Islam  An Abrahamic Religion  Muslims are monotheists.  They believe in the Judeo- Christian God, which they call Allah.  Muslims believe that the Torah and the Bible, like the Qur’an, is the word of God. ”Peoples of the Book” Jews, Christians and Muslims are ”Peoples of the Book”

Abraham’s Genealogy ABRAHAM SARAH HAGAR Isaac Esau Jacob 12 Tribes of Israel Ishmael 12 Arabian Tribes

The Prophetic Tradition Adam Noah Abraham Moses Jesus Muhammad

The Origins of the Qur’an  Muhammad’s first revelation from an angel in 610.  622  Hijrah  Muhammed flees Mecca for Medina. * The beginning of the Muslim calendar (Year 1)  Muhammad’s revelations became the Qur’an (Koran) after his death.

The Qur’an  Muslims believe it contains the word of God.  Written in Arabic.

1. The Shahada 1 1  The declaration of faith: There is no god except God, and Muhammad is His Prophet. There is no god except God, and Muhammad is His Prophet.

2. The Salat 2 2  The mandatory prayers 5 times a day: * dawn * noon * late afternoon * sunset * before going to bed  Face Mecca and use a prayer rug.

3. The Zakat 3 3  Charitable donations.  About 2.5% of your income.

4. The Sawm 4 4  Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.  A method of self-purification.  No eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan.

5. The Hajj 5 5  The pilgrimage to Mecca.  Must be done at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime.  2-3 million Muslims make the pilgrimage every year.

5. The Hajj 5 5  Those who complete the pilgrimage can add the title hajji to their name.

The Dar al-Islam The World of Islam Unifying source Compare to European Catholicism

Other Islamic Religious Practices  Up to four wives allowed at once.  No alcohol or pork.  No gambling.  Sharia  body of Islamic law to regulate daily living.  Three holiest cities in Islam: * Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem.

The Dome of the Rock Mosque in Jerusalem Mount Moriah Rock where Muhammad ascended into heaven.

Quiz Bonus Question: Why was Islam able to spread so quickly and convert so many people to the new religion?

As we continue, think about which reasons seem more important to you and why.

The Spread of Islam  Easy to learn and practice.  No priests.  Teaches equality.  Non-Muslims, who were “Peoples of the Book,” were allowed religious freedom, but paid additional taxes.  Easily “portable”  nomads & trade routes.  Jihad (“Struggle”) against pagans and other non-believers (“infidels”).

Problem: No successor to MuhammadNo successor to Muhammad They will choose a “Caliph” – Political and religious leader, successor to MuhammadThey will choose a “Caliph” – Political and religious leader, successor to Muhammad

Sunni Muhammad left no successorMuhammad left no successor Felt caliph should be chosen by Muslim leadersFelt caliph should be chosen by Muslim leaders One is appointed from among peersOne is appointed from among peers Abu Bakr—Friend of MuhammadAbu Bakr—Friend of MuhammadShia Muhammad left a chosen successorMuhammad left a chosen successor Felt only true successors were blood descendents of MuhammadFelt only true successors were blood descendents of Muhammad Ali—Son-in-law, cousin of MuhammadAli—Son-in-law, cousin of Muhammad

Abu Bakr SunniSunni Leader of UmayyadsLeader of Umayyads Proclaimed CaliphProclaimed CaliphAli ShiiteShiite Appointed new CaliphAppointed new Caliph Ali is murdered

Umayyad Dynasty

First Three Caliphs Abu Bakr Expands the faithExpands the faithUmar Brought Jerusalem under controlBrought Jerusalem under controlUthman Murdered—Causes great conflict!!!Murdered—Causes great conflict!!! Capital moved to Damascus, Syria

Decline and Fall Leaders abandon simple lifestyleLeaders abandon simple lifestyle Many Muslims dissatisfiedMany Muslims dissatisfied Abbas – Leader of dissatisfied Muslims Allies with ShiitesAllies with Shiites Revolt against DamascusRevolt against Damascus Reconciliation BanquetReconciliation Banquet –Slaughtered Umayyads

Abbasid

Move to Baghdad New capital, ideal locationNew capital, ideal location –Close to Persian capital –Spectacular city –Economic and academic center of Muslim world

Courtly Excesses Untouchable rulersUntouchable rulers –The “Shadow of God on Earth” Life of luxuryLife of luxury Caliph Harun al-Rashid Caliph Harun al-Rashid –“Golden Age of Muslims” Learning, trade, and governmentLearning, trade, and government Civil war after Rashid’s deathCivil war after Rashid’s death