Islam and the Islamic World

Muhammad’s Religion (570-632) Muhammad Was an orphan He married a wealthy

widow Became a social activist Opposed materialism in

Meccan Society At 40 had revelations was

visited by the angel Gabriel Angel brought word of God Collected in a sacred book

Qur'an (Reciting) A call to Arabs to submit

to God’s will as revealed through the “prophet”

This Religion is called Islam and its followers are called Muslims Both indicate submission

and surrender His message was not new

but final and definitive He was the last of the

prophets that God would send

A monotheistic and Theo-centric religion (like Judaism)

Continued… 622 AD –Muhammad and followers made to

flee Mecca After turning it into a trade center they fled to

Medina Marks the beginning of the Islamic migration

624 AD – His army is powerful enough to persuade Mecca to submit to his authority Cleansed the Kaaba of idols and made it an

Islamic shrine.

Rules1. Be honest and modest in dealings and behavior

2. Be unquestionably loyal to the Islamic Community

3. Abstain from pork and alcohol

4. Pray facing Mecca five times a day

5. Contribute to support the poor and needy

6. Fast during daylight hours for one month each year

7. Make a pilgrimage to the Kaaba at least once in your life

Muslim Marriages

Muslim men could have four wives

*Treat them all justly and equally

*Could have as many concubines as they wished

*Could divorce with declaration of intent

*Wife could also initiate but procedure more involved

*Only a husband could see her face

Islamic Diversity

Successful in unifying Arab tribes Disputes on who was going to succeed in

Muhammad’s authority Disputes on doctrinal issues (was it only for Arabs?) Kharijutes: Ali leader wanted to exclude all but

rigorous and pure Was assassinated by a member

Shi `a: “Partisans of Ali” was more influential A true Imam (ruler) should make decisions

Sunnis: Followers of Sunna (tradition) Put loyalty first Reject exclusionism and purism of the Kharijutes and

Shi`a.

Islamic Empires Muhammad’s 1st three successors

Caliphs: Abu Bakr (632-634) Umar (634-644) Uthaman (644-656)

Built a strong empire stretching from Spain to India 750 – Capitol moved from Mecca to Damascus in a

civil war Established Baghdad as a major Islamic city Arabs gained Christian converts in N. Africa and Spain. Charles Martel—Ruler of the Franks

Defeated a Arab raiding party at Portieres This ended Arab attempts to enter Europe by way of Spain

Leo III ---Kept Muslims out of Eastern Europe at Constantinople Muslim Expansion again threatened when Constantinople fell to

the Ottoman Turks Europe.

Western Debt to Islamic Culture Christians were hostile to Muslims

But learned about many technologies from them Made philosophy and science as well as works of

Greeks available to West, in Latin translation. Created manuals for childbirth and child care that many

western mid-wives used Multilingual Jewish scholars were able to create

bridges