Download History of Islam and Divisions

Muhammad in Madinah
 Madinah is sometimes called al-Madinah which means “the city
of the prophet”
 Muhammad was able to build a large community of Muslims in the
city and united them under the banner of Islam and under his
leadership
 The Quraysh of Makkah were alarmed at the growing appeal of Islam
 Muhammad managed to persuade the pagan Arabs to give up all
they cherished – their ancestral worship of their idols upon whom
they depended for their survival.
 The Quraysh were convinced that Muhammad was out to destroy
their venerated way of life.
 They felt the only solution was to annihilate Muhammad. Since all
other means of persuasion failed. This led to confrontation on the
battlefield.
 Jihad: has been translated to by some to mean “HOLY WAR”
however, a more accurate translation means “STRIVING”
meaning, Muslims are called to STRIVE to follow God’s command.
The Battles
Battle
Badr
Uhud
Synopsis
 Muhammad’s army of 313 defeats
Makkah’s army of 1000


Battle of the Trench


Makans return with an army of 3000 to
score a victory.
Despite their apparent victory, the
Makkans return home instead of
proceeding an additional 3km and
sacking Madinah
Makkans return with an army of 10, 000.
Muhammad orders his men to build a
trench around the city of Madinah.
As a result, the Makkans are unable to
take the city.
As a Result:
 These defensive battles solidified the position of Islam in Madinah.
 Muhammad’s teachings were taken into consideration by both the
people of Madinah and Makkah. Muslim conversion steadily grew.
The Caliphs
Caliph: A Successor to Muhammad.
The death of Muhammad brought confusion to the Muslim community. After his
death, the issue of leadership came to the forefront. The Prophet had been an
incredibly gifted leader – making him difficult to replace.
2 claims to Muslim leadership that surfaced immediately after Muhammad’s
death:
1) Abu-Bakr: (632- 634)
Claimed he should become the caliph as he was a close friend and
companion to Muhammad
2) Ali (656 – 661 )
He was the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law. Some believe that
Muhammad publicly acknowledge him as his successor on a trip between
Makkah and Madinah, shortly before Muhammad’s death.
 Eventually Abu Bakr was chosen over Ali, who some felt was unfit for
leadership because he was just 3o years old.
 This caused a major political rift within the Muslim community that has
lasted until the present day.
Important Contributions:
Abu Bakr:
 formed the separately written chapters of the Qu’ran into a consolidated
compilation
 Solidified his leadership and suppressed Arab tribes who saw the death of
the Prophet as an opportunity to turn against Islam.
 Continued the Muslim expansion initiated by the Prophet in the Middle
East
Ali:
 Assumed leadership of a divided Muslim community.
 Was forced to defend his rule on the battlefield against the Ummayyad
family. Marking the first time that Muslim rose against Muslim in battle.
 Was assassinated in 661.
Umar: continued expansion of Islam to Syria, Palestine, Egypt and Persia
Uthman: oversaw expansion to parts of Africa, India, and China
The first four leaders are called the “Rightly-Guided” or Rashidin. All close
companions of Muhammad. Possessed considerable knowledge of the Qu’ran,
proved themselves to be devout followers of Islam.
Divisions of Islam
Sunni:
o
o
o
o
Approx. 85% of the world’s Muslims are Sunnis
The name comes from the word SUNNA meaning, “well-trodden path”
Sunni groups were established after the Prophet’s death.
Over time they have emerged as the most influential group in Islam
Beliefs:
o They believe in building consensus within the community in order to
arrive at a just and equitable society
o Sunnis follow the traditions of the Prophet as well as the four schools of
Sunni law: Hanafi, Shafi’i, Hanabali, and Maliki
Shi’ah:
o Known as the “party of Ali”
o Shi’ahs believe that prior to the death of Muhammad, He chose Ali to be
his successor. As Ali was not chosen, it created a major division within the
Muslim community. Later these would develop into doctrinal differences
o Shi’ahs believe that, after the death of the Prophet a series of infallible
leaders called Imams were to take charge of Islam and guide the
community
o The Shi’ahs are a small but noticeable group within Islam, dominating
politics and religious life in Iran and representing a vocal minority in Iraq,
East Africa, Pakistan, and India.
Sufi:
o Derived from the Arabic word suf, means “wool” – likely named after
their clothing. Others say that sufi is derived from the word sufa which
means “purity”
o Sufism developed into a mystical philosophy of Islam
o According to the Sufi tradition, the goal is to develop spiritually, both
inwardly and outwardly, in order to discover the reality of Allah.
o Sufis emphasize sincerity and excellence, performing prayers and
meditations.