Aim: Why did Islam Spread so quickly? DO NOW: How can religion spread?

Death of Muhammad With the death of Muhammad, the loyalty of some tribes of Islam came into question Abu Bakr urged the people: “If you worship Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. If you worship God, God is alive.” Bakr reunited the Arab tribes under their allegiance to Islam No successor was named by Muhammad

The First Caliph Muhammad’s most trusted advisors met ot choose a caliph, or successor to Muhammad The new caliph would not replace Muhammad as a prophet, but as a political and military leader of the Muslims

Four Contenders For Caliph Abu-Bakr, Muhammad's father-in-law and respected companion Umar, Muhammad’s long-time friend and advisor Uthman, another friend and advisor Ali, Muhammad’s cousin, son-in-law and father to Muhammad’s grandsons Tribal leaders chose Abu-Bakr as the 1st Caliph He unites the revolting tribes and expands Muslim rule

Age of Conquests Arab armies conquered great chunks of territory in the Byzantine Empire including Syria and Palestine Demolished the Persian Empire Swept Egypt, North Africa Spain and France 732 the Arabs were defeated in the Battle of Tours Later they expanded further into Asia and Africa

Why did it spread so rapidly? Weakness of the Byzantine Empire and Persian Empires-they were weak from fighting each other Many people welcomed Arabs as liberators from harsh Byzantine or Persian rule Efficient fighting methods-they used Bedouin camels and a horse cavalry A common faith that Muhammad gave his people united them Belief that those who fell in battle would go on to paradise Overpopulation- they needed to spread out

Results of the Conquests/ How were non-Muslims treated? There was a tax on non-Muslims but they were allowed to practice their own faith and follow their own laws Muslim leaders allowed Jews and Christians to practice their own faiths

Why did people eventually convert? Nomadic people in North Africa and Central Asia chose Islam immediately because Islam had no hierarchy or class of priests There was no religious hierarchy or class of priests Islam emphasized the equality of all believers regardless of sex, class, race and wealth People were previously exposed to Islam through trade

Division in Islam Sunni vs. Shiite Believe that the caliph should be chosen by the leaders of the Muslim community. However, the viewed him simply as a leader, not as a religious authority Shiite They believed that the only true successor to the prophets were descendants of Muhammad’s daughter and son-in-law (Ali)