1. Origins of Islam

2. Arabian Peninsula Birthplace of Islam =Arabia
Also called Southwest Asia
(Intersection of Europe, Asia, Africa)
Hot & dry

3. Physical Features
Sand dunes- hills of sand shaped by wind (can reach 800 ft.)
Oasis- a wet, fertile area in a desert
Oases were key stops along a trade route

4. Nomadic Life
Nomads –constantly on the move to find water & food for animals, live in tents
NOT settled
Nomads join tribes (groups)

5. Settled Life Settled people made their homes in oases
Settlements- small towns near oases & trade routes
Towns became centers of trade

6. A New Religion Emerges Muhammad – founder of Islam
Born in 570 AD in Mecca, Saudi Arabia
Lived as a merchant/trader
Married a wealthy widow
@ 25, Khadija
Concerned about poor, he
often prays/meditates in
the hills

7. Muhammad Founds Islam
610AD, Muhammad was meditating when an angel spoke to him
(known as 1st revelation)
Muslims believes these
messages from the angel
are from God – form
basis of Islam
Islam = “submit to God”

8. Muslims Muslims- people who follow Islam
Muslims believe Muhammad was God’s messenger on Earth
Muhammad’s messages were collected in the Qur’an
Qur’an (Koran)- the holy book of Islam

9. Muhammad’s Teachings 613 AD, Muhammad begins to spread his messages
Taught that there was only one God- Allah
Islam = monotheistic

10. Islam Spreads Mecca’s rulers planned to kill Muhammad
In 622, Muhammad moved
to Medina became a spiritual and political
leader
Died in 632 AD