Challenges and Trade in Arabian Deserts - Mr. Hernandez's World History

1. Chapter Three: the Rise of islam Mr. Hernandez World History Miraleste Intermediate School

2. Quick Write #6: sand castles What possible challenges might people face by living in such a severe environment?

3. Geography and life in Arabia • A Desert Land • Intense heat, lack of water, barren lands • People have lived here for thousands of years!

4. Geography and life in Arabia • A Crossroads Location • Near the intersection of three continents • Many trade routes passing through the region • Routes on land and along the coasts of the peninsula • Many different groups passed through Arabia • Brought goods, cultural influences and ideas

5. Geography and life in Arabia • Physical Features • Rub’al-Khali Desert covers most of Southern Arabia • Means “Empty Quarter” • Sand Dunes – hills of sand shaped by the wind • Oasis – wet, fertile area in the desert • Formed by underground water bubbles • Mountains and marshlands

6. Geography and life in Arabia Nomads Townspeople Led a sedentary lifestyle Settled people in oases Farming opportunities These settlements often became towns Craftspeople and merchants lived in these towns Worked with the caravan trade Caravan – a group of traders that traveled together • Traveled with their herds of animals across the desert along the trade routes • Sheep, goats, and camels • Tents and camels belonged to individuals • Water and grazing land belonged to tribes • Tribes also offered protection from the perils of the desert

7. Geography and life in Arabia • Trade Centers • Towns became centers of trade for both nomads and townspeople • Many towns had a souk, - a market or a bazaar • Like, totally think of a mall! • In the souk, nomads traded animal products and desert herbs for other goods like cooking spices and clothing • Merchants sold spices, gold leather, and other goods sold by caravans • Arabian towns along trade routes helped to link India with Northeast Africa and the Mediterranean • Connected the Arabs with other groups from around the world

8. Origins of Islam Chapter Two: The Rise of Islam

9. The origins of islam • MUHAMMAD BECOMES A PROPHET • Muhammad’s Early Life • Brought a new religion to Arabia • Monotheism (one god) vs. Polytheism (many gods) • Born into an important family in Mecca around 570 • Important family • After his parents died early in his life, Muhammad was raised by his uncle • They traveled to places like Syria and Jerusalem • In adulthood, he married his wife, Khadijah

10. The origins of islam • A Message for Muhammad • Mecca was a rich city full of trade and commerce (trade/business) • Traditionally the wealthy helped the poor • As Muhammad grew, those values began to change • He worried about these changes in Mecca’s society • While praying in a cave, an angel appeared to Muhammad and tells him to spread the word of God (AD 610) • More messages from God came to Muhammad and he told others (AD 613) • These messages became the foundation for the religion of Islam • Islam – “Submit to God” • A Muslim is a follower of Islam • Messages were collected in the Qur’an – the holy book of Islam

11. The origins of islam • Muhammad’s Teachings • Many of his teachings resembled those of Judaism and Christianity • Challenged and upset the Arabian people • Belief in one God • Allah – “the God” • Like Judaism and Christianity, Islam was monotheistic • Muhammad taught of the prophets Moses, Abraham, and Jesus • Did not believe that Jesus was the son of God • Muhammad respected Jews and Christians as “people of the book” • Torah, Bible and the Qur’an taught many of the same lessons

12. The origins of islam • A Challenge to Old Ideas • Established beliefs in Arabia were polytheistic • Many Arabs did not like being told to stop worshipping their gods and goddesses • Arabian merchant leaders felt that they would not make as much money from the annual pilgrimage to theKaaba • Kaaba– very important shrine in Mecca • Muhammad preached the idea of equality whether rich or poor • The rich felt threatened by this idea • He also taught that people should give money to the poor • Because some the wealthy were greedy, they rejected Muhammad’s teachings

13. The origins of islam • Islam Spreads in Arabia • Muhammad fled Mecca for Medina with family • Meccan Leaders threatened his life, while Medina’s leaders welcomed him • Medina – “the Prophet’s city” • Muhammad’s departure from Mecca to Medina is known as the hegira

14. The origins of islam • From Medina to the Rest of Arabia • The year of the hejira (AD 622) became known as the first year of the Islamic calendar • In Medina, Muhammad became a religious and political leader • His home there became the first mosque – building for Muslim prayer

15. The origins of islam • New Revelations to Muhammad • For Muslims to face Mecca during prayer • Mecca was the home of the Kaaba • The Kaaba was a shrine used by Arabians to worship their gods and goddesses • Muslims believed the Kaaba was a shrine built by Abraham and dedicated to God

16. The origins of islam • Growth of Islam in Medina • Muslim community gained strength among regional tribes • Eventually, Mecca invited Muhammad back and accepted Islam • Kaaba was rededicated to Allah • Muhammad died in AD 632 in Medina • Islam grew far beyond Arabia

17. Chapter Three: the Rise of Islam Mr. Hernandez World History Miraleste Intermediate School

18. Islamic beliefs and Practices • The Qur’an • Muslims believe the book contains the exact words of God as it was told to Muhammad • Beliefs • Only one God – Allah • Muhammad is His prophet • Muslims MUST obey Allah’s commands as told to Muhammad • World has a definite beginning and end and Allah will pass judgment on the final day • Paradise for the righteous, suffering for the wicked

19. Islamic beliefs and Practices • Guidelines for Behavior • Describes acts of worship, morality, and rules for social life • Example: how to prepare for prayer • Relation amongst people • Slavery • Women’s rights • Jihad – “to struggle” • Inner struggle to obey God and live a proper life • Defend the Muslim community • Convert others to Islam • “Holy War”

20. Islamic beliefs and Practices • The Sunnah • Written record of Muhammad’s word and actions • Refers to the way Muhammad lived, which provides a model for the duties and the way of life expected of Muslims

21. Islamic beliefs and Practices • The Five Pillars of Islam • Saying “There is no god but God, and Muhammad is his prophet • Praying five times a day • Giving to the poor and the needy • Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan • Traveling to Mecca at least once in a lifetime on a hajj

22. Islamic beliefs and Practices • Islamic Law • The Qur’an and the Sunnah help to form Islamic Law • System that judges the righteousness of actions • Sets rewards and punishments for crimes • Basis for laws in Muslims countries until modern times • Blend Islamic law with Western legal systems

23. Quick Write #7: Religious Reflections • How is Islam similar to the religion that you practice? How is it different? • If you are Muslim, how is Islam similar to Christianity or Judaism? How is it different? • If you are agnostic, think about all three religions and compare and contrast two of them.