Rise of Islam

Escape from Mecca… Muhammad born to merchant family Muhammad was forced out of Mecca in 622 Migrated north w/followers to city of Medina (hejira)

…to Medina Muhammad became both a political and religious leader in Medina This marks the beginning of the ummah, or community of Muslim believers

Return to Mecca Muhammad and his followers returned to Mecca in 630 Destroyed all the idols in the Ka'ba Mecca became the holiest city in Islam

Teachings of Islam Islam means “submission” A Muslim is one who submits to the will of God Qur'an contains the word of God as it was revealed to Muhammad

The 5 Pillars of Islam I. Belief in one God. II. Prayer 5 times a day. III. Giving of alms (charity) IV. Fasting (Ramadan) V. Pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj)



After Muhammad Death of Muhammad in 632 led to establishment of caliphs, or successors to the prophet United tribes went on the offensive, establishing the caliphate

Expansion of Islam Islam quickly won converts throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe Within 100 years, Muslim world was larger than Roman Empire at its height

Sharia law governed all aspects of life in these conquered areas Expansion led to factionalism within the umma Sunni-Followers of Abu Bakr Shia-Followers of Ali

Expansion of Islam by 8th c.