1. Rise of Islam

2. Before 500 CE, Nomadic Herders settle into the Middle East
Nomads= Bedouins
Traded with Arab tribes
Prayed to Pagan Gods

3. Muhammad Born in Mecca around 570CE
At age 40, heard voice of Angel Gabriel
Told him to be messenger of God
Spend rest of life spreading Islam
Told people to stop worshipping Pagan gods and worship Allah (God in Arabic)

4. Spread of Islam
Muhammad had to flee to Medina (Yathrib) to escape death threats
Medina is the first city to convert to Islam
Create Calendar, Islamic communities, and Islam became more popular

5. Return to Mecca Mecca did not like Muslims or the Islamic faith
630 Muhammad returns to Mecca
Kaaba used to worship Allah
Died in 632
1.5 Billion practice Islam in World today (2009 stat)

6. Islam Monotheistic, 1 God, Allah Quran- Holy Book
Believe God had other prophets, but Muhammad the greatest
Sets ethical standards (Honesty, generosity, social justice)
*all worship same god*

7. 5 Pillars of Islam 1. Declare dedication to Allah
2. Pray 5 times a day
3. Give Charity
4. Fasting during Ramadan
5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)
(6.) Jihad- Struggle in God’s Service

8. Kaaba Most sacred mosque (church) in Islam
Expected to make pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in lifetime.
Occurs in the last month of the Muslim Calendar

9. Sharia Law
Def: a body of law that includes interpretation of the Quran.
Applies religious principals to all legal situations.
Countries with Sharia Law today: Afghanistan, Egypt (in some codes), Iran, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Nigeria (N. States), Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Yemen.

10. Islam and Women
Prohibited killing of daughters, granted women inheritance, allowed women to reject a marriage offer, encouraged education
BUT: they inherit less than men, difficult to get a divorce, must wear hijab (head scarf)

11. Origins of the Divisions in Islam
Muhammad dies in 632 and does not name successor
Abu Bakr- Father in Law named
Started Caliphate- Similar to Monarchy
Caliph- “king” Successor of Muhammad

12. Sunni v. Shiite Abu Bakr should be successor
Successor= pious Muslim male from Muhammad’s tribe
Believed in Caliphate: religious leader without divine functions
90% Muslims Sunni
Ali, Muhammad’s Son-in-law should be successor.
True successors are descendents of Muhammad’s daughter Fatima
Shiite Majority in: Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, Yemen

13. Sufis
Muslim mystics who sought communion with God through meditation, fasting, and other rituals
Mix of Islam and Hinduism