Islam, Bahira the Monk, and Arianism
The saint, St. John of Damascus believed that Islam was a continuation of Arianism in which Muhammad was inspired by an Arian monk. Historically, this would make sense on the account of Bahira the monk, who was Arian. Muhammad was most likely influenced by Arian priests in the compiling and writing of the Quaran. Even the first story mentioned of St. Mary in the Quaran, had various Arian roots.
Muhammad is likely a descendent of Ishmael, which is why they consider themselves to be an Abrahamic religion. That said, it is interesting to see what the early Christian accounts of Islam say. The time of Islam being formed was also a time where pagan idol worship was popular in Mecca and Medina. Arianism was dying out with the last dynasty of Arian kings.
