Intro to Islam

Arabia

Bedouin

Descendants of Abraham through Ishmael

Geography

• Dry and hot
• Important trade route to North Africa and Ethiopia
• Water is a resource worth fighting for

Mecca and Medina

Meccan Society

• Mostly Arab Polytheism
• Common to see Zoroastrians, Jews, and Christians
• Trade market dominated by Quraysh family

Kabah

Kabah

• Dedicated to Allah, but housed tribal god statues.
• No weapons allowed by Arab tribes.
• Therefore, a center of trade.

Muhammad

• Orphaned at 5 y/o
• Became successful merchant
• Received revelations from angel Jibril (Gabriel)
• Preached social justice and monotheism near Kabah

Qur'an

Allah

Islam

Muslim

First Muslims

• Violently driven out of Mecca by Quraysh tribe.
• First Muslims sought refuge in Medina.
• When Quraysh attempts to exterminate first Muslims failed, Muhammad took control of Mecca.

Five Pillars of Islam

• Confession of faith in one God and in the prophet Muhammad

Five Pillars of Islam

• Confession of faith in one God and in the prophet Muhammad
• Prayer five times a day

Five Pillars of Islam

• Confession of faith in one God and in the prophet Muhammad
• Prayer five times a day
• Almsgiving

Five Pillars of Islam

• Confession of faith in one God and in the prophet Muhammad
• Prayer five times a day
• Almsgiving: Tithe of 2.5% of personal wealth
• Fasting during Ramadan

Five Pillars of Islam

• Confession of faith in one God and in the prophet Muhammad
• Prayer five times a day
• Almsgiving: Tithe of 2.5% of personal wealth
• Fasting during Ramadan
• HAJJ: Pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in life

Shari'ah

• Islamic law code established after death of Muhammad.
• Based on interpretations of Qur'an.
• No separation of religion and politics.

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Rise of Arab Empires

Caliphate

• Caliph: Religious and secular leader after the death of Mohammed
• Abu Bakr: First Caliph

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Umayyad Dynasty

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Split in Islam

• SHIA / SHI'ITES: Accept only descendants of Mohammad as caliph
• SUNNI: Accept only descendants of Umayyads as caliph

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