The Rise of Islam Ms. Carmelitano

Location The Islamic Religion would begin on the Arabian Peninsula, in what is today Saudi Arabia – This served as the bridge between Africa, Asia, and Europe

Geography of the Arabian Peninsula Trade: – Only a small strip in Arabia and Oman can support agriculture The rest is barren desert Inhabited by Nomadic Arab herders 1,200 miles north – south and 1,300 miles east - west

Life in the Desert Nomadic lifestyle – Bedouins: Nomadic Arab nomads – Organization: Clans Provided security in the extreme conditions Courage and loyalty and warrior skills were valued – Kin, or family groups held power in each clan – Rich oral story-telling tradition Farming Communities – Small communities sprang up where there was an oasis: Fertile green area with water to support agriculture – These became small Arab market towns for trade

Trade 600’s AD the small towns became major trade hubs – Trade routes connected Arabia to empires in Europe and Asia – Cross Roads of trade

Rise of the Islamic Religion The Prophet Muhammad – Muhammad was born in Mecca This was a trading hub located at the Red Sea It will become a holy play for Muslims – In his early life Muhammad was a trader, married Khadijah, a wealthy business woman, and had children – He would pilgrimage to Mt, Hira to pray and meditate – 610 AD On a retreat he heard a voice and had a vision of Allah – the Muslim name for the Jewish and Christian God – Mohammad believed he was the last of the prohpets

The Holy Book Koran (Qur’an) – The holy book of Islam – Mohammad wrote down the revelations he received – Name means “recitation” Each chapter, or Suras, is believed to be a revelation from Allah, as told to Muhammad by archangel Gabriel It begins with the Fatihah – used for independent prayer

Followers Islam means: sbmission to the will of Allah Muslims: Means “those who submit to Islam” They believe that Allah is the one and only God, and all other Gods must be abandoned

Growth of Islam 613 AD: Muhammad began publically preaching in Mecca – Khadija was the first follower There was resistence to the monotheistic beliefs – The Arab belief before was polytheistic – The Ka’ba was a polytheistic shrine in Mecca

The Hirjah Because of persecuation, in 622 AD Muhammad decided to leave Mecca with a small band of followers – Traveled to town of Yathrib – 200 miles north of Mecca The migration became known as the Hirjah – Muhammad attracted many followers – Yathrib would be later renamed Medina – In Medina Muhamad became a political and military leader In 624 AD fought the Meccans at the battle of Badar

Return to Mecca 630 AD – Muhammad and followers returned to Mecca – The leaders in Mecca surrendered to the 10,000 troops – Muhammad destroyed the idols in the Ka’aba and conducted the call to prayer on the roof – Many Meccans coverted to Islam Joined the umma: Islamic religious community Women were seen as equals, praying with men

Beliefs of Islam The 5 Pillars – Faith “There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is the Messenger.” – Prayer Pray 5 times a day towards Mexxa There may be an assembly at a mosque: an Islamic house of worship – Alms Muslims should support the less fortunate and give alms or money to the poor through a religious tax – Fasting During Islamic holy month os Ramadan all Muslims fast from sun rise to sun set – Pilgrimage All Muslims who are physically and financially able, should preform a hajj, or pilgrimage to Mexxa, at least once in their lives

The Islamic Way of Life Religion became a way of life in the community Religios customs affected daily life – Forbidden to eat pork – Forbidden to drink alcholic beverages – Friday afternoons are set aside for worship – Every Muslim must pray 5 times a day – Scholar class: ulama – no prieses or religious authority

Sources of Authority Allah expressed his wishes through Gabriel and can be found in the Koran, written by Muhammad. Written after his death Written in Arabic – Helped to unit Muslim states – Sunna: Muhammads example, best way to live life – Shari’a – holy law regulating family life, moral conduct, busimess, and community lfie

Relationship to Judiasm and christanity 3 rd Abrahamic Relgion Allah is the same God worshiped in Christanity and Judaism Muslims view Jesus as a prohet, not the Messiah The Qur’an is viewed as Allah’s words revealed to Muhammad Refer to Jewish and Christains as “people of the book” necause teacjomgs are soo;ar Shari’a calls for leaders to extend religious tolerance