People

At its origin, Christianity appeared to be a reforming Jewish sect, but the early Christians quickly expanded beyond Judaism and accepted non-Jews (Gentiles) into their membership. The Roman Empire provided the infrastructure to enable the young religion to expand into Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa, eventually developing its key headquarters bases in Rome and Constantinople. In the fourth century of the Christian era the Empire itself officially became Christian.

People

Muslims today can be found in many countries and many cultures, speaking many languages. However all learn the Qur'an in Arabic.

When the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was born in the city of Makka, in 570 CE, the city was the centre of a prosperous caravan route. As an adult he became a camel-driver and trader working for Khadijah, a rich widow whom he later married. On his journeys he met people of many faiths and became an earnest seeker after truth. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was greatly troubled by the idols in the Ka'ba in Makka and also by the oppression of the poor, violence, drunkenness and ill-treatment of women and children. At the age of 40 he had the first of many visions and was given words to recite by the Angel Gabriel. These recitations eventually became written down as the Qur'an.