1. The Rise of Islam

2. The Life of Muhammad Discuss the life of Muhammad. What have you learned so far?

3. Background Mecca, located on the Arabian peninsula, was an important center of trade and religious site. Strategically located between trade routes Home of Ka’aba

4. Background Muhammad was born in Mecca circa 570 ACE. Interacted with many different religions. Married an entrepreneur named Khadija. She was very rich from caravan trade. Khadija was 40 while Muhammad was 25.

5. The Origins of Islam During his marriage to Khadija, Muhammad was plagued by incessant headaches. He would retire to a cave outside of Mecca. Muhammad was visited by the angel Gabriel. For 22 years, Gabriel revealed what Muslims believe to be the Truth to Muhammad.

6. Gabriel Visits Muhammad

7. The Origins of Islam Muhammad compiled these revelations into the Islamic holy book, the Qu’ran (Koran). Belief in one God interfered with the revenue made off travelers to Mecca that worshipped many gods at the Ka’aba.

8. The Flight (Hijrah) Muhammad was forced to flee Mecca for Yathrib, located to the north of Mecca. – Yathrib is later called Medina, “city of the prophet.” Muhammad continued to win converts to Islam. In 630 ACE, Muhammad returns to Mecca with a great army. Mecca allows Muhammad to reenter Mecca and convert the inhabitants to Islam.

9. Jihad- endeavor to spread the faith Jihad does not mean to kill innocents

10. The Death and Legacy of the Prophet Muhammad continued converting non- believers by choice or the sword. The prophet died in 632 ACE – He bequeathed his followers a state with a political & economic responsibilities, and a military arm.

11. The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs What do you know about the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs??

12. The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs Muhammad’s death brought questions of succession. Who would lead this new Islamic state? How would the ruler lead? The position of caliph was created. Abu Bakr was elected the first caliph.

13. The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs The first three of the rightly guided caliphs, Abu Bakr, Omar, and Uthman, continued to expand the influence of Islam

14. Ali Ibn Talib Ali was Muhammad’s son-in-law and his cousin. Many felt that Ali should have been Muhammad’s successor. Ali is finally elected caliph. Ali is assassinated, which led to the establishment of the Umayyad dynasty.

15. Ali’s Legacy Out of Ali’s assassination, the foundation for modern Islam is laid. Sunni Islam– Orthodox Islam. Sunnis do not believe in the legitimacy of the Imams. They look to the Qu’ran and Hadith for guidance.

16. Ali’s Legacy Shia Islam– Believed that Ali was chosen by God to be the leader of Islam. Ali and his descendants are considered Imams, leaders of the Islamic community.