1. Expansion of Islam

2. Religion in crisis – No leader
Setting the Stage
Muhammad dies in 632
Religion in crisis – No leader
Is this a problem? If so, what issues might appear?

3. Successors Muhammad had not named a successor
Following customs, Abu-Bakr becomes the 1st caliph (“successor” or “deputy”)
“Rightly Guided” Caliphs – Umar, Uthman, & Ali – knew Muhammad
Use the Qur’an & Muhammad’s teachings to lead = the Caliphate

4. Initial Problems & Expansion
Tribes abandon Islam, refuse to pay taxes, & some declare themselves prophets
Abu-Bakr invokes jihad (“striving”)
Two Meanings
By Abu-Bakr’s death in 634 – all of Arabia controlled
Umar & Ali – fight the Byzantines and Sassanids expanding empire from the Atlantic to the Indus River

5. Byzantine Empire – Greatest Extent

6. 650 AD
867 AD

7. Reasons for Success
These caliphs are successful because they follow Muhammad’s teachings
Muslims view expansion as full support from Allah = fight to defend Islam
Armies are disciplined & have great commanders
Use the weaknesses of the Byzantines & Sassanids to expand
Empires crumbling
Harsh treatment of peoples
Islam offers equality

8. Conquered Peoples Qur’an forbids forced conversion
Conquered peoples allowed to practice their own religion
Jews & Christians receive special considerations – why?
Some restrictions: no spreading of religion, pay a special poll tax
Could be officials, bureaucrats, & scholars

9. Internal Conflict 656 – Uthman murdered = civil war
Ali (natural successor) is challenged by Muawiya of Syria
Assassinated in 661
Elective system dies with him – why?
Umayyads take control – move capital to Damascus
Abandon simple life – surround themselves with wealth
Will cause division – why?

10. Sunni – Shi’a Split Majority of Muslims side with Umayyads
Minority resist – caliph needs to be a descendant of the Prophet
Shi’a – “party” of Ali
Ummayyads = Sunnis (Follow Muhammad’s example)
Sufi – Life of poverty & devotion

11. Change in Power 750 – Umayyads overthrown by the Abbasids
Murder remaining Umayyads
Abd al-Rahman flees to Spain, sets up Umayyad caliphate
Leads Berber army north until defeat at the Battle of Tours in 732
From state in al-Andalus in Southern Spain

12. Abbasid Power 762 – move capital to Baghdad – consolidate power
Located on key trade & communication networks
Strong bureaucracy – treasury, defense, & business departments
Send diplomats to take care of affairs
Tax land, imports, exports, & non-Muslim wealth to maintain rule

13. Independent Rivals Abbasid power was strong, but rivals spring up
Independent states dominate small regions all across their land
The Fatimid - descendents of Fatima (Muhammad’s daughter) – North Africa
Trade, religion, & language connect them to the Abbasids

14. Trade Networks
Sea Trade: Red & Mediterranean Seas = trade with the rest of the world
Land Trade: Silk Road – China – Middle East – Europe & Africa
Only one language & one currency – Today?
Banks set-up with credit (sakks) – European origin?
Cities explode & become centers for the arts, science, & achievements

15. The Silk Road

16. Trade Networks