Changes

[[File:Mohammad.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Imagery of Muhammad is considered [[idolatry]] and is prohibited in Islam.]]

[[File:Mohammad.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Imagery of Muhammad is considered [[idolatry]] and is prohibited in Islam.]]

'''Muhammad''' (or '''Mohammed''' or (archaic) '''Mahomet'''), A.D. 570-632) was the founder of [[Islam]], one of the world's major religions.  

'''Muhammad''' (also spelled '''Mohammed''' or (archaic) '''Mahomet'''), A.D. 570-632) was the founder of [[Islam]], one of the world's major religions.

Regarded by [[Muslim]]s as [[Allah]]'s final and greatest [[prophet]], Muhammad claimed Allah's [[revelation]]s, via the angel [[Gabriel]], that [[Judaism]] and [[Christianity]] had grown corrupt, and that Muhammad was to restore the religion God intended.  

Regarded by [[Muslim]]s as [[Allah]]'s final and greatest [[prophet]], Muhammad claimed in Allah's [[revelation]]s, via the angel [[Gabriel]], that [[Judaism]] and [[Christianity]] had grown corrupt, and that Muhammad was to restore the religion God intended.

In accordance with the Islamic [[hadith]], it is considered proper to add an honorary phrase of "sallalahu aleyhi wasallam (or SAW)," meaning "Peace Be Upon Him (or PBUH)," after speaking Muhammad's name.  

In accordance with the Islamic [[hadith]], it is considered proper to add an honorary phrase of "sallalahu aleyhi wasallam" (or "SAW"), meaning "peace be upon him" (or "PBUH"), after speaking Muhammad's name.

== Images ==

== Images ==

Representations of the Prophet are well known from early on, but are not very common. While some Muslims hold beliefs that it is against Islam to make images of the Prophet, others have more relaxed attitudes, and among Shia Muslims, such pictures are common, and much liked. <ref>[http://www.hf.uib.no/religion/popularikonografi/default_eng.html Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion (AHKR), University of Bergen.]</ref>

Representations of the Prophet are well known from early on, but not very common. While some Muslims hold beliefs that it is against Islam to make images of the Prophet, others have more relaxed attitudes, and among Shia Muslims, such pictures are common, and much liked. <ref>[http://www.hf.uib.no/religion/popularikonografi/default_eng.html Department of Archaeology, History, Cultural Studies and Religion (AHKR), University of Bergen.]</ref>

== Life of Muhammad==

== Life of Muhammad==

The Prophet Muhammad, was from Abrahamic decent, he was descending through his son [[Ismael]], who under God's orders, was left in the Arabian desert with only a little food and water, the spot this occurred is now called [[Mecca]], today over 3 million Muslims annually re-enact the frantic running of Ismael's mother Hager as she looked for water, in which Ismael hit the ground with his foot causing a spring of water to flow forth, still flowing today it's known of the Well of [[Zam Zam]].

The Prophet Muhammad was descended from [[Abraham]] through his son [[Ismael]] who, under God's orders, was left in the Arabian desert with only a little food and water. The spot where this occurred is now called [[Mecca]]; today, over 3 million Muslims annually re-enact the frantic running of Ismael's mother Hager as she looked for water, in which Ismael hit the ground with his foot causing water to flow forth. Still flowing today, the spring is known as the Well of [[Zam Zam]].

Muhammad was orphaned at the age of six, his father Abdullah died before he was born, his Mother, Aminah, died soon after, leaving him with his Grandfather Abdul Muttalib, who died when he was six. He was then raised by his uncle (son of Abdul Muttalib) [[Abu Talib]], a powerful man among the Quraysh tribe who loved Muhammad more than anyone. [[Muhammad]] grew up, never to take part in pagen rituals. He despised the actions, and began a tradition of fasting, in the caves of Mecca every annual pilgrimage; the pagans at the time believed in [[Allah]], and the [[Hajj]], from the times of Ismael, however they later added more gods to the one God [[Allah]]. Lexically speaking, Allah comes from the word Ilah in [[Arabic]], with the Definite article Al placed in front, making it "Al-Llah", translating as "The One God". This is why [[Islam]] was tolerated from the start, by most because Muhammad never introduced a new God, he spoke of the God of Abraham, Jesus and Moses.   

