1. Building a Muslim Empire

3. Early Challenges to Islam
Muhammad did not name a successor
Abu Bakr:
Father in law to Muhammad
1st Caliph = successor to Muhammad
Reunites tribal leaders under Islam
Set out on successful military campaigns:
Converted remaining tribes to Islam
Ended warfare between Arabs

4. Recaptured Syria and Palestine from the Byzantines
1st 4 Caliphs = defeat Byzantines and Persians on their borders
Recaptured Syria and Palestine from the Byzantines
Caputred weakened Persian Empire and took Byzantine Egypt

5. Where are these Places?

6. The Divisions Within Islam
SHIITES
-follow Ali & Fatima(Muhammad’s son-in-law)
-IMAMS = religious leaders who can interpret the Quran and life of Muhammad, descendants of Muhammad
-minority
SUNNIS
-felt any good Muslim could lead the community
-leader should be male, from Muhammad’s tribe
-majority
Similarities:
Same God
Quran is used as a guide
5 Pillars of Islam

7. Green = Sunni Muslim/Blue = Shiite Muslim

8. SUFIS Sufis = Muslim Mystics
Sought communion with God through meditation, fasting and rituals
Helped spread Islam by travelling, setting good examples for others (like Monks and Nuns)
Whirling Dervish
Emphasized the internal rather than the external
Wore wool garments rather than silk and satin-Why?
“Pay less attention to the pitcher. Add the water.”

9. Umayyad Caliphs Umayyad Caliphate: Capital @ Damascus, Syria
-followed death of Ali
-set up by a powerful Meccan clan of Sunnis
-extended Arab rule from Spain to India

10. Reasons for Muslim Success
Weakness of Byzantine & Persian Empires
Both fought each other to exhaustion
Arabs were welcomed as Liberators
Persian & Byzantine leaders mistreated people
Arab Fighting Methods
Horse & Camel Cavalry…very mobile
Common Faith
a. Muslims were unified to glorify Islam

11. Conquered People are Treated Fairly
Taxes
Special Tax on non-Muslims
Could practice their faith & follow their own laws
Key Roles in Society
Jews & Christians served as doctors, officials and translators
Ensured wealth & prosperity for Muslims in conquered lands
Voluntary Conversion
Over time, many non-Muslims converted voluntarily
Drawn to Islam’s simple & direct message—no religious hierarchy

12. Decline of the Umayyad Caliphate
DECLINES
Adapt to ruling large cities & huge territories…very different from desert lifestyle
700s = conquests slow… economic tension between wealthy & less fortunate rises
Unrest among non-Arab converts to Islam…had fewer rights than Arabs

13. Rise of the Abbasids
A.Founded by Abu al-Abbas: captured Damascus in 750 B. Abbasid dynasty lasted until 1258 C. Changes: -all military conquests are halted -equality for all Muslims -encouraged learning -moved capital from Damascus to Baghdad

14. Muslim Culture Flourishes in Spain
* Surviving members of the Umayyad family flee to Spain
Establish an independent Muslim state
City of Cordoba becomes a center for learning
Jews and Christians are generally tolerated.
Arts flourish.

15. The Muslim Empire Declines
Invasions, internal chaos, Mongols, and Seljuk Turks contribute to the decline. What else?
For these answers, and others, please refer to your handy dandy reading guide!