1. A) dedication to “Allah” B) victory C) Submission D) Peace E) Love
Period 3: Aim: How did cross-cultural exchanges foster the intensification of existing, or the creation of new, networks of trade and communication? (Islam)
Do NOW:
1. “Islam” means:
A) dedication to “Allah”
B) victory
C) Submission
D) Peace
E) Love
2) Bedouins were:
A) non Arab converts to Islam
B) Arab camel nomads
C) the clan of Muhammad
D) landholder during the Abbasid Empire
E) Subsistence farmers

2. Origins of Islam
Origins of Islam can be traced back to 7th century Arabia
Muhammad born 570 to merchant family in Mecca
Orphaned as a child
Marries wealthy widow c. 595, works as merchant
Familiarity with paganism, Christianity and Judaism as practiced in Arabian peninsula
The Prophet Muhammad introduced Islam in 610 C.E. after he experienced “angelic visitations.”
Revelations which followers believe “Allah” transmitted to him through the angel Gabriel.
Written down in Quran

3. How did people on Arabian Peninsula react to new religion?
Muhammad’s monotheistic teachings offensive to polytheistic pagans
Economic threat to existing religious industry (Gods of the Ka’ba)
Denunciation of greed affront to local aristocracy
Why does this matter so much?
The Shrines of Ka’Ba have established Mecca as the wealthy city of commerce between the Bedouin tribes.

4. Appeal of Islam to People of Arabia
Gave them a form of monotheism that belonged to no single tribe and transcended clan and class divisions.
Provided an ethical system that healed many of the deep social rifts between the clans of Arabian society
Promoted a moral code and obligation for the wealthy and strong to protect and aid the poor and weak.
Was translated into a body of Islamic law that held followers accountable for their lives on earth and determined their fate in eternity.

5. Five Pillars of Islam/ Map of Islam by the death of Mohammed 632
1. The declaration of faith:
"There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.“
2. Prayer
Five obligatory prayers each day.
No hierarchical authority or priesthood.
3. Zakat (alms to poor)
Obligatory charitable giving.
4. Fasting
Sunrise to sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.
5. Pilgrimage/ Hajj
To Mecca, Arabia to worship Allah at the Ka’Ba.

6. How far had Islam spread from 632 to 750? How did this happen?

7. The Expansion of Islam
Highly successful attacks on Byzantine, Sassanid territories
Difficulties governing rapidly expanding territory

8. The Caliph and The Shia No clear to successor to Muhammad identified
Abu Bakr chosen to lead as Caliph
Led war against villagers who abandoned Islam after death of Muhammad
Disagreements over selection of caliphs
Ali passed over for Abu Bakr
Served as caliph CE, then assassinated along with most of his followers
Remaining followers organize separate party called “Shia”. Followed descendents of Muhammed
Traditionalists: Sunni

9. Shia and Sunni Islam Today – Why would Saudi Arabia fear a nuclear Iran?