The Spread of Islam GUIDED READING Q & A COUNCIL ROCK HIGH SCHOOL SOUTH

Caliphs and the Caliphate  Caliph= The supreme religious and political leader of an Islamic state known as the Caliphate.  Muhammad the Prophet was the first official Caliph

1. Who was Abu Bakr?  The prophet Muhammad’s father in law  The first successor to Muhammad See “Muhammad’s Death” section in the textbook.

2. What are the basic differences between Sunni and Shia?  Sunni- no one stands between believer and God.  Shia - ”Imams” are the true Caliphs= (rightful successors of Muhammad)  Imams are possessed with divine knowledge and authority.

Sunni vs. Shia Muslims Sunni  90% of all Muslims  Believe Muhammad did NOT designate a successor  True successor, Abu Bakr was elected by the people of Medina  Imams are simply human leaders  Qualifications for future rulers: Any qualified Muslim Shia  10% of all Muslims  Major countries: Iraq & Iran  Believe Muhammad personally designated a successor=Ali the husband of his daughter  Imams are Infallible manifestations of God and perfect interpreters of the Qur'an.  Qualifications for future rulers: Family line of the prophet re+extreme&FORM=HDRSC3#view=detail&mid=96B5C060C1B E96B5C060C1B E

3. How might the death of Husayn affect later political conflicts between Sunni and Shia?  Obviously has intensified their conflicts since Shia Muslims see Husayn as the rightful heir to the Caliphate after Ali.

4. What was the name of the first dynasty to gain control of the caliphate?  Umayyad Dynasty

5. What situation helped lead to the end of Umayyad rule?  Discontent among the people

6. What features marked the Abbasid style of rule?  Persian style government, little contact with the people

7. What do you think the Abbasids should be remembered for?  Flourishing of Muslim culture, art, & science

8. Who were the Fatimids, Seljuk Turks, & the Mamluks?  Groups who challenged the caliph’s power