Building a Muslim Empire Section 10-2 pp. 310-316

Early Challenges to Islam Arabs Unite Under Islam Abu Bakr was chosen as the first caliph Forced to fight to gain loyalty from some Muslims United Muslims expanded their empire and converted remaining Arab tribes to Islam Abu Bakr was Muhammad’s father in law A caliph is a successor to Muchamamd

Early Challenges to Islam Early Victories Great military success under first four caliphs Conquered parts of Byzantine empire and the complete Persian empire

Divisions Emerge Within Islam A division within Islam emerged from a conflict over who should lead the Muslim community after Muhammad’s death. The Shiites Believed Muhammad designated his son-in-law, Ali, to be his successor Follow authority of an imam Descendents of Ali and Fatima Viewed as divinely inspired religious and political leaders Found in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen

Divisions Emerge Within Islam Sufis Muslim mystics who sought communication with God through fasting, meditating, and other rituals Spread Islam through missionary work and examples

Divisions Emerge Within Islam The Sunni Believe any pious male of Muhammad’s tribe could be the caliph, Has political authority over the Muslims community Not viewed as divinely inspired nor as a prophet Constitute about 90% of the world’s Muslims

Umayyad Caliphs Build an Empire The Umayyad Dynasty A Sunni dynasty established by a powerful Meccan family after the death of Ali Conquered many new lands and spread Islam to the conquered people

Umayyad Caliphs Build an Empire Expanding the Empire Conquered parts of Spain and France in the 700s Defeated by the Franks at the Battle of Tours Reasons for Muslim Success Weaknesses of other empires Efficient fighting methods First four caliphs united Muslims Orderly system of government

Umayyad Caliphs Build an Empire Conquered People Are Treated Fairly Jews and Christians granted religious tolerance Non-Muslims held important jobs Taxes kept empire wealthy Looting and raids prohibited Converts to Islam drawn to simple message, social power, or equality of believers

Umayyad Caliphs Build an Empire Decline of the Umayyad Caliphs Arabs struggled to rule large empire Economic tension resulted from the caliphs’ luxurious lifestyles Unrest grew among Shiites and non-Muslims

Rise of the Abbasids The Abbasid Dynasty Change Under the Abbasids Abu al-Abbas defeated the Umayyad Dynasty in 750 to establish the Abbasid Dynasty Change Under the Abbasids Halted military expansion Discrimination against non-Muslims ended Encouraged learning Moved capital to Baghdad Persian influence Abu al-Abbas was an uncle of Muhammad

Rise of the Abbasids Splendors of Baghdad Center of learning and culture Great wealth and splendor Center of trade

Rise of the Abbasids Muslim Culture in Spain Surviving member of Umayyad ruling family fled to Spain and established a Muslim empire there. Rulers welcomed Jewish and Christian culture and learning Cities such as Cordoba and Granada still exhibit Muslim influence

The Muslim Empire Declines Problems in the Empire Local and regional rulers challenge empire Shiite rulers challenged power Invasions between 900-1400

The Muslim Empire Declines Seljuk Turks Take Control Migrated from Central Asia and adopted Islam Seljuk rulers, called sultans, ruled empire by 1055 Mongols Sweep Across Central Asia In 1258, Mongols attacked Baghdad and killed the last Abbasid caliph