ISLAM: Religion and Empire

1. ISLAM: Religion and Empire

2. 1- The Foundations of Islam

3. IslamAn Abrahamic Religion • Muslims are monotheists. • They believe in the Judeo- Christian God, which they callAllah. • Muslims believe that the Torah and the Bible, like the Qur’an, is the word of God. Jews, Christians and Muslims are”Peoples of the Book”

4. Abraham’s Genealogy HAGAR ABRAHAM SARAH Ishmael Isaac 12 Arabian Tribes Jacob Esau 12 Tribes of Israel

5. The Prophetic Tradition Adam Noah Abraham Moses Jesus Muhammad

6. The Origins of the Qur’an • Muhammad’s first revelation from an angel in 610. • 622 Hijrah  Muhammed flees Mecca for Medina. *The beginning of the Muslim calendar (Year 1) • Muhammad’s revelations became the Qur’an (Koran) after his death.

7. The Qur’an • Muslims believe it contains the word of God. • Written in Arabic.

8. 2- The Five Pillars of Islam

9. 1. The Shahada • The declaration of faith: There is no god except God, and Muhammad is HisProphet. 1

10. 2. The Salat • The mandatory prayers 5 times a day:* dawn* noon* late afternoon * sunset * before going to bed • Face Mecca and use a prayer rug. 2

11. 3. The Zakat • Charitable donations. • About 2.5% of your income. 3

12. 4. The Sawm • Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. • A method of self-purification. • No eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan. 4

13. 5. The Hajj • The pilgrimage to Mecca. • Must be done at least once in a Muslim’s lifetime. • 2-3 million Muslims make the pilgrimage every year. 5

14. 5. The Hajj • Those who complete the pilgrimage can add the titlehajji to their name. 5

15. The Dar al-Islam Unifying source Compare to European Catholicism The Worldof Islam 1 2 3 4 5

16. Other Islamic Religious Practices • Up to four wives allowed at once. • No alcohol or pork. • No gambling. • Sharia body of Islamic law to regulate daily living. • Three holiest cities in Islam:* Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem.

17. The Dome of the Rock Mosque in Jerusalem Mount Moriah Rockwhere Muhammad ascended into heaven.

18. Quiz Bonus Question: Why was Islam able to spread so quickly and convert so many people to the new religion?

19. As we continue, think about which reasons seem more important to you and why.

20. The Spread of Islam • Easy to learn and practice. • No priests. • Teaches equality. • Non-Muslims, who were “Peoples of the Book,” were allowed religious freedom, but paid additional taxes. • Easily “portable”  nomads & trade routes. • Jihad(“Struggle”) against pagans and other non-believers (“infidels”).

21. Problem: No successor to Muhammad They will choose a “Caliph” – Political and religious leader, successor to Muhammad

22. Sunni Muhammad left no successor Felt caliph should be chosen by Muslim leaders One is appointed from among peers Abu Bakr—Friend of Muhammad Shia Muhammad left a chosen successor Felt only true successors were blood descendents of Muhammad Ali—Son-in-law, cousin of Muhammad

23. Abu Bakr • Sunni • Leader of Umayyads • Proclaimed Caliph Ali • Shiite • Appointed new Caliph Ali is murdered

24. UmayyadDynasty

25. Abu Bakr Expands the faith Umar Brought Jerusalem under control Uthman Murdered—Causes great conflict!!! First Three Caliphs Capital moved to Damascus, Syria

26. Leaders abandon simple lifestyle Many Muslims dissatisfied Abbas – Leader of dissatisfied Muslims Allies with Shiites Revolt against Damascus Reconciliation Banquet Slaughtered Umayyads Decline and Fall

27. Abbasid 750-1258

28. New capital, ideal location Close to Persiancapital Spectacular city Economic andacademic centerof Muslim world Move to Baghdad

29. Untouchable rulers The “Shadow of God on Earth” Life of luxury Caliph Harun al-Rashid 786-809 “Golden Age of Muslims” Learning, trade, and government Civil war after Rashid’s death Courtly Excesses