Life of Muhammad A Descriptive Chronology Based on the Quran, Early Muslim Biographies, and Canonical Traditions William DiPuccio, Ph.D.
I. THE YEARS PRIOR TO ISLAM (BIRTH–39 YRS OLD) Date
Event
Muhammad 570 AD Born in Mecca (year uncertain)
Description Muhammad ibn Abdullah of the Quraysh tribe is born in the "Year of the Elephant." His father, Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib, had died before his birth, and his mother, Amina bint Wahb, puts him in the care of a wet-nurse, named Halimah.
Returned to 575 AD Mother
Fearing that the child may be possessed by a demon, Halima returns him to his mother. Some Muslims believe that Gabriel washed his heart from vestiges of sin at this time. Some scholars suggest that he suffered from a mild form of epilepsy.
577 AD Death of Mother
After his mother dies, the child is taken in by his grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib, who dies two years later. The orphan is then cared for by his paternal uncle, Abu Talib.
580 AD Tribal Wars 590 AD
10 year war between the Quraysh and the Banu Hawazin. Muhammad works as a shepherd in the neighboring area of Mecca.
582 AD
Mercantile Journey
First mercantile journey to Syria with his uncle. This may have also been his first extended contact with Christianity. Some stories say that he met a Nestorian monk there who perceived he was a prophet. Some historians doubt this journey.
Marriage to Khadijah
Muhammad enters in to the mercantile service of his wealthy, twice-widowed, and older distant cousin, Khadijah, whom he marries. She later becomes his first follower. Kadijah bore 2 sons and 4 daughters. She had already borne 2 sons and a daughter from previous marriages. Due to class differences, the union between her and Muhammad sparks controversy which almost leads to family bloodshed.
Contemplation and Prayer
Khadijah’s patronage allows Muhammad to pursue a more contemplative life in his search for truth. He periodically withdraws to secluded spots for meditation.
595 AD
595 AD Caravan Trader Muhammad is given charge of Kadijah’s caravans. His extended trips to Syria 619 AD (final year uncertain) bring him into contact with Christians and Jews. Tribes 605 AD Reconciled at Mecca
Adoption 605 AD of Sons 609 AD (exact years
are uncertain)
After rebuilding the pagan temple in Mecca, the Kabah, tribes dispute for the honor of raising the sacred Black Stone to its place. Muhammad, who was admired as “The Faithful” among Meccans, enabled each tribe to share this honor by placing the stone on a cloth and allowing representatives from all the tribes to lift it into place. Some historians doubt this event. Muhammad adopts Ali, son of his uncle, who later marries Muhammad’s daughter, Fatimah—the only child to survive Muhammad. Ali was the fourth caliph (655 AD - 660 AD) and, according to the Shiites, Muhammad’s only legitimate successor. Muhammad also adopts and frees Zaid, Kadijah’s slave boy. Years later, after Zaid discovered that Muhammad admired his wife, Zainab, Zaid divorced her so Muhammad could marry her (627 AD). The scandal was alleviated by a special revelation and new rules restricting adoption in Islam (Quran 33:37-40).
II. THE BEGINNING OF ISLAM (40–52 YRS OLD) Date
610 AD
Event The First “Revelation”
Description Muhammad receives what he later believes is a heavenly visitation from the angel Jibreel (Gabriel), and a revelation from Allah.* At first, he fears he may be possessed by a demon and attempts to commit suicide. But the angel stops him. Kadijah’s learned cousin, Waraqah, declared it to be a genuine angelic visitation. *Some historians contend that he realized his call and belief in monotheism gradually, not suddenly. Though said to be illiterate, the first verses of the Quran were composed at this time.
Muhammad begins to preach Islam publicly in Mecca (the reason for the 3 year Islam Preached hiatus is unclear). His first converts were his wife, Kadijah, and then his adopted sons. The new converts numbered about 50 from among his family and friends. Publicly Muhammad’s preaching is greeted with suspicion in Mecca, and he is accused of 613 AD plagiarizing the “tales of the ancients” (Quran 23:83). One of his severest critics is his uncle, Abu Lahab, who is cursed by name in the Quran (111:1-5). The Meccans Infanticide Banned demand miracles, but Muhammad does not perform any. (year uncertain) Muhammad prohibits pagan Arabian practice of female infanticide (Quran 81:8-9).
