You’ve Never Heard This About Islam’s Origin – Jack Hibbs
Many people have questions about the origins of Islam, and especially about the life and influence of its founder, Muhammad. To really understand the current events and the spiritual climate of our world, it’s essential for believers to know this history—not only for knowledge but to see how God’s truth stands in contrast to every human system. In today’s article, we’ll dive deep into the origins of Islam, examining its founder, the growth of its influence throughout history, and what this means for Christians today. All of this is done with the intent to inform, equip, and encourage followers of Jesus Christ in a time where worldviews collide.
The Life and Background of Muhammad
Islam traces its beginnings to Muhammad, a man born in the year 570 A.D. in Arabia. His early life was marked by tragedy—his father died before he was even born, his mother by the time he was six, and his grandfather shortly after, leaving him an orphan. Raised by his uncle, Abu Talib, Muhammad was brought along on trade journeys, giving him exposure to a variety of religious ideas. Arabia at that time was a melting pot: pagans, Zoroastrians, Jews, Christians, and various heretical sects all shared the region, influencing what he later taught.
Interestingly, Muhammad and his first followers were illiterate. The word “Quran” itself means “recitation,” emphasizing the oral nature of its scriptures. Some scholars still question whether Muhammad as described in later tradition actually existed, pointing to the lack of contemporary written records, but for most of Islam’s followers, his existence and story are taken as facts handed down through generations.
The Religious, Political, and Military Leader
Muhammad’s life can be described in three distinct phases: at first, he was a religious preacher, then a political leader, and eventually transformed into a military commander. This progression is central to understanding the pattern of Islamic expansion, both historically and in modern contexts. Initially, his effort was to blend aspects from the various religions he encountered, picking ideas from Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and local pagan traditions. For instance, the idea of paradise as a place filled with sensual rewards drew inspiration from Persian Zoroastrians.
As Muhammad grew in authority, his approach changed. After being expelled from Mecca due to opposition, he found a place among the warring tribes of Medina, especially with the Jewish communities that lived there. But rather than bringing unity, history shows that within five years of his arrival, no Jewish tribe remained in Medina. What started as minority immigration soon took on an agenda of political dominance followed by violent elimination of rivals.
Victimhood and Justification of Violence
The Quranic revelations that followed not only justified but commanded aggression toward those seen as obstacles to Islam’s growth. Muhammad is recorded as having allowed his followers to kill, enslave, and plunder, with explicit instructions regarding warfare, spoils, and even marriage to captives. These actions stand in complete opposition to the teachings of Jesus, who taught forgiveness, love, and mercy—even toward enemies.
This idea of portraying oneself as a victim—rejected and attacked unfairly, thus “justifying” revenge—became a recurrent theme. Islamic history is marked by cycles of invasion and conquest, with stories of Caravans being ambushed under the premise of redressing wrongs, but with escalating violence and subjugation of those not part of the new faith. What began as a religious movement very quickly transformed into a political and military machine.
Islam’s Pattern of Expansion
History reveals a 3-step pattern in Islamic expansion: immigrate as a minority, increase numbers through political involvement and family growth, and then eliminate or subdue anyone in opposition. This pattern has played out repeatedly for over 1,400 years. It is seen in the waves of conquest across the Middle East, North Africa, Spain, France, and into Asia, and in more modern times, through mass immigration and increasing political engagement, especially in places with open, tolerant societies like the United States and Europe.
The Clash of Worldviews
One vivid example of cultural conflict comes from the United States itself—specifically Detroit, which saw an influx of Muslim immigrants in the early 20th century. While early arrivals rapidly assimilated and worked hard, the establishment of mosques brought with it a push for increasing adherence to Islamic customs, sometimes clashing with the broader American experience. The clash became not just about religion, but about the shaping of neighborhoods, schools, and even politics.
Most followers of Islam believe that world peace will only come when all people submit to the will of Allah. For Christians, “peace” means something very different: it means reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. Similarly, while moderate Muslims may simply want to live in stability and friendship with neighbors, the more fundamental or radical element sees violence and forced conversion as legitimate tools for advancing their cause, even sometimes targeting moderate Muslims as traitors to the faith.
Historical Conquests and Cultural Transformation
After Muhammad’s death, Islamic armies rapidly expanded, conquering entire Christian regions such as Egypt, Syria, and North Africa—all areas that had centuries-old Christian heritages tracing back to the apostles themselves. Cities once known for Christian scholarship and missionary outreach became centers of Islamic power—often through forced conversions, heavy taxation on non-Muslims (the jizya), and even enslavement.
Even the European Crusades, sometimes criticized as acts of aggression, were in fact a response to centuries of Islamic incursions and violence. Christian communities, taxed and persecuted under their new overlords, appealed to the West for help, leading to the famous holy wars of the medieval period. Yet despite brief victories, the tide of Islamic dominance continued, at times reaching the gates of Vienna and sacking major European cities.
Islam’s Golden Age and the Loss of Freedom
When Islamic conquerors took over Persia (Iran), some moderation entered Islamic governance for a season, leading to what is often called
