The Rise of Islam

1. The Rise of Islam European Middle Ages Taken from: Mr. Blais

2. The Islamic World

3. Early Arabia • The Bedouins were early nomadic herders of the Arabian Peninsula • They crisscrossed the desert landscape in search of seasonal pasturelands. • Bedouins were also good warriors for they regularly had to fight for pasturelands.

4. Mecca • Mecca was a thriving market town in the 6th century. • Goods from as far as Africa and India passed through the markets of Mecca. • Others came to worship at the Kaaba. A shrine that was, at the time, decorated with statues of gods and goddesses • The Kaaba is now the central shrine of Islam.

5. Muhammad • He was born in Mecca around 570 C.E. • He became a very successful merchant and later married a wealthy business women named Khadija. • When he was 40 he is said to have heard the voice of the angel Gabriel tell him to “proclaim” the message of God. • Convinced by his wife to take up the call Muhammad devoted the rest of his life to spreading Islam. There won’t be a picture here because it is STRICKLY forbidden to have any representations of the Prophet Muhammad.

6. Early Islam • Meccan merchants were angered by Muhammad and feared his new prophecies would disrupt trade. • Muhammad was forced to leave Mecca and went to Yathrib(modern day Medina)to spread his message. This journey is known as the hijrah. • In Medina, Muhammad gained many converts to Islam. • After eight years Muhammad returned to Mecca with an army, took the city, and destroyed the idols in the Kaaba.

7. The Message of Islam • Islam means ‘submission’ • Muslim means ‘one who submits to God’ • Muslims believe in one God known as Allah. • The Quran is the holy book of Islam. • Muslims believe people are responsible for their actions and that their will be a judgment day. • Muslims have no priests or mediators between God and the people.

8. The Five Pillars of Islam • These are the five basic duties accepted by all Muslims: • 1. Declaration of faith: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his prophet.” • 2. Prayer: Five times a day facing toward Mecca, usually at a mosque or house of worship • 3. Giving Alms: Giving to the poor and needy • 4. Fasting: 1 month a year called Ramadan. • 5. Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca (once in your lifetime)

9. The Quran • Muslims believe the Quran contains the word of God as revealed to Muhammad. • It is the final authority on all matters, including how to live your life ethically, honestly, and generously. • Muslims also believe the only true Quran is written in Arabic, therefore all converts learn Arabic.

10. The Sharia • This is the name of the Islamic law code. • It regulates moral conduct, government, family life, business practices, and other aspects of Muslim life. • This law code does not separate religion from criminal and civil law. • This makes Islam not only a religion, but also a way of life.

11. People of the Book • To Muslims, Jews and Christians are seen as ‘People of the Book’ • Jews and Christians enjoyed religious freedom in early Muslim society. • Muslims also believe the Torah and the Bible have partial revelations from God but that the Quran is his final revelation. • Muslims, Jews, and Christians all: • Believe in the same God • Recognize prophets such as Abraham, Moses, and Jesus • Believe in heaven, hell, and a judgment day.

12. The Women of Islam • Islam gives spiritual equality to women and men • In early Islamic society women were given the right to inherit property, get an education, and in some cases get a divorce. • However, in society men and women have very separate roles and status. • Over time Muslims adopted Persian and Byzantine practices of veiling women and keeping them in one part of the home. • Today the veiling and seclusion varies significantly depending on a woman’s social class and what country she lives in.