614 AD First Blood
A Muslim group prayer is interrupted by antagonistic neighbors, leading to a sharp confrontation in which blows are exchanged. Sad bin Abu Waqqas, a convert, picked up a camel’s jawbone and struck one of his opponents, injuring him. Muslims are said to have suffered their first martyrdom around this time when an older woman was slain. Not all scholars accept the authenticity of this story.
Friction with the 615 AD Quraysh and First Migration
Muhammad's verbal attacks on the idolatrous beliefs of the Meccans causes friction between his followers and the Quraysh (his native tribe). Persecution of Meccan Muslims becomes violent at times, especially against those who are slaves. One Muslim, however, whose pride was offended, violently attacked a Meccan. Muhammad directs Muslims to leave Arabia for Abyssinia (Ethiopia), while he stays behind and continues his preaching. Some may have left to engage in trade.
Meccans shun all social and economic interaction with the Muslims, including the 617 AD The Meccan Ban sale of food. Reportedly, many Muslims were nearly reduced to starvation. 619 AD The death of his wealthy wife Khadijah, is shortly followed by the death of his Khadijah's Death uncle and protector, Abu Talib. About 2 months later he marries Saudah, then asks Abu Bakr for Aisha’s hand in marriage, though she was only 6 or 7 yrs old. 619 AD In all, Muhammad had 11 wives (2 acquired as the spoils of war) and 2 concubines. Subsequent Shiites maintain that Muhammad had 22 wives. Muslims are allowed 4 wives. Marriages Only selected marriages and births are listed in this chronology. 620 AD Mission to Taif
Muhammad preaches repentance in Taif where he is injured while being stoned.
In a revelation, Muhammad finally acknowledges Allat, Manat, and al-Uzza, the “Satanic Verses” goddesses of the Meccans. This delights the Meccans. But soon after, following a 620 AD Incident visit from the angel Gabriel, he recants, claiming his words were of the devil.* * Some historians think it was months before he recanted and became a strict monotheist.
“Night Journey” 620 AD or Miraj (ascent) (year uncertain)
Muhammad is miraculously carried to Jerusalem, and then through the 7 levels of the celestial heavens on a mythological flying steed named Buraq. Ascending through these levels he meets the other prophets, including Moses. In the seventh heaven (or Paradise), Muslims are instructed to pray 5 times per day.* * The Jerusalem trip and the ascension were originally told as separate stories and later combined.
In two separate incidents, a total of over 80 pilgrims from Medina pledged their 621 AD Pledge of Aqabah loyalty to monotheism and to Muhammad as Allah’s prophet. 622 AD
III. THE EXPANSION OF ISLAM (52–59 YRS OLD) Date
Event
Description
Due to the growing and organized animosity between pagans and Muslims in Mecca, Muslims begin to flee to Medina (Yathrib) in April. Muhammad, who remained in Mecca until June, finally takes flight after the Quraysh plot against him The Hijrah (the exact nature of the threat is uncertain). Though he endured a meager subsistence for the first years, in Medina he found a ready response to his message. Prophet’s 622 AD A social compact and mutual defense treaty (Constitution of Medina) is signed with Mosque built AH 1 the Jewish and pagan tribes. in Medina This marks the beginning of the era of the Islamic lunar calendar (AH—anno Islamic Calendar hegirae). Each new year begins after Hijrah. It also paves the way for Muhammad's transformation from a preacher and pacifist to a political and military leader. Marriage 622 AD Consummated AH 1 with Aisha
Muhammad consummates his marriage to Aisha, whom he earlier betrothed. She is now 9-10 yrs old. For this reason, prepubescent marriage has traditionally been permitted under sharia. Originally when Muhammad asked for Aisha's hand in marriage, her father, Abu Bakr, protested.
Caravan Raids 623 AD
Without provocation, Muhammad and his followers initiate the first aggression after the Hijrah,* by conducting a series of 11 raids on Meccan caravans. This was his divine retribution against the Meccans for persecution of Muslims, confiscation of their properties after they fled to Medina, and rejection of God’s Prophet.
