Chapter 6 Section 1

EQ: How did the religion of Islam lead to great changes in the social and political systems of Southwest Asia? OBJ: I will be able to discuss significant people and beliefs associated with Islam. MAIN IDEAS

Located on the Arabian Peninsula, a peninsula =a whose climate is mostly desert, Arabs moved around constantly due to the harsh conditions, looking for food and water. Arabs organized themselves in tribes, led by a Sheikh, who is chosen from one of the leading families by a council of elders. Initially, Arabs were polytheistic, believing in a number of Gods including Allah, the supreme god. Later Allah will be the only God associated with Islam. Allah was symbolized by a sacred stone which each tribe kept. They also worshipped a black meteorite which they placed in a sacred temple called the Kaaba. THE ARABS

THE KAABA IN MECCA

Orphaned at the age of 5, Muhammad went on to be a caravan manger who became aware of the inequalities that existed between the wealthy elites and the poorer residents of Mecca. Muslims believe that while Muhammad was meditating he came in contact with the angel Gabriel. Gabriel’s message to Muhammad states that through Moses (Judaism) & Jesus (Christianity), that the 1 true God has already revealed himself to these religions. Gabriel also states that through Muhammad, God (Allah) would reveal himself to Muslims. MUHAMMAD’S LIFE

One of numerous revelations made to Muhammad by the angel Gabriel included text that would later become the Quran, the holy book of Islam. The word Islam translates to “ Peace through submission to the will of Allah” The Quran also contains guidelines & laws by which Muslims should live their lives. After meeting with the Angel Gabriel, Muhammad begin to tell the story to his wife who urges him to spread Gabriel’s message to others. In doing so Muhammad became known as a prophet. MUHAMMAD’S LIFE

Muhammad’s wife would be the first to accept these revelations, and thus became the first person to convert to Islam. In 622 C.E. (Year 1 in the Muslim calendar) Muhammad and his followers moved from Mecca to Medina. In Median more people converted to Islam including many desert dwelling Arabs known as Bedouins. All these first converts created the first Muslim community. Since all Muslims submit themselves to Allah, they must also submit themselves to his prophet Muhammad. As a result of this, Muhammad had political and military authority over the followers of Islam. MUHAMMAD’S LIFE

THE QUR'AN, ISLAM’S HOLY BOOK

In 630 C.E. (year 8 Muslim calendar) Muhammad returned to Mecca with an Army of 10,000 soldiers. Most of the inhabitants converted to Islam & Muhammad claimed the Kaaba as a shrine of Islam. Based off of Muhammad’s return to Mecca, all Muslims are expected to make a similar pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in their lifetime known as a Hajj. THE SPREAD OF ISLAM

Similar to other religions mentioned by the angel Gabriel (Christianity & Judaism)Islam is also monotheistic. Muhammad is not considered a God by Muslims, only a prophet. Islam makes mention of an afterlife which is only attainable through submitting yourself to Allah. Islam’s rules are very simple, one must obey the will of Allah by following the 5 pillars. * Belief * Prayer * Charity * Fasting * Pilgrimage MUHAMMAD’S TEACHINGS

After Muhammad’s death, Muslims scholars came up with additional rules to live your life by. Known as Shari’ah law, it is based of scholars interpretations of the Quran. Shari’ah governs all aspects of life including government affairs & business practices. Shari’ah law does not separate religious matters from civil law. MUHAMMAD’S TEACHINGS