Literature and History Episode 115: The Life of Muhammad, Part 2: Community
Aug 15, 2025
Delve into the pivotal years when Muhammad established a thriving community in Medina. Discover how the Battle of Badr marked a turning point for early Muslims against the Quraysh. Uncover the complexities of Muhammad's marriages and the divine revelations that shaped societal norms. Learn about strategic preparations for defense against threats and the creation of the Constitution of Medina, fostering unity among diverse groups. Engage with quizzes that test your knowledge of early Islamic history!
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Humble Origins, Wide Horizons
- Muhammad came from a respectable Quraysh Hashim lineage but lost close kin early and began working young in trade. His mercantile travels exposed him to Byzantium, Sasanian, and Aksumite cultures, shaping his later leadership.
Sources Are Rich But Flawed
- Early biographies of Muhammad (Ibn Ishaq, Ibn Hisham, etc.) were compiled centuries later and mix reliable chains with embellishment. Scholars must weigh miracle-laden anecdotes against more plausible, corroborated material.
The Cave Escape Before Hijra
- Facing a Meccan assassination plot in 622, Muhammad and Abu Bakr hid in a cave and later escaped covertly toward Yathrib. Tradition recounts miraculous protections like the spider-web story that concealed them briefly.