Old Arabs worshipped many gods, and sought a creator God before Islam. These gods were given many names. Some gods were also gods of fire and light. These gods and beliefs were supported by many myths. Today, Islam is the most widely practiced religion in the Arab world.
Early Muslim religions
Islam evolved out of Christianity and Judaism. It also incorporates many aspects from these religions. It respected the holy books of both religions, as well as their great prophets and leaders. The message of prophet Muhammad was especially loved by the poor as well as slaves. However, he was met with opposition by many and eventually fell out of favor. He fled to Medina at one point in his fear for his life. Muslims are required to pray five times daily and face Mecca.
Although the prophetic stories in the Qur'an are chronological, they do not follow a linear pattern. Sura 7 includes Noah and Hud. Sura 11 contains Abraham and Hud. However, the Prophets of Islam do not follow a strict chronological order. There are also other traditions that predate them.
Origins of Islam
The history of the Arabian Peninsula is where the origins of Islam can been traced. Before Islam's arrival in the Arab world, they had other religions and practices. These pagan beliefs and practices earned this period the name "Time of Ignorance."
Islam is the third most important religion in the world today. It professes to be monotheistic, and the name of the religion translates as "surrender to God." Muslims believe that Allah is the only all-powerful, all-knowing god who created the world and is responsible for its creation. The Quran, also known as the Koran is the principal source of Islamic faith.
Origins of Islam in the Arab world
Islam's history has been influenced by the Arab world. It is the origin of Islam. Its followers first moved to the Arabian Peninsula where they conquered both the Sassanian Empire, and the Byzantine Imperial. They eventually expanded the empire and united a large area, from Pakistan to present-day Pakistan. Islam is today the most popular religion in the world.
The early Arabs were tribal in nature and needed unity. Islam was the only way to unite these people. His son Abu Bakr was appointed caliph after the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632CE. Abu Bakr was the ruler of the Arabian Peninsula for two consecutive years. He brought peace and stability to the region and extended his power over nearby tribes who were under Sassanian or Byzantine control.
Evolution of Islam within the Arab World
The complicated evolution of Islam throughout the Arab world has seen multiple political and religious rivalries. In some countries, official religious institutions have grown to be powerful political allies. Some consider them potential partners in the fight against Islamic Extremism. These institutions are complex and can have diverse agendas. It is hard for political authorities not to create tension by controlling them.
Military conquest was a major factor in the spread of Islam throughout the Arab world. This occurred in a short amount of time following the advent of Islam. In the beginning, Islam was only adopted by a small fraction of the Muslim population. Nevertheless, Muslims had become the majority of the Muslim population in many Islamic empires by the end the eleventh century.
Evolution of Islam at the United States
The Nation of Islam, and the Five Percent Nation are well-known to Americans. These groups were born out of the passion for African American nationalism. These groups included Malcolm X the charismatic civil leader and the Five Percent Nation. Their message became relevant due to the racism and poverty prevalent in urban communities.
Many large numbers of Arabs arrived in America during the late nineteenth and early 20th centuries. Although most of these immigrants were Christian Arabs and a few Muslim communities arose in the Midwest, some Muslim communities did emerge. In the early 20th-century, Ross, North Dakota was home to the first American mosque. Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is home to the oldest remaining mosque.