1. Beginnings of Islam
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2. Objectives Explain how Islam developed Identify major beliefs of Islam
Describe the spread of Islam

3. Islam Islam translated means “submit to the will of God” in Arabic
Followers of Islam are called Muslims, which translates to “ones who submit to God”
The most important book in Islam is called the Quran

4. The Birth of Muhammad – 570 A.D.
Born in the oasis city of Mecca
His mother and father died and he was raised by an uncle, who was a trader
What do you know about Arab traders?
They moved in caravans; Muhammad mastered the skill of leading caravans

5. Muhammad and Khadija
Muhammad’s skills caught the eye of a widow and wealthy merchant named Khadija (ka DEE jah)
On her behalf, Muhammad traveled to the Fertile Crescent to trade goods
When he returned, they married

6. The City of Mecca
Muhammad’s marriage gave him wealth and respect in Mecca
The city was on a main trading route through western Arabia
Many other visitors came because of Kaaba, Mecca’s temple
Kaaba honored gods and goddesses

7. Checkpoint
Where was Muhammad born? How did he learn his work as a trader?
Mecca; by working for his uncle
Why was Mecca such a busy city?
It was a center of trade – as a crossroads of trading routes – and of religion, as home of the Kaaba, a temple to gods and goddesses

8. Teachings of Islam Muhammad often went to a nearby mountain to pray
Muslims believe that Muhammad received a message from Allah
What does Allah mean? (God)
They believe Muhammad was told, “O Muhammad, you are Prophet of Allah”

9. The “Prophet” Muhammad
Muslim writings say Khadija helped Muhammad greatly
He set out to teach people in Mecca about Allah
Muhammad angered city leaders, who believed in the traditional gods and goddesses
Muhammad and his followers left Mecca because of the disagreement

10. Muhammad’s Migration Moved to another oasis town, Medina
Gained many supporters there
His hijra (“migration”) marked a major turning point in Islamic history
This year (622 A.D.) marks the start of the Islamic calendar

11. Return to Mecca
Muhammad led attacks on Meccan caravans, cutting off Mecca’s riches
With peace agreements, he won Mecca’s surrender
Destroyed statues of gods and goddesses in the Kaaba
Proclaimed Mecca a Muslim city

12. The Quran
Contains Allah’s teachings to Muhammad – Muslims believe these words were written down after Muhammad’s death
Most important teaching: there is only one God in the universe – Allah (they DO NOT believe in the Trinity)
Says that Allah is the God worshiped both by Christians and Jews

13. Five Pillars of Islam 5 basic duties of all Muslims:
Believe in one God, Allah, and that Muhammad is Allah’s prophet
Must pray 5 times a day in the direction of Mecca, the holy city
Must give to those in need, especially poor
Must fast during the holy month of Ramadan (sunrise to sunset, do not eat or drink)
Must visit Mecca at least once in their lives (pilgrimage)

14. Checkpoint
Why do you suppose the hijra marked a turning point in Islamic history?
Perhaps because it gave Muhammad a base of support from which to spread Islam
What does the Quran contain? What are the Five Pillars of Islam?
The teaching Allah gave to Muhammad
Belief in one God, prayer five times daily, giving to the poor, fasting during Ramadan, pilgrimage to Mecca

15. Islam Today
Millions of Muslims make the pilgrimage to Mecca every year
Saudi Arabia is the center of a world-wide Muslim community
Estimated 12 million Muslims live in the United States today (2015)

16. Shiite (Shia) vs. Sunni Muslims
Shiite (Shia) vs. Sunni Muslims
SHIITE:
200 million people
Believe that Muhammad had a successor, and that all rulers must be related to Muhammad
Jihad: Holy War
SUNNI:
1.2 billion people
Believe that any practicing Muslim may be a ruler

17. How does Islam contradict the Bible’s Truths?