If we discuss about the origin and birth of Islam than it is essential
to understand the events associated with the founding of Islam and the
work of The Prophet. Although Islam was created with high and noble
spiritual aims, and has grown to be the inspiration of millions of
worshippers worldwide, one must remember it was originally formed within
the context of direct battle against 'the West', in the form of the
Roman (Byzantine) Empire. It is important to know the context of the
formation of Islam and to understand because it makes possible for its
adherents to interpret Islam today either as 'a war against greed,
immorality and idolatry' and the 'uniting of a nation (world)' - or as
'a war on Jews and Christians, and a battle between good (the East) and
evil (the West)' depending on which historical facts you choose to
emphasize. In any event, the concept of a literal, physical battle
exists throughout. Mohammed frequently went to a cave in the desert
three miles from Mecca, where he would spend months in prayer and
meditation. One morning, he heard the voice of the angel Gabriel who
said that he is the messenger of Allah (God) and a voice was heard, the
voice of the Lord addressed to the Prophet. It was recorded and became
the text of the holy Koran. Thus was the birth of Islam it was around
610 CE when he had that vision in the cave. The Koran is not a literary
work of Mohammed; it is a direct revelation of the Lord.
When he returned from the cave, Mohammed was filled with divine majesty
and divine wisdom to preach the world. On informing his wife of the
vision he had, she said, "You are faithful and never utter an
untruth. Therefore, you may obey the call and follow the voice."
Khadija was the first disciple to profess faith in the Prophet. She
became his disciple and the first follower of Islam. From that time
onwards Mohammed delivered public sermons on his faith to a large number
of people, proclaiming the unity of God and denouncing the evil of
drunkenness and impurity. Though some ridiculed and turned away, others
were converted by the power of his words. The Prophet of Islam did not
hold any debates nor did he challenge anyone to controversies and
discussions. He silently converted people to his faith through his
strong personality, charming demeanor and force of divine virtues. His
characteristics as well as the power of the verses of the Koran
captivated the hearts of people. Mohammed fled from Mecca to Medina in
622 A.D. when his life was in danger. The Muslim calendar begins on the
day of this flight, known as the Hijra. The people of Medina accepted
Mohammed's faith readily because it was plain, simple and direct. With
their help and with an army of men the Prophet later returned to Mecca,
where he succeeded in converting his relatives and fellowmen. He then
sent missionaries to other parts of Arabia in order to convert the
entire peninsula to the new faith. It was the strength and power of his
teachings with attracted numerous followers because they came from a
simple and honest man who never posed as a world teacher. He often told
his disciples that he was an ordinary man as they were, teaching them to
believe in Allah and His revelations.
