1. Building a Muslim Empire
Chapter 10 Section 2

2. Objectives: Understand early challenges to Islam
Identify the differences between Sunnis and Shiites
Understand rule under Umayyad (ooMYad) caliphs

3. Muhammad Dies Problem - no successor
Abu Bakr: Muhammad’s father in law
Caliph: successor to Muhammad
Problem - some withdrew loyalty to Islam
(only loyal to Muhammad)

4. Early Victories Arabs Unite Under first four caliphs: Conquer:
Byzantines:
Syria
Palestine
Cities: Damascus and Jerusalem
Persians:
Entire empire (eventually Egypt)

7. Divisions Emerge Shiites (SHEE yt)
Followers of Ali (son-in law of Muhammad(
Imams:
True successors = descendants of Ali and Muhammad
Similar to priests

8. Divisions Emerge (continued)
Sunnis (SOO nee)
Caliph-political leader
No divine functions
Custom of community
90% of Muslims

9. Sunnis and Shiites (pgs 311-312)
Create a Venn Diagram depicting the similarities between Sunni and Shiites
Shiites
Sunni
Sufis:
Similarities
Differences
Differences

10. Umayyad Caliphs Umayyad (ooMYad)
Dynasty of Sunni caliphs ruled until 750 A.D.
Capital: Damascus, Syria

12. Reasons for Muslim Success
Why victorious?
Weakness of Byzantine and Persian Empires
Arabs as liberators
Fighting methods
Bedouin camel
Camel cavalry
Belief in Islam

13. Conquered People Treated Fairly
Special tax on non-Muslims
Tolerant of other religions (People of the Books)
No religious hierarchy

14. Decline… Desert to city life Tribal leaders to kings
Rely on local officials
Economic tensions
Wealthy vs. poor
Shiites see them as illegitimate rulers