Islam After Muhammad’s
Death
Vocabulary
successor
noun
suc-ses-sor
the next in line
When Muhammad died, many of the followers
became worried about what would happen.
Muhammad had not named a successor.
caliph
noun
cal-if
the chief Muslim religious and political ruler,
regarded as the successor of Muhammad
Still, they wondered who would lead them. Abu Bakr,
one of Muhammad’s closest followers, became
Muhammad’s successor or the caliph.
succeed
verb
suck-seed
achieve the desired aim or result (or)
inherit, follow, take over
He spread Islam’s influence beyond Arabia. However, he
was also concerned about who would succeed him
after he died.
council
noun
coun-sil
a body of people elected to manage the affairs of a
city, county, or other district
He thought it would be a good idea for a council to
name his successor.
policy
noun
pol-i-see
plan, strategy, approach
He continued Umar’s policy of expanding Islam into
new territories.
convert
verb
con-vert
change one's religious faith or other beliefs
People could convert to Islam or keep their religion
or pay a special tax.
eternal
adjective
e-ter-nal
lasting or existing forever; without end or
beginning
People liked Islam because it emphasized helping
the poor and promised eternal bliss to those who
led a good life.
bliss
noun
perfect happiness; great joy
People liked Islam because it emphasized helping
the poor and promised eternal bliss to those who
led a good life.
customs
noun
tradition, practice, habit, obser vance
The people of Arabia shared common customs and
the Arabic language
assassinated
verb
as-ass-sin-ate
the murder of an important person
In 656, a group of rebels opposed the leadership of
Uthman and he was assassinated.
civil war
noun
a war bet ween citizens of the same country
In 656, a group of rebels opposed the leadership of
Uthman and he was assassinated. His murder
started a civil war.
son-in-law
noun
the husband of one’s daughter
Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, Ali, was a
logical choice as the next caliph.
Write spicy sentences for all
the vocabulary words