The Rise of Islam
Things to Keep in Mind Timeline Review – p. 260-1 Muslim World v. the World Southwest Asia (The Middle East) is bridge between Africa, Asia, & Europe Goods and Ideas were traded and shared across this land The Crossroads of the World
Bedouins Nomadic people who lived in the Arabian Desert Organized into groups and tribes (clans) Clans provided support and security Ideals: Courage Loyalty to family Great military skill Inherited by Islam
Towns & Trade Towns arise near a water source or oasis Early 600s – trade routes develop, providing a connection Routes ran through the Byzantine & Sassanid empires Merchants spread ideas and goods Development of the Silk Road
The Silk Road
Mecca Popular trade stop for caravans Religious pilgrims come to visit the Ka’aba Place of worship for Abraham Eventually, place for 360+ idols Islam will develop because of connection with Judaism and Christianity
Ka’aba
Muhammad Born into a powerful family, but orphaned at 6 Trader & Business Manager – married his boss, Khadijah Believed he was a prophet of Allah Angel Gabriel & the cave Believed he was the last prophet Founded the Islamic faith – faith in one god
Muhammad & The Hijrah People of Mecca threatened by Muhammad’s teachings Fear Mecca would lose its religious appeal Hijrah - Migration to Yathrib (Medina) Muhammad gains many supporters & displays political & military skills
The Return to Mecca 630 – Muhammad & 10,000 men march on Mecca Takes the city & destroys the idols of the Ka’aba Most pledge allegiance & convert to Islam Muhammad dies in 632 – great step toward unifying the Arabian Peninsula
Islam: Beliefs & Practices Teaches good & evil Individuals are responsible for their actions All must carry out the 5 Pillars – ensures living of religion All must perform a hajj – pilgrimage to Mecca Source of Authority – Allah Qur’an – religious book Muhammad’s revelations from Allah via Gabriel
Other Beliefs & Expansion Forbidden to eat pork Cannot drink intoxicating beverages Fridays afternoons = communal worship No central religious figure (Ulama – scholars) Qur’an & worship only in Arabic = unification Sunna – Muhammad’s life example = proper living Shari’a – regulates family life, moral conduct, community & business
The Five Pillars of Islam Faith – Testify: “There is no God, but Allah, & Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.” Prayer – 5x/day toward Mecca – anywhere Alms – Give to the poor – special religious tax Fasting – Ramadan – fast during the day Spiritual needs are greater than physical needs Pilgrimage – all able must perform a hajj, pilgrimage to Mecca, at least once Similar clothing – all stand as one
Links to Judaism & Christianity View Allah as the Christian & Jewish god Jesus was a prophet, not the Son of God The Torah & the Gospels = the Qur’an The final book Heaven, Hell, & Judgment Day All trace ancestry to Abraham Stress religious toleration towards Christians & Jews (“People of the Book”)