Macdonald AP World History Rise of Islam Macdonald AP World History

Arabian Peninsula Most Arabs settled Nomads minority, but important in caravan trade that linked east & west Nomads mostly polytheistic, but familiar w/ Christianity Mecca – caravan city & cult center where nomads worshipped idols

Muhammad Born in Mecca Orphan Married Khadija – supervised her family’s caravan trade 610 began meditating at night

Revelations On “Night of Power and Excellence” angel Gabriel appeared & began sharing revelations about true lord or Allah Shared revelations w/ Khadija, cousin Ali, father in law Abu Bakr Revelations continued until Muhammad’s death

Islamic Beliefs Revelations revealed that there is one God (Allah) & all ppl ought to submit to him Those who submitted went to paradise after death; those who didn’t went to hell Those who submitted called Muslim (one who makes a submission, Islam, to God)

Umma Many Meccan leaders threatened by Muhammad 622 fled to Medina 215 mi north Journey called hijra – beginning of Islamic calendar In Medina, believers bound into single community called umma

Successors After Muhammad died, group of Medinan leaders determined that Abu Bakr (father of Muhammad’s favorite wife Ai’isha) should succeed as leader of umma Called him caliph or successor Even though chosen to succeed, didn’t specify his powers & Muhammad didn’t make provision for succession

Abu Bakr Expanded and took over Arab states Oversaw compilation of the Quran (holy book that regulated religion) Established the Five Pillars of Islam

Civil War After death, umma fell into disagreement over successors Civil war broke out after third caliph (Uthman) was assassinated Assassins nominated Ali (Muhammad’s cousin & husband of his daughter Fatima) to succeed Many believed Ali has been passed over unjustly before & was Prophet’s natural heir

Civil War When Ali accepted nomination, two of Muhammad’s friends & favorite wife A’isha challenged Ali Ali defeated them in Battle of the Camel Later, relative of assassinated caliph (Mu’awiya) – also gov. of Syria renewed challenge Inconclusive battle led to arbitration

Civil War Arbitration decided that 3rd caliph Uthman unjustly killed & Ali at fault in accepting nomination Ali rejected ruling, but one of own supporters killed him for going to arbitration in first place Mu’awiya then became caliph

Umayyad Caliphate Mu’awiya chose own son, Yazid, to succeed him & began the Umayyad Caliphate – family of caliphs Ali’s son revolted & Yazid ordered him killed

Shi’ites & Sunnis Sympathizers of Ali & his son became Shi’ite (believed Ali & successors rightful calphis) Those who supported the first three caliphs became known as Sunnis