Download Islam

Unit 5:
The rise of Islam
•First Christianity happened
then Came
ISLAM
History
•Muhammad (570 - 632) lived
in a polytheistic Arab
society
•One day, the angel Gabriel
tells him to spread the
word of God
•Muhammad teaches
monotheism
•religion is called Islam,
and followers are called
Muslims
•Muslims believe
Muhammad is the last and
greatest Prophet
•Islam spreads across
Arabian Peninsula soon
after Muhammad’s death
The Spread of Islam
Islam Spreads
•The Qur’an Prohibits Muslims
from forcing others to accept
their religion
•Muslim rulers were tolerant of
other religions
•Why did people convert to Islam?
–It was appealing
–They wouldn’t have to pay the
non-muslim tax
–You would be treated better
Islam Splits
•There is conflict under Ruling
Muslim family, the Umayyads
•Islam breaks into two main sects:
–Shi’as Opposed Umayyad Rule
–Sunnis did not oppose Umayyad
•Today, most people are Sunni
Muslim Distribution Map
Practice of Islam
•the five pillars – 5 duties
Muslims must perform to
show their acceptance of
Allah
1)Faith
•A Muslim must believe in no
god but Allah and no
prophet but Muhammad
2)Prayer
•A Muslim must pray to Allah,
facing Mecca, 5 times every
day.
3)Alms
•A Muslim must give alms, or
money for the poor, through
a tax.
4)Fasting
•A Muslim must fast during
the holy month of Ramadan.
•Muslims eat only one meal a
day, after sunset, every day
during this month.
5)Pilgrimage
•A Muslim should perform the
hajj – a trip to the holy city
of Mecca – at least once in
his or her life.