1. Friday, November 4th What are the core beliefs of Muslims? How do those beliefs reflect cultural diffusion along the Silk Roads in the Middle East? Due Today: Txt. 10.1, pp. 304-309. Homework: Read/Annotate “The Sign of the Crescent” (Due Monday, 11/7)

2. The Silk Roads and Cultural Progress Big Idea: As people from different backgrounds interact, progress and new ideas develop Examples Technology Improves to Solve Local Problems How do we cope with our environment? Religion and Philosophy Expand and Change Islam

3. Islam Islam : A Silk Roads Religion Islam emerged on the Silk Roads, in the Middle East, around the year 600 AD. Islam began as a religion of nomadic merchants. It’s founder, Muhammad, was a merchant himself. Islamic belief is evidence of cultural diffusion. It combines elements of traditional Arab culture and elements of Judaism and Christianity. Islam spread quickly east and west from the Middle East, along trade routes. As a result, it became one of the world’s most popular religions.

4. Where did Islam come from?

6. Islam/Muslim? Islam: A Religion. Literally means “to submit to the will of God” Islamic: Having to do with the religion of Islam Muslim: Someone who practices Islam Allah: the Arabic word for G-d. G-d and Allah are the same thing, just in a different language. Jihad: the personal struggle for G-d

7. Islamic Faith: A syncretism of East and West Syncretism: a mixing or melding of cultural elements to produce something unique Western Influence on Islam How does Islam reflect similar values to Judaism and Christianity? Eastern Influence on Islam High value placed on education and intellect Universities are built in Arab cities along the Silk Roads Meritocracy

8. Declaration of Faith Prayer Alms FastingPilgrimage