What region was not part of any of these empires
Assyrian Empire
Persian Empire
Alexander’s Empire
Roman Empire
What region was not part of any of these empires
Rise of Islam
The Arabs Semitic Tribe, like Jewish peoples Traced heritage thru Abraham’s son Ishmael Shared traditions and stories of old testament (Adam and Eve, Noahs Ark, et cetera) Divided between Bedouins, desert nomads, and oasis city dwellers Tribes and Family of great importance
Arabian Tribal Culture When a violent crime was committed resulted in Thar – Retribution Any members of the suspected tribe became targets Lack of resources also resulted in Ghazu, or raids against other tribes Both cause great instability
Mecca Also important Religious Center “tourist destination” and trade route Most famous attraction was the Kaaba Stone (likely a meteor fragment) All weapons had to be laid down prior to entrance Birthplace of a man named Muhammad
Background on Muhammed Muhammed was an orphan Raised by his merchant uncle Married Khadija, a wealthy widow and ran her business Wanted a single identity to unify Arabia in opposition to outside forces
Muhammad Troubled by Meccan Society and greed Dedicated to spiritual searching and talked to “people of the book” Meditated in a cave outside Mecca Received message from the Angel Gabriel
The Hijra Few listened to Muhammad He had to flee to Medina, this journey is called Hijra There his teaching spread Muslims prayed toward Mecca Eventually conquered Mecca and worked to unit Arabs
Qur’an Muhammad's words written into the Qur’an Adopts all Abrahamic figures, including Jesus, as prophets of Allah Sets a guide for life Includes the 5 Pillars
5 Pillars Declaration of Faith (There is no god but God, Muammad is the messenger of God) Daily Prayer – Pray towards Mecca 5 times a day Alms – Must give to charity Fast during Ramadan Hajj- Travel to Mecca at least once in life
Other concepts Jihad Sharia Women Struggle in God’s service Sometimes interpreted as holy war Sharia Muslim law Unites all aspects of life Women Life actually improve Veil was not Islamic but cultural