World History I Unit Eight Block Four Lecture Major Islamic Events and comparative religion

The split that we have no idea about Make sure that you are viewing this in “Slide Show” format. Click on “Slide Show” and push “from beginning”. Move through the presentation by pushing on the “up” and “down” arrows” on your keyboard Click me The split that we have no idea about The split that we know

The shortest Empire on Earth Click me Mohammed dies in 632 CE/AD after founding Islam and converting the people of Mecca Mohammed is succeeded by four Caliphs or heads of state from 632 to 661 CE/AD (a total of 29 years!) After the death of the fourth Caliph Ali, two rival religious groups, the Sunni and the Shi'a or Shiite, divide over who should be the true ruler of the Islamic Empire Not that Ali! But now you know where he got his name.

An Islamic power struggle Click Here The Sunni/Shi’a Division (we still see this today) Sunnis believe that the Caliph (leader) should be elected by the religious leaders of the Islamic community, and not dependent on direct lineage from Mohammed. Sunnis are the majority in most Muslim countries in the world today (80% to 90% of the world Muslims) Shiite’s consider certain direct descendants of Ali (the Imams and the ayatollah) infallible and the true inheritors of Mohammed.  Shiite’s are the majority in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Yemen and Palestine (10% to 20% of the worlds Muslims)

The thrill of victory … … and the agony of defeat! Click me The conquests of the Islamic Empire are many and include, Taking Jerusalem from 638 to 1099 CE/AD (leads to the crusades) Taking Damascus in 635 CE/AD The Muslims almost overtake Europe, but they lose the Battle of Tours in France to Charles Martel of the Franks in 732 CE/AD. This stops the spread of Muslims from the Iberian Peninsula The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus is the fourth holist site in Islam A glimpse of things to come?

Comparing the three western religions Click me Jewish Beliefs Christian Beliefs Islamic Beliefs One god (God) One God (Jesus is Messiah) One god (Allah) Jesus is a person (historical significance) Jesus is the son of god and the Messiah Jesus is a prophet Torah Old and New Testament Quran supersedes earlier revelations Salvation through a just and moral life Salvation by following the teachings of Jesus Salvation by following Five Pillars and living a just life Moral Code of behavior Moral Code of Behavior