046 - The Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock

Another big episode, as Muhammad arrives on the scene.  An illiterate merchant in faraway Arabia, Muhammad develops a new faith and community that builds upon the monotheist faiths of his people's  neighbors.  Ali A Olomi, historian and host of the Head on History podcast, joins me to discuss Muhammad's impact as well as the holiest site in Islam: the Kabaa in Mecca. But most people are forbidden from visiting the Kabaa, so the wonder for this episode is the holiest site in Islam that others can, in theory, visit: the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.  Randa Ulankiewicz drops by to discuss visiting those sites and Palestine in general. From the foundation of the religion to its remarkable rise and conquest of Syria and Mesopotamia, we'll cover the world-changing impact of the world's most unexpected major religion. This episode is therefore much longer than normal, with significantly more detail than usual.  But there's stuffed grape leaves and hummus, so it's worth it. Sources: Armstrong, Karen.  Islam: a Short History. Armstrong, Karen.  Muhammad: a biography of the prophet Donner, Fred McGraw.  Muhammad and the Believers: at the Origin of Islam Lonely Planet Israel & the Palestinian Territories Lonely Planet Saudi Arabia Moon Guide to Jerusalem