The Muslim World 600-1250 AD

Sharia Law http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onqq3SRY-wg&feature=results_video&playnext=1&list=PLF959AD32B4EA5977

The Rise of Islam The Arabian Peninsula was home to many nomadic tribes. Because there was only a tiny strip of fertile land many were forced to roam for food. The Bedouins were a nomadic tribe, whose ideals of courage, loyalty to family, along with warrior skills, would become part of the Islamic way of life.

Muhammad & The Birth of Islam The concept of belief in one god, called Allah in Arabic, was used in the Arabian Peninsula. Many Christians and Jews lived there and practiced monotheism. Muslims believe that Muhammad received a revelation from the angel Gabriel while meditating in a cave outside of Mecca. Muhammad believed that Allah had spoken to him through Gabriel, and began to teach that there was one true God, Allah. Muslim: A follower of Islam. Means, “one who had submitted. Islam: means“Submission to the will of Allah”

Muslim Persecution Muhammad began to preach publicly, but some Meccans disagreed with his beliefs and he and his followers were frequently attacked. Many Meccans believed that his teachings would lead to neglect of traditional Arab gods. Muhammad moved to the town of Yathrib, later known as Medina 200 miles north of Mecca. This migration became known as the Hijrah. Muhammad made an alliance with practicing Jews in Medina, and became a political as well as a religious leader. Muhammad wanted to reclaim Mecca, and marched into Mecca with 10,000 soldiers. He was triumphant, and through this victory obtained more converts to Islam.

Beliefs and Practices of Islam The main teaching of Islam is that there is only one god, Allah People are responsible for their own actions; there is good and evil Dome of the Rock: Muslims believe Muhammad rose to heaven here to learn Allah’s will Jews believe Abraham was prepared to sacrifice son Isaac at same site The Five Pillars Muslims must carry out five duties—the Five Pillars of Islam statement of faith to Allah and to Muhammad as his prophet. pray five times a day, can use a mosque—Islamic house of worship. give alms, or money for the poor. fast between dawn and sunset during holy month of Ramadan perform the hajj—pilgrimage to Mecca—at least once. A Way of Life Customs and traditions guide Muslim’s lives Scholar class, ulama, and teachers apply religion to life; no priests

Beliefs and Practices in Islam Continued… Sources of Authority Original source of authority for Muslims is Allah Qur’an—holy book, contains revelations Muhammad received from Allah Muslims follow Sunna—Muhammad’s example for proper living Guidance of Qur’an and Sunna assembled in body of law—shari’a. The Shari’a is still in practice today in some Islamic countries and punishments for such crimes as adultery, and stealing can result in amputation, and stoning.

Document 1 Islam: Governing Under Sharia (aka shariah, shari'a) Updated: October 24, 2011 Toni Johnson, Senior Editor Lauren Vriens, Senior Staff Writer Please take out one sheet of paper. Please take the next 15 minutes to read this article silently and write down questions and/or comments about the material you are reading. We will have a class discussion after everyone has read the article.

The Muslim World Day 2

Links to Judaism and Christianity To Muslims, Allah is same God worshiped by Christians and Jews Qur’an, Gospels, Torah—contain God’s will as revealed through others Muslims, Christians, and Jews trace their roots to Abraham All three religions believe in heaven, hell, and a day of judgment Shari’a law requires Muslim leaders to extend religious tolerance

Islam Expands Muhammad died in 632 AD and left no successor. A close friend of Muhammad’s, Abu-Bakr is elected Caliph: title for Muslim leader, means “successor” or “deputy” After Muhammad's death many Islamic tribes began to abandon Islam, many claimed to be prophets, and many stopped paying taxes. “Rightly Guided” Caliphs First four caliphs guided by the Qur’an and Muhammad’s actions Jihad, armed struggle against unbelievers, used to expand Islam By 750, Muslim empire stretches from Atlantic Ocean to Indus River

Bakr expands the empire through military advancement- Jihad (Holy War) 6,000 miles from the Atlantic ocean to the Indus river.

Internal Conflict Creates a Crisis Rise of the Umayyads Struggles for power end the elective system of choosing a caliph Wealthy family, Umayyads, take power; move Muslim capital to Damascus. Sunni—Shi’a Split Shi’a—“party” of Ali—believe caliph should be Muhammad’s descendant Sunni—followers of Muhammad’s example— support Umayyads Sufi followers pursue life of poverty, spirituality; reject Umayyads In 750, a rebel group—the Abbasids—topple the Umayyads

Document 2 Iran: An Overview NY Times Article Please take out one sheet of paper. Please take the next 10 minutes to read this article silently and write down questions and/or comments about the material you are reading. We will have a class discussion after everyone has read the article.

Document 3 Official Laws Against Women in Iran Women’s Forum Against Fundelmentalism in Iran Please take out one sheet of paper. Please take the next 10 minutes to read this article silently and write down questions and/or comments about the material you are reading. We will have a class discussion after everyone has read the article.