Download NoteSheet 10.2 - Reeths

NoteSheet 10.2
Islam Expands
(pg. 269)
1. Why will Muhammad’s death cause
problems?
• After the death of any great ruler who do you turn to?
• The Muslim community had difficulty maintaining a
unified rule
• A civil war started in 656 after the murder of Uthman
• Muhammad’s cousin (and son-in-law) was a good
choice, but was challenged
• The Umayyads came to power
– Moved capital
– Surrounded themselves with wealth
2. How does Islam spread throughout
the Arabian Peninsula and beyond?
• Muhammad expressed a desire to spread Islam to the north so after
his death
• Muslims conquered people of the north
• Saw their victories as a sign of success
• Muslims fought to defend Islam and were willing to struggle to extend
its word
• Muslim armies were well disciplined and expertly trained
• And of course trade as always
3. What are the basic differences
between the Sunni and Shi’a Muslims?
• Sunni
• Believe that the first
four caliphs were
“rightly guided”
• Believe that Muslim
rulers should follow
the Sunna, or
Muhammad’s example
• Claim that the Shi’a
have distorted the
meaning of various
passages in the Qur’an
• Shi’a
• Believe that Ali, the
Prophet’s son-in-law,
should have succeeded
Muhammad
• Believe that all Muslim
rulers should be
descended from
Muhammad; do not
recognize the authority
of the Sunna
• Claim that the Sunni
have distorted the
meaning of various
passages in the Qur’an
Words of the Section
• Sunni
– Followers of Muhammad’s example
• Shi’a
– Believed that successors should be descendants of
Muhammad