Evaluation of the Meccan period in terms of religious development theories

In this study, the spread of Islam during the Meccan period has been evaluated from the perspective of religious development theories. The aim is to examine the stages of development of the individuals who embraced Islam during the Meccan period. İn the light of literature review, first, the thepries of religious development were explaine. To make this evaluation, first, the concept of religious development theories is explained, followed by a discussion on the spread of Islam in Mecca. The focus is then shifted to the characteristics of the first Muslims and the underlying reasons for the rejection of the religion by non-acceptors. The mental factors underlying the acceptance of Islam and the decision-making processes experienced during the conversion by those who accepted the religion are explored. Finally, religious development theories are individually addressed, presenting instances from the Meccan period that correspond to these theories, along with examples of Muslims who showed development in line with these theories or of individuals who denied them. While giving these examples, the lives of those people were examined from various sources and their religious development was tried to be understood. Their development has been tried to be evaluated in accordance with the developmental stages revealed by religious development theories. At the same time, it was tried to understand whether these recently put forward theories were valid in a society that lived centuries ago and encountered a new religion. In conclusion, it is observed that the religious development stages of individuals during that period could have occurred within the framework of the principles set forth by development theories.