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Muhammad, meaning "to praise, to glorify", was born in the town of Mecca and was raised by his mother since his father died before his birth. He was put in the care of his wet nurse, Halimah, who later returned him tp his mother, believing that he was a demon.
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–Muhammad received his first revelation from God during the month of Ramadan. Before the visit, he was disturbed by the new materialism and idolatry around him and felt called to fast and meditate. He was visited by the angel Gabriel and he believed that he was possessed by a demon and attempted suicide but was stopped by the angel. He was instructed to recite words of beauty and force that he attributed to God. He was changed by this experience.
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Muhammad took his message public with God’s teachings which became known as the Koran, Islam’s sacred scripture. His message was monotheistic. He and his followers were ridiculed, persecuted, and attacked for departing from the traditional Mecca’s tribal ways. The leaders of Mecca attempted to assassinate Muhammad.
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In the Night Journey, Muhammad reported that he was lifted up and carried to Jerusalem and then to Paradise to have met other prophets, such as Adam, Moses, Abraham and Jesus. He felt confirmed as the prophet for Muslims. He felt compelled to return to Mecca and clean out the unsupporters.
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Muhammad emigrated with his followers from Mecca to Yathrib, soon to become known as Medina. He was invited to be a mediator between the civil wars of Medina. Muhammad remarried and built the first Muslim community and gathered more people.
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Muhammad began his military years and fought the pagan Meccans in three major battles: the Battle of Badr(victory), 625 the Battle of Uhaud (defeat), and 627 the Battle of the Trench (victory). These battles went on untill 628.
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He consolidated most of the Arabian Peninsula under Islam. Muslims captured huge spoils, consisting of women, children and camels. He forced outside warriors to convert to Islam. He forced local Christian leaders to submit to Islamic rule. He was now the ruler of Arabia.
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Muhammad returned to Mecca to perform a pilgrimage with thousands of Muslims. After the pilgrimage, he delivered his famous sermon which led to the conquests of Christians and Zoroastrians. In his last days, he continued to issue orders to curse Christians and Jews. He died in Medina after a brief illness and was buried in the Mosque of Medina.
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The two sides signed a treaty recognizing Muslims as a new force in Arabia. Muslims had the freedom to move unmolested throughout Arabia. Muhammad continued to besiege the Khaybar oasis and tortured a Jewish leader. Disgruntled Meccan allies breached the treaty a year later.
