Mohammed’s acquaintance with Islam is closely related to his personal experiences, spiritual journey and encounters with divine revelations. He was born in 570 CE in Mecca and grew up among people who practiced polytheism, tribalism and inequalities. Nevertheless, Muhammad’s search for truth and spiritual fulfillment would ultimately lead him to the last messenger of Islam. This narrative explores the different stages of revelation that shaped Muhammad’s understanding of Islam, beginning from his early childhood until the time he received divine revelations.

Early Life and Influences:The Quraysh tribe belonged to Mecca where they had been entrusted with the responsibility of overseeing worship at Kaaba, a holy shrine that housed idols worshipped by pre-Islamic Arabs. Though orphaned at an early age Muhammad lived with his grandfather first then uncle Abu Talib. As a young boy he earned a reputation for honesty, trustworthy and deep thought, which earned him the name “Al-Amin”.

Since his growing years, Muhammad had been exposed to different religious and cultural influences present in Meccan society. The polytheistic belief of the pagans was practiced alongside diluted versions of monotheistic faith inherited from Abraham and Ishmael that were corrupted by idolatry and superstitions. These contrasting world views with which Muhammad grew up would lead him into a path of introspection and spiritual questioning.

The Bhavachakra or the Wheel of Life is one of the most important symbols in Buddhism. It is based on the teachings of Buddha Siddhartha Gautama and represents the whole world we live in along with rebirth (samsara) and enlightenment (nirvana). The Bhavachakra shows various Buddhist concepts through its complex images and symbols; so that people could understand how they are related to each other and why we suffer from them.

Origin and Development of BhavachakraIf we want to know more about what Bhavachakra means then it’s necessary to go back into ancient India where Gautam Buddha lived between 6th -4th century BCE. As per Buddhism, there are Four Noble Truths which tell about suffering i.e., dukkha; its causes; ways to stop it permanently and path leading towards that end. Samsara – cycle birth-death-rebirth due to karma, a moral cause-and effect law is another key idea within this system.

The wheel of life started off as a didactic device meant for illustrating these deep truths. It was first mentioned in early Buddhist texts as well displayed by art works found around old stupas & temples all across India. But over time various schools & sects added their own interpretations thereby making it even more diverse throughout Asia.

वैसे तो हमारे देश में देवी लक्ष्मी के कई मंदिर हैं, लेकिन कोल्हापुर में स्थित महालक्ष्मी मंदिर उनमें से बहुत खास है।

लोकप्रिय मान्यताओं के अनुसार, रजब के महीने की 27 वीं रात को, अल्लाह के रसूल हज़रत मुहम्मद ने अल्लाह से मुलाकात की थी।

"Avyaktādīni bhūtāni vyaktamadhyāni bhārata
Avyaktanidhanānyeva tatra kā paridevanā"

Translation in English:

"That which pervades the entire body, know it to be indestructible. No one can cause the destruction of the imperishable soul."

Meaning in Hindi:

"जो सम्पूर्ण शरीर में व्याप्त है, उसे अविनाशी जानो। कोई भी अविनाशी आत्मा के नाश का कारण नहीं बना सकता।"

अविनाशि तु तद्विद्धि येन सर्वमिदं ततम्‌।
विनाशमव्ययस्यास्य न कश्चित्कर्तुमर्हति॥

Translation (English):
Understand that which pervades the entire body is indestructible. No one is able to destroy the imperishable soul.