Rise of Islam

Before 500 CE, Nomadic Herders settle into the Middle East Nomads= Bedouins Traded with Arab tribes Prayed to Pagan Gods

Muhammad Born in Mecca around 570CE At age 40, heard voice of Angel Gabriel Told him to be messenger of God Spend rest of life spreading Islam Told people to stop worshipping Pagan gods and worship Allah (God in Arabic)

Spread of Islam Muhammad had to flee to Medina (Yathrib) to escape death threats Medina is the first city to convert to Islam Create Calendar, Islamic communities, and Islam became more popular

Return to Mecca Mecca did not like Muslims or the Islamic faith 630 Muhammad returns to Mecca Kaaba used to worship Allah Died in 632 1.5 Billion practice Islam in World today (2009 stat)

Islam Monotheistic, 1 God, Allah Quran- Holy Book Believe God had other prophets, but Muhammad the greatest Sets ethical standards (Honesty, generosity, social justice) *all worship same god*

5 Pillars of Islam 1. Declare dedication to Allah 2. Pray 5 times a day 3. Give Charity 4. Fasting during Ramadan 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) (6.) Jihad- Struggle in God’s Service

Kaaba Most sacred mosque (church) in Islam Expected to make pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in lifetime. Occurs in the last month of the Muslim Calendar

Sharia Law Def: a body of law that includes interpretation of the Quran. Applies religious principals to all legal situations. Countries with Sharia Law today: Afghanistan, Egypt (in some codes), Iran, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria (N. States), Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen.

Islam and Women Prohibited killing of daughters, granted women inheritance, allowed women to reject a marriage offer, encouraged education BUT: they inherit less than men, difficult to get a divorce, must wear hijab (head scarf)

Origins of the Divisions in Islam Muhammad dies in 632 and does not name successor Abu Bakr- Father in Law named Started Caliphate- Similar to Monarchy Caliph- “king” Successor of Muhammad

Sunni v. Shiite Abu Bakr should be successor Successor= pious Muslim male from Muhammad’s tribe Believed in Caliphate: religious leader without divine functions 90% Muslims Sunni Ali, Muhammad’s Son-in-law should be successor. True successors are descendents of Muhammad’s daughter Fatima Shiite Majority in: Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen

Sufis Muslim mystics who sought communion with God through meditation, fasting, and other rituals Mix of Islam and Hinduism