Chapter 10- The Muslim World Global I Mrs. Palmer

The Rise of Islam Muhammad united people politically and through religion with Islam As the world’s fastest growing major religion, Islam has had a strong impact on the world today.

Desert Life Arabian peninsula is the crossroads of Asia, Africa and Europe Trade routes- “caravans” bring goods to region and Silk Roads

Desert Life “Bedouins” are nomads organized into clans. Provide safety in extreme desert conditions Became fighting groups

Desert Life Mecca became important trade stop. Ancient shrine attracted many pilgrims Mixture of religions developed.

The Prophet Muhammad Born into the clan of a powerful Meccan family Becomes orphaned- poor Age 40- has a revelation or vision.

The Prophet Muhammad Angel Gabriel proclaims him a prophet- the “last” prophet Taught that “Allah” is the only god; all others must be abandoned.

The Prophet Muhammad Muslim means- “one who has submitted” Islam means- “submission to the will of Allah”

Muhammad’s Early Teachings He faced hostility in Mecca- people did not want to change religions He settles in Yathrib, later called Medina This migration is called the “Hijrah”

Muhammad Returns to Mecca 10,000 followers join him He conquers the city; destroys idols, and calls the people to pray

Muhammad Returns to Mecca Islam grows, many join a umma (Muslim religious community) Muhammad dies 2 years later at 62

Beliefs of Islam Only one god-> Allah There is good and evil; each person is responsible for his own action in life- final judgment day

Five Pillars of Islam Faith-Must say that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is his messenger Prayer- 5 times a day facing Mecca

Five Pillars of Islam Alms- Must give money to the poor Fasting- during the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims do not eat from sun-up to sunset.

Five Pillars of Islam Pilgrimage- All Muslims must perform the hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca, at least once in their lifetime.

Other Important Terms Sunna-Muhammad’s life should be used as an example of how to live Shariah-System of law that regulates daily life

Similarity to Judaism and Christianity Muslims believe that Allah is the same god as Yahweh. Muslims see Jesus as a prophet, not the “Son of God” Muhammad is the “chosen messenger”

After Muhammad’s Death The “Rightly Guided Caliphs” rule with the Quran as their guide Quran is the holy book of Islam. It consists of the writings and teachings of Muhammad

After Muhammad’s Death The Umayyads rule with a hereditary system of succession for leaders Muslims divide into groups—Sunni, Shi’a and Sufi

After Muhammad’s Death The Abbasids overthrow the Umayyads They move the capital to Baghdad They establish a bureaucratic government and trade network

Muslim Achievements Calligraphy- beautiful handwriting which allowed artists to express themselves Muslims were not allowed to draw divine beings

Muslim Achievements Arabic writing- Scholars translated works of Greeks, Romans, etc into Arabic. This spread knowledge Ibn Khaldun- Historian

Muslim Achievements Medicine- wrote important medical reference books. Math-developed algebra and trigonometry in astronomy

Muslim Achievements Astronomy- used astrolab, charted stars, etc. Produced book on optics which helped develop telescope

Muslim Achievements Literature and the Arts Poetry- “The Arabian Nights” Quran is considered the greatest work of Arabic literature

What were Muhammad’s revelations? Why were his beliefs unpopular in Mecca? In what ways was the Hijrah a turning point? Why was his return to Mecca important? What does Islam teach its followers? How does carrying out the laws of Islam effect the lives of Muslims? Create unity? What are Muslim attitudes towards Christians?