A New Direction Summary and Analysis

Muhammad's wife Khadija dies in 619 and then his uncle Abu Talib becomes gravely ill and dies. Muhammad lost most of his protection when his uncle died. The harassment of the Muslims began again and they began to leave Mecca. Muhammad went to Taif looking for protection and was treated rather badly there. With Khadija gone, he found refuge with al-Llah. He returned to Mecca, even though it was dangerous for him to do so. He found temporary protection with one of the clan chiefs.

While staying at his sister's, he had his greatest mystical experience when the angel Gabriel appeared and took him to Jerusalem to meet with Jesus, Moses, Abraham and other prophets. He and Gabriel climbed the ladder through the seven heavens to the Throne of God, where he is told that Muslims must make...