1. World History I Unit Eight Block Four Lecture
Major Islamic Events and comparative religion

2. The split that we have no idea about
Make sure that you are viewing this in “Slide Show” format. Click on “Slide Show” and push “from beginning”. Move through the presentation by pushing on the “up” and “down” arrows” on your keyboard
Click me
The split that we have no idea about
The split that we know

3. The shortest Empire on Earth
Click me
Mohammed dies in 632 CE/AD after founding Islam and converting the people of Mecca
Mohammed is succeeded by four Caliphs or heads of state from 632 to 661 CE/AD (a total of 29 years!)
After the death of the fourth Caliph Ali, two rival religious groups, the Sunni and the Shi'a or Shiite, divide over who should be the true ruler of the Islamic Empire
Not that Ali! But now you know where he got his name.

4. An Islamic power struggle
Click Here
The Sunni/Shi’a Division
(we still see this today)
Sunnis believe that the Caliph (leader) should be elected by the religious leaders of the Islamic community, and not dependent on direct lineage from Mohammed.
Sunnis are the majority in most Muslim countries in the world today (80% to 90% of the world Muslims)
Shiite’s consider certain direct descendants of Ali (the Imams and the ayatollah) infallible and the true inheritors of Mohammed. 
Shiite’s are the majority in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Yemen and Palestine (10% to 20% of the worlds Muslims)

5. The thrill of victory … … and the agony of defeat!
Click me
The conquests of the Islamic Empire are many and include,
Taking Jerusalem from 638 to CE/AD (leads to the crusades)
Taking Damascus in 635 CE/AD
The Muslims almost overtake Europe, but they lose the Battle of Tours in France to Charles Martel of the Franks in 732 CE/AD. This stops the spread of Muslims from the Iberian Peninsula
The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus is the fourth holist site in Islam
A glimpse of things to come?

6. Comparing the three western religions
Click me
Jewish Beliefs
Christian Beliefs
Islamic Beliefs
One god (God)
One God (Jesus is Messiah)
One god (Allah)
Jesus is a person (historical significance)
Jesus is the son of god and the Messiah
Jesus is a prophet
Torah
Old and New Testament
Quran supersedes earlier revelations
Salvation through a just and moral life
Salvation by following the teachings of Jesus
Salvation by following Five Pillars and living a just life
Moral Code of behavior
Moral Code of Behavior