Section 2 : Beginnings of Islam

I. Arabian Peninsula A. The following present day countries make up the peninsula: Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Oman, Israel, Iraq, Kuwait, and Syria (page 516) B. Surrounded by water (Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and Persian Gulf) C. Land is mostly desert ( 1 million square miles) 3rd largest 1. no major rivers (oasis) 2. receives very little rainfall (no rain in some areas for 10 years)

D. Nomadic Beduoins 1. Name means “people of the desert” 2. Travel across the desert –no permanent homes (nomads) 3. Were guides for trade caravans using camels 4.*Early tribes fought over water and grazing land 5. Traveled in family groups called tribes led by a sheik (valued loyalty) 6. Believed in many gods and carried idols with them

E. Mecca- city of trade 1. Became a trade city because it had a well and a worship place (Ka’aba-idols were stored there) 2.Goods going to Syria and Iraq went through Mecca 3. Goods included spices, perfume, cloth and gold 4. Local tribe protected trade routes and traders

II. The Prophet Muhammad A. Background 1. Born in 570 AD 2. Both parents were dead by the time he was six-raised by uncle 3. Raised in Mecca-became a trader 4. Worked for and later married a wealthy, older woman named Khadija who owned a trading business.

B. Muhammad’s mission 1. 610 AD- At age 40, He had a vision in which he saw an angel telling him that God (Allah) had chosen him to teach others about Him. 2. The leaders of Mecca feared his teachings and the political stand a. He was able to convert many E

b. He taught three basic beliefs: One god and he is Allah (Arabs used to worshipping many gods) Rich should share with the poor (wealthy merchants did not like this) All people are equal in Allah’s eyes c. The leaders of Mecca tried to have him murdered

C. Muhammad goes to Medina 1. Muhammad and his followers fled to Medina in 622 AD for safety (called Hijra) 2. The religion and followers were given their name while in Medina 3. Islam-submit to Allah Muslims-those who submit to Allah 4. The city would become an important Muslim city. Number of followers grew and his house became first mosque (house of prayer)

D. Return to Mecca 1. 624 AD- Muhammad and growing group of followers return to Mecca 2. By 630 AD they attacked the city and took it over for Allah 3. Destroyed all the idols in the Ka’aba - He declared that it would be a place for the worship of Allah(first mosque)*** 4. 632AD-Muhammad died-Islam would spread throughout the Arabian peninsula

III. Muslim beliefs A. Five Pillars of Islam 1. regarded as the sacred duties of Muslims 2. They are : a. Belief in one God –Allah (shahada) b. Prayer five times a day facing Mecca (salah) c. give money (alms) to the poor (2.5% of income)(Zakat) d. Ramadan-holiday –fast from sunrise to sunset every day for a month ( Saum) e. Pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime (hajj) Jihad-struggle

The Qur’an discusses Jihad, which means to make an effort, or to struggle. Jihad refers to the inner struggle people go through in their effort to obey God and behave according to Islamic ways. Jihad can also mean the struggle to defend the Muslim community, or historically, to convert people to Islam. The word has also been translated as “holy war.” The world has a definite end, and on that final day, God will judge all people.

C. Sunna-book that include customs and traditions followed by Muhammad B. Quran/Koran- 1.sacred book of the Muslims (114 chapters) 2. Contains messages given to Muhammad by Allah compiled into the Quran after his death 3. considered to be the last words of the last prophet by Muslims C. Sunna-book that include customs and traditions followed by Muhammad D. Shari’ah-Islamic law

E. Role of Women 1. Considered spiritually equal to men 2 E. Role of Women 1. Considered spiritually equal to men 2. Given more rights by the Quran (able to inherit land and own businesses) 3. Expected to dress modestly and honor men in her life F. Quran outlined things a Muslim should do from birth to death-religion was a way of life

1. Muslims learn that life on earth is a period of testing and preparation for the life to come. 2. Angels record good and bad deeds. 3. People should behave themselves and help others, trusting in Allah's justice and mercy for their reward.

Muslim mosque-place of worship

G. Split Among Muslims 1.Muhammad had not chosen a leader for his followers before his death so this led to some issues 2.Muslims split in 656 AD after their leader was assassinated 3.Main issues were: should leader be related to Muhammad? Should leader be a prophet? 4. Two groups formed-the Shiites and the Sunni

Abu Bakr (father in law) Umar (friend) Uthman (friend) Ali (cousin)

` Shiite Sunni Agreed with choice of first leaders Believe Muhammad was the only prophet 85% of Muslim population Believe leaders should be related to Muhammad and a prophet (Imam) More aggressive Small number of Muslims in the world