1. Aim: Why did Islam Spread so quickly?
DO NOW:
How can religion spread?

2. Death of Muhammad
With the death of Muhammad, the loyalty of some tribes of Islam came into question
Abu Bakr urged the people:
“If you worship Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. If you worship God, God is alive.”
Bakr reunited the Arab tribes under their allegiance to Islam
No successor was named by Muhammad

3. The First Caliph
Muhammad’s most trusted advisors met ot choose a caliph, or successor to Muhammad
The new caliph would not replace Muhammad as a prophet, but as a political and military leader of the Muslims

4. Four Contenders For Caliph
Abu-Bakr, Muhammad's father-in-law and respected companion
Umar, Muhammad’s long-time friend and advisor
Uthman, another friend and advisor
Ali, Muhammad’s cousin, son-in-law and father to Muhammad’s grandsons
Tribal leaders chose Abu-Bakr as the 1st Caliph
He unites the revolting tribes and expands Muslim rule

5. Age of Conquests
Arab armies conquered great chunks of territory in the Byzantine Empire including Syria and Palestine
Demolished the Persian Empire
Swept Egypt, North Africa Spain and France
732 the Arabs were defeated in the Battle of Tours
Later they expanded further into Asia and Africa

7. Why did it spread so rapidly?
Weakness of the Byzantine Empire and Persian Empires-they were weak from fighting each other
Many people welcomed Arabs as liberators from harsh Byzantine or Persian rule
Efficient fighting methods-they used Bedouin camels and a horse cavalry
A common faith that Muhammad gave his people united them
Belief that those who fell in battle would go on to paradise
Overpopulation- they needed to spread out

8. Results of the Conquests/ How were non-Muslims treated?
There was a tax on non-Muslims but they were allowed to practice their own faith and follow their own laws
Muslim leaders allowed Jews and Christians to practice their own faiths

9. Why did people eventually convert?
Nomadic people in North Africa and Central Asia chose Islam immediately because Islam had no hierarchy or class of priests
There was no religious hierarchy or class of priests
Islam emphasized the equality of all believers regardless of sex, class, race and wealth
People were previously exposed to Islam through trade

10. Division in Islam Sunni vs. Shiite
Believe that the caliph should be chosen by the leaders of the Muslim community. However, the viewed him simply as a leader, not as a religious authority
Shiite
They believed that the only true successor to the prophets were descendants of Muhammad’s daughter and son-in-law (Ali)