After the Death of Mohammad…Now What?

1. Muslims had a problem: Who would be their leader? Muhammad had not named the next leader. Should anyone succeed him at all? After all, he was the last Prophet of God. A new leader might be thought to be claiming a similar position Some tribes said they had sword to obey Muhammad. Now that he was dead, they said they were released from their oath and free to give up Islam. After the Death of Mohammad…Now What?

2. Should they choose a new leader? If so, who should they choose: Muhammad’s closest advisor and friend, the best soldier, the oldest Muslim, the person who had been a Muslim for the longest time, someone else? How could they convince the desert tribes that Islam was alive and well even though Muhammad had died? Stop and Discuss

3. Abu Bakr Ali • Mohammad’s closest friend • Serious and faithful follower of Islam • Great military leader—crucial to the success of the Muslims in the early battles against the Meccans • Liked by many • Mohammad’s Cousin • Married to Mohammad’s Daughter • Mohammad’s first convert to Islam—often helped with religious leadership of the Muslim community • Liked by many Discuss Your two Options : Who would you pick?

4. Abu Bakr Ali • Supports the idea of freedom and choice for people • Supports traditional Bedouin concepts of leadership—strongest and most capable • Military power will be necessary to deal with the tribes or else Islam might not even survive • Supports the idea that Islam isn’t only about power—it is about faith. You must factor in Allah’s will. How? • Mohammad was chosen by God as the last in a long line of prophets. All were linked through birth and family ties. As Mohammad’s cousin, Ali demonstrates the continuation of God’s plan through specially appointed people Pros for Each…

5. Small group of Muslim leaders and companions of Muhammad choose Abu Bakr to be their leader Name him a Caliph which means “successor” Makes it clear he is not a religious leader—more of a political and social leader. Religious decisions would be made by searching the Quran and the examples of the Prophet for answers. What Happens?

6. Is this a good system? What do you predict with happen? Stop and Discuss

7. Because the Quran and Mohammad’s example didn’t cover every scenario, many questions came up that were hard to answer. After the death of Mohammad’s companions it was even harder. Islamic scholars began to study, interpret the texts, and create rulings for the Muslim community. These were written down and became the basis for future decisions. This is known as Sharia Law. As time went on, the Caliph’s became more political leaders and the Islamic Scholars became the religious leaders What About Problems the Quran didn’t cover?

8. Because these ‘rulings’ came from men and not Allah, they were open to interpretation. • This often led to disagreements or splits within the Muslim Community. • Still seen today • Supporters of Abu Bakr= Sunni Muslims • Supporters of Ali= Shi’a Muslims (Shi’ites) • LOTS of variety in Muslim practices although all follow the basic tenants (5 Pillars) How can this cause problems?

10. Today: Many people try to talk about “Muslim goals” or “Muslim beliefs” as if they are all the same. They are not. In history: Conflict between Muslims even from the beginning bloody times in the Islamic Empire Stop and Discuss: Why do you think many people today talk about Muslims like they are all the same? Why is this Important?

11. Rashidun Caliphate632-661 AD, Capital: MedinaFirst 4 Caliphs: elected, Close ties to the prophet, religious focus, unites arab tribes

12. Why were the Muslims so successful? Stop and Think…

13. Brave, experienced fighters United: When they were divided—no threat to anyone, united—very powerful force Discipline of the Muslim faith—created unity, community, and soldiers willing to cooperate and take orders Believed Allah was on their side, if they died fighting for Islam they would go to Paradise Neighbors: Byzantine and Persian Empires had been fighting each other—left them weak to invading Muslims Many people living under Byzantine and Persian Empires hated them—saw Muslims as liberators More territory  more wealth  more pay for soldiers  more willing to fight  more territory Why were the Arabs so Successful?

14. Examine the handout with primary sources about Muslim warfare. • Discuss the questions with your table • Examine the map that shows Muslim expansion • Number the Muslims battles according to chronological order • Discuss the questions with your tabl Stop and Look

16. Umayyad Caliphate661-750, Capital: DamascusFocus: Expansion, Eventually becomes dynastic rule

17. Take power after assassination of Ali Move the Capital Divide the territory into provinces, appoint government and religious officials Some Umayyad rulers good, others very corrupt Growing unhappiness with their leadership Many rebellions, assassinations and civil wars History isn’t kind to the Umayyads How does the Umayyad Family rule?

18. Abbasid Caliphate750-1258 AdKnown For: Islam’s Golden Age

19. There is growing discontent with the Umayyads—strayed far from Mohammad’s teachings Rebel army forms gaining many supporters—led by Abbas Rebels are victorious in multiple battles Meanwhile…in Damascus, the uncle of Abbas invites 80 Umayyad princes to a banquet pretending to make peace. Then, calls in the executioners and kills them all. How do the Abbasids take power?

20. Stop and Discuss: Which would you choose? Should the Abbasids move the Capital?

21. Move the Capital to Baghdad and create a brand new center of Islamic power Hadith: “the ink of a scholar is more holy than the blood of a martyr”—focus on knowledge and peace, not war Focus on trade and prosperity Leads to Golden Age (until Mongols invade in 1258) How do the Abbasids Rule?

22. Stop and Look: Examine the primary sources about how religion in the Muslim Empire and how Muslim’s ruled other types of believers. After looking at the sources, discuss the questions with your table. Were the Muslims Tolerant?