The prophet made his first converts in his wife, his
children, and the friends who knew him best. Then, becoming bolder, he began to
preach publicly in Mecca. In spite of Mohammed's eloquence, obvious sincerity,
and attractive personality, he met a discouraging reception. A few slaves and
poor freemen became his followers, but most of the citizens of Mecca regarded
him as a madman. Mohammed's disciples, called Moslems, [4] were bitterly
persecuted by the Koreish, who resented the prophet's attacks on idolatry and feared
the loss of their privileges at the Kaaba. Finally Mohammed and his converts
took refuge in Medina, where some of the inhabitants had already accepted his
teachings. This was the famous Hegira (Flight of the prophet). [5]
[4] From the Arabic muslim,
"one who surrenders himself" (to God's will). During the Middle Ages
the Moslems to their Christian enemies were commonly known as Saracens, a term
which is still in use.
[5] The year 622 A.D., in which the Hegira occurred, marks
the beginning of the Mohammedan era. The Christian year 1917 A.D. nearly
corresponds to the Mohammedan year 1336 A.H. (Anno Hegirae).
LATER LIFE OF MOHAMMED
At Medina Mohammed occupied a position of high honor and
influence. The people welcomed him gladly and made him their chief magistrate.
As his adherents increased in number, Mohammed began to combine fighting with
preaching. His military expeditions against the Arab tribes proved to be very
successful. Many of the conquered Bedouins enlisted under his banner and in 630
A.D. captured Mecca for the prophet. He treated its inhabitants leniently, but
threw down all the idols in the Kaaba, After the submission of Mecca most of
the Arabs abandoned idolatry and accepted the new religion.
