History

~ Celebrated on March 20, 2008 ~

Muhammad was born about A. D. 570 and died in A. D. 632. The day is fixed at the 12th day of the month of Rabi al-Awwal in the Muslim calendar.During his life, he established Islam as a religion and, in doing so, replaced tribal loyalty with equality among all Muslims.

At a critical point in his life, Muhammad received a vision of the angel Gabriel who called him into service as a prophet. He later received a second vision of Gabriel who told him to "magnify thy Lord." Muhammad then began to preach publicly in Mecca where he had lived for many years. Many people were receptive to his message but others ridiculed him. Because of the opposition of many citizens of Mecca and threats against him, Muhammad fled to Yathrib in A. D. 622. This journey of nearly 200 miles is known as the Hegira and is so important that the Muslim calendar begins with the year of the Hegira.