muhammad and his followers i) Protection first from Khadija, then after her death, his uncle Abu Talib ii) Flight to —the Hijra in 622 (1) Political authority and religious authority became synonymous iii) Relationship to the Jews of Medina (1) Qibla— (2) Insistence on religious distinction