Book on IslamOrigin of IslamBased on history, Islam began in Arabia in the Middle East. Now known as Saudi Arabia, this is where the Prophet Muhammad was born, raised, lived and died. Islam is the second largest religion in the world, despite its huge following worldwide; Islam is foreign to many Americans. Due to the many misconceptions about the Muslim religion, many people judge the religion without making any effort to learn more about their traditions, faith and history. Islam is a monotheistic religion, which basically means that they believe in only one God. The Prophet Muhammad proclaimed the religion in the 7th century AD. The word "Islam" means "surrender to God" and is described as "Deen" in Arabic, meaning "lifestyle and/or religion". Muslims refer to God as "Allah" who is the creator of the world. Allah revealed the Qur'an (Qur'an) to his messenger, Muhammad. Based on the beliefs of the Islamic religion, Muhammad is the last in a series of prophets, who brings God's final message to all people through the Quran.Muhammad / AllahMuhammad was born in the city of Mecca around the year 570 AD His name means "highly praised". His parents died when he was young and he was raised by his extended family. Under the care of his uncle Abu Talib, Muhammad began to earn a living as a businessman and trader. As Muhammad grew older, he became disillusioned with polytheism and came to believe in one God. According to Islamic tradition, in 610, around the age of 40, Muhammad decided to retreat to a cave deep in the mountains to meditate. During his retreat, he had an encounter with the Angel Gabriel. Muslims believe that the Quran was revealed to Muhammad when Allah (God) sent the angel Gabriel to reveal... in the center of the card... Christianity and Islam. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from http://www.artpoetryfiction.comIsaacs, A., 2008. The Conversion to Judaism. The differences between Judaism and Christianity. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from http://www.convert.org Robinson, T., Seiglie, M., 2008. The birth and spread of Islam. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from http://www.ucgstp.orgAbout.com (2005). Crusades and religious violence: Muslims and Christians kill everyone. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from http://atheism.about.com/od/crusades/The_Crusades_Islam_vs_Christianity_Causes_History_Images.htmAbout.com (2008). Chronology of the Crusades. Retrieved September 29, 2008, from http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/christian/blchron_xian_crusades01.htmAlchin, L. K. (2005). Chronology of the Crusades. Retrieved September 28, 2008, from http://www.middle-ages.org.uk/crusades-timeline.html