Islam
Rise of Islam
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Islam emerged in the Arabian Peninsula
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The region was an important crossroad for
trade
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The two leading towns were Mecca &
Yathrib(Medina)
Islam means submission
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A Muslim is a person who submits to God
Muhammad
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Born in Mecca around
570
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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

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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
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After his wife’s death he was forced to
leave Mecca
Moved to Yathrib or Medina (city of the
prophet)

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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
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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

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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

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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