Chapter 8: Rise of Islam

Warm Up Ch 6 and 7 Chapter 6 Suttee: Importance of Ganges River: Mauryan king spread Buddhism throughout his empire Chapter 7 an overland route linking China and the Med Sea Empire arises in Iran and Mesopotamia Sasanid religion: Military technologies in Silk Road: Role of Women in trading sea ports:

I. Origins of Islam A. The Arabian Pen before Muhammad Caravans linked cities and gave rise to merchants Trade brought Arabs into contact with Byzantine and Sasanid Empires Nomadic Arabians were polytheistic worshipping natural forces and celestial bodies, were familiar with other religions Mecca: caravan city located between Yemen and Syria, became the center for the Islamic faith Ka’ba is the center of city of Mecca, temple for Islamic Worship

B. Muhammad in Mecca Muhammad was an orphan who involved himself in caravan trade Muhammad was born in Mecca and had a successful career as a merchant While traveling on business, Muhammad met followers of Judaism and Christianity These faiths influenced his thinking 610 he was given a revelation from Allah Message from Allah: Muhammad believed Allah was the one god and all should submit to him, those who submit go to paradise, those who do not go to hell Text of the Islam: Koran, Qur’an

The Five Pillars of Islam Belief – profession of faith “There is no god but God (Allah) and Muhammad is the messenger of God” Also makes clear that Muhammad is a prophet, not a deity Prayer – perform five daily prayers, always facing Mecca Giving of alms or charity Fasting = going without food or drink Muslims believe that fasting is a way to show that God is more important than one’s own body Pilgrimage, called the hajj, to Mecca Mosque = building in which Muslims worship

C. The Formation of the Umma Muhammad and his followers fled to Medina in 622 Umma: followers and coverts from Medina formed a single community of believers Caliph: leader of the umma Caliphate: government established in Islam Abu Bakr was Muhammad’s father in law and took leadership of the umma Muhammad Ali believed he was to be the leader of the umma Civil War breaks out and Ali is killed Shi’ites support Ali Sunni support Abu Bakr

Muhammad at the Kaaba

Abu Bakr

Ali

II. Rise and Fall of the Caliphate, 632-1258 A. Islamic Conquest, 634-711 Arabs took Syria, Egypt, and Sasanid Empire, Tunisia, Spain, Algeria, Morocco Umayyad and Early Abbasid Caliphates, 661-850 Umayyads were an Arab empire not Muslim, kept power in Spain Umayyads fall in Persia and the Abbas took over and ruled until 1258 Baghdad became center of Abbasid culture

C. Political Fragmentation, 850-1050 Abbasid empire falls because of communication and transportation issues Turkish slave troops called Mamluks were not paid properly and took control of the caliphate and dominated the government D. Assault from Within and Without, 1050-1258 Tension in Spain would eventually lead to the Crusades

Mamluks

III. Islamic Civilization A. Converts and Cities People converting to Islam wanted to learn more so they moved to the cities Urban centers begin to thrive and increase trade B. Islam, Women, and Slaves Muslim women: were veiled and secluded, right to inherit property, right to divorce, remarry, testify, appear in court Muslims were not permitted to enslave Muslims, Jews, Christians, or Zoroastrians Only POWs were allowed to be slaves

C. Recentering of Islam Caliphates begin to decline and new authorities develop: madrasas and the Sufi Madrasas: Religious colleges Sufi: mystic fraternities whose members sought union with Allah through rituals and trainings Spiritual guidance and rules for everyday life