1. The Rise of Islam

2. Oasis Towns and Desert Life Farming was Practiced near oases Nomadic Bedouins made raids on grazing territories Mecca was on the crossroads of 2 main caravan routes People came to pray at the Shrine of Abraham which had been filled with statues of local gods and goddesses

3. The Prophet Muhammad Islam was born in the 600s AD He was born in Mecca 570, and was raised by his uncle Shepherded with the Bedouins At 25 he married Khadija, an older widow At 40 he was praying in a cave and is said to have received a vision to proclaim the one true God He went to Medina in 622 Defeated the Meccans and returned in 630 AD to destroy the idols in the Kaaba (Shrine of Abraham) Muhammad dies in 632, Abu Kakr is named the first caliph

4. The Message of Islam God is called Allah Strictly Monotheistic Quran (Koran) is the holy book, written in Arabic for accuracy No priests mediate between God and the people Tolerance for Jews and Christians (“People of the Book”)

5. Changes for Women in Islam Early women seen as equals spiritually Later Arabs adopted purdah from the Persians Women had less rights

6. Discussion Question  What is your opinion about citizens not being treated equally? How do you think this effects life for Islamic women?

7. 5 Pillars of Faith ALL MUSLIMS MUST PRACTICE THEM 1. Shahadah-confession of faith 2. Salah- pray five times a day 3. Zakat- give a sum of money to charity each year 4. Ramadan- fasting during the day for one month 5. Hajj- journey or pilgrimage to Mecca