1. The Spread of Islam

2. The Spread of Islam
Despite internal conflict, within 200 years Islam went from a local religion in the Arabian desert to a major empire on three continents- Europe (Spain and parts of Turkey), Africa, and Asia
Muslim empires conquered Jerusalem and Damascus (Syria)
Mecca and Medina were the 2 holiest cities of Islam
Baghdad (in Iraq) was the capital of the Islamic empires for quite a long time until it was conquered by the Mongols.
Muslim empires spread into Europe (but were defeated by Frankish troops led by Charles Martel at the Battle of Tours (in France)—so expansion ended there)

3. The Spread of Islam
After Muhammad’s death, Islam spread quickly out of the Arabian desert across trade routes (cultural diffusion). Spread great distances through desert environments and mountain barriers. The Arabic language helped to facilitate the spread of Islam
Islamic armies were able to expand into the Fertile Crescent, Iran and out into central Asia because the Persian and Byzantine Empires were weak and easily toppled there.
Many of these people accepted Islam. Some of them liked the message, some liked the fact that by becoming Muslim they avoided paying a tax put on non-Muslims.
The Koran prevented Muslims from forcing others to accept the religion, however.
Muslim rulers allowed people to follow whatever beliefs they chose.

4. The Spread of Islam

5. Muslims Become Divided
In 632 C.E- Muhammad dies, leaving no confirmed successor
Disagreement among clans on who will lead the faith—will it be bloodline or the one most capable.
Eventually Islam splits into Sunni (those who believe Muhammad’s successor should be a capable member of the Islamic community) and Shi’a (those who believe the successor should be a relative of Muhammad)
Today there are more Sunni Muslims

6. Islam Today