Origins of Islam

Arabia Before Islam Harsh Environment No permanent rivers Rub’ al-Khali Desert covers much of the peninsula Difficult climate limited population People depended on oasis Many people live in S.W. corner Peninsula is surrounded by water Sailors crossed the seas to trade with E. Africa

Living in Arabia Arabs Sedentary- settled Nomads-no fixed home Known as Bedouins Belong to tribes Worshiped gods and spirits Herded sheep, goats, camels Traveled from Oasis to oasis Skilled warriors Sedentary- settled Belong to tribes Worshiped gods and spirits Lived as farmers and merchants Set up shop in oasis towns along Arabia’s main trade route Trade brought wealth and attracted settlers Mecca became a trading center Muhammad born in Mecca around 570 First person to preach religion of islam

The Rise of Islam Muslims= practice Islam, and believe Muhammad was the prophet of their religion (the messenger of God) Mecca Was a religious center before Muhammad Kaaba- shrine where Arabs came to worship their gods

Muhammad’s Early Life Critical of Meccan society Saw greed corruption and violence Muslims believe that one night in 610 the angel Gabriel appeared before Muhammad in Muslims believe that Gabriel brought more message from God Muhammad passed on those message Later message were written down in Quran (Islam’s holy book)

Preaching a new message Muhammad began to preach on the streets of Mecca Told Arabs to worship only one god and to change many behaviors The Hijra (migration) 622 Muhammad and his followers fled Mecca Moved to Medina Muhammad became the political and military leader Muhammad defeated Mecca 630 returned to Mecca and banned worship of old religion Kabba became place for Muslim pilgrimage Quickly Muslims united most of Arabia Continued to expand their rule across SW Asia and other parts of the world after Muhammad’s death