![[Dark_vignette_Al-Masjid_AL-Nabawi_Door800x600x300_(cropped).jpg]] *"Muhammad, the Messenger of God" inscribed on the gates of the [Prophet's Mosque](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prophet%27s_Mosque "Prophet's Mosque"), [Medina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medina "Medina"). Islam does not permit likenesses of prophets.* Between Europe and Asia, in 610 a forty-year old merchant from a respected family began telling his family and close friends about revelations he had begun receiving while on a spiritual retreat. Muhammad had been born in Mecca, a hub of the caravan trade and a pilgrimage site. By 613, he was preaching to the public, denouncing idolatry and inequality. Muhammad's uncle and his wealthy wife provided some protection, when local elites became hostile, but after their deaths in 619, persecution intensified and Muhammad and his followers migrated to Medina in 622. ----- Next: [[9.9 - Islam]] Back: [[9.7 - Sui Dynasty]]