The tradition of philosophy in Islam is a direct result of the translation movement of Greek scientific literature into Arabic. About five generations after the death of the Prophet, at the middle of the second century AH (eighth century CE), the early 'Abbāsid caliphs began to patronize and support the translation of Greek texts into Arabic. Another hundred years later, there was in Baghdad and other cities a thriving movement of Arabic philosophy in which Muslims, Christians, and even members of traditional Mesopotamian religions like the so-called Sabians took part. The Arabic philosophers - the falāsifa - continued the late-antique tradition of commenting on and developing the teachings of Aristotle and Plato. On the basis of Aristotle's teachings about the human soul and on the Neoplatonic commentaries thereon, the falāsifa developed distinct ideas about prophecy that went far beyond what had existed in Greek philosophy. Particularly the Muslim members of the movement created a fast-expanding body of teachings on prophecy and the role of the prophet in society that were geared to give philosophical - one might also say scientific - explanations for Muḥammad's prophecy and for the revelation that he brought. These theories adapted earlier ideas about prophecy and divination to the particular circumstances of Muḥammad's prophethood and his achievements as a statesman.