World History Chapter 11

Began in Arabia (desert area with little vegetation located south of the fertile crescent) Bedouins or (Arab sheep herders) lived there They were organized into tribes ruled by a sheikh (means “chief”) Took place at the end of the Byzantine Empire

Born in Mecca under the control of the Hashmites Born an orphan; believed angels touched him and gave him seizures Kadija – a widow who Muhammad drove a camel for; They got married Had 4 daughters (oldest named Fatima)

Muhammad was exposed to Christianity and Judaism even though Arabs were polytheistic Muhammad believed in one god called Allah Muhammad had another seizure and Gabriel (angel) told him to write the word of Allah in the Koran to spread the word to all Arabs

Claimed to be a prophet Mecca’s rulers opposed Muhammad’s claims Many came to Mecca to pray in the sacred kaaba (holy shrine) which brought in money Mecca’s rulers kicked him out of the city and he fled (“hegira” means flight) to the city of Medina Eventually returned to Mecca with an army and conquered the city

5 Points of Islam: 1.Only one god – Allah 2.Jesus is Son of God 3.Polygamy is approved

4. Must follow 5 pillars of faith: a) Allah is God; Muhammad is only prophet b) Pray 5 times a day facing Mecca (See VIDEO) 3:22VIDEO c) Make a pilgrimage once in a lifetime d) Give alms to the poor e) Fast during Ramadan 5.Show temperance, humility, justice, generosity, tolerance, obedience to authority, and courage

Muhammad dies in 632 A.D. and Abu Bakr (son-in-law) takes over Islam spread through his reign because once you were conquered you were converted to Islam or killed (or pay tribute) Arabia, Palestine, Syria, Armenia, Mesopotamia, Persia, parts of India and North Africa and Spain (The Moors) were controlled by Muslims Islam spread; had great influence; tensions in Middle East today