1. Section 2: Building a Muslim Empire
Muslim Civilizations
Section 2: Building a Muslim Empire
Witness History Audio: Nomadic Raids
Early Challenges to Islam
Muhammad’s father-in-law, Abu Bakr, reunited the Arab tribes after Muhammad’s death. Under the first four caliphs, the Arab Muslims captured the Persian empire and also took provinces from the Byzantine empire.
Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What was the purpose of the early raids?” (to take the livestock of other tribes) “How did the Muslim empire expand?” (by raiding expeditions that moved farther and farther away from the Arabian desert)
When showing Color Transparency 63, ask students how long it took Muslims to conquer this vast territory. Have them compare it with the empire of Alexander the Great.
When showing Color Transparency 60, explain that dance and poetry were ways to achieve communion with God. Ask students to think of other ways according to other religions.
Color Transparency 63: The Spread of Islam
1 of 9

2. Section 2: Building a Muslim Empire
Muslim Civilizations
Section 2: Building a Muslim Empire
Divisions Emerge Within Islam
After the death of Muhammad, Muslims were split on the idea of who should lead them. Most Muslims compromised and agreed that the caliph should be a pious male Muslim from Muhammad’s tribe.
Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What was the purpose of the early raids?” (to take the livestock of other tribes) “How did the Muslim empire expand?” (by raiding expeditions that moved farther and farther away from the Arabian desert)
When showing Color Transparency 63, ask students how long it took Muslims to conquer this vast territory. Have them compare it with the empire of Alexander the Great.
When showing Color Transparency 60, explain that dance and poetry were ways to achieve communion with God. Ask students to think of other ways according to other religions.
Color Transparency 60: Sufi Worship
Note Taking Transparency 88B
2 of 9

3. Section 2: Building a Muslim Empire
Muslim Civilizations
Section 2: Building a Muslim Empire
Umayyad Caliphs Build an Empire
From Damascus, Syria, the Umayyad caliphate ruled the Muslim empire and expanded Arab rule into North Africa and Spain. Non-Muslims were taxed, but allowed to practice their own faiths.
Note Taking Transparency 88A
Rise of the Abbasids
Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What was the purpose of the early raids?” (to take the livestock of other tribes) “How did the Muslim empire expand?” (by raiding expeditions that moved farther and farther away from the Arabian desert)
When showing Color Transparency 63, ask students how long it took Muslims to conquer this vast territory. Have them compare it with the empire of Alexander the Great.
When showing Color Transparency 60, explain that dance and poetry were ways to achieve communion with God. Ask students to think of other ways according to other religions.
The Abbasid dynasty replaced that of the Umayyads. They brought the Muslim empire to its greatest wealth and power. They moved the capital to Baghdad, which became a center of culture and the arts.
Geography Interactive: Spread of Islam
3 of 9

4. Section 2: Building a Muslim Empire
Muslim Civilizations
Section 2: Building a Muslim Empire
The Muslim Empire Declines
In the 900s, the Seljuk Turks swept into the Middle East. They adopted Islam and built an empire that infringed on the Byzantine empire and resulted in the Crusades. When the Mongols came in the 1200s and 1300s, they, too, adopted Islam.
Listen to the Witness History audio. Then read aloud the main idea for each subheading in this section and show the related visuals.
After listening to the Witness History audio, ask, “What was the purpose of the early raids?” (to take the livestock of other tribes) “How did the Muslim empire expand?” (by raiding expeditions that moved farther and farther away from the Arabian desert)
When showing Color Transparency 63, ask students how long it took Muslims to conquer this vast territory. Have them compare it with the empire of Alexander the Great.
When showing Color Transparency 60, explain that dance and poetry were ways to achieve communion with God. Ask students to think of other ways according to other religions.
QuickTake Section Quiz
Progress Monitoring Transparency
4 of 9

5. Muslim Civilization: Section 2
Color Transparency 63: Spread of Islam
5 of 9

6. Muslim Civilization: Section 2
Color Transparency 60: Sufi Worship
6 of 9

7. Muslim Civilization: Section 2
Note Taking Transparency 88B
7 of 9

8. Muslim Civilization: Section 2
Note Taking Transparency 88A
8 of 9

9. Muslim Civilization: Section 2
Progress Monitoring Transparency
9 of 9