World History

Chapter 11

Islam

BackgroundBegan in Arabia (desert

area with little vegetation located south of the fertile crescent)

Bedouins or (Arab sheep herders) lived there

They were organized into tribes ruled by a sheikh (means “chief”)

Took place at the end of the Byzantine Empire

Born in Mecca under the control of the Hashmites

Born an orphan; believed angels touched him and gave him seizures

Kadija – a widow who Muhammad drove a camel for; They got married

Had 4 daughters (oldest named Fatima)

Muhammad beginnings

Muhammad continued…Muhammad was exposed to

Christianity and Judaism even though Arabs were polytheistic

Muhammad believed in one god called Allah

Muhammad had another seizure and Gabriel (angel) told him to write the word of Allah in the Koran to spread the word to all Arabs

Muhammad’s life Claimed to be a prophet Mecca’s rulers opposed

Muhammad’s claims Many came to Mecca to pray in

the sacred kaaba (holy shrine) which brought in money

Mecca’s rulers kicked him out of the city and he fled (“hegira” means flight) to the city of Medina

Eventually returned to Mecca with an army and conquered the city

Religion of Islam5 Points of Islam:

1. Only one god – Allah

2. Jesus is Son of God

3. Polygamy is approved

Religion of Islamcontinued…

4. Must follow 5 pillars of faith:

a) Allah is God; Muhammad is only prophet

b) Pray 5 times a day facing Mecca (See VIDEO) 3:22

c) Make a pilgrimage once in a lifetime

d) Give alms to the poore) Fast during Ramadan

5. Show temperance, humility, justice, generosity, tolerance, obedience to authority, and courage

Ascendance and beyond… Muhammad dies in 632

A.D. and Abu Bakr (son-in-law) takes over

Islam spread through his reign because once you were conquered you were converted to Islam or killed (or pay tribute)

Arabia, Palestine, Syria, Armenia, Mesopotamia, Persia, parts of India and North Africa and Spain (The Moors) were controlled by Muslims

Islam spread; had great influence; tensions in Middle East today

Modern Picturesof Islamand itsInfluence…

Mecca (daytime)

Mecca (nighttime)

Kaaba (holy shrine)

City of Medina today

Muslim carpet

Muslim Tapestry

Qur'an on display at the Islamic Arts Museum, Kuala Lumpur

Study for your test!