Mid-East Geography and Islam

The crossroads of 3 continents Trade Invasion Cultural diffusion

Resources of the Middle East Textiles Metals Water Oil Natural Gas

The Arabs Arabs are Semitic-speaking nomadic peoples living on the Arabian Peninsula Sheikhs are Arabs leaders elected by the village council of elders Worked as farmers and sheep herders Polytheistic beliefs with Allah being the supreme god Arabian Peninsula = more important when trade routes shifted to area due to dangers in Egypt and Mesopotamia which allowed the area to prosper!

Important Cities 1. Mecca 2. Medina 3. Jerusalem: home of sites holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims

Personal Information Born in Mecca, 570 CE Father died before birth and his mother died at age 6 Raised by grandfather and then uncle Worked as a shepherd and trader

Personal Information Called al-Amin meaning “the trustworthy man” Became a caravan trader with the Bedouins (leading group) Married widow Khadija at age 25 (she had employed him)

The Prophecy Muhammad is frustrated by lack of charity and false worship in his community so he goes to meditate… 610 CE –the angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad and proclaimed him to be the messenger of god while meditating Muhammad began to preach to a small group including his wife

Muhammad Muhammad preached Islam (“peace through surrender to God”) to his followers Monotheistic faith Conflicted with priests and wealthy traders in Mecca

The Hijra 622 CE - Muhammad was forced to leave Mecca (life threatened) Welcomed in Medina 630 CE - returns to Mecca with army Destroys icons in the Kaaba except the Black Stone

Muhammad Mecca becomes spiritual center of Islam Muhammad died in 632 CE Succeeded as Islamic leader by his father in law Abu Bakr

The Koran or Qu’ran Holy book of Islam Written down after Mohammad’s death Means “recite”

The Five Pillars

1. Shahada Faith: “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet”

2. Salaat Prayer: said five times each day, facing Mecca, in Arabic

3. Zakat Charity: Give to those in need and in turn receive purity and growth Creates an economic balance in Islamic society – in theory no overly poor and/or starving population

4. Ramadan Fasting: no food, drink, or sexual relations during this month from sun up to sundown It brings self-purification and discipline to the individual

5. Haj A pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim should attempt once in his or her lifetime (as long as he/she is physically and financially able to make the trip)

Islam.. Religion is a way of life Role of women Islamic Law = shari’ah

Islamic Worship