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The History of Islam 570-1258 Background • Islam: One of the world’s great religions – Birth place: Middle East on the Arabian Peninsula, • Important cities: Mecca and Medina Medina Mecca Founder • Muhammed – – – – Born in Mecca, AD 570 Raised by uncle, became a trader Married, age 25 to Khadija (AD 595) Age 40, had a vision • Told by angel to preach monotheism to Arabians • Became the Prophet – AD 622, forced to leave Mecca, went to Yathrib (Medina) = Hegira (flight) – AD 630, returned and conquered Mecca with an army • Dedicated the Kaaba, sacred shrine, to the one God, Allah – 632, Muhammed died • Islam had spread across entire Arabian Peninsula Beliefs • 5 Pillars: – Belief in one God, Allah and Muhammed, his prophet – Prayer, 5 times per day – Charity – Fast during Ramadan – Hajj, pilgrimage to Mecca – **Jihad, struggle for faith • Also “Holy War” Beliefs/Practices • Other items – Islam means “submission” – Muslim is one who “submits” – So, the religion is called Islam. A follower of Islam is called a Muslim. Beliefs/Practices • Mosque: Islamic place of worship – Unique feature: Minarets: towers, used for “call to prayer” Beliefs/Practices • Koran: Islamic holy book – Some similar stories to the Bible – Noah, Moses – Jesus, a prophet Beliefs/Practices • The Kaaba: – Ancient shrine Muslims believe was built by the Prophet Abraham – Used to worship “many gods” before Islam. History • 661, Islam split into two branches: – Sunni: Any devout Muslim could be “Caliph” – Shia: Only descendants of Muhammed could be “caliph” • Caliph: successor of prophet, leader • Ummayyad Dynasty: 661-750 • Abbassid Dynasty: 750-1258 • Spread of Islam: – 661: All of Middle east – 732: Across North Africa – After 800’s, even further spread of Islam Spread of Islam Reason for Success • Arab armies were united by their beliefs – Warriors who died in service of Islam won a place in paradise – Riches to be during conquest of lands • Jihad also motivated soldiers – Protecting the religion- holy lands or people