Final answer:
Muhammad, born in Mecca in 570 CE, was the founder of Islam and is considered the last prophet in the religion. He received revelations from the Angel Gabriel, which led to the preaching of monotheism and the establishment of Islamic tenets known as the Five Pillars of Islam. His life and teachings have had a profound impact on history, shaping the religious and cultural landscape of the Middle East and beyond.
Step-by-step explanation:
Who was Muhammad?
Muhammad was born in 570 CE in Mecca, into a powerful clan of merchants known as the Quraysh. His early life as an orphan led him to become a respected merchant, marrying a wealthy widow, Khadija. Known for his fair dealings and insight into various cultures through his travels, Muhammad's life took a transformative turn around 610 CE when he received revelations from the Angel Gabriel while meditating in a cave. These revelations, which he recited from memory to his followers, laid the foundation for the religion of Islam, with Muhammad regarded as the final prophet in a line that includes Abraham and Jesus.
Impact of Muhammad in History
Following his experience of divine revelation, Muhammad began preaching the worship of one God, Allah, and his teachings rapidly spread, forming the basis of Islamic belief. His migration from Mecca to Medina, known as the hejira, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar based on lunar cycles. His subsequent return to Mecca and spread of Islam represent pivotal moments in Middle Eastern history, affecting religious, social, and political landscapes. The core Islamic beliefs are encapsulated in the Five Pillars of Islam, and after Muhammad's death, Islam expanded rapidly through both conversion and conquest.