629 AD
*From this fact, some scholars conclude that the prior hostility of the Meccans and the restraint of the Muslims were strongly colored by tradition in order to justify Muhammad’s preemptive strike.
or late 622
Later Battles
Muhammad participated in 27-29 battles in his lifetime, but rarely fought himself. Only major battles are listed in this chronology.
Qiblah Changed 623 AD to Mecca AH 2 Ramadan Fast Instituted
Disillusioned and angered by the response of the Jews to his prophetic claims, Muhammad changes the direction of prayer (qiblah) from Jerusalem to the Kabah in Mecca. Islam transforms from a unifying movement to a distinct Arabian religion. Ramadan fasting was probably based on the Jewish Day of Atonement.
623 AD The Nakhla Raid AH 2
Muhammad orders the seventh and first successful caravan raid against the Meccans. This raid marks the beginning of violence in the name of Islam (Quran 2:217). It took place in one of the four holy months when fighting was forbidden. The leader of the Meccan caravan is killed. Two others are taken captive.
624 AD AH 2
The Battle of Badr
Changes in the Quran
The Meccans decide to retaliate for the caravan raids. Though vastly outnumbered, the Muslims defeat the Meccans, killing 49-70 and capturing another 49-70 for ransom (numbers vary). One of the prisoners of war is Al Nadhr, a storyteller and poet who had ridiculed Muhammad. Ali beheads him on Muhammad's orders. Corpses on the battlefield were, without ceremony, thrown into a common grave while some were apparently tossed into a well. Muhammad treated the prisoners with kindness in the hope of winning them over. Many were ransomed. Verses in the Quran take on a more authoritarian tone after this. Muhammad, the seeker of truth, now demands obedience under threat of punishment.
Asma bint Marwan, a poetess who mocked Muhammad, was murdered at night as she slept with her 5 children. Shortly thereafter, an aged Jewish man was also Assassination of murdered, at Muhammad’s urging, while he slept. Another Jew, who had turned on 624 AD Muhammad and stirred up the people against him, was assassinated that year. Muhammad’s AH 2 Enemies Muhammad had many of his opponents murdered and sometimes tortured, regardless of age or sex. These acts of violence were carried out by loyal followers who were eager to obey and defend the Prophet.
Date
Event
Description
The rejection of Muhammad as a prophet by the Jews was avenged by a series of battles, exiles, and persecutions which continued down through history. Eager to break his earlier treaty, Muhammad besieges the Jewish Qaynuqa tribe after a 624 AD Exile of the AH 2 Jewish Qaynuqa Muslim girl was insulted by a Jewish youth. Muhammad intended to execute all the males, but an emotional plea from a chief of Medina assuaged him, and he confiscated their property and exiled them from Medina instead. Muhammad 624 AD Turns Against AH 2 the Jews
Muhammad gives permission to his followers to kill Jews wherever they encounter them. A Jewish merchant was slain shortly thereafter. Muhammad then enters into a new treaty with the Jews.
Muhamad’s daughter, Fatimah, gives birth to al-Hasan who later succeeded his Birth of al-Hasan father, Ali, as the 5th caliph (660 AD). He resigned after 6 months and was later 624 AD poisoned by his wife. AH 2 Muhammad’s Muhammad’s family line (“Saiyids”) was descended through Fatimah, the only Family Line child to survive him. She died only 6 months after Muhammad.
625 AD The Battle AH 3 of Uhud
This is the second military encounter between the Meccans (numbering 3,000) and the Muslims (numbering only 700). Due to the hasty zeal of the Muslims for salvaging booty, the Meccans defeat them, and Muhammad himself is hurt in the attack. Muslim losses numbered 74, while the Meccans lost only 20. The Meccans mutilated a number of enemy corpses, but spared the city of Medina. In the months following, Muhammad suffered notable losses in unrelated skirmishes.
625 AD Siege and Exile of The Muslim siege of the Jewish Nadir tribe lasts for at least 2 weeks. After they AH 3 the Jewish Nadir surrender, Muhammad confiscates their weapons and exiles them from Medina.
