Rise and Spread of Islam Unit 3: Islamic Diffusion

In this Unit: Chapter 6: The World of Islam Chapter 7: Early African Civilizations Chapter 8.4: India After the Guptas Chapter 15: The Muslim Empires

Essential Question How did Islamic culture affect the lives of the people in India, the Ottoman empire, and the Mogul empire?

Beginnings- Middle East 632: 1st pilgrimage by Muhammad to the Kaaba in Mecca Muhammad gains followers and political power Muslim forces conquer Syria, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, NW India, and NW Africa

Middle East Continuities 600 to 1450 C.E. Muslim merchants, pilgrims, and missionaries traded over the Silk Road. Trade improved agricultural production which resulted in the development of commercial centers Trade in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean increased.

Middle East Continuities 600 to 1450 C.E. Missionaries, mosques, and Islamic educational institutions were established throughout the dar al-Islam. As Muslims made the pilgrimmage to Mecca (Hajj), mosques and inns were established. Over the centuries these pilgrims helped to spread Islamic beliefs and values. Arabic remained the language of religion, theology, philosophy and law, while the Persian language dominated literature, poetry, history and political reflection.   Baghdad flourished as a center of learning and culture.

Continued Spread Umayyad (601-750) Conquered the southern and eastern Mediterranean Followers split Shia Sunni

Islam Divides after Muhammad’s Death Sunni: (majority) “Abu Kabr, Mohammed’s right-hand man, must become the Prophet’s successor. Mohammed himself recommended elections in Arabia and believed the community was responsible for choosing the next ruler. Mohammed asked him to lead us in many prayers and also called on him to make rulings in his absence. We, the majority, have chosen Abu Bakr as our next leader and believe it is the only natural response.” Shia: “Ali, Mohammed’s cousin & daughter’s husband, should be the Prophet’s successor. Just as God appointed Mohammed to be his messenger, God has chosen Ali as the rightful ruler. On various occasions and in various ways, Mohammed had claimed that Ali was God’s divine chose.”

Continued Spread Africa   Africa In east Africa, like in west Africa, the ruling elites and the wealthy merchants converted to the Islamic faith. Islam supplemented traditional religions of Africa. 641: Arab forces conquer Egypt Cultural Diffusion

Continued Spread Abbasid (750-1250) Muslim Empire in the Middle East Capital City at Baghdad Golden Age of Islam Time of growing prosperity Controlled many trade routes

Continued Spread The Moghul (Mongol) Dynasty (1100-1398) Brought the Abbasid Dynasty to end Overtime, these horse-riding people converted to Islam Involved in caravan trade Muslim Empire in India Many Hindus converted to escape the caste system

Reasons for Success Strong and able elected successors: Abu Bakr caliphs- a title given to the people who ruled after Mohammed’s death (successors) Caliphs used military force to assert authority in Arabia and other lands Caliphs gained support of conquered people Victories became a sign of Allah’s support for Islam Jihad- duty of Muslims to spread Islam and be one with Allah. Mohammed taught that anyone who died in a “Holy War” to spread Islam would go directly to Heaven.