Islam was founded by Muhammad, a 6th century merchant from the city of Mecca, in modern-day Saudi Arabia. Mecca was then a well-established trading city. The Kaaba, in Mecca, is the focus of pilgrimage and prayer for muslims around the world.
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![The complex geometry of Islamic design](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Islamic-design.png)
The complex geometry of Islamic design
This video demystifies the complex kaleidoscopic geometry central to Islamic art. Grab a compass and ruler!
![Stories of the modern pilgrimage](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Hajj-401x350.png)
Stories of the modern pilgrimage
Watch and listen as several British Muslims recount their journeys to Mecca.
![Islamic pilgrimages and sacred spaces](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Painting-of-the-Muharram-Add_Or_401-570x350.jpeg)
Islamic pilgrimages and sacred spaces
Hajj is the most well-known pilgrimage in Islam. Here Dr Sophia Arjana discusses its role in the religion, whilst also looking at Shi‘a and regional pilgrimages, sainthood and sacred space in Islam.
![The Qur’an](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Cropped77372v_0040-570x350.jpg)
The Qur’an
Dr. Mustafa Shah describes the historical context of the Qur’an—its revelation, its transmission and codification and its shared spiritual heritage with the other Abrahamic faiths.
![The Kaaba](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/50703355031_d292048f47_o-scaled-e1643145834303-570x350.jpg)
The Kaaba
Located in Mecca, this square shrine is the holiest site in Islam. Muslims direct their prayers toward it.
![Hajj](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/3343681248_16a178708f_o-570x350.jpg)
Hajj
The sacred pilgrimage to Mecca—birthplace of Prophet Muhammad—involves a series of rituals and lasts several days.
![The Five Pillars of Islam](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FivePillarsOttomanRustumPashaSideRoomCeiling-570x350.jpg)
The Five Pillars of Islam
In their religious practice, Muslims follow five fundamental tenets—learn about them here.
![Introduction to Islam](https://smarthistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IslamIntro2-570x350.jpg)
Introduction to Islam
One of the world’s main monotheistic faiths, Islam was founded by Muhammad, a merchant from Mecca.