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Islam Spreads

Islam Spreads. Caliph – successor to Muhammad Leads to division within Islam Large armies conquer territories ranging from the Middle East to Africa to Europe and older empires such as the Byzantine and Persian Empires

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Islam Spreads

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  1. Islam Spreads • Caliph – successor to Muhammad • Leads to division within Islam • Large armies conquer territories ranging from the Middle East to Africa to Europe and older empires such as the Byzantine and Persian Empires • Eventually pushed back at the battle of Tours and later removed by means of the Reconquista • The Muslim culture remained strong in Europe especially in Spain (Cordoba & Granada)

  2. Islam Spreads • Reasons for Success – • Weakness of other empires • Arab armies viewed as liberators • Better fighting methods • Common faith • Special taxes installed but generally tolerant • Religion was universal and simple • No religious hierarchy; emphasized equality of ALL believers

  3. The Divisions of Islam Shiites Sufi Sunni

  4. Shiites • Successors should be the descendants of Muhammad (Fatima & Ali). • Descendants were divinely inspired. • Admire martyrdom. • Split into faction • Iran, Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen.

  5. Sunni • Caliphs should be chosen by religious leaders. • Caliph is a leader not a religious authority. • Inspirations came from the examples of Muhammad. • Different from Shiites in terms of religious practice, law, and daily life. • 90% of Muslims are Sunni.

  6. Sufi • Muslim mystics who believed in meditation, fasting, and other rituals. • Missionary work.

  7. Umayyads • After death of Ali, Umayyads family set up a dynasty until 750. • Capital at Damascus (Syria). • Had to adapt to ruling large cities so they relied on local influences and officials which caused Cultural Diffusion. • Vast wealth led to economic tensions between the rich and poor. • Hated by the Shiites because of the death of Ali and his son. • Unrest by non-Arab converts.

  8. Abbassids • Discontent Muslims chose Abu Al-Abbas to lead. • Massacred Umayyad family and established the Abbassid Dynasty which lasted until 1258. • Ended Arab dominance – Islam became universal. • New caliph chose Baghdad as capital (exceeded Constantinople). • Islam was the religion – Arabic was the language. • “Golden Age” under Harun Al-Rashid – model ruler and symbol of wealth and splendor.

  9. Decline Started around 850 due to: • Civil Wars • Invasion by Seljuk Turks • Crusades • Mongols

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