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Explore the life of Prophet Muhammad, the rise of Islam, and its key pillars. Discover the history, teachings, and significance of Islam in the Middle East.
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The crossroads of 3 continents • Trade • Invasion • Cultural diffusion
Resources of the Middle East • Textiles • Metals • Water • Oil • Natural Gas
The Arabs • Arabs are Semitic-speaking nomadic peoples living on the Arabian Peninsula • Sheikhs are Arabs leaders elected by the village council of elders • Worked as farmers and sheep herders • Polytheistic beliefs with Allah being the supreme god • Arabian Peninsula = more important when trade routes shifted to area due to dangers in Egypt and Mesopotamia which allowed the area to prosper!
Important Cities • Mecca • Medina • Jerusalem: home of sites holy to Jews, Christians, and Muslims
Personal Information • Born in Mecca, 570 CE • Father died before birth and his mother died at age 6 • Raised by grandfather and then uncle • Worked as a shepherd and trader
Personal Information • Called al-Amin meaning “the trustworthy man” • Became a caravan trader with the Bedouins (leading group) • Married widow Khadija at age 25 (she had employed him)
The Prophecy • Muhammad is frustrated by lack of charity and false worship in his community so he goes to meditate… • 610 CE –the angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad and proclaimed him to be the messenger of god while meditating • Muhammad began to preach to a small group including his wife
Muhammad • Muhammad preached Islam (“peace through surrender to God”) to his followers • Monotheistic faith • Conflicted with priests and wealthy traders in Mecca
The Hijra • 622 CE - Muhammad was forced to leave Mecca (life threatened) • Welcomed in Medina • 630 CE - returns to Mecca with army • Destroys icons in the Kaaba except the Black Stone
Muhammad • Mecca becomes spiritual center of Islam • Muhammad died in 632 CE • Succeeded as Islamic leader by his father in law Abu Bakr
The Koran or Qu’ran • Holy book of Islam • Written down after Mohammad’s death • Means “recite”
1. Shahada Faith: “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet”
2. Salaat Prayer: said five times each day, facing Mecca, in Arabic
3. Zakat Charity: Give to those in need and in turn receive purity and growth Creates an economic balance in Islamic society – in theory no overly poor and/or starving population
4. Ramadan Fasting: no food, drink, or sexual relations during this month from sun up to sundown It brings self-purification and discipline to the individual
5. Haj A pilgrimage to Mecca that every Muslim should attempt once in his or her lifetime (as long as he/she is physically and financially able to make the trip)
Islam.. • Religion is a way of life • Role of women • Islamic Law = shari’ah