ISLAM and EARLY ISLAMIC

CIVILIZATION600s to 1200s

ISLAM Religion AND

EmpireIn CONTEXT

Islam – submissionMuslim – one who submits

Islamic Empire Timeline Muhammad begins Islamic Rule (622 – 632) Islam Expands under the First 4 Caliphs

(632-661) Sunni and Shia Split

Umayyad Caliphate (Empire) (661-750) Abbasid Caliphate (Empire) (750-1258) Mongols defeat Abbasids (1258)

Foundations

Islam began in the Arabian Peninsula within Arab Bedouin culture.

Urban areas were centers of trade (and cultural diffusion)

Foundations

Muhammad was a merchant who experienced a revelation of God (Allah) that would begin a new religion (with connections to Judaism and Christianity).

Spread

After Muhammad gained followers and won a civil war against other clan leaders, more groups joined him.

The next centuries saw rapid expansion of the Islamic empire because of . . .

1. Military success 2. the weakness of surrounding Empires 3. elements of Islamic belief

Spread

As it spread, Arabic language and culture spread and mixed with other cultures.

The Spread of Islam: Map Snapshot

CHANGE

Soon after Muhammad’s death, two groups developed as a result of conflicting ideas about leadership.

Sunni and Shi’a branches of Islam continued to split into smaller groups.

Spread & CHANGE As Islam spread into other regions it

influenced cultures. New cultures also influenced elements of

Islam.

Texts

The Quran (Koran) contains the revelations given to Muhammad.

The Hadith are the teachings and actions of Muhammad.

Islam compared to Christianity

Both monotheistic … “perfections” Both founders did NOT write the texts Both teachings initially appealed to lower

classes and women Both belief systems emphasized social

justice

Islam compared to Christianity

Unlike Christianity, Islam began and continued as both a religion and a political structure. (Caliph / Sharia)

Unlike Christianity, Islam does not emphasize religious authorities like priests, popes, bishops

Connections with Judaism and Christianity

Islam retained elements of Judaism and Christianity. Abraham Jesus (as a prophet) The Torah and Quran have similar narratives

ESSAY Prompts Analyze the continuities and changes

over time in the social structure of Islamic Civilization as it spread from 600 ce to 1500 ce.

ESSAY Prompts Analyze the continuities and changes

over time in the political structure of Islamic Civilization as it spread from 600 ce to 1500 ce.

ESSAY Prompt Analyze the continuities and changes

over time in the culture of Islamic Civilization as it spread from 600 ce to 1500 ce.

ESSAY Prompts Analyze the continuities and changes

over time in the commerce and trade of Islamic Civilization as it spread from 600 ce to 1500 ce.

ESSAY Prompts Analyze the continuities and changes

over time in Islamic Civilization as it spread from 600 ce to 1500 ce.

Analyze the similarities and differences in TWO of the following societies as they were impacted by Islam from 600 to 1500 ce. India Anatolia West Africa Spain