The Empire of Islam

What is Islam? Second largest religion in the world – 1.2 Billion Muslims (20% of earth population) Began in modern day Saudi Arabia Based on beliefs on Jews & Christians – Abraham is first important figure – Belief in the same, single God Follows the teachings of the prophet Muhammad

What is the Qur’an? • Holy Book of Islam Revealed to Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel Contains the words of Allah. Ideally, it should be read and printed in Arabic only. Contains parts of the Torah and Bible

Who is Muhammad? – Only one daughter A prophet of God, but not a god himself – He is not worshipped Born in Mecca His teachings are the foundation of Islam. Claimed to travel with Angles to Jerusalem one night – Given tour of Heaven and Hell – Temple built over the site where he went to heaven. Later, he leads some battles himself to “defend the faith.” Dies in Medina at age 63 – No male sons – Only one daughter

Basic Islamic Beliefs One unique god, without a partner or son. Belief in God’s revealed books: 1. Torah, Bible, Qur’an 2. Belief in all Gods prophets: Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Muhammad 3. A final day of judgment. 4. Belief in the angels of God.

Sects of Islam Two Major Sects: Sunni and Shi’a (Shiite) Sunni – approx 90% of Muslims – Believe successors to Muhammad should be chosen by the community – Do not believe in intermediary (middle-man) between Allah and people. Shi’a (Shiite) – approx 10% of Muslims – Think Muhammad’s successor should be his relatives – Believe in an intermediary called an Imam – Those with religious authority should rule government.

Successors of Muhammad Abu Bakr is chosen as Caliph (the leader of the believers) – Bakr’s advisor becomes caliph later. To avoid civil wars of succession, each diverted attention by invading neighboring, non-Muslim nations. Weak Persian and Byzantine empires made conquest easy.

Spread of Islam Islam spreads despite major geographic barriers including mountains and deserts. Is at first spread along the major trade routes to Mecca and Medina. Arabic language facilitated trade and intellectual activities. – Arabic was the language of the Koran – Therefore, all Muslims could communicate in Arabic. – Traders thus spread the religion and other ideas as they traded.

Arabs as Conquerors Tolerant of conquered people. Conquered people had three choices: 1. Convert to Islam 2. Don’t convert, pay annual tribute *Non-Muslims could not be in government 3. Refusal of both meant death • Muslims conquer major cities of Jerusalem and Damascus. In less than 100 years, Muslim/Arab empire spread from India to Spain.

Little Political Unity Despite a common language and religion, political unity if the first Muslim Empire was short-lived. – People fought over who should be Caliph – Sunni / Shi’a split Eventually the Muslim world split into three caliphates (areas). – Capitals at Cordova (Spain), Cairo (Egypt), and Baghdad. – Each had its own caliph.

Key Concepts: Islam What lands and peoples came under Muslim rule? What was the importance of trade in the Muslim empires? What achievements did Muslim society produce in the arts and sciences? How did Islamic civilization interact with Christian Europe?