Allah Akbar La Allah Il La Allah Il
“Allah Akbar, La Allah Il, La Allah Il Allah U Mohammed Rassul Allah”
The revelations of Muhammad form the basis of the Islamic religion, a monotheistic faith. Origins of Islam • WHO? The Prophet (Muhammad) • WHERE? Mecca & Medina (early Muslim cities) on the Arabian Peninsula • HOW? Ideas and travel related to the Ka’aba
Islamic traditions and customs developed over centuries and created a distinct Muslim culture. Beliefs, Traditions, and Customs of Islam • Allah – Arabic word for “God” • Qur'an (Koran) – Arabic for “word of God” / holy book • Accepts Judeo-Christian prophets like Moses & Jesus • Five Pillars of Islam
Five Pillars of Islam • Creed (Shahada) statement of faith • Prayer (Salat) 5 times/day; facing Mecca • Alms/charity (Zakat) giving to the poor • Fasting (Sawm) abstaining from food/drink • Hajj (Hajj) holy trip to Mecca
Geographic influences on the origin and spread of Islam
Geographic influences on the origin and spread of Islam • Spread along trade routes from Mecca and Medina (diffusion) • Expanded despite great distances: – Crossed deserts and mountains • Spread into Fertile Crescent, Iran, and Central Asia, facilitated by weak Byzantine and Persian empires
Influence of geography on economic, political, and social development • Political unity of the first Muslim empire was short-lived • Arabic language spread with Islam and facilitated trade across Islamic lands • Arabic language also stimulated intellectual activity • Slavery not based on race
Major historical turning points in the spread of Islam Major historical turning points marked the spread and influence of Islamic civilization. • Death of Ali: Sunni vs. Shi’a division • Muslim conquest of Jerusalem & Damascus during the Crusades • Islamic capital moved to Baghdad • Muslims defeated at the Battle of Tours (France in 732 A. D. ) • Fall of Baghdad to the Mongols
Sects of Islam The Sunni and Shi’a (Shiites) Sunni(Shiite) (followers of Ali, Muhammad’s son-in-law) Shi’a • Approximately 90% ofof Muslims • Approximately 10% Muslims • Think Muhammad’s should be be hischosen relatives • Believed successors to successor Muhammad should by the community • Believed in an intermediary called an Imam • Those with religious authority(middle-man) should rule government too • Do not believe in intermediary between Allah and people
Successors of Muhammad • Abu Bakr is chosen as Caliph – Bakr’s advisor becomes caliph later. • To avoid civil wars of succession, each diverted attention by invading neighboring, non-Muslim nations. • Weak Persian and Byzantine empires made conquest easy.
Spread of Islam
Islamic cultural contributions and achievements Early Islamic civilization was characterized by achievements in science and the arts that transformed the Islamic world and contributed to world civilization. • Architecture: Dome of the Rock (Jerusalem) • Mosaics • Arabic alphabet - Translation of ancient texts into Arabic • Universities ﺍﻟﻰ
Science and Math Urban Life o Arabic numerals (adapted from India), includes 0 o Algebra o Medicine o Geographic Maps o Cities like Baghdad and Córdoba o Home to learning centers o Linked to other cities by trade Muslim Culture Arts and Literature o Mosaics o Koran o One Thousand One Arabian Nights Society o Four classes o Protection of women’s legal rights; o Tolerant of Christians and Jews
Islamic scientific contributions and achievements Early Islamic civilization was characterized by achievements in science and the arts that transformed the Islamic world and contributed to world civilization. • Arabic numerals (adapted from India), includes 0 • Algebra • Medicine • Expansion of geographic knowledge = maps
Dome of the Rock Kaaba in Mecca Mosaic 123456789 0 Arabic numerals Medicine Universities Arabian desert
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