1. Roots of Islam

2. Life in a Desert Land
Arabia is located in the southwest corner of Asia.  The land is hot and dry.  Sand dunes can rise 800 feet into the air and stretch for hundreds of miles.  Water is scarce and is only found in an oasis   - a wet, fertile area in the desert.

3. Two Ways of Life
Nomads – Moved around the desert, lived in tents, raised sheep, goats and camels.  Lived in tribal communities.
Farmers – Made their homes in oases, settlements became towns, worked with people in the caravan trade. (A group of traders that travel together.)
Animated History: Trade Routes

4. A New Religion Begins
The founder of Islam was a man born in the city of Mecca around 570. His name was Muhammad. Muslims (followers of Islam) believe God spoke to Muhammad through the angel Gabriel and made him the prophet, a messenger of God.

5. Muhammad continued to receive messages from God for the remainder of his life.  These messages make up the Quran, the holy book of Islam.

6. In 613 Muhammad began to spread his teachings to others
In 613 Muhammad began to spread his teachings to others.  At first Muhammad’s teachings upset many Arabs and Muhammad and his followers left Mecca for Medina in 622.  This is known as the hegira or journey.  622 marks the beginning of the Muslim calendar.  By 630 Muhammad’s followers had returned and conquered Mecca and it became the center of the new Islamic faith.

7. Animated History: Muslim Army Spread of Islam

8. Work Cited:
"World History Chapter 12." World History Chapter 12. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Mar <