Download 10.2 The Spread of Islam

10.2
The Spread of Islam
Forging a religious empire
despite internal conflict.
Muhammad’s Successors
 After Muhammad’s death in 632, AbuBakr becomes the 1st caliph or
successor/deputy to the head of Islam.
 The reign of a caliph was known as a
caliphate.
 Example: Caliph Abu-Bakr
• During caliphate of Abu-Bakr, there were many
uprisings that were quickly subdued (put down).
“Rightly Guided” Caliphs
 Called “rightly guided” because they used
the Qur’an and Muhammad’s actions as
guides.
 Used military force to stop rebellions
within Islam and eventually use armies to
spread Islam to Syria and lower Egypt
 Muslims see military victories as a sign of
Allah’s support of Islam.
Islam Conquers Empires
 Byzantine and Persian Empires fall
because of
– Weakness
– Religious persecution
– Those persecuted welcomed invaders
Treatment of Conquered Peoples
 Many people attracted by Islam’s message
and accept Islam.
 Qur’an forbids forced conversion so, many
retain their own religions, but had to pay a
poll tax so they don’t have to serve in the
army.
 Christians and Jews can practice, but not
spread their religions.
Internal Conflict ~ Crisis
 Uthman and Ali assassinated and the
system of choosing a caliph is gone.
 Umayyads – family that gains power of
caliphs and move Muslim capital.
 Unpopular:
– Move capital from Mecca to Damascus - too
far from Muslim homeland
– Abandon simple life for life of luxury
The Sunni and the Shi’a Split
 Shi’a – The party or followers of the
Prophet Muhammad:
– Caliph must be a relative of Muhammad
 Sunni – Believe that the first four caliphs
(not related to Muhammad) are rightful
successors to Islam.
– Caliph must follow Muhammad’s example
 Blue – Sunni
 Green – Shi’a
Conflicts “Resolve”
 Abbasids overthrow
Umayyads in 750
 Prince Abd alRahman escapes to
Spain to help form
Muslim state in Spain.
– “rock” Jabal Tariq ~
Gibraltar
Conflicts “Resolve” cont...
 Abbasids move capital to Baghdad.
 Muslim empire flourishes
 Abbasid caliphate lasts 750-1258
 Rival groups split Muslim lands
– Fatmid Dynasty – named after Fatima
(Muhammad’s daughter)
– Empire breaks up as independent states gain
independence
Muslim Trade
 Oceans enable trade – Med & Indian
 Land enables trade – Silk Roads link China
and India to Europe and Africa
 Muslim merchants need unity:
– Language: Arabic
– Currency ($): Dinar
– Banks create sakks – pronounced “check”
Sunni & Shi’a: Religious SECTS
Sectarian Violence