Arabia, History Of, The life of Muhammad

Muhammad was born in 570 of the Hashimite (Banu Hashim) branch of the noble house of 'Abd Manaf; though orphaned at an early age and, in consequence, with little influence, he never lacked protection by his clan. Marriage to a wealthy widow improved his position as a merchant, but he began to make his mark in Mecca by preaching the oneness of Allah. Rejected by the Quraysh lords, Muhammad