Rise of Islam

Do Now (U5D7)January 9, 2014

Complete the Do Now and answer the associated question.

Homework: Complete the Chapter 11, Section 1 homework, which you picked up on your way into class

Pivotal Question 1: How did the geographic setting of the Arabian peninsula set the stage for the rise of the Prophet Muhammad?

Arabian Peninsula

Geographic Setting Arabian peninsula is mostly desert

Farming is possible through irrigation or in scattered oases

Oasis is fertile area watered by a natural well or spring

600s and 700s Arab clans occupied Arabia

Nomadic herders called Bedouins

Traveled looking for grazing lands

Bedouins traded with Arabs in oasis towns, one of those towns was called Mecca

Bedouin

Role of Mecca

Mecca: bustling market town

Centrally located on two caravan routes

Pilgrimage center Arabs prayed at the

Kaaba

Ancient Shrine that Muslims today believe was built by the prophet Abraham

In Muhammad’s time, Kaaba housed statues of many local gods and goddesses

Kaaba

The Kaaba Today

Pivotal Question 2

Pivotal Question 2: How did the Prophet Muhammad influence the development of Islam?

Muhammad’s Vision Muhammad was born in

Mecca (circa 570 AD)

Became a successful merchant through caravan trade

Married Khadija, a wealthy widow caravan trader

At 40, Muhammad was troubled by idol worship and ills of society

He went to a desert cave to meditate

Submission While in the cave:

Muhammad heard the voice of the Angel Gabriel calling

Calling him to be a messenger of God

Muhammad was terrified, but his wife, Khadija, encouraged him to accept the call, and became the first convert

Islam means “submission”

Muhammad spend the rest of his life converting people to Islam, and worship Allah, which is Arabic for God

The Hijra: A Turning Point At first, few people listened to Muhammad

Angered Meccan merchants, who believed neglecting idols would disrupt trade

In 622, faced with threats of murder, Muhammad left Mecca for Yathrib, later named Medina, “City of the Prophet”

622 is the first year in the Muslim calendar

Hijra: Mecca to Medina

The Hijra: A Turning Point In Medina, Muhammad was welcomed

As a ruler and lawgiver

From Medina, Muslims launched attacks on Meccan caravans and defeated Mecca in battle

In 630, Muhammad returned to Mecca in triumph, where he destroyed the idols in the Kaaba

In 632, Muhammad died But, his religion continued to expand

Pivotal Question 3

What are the main teachings of Islam?