Islam

Chapter 10, section 1-2

Background

Arabian PeninsulaAfrica, Europe, AsiaEarly people: Bedouins (nomads)600s Arabs settle in towns

Become centers for long distance trade Connected sea and land routes Mecca was important stop on trade routes

Muhammad’s background

Born in Mecca Orphaned at 6

Raised by grandfather and uncle

Caravan trader Business manager for

Khadijah, a wealthy business woman, who later became his wife

Muhammad’s Revelation

Meditating in a cave at age 40

Angel Gabriel -told him that he was a messenger of God

Muhammad believed he was the last of the prophets

Began to teach that the one and only God was Allah 613 Began preaching

publically

Followers of Muhammad’s Message Islam

“Submission to the will of Allah”

Muslim “One who has

submitted” Hijrah

622 Muhammad and followers left hostility in Mecca

Migrated north to Yathrib, later called Medina

“city of the prophet”

Key Beliefs Allah is the one and only

God and Muhammad is his prophet. People achieve salvation by following the Five Pillars of Islam and living a just life.

Monotheistic Qur’an: Holy book Sunna: Muhammad’s

example- model for proper living

Shari’a: body of law

What is Shari’a? –Islamic law-Regulates family life, Moral conduct and business matters

The straight path to God Describes limit of acceptable behaviour Sin - offence against God. Crossing boundary

Shirk Zalim Lying, cursing, envy

Only God can forgive sin if sincerely repent Judgment day

Punishment Deterrance Reform of criminal Protect society

Content of Shari’a Body of law

Family Nation

Dhimmi status for non-Muslims

International law

Authority for law Qur’an Sunnah

Hadith Practices of the Prophet

Schools of law

•Religious matters are not separate from criminal or civil matters•Qadis- Islamic Judges who apply law•Imams – interpret law

Five Pillars of Islam Faith Prayer

5 x day toward Mecca Mosque

Alms –pay tax for poor (zakat)

Fasting: Ramadan Pilgrimage: Hajj (journey

to Mecca required to take)

Muhammad’s Successors Muhammad died without

naming a successor (632) Abu-Bakr elected the first

caliph Four “Rightly Guided”

Caliphs all expanded Muslim territory Abu-Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali Knew Muhammad and supported

his mission

Expansion of the Muslim Empire

Expansion of the Muslim Empire

Army Success Faith of soldiers, willing to fight to defend Islam Discipline, training, good leadership Weakness of Persian and Byzantine Empire

Treatment of Conquered People No forced conversion

Qur’an forbade forced conversion Many people converted because of message Economic benefit because no poll tax

Special treatment for people of the book (Jews and Christians) Religious tolerance (but not allowed to spread religion)

Internal Conflict = Crisis

Conflict over succession Uthman murdered in 656 Division over successor Ali was next caliph (relative of Muhammad) murdered 661

Umayyad Rule Came to power and established hereditary system of succession

(ended election of caliph) Moved Muslim capital to Damascus in Syria

Rule led to split between Muslims

Islamic Sects

Sunnis “Followers of

Muhammad’s Example” Chosen leader can

serve as caliph Did not outwardly resist

Umayyad rule

Shi’a “Party of Allah” Caliph needed to be a

relative of the Prophet, Muhammad

Resisted Umayyad rule

What is jihad? Jihad means ‘struggle in the way of Allah.’

Purpose is to establish peace Greater jihad

Religious life Perfect self before changing society

Lesser jihad Struggle to remove evil, injustice

Speak out against injustice Defend Islam from attack Spead Islam by creating environment where

easier to convert Majahid - person who dies doing jihad

When can war be called jihad?

Started by a religious leader Backing of ummah Defensive Peaceful means exhausted Not to gain converts Religious sites protected Innocent not at risk Not to gain land or power Environment protected

Transition and Trade Rebel groups

overthrew Umayyads in 750 and Abbasids took control

Abbasids moved capital to Baghdad

Muslims created a vast network of trade

Used the silk road and explored Europe

Islamic Contributions and Advancements Art and Literature: Arabic,calligraphy, poetry Urban Life: cities grew to learning centers,

linked through trade network Society: 4 social classes, protected

women’s rights, tolerance for other religions Science and Math: House of Wisdom,

medical advances, growth of math and astronomy, Algebra