Islam Expands Taken from Internet Taken from Internet

Islam Expands In spite of internal conflicts, the Muslims create a huge empire that includes land on three continents.

Vocabulary Khalifa (caliph) Highest political and religious leader in a Muslim government Umayya Dynasty that ruled the Muslim Empire from A.D. 661 to 750 Shi’a Branch of Islam whose members believe the first four caliphs are the rightful successors of Muhammad Sunni Branch of Islam whose members believe Ali and his descendants are the rightful successors of Muhammad

Vocabulary Sufi Muslim who tries to achieve direct contact with God Abbasi Dynasty that ruled much of the Muslim Empire from A.D. 750 to 1258 al-Andalus Muslim-ruled area in what is now Spain Fatimi Member of a Muslim dynasty that traced its ancestry to Muhammad’s daughter Fatima

Muhammad’s Successors Spread Islam A New Leader –In 632 Muhammad dies; Muslims elect Abu- Bakr to be the first Khalifa (caliph). –Khalifa (Caliph)—title for a Muslim leader— means “successor” or “deputy.

Muhammad’s Successors Spread Islam “Rightly Guided” Khalifa (Caliph) –The first four Caliphs are guided by the Quran and Muhammad’s actions. –Jihad—an armed struggle against unbelievers—is used to expand Islam. –Muslims control all of Arabia, and armies conquer Syria and lower Egypt. –By 750, the Muslim empire stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indus River.

Muhammad’s Successors Spread Islam Reasons for Success –Muslim armies are well disciplined and expertly commanded. –Byzantine and Sassani empires are weak from previous conflict. –Persecuted citizens of these empires welcome Islam. –People are attracted to Islam’s offer of equality and hope.

Muhammad’s Successors Spread Islam Treatment of Conquered Peoples –Muslim invaders tolerate other religions. –Christians and Jews receive special consideration as “people of the book.”

From 632 to 750, highly mobile troops mounted on camels were successful in conquering lands in the name of Allah.

Internal Conflict Creates a Crisis Rise of Benu Umayya –Struggles for power end the elective system of choosing a caliph –A wealthy family, the Umayya, take power and move the capital to Damascus.

Internal Conflict Creates a Crisis Sunni—Shi’a Split –Shi’a “party” of Ali—Claim the Khalifa should be a descendant of Muhammad. –Sunni followed Benu Umayya, willingly and unwillingly. –Sufi followers pursue life of poverty and spirituality. They reject the Umayya rule. –In 750, a rebel group—the Abbasi—topple the Umayya.

Control Extends Over Three- Continents Fall of the Umayya The Abbasi destroy Umayya dynasty; one prince escapes, Abd al-Rahman –He flees to Spain and establishes the Umayya caliphate in al-Andalus. –al-Andalus is a Muslim state in southern Spain settled by North Africans.

Control Extends Over Three- Continents Abbasi Consolidate Power –In 762, Abbasi move Muslim capital from Damascus to Baghdad. –Location provides access to trade goods, gold, and information. –Abbasi develop a strong bureaucracy to manage empire.

Control Extends Over Three- Continents Rival Groups Divide Muslim Lands –Independent Muslim states spring up; Shi’a Muslims form new caliphate –Fatimi caliphate—claim descent from Fatima, daughter of Muhammad. –The Fatimi caliphate begins in North Africa and spreads to the Red Sea, western Arabia, and Syria.

Control Extends Over Three- Continents Muslim Trade Network –Muslims trade by land and sea with Asia and Europe –Muslim merchants use Arabic, single currency, and checks. –Cordoba, in al-Andalus, is a dazzling center of Muslim culture.

Thank you May God Bless you