Muhammad and Islam

Thesis: While many historians portray Islam developing in a

cultural void, the archaeological evidence

demonstrates that Muhammad’s

message would immediately appeal to the trading

communities of Arabia.

Pre-Islamic Arabia

5th/6th CENomadic cultureRegions (see maps)

SabaMeccaHadramawtBahrain

Pre-Islamic Cities

AdenMeccaUbar

Mecca & Life of Muhammad

SocietyKhadijahQuraysh

MeccaTradeReligious center

Mecca

Components

SuqHaramZamzamKa’ba

Life of Prophet

610622629632

Spread of Islam 630-950

CultureReligious presenceNo hegemonic states

Archaeological Material

TradeFrankincenseDatesIndian goods

Divisions in societyKinship & familiesNomadic

Islam Develops in a Rich Context

Religious?PaganismJudaismChristianity

Commercial?Long/short dis. trade

Societal?NomadicKinship ties

Thesis Defendable?

Many historians portray Islam developing in a cultural void. Why?

Arabia: trading communityWhy the appeal of Islam? Why was the time right?