Islam: Central Concepts

A member of this religion is called a "Muslim."

Founded by Muhammad, in Arabia, (c. 570-632 C.E.)

Sources and Documents for Beginnings of Islam:

1. Qur'an ("The Recitation")

   --Sacred scripture of Islam
   • Record of revelations revealed through the prophet Muhammad.

   • Text preserved faithfully, carefully compiled, close to the time of the events.

   • Contains little historical or biographical material.

     Not arranged in chronological order.

   • In order of length of chapters.

   • Composed in Arabic, in beautiful rhymed prose.
     From the Opening Surah of the QuranClick on the Quran in the above picture to hear a passage being chanted
     
   • Traditional division into Meccan and Medinan "Surah"s (chapters).
   • Traditional association with events in the Prophet's life.

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2. Hadith: ("Reports")

   --Other records of the sayings and deeds of Muhammad and early Muslims, evolved over centuries.
   • Contains thousands of pieces of historical and biographical information.

   • Unreliable as historical documents: much of the material is suspect.