Islam In A.D. 622, a new religion called Islam arose in Arabia Like Christians and Jews, people who follow Islam believe in one God – monotheism **Muslims are the people Islam is the religion**

The Muslim World

The Start of Islam: Muhammad Mecca & Medina were the 2 major cities of pre-Islamic Arabia. [Arabian Peninsula] There wasn’t 1 specific religion: Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, Christianity/ Roman Catholicism and Animism were all practiced Most of the people were members of Bedouin Tribes: nomadic herders, who followed animist beliefs Muhammad was born in Mecca around 570. He was an orphan, but eventually married a wealthy widow, and became a caravan merchant.

Life of Muhammad At about the age of 40 he had a mid-life crisis, and became increasingly religious, during which time he began to spend long periods in meditation. Around 610, Muhammad began to hear/ receive visions from Allah (God; it means father) through the Archangel Gabriel. It was through Gabriel’s “talks” that Muhammad was commanded to spread the message of Islam, and create the Quran

Muhammad Muhammad obeyed the command of Gabriel Soon Meccan merchants sought to kill him In 622, Muhammad and his followers left Mecca for Yathrib (later named Medina) on a journey known as the Hajira. Muslim converts in Medina welcomed Muhammad, and the religion grew Called for a holy war, jihad, against Mecca & other non-Muslim territories Think that if they die in holy war they are guaranteed a place in Paradise (Heaven) & 72 Virgins for wives

Basic Ideas of Islam: Allegiance to the umma (Muslim community) Honesty in personal and public affairs Modesty in personal affairs Abstinence from alcohol, pork, gambling, and marrying non-believers Priests are unnessary; you communicate directly with Allah through your prayers Follow the five pillars of the Islamic faith Abide by the laws/ teachings of the Quran (Koran) Acceptance of Judeo-Christian prophets (including Abraham, Moses and Jesus) & Muhammad

Five Pillars of Faith All Muslims accept five basic duties, known as the Five Pillars of Islam Belief in One God, Allah, and Muhammad is God’s greatest prophet Prayer five times daily (facing Mecca) Give money to the poor Fast during the month of Ramadan Pilgrimage to Mecca once in your life

Quran (Koran) The sacred scriptures of Islam are contained in the Quran The Quran is the final authority on all matters and provides a guide to life for Muslims Muslim scholars have also developed an immense body of laws, called the Sharia, that covers all aspects of life Over time, this system of law acted as a means to unite Muslims in differing backgrounds

Islam Spreads In the 150 years after the death of Muhammad, Islam spread rapidly over three continents (Asia, Africa, Europe); overcoming geographic barriers and weakened political empires. Skillful Arab fighters spread Islam through military conquest Because the Arabs treated conquered peoples in a fair way, many people converted to Islam willingly The teaching of Islam appealed to many because it emphasized honesty, generosity, and social justice

Spread of Islam Trade had always been considered an honorable occupation for Muslims Muslims built vast building empires Merchants established trading networks with Africa, China, and India In India, Muslim traders were an important means of spreading Islam At the other end of the Eurasian landmass, Islam spread from North Africa into Spain Islamic traditions and customs developed over centuries and created a distinct Muslim culture.

Spread of Islam.. Diffusion along trade routes from Mecca and Medina Expansion despite great distances, desert environments, and mountain barriers Spread into the Fertile Crescent, Iran, and Central Asia, facilitated by weak Byzantine and Persian empires. Political unity and the Arabic language facilitated trade and stimulated intellectual activity. In the early Islamic lands: Political unity of the first Muslim empire was short-lived. Arabic language spread with Islam and facilitated trade across Islamic lands. Slavery was not based on race.

Islam after Muhammad: Caliphs After Muhammad died, various family members and friends took turns ruling They were known as caliphs (deputies). They didn’t claim to be prophets (like Muhammad), they just led the people. As a group, the caliphs were known as the Rashidun (rightly guided caliphs).

The Caliphs Abu Baker = first caliph. Restored peace after Muhammad died. Started to compile the verses for the Quran. Muhammad’s father-in-law. Umar= Friend of Muhammad who was the 2nd caliph. Spread Islam into Egypt. Helped the poor. Uthman = son-in-law. Distributed text of the Quran. Ali = son-in-law/ cousin. Reformed taxes. *The last 3 Caliphs were murdered.

Turning Points in Islam: Death of Ali: Sunni- Shi’a Split- 661 -After Ali was assassinated, some believed only his descendants should rule; they are known as the Shia/ Shiite. -Others thought that following the way of Muhammad and being from his clan were enough; they are known as the Sunna/ Sunni Muslims. -Even though there was conflict, Muslims refused to fight other Muslims. So, there was no war over this; just a separation -The Sunnis make up the majority of Muslims.

Turning Points in Islam: 2. Muslim conquest of Damascus and Jerusalem- 635 and 637 Conquered Damascus; took it from the Byzantines after a siege and battles After a 4-month siege, the residents of Jerusalem surrendered the city to the Muslims. Within a year, all of Palestine was under Muslim control.

Turning Points in Islam: 3. Muslim defeat at the Battle of Tours – 732 - Muslims were defeated by the French King Charles Martel. -Because of this defeat, Muslims were pushed back into Spain, where they remained in power for another 700 years. -They advanced no further into Europe

Turning Points in Islam: 4. Islamic Capital moved to Baghdad 5. Fall of Baghdad to Mongols

Golden Age Contributions During the Abbasid golden age, Muslim cities became great cultural centers where enormous advances were made in literature, art, science, and medicine.

Contributions of Islam: Architecture: Mosques: Domes, Minarets Dome of the Rock: where Muhammad left for Heaven. Located in Jerusalem. Art: Mosaics Calligraphy Geometric designs Arabic alphabet and language

Contributions of Islam: Universities: Cordoba, Spain and Baghdad Preserved Greek, Roman, Indian & Persian learning Linked by trade throughout the empire Translated ancient texts into Arabic Helped with the rebirth of knowledge in the Renaissance Literature: A Thousand and One Arabian Nights (unknown), The Rubiyat (by Omar Khayyam)

Contributions of Islam: Scientific: Arabic numerals and concept of zero (India) Algebra (Al Jabr) Medicine: Established hospitals and schools Blended Asian and European knowledge Expansion of Geographic knowledge: Improved ships, perfected the astrolabe, made wide use of the compass, made the Age of Exploration and Discovery possible

Important Events in Islamic History: 570 AD Mohammed is born. 613 Mohammed begins preaching in Mecca. 622 Hijrah (Hegira) to Medina (Yathrib) takes place. 630 Prophet (Mohammed) returns to Mecca. 632 Mohammed dies and his teachings are collected and recorded in the Qu’ran (Koran). 632-661 Four Rightly Guided Caliphs rule and continue expansion of Islamic empire. 661-750 Umayyad Dynasty rules; capital is moved to Damascus. 690 Dome of the Rock becomes an important monument. 711 Muslims invade Spain. 732 Muslims advance into western Europe; they are halted at the Battle of Tours. 750 Abbasid Dynasty begins (and lasts until 1255). 762 Capital moves to Baghdad. 1258 Mongols pounce on Baghdad, kill the last Abbasid ruler, and destroy the city.

Review Questions Who was Muhammad? How did geography, politics, and trade affect the spread of Islam? Who were Caliphs and why were the important? What happened during the golden age of Islam?/ What were some contributions? Describe Islam in three sentences. How is Islam different from other religions? How is Islam the same as other religions?