Download Section 2: Building A Muslim Empire.

Chapter 10

Successor to Muhammad
 In 632 Abu Bakr became the first Caliph.
▪ United all Arab tribes as Muslims.
 Once united the Muslims defeated the Persians.
▪ And Parts of the Byzantine empire.

Issues arise.
 After Muhammad’s Death issues arose between
Sunni and Shiite Muslims.

Shiites
 Believe that Muhammad’s successors must be
descendants of his son-in-law, Ali
 They should also be religious leaders and interpret
the Quran.

Sunnis
 Believe that male Muslims from Muhammad’s
tribe can lead without performing religious
functions.

Today
 About 90% of Muslims are Sunni.
 Both groups believe in the same God, the Quran,
and the five pillars of Islam.
 They differ in religious practices, laws, and rules
about daily life.
 A third group the Sufis, meditate and fast to gain
communion with God.

Sunni Umayyad
 In the 700’s, a powerful clan set up the Sunni
Umayyad caliphate.
 They directed conquest that extended the Muslim
empire.
▪ From Spain to the Indus River Valley.
 The empire last until 750.
 They imposed a special tax on non-Muslims.
▪ But Jews, Christians, and Zoroastrians could still
worship.

Sunni Umayyad Cont.
 Later they faced economic tensions and
opposition from those that did not have same
privileges as Muslims.
 After Capturing Damascus in 750.
▪ Strong support from Shiites and non-Arabs, Abu alAbbas founded the Abbasid dynasty.

Abbasid Dynasty
 Ended conquest.
 Supported Education and learning.
 Enjoyed a golden age with a more efficient
government .
 Capital was in Baghdad.
 Mosques with minarets graced the cities.
 Markets sold good from afar.

Separate State
 In Spain the Umayyads established a separate
state.
 Muslims ruled parts of Spain until 1492.
 Were tolerant of other religions, supported
scholars, and constructed grand buildings.

Empires Decline
 As the empire declined, independent dynasties
took over.
 Seljuk Turks gained power and their sultan
controlled Baghdad by 1055.
▪ Kept the Abbasid caliph as a figurehead.
 In 1216 the Mongols attacked across SW Asia.
▪ Burned Baghdad in 1258 ending the Abbasid dynasty.