1. Islamic Expansion

2. After Muhammad Caliph = successor of Muhammad, or deputy
First 4 Caliphs are known as the “rightly guided” Caliphs
Used Muhammad’s actions and the Qu’ran as guides for their leadership

3. Islam begins to spread Jihad = striving
Armed struggle against unbelievers (Use of term from the Qu’ran)
This idea is used to promote the spread of Islam
Reasons for success
Well disciplined army
Expert commanders
Weak Empires to the north
Persecuted people to the north were thankful for the Muslim expansion.

4. Religious tolerance throughout Empire
Qu’ran forbids forced conversion
Muslim Empire allows Jewish and Christian populations to maintain their own beliefs
Not allowed to attempt to spread their religions throughout the Empire
Muslims attempted to convert those who came under control

5. Umayyad Rule Moved capital to Damascus Lived a lavish lifestyle
Made controlling captured areas easier
Lived a lavish lifestyle
This upset a segment of the population
Will create a division among Islamic people

6. Division of Islamic Faith
Sunni
Shi’a
Majority of Islamic people
Then and now
Followed Umayyad rule
Believe Muslim rulers should follow Muhammad’s example
Believe Shi’a have distorted parts of Qu’ran
Referred to as Shi’ites
Resisted Umayyad rule
Believe Muslim rulers should be descendents of Muhammad
Believe Sunni have distorted parts of the Qu’ran.

7. Abbasid Rule
Overthrew Umayyad rule and took control of Empire in 750 A.D.
One Umayyad Prince survived and fled to Spain and set up a caliphate
Spain already held by Muslims
Moved capital to Baghdad
Becomes a center of trade
Goods, gold, information flow through the city from different areas
Developed bureaucracy to oversee the growing Empire
“God gives your water and all things you need. So, why don’t you thank God. “

8.
Expanding Islamic Empires
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