Such misinformation often leads to discrimination and other acts of violence against Muslims. Some Americans are increasingly allowing the extremists of the Muslim faith to steer their beliefs of the culture as a whole. These Americans feel that their stereotypes are justified after the events of September, 2001 and more recently the attack on our own ground of protection at Fort Hood.
Historical foundation of Islam.
At almost 1,400 years old, Islam's Muslim religion is one of the world's younger religious traditions. This monotheistic faith emerged in the Middle East with a distinct face and a solid historical base. Islam began in the early seventh century near the western edge of the Arabian Peninsula in Mecca. This was a land where ancient civilizations thrived and desert gods ruled the arid land. The Arabian Peninsula is mostly desert with sandy dunes, grayish camels, and white stone buildings. These features of landscape, such as stones and springs, could take on a numinous aura and gradually became the focus of a sacred place. By the late sixth century, Mecca had achieved the status of the principal cultic center, attracting large numbers of traders and pilgrims to its regular and cultural festivities. .
Muhammad, who was responsible for announcing Islam to the world, was born in Mecca around 570 C.E. to a rather poor family of the clan of Hashim. Muhammad's father died before he was born and his mother died when he was six years old. According to Arabian custom, the youngster was sent to be reared among the Bedouin. At the age of 40 Muhammad was allegedly visited by an angel who announced that God had chosen him as a messenger to all mankind. After delivering the message to Muhammad the angel Gabriel according to Islam history taught Muhammad how to worship God, pray, and conduct ablutions. Muhammad's revelations were dictated and collected in the Koran, which Muslims believe to be the perfect words of Allah.
