1. Crusades and Islam
Fight for Jerusalem

2. Pope Urban Calls for a “holy war”
Pope Urban calls for a military “crusade” to kick the Muslims out of their holy capital, Jerusalem
Nobles, Knights, Peasants and Women set out for the arabian peninsula to free it from Islamic rule
All seeking a spot in heaven, more lands, and power
“God wills it!” was their battle cry

3. Crusades is a flop!
Crusaders did not know the geography or climate of the middle east, did not know the Arabs culture or technological advancements, or have a good plan for the war.
1st and 2nd Crusades were successful in capturing Jerusalem, and killed many Muslim and Jewish inhabitants. However they were not able to hold the city from Saladin, the leader of the Turks.
The 3rd and 4th Crusades were unsuccessful to recapture Jerusalem.

4. Effects of the Crusades
Failure of the Crusades caused...
trade between Europe and Asia and Africa
bitterness and hatred between Muslims and Christians
seeking of another trade route to India and China
Effects of the Crusades

5. Arabia
Arabian peninsula was founded during Mesopotamian times, but remained a land of traders and nomadic farmers.
Those traders would stop in the city of Mecca, believed in Abraham and the idea of one God
Allah, or belief in one God

6. Muhammad
Born into a powerful family, but was orphaned at 6. He became a trader and married at age 25
at 40 he said a voice called to him while meditating in a cave, that he was a messenger of God.
Islam, means “submission to the will of Allah”
Muhammad took control of Mecca and Arabia and declared Islam the religion of the land

7. Five Pillars of Islam
1. There is no God but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.
2. Pray 5 times a day toward Mecca which will bring you closer to God
3. Support the less fortunate, give to charity through special religious tax.
4. Fast during the holy month of Ramadan, because they have greater needs then bread
5. Make a pilgrimage to Mecca once in your lifetime, called the Hajj

8. Facts about Islam
Qur’an is the book of Islam, and is believed to be the direct word of God to Muhammad.
Jihad, or struggle in God’s service, is used today to mean holy war for Islam against outsiders
Muslims believe that their God is the same as Judaism and Christian God
Muslims and Jews believe Jesus is prophet but not the son of God
All religions trace history back to Abraham

9. Successor to Muhammad
The successor to Muhammad would cause a split in the Islamic faith.
Sunnis believed that the leader should be a faithful muslim, but that they were just a leader, not as a religious authority
Shiites believed that the successor should be a decedent of Muhammad.
This division is still apparent today where both believe their practice of Islam is what Muhammad intended.