Muhammad was orphaned at the age of six, as his father Abdullah died before he was born and his mother, Aminah, died soon after. This left him with his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, who died when he was six. He was then raised by his uncle [[Abu Talib]] (son of Abdul Muttalib), a powerful man among the Quraysh tribe who loved Muhammad more than anyone. Muhammad grew up, never taking part part in pagan rituals. He despised the actions, and began a tradition of fasting in the caves of Mecca every annual pilgrimage; the pagans at the time believed in [[Allah]], and the [[Hajj]], from the times of Ismael, but they later added more gods to the one god Allah. Lexically speaking, Allah comes from the word Ilah in [[Arabic]], with the definite article Al placed in front, making it "Al-Llah", translating as "The One God". This is why [[Islam]] was tolerated from the start by most — Muhammad never introduced a new God but instead spoke of the God of Abraham, Jesus, and Moses.   

Muhammad was respected in Medina, he would frequently solve disputes, he was nicknamed Al-Amin, or The truthful one, and was well loved by all. He was never known to lie, cheat, or steal, all common practices by the pagans of his time. Everyone, including his enemies, like [[Abu Jahl]] had acknowledged his lineage to noble prophets such as Ismael, and Abraham, and this was never disputed among anyone.

Muhammad was respected in Medina as he would frequently solve disputes. He was nicknamed Al-Amin, or The Truthful One, and was well loved by all. He was never known to lie, cheat, or steal, though those were all common practices by the pagans of his time. Everyone, including his enemies like [[Abu Jahl]], had acknowledged his lineage to noble prophets such as Ismael and Abraham, and this was never disputed.

When he was about 40 years old, Muhammad's early revelations, from the Angel [[Gabriel]] spoke of a need to return to the [[monotheism]] of [[Abraham]]; however, [[Muhammad]] upon seeing the Angel [[Gabriel]] was unsure of himself and rushed to his house terrified. He told his wife Khadija of the events, and she assured him God wouldn't let this happen to such a humble man. Khadija later went on to see her uncle, a Christian Scholar, who after reviewing his religious texts, claimed [[Muhammad]] was the next prophet, (it is important to note, these texts are not the texts of today, as the Christians of Mecca and the Arabs were not Pauline Christians or Roman Christians) this as well as the Jews in Medina, who were also expecting a new prophet; albeit a prophet from the Jewish tribe, [[Muhammad]]'s prophet-hood was an unpleasant surprise to many of them hence they rejected him. In this way, at an early age, Muhammad saw himself as reviving an ancient faith, a perceived correction to [[Christianity]] and [[Judaism]], and restoring his people to what he saw as their rightful position as the true founders and heirs of monotheism. In these revelations, submission to the will of God - [[Allah]] - was critical.  Muhammad's fledgling religion continued to develop throughout his life, through periodic revelations often relating directly to events currently facing his new faith.

When he was about 40 years old, Muhammad's early revelations from the Angel [[Gabriel]] spoke of a need to return to the [[monotheism]] of [[Abraham]]; however, Muhammad was unsure of himself upon seeing the Angel [[Gabriel]] and rushed to his house, terrified. He told his wife [[Khadija]] of the events, and she assured him that God wouldn't let this happen to such a humble man. Khadija later went on to see her uncle, a Christian scholar who, after reviewing his religious texts (note that these texts are not the texts of today, as the Christians of Mecca and the Arabs were not Pauline or Roman Christians), claimed Muhammad was the next prophet. This as well as the Jews in Medina, who were also expecting a new prophet, albeit a prophet from the Jewish tribe; Muhammad's prophet-hood was an unpleasant surprise to many of them and hence they rejected him. In this way Muhammad saw himself at an early age as reviving an ancient faith, a perceived correction to [[Christianity]] and [[Judaism]], and restoring his people to what he saw as their rightful position as the true founders and heirs of monotheism. In these revelations, submission to the will of God — [[Allah]] — was critical.  Muhammad's fledgling religion continued to develop throughout his life, through periodic revelations often relating directly to events currently facing his new faith.

The faith caught on slowly, winning only a few converts in Mecca (the first being his wife, Khadija). In 622 A.D, under increased pressure and ostracism from elders in Mecca, Muhammad began the [[hijra]], an organized exodus of his followers from Mecca to the city of [[Medina]].  [[Muslims]] date the formation of their religion to the ''hijra'' itself, even beginning their dating system at this point.

The faith caught on slowly, winning only a few converts in Mecca (the first being his wife, Khadija). In 622 A.D, under increased pressure and ostracism from elders in Mecca, Muhammad began the [[hijra]], an organized exodus of his followers from Mecca to the city of [[Medina]].  [[Muslims]] date the formation of their religion to the ''hijra'' itself, even beginning their dating system at this point.

