Building a Muslim Empire Chapter 10 Section 2
Building a Muslim Empire Chapter 10 Section 2
Objectives: • Understand early challenges to Islam • Identify the differences between Sunnis and Shiites • Understand rule under Umayyad (oo. MYad) caliphs
Muhammad Dies • • Problem - no successor Abu Bakr: Muhammad’s father in law Caliph: successor to Muhammad Problem - some withdrew loyalty to Islam – (only loyal to Muhammad)
Early Victories • Arabs Unite • Under first four caliphs: • Conquer: – Byzantines: • Syria • Palestine • Cities: Damascus and Jerusalem – Persians: • Entire empire (eventually Egypt)
Divisions Emerge • Shiites (SHEE yt) • Followers of Ali (son-in law of Muhammad( • Imams: – True successors = descendants of Ali and Muhammad – Similar to priests
Divisions Emerge (continued) • Sunnis (SOO nee) – Caliph-political leader • No divine functions – Custom of community – 90% of Muslims
Sunnis and Shiites (pgs 311 -312) • Create a Venn Diagram depicting the similarities between Sunni and Shiites Sufis:
Umayyad Caliphs • Umayyad (oo. MYad) –Dynasty of Sunni caliphs ruled until 750 A. D. • Capital: Damascus, Syria
Reasons for Muslim Success • Why victorious? – Weakness of Byzantine and Persian Empires • Arabs as liberators – Fighting methods • Bedouin camel • Camel cavalry – Belief in Islam
Conquered People Treated Fairly • Special tax on non-Muslims – Tolerant of other religions (People of the Books) • No religious hierarchy
Decline… • • Desert to city life Tribal leaders to kings Rely on local officials Economic tensions – Wealthy vs. poor • Shiites see them as illegitimate rulers
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