10.2- Building a Muslim Empire 10.3 Muslim Civilization’s & 10.3 Muslim Civilization’s Golden Age

Early Challenges to Islam When Muhammad died, he did not leave a successor, which caused problems for Muslims. Eventually, the umma agreed that Abu Bakr (Muhammad’s father-in-law) would be the first caliph in 632 A.D. Caliph: The Caliph is the head of state in a Caliphate, and the title for the ruler of the Islamic umma. Abu Bakr

Arabs United Under Islam and Divisions Emerge Many Muslims did not accept Abu Bakr and briefly left the Islamic religion, but Abu Bakr later succeeded in reuniting Muslims. United, Muslims set out on a series of military campaigns, securing victories against the Byzantines and the Persian empires. However, a schism between Sunni and Shiite Muslims began to grow wider, splitting the united group.

Sunnis and Shiites After Muhammad’s death, Muslims disagreed about who should succeed the prophet in leading the umma. The result was the split between Sunnis and Shiites. Shiites believed that Muhammad had designated his son-in-law Ali to be his successor. “Followers of Ali”. Sunni’s believed that the caliph should be a pious member of Muhammad’s tribe, not necessarily one of his relatives. Shiites believed that the new leader should serve as a religious leader, while Sunni’s argued that a caliph could lead without serving as religious official.

Map of the Umayyad Empire, 750 A.D. Byzantine Empire Persian Empire Arabian Peninsula Asia Minor The Red Sea The Bosphorus Strait Arabian Peninsula Mecca and Medina

Sufis and Contemporary Islam Sufism is a mystical branch of Islam where followers meditate and fast to connect with God. Today, 90% of Muslims are Sunni and 10% are Shiites. Very few practice Sufism. Most Shiites live in Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, and Iraq. Most Sufis live in the African countries of Senegal and Morocco.

The Ummayads After the death of Ali, a powerful Meccan clan set up the Umayyad caliphate – a dynasty of Sunni Muslims that ruled until 750 A.D. From their capital in Damascus, Syria, they were responsible for Islam spreading from Spain and Morocco in the West to the Indus River Valley in the east. Many different peoples were under their rule and non-Muslims were charged a tax. All religions could worship freely.

Spread of Islam

Tensions Grow in the Umayyad Empire Arabs had to adapt from living in the desert to ruling vast territories- many ruled like tribal leaders and not kings with large holdings Tensions began to grow between the haves and have not's- wealthy and poor. The caliphs had a luxurious lifestyle that many saw as obscene. Even though there was considerable religious tolerance, non-Arabs (even if they converted to Islam) still did not have the same rights as Arabs.

Rise of the Abbasids In 750 A.D., Abu-al- Abbas defeated the Umayyad’s, captured Damascus, and founded the Abbasid Dynasty. The Abbasids treated all Muslims equally, ended conquests, and supported education and learning. They also governed their empire efficiently, unlike the Umayyad. Bagdad became the Abbasid Capital. Many mosques with tall slender minarets were erected.

Muslim Culture in Spain The surviving members of the Umayyad family had fled to Spain after the Abbasid takeover, establishing an independent Muslim state. In Spain they presided over brilliant, luxurious courts and arts and learning thrived. Umayyad rule lasted in parts of Spain until 1492.

The Muslim Empire Declines Beginning in the 900s, the Muslim Empire of the Abbasid showed signs of decline In 900, Seljuk Turks migrated into the Middle East from Central Asia, adopting Islam and building a large empire Across the Fertile Crescent The Seljuk Sultan controlled the Abbasid empire and Bagdad by 1055 A.D. In 1200, Mongols attacked across South West Asia, burning and looting Bagdad in 1258

10.3 -Muslim Civilization’s Golden Age Under the Abassids, Muslim Civilization entered a “Golden Age” Golden Age is a time of great prosperity and cultural accomplishments. Under the Abassids, the Muslim empire stretched into Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Muslim civilization adopted the traditions of many cultures. Muslim traders crossed the Sahara, traveled the Silk Road, and sailed to India and Asia.

Social and Economic Advances There was great social mobility- or the ability to move up in society through religious, military, or scholarly achievements Although slavery was common, Islamic law taught that freeing slaves was a charitable act- so even slaves had a chance to advance Between 750 and 1350, merchants built a vast trading network across Muslim lands and beyond Extensive trade and a thriving money economy led Muslims to pioneer new business practices- buying and selling on credit, partnerships, and using checks (sakh Arabic).