626 AD Invasion of the AH 5 Banu Mustaliq
The Jewish tribe, Banu Mustaliq, who were friendly to Muhammad, is invaded on suspicion that they are preparing to attack him.* 200 families are captured. Juwayriyah, the daughter of the chief, agrees to marry Muhammad in exchange for the release of the prisoners. Thereafter, the tribe was regarded as an ally. Aisha was falsely accused of adultery after the battle. *According to Al-Shafi’, he ordered their fortifications burnt, though there were women and children in them.
627 AD The Battle of AH 5 the Trench
Massacre and Enslavement of the Jewish 627 AD Qurayza AH 5 Slave Markets 627 AD Minor 628 AD Expeditions AH 6
The Battle of the Trench was not a battle, but a 15 day siege. Owing to the strength of the approaching Meccan army (about 10,000 men), Muhammad's companion, Salman the Persian, advises him to dig trenches around the northern front of Medina to prevent the hostile forces from entering the city. Coming unprepared for a siege, and being inundated by severe weather, the Meccan army retreats after 2 weeks (more than several weeks by some chronologies). Muhammad accuses the Jews of Banu Qurayza of betraying him during the Battle of the Trench. 1,000 women and girls (along with boys who had not reached puberty) are enslaved or sold in slave markets for horses and weapons. Muhammad takes Rihana, a married Jewess, for himself. 700-900 males (i.e., those who reached puberty) are beheaded on Muhammad's orders. Slave markets are permitted under Islam and are regulated by sharia law. Muhammad allowed slave owners to keep female slaves as concubines, including girls and women (married or unmarried) captured in battle (Quran 33:50, 4:24). Raids against the Meccan caravans cease. Muhammad engages in about 17 other conflicts and conquests throughout the year. Many of these raids produce considerable booty and some alliances are struck. His prestige and power become more consolidated.
Date
Event
Description
To avenge an attack on Muslims by marauders, Oma Kirfa, an older lady and the mistress of the marauder stronghold, was tied by her legs to two camels that were driven apart, tearing her body in half. When news of the execution was related to 627 AD Muhammad by his military commander, he voiced no objection. 628 AD Muhammad also punished 8 Bedouins for the savage murder of his herdsman. On AH 6 his order, their hands and feet were amputated, their eyes were gouged out, and they Punishment for were left in the desert sun to die of thirst. Regretting, perhaps, the barbarity of the Robbery Defined punishment, he limited future penalties to amputation and crucifixion. Barbarous Executions
628 AD The Treaty of AH 6 Hudaybiyya
Muhammad and his men attempt to make a pilgrimage to Mecca. They are confronted outside the city by Meccan forces. Muhammad signs a 10 year truce, the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, which also allows Muslims to make their pilgrimage, commencing the following year. The incorporation of ancient Meccan rituals into Islam caused Muhammad to gain favor among the Meccans.
Letters to 628 AD Foreign Rulers (dates disputed) AH 7
Muhammad sends letters* to rulers calling them to Islam. These include Emperor Heraclius, the kings of Persia and Abyssinia, and the governors of Yemen and Egypt. There is no record of a reply from Heraclitus. The king of Persia tore up his letter. The king of Abyssinia and governor of Yemen embraced the faith. The governor of Egypt replied politely and sent 2 Coptic slave girls who were sisters. Muhammad gave one away and kept Mary (Mariyah) as a concubine.
Mary the Copt
* Some historians say they had only a political intent. He had not envisioned a universal religion yet.
1600 Muslims besiege the highly affluent Khaybar oasis. 93 Jewish combatants are killed, while only 19 Muslims die. Women, children, and possessions are allotted as booty. The Jewish leader, Kinana, is tortured with fire to reveal the location of the The Conquest treasury, and then beheaded. His young widow, Safiyah, is taken by Muhammad as of Khaybar his wife. Jews and Christians who accept Muslim rule could remain if they pay an 628 AD annual tribute. This precedent was followed in nearly all Muslim wars. AH 7 Possibly during this expedition, Muhammad instituted temporary marriage (mutah) Mutah Instituted to satisfy his men. Mutah allows marriage to be contracted at a price for a short (or, as early as AH 3) period. It may have been based on prior Arabian custom. Sunnis teach that it was abolished at this time by Muhammad. Other traditions say it was only later forbidden by Umar (second caliph). However, Shiites still observe it. 628 AD Poisoned at AH 7 Khaybar
Immediately following the conquest of Khaybar, Muhammad and his colleagues fall ill after being served a meal of poisoned lamb by Zaynab, who had lost her husband, father, uncle, and brothers in the battle. Muhammad questions her, and then has her executed. The poisoning may have hastened Muhammad’s demise.
