1. Macdonald AP World History
Rise of Islam
Macdonald
AP World History

2. Arabian Peninsula Most Arabs settled
Nomads minority, but important in caravan trade that linked east & west
Nomads mostly polytheistic, but familiar w/ Christianity
Mecca – caravan city & cult center where nomads worshipped idols

3. Muhammad Born in Mecca Orphan
Married Khadija – supervised her family’s caravan trade
610 began meditating at night

4. Revelations
On “Night of Power and Excellence” angel Gabriel appeared & began sharing revelations about true lord or Allah
Shared revelations w/ Khadija, cousin Ali, father in law Abu Bakr
Revelations continued until Muhammad’s death

5. Islamic Beliefs
Revelations revealed that there is one God (Allah) & all ppl ought to submit to him
Those who submitted went to paradise after death; those who didn’t went to hell
Those who submitted called Muslim (one who makes a submission, Islam, to God)

6. Umma Many Meccan leaders threatened by Muhammad
622 fled to Medina 215 mi north
Journey called hijra – beginning of Islamic calendar
In Medina, believers bound into single community called umma

7. Successors
After Muhammad died, group of Medinan leaders determined that Abu Bakr (father of Muhammad’s favorite wife Ai’isha) should succeed as leader of umma
Called him caliph or successor
Even though chosen to succeed, didn’t specify his powers & Muhammad didn’t make provision for succession

8. Abu Bakr Expanded and took over Arab states
Oversaw compilation of the Quran (holy book that regulated religion)
Established the Five Pillars of Islam

9. Civil War After death, umma fell into disagreement over successors
Civil war broke out after third caliph (Uthman) was assassinated
Assassins nominated Ali (Muhammad’s cousin & husband of his daughter Fatima) to succeed
Many believed Ali has been passed over unjustly before & was Prophet’s natural heir

10. Civil War
When Ali accepted nomination, two of Muhammad’s friends & favorite wife A’isha challenged Ali
Ali defeated them in Battle of the Camel
Later, relative of assassinated caliph (Mu’awiya) – also gov. of Syria renewed challenge
Inconclusive battle led to arbitration

11. Civil War
Arbitration decided that 3rd caliph Uthman unjustly killed & Ali at fault in accepting nomination
Ali rejected ruling, but one of own supporters killed him for going to arbitration in first place
Mu’awiya then became caliph

12. Umayyad Caliphate
Mu’awiya chose own son, Yazid, to succeed him & began the Umayyad Caliphate – family of caliphs
Ali’s son revolted & Yazid ordered him killed

13. Shi’ites & Sunnis
Sympathizers of Ali & his son became Shi’ite (believed Ali & successors rightful calphis)
Those who supported the first three caliphs became known as Sunnis