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Islam Expands
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Islam Expands
In spite of internal
conflicts, the
Muslims create a
huge empire that
includes land on
three continents.
Vocabulary
Khalifa (caliph) Highest political and
religious leader in a Muslim government
Umayya Dynasty that ruled the Muslim
Empire from A.D. 661 to 750
Shi’a Branch of Islam whose members
believe the first four caliphs are the rightful
successors of Muhammad
Sunni Branch of Islam whose members
believe Ali and his descendants are the
rightful successors of Muhammad
Vocabulary
Sufi Muslim who tries to achieve direct
contact with God
Abbasi Dynasty that ruled much of the
Muslim Empire from A.D. 750 to 1258
al-Andalus Muslim-ruled area in what is
now Spain
Fatimi Member of a Muslim dynasty that
traced its ancestry to Muhammad’s
daughter Fatima
Muhammad’s Successors
Spread Islam
A New Leader
– In 632 Muhammad dies; Muslims elect AbuBakr to be the first Khalifa (caliph) .
– Khalifa (Caliph)—title for a Muslim leader—
means “successor” or “deputy.
Muhammad’s Successors
Spread Islam
“Rightly Guided” Khalifa (Caliph)
– The first four Caliphs are guided by the Quran
and Muhammad’s actions.
– Jihad—an armed struggle against
unbelievers—is used to expand Islam.
– Muslims control all of Arabia, and armies
conquer Syria and lower Egypt.
– By 750, the Muslim empire stretches from the
Atlantic Ocean to the Indus River.
Muhammad’s Successors
Spread Islam
Reasons for Success
– Muslim armies are well disciplined and
expertly commanded.
– Byzantine and Sassani empires are weak
from previous conflict.
– Persecuted citizens of these empires
welcome Islam.
– People are attracted to Islam’s offer of
equality and hope.
Muhammad’s Successors
Spread Islam
Treatment of Conquered Peoples
– Muslim invaders tolerate other religions.
– Christians and Jews receive special
consideration as “people of the book.”
From 632 to
750, highly
mobile troops
mounted on
camels were
successful in
conquering lands
in the name of
Allah.
Internal Conflict Creates a
Crisis
Rise of Benu Umayya
– Struggles for power end the elective system
of choosing a caliph
– A wealthy family, the Umayya, take power and
move the capital to Damascus.
Internal Conflict Creates a
Crisis
Sunni—Shi’a Split
– Shi’a “party” of Ali—Claim the Khalifa should
be a descendant of Muhammad.
– Sunni followed Benu Umayya, willingly and
unwillingly.
– Sufi followers pursue life of poverty and
spirituality. They reject the Umayya rule.
– In 750, a rebel group—the Abbasi—topple the
Umayya.
Control Extends Over ThreeContinents
Fall of the Umayya
The Abbasi destroy Umayya dynasty; one
prince escapes, Abd al-Rahman
– He flees to Spain and establishes the Umayya
caliphate in al-Andalus.
– al-Andalus is a Muslim state in southern
Spain settled by North Africans.
Control Extends Over ThreeContinents
Abbasi Consolidate Power
– In 762, Abbasi move Muslim capital from
Damascus to Baghdad.
– Location provides access to trade goods,
gold, and information.
– Abbasi develop a strong bureaucracy to
manage empire.
Control Extends Over ThreeContinents
Rival Groups Divide Muslim Lands
– Independent Muslim states spring up; Shi’a
Muslims form new caliphate
– Fatimi caliphate—claim descent from Fatima,
daughter of Muhammad.
– The Fatimi caliphate begins in North Africa
and spreads to the Red Sea, western Arabia,
and Syria.
Control Extends Over ThreeContinents
Muslim Trade Network
– Muslims trade by land and sea with Asia and
Europe
– Muslim merchants use Arabic, single
currency, and checks.
– Cordoba, in al-Andalus, is a dazzling center of
Muslim culture.
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