628 AD Return from AH 7 Khaybar
During the return to Medina, other settlements in the area capitulate, securing Muhammad’s control of the Jewish tribes north of Medina. Muhammad also marries Ummu Habibah, the daughter of Abu Sufyan, chief of Mecca.
629 AD Pilgrimage AH 7 to Mecca
Muhammad, with an entourage of 2,000 men, makes the pilgrimage to Mecca under protection of the Treaty of Hudaybiyya (see above). He had not seen Mecca in seven years. He marries his last (eleventh) wife, Maymuna, in order to reconcile with his family, the clan of Hashim. A few prominent Meccans become Muslim.
Battle of Mutah 629 AD on the Syrian AH 8 Frontier
Muhammad seeks to avenge the death of his envoy to Syria who was murdered by the chief of a hostile tribe, but a vast army of Arabs and Byzantines overwhelmingly defeat his army of 3,000 men. Zaid, Muhammad’s adopted son, is killed. A month later, Muhammad’s men marched unopposed through the same area and secured the submission and conversion of some hostile tribes.
IV. THE DOMINATION OF ISLAM (60–62 YRS OLD) Date
Event The Conquest of Mecca
630 AD AH 8
(or, December 629)
Later History
630 AD The Jazimah AH 8 Massacre
Muhammad Rules Over Western Arabia 630 AD AH 8 Use of Alms to Promote Islam
630 AD Mary the Copt AH 8
Description A tribe in league with the Meccans breaks the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, giving Muhammad opportunity to attack Mecca. The Muslims conquer Mecca with an army of 8,000-10,000 men. Overwhelmed, the Meccans offer little resistance. Muhammad destroys the 360 idols of the Kabah, along with the pictures of Abraham and angels on its walls. The Meccans are compelled to pledge their allegiance to Muhammad who grants a general amnesty. Some of Muhammad’s personal enemies and those who insulted him are put to death, including a singing girl who mocked him. Others repent and are pardoned. Since Mecca was the spiritual center of Arabia, Muhammad’s custody of the Kabah made the Islamic conquest of the peninsula virtually inevitable. After 631 AD, only Muslims were granted access. Arabia was subdued under Abu Bakr by 634 AD. Muhammad dispatches troops to the district around Mecca to destroy idol temples, using force only if necessary. However, his general, Khalid, slaughtered many of the Jazimah tribe, though they offered no resistance. Muhammad strongly condemned the attack and rebuked Khalid. He also provided compensation for the widows and orphans. The Muslims defeat the Bedouin tribe of Hawazin in the Battle of Hunayn. They acquire enormous spoils, consisting of 6,000 men, women, and children, 24,000 camels, 4,000 ounces of silver, etc. Muhammad suffers significant losses. In a gesture of magnanimity, he restores the prisoners to their families once the fealty of the Hawazin is secured. However, the spoils were eagerly distributed to his army. From his portion (1/5), Muhammad gifted many camels to the chiefs of Mecca and chiefs of the Bedouin tribes. Following his example, Muslims may designate a portion of alms as an inducement for those whose hearts are inclined to Islam. A 2 week siege against the city of Taif , occupied by the Banu Thaqif, is unsuccessful. But, under further threats, Taif submitted to Muslim rule by the end of the year and the idol temple was destroyed. In 626 or 627 AD, Aisha was falsely accused of adultery, creating a public scandal. Another personal scandal surfaced by the addition of a concubine, Mary the Copt, to Muhammad’s harem (628 AD, above). His fondness for her, creates resentment, conflict, and intrigue between him and his wives. The situation is resolved by a special revelation demanding that his wives repent—lest he divorce all of them, and releasing Muhammad from an oath, in which he swore not to visit Mary again (Quran 66). In retribution, he forsook his wives and lived with Mary for a month. Mary bore him a son, Ibrahm—the first progeny in over 25 years. This made her a free woman under law, and elevated her to the position of wife. However, Ibrahim died after only 16 months (631 AD).
