1. Homework
I-4 due tomorrow.
Current Events #2 due Tuesday.

2. Aim #4: How did the Muslims succeed in building an empire, and what divisions emerged within that empire?
Do Now: Based on your discussion of the Five Pillars and the other core beliefs of Islam, what do you see as some of the key similarities between Islam and Judaism and Christianity? What are some of the differences?

3. I. Islam vs. Judaism/Christianity
Similarities
“People of the Book:”
Each have a holy book with
similar teachings.
Believe in heaven, hell, and a final day of judgment.
Differences
Muslims view Jesus as a prophet, but not the son of God.
Qur’an perfects the teachings of the Torah and the Bible.

4. II. Muhammad Dies
Muhammad dies in 632 A.D., two years after returning to Mecca
Abu Bakr (Muh’s father-in-law) becomes the caliph, or the successor to Muh as political leader of the Muslims.

5. III. The Age of Conquests
A. Abu Bakr succeeds
in holding Muslims together.
B. Between A.D.,
Abu Bakr and the following
caliphs conquer big chunks
of Byzantine Empire, Persian
Empire, Northern Africa and
Spain (center at Cordoba).

6. Critical Thinking Question
Which of the following factors do you think contributed the most to the Muslim Empire spreading so quickly?
Belief in jihad: Waging war against nonbelievers in the name of the Muslim religion.
Byzantines and the Persians were weak and divided.
Kind treatment of conquered peoples (Jews and Christians allowed to serve as officials and scholars).

7. IV. Religious Divisions
Shiites vs. Sunnis - Caliphs Ali (Muh’s son-in-law) and Husayn (Muh’s grandson) are assassinated, replaced by the Umayyad Dynasty (rule Muslim Empire from , capital in Damascus).
Shiites: Loyal to Ali and Husayn.
Caliph must be a direct descendant of Muhammad and should be viewed as a holy figure.
Sunnis: Loyal to the Umayyads.
Caliph can be any qualified individual of the Muslim community. He should be viewed only as a political leader.

8. Sunnis vs. Shiites Activity
Read over the comparison chart of Sunnis and Shiites, and make a list of the most important similarities and differences between them.

9. Concluding Question
What effects do you predict the Sunni/Shiite split will have on the future of the Muslim Empire?