Chapter 6: The Rise of Islam

In the Beginning….. The desert, a man and a voice….

A. Muhammad Born in 570 AD in Mecca, Saudi Arabia was orphaned early, became a caravan trader Exposed to many religions in his travels Arabs are polytheistic at this time At age 40, he is allegedly visited by the angel Gabriel who orders him to teach the word of Allah to the Arabs Begins to teach but rulers in Mecca persecuted him. Flees to Medina where people accept his teachings. Writes the Qur’an (Koran), holy book of Islam. a. teachings revealed to Muhammad b. teachings from the Torah and Bible Returns and conquers Mecca

B. Beliefs Central belief: FIVE pillars of Islam: 1. There is only one God – Allah 2. Muhammad is Allah’s prophet. FIVE pillars of Islam: 1. Recite the profession of faith (central belief) 2. Pray 5 times a day facing Mecca 3. Give alms (food/money) to the poor 4. Fast during month of Ramadan (no food or drink sunrise to sunset) 5. Make a pilgrimage to Mecca (the holy city) at least once (hajj)

C. Muslim moral code Men restricted to 4 wives and are to treat them equally Women have more rights than under pagan Arabia but less than modern USA. Muslims speak Arabic language. Jihad (holy war) is important to defend the faith. People killed in jihad are martyrs and go to heaven. Can not eat pork or drink alcohol

Muslim place of worship: Mosque No religious images or statues, no pictures of Muhammad, no ceremonies/priesthood Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey today

Imam: spiritual leader

Muslim Prayer

Hajj or Pilgrimage to Mecca

D. Islam Grows Muhammad dies in 632 AD His successors Abu Bakr and Umar continue the process of spreading Islam. Muslim traders traveled to Asia, Africa, and Europe and conquered a large territory. Muslims who conquered Spain were called Moors. They bring advancements in science and medicine to Europe. Ottoman Turks conquer Constantinople in Fourth Crusade. Ottoman Empire is Turkey today. Mughal Empire rules India and Shan Jahan builds Taj Mahal. Islam spreads through both force and trade.

Islamic Contributions 1. Ibn Battutu - scholar and explorer travelled to Asia/Africa, wrote books on travels, compared to Europe’s Marco Polo – they increased interest in other cultures 2. Ibn Sina – father of early modern medicine (wrote books, introduced idea of quarantine for disease, tested drugs and medications) 3. Taj Mahal in India – Shan Jahan built in memory of his wife

E. Islam divides over a question of leadership A. Shi’ah or Shiite Only Muhammad’s descendents can interpret scripture Imams have absolute spiritual power Shiites are the poor in today’s Islam 10-12% of all Muslims today B. Sunni Consensus of the Islamic community interprets scripture Imams have limited spiritual power The middle and upper class in today's Islam 88-92% of all Muslims today.

Islam continues to grow today Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. It is the second largest religion behind Christianity. Approximately 25% of the population of the world are Muslims. It is predicted to be the most practiced religion in the world by 2023.

Traditional Muslim Greeting Famous Muslims: Muhammad Ali Shaquille O’Neal Akon T-Pain Dave Chappelle Prince Naseem Hamed Assalamu Alaikum (Peace be with you) Wa alaikum salam (And also with you)