Tax Collectors 630 AD Appointed AH 9 “Year of Deputation”
Zakat (alms) and Sadaqa (charity) collectors are dispatched throughout the conquered territories to assess 10% of “the increase.” Jews, Christians and other unbelievers are forced to pay tribute or protection money (jizyah). The money was used to increase the wealth and power of Islam, to relieve poverty, and as gifts to encourage the conversion of unbelievers.
Muhammad 630 AD Consolidates AH 9 Control
In a series of minor expeditions, a number of rebellious tribes are subdued, enabling Muhammad to consolidate his control of the region. At this time, Kab ibn Malik, one of the most respected poets of Arabia and an enemy of Muhammad, submits to the prophet and composes a poem of gratitude.
Date
Event
630 AD The Tabuk Raid AH 9
Description The expedition to Tabuk, Muhammad’s last major battle, was the first act of aggression by the Muslims against Christians.* By the time Muhammad arrives at Tabuk with 30,000 men, the Byzantine troops had already withdrawn. Local Jewish and Christian leaders are forced to pay jizyah (tribute) and submit to Islamic rule. * Two-thirds of Christendom would be conquered by Islam before Christians respond by sending the crusades (beginning 1096 AD), which were largely ineffective.
A treaty is made with John, the Christian prince of Ailah. The Christian chief of Dumah converts to Islam, but later revolts after Muhammad’s death. When Muhammad returns to Medina, he denounces and even punishes some who, out of fear, refused to join the expedition because of their lack of faith and loyalty. 631 AD Mosque of AH 9 Dissenters
Muhammad burns a rival mosque in nearby Quba built by disaffected Muslims. The people inside manage to escape. In Medina, the leader of the disaffected party (Abdallah ibn Ubayy) dies and his adherents soon embrace Islam.
According to one tradition, many Muslims, now secure in their conquests, begin to 631 AD Jihad a Perpetual sell their arms. But Muhammad declares that war for the sake of Islam would AH 9 Obligation continue until the coming of the antichrist (see Quran 9). Muhammad’s 631 AD Ultimatum: AH 9 “The Release”
630 AD Conversion of 631 AD Outlying Tribes and Cities
632 AD AH 10
The Farewell Pilgrimage
Lunar Calendar 632 AD Rebellion of AH 11 Mussailimah
Having abstained from the annual pilgrimage because idolaters continued to frequent the Meccan rite, Muhammad declares that after 4 months, idolatry would no longer be tolerated in Arabia. He is thus released from any obligation towards idolaters. Those who persist will be killed. Christians and Jews, as later recorded (Quran 9:29), should be subjugated by force and required to pay the jizyah tax. Arab and Christian chiefs, and princes of Yemen, Mahra, Oman, Bahrain, Yemama, etc., signify their conversion and submission to Muhammad by letter or embassy.* The city and church in Najran was granted special privileges by treaty. * Some historians say that these were small groups. Most groups rejected Muhammad’s demands.
Muhammad sends envoys to persuade and threaten other tribes. Under threat from Kahlid, the Jewish Banu Harith accept Islam and submit without resistance. Several Arabian tribes in Yemen, however, were subdued by force. After completing the pilgrimage, Muhammad delivers his Farewell Sermon which upholds property rights, the unity and brotherhood of Islam above all tribal distinctions, abolishes usury, prescribes stoning for adultery, encourages the kind treatment of wives and slaves, and the use of corporeal punishment to discipline wives.* *If isolation fails, ”beat them with stripes, yet not severely” (see also Quran 4:34). Muhammad also abolishes the solar intercalary month (regarded as an unholy innovation) in favor of a strictly lunar calendar (see Hijrah, 622 AD). Mussailimah, a self-proclaimed Muslim prophet with a considerable following, offers to share power with Muhammad. His offer is rejected and he was later slain in a battle shortly after Muhammad’s death. Muhammad called him “Mussailimah the Liar.” Two other self-proclaimed prophets also challenge Muhamad at this time. One was assassinated, the other submitted to Islam after Muhammad’s death.
