Islam A brief introduction

Islam Muhammad ( ) Call to be a prophet – 610 “Islam” = “submission” (to Allah) “Muslims” = “submissive” or “surrendering” – Obey the will of Allah – Revealed in the Qur’an

Islam Recognizes Jesus as a prophet sent by God – Not God’s son though – Not as great as Muhammad (the greatest of all) Basis of continuation from Hebrew tradition: sons of Abraham (Isaac and Ishmael)

Islam Five things required of the faithful (The Five Pillars): – The creed: there is no god except Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet – Prayer 5x per day – Generous almsgiving – Fasting at daylight one month per year (Ramadan) – Pilgrimage to Mecca (once in your life)

Islam It became a powerful force – Forged common Arab culture – Willing to impose that culture by force – A spiritual force that united Arab tribes into an empire By mid-8 th c, North Africa and Spain North and East through Mesopotamia and Persia and beyond

Islam Europeans developed a lasting fear and suspicion of Muslims 732: Charles Martel, the ruler of the Franks, defeated Arabs at Poitiers – Ended Arab expansion into Europe through Spain – From , Mediterranean was still essentially a Muslim waterway – Trade still happens, but significantly reduced, and highly conscious of Muslim presence

Islam