The Spread of Islam
AIM: How did Arab armies spread Islam across 3
continents?
How did trade affect the spread of
Islam?
Spread of Islam
Caliph: successor
Muslim armies conquered lands to the
North and West
In the name of Allah, the compassionate, the merciful, this is what
Khalid ibn al-Walid would grant to the inhabitants of Damascus. . . . He
promises to give them security for their lives, property and churches.
Their city wall shall not be demolished, neither shall any Muslim be
quartered in their houses. Thereunto we give to them the pact of Allah
and the protection of His Prophet, the Caliphs and the believers. So
long as they pay the tax, nothing but good shall befall them.
-KHALID IBN AL-WALID, quoted in Early Islam
Islam Schism
Muhammad dies
Umayyads took over the caliphs
Moved capital to Damascuscorrupt
Minority of Muslims resisted Umayyad’s
rule Shiites
Sunnis vs. Shiites
Sunni Muslims
 “Abu Bakr, Mohammad’s right-hand man,
must become the Prophet’s successor.
Mohammad himself recommended elections
in Arabia and believed the community was
responsible for choosing the next ruler.
Mohammad asked him to lead us in many
prayers and also called on him to make
rulings in his absence. We, the majority, have
chosen Abu Bakr as our next leader and
believe it is the only natural response.”
 Based on this primary source, explain the
main belief of the Sunni Muslims?
Shi’a Muslims
 “Ali, Mohammed’s cousin & daughter’s
husband, should be the Prophet’s successor.
Just as God appointed Mohammed to be his
messenger, God has chosen Ali as the
rightful ruler. On various occasions and in
various ways, Mohammed had claimed that
Ali was God’s divine chose.”
 Based on this primary source, discuss the
belief of the Shi’a Muslims.
Sunni vs. Shiite
Shiite (Shi’a): Muslims who believe the caliph
needed to be the descendent of the Prophet
Sunni: Muslims who follow the example of
Muhammad, did not resist Umayyad’s
How does
the split in
Islam
compare to
the split in
Christianity?
Religions of Europe &
Western Asia
How did Arab armies spread
Islam across 3 continents?
Empire of Faith video