Though Islam is a fairly well organised religion, schisms took place in India in the last century and in the early medieval period. The medieval period saw the rise of numerous Sufi movements (a mixture of Islam and local cultures) revolving around a few personalities - the Chisti saints, Rumis, etc., belong to this period. However this movement, during the ages, was reduced to a mere set of legends and rituals. As far as early Islam during the times of the Prophet is concerned, there are numerous incidents about him that give rise to legends. The foremost being his ascent to heaven from Jerusalem. This is perhaps the only major miracle that is associated with him. But it might have been only a vision; for, Muhammed, himself made it clear that he had nothing to do with miracles. During his lifetime, he won some battles and lost some. In one of the battles, he was thoroughly routed. But he never claimed to have performed any miracles. As Islam grew, local cultures were either assimilated or continued to co-exist. And most of the myths and legends that surround the Prophet or his early followers dates from the 8th century AD.

Post Comment

Name : Email : Password : Comments :