1. Ch: 3.1-3.2 – Arabian Peninsula,Muhammad, and Islam
EQ’s:
1. Describe the geography and lifestyle of the Arabian Peninsula.
2. What is Islam, how did it begin, and what is the importance of the books used in Muslim faith?

2. Location of Arabian Peninsula
Arid region of Southwest Asia between Red Sea, Persian Gulf

3. Physical features and climate of the Arabian Peninsula
Mainly desert ( over 75%)
Hot , dry daytimes & freezing temperatures at nights
Occasional Oases
Oasis = fertile area in desert where water springs up from the ground
Picture of Oasis

4. The Arabian Peninsula

5. Life on the Arabian Peninsula
Herders, called Nomads or Bedouins, move from place to place seeking grazing land and water at Oases
Traded goods with other Nomads
Sometimes traveled through desert in Caravans, which is a group traveling together for safety

6. What was life like on the Arabian Peninsula?

7. Who was Muhammad?

8. Muhammad A religious, military, and political leader
While praying in cave, Muhammad claims to have received revelations, or visions, from angel Gabriel telling him he was the “Messenger of God”
Began to preach there was only 1 God, named Allah, all other gods must be rejected

9. What is a Muslim?

10. Muslims
People who believe in the teachings of Islam, religion started by Muhammad, are called Muslims

11. Why did Muhammad and his followers migrate to Yathrib?

12. Muhammad migrates to Yathrib
Early Muslims were persecuted in the city of Mecca
Muhammad and followers migrated, or moved to, Yathrib (which becomes Medina) 200 miles north
This migration is called the Hijrah

13. What is Islam based on?

14. Islam’s Foundations
Muhammad’s revelations formed Islam’s holy book called Qur’an, which is a major influence on Muslims’ lives
Also, follow the Sunnah, a book of Muhammad’s teachings on how to live Muslim faith through Muhammad’s example in daily life

15. 5 Pillars of Islamic Faith
Click here to watch a 4 minute video on the 5 Pillars of Islam

16. What is the Shari’ah?

17. The Shari’ah System of laws taken from Qur’an and Sunnah
Used by Muslim communities to decide legal matters

18. What connections does Islam share with Judaism and Christianity?

19. Connections of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity
All 3 are monotheistic
All 3 believe in existence of Heaven and Hell
All 3 trace their religion’s descent (history/past) from God’s prophet Abraham
Muslims and Jews view Jesus as a prophet, not the son of God, as Christians do

20. Why did Muslims call Jews and Christians “people of the book”?

21. “People of the book”
Jews and Christians were called “people of the book” because they had holy books with similar teachings to Qur’an.
Each religion had it’s own holy book:
Islam (Muslims): Qur’an
Judaism (Jews): Torah
Christianity (Christians): Bible

22. Reflect!
Create a 10 sentence minimum summary that answers the Essential Questions.
Answer your question using facts and educated opinions!
The EQ’s were:
1. Describe the geography and lifestyle of the Arabian Peninsula.
2. What is Islam, how did it begin, and what is the importance of the books used in Muslim faith?