Muhammad suffers a severe illness, spending his last days with Aisha in her house. Death and Burial He curses the Christians and Jews.* Later, he orders 6 gold coins to be given to the 632 AD of Muhammad poor. Laying on Aisha’s bosom, he finally dies on June 8th and is buried in her AH 11 in Medina house. Abu Bakr is elected as his successor (caliph). * Or, as Ibn Sa’d (Katib al-Waqidi) records: “The Lord destroy the Jews and the Christians!”
632 AD Mutah Avenged AH 11
Executing Muhammad’s final order, Muslim forces utterly destroy and plunder Mutah (see 629 AD). Numerous revolts inside Islam are quelled by Abu Bakr.
GLOSSARY (based on Wikipedia) abayas
a simple, loose over-garment worn by women, covering the whole body except the head, feet, and hands
burkha
(or burqa) an enveloping outer garment worn by women that covers the entire body, including the face
caliph
literally successor; refers to the successor of Muhammad, the ruler of an Islamic theocracy
dhimmi "protected person"; Jews and Christians (and sometimes others) living in an Islamic state who must pay special taxes and whose right to practice their religion is subject to strict control under Islamic law
hadith
literally "speech"; recorded saying or tradition of Muhammad describing his words, actions, or habits
Hajj
an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that must be carried out at least once in their lifetime by all adult Muslims who are capable of undertaking the journey
hijab
a veil worn by Muslim women which usually covers the head and chest
Hijrah
(or Hegira) the migration or journey of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in the year 622
jihad
striving or struggling (spiritually or physically); in classical Islamic law it refers to armed struggle against unbelievers
jizyah
a yearly tax historically levied by Islamic states on certain non-Muslims living under Islamic law
Kabah
(or Kaaba) a building at the center of Islam's most sacred mosque in Mecca; the Kabah is the most sacred site in Islam and houses the Black Stone (a relic which, according tradition, dates back to the time of Adam and Eve)
Mahdi
the prophesied redeemer who will rule for a period of time before the Day of Judgement and rid the world of evil
Miraj
Muhammad’s ascension to the seven heavens during the Night Journey, described as both a physical and spiritual journey
mufti
a scholar who interprets and expounds Islamic law, and is qualified to give an authoritative legal opinion (fatwa)
mutah
a temporary, contract marriage in which the duration and compensation are specified and agreed upon in advance
niqab
a veil covering the face (except the eyes)
Qiblah
(or Qibla) the direction Muslims face during prayer; most mosques contain a wall niche that indicates the qiblah
sadaqa
charity; voluntary alms above the amount for zakat
Saiyid
an honorific title denoting people accepted as descendants of Muhammad
Salafist a movement within Sunni Islam that developed in Arabia in the first half of the 18th century advocating a return to the traditions of the "devout ancestors" (the salaf); see also Wahhabi
sharia
the eternal, ethical, and moral law based on the Quran and sunnah
Shia
a minority branch of Islam (10%-13%) which holds that Muhammad designated his son-and-law, Ali, as his successor; some of Ali’s descendants are said to possess special spiritual and political authority over the community
sira
traditional Muslim biographies of Muhammad
sunnah
the "path" or "example" of Muhammad, i.e., what Muhammad did or said or agreed to during his life
Sunni
the larges branch of Islam (87%-90%); Sunni Muslims are those who follow the “sunnah” of Muhammad
Talmud the body of Jewish civil and ceremonial law and legend Wahabbi a follower of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703-1792) who led an ultra-conservative religious movement to purify Islam; most Wahabbis prefer to be called Salafists
zakat
a form of alms-giving regarded as a religious obligation or tax; in the Quran it is next after prayer in importance
SOURCES (listed in order of importance for this chronology) (1) Life of Mahomet from Original Sources (Sir William Muir, 1894, 1912). (2) Encyclopedia of Islam: New Edition (13 vols., E.J. Brill) (3) The Life of Muhammad (Ibn Ishaq, trans. A.Guillaume, 1955) (4) Kutub al-Sittah (collected hadith of Bukhari, Muslim, Dawood, etc.) (5) A Dictionary of Islam (Thomas Patrick Hughes, 1885) (6) Numerous internet articles. © William DiPuccio, 2017
This work may be duplicated in whole or in part with proper attribution for not-for-profit, educational purposes only. Sale of this material under any condition requires express permission of the author.
Revised: January, 2017
