Advent of Islam The mission of Muhammad

Arabia ( c. 600 c.e.) Sparely populated desert region– small cities either on the coast,or oasis Bedouin –nomadic herders Mekkah is a center of trade, Kaaba stone among many alters to over 300 deities Coastline participates in the Indian Ocean trade goods carried overland by caravans

Rasool Muhammad begins having visions around 610 c.e. Recites the message to friends Small community of the surrendered (Muslims) considered a threat They are forced to flee to city of Medina( Hegira) Muhammed and the community of believers ( umma ) retake Mekkah – all are spared

Dar al Islam ( World of Islam) Observant must follow five main rules First muezzin chosen was a former African slave –

Five Pillars of Islam Declaration of faith ( shahada ) Pray five times a day facing Mecca Give Alms ( charity,donations) Fast from dawn to sunset for the holy ( lunar) month of Ramadan Try to make a pilgrimage to Mekkah once in your life ( the Hajj )

The Expansion of Islam, 632 – 733 CE

The Ka’aba

Golden Age of Islam ( ) The followers of the bloodline of Ali ( Shi'a ) resist absorption into the mainstream ( Sunni ) The Umayyad rule the caliphate from Damascus– their clear preference for Arab practitioners caused revolt- Abbas and clan rule from Baghdad – embrace Muslims from all ethnic groups – lose power to the Seljuk Turks

Shi’ite Pilgrims at Karbala

Economy of the Early Islamic World Spread of food and industrial crops –Trade routes from India to Spain Western diet adapts to wide variety New crops adapted to different growing seasons –Agricultural sciences develop –Cotton, paper industries develop Major cities emerge

Changing Status of Women Quran improves status of women –Outlawed female infanticide –Brides, not husbands, claim dowries Yet male dominance preserved –Patrilineal descent –Polygamy permitted, Polyandry forbidden –Veil adopted from ancient Mesopotamian practice – women stay in separate room

Diversity Various branches of Islam emerge – religious schools madrassas abound Mystical sect ( Sufi ) grow in eastern territories Al – Ghazali and Rumi most influencial Relied on Persian and Greek thinkers