The History of Islam

570-1258

Background• Islam: One of the world’s great religions

– Birth place: Middle East on the Arabian Peninsula, • Important cities: Mecca and Medina

Mecca

Medina

Founder

• Muhammed– Born in Mecca, AD 570– Raised by uncle, became a trader– Married, age 25 to Khadija (AD 595) – Age 40, had a vision

• Told by angel to preach monotheism to Arabians• Became the Prophet

– AD 622, forced to leave Mecca, went to Yathrib (Medina) = Hegira (flight)

– AD 630, returned and conquered Mecca with an army• Dedicated the Kaaba, sacred shrine, to the one God, Allah

– 632, Muhammed died• Islam had spread across entire Arabian Peninsula

Beliefs• 5 Pillars:

– Belief in one God, Allah and Muhammed, his prophet

– Prayer, 5 times per day– Charity– Fast during Ramadan – Hajj, pilgrimage to Mecca– **Jihad, struggle for faith

• Also “Holy War”

Beliefs/Practices• Other items

– Islam means “submission”

– Muslim is one who “submits”

– So, the religion is called Islam. A follower of Islam is called a Muslim.

Beliefs/Practices• Mosque: Islamic place of worship

– Unique feature: Minarets: towers, used for “call to prayer”

Beliefs/Practices• Koran: Islamic holy

book– Some similar stories to

the Bible– Noah, Moses– Jesus, a prophet

Beliefs/Practices

• The Kaaba: – Ancient shrine

Muslims believe was built by the Prophet Abraham

– Used to worship “many gods” before Islam.

History

• 661, Islam split into two branches:– Sunni: Any devout Muslim could be “Caliph”

– Shia: Only descendants of Muhammed could be “caliph”

• Caliph: successor of prophet, leader• Ummayyad Dynasty: 661-750• Abbassid Dynasty: 750-1258

• Spread of Islam:– 661: All of Middle east

– 732: Across North Africa

– After 800’s, even further spread of Islam

Spread of Islam

Reason 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