1. Building a Muslim Empire
Section 10-2 pp

2. Early Challenges to Islam
Arabs Unite Under Islam
Abu Bakr was chosen as the first caliph
Forced to fight to gain loyalty from some Muslims
United Muslims expanded their empire and converted remaining Arab tribes to Islam
Abu Bakr was Muhammad’s father in law
A caliph is a successor to Muchamamd

3. Early Challenges to Islam
Early Victories
Great military success under first four caliphs
Conquered parts of Byzantine empire and the complete Persian empire

4. Divisions Emerge Within Islam
A division within Islam emerged from a conflict over who should lead the Muslim community after Muhammad’s death.
The Shiites
Believed Muhammad designated his son-in-law, Ali, to be his successor
Follow authority of an imam
Descendents of Ali and Fatima
Viewed as divinely inspired religious and political leaders
Found in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen

5. Divisions Emerge Within Islam
Sufis
Muslim mystics who sought communication with God through fasting, meditating, and other rituals
Spread Islam through missionary work and examples

6. Divisions Emerge Within Islam
The Sunni
Believe any pious male of Muhammad’s tribe could be the caliph,
Has political authority over the Muslims community
Not viewed as divinely inspired nor as a prophet
Constitute about 90% of the world’s Muslims

7. Umayyad Caliphs Build an Empire
The Umayyad Dynasty
A Sunni dynasty established by a powerful Meccan family after the death of Ali
Conquered many new lands and spread Islam to the conquered people

8. Umayyad Caliphs Build an Empire
Expanding the Empire
Conquered parts of Spain and France in the 700s
Defeated by the Franks at the Battle of Tours
Reasons for Muslim Success
Weaknesses of other empires
Efficient fighting methods
First four caliphs united Muslims
Orderly system of government

9. Umayyad Caliphs Build an Empire
Conquered People Are Treated Fairly
Jews and Christians granted religious tolerance
Non-Muslims held important jobs
Taxes kept empire wealthy
Looting and raids prohibited
Converts to Islam drawn to simple message, social power, or equality of believers

10. Umayyad Caliphs Build an Empire
Decline of the Umayyad Caliphs
Arabs struggled to rule large empire
Economic tension resulted from the caliphs’ luxurious lifestyles
Unrest grew among Shiites and non-Muslims

11. Rise of the Abbasids The Abbasid Dynasty Change Under the Abbasids
Abu al-Abbas defeated the Umayyad Dynasty in 750 to establish the Abbasid Dynasty
Change Under the Abbasids
Halted military expansion
Discrimination against non-Muslims ended
Encouraged learning
Moved capital to Baghdad
Persian influence
Abu al-Abbas was an uncle of Muhammad

12. Rise of the Abbasids Splendors of Baghdad
Center of learning and culture
Great wealth and splendor
Center of trade

13. Rise of the Abbasids Muslim Culture in Spain
Surviving member of Umayyad ruling family fled to Spain and established a Muslim empire there.
Rulers welcomed Jewish and Christian culture and learning
Cities such as Cordoba and Granada still exhibit Muslim influence

14. The Muslim Empire Declines
Problems in the Empire
Local and regional rulers challenge empire
Shiite rulers challenged power
Invasions between

15. The Muslim Empire Declines
Seljuk Turks Take Control
Migrated from Central Asia and adopted Islam
Seljuk rulers, called sultans, ruled empire by 1055
Mongols Sweep Across Central Asia
In 1258, Mongols attacked Baghdad and killed the last Abbasid caliph