In about 610 AD, Muhammad founded the religion of Islam. Muslims, followers of the religion, believe that there is only one god, and that Muhammad is the prophet of that god. Throughout the years, Islam has gone through many changes.
             Arab society was influenced greatly by bedouin culture. From this culture, Arabs have gotten a deep respect for their families. Fathers made the family decisions. The tribe leader was called a sheikh, and male clan leaders helped him in making important decisions. Although men were central figures in the community, women participated by owning property, spinning and weaving cloth, and having children. Arabs valued virtues such as loyalty and generosity. Eventually, the focus shifted from clan to family. In 613, Muhammad introduced Islam. Muhammad had a difficult childhood. His father died before he was born, and his mother died when he was six. Orphaned, he was brought up by his uncle and grandfather. When Muhammad grew older, he was the manager of a caravan business. He later married the caravan owner, Khadijah, and had seven children with her. Sadly, all but one daughter, Fatimah, died before adulthood. Muhammad traveled often with the caravan, and he was exposed to Jewish and Christian teachings. At about age 40, Muhammad went to meditate in a cave. He claimed that God spoke to him through the angel Jibreel. Throughout the next 22 years, Muhammad received more visits, which he recorded as the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam.
             Gradually Muhammad began to reach more and more people with his message of Islam. The merchant rulers of Mecca became alarmed because he preached monotheism, which might threaten pilgrimages to shrines in Mecca. The rulers began to harass Muhammad and the rest of Islam's followers. About the same time, Muhammad got an offer to come live in Yathrib. In 622, with hostility from Meccan rulers growing, Muhammad accepted the offer. Muhammad and his followers made a journey from Mecca...