RELS 108 Lecture Notes - Lecture 14: Israelites, Shahada, Zakat
Document Summary
Began in the arabian desert in 7th century ce. The people of arabia were familiar with judaism and christianity. Much like the israelites, the muslims established a monotheistic, theocratic state in a land steeped in polytheism and tribal plurality. Black stone meteoric stone is located in mecca, said to have fallen from heaven during the time of adam and eve. During the time of muhamad, pilgrims build enclosure around it called ka"ba. Legend says that abraham and ishmael built the first ka"ba. Abraham & hagar = ishmael: hagar: sarah"s egyptian handmaiden . Ishmael thrived and had 12 sons whose influence spread all over the region. The inhabitants of arabia were thought to be the descendants of ishmael and his sons (muhammad traced to ishmael and therefore abraham) Father died before his birth & mother died when he way young (around 5: orphaned (relied on his uncle & grandfather, joined caravan trade as a young man.