Islam

Rise of Islam Islam emerged in the Arabian Peninsula

The region was an important crossroad for trade

The two leading towns were Mecca & Yathrib(Medina)

Islam means submission A Muslim is a person who submits to God

Muhammad Born in Mecca around

570 Orphaned as a child &

raised by his uncle At 25 he married

Khadija who recognized his spiritual qualities

She encouraged him to spend time praying and fasting

Muhammad During a retreat he heard the voice of

Gabriel ordering him to “proclaim” As God’s prophet he began to spread

the message of one God Won over very few converts

The Hejira After his wife’s death he was forced to

leave Mecca Moved to Yathrib or Medina (city of the

prophet) Became known as the hejira or the

beginning of the spread of Islam His followers proclaimed it the first year of

the Muslim calendar

Five Pillars 1. Believe in one God 2. Pray 5 times a day 3. Charity to the poor and aged 4. Fasting during the month of

Ramadan 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca or hajj

The Koran Sacred book of

Islam Authority on all

subjects Religion, politics, law

and social life

Mosque Muslim house of

worship

The Kaaba Ancient shrine

Muslims believe was built by the Prophet Abraham

The Spread of Islam

After Muhammad’s death Islam quickly spread

By 732 the Arab Empire included Persia, Arabia,

Palestine, Egypt, North Africa, and Spain

Reasons for Success

Arab armies were united by their beliefs Warriors who died in service of Islam won

a place in paradise Riches to be during conquest of lands

Jihad also motivated soldiers Protecting the religion- holy lands or

people

Divisions After Muhammad’s death

Dispute over who should become successor to the prophet or Caliph

Sunni- leader should be elected from those capable of the job

Shiites- leader should stay within the prophets family