The Arab Empire of the Umayyads Chapter 6

Consolidation and Division in the Islamic Community Caliph? – political & religious successor to Muhammad Abu Bakr Smart, but limited power (no money) Ridda Wars Bring back those who left Expand into N. Africa and Iraq

Motives for Arab Conquest Booty Rich Farmlands Tribute from newly conquered peoples Conversion? Lucrative taxes levied on Christian, Jewish, and non-Muslim groups Historical interpretation of jihad is incorrect “Yearning after bread and dates”

Weaknesses of the Adversary Empires Sassanian Empire Not doing so great Landed Aristocracy holds the real power Zoroastrianism lacks popular roots Dynasty ended, 651 Byzantium Copts & Nestorians defected – taxes Lost Territory

The Problem of Succession and the Sunni-Shi’a Split Uthman (3rd caliph) is murdered Ali (4th caliph) (Son-in-Law) Mu’awiya Caliph, 660 Sunnis Umayyad Shia Descendants of Ali

The Umayyad Imperium Push west Charles Martel and the Franks stopped them at Poitiers, 732 Retain Iberia until 1400’s Push East To the Indus River New Capital Damascus Only Muslim Arabs were first class citizens (small %)

Converts and “People of the Book” Umayyads tried to benefit interactions Malawi, converts (but no real benefits) Sometimes they still paid “Jizya” Dhimmi, people of the book Jews, Christians Later, Zoroastrians and Hindus Communities and Legal System left intact

Family and Gender Roles in the Umayyad Age Seclusion and Subordination already existed in the Middle East Things Muhammad Believed In Marriage instead “casual” relationships No adultery for either gender No female infanticide Polygamy ok if you can support & be equal…and you’re a man Strengthened rights to inheritance & divorce Dowry goes to wife and bride’s father

Umayyad Decline and Fall Harem Problems Revolts – It wasn’t what they signed up for Merv (City in Eastern Iranian) Abassid revolt Allies included Shi’a and Malawi 750, Umayyads defeated by Abbasids