One man, commonly referred to as the "Prophet," or "Messenger," brought the world one of the most widely practiced religions of today. He is known as Muhammad. All followers of Islam, known as Muslims, recognize Muhammad as the founder. Similarly to Judaism and Christianity, Islam was not an accepted religion in its origin. Muhammad came across many skeptics and trials before developing a substantial number of believers.
             Raised in a foster family, Muhammad spent his younger years as a shepherd. He later referred to Jesus and earlier prophets when saying, "every prophet was in his youth a shepherd."1 Abdullah, who was Muhammad's father, died before ever having the chance to see his son. Muhammad's mother, Amina, was greatly distressed by the task of raising a child alone and soon found a caretaker who took him in.2 Muhammad's youth progressed without much incidence. Many legends were later created to give Muhammad's childhood more significance then what it deserved. A story was told of how one day Muhammad's foster brother witnessed him being tossed down by angels who then ripped open his chest and removed a black clot from his heart. The story has a basis in the verses of the Quran, the holy book of Islam.1 When he was six years old, Muhammad was returned to his mother, and later transported to Yathrib, an oasis in which close family lived. Muhammad's mother perished during the journey, but he succeeded with the help of the family servant, Baraka.3 Living with his uncle, Muhammad longed for access to the outside world. He began to take notice of caravans and traveling salesmen. After a few years, Muhammad himself was becoming quite a successful traveling merchant.4 During these trips, he undoubtedly came into contact with merchants of Jewish and Christian beliefs, thus affecting his outlook on religion. In his young adulthood, Muhammad started to work for a widow name...