1

The Birth of Islam In 613 AD, Muhammad began to preach in Mecca. He claimed that an angel spoke to him and made him a prophet. He taught that there was only one god and the Arabian people should stop worshipping idols and pagan gods and submit to Allah (God). In 622 AD, Muhammad, left Mecca and took his message to Medina, where he converted many people. His followers were called Muslims. This move to Medina is called the hegira, or journey. These are important: Muhammad Allah Mecca Medina Muslims 2

The Spread of Islam Muhammad continued to receive messages from the angel and to preach in Medina. His home became the first mosque and the messages were collected in the Qur’an. Between 622 AD, and the death of Muhammad in 632 AD, the Islamic religion had spread to half of the Arabian Peninsula. After Muhammad’s death, many of his words and deeds were recorded as a guide to the way Muslims should live. This was called the Sunnah. 632 AD These are important: Mosque Qur’an Sunnah 3

The Spread of Islam Between 632 AD, and 661 AD, the Islamic religion had spread to Egypt, Palestine, Syria, Mesopotamia, Iran, west to Tripoli (Libya), north to the Taurus and Caucasus Mts (Turkey and Georgia) and east to Pakistan. After Muhammad’s death, his successors were called caliphs. There was disagreement over who should lead. This caused a split between the Sunni and Shiites that continues to the present day. These are important: Mesopotamia Caliph Sunni Shiite 661 AD 4

The Spread of Islam By 732 AD, the Muslim Empire had spread across all of North Africa and into Spain in the west. Further Muslim conquest was stopped at the Battle of Tours, in western France. To the east, the Muslim Empire spread across the Indus River and into western India. These are important: Conquest Battle of Tours Indus River 732 AD Battle of Tours 5

Islam Today There are over 1.6 Billion Muslims in the world today, including about 7 million in the USA. Muslims make up the majority of North Africa, the Middle East, and South East Asia. Islam is the state religion in 26 nations. Muslim Populations This is important: State religion 6

Info There are over 1.6 Billion Muslims in the world today, including about 7 million in the USA. Muslims make up the majority of North Africa, the Middle East, Islam is the state religion in 26 nations. Afghanistan Maldives Algeria Malaysia Bangladesh Mauritania Bahrain Morocco Brunei Oman Comoros Pakistan Egypt Qatar Indonesia Saudi Arabia Iran Somalia Iraq Tunisia Jordan United Arab Kuwait Emirates Libya Yemen and South East Asia.