Islam and Arabia Notebook Page 2: Period 1: 1200 CE – 1450 CE © Morgan AP Teaching Notebook Page 2: Islam and Arabia Period 1: 1200 CE – 1450 CE

Mediterranean / Middle East – 600 CE

© Morgan AP Teaching Pre-Islamic Arabia Early Arabia was dominated by pastoral tribes who worshiped many gods Throughout Arabia there were many Jewish communities, as well as the Persian Sassanid Empire and Christian Byzantine Empire on the edges The urban center of the Arabian tribes was rich trade city of Mecca Mecca was infamous for its religious corruption, social disparity, and the Kaaba pilgrimage Fed up with this corruption and disparity, Muhammad (570-632 CE) left the city to meditate in the desert mountains

© Morgan AP Teaching Islam Begins While meditating, Muhammad had what he describes as a divine revelation from ‘Allah’ Muhammad was to fulfill the role of communicating Allah’s Will in Arabic The set of written documents that house Islam’s primary beliefs in Arabic is known as the Quran Known as Islam, this new religion was radically monotheistic, and called f or radical change in response to the corruption and disparity of Mecca Islam didn’t just call for spiritual change, but also social justice It established a belief-based state called ummah that ran strictly by Islamic law

© Morgan AP Teaching Islamic Law The 5 Pillars of Islam established the practices of Muslims (to submit), and established itself as anti-corruption and (more) egalitarian It emphasized complete belief in one God, recognition of Muhammad, prayer, almsgiving, pilgrimage, and fasting It also required individuals to endure the jihad (struggle) both spiritually, and to preserve the ummah militaristically After leaving Mecca and uniting several tribes in Medina, Muhammad conquered the forces of Mecca With an emphasis on egalitarianism, Islam became quite appealing to the majority of Arabs who were often poor This, coupled with Mohammed’s sweeping military success, resulted in the union of all Arabia under Mohammed by roughly 630 CE

Islamic Caliphate 630 CE (Green)