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