Islam and the Early Caliphates

The Arabian Peninsula Pre-Islam mostly nomadic tribes (Bedouins) Tribes often fought Worshipped a large variety of gods Took pride in oral traditions/group loyalty TRADERS (Muhammad was a merchant) Commercial cities arise as a result of trade which conflicts with some of the tribes’ core value systems.

Abraham’s Genealogy HAGAR ABRAHAM SARAH Ishmael Isaac 12 Arabian Tribes Jacob Esau Muslims trace their ethnic heritage back to Abraham, the founder of Judaism. 12 Tribes of Israel

The Prophetic Tradition Adam Noah Abraham Moses They also are similar to the Jewish and Christian tradition because they view Mohammad as a line in the list of prophets from the Old Testament. Muhammad viewed himself as the “last of the prophets”. Jesus Muhammad

Mecca Major trading/religious city Importance of the Kaaba located between Byzantine and Sassanid Empire Kaaba= religious shrine for Arabian-worshiped deities. 360 deities worshiped there. Pilgrim destination. “Children of Abraham.”

The Messenger Muhammad (570-632 C.E.) Retreats and revelations Famous text: Quran Rejection of the Kaaba’s gods Growing movement towards Allah/Yahweh as deity #1! Followers were kicked out of town (the Hijra) Born in Mecca, early orphan. Adopted by uncle. Big caravan trader and married a wealthy widow who traded as well, Khadija. Troubled by the corruption and lawlessness of Mecca. Revelations in 610-632. Recitation, not simply read. Early convert; “when I heard the Quran, my heart was softened and I wept and Islam entered me”. Hard core monotheism.

Quran Holy book of Islam Called for a creation of a new society (Umma) based on justice Umma= just and moral society, not to be confused with the just and moral actress, Uma Thurman. New community bound by a common believe, rather than a territory, language, and/or tribal loyalties.

The Five Pillars of Islam The following 5 beliefs/practices are what is considered necessary to be a good Muslim

1. The Shahada There is no god except God, The declaration of faith: There is no god except God, and Muhammad is His Messenger. 1

2. The Salat Prayers performed 5 times a day: * dawn * noon * late afternoon * sunset * before going to bed Wash before praying. Face Mecca and use a prayer rug. 2 1st= allah, 2nd=prayer

2. The Salat (continued) The call to prayer by the muezzin in the minaret. Pray in the mosque on Friday. 2

3. The Zakat Almsgiving (charitable donations). About 2.5% of your wealth. 3 Social justice to sustain the Umma.

4. The Sawm Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. No eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan. 4

5. The Hajj The pilgrimage to Mecca. Must be done at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime. 2-3 million Muslims make the pilgrimage every year. 5

Pilgrims On The Road to And Camped Outside of Mecca

Muslims in the World Today

Countries with the Largest Muslim Population 1. Indonesia 230,000,000 6. Iran 62,000,000 2. Pakistan 134,000,000 7. Egypt 59,000,000 3. India 121,000,000 8. Nigeria 53,000,000 4. Bangladesh 114,000,000 9. Algeria 31,000,000 5. Turkey 66,000,000 10. Morocco 29,000,000 * Arabs make up only 20% of the total Muslim population of the world.

In What region of the world do the largest number of Muslims live? Europe North Africa The Middle East South and Southeast Asia Sub-Saharan Africa

The Spread of Islam Easy to learn and practice. No priesthood. Teaches equality. Follow one law; The Sharia Non-Muslims allowed religious freedom, but paid additional taxes. Easily “portable”  nomads & trade routes. The Weakness of nearby empires (Byzantine & Persian) allowed conquest Oral poetry was already a skill of Arabians so they could easily spread the Quran’s message and recite it to others.

The Unity found across Muslim areas supported by common practice The Dar al-Islam: The Unity found across Muslim areas supported by common practice The World of Islam 1 2 3 4 5 This concept is KEY for the AP test - - the idea that all Muslims are united in common practice, beliefs, law codes, cultural norms, etc.

Arab Empire: Early Years Muhammad’s death caused division – who should lead? Abu Bakr elected (632-634) Goal of conquest brings the umma together In Medina, Muhammad controlled every aspect of this new “super tribe”; usury (interest loan charges) was outlawed, mandatory payments to poor by all, and tax-free marketplaces were created. Bad breakup with the jewish peoples led Islams to be ordered to pray towards Medina/Mecca rather than Jerusalem. Military conquests coupled with intermarriage of tribes led to a quick spread of Islam.

Conquests threatened to lose focus of Muhammad’s principles set forth for Islam as they focused primarily on material and territorial gain. Losing lands converted often as they figured the people of Allah were strong militarily and thus their God must be the supreme god to worship as well.

Motives for Conquest United Distraction from internal fighting Promised a share of the booty AVOIDED mass conversions so they wouldn’t have to share their booty so they could tax subjects at higher rates

Chart Time! Instructions: Make a Venn Diagram with 3 circles with at least three examples of how Islam spread by way of social, religious, and military factors (at least one of each).