Islam was founded by the religious reformer and prophet Muhammad (ca. 570-632). He was born in Arabia, became a merchant, and married a wealthy widow, Khadija. A pious man, when he was about forty he began to experience religious visions instructing him to preach, which continued for the rest of his life. Muhammad described his revelations in a stylized and often rhyming prose as his Qur’an, or “recitation.” His followers memorized his words and some wrote them down. Shortly after the Prophet’s death, memorized and written materials were collected and organized into an official standard version. Muslims regard the Qur’an as the direct words of God to his Prophet Muhammad and it is therefore especially revered. (When Muslims around the world use translations of the Qur’an, they do so alongside the original Arabic, the language of Muhammad’s revelations.)
Who is Muhammad?
What is the Qur'an?