Islam Origin and Spread

Prophet Muhammad The Prophet Muhammad Born in the city of Mecca (in Arabia) Raised by merchants Received God’s revelation during the month of Ramadan Muhammad’s monotheism VS Mecca’s polytheism

The Holy Quran Muslims believe the Quran is the direct word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Written and read in Arabic

Mecca and Medina 622 CE: The Prophet goes to Medina (the ancient city of Yathrib) and sets up the first Muslim community Muhammad’s journey to Medina is called the hijrah 622 CE is the start of the Muslim calendar

DEATH OF THE PROPHET Muhammad died in 632 and rose into heaven from a rock in Jerusalem. Muslims built a mosque on the site called the Dome of the Rock. The rock was holy before Muhammad’s ascension into heaven. Jews believe the rock is the “Foundation Stone” of Judaism. They believe Abraham prepared the sacrifice of his son Isaac from this site.

The Islamic Caliphate After the Prophet’s death caliphs (leaders) controlled the Muslim world. Most famous caliphates: the Umayyad dynasty and the Abbasid dynasty. Umayyad capital city: Damascus (Syria). Abbasid capital: Baghdad (Iraq).

Spread of Islam

Battle of Tours, 732 ce Muslims expand across North Africa, into Spain –Islam threatens to take over Christian Europe!!! Battle of Tours, 732 ce –Charles Martel, king of the Franks, defeats the Muslims, which stops their expansion into Europe

The Muslim World Major groups of Muslims: Sunnis and Shi’ites Most Muslims are Sunnis Shi’ites are the majority in Iraq and Iran

Sunnis vs. Shi’ites Sunnis –The caliph may be elected from the Muslim community. Shi’ites (Shia) –The caliph must be a descendant of the family of the Prophet.

The Five Pillars of Islam Declare the faith: There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His messenger. Pray daily: Pray 5x each day in the direction of the holy city of Mecca. Give charity: Give alms to the poor. Fast: No food or drink from dawn until dusk during the holy month of Ramadan.Ramadan Complete the Hajj: Pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.

Hajj Muslims make a pilgrimage (journey) called a hajj to visit the Kaaba in Mecca. The Kaaba: -Stone from Heaven -Adam and Eve -Abraham -Ishmael

Sharia law Moral, legal code –Governs all aspects of Muslim life –Influences: Principles set forth in the Quran Examples given through the life of the Prophet

Muslim Architecture

Raphael’s School of Athens

Islamic Scholarship (Muslim philosopher, Averroes)