Muhammad was first introduced to the people of [[Medina]], when frequent wars were broken out between Jewish tribes and Arab tribes, Muhammad was sent for as a mediator between the two, most Jews spoke highly of Muhammad, accepting him as the next Prophet, although some disliked that he was not of the decent of Moses or Bani Israel. When Muhammad came to Medina, most problems were resolved, and it's hailed as a success. One important battle; which shed light on Muslim-Jewish tensions, was [[The Battle of the Trench]], although there was a pact called [[The Constitution of Medina]], one that gave all religions freedom, and protective status under the Muslims, from Muslims or invaders, one Jewish tribe [[Bani Qurayza]] didn't help defend the city. However they allowed in Huyayy ibn Akhtab, a man exiled by Muhammad because of a dispute between Bani Qurayza and Bani Nadir, who encouraged Bani Qurayza to attack the Muslims, and help the invaders, so Muhammad would be defeated once and for all. However their plot was found out, and the pact was broken. This incident led to the execution of approximately 700 Jewish men<ref>Guillaume, p. 461-464</ref> from the tribe.

Muhammad was first introduced to the people of [[Medina]]; when frequent wars broke out between Jewish tribes and Arab tribes, Muhammad was sent for as a mediator between the two. Most Jews spoke highly of Muhammad, accepting him as the next Prophet, although some disliked that he was not of the decent of Moses or Bani Israel. When Muhammad came to Medina, most problems were resolved, and it was hailed as a success. One important battle which shed light on Muslim-Jewish tensions was [[The Battle of the Trench]]: Although there was a pact called [[The Constitution of Medina]], one that gave all religions freedom,= and protective status under the Muslims, from Muslims or invaders, one Jewish tribe ([[Bani Qurayza]]) didn't help defend the city. However, they allowed in Huyayy ibn Akhtab, a man exiled by Muhammad because of a dispute between Bani Qurayza and Bani Nadir, who encouraged Bani Qurayza to attack the Muslims and help the invaders so Muhammad would be defeated once and for all. Their plot was found out, though, and the pact was broken. This incident led to the execution of approximately 700 Jewish men<ref>Guillaume, p. 461-464</ref> from the tribe.

The execution was described as follow by Ibn Ishaq:

The execution was described as follow by Ibn Ishaq:

== After Muhammad's Death ==

== After Muhammad's Death ==

Muhammad's death at an early age caused the splintering of his religion into new sects, over the question of succession.  The groups called themselves the [[Sunnis]] and the [[Shiite|Shi'as]]. Many attribute this split to the high degree to which authority was centered in the powerful character of Muhammad himself: without his powerful personality, the movement could not survive intact.<ref>[[Bernard Lewis]], ''What Went Wrong''</ref>, however this depiction is not accurate in some lights. The [[Shi'as]] came into the picture much later than the death of Muhammad, and were first a nuisance group thought to be started by a Jew by the name of [[Abdullah ibn Saba]] who was burned at the stake by [[Abu Bakr]] for proclaiming [[Ali]] was God. Note that [[Ali]] disagreed with the punishment, because fire is a punishment only for [[Allah]].

Muhammad's death at an early age caused the splintering of his religion into new sects, over the question of succession.  The groups called themselves the [[Sunnis]] and the [[Shiite|Shi'as]]. Many attribute this split to the high degree to which authority was centered in the powerful character of Muhammad himself: without his powerful personality, the movement could not survive intact.<ref>[[Bernard Lewis]], ''What Went Wrong''</ref>, however this depiction is not accurate in some lights. The [[Shi'as]] came into the picture much later than the death of Muhammad, and were first a nuisance group thought to be started by a Jew by the name of [[Abdullah ibn Saba]] who was burned at the stake by [[Abu Bakr]] for proclaiming [[Ali]] was God. Note that Ali disagreed with the punishment, because fire is a punishment only for [[Allah]].

The failure or splintering of movements, such as personality cults, built around a charismatic leader is a recurring sociological problem, often studied by psychologists, and referred to as the problem of the [[routinization of charisma]].<ref>Maximillian Weber, ''Theory of Social and Economic Organization,'' in the chapter "The Nature of Charismatic Authority and its Routinization," see also Len Oakes, "Prophetic Charisma: The Psychology of Revolutionary Religious Personalities"</ref>.

The failure or splintering of movements, such as personality cults, built around a charismatic leader is a recurring sociological problem, often studied by psychologists, and referred to as the problem of the [[routinization of charisma]].<ref>Maximillian Weber, ''Theory of Social and Economic Organization,'' in the chapter "The Nature of Charismatic Authority and its Routinization," see also Len Oakes, "Prophetic Charisma: The Psychology of Revolutionary Religious Personalities"</ref>.