Chapter 10 Section 2 The Spread of Islam

Caliph: The Rightly Guided Caliph = successor or deputy to Muhammad. The first 4 Caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. All Elected by Arab tradition from among the respected members of the community (not a democracy – only elite could run, chosen by elite). Used the Koran (Qur’an) and the Sunna (Muhammad’s example) to guide decision making and ruling the empire. Established the first Caliphate: A kingdome ruled by a Caliph (successor to Muhammad).

Add: Abu-Bakr The first “rightly guided” caliph. Used the Koran (Qur’an) and the Sunna (Muhammad’s example) to guide decision making and ruling the empire. Elected from among the elders according to Arab tribal traditions. Introduced JIHAD: A Holy War against non-believers to spread Islam and keep control over the Empire.

Add: Ali Muhammad’s son-in-law and cousin. 4th “rightly guided” Caliph. It is from Ali that Islam will experience a split in their faith, between the Sunni and Shi’a.

Jihad Means “Striving.” but is one of the most controversial beliefs today. Can refer to an inner struggle against evil. Used as justification for HOLY WAR against Non-believers. JIHAD was used by Abu-Bakr, his example and the examples of many of the caliphs who followed him is the connection to violence today. Radical Islamist groups today, like the Islamic State, Hamas, and Boko Haram use Jihad to justify their abuse of anyone who opposes their rule. Boko Haram is the radical Muslim group taking over Nigeria today and threatening to massacre Christians. Source: https://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/missing-nigeria-schoolgirls/boko-haram-200-000-christians-risk-massacre-nigeria-n306211

Umayyads Came to power in 661 after Ali is assassinated and civil war over succession. Moved Capital from Mecca to more centrally located Damascus (in Syria) – easier to control the Empire. Started to rule as Emperors, with lots of wealth, luxury, and ceremony. This wealth was seen as a corruption and a departure from the simple life of previous caliphs in Mecca. Started the division between Sunni & Shi’a that still splits Islam today. Built the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem in 691.

The Sunni & Shi’a Shi’a (Shiite)– only a blood relative can succeed Muhammad. The King of Jordan (Abdullah II) today is a blood relative of Muhammad! Sunni – anyone can be Muhammad’s successor – follow the example of the Rightly Guided Caliphs.

Sufi A Muslim religious order that pursues religious purity through a life of poverty and devotion.

Al Andalus & Fatamid As the Empire expanded, unity became nearly impossible due to the split (Sunni & Shi’a) and also distance. al Andalus: An Islamic state in Spain where the last Umayyads Prince set up a Caliphate in 750 A.D. The Fatamid Caliphate: Shi’a, controlled North Africa. The Berbers: North African Muslims who had conquered Spain and invaded southern France but were halted by Christian armies under the Charles Martel in 732 at the Battle of Tours.

3. How did Muslims under the rightly guided caliphs treat conquered people? AFTER the initial conquest was over, Tolerance was given to Christians and Jews in conquered lands could keep their faith as “people of the book.” Christians and Jews had to pay an extra tax to keep their faith and be exempt from Military service. Muslims could not enslave another Muslim so if you were not Christian or Jew, you would be made a slave. Slavery was a large part of the Muslim Empire’s economy and remains practiced in some radical Muslim dominated areas today.

4. Why did the Shi’a oppose the rule of the Umayyads? The Umayyads came to power by FORCE and were not elected, nor were they a blood relative of Muhammad. The Umayyads abused their power, moved the capital from Mecca to Damascus (in Syria) and started to live like secular (non-religious) kings (wealthy & luxury).

5. What tied the Abbasid caliphate and the independent Muslim states together? Their faith: Islam. Language: The language of the Koran – Arabic. Trade & the Economy – Having the same beliefs and a common language made for more business opportunities.

6. Do you think Muhammad should have appointed a successor 6. Do you think Muhammad should have appointed a successor? Why or Why not? Class discussion – you need reasons!

7. What attracted non-Muslims to Islam and Islamic Culture? Equality of believers: everyone equal before Allah. Economic & Social benefits: no tax and you “fit in” with the conquerors. Better than the older regime: The Sassanid (Persian) and Byzantine Empires were not always well liked by their citizens – if you did not like the old, give the new a chance.