Middle Ages: Islam

Middle Ages: Islam

Warm-Up

1. How did the fall of the Roman Empire lead to the Middle Ages?2. Who can Europeans turn to for leadership and structure in the Middle Ages?3. Why was feudalism and manorialism necessary?Discussion Questions1. How does Islam compare and contrast to Judaism and Christianity?2. Compare and contrast Europe under Moorish rule with the rest of Europe.Islam Holy BookIslam is a monotheistic religion based on the teachings of the Quran (Koran), the religions holy book.

Islam Follows Muhammad

Followers of Islam, known as Muslims, believe that God revealed these teachings to the prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel around A.D. 600.

Islam In relation to Jews and ChristiansIslam teaches that there is only one God the same God of Jews and Christians.In Arabic, God is called Allah.Muslims also believe in the prophets of Judaism and Christianity.

Islam Relationship with Jews and Christians

Muslims traditionally refer to Christians and Jews as people of the book.That is because Christians and Jews have received divine revelations from scriptures in the Bible.

Muslim Beliefs

Muslims show their devotion by performing acts of worship known as the Five Pillars of Islam.These include faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and a pilgrimage to Mecca, a holy city.

Muslim PrayerFive times a day dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and evening Muslims face towards Mecca to pray.Muslims stop what they are doing when they hear the call to prayer.Everything comes to a halt even traffic.

Muslims Enter Europe

Moors, Muslim peoples from North Africa, took control of the southern Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal).Muslims Improve EuropeMoorish rulers brought a more advanced culture to medieval Europe.Their architecture was beautiful.Muslims allowed freedom of worship to Jews and Christians.Muslim scholars made new discoveries in medicine, math, science, etc.

The Reconquista

Muslims remained on the Iberian for almost eight centuries, when groups of Christians living in northern Spain drove Moors out of the region.

This reconquering of the peninsulas is known as the reconquista.

Review1. How does Islam compare and contrast to Judaism and Christianity?2. Compare and contrast Europe under Moorish rule with the rest of Europe.

Independent ActivityThe world is facing struggles between Jews, Christians and Muslims. Take your knowledge on the monotheistic religions and Moorish influence in Europe, and come up with solutions to the world struggles.