Islam Expands

Spreading Islam In 632 Muhammad dies; Muslims elect Abu-Bakr to be the first caliph Caliph means “successor” or “deputy” He encouraged expansion of Islam by invoking “jihad” Means inner struggle against evil Also means an armed struggle against the unbelievers

“Rightly Guided” Caliphs First four caliphs guided by Quran and Muhammad’s actions

Caliph changes Mobilized highly disciplined armies that conquered Arabia, parts of the Byzantine Empire, and parts of the Sassanid Empire.

Reasons for Success Willing to fight to extend and defend Islam. Well disciplined armies with good commanders. Surrounding empires were weak. People who had suffered from religious persecution welcomed the more tolerant invaders. Attracted to Islam’s offer of equality and hope Attracted by the economic benefit for Muslims of not having to pay a poll tax

Conquered people Muslim invaders tolerate other religions Christians, Jews receive special consideration as “people of the book” but were not allowed to spread their religion

Four Rightly Guided Caliphs Abu Bakr (elected) Umar (elected) (murdered) Uthman (elected) (murdered) Ali (elected) (murdered)-Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law Led to Umayyad Dynasty (661-750)

Internal Conflict Creates a Crisis What ended the elective system of choosing a caliph? The assassination of Ali and the rise to power of the Umayyads

Umayyads Changes under Umayyads Move capital to Damascus Abandon the simple life of previous caliphs Surround themselves with wealth and ceremony

Umayyads downfall Vigorous religious and political opposition The majority of Muslims accepted the Umayyads’ rule, but a minority continued to resist.

Sunni-Shi’a Split Shi’a-party of Ali-believe caliph should be Muhammad’s descendant Also called Shi’ites Sunni-followers of Muhammad’s example-didn’t outwardly resist Umayyad rule Majority of Muslims today Sufi -followers pursue life of poverty, spirituality; reject luxuries of Umayyads Very small %

Abbasids In 750, Abbasids topple the Umayyads Murder the Umayyad family One prince escapes and flees to Spain Establishes new Umayyad caliphate in al-Andalus

Abbasids What changes did they make during their rules? Moved the capital to a newly created city, Baghdad Access to trade, gold, info Developed strong bureaucracy to conduct the affairs of the huge empire Created a system of taxation and strong trade network

Abbasids They failed to keep complete political control over their immense empire and broke up into smaller states. Still united by three things: Trade, language, Quran (religion)

Muslim Trade Network Muslims trade by land and sea with Asia and Europe Muslim merchants use Arabic, single currency and the “sakk” or “checks” Cordoba in Spain is dazzling center of Muslim culture 200,000 people with poets, philosophers, scientists