Describe the emergence of Islam and its core beliefs. How the death of the Prophet Muhammad led to a schism within the new religion? How did the spread of Islam compare with the initial growth of Christianity and Buddhism?
Emergence of Islam and Core Beliefs
Islam emerged in the early 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula, specifically in Mecca (modern-day Saudi Arabia). The Prophet Muhammad, considered the last prophet in a line that includes Abraham, Moses, and Jesus, received revelations from the Angel Gabriel. These revelations were later compiled into the Qur’an, Islam’s holy book.
Core Beliefs of Islam (The Five Pillars):
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Shahada – Declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his Prophet.”
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Salat – Prayer five times a day facing Mecca.
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Zakat – Giving alms to the poor.
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Sawm – Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.
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Hajj – Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once if physically and financially able.
Other important beliefs include monotheism, belief in angels, prophets, divine books, Day of Judgment, and predestination (Qadar).
Schism After Prophet Muhammad’s Death
Muhammad died in 632 CE without naming a clear successor, leading to disputes over leadership. This resulted in a major schism:
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Sunni Muslims believed the leader (Caliph) should be elected. They supported Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s close friend and father-in-law.
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Shi’a Muslims believed leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family, supporting Ali, his cousin and son-in-law.
This split developed into two main sects with differing theological interpretations, leadership structures, and religious practices, although both share the core beliefs of Islam.
Spread of Islam vs. Christianity and Buddhism
| Religion | Method of Spread | Speed of Expansion | Governmental Role | Conversion Style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Islam | Military conquest, trade, and missionaries (Sufis) | Rapid (within 100 years, spread across Middle East, North Africa, parts of Europe and Asia) | Early Islamic empires (Umayyad, Abbasid) promoted and institutionalized Islam | Often linked with Arabic culture but allowed for local traditions |
| Christianity | Began as a persecuted movement, spread by apostles and missionaries | Slower initial growth, rapid after Roman Empire’s conversion in 4th century | Became state religion under Constantine | Adapted to local cultures; emphasized spiritual message |
| Buddhism | Missionaries, trade routes (Silk Road), royal patronage (Ashoka of India) | Gradual, over centuries; eastward spread into China, Korea, Japan, and SE Asia | Strong support from rulers like Ashoka and later Chinese emperors | Adapted to local beliefs, blended with other traditions |
Summary
Islam emerged rapidly through a combination of spiritual teachings and political unification under Muhammad. Its central tenets emphasize monotheism, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage. After Muhammad’s death, disputes over rightful leadership led to the Sunni-Shi’a divide. Compared to Christianity and Buddhism, Islam’s initial spread was much quicker, often supported by state structures and military campaigns, while Christianity and Buddhism relied more on grassroots missionary work and gradual assimilation into local cultures.