Lesson 2: Origins of Islam
🌟 Muhammad Becomes a Prophet
Muhammad was born in Mecca around the year 570. He was kind and honest. People called him al-Amin, which means “the trustworthy.” He worked as a trader and later married a woman named Khadijah.
One day, around the year 610, when Muhammad was about 40 years old, he went to a cave to pray and think. There, something amazing happened. The angel Gabriel came to him with a message from Allah (God). Gabriel told him to share this message. This was the beginning of Islam, a religion that means "to submit to God." People who follow Islam are called Muslims.
🟨 Story Moment:
Imagine Muhammad sitting quietly in a dark cave. Suddenly, a bright light fills the space. He hears a powerful voice. He is afraid, but he listens carefully. He knows this message is very important. He runs home and tells Khadijah — and she believes him.
🗣️ Muhammad’s Teachings
Muhammad taught that there is only one God: Allah. At that time, many people in Arabia believed in many gods. Some rich leaders in Mecca did not like Muhammad’s message. They thought it was dangerous. It challenged the old way of life and the money they made from idol worship.
But Muhammad kept teaching about Allah, helping the poor, and living an honest and fair life.
🟨 Story Moment:
A man who sells idols becomes angry. “This Muhammad is bad for business!” he says. But another man listens and begins to wonder: “Maybe there is only one God.”
đź•Ś Islam Spreads in Arabia
At first, only a few people believed Muhammad. But slowly, more people joined him—especially the poor, who felt included and loved. The rich leaders in Mecca grew angry.
In the year 622, Muhammad and his followers moved to Medina to be safe. This journey is called the Hijrah, and it marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. In Medina, Muhammad became a respected leader. Many more people became Muslims.
In 630, Muhammad returned to Mecca with many followers. He forgave his enemies and removed the idols from the Kaaba, a holy place. Soon, most of Arabia became Muslim.
🟨 Story Moment:
A young girl in Medina sees Muhammad walk by. People smile at him. He helps the poor and tells stories about God. She tells her mother, “I want to follow the Prophet too.”
📖 The Qur’an
The messages Muhammad received from Allah were collected in a holy book called the Qur’an. Muslims believe it is the exact word of God. The Qur’an teaches about belief, kindness, helping the poor, and living a good life.
🟨 Story Moment:
A boy sits with his grandfather. They open a book with beautiful writing. The grandfather reads from the Qur’an. “Always tell the truth,” he says. The boy nods. “I will remember,” he replies.
đź“ś The Sunnah and the Five Pillars of Islam
Muslims also follow the Sunnah, which means the things Muhammad said and did. His actions help show the best way to live.
The Five Pillars of Islam are five important duties every Muslim should follow:
Faith – Believe in one God and that Muhammad is His prophet.
Prayer – Pray five times a day.
Charity – Give to the poor.
Fasting – Don’t eat or drink during the day in Ramadan.
Pilgrimage – Travel to Mecca at least once if you can.
🟨 Story Moment:
Fatima wakes up before sunrise. She prays quietly. Later, her family gives food to a poor man. During Ramadan, she does not eat all day. At night, they break their fast together and thank God.
⚖️ Islamic Law
The Qur’an and Sunnah helped form Islamic law, or Sharia. These rules guide Muslims in daily life—how to pray, treat others, and solve problems. Islamic law is not exactly the same everywhere, but it helps Muslims live good and fair lives.
🟨 Story Moment:
In a small village, two men argue. They go to the local leader. He listens to both sides and uses the Qur’an and Sunnah to make a fair choice. Both men leave feeling respected.