Chapter 14 Islam Life of Muhammad the Prophet

Chapter 14 Islam

Life of Muhammad the Prophet • Mecca – Important, cosmopolitan interchange – Had written language, well developed government system – Inhabited by several tribes or clans • Muhammad began having mystical experiences about 610 – Visits from Archangel Gabriel – About single god – Allah – and coming Day of Judgement

Muhammad • He began preaching about visions – Local worship was based on nature deities, cult objects like the Kaba – Was forced to leave Mecca – Hijra • Fled to Medina – Gradually gained support, forced Meccan authorities to negotiate – Returned to Mecca in 630 • By time of his death, wars of holy conquest (jihad) brought most of western Arabia under Islamic control

Patterns of Belief in Islamic Doctrine • • “Islam” means “submission to God (Allah)” Qur’an – most sacred scriptures Five Pillars of Islam Simplicity of teachings was important factor in many conversions • Straightforward doctrine of salvation – Those who believed and tried to follow Muhammad’s words were rewarded in life to come – Unbelievers went to fiery Hell • Elevated but attainable moral and ethical code

Arabia in Muhammad’s Day • Many aspects of Islam derive from other religions – Judaism, Christianity • Bedouin tribes were continually at war with each other • Local animist religion coexisted with Judaism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism • Booming commerce was leading to materialistic values

Reformist Religious Message Status of Women • Pre-Muslim women’s position was poor • Muhammad tried hard to change situation and attitude • Women still not equal, but weren’t servants either • They had some rights • Their honor and welfare needed protection • Status of women was elevated

The Jihad • War for establishment of God’s law on earth • Term means “to strive” against unbelief, both internal and external • Taking part in a jihad is way of fighting Satan, is highest honor for good Muslim • Dying in jihad assures heavenly reward • Based on several aspects of Arabic culture – Bedouins were warlike people – Economic crisis due to overpopulation – people willing to risk lives for better future – Also, exhaustion and division among opponents • As result, all of Persia, most of Byzantine territory in Asia was under Muslim control

The Caliphate • Muhammad was seen as direct link to God – His community (Umma) acted under command of God – No division between religious and secular affairs – His sudden death caused crisis of leadership • First Period 632 -661 – Had to choose new leader, either close family member or someone closest to him – Umma chose Abu Bakr as first caliph – His successor Omar was real founder of early Muslim Empire – Administration had to be done on ad hoc basis – Arab Islamic theocracy

Umayyad Dynasty 661 -750 • Governor of Syria Muawiya began dynasty, changed from election of caliph to dynastic succession • Shi’ites – Significant minority within Islam – Supporters of Muhammad’s son-in-law Ali – Believed only lineal descendants of the Prophet should be caliph • Kharijites believed only Muslim free from all sin was fit to lead • Sunni – By far largest majority of Muslims – Agreed to legitimacy of caliph dynasties

Umayyad Dynasty • Minorities were always counterweight to Sunni policies • Muawiya was skillful organizer, statesman – Moved capital to Damascus – Made office of caliph more powerful – Forced tribal leaders to accept his son as successor • Umayyads continued to expand to east and west • Expansion brought unanticipated changes

Abbasid Dynasty 750 -1258 • • Caliphs who claimed descent from uncle of Muhammad Opened faith to all comers on essentially equal basis Incorporated foreign models of government Non-Arab converts made Islam into cosmopolitan, multiethnic religion and civilization • Empire was too big and diverse to survive • Gradual but severe decline • Muslim faith was strong enough to survive as religion and culture

Conversion to Islam • Islam did not force conversions • No effort made to convert peasants or urban masses – if they did convert, it was because of genuine appeal • Intermarriage between Muslim and non-Muslim strictly prohibited • Dhimmis, or “Peoples of the Book” – – – Jews, Christians, Zoroastrians Considered special because they believed in one god Not taxed as severely Had legal, business rights Could worship as they pleased Elected own community leaders

Everyday Affairs • At first, Muslims were minority almost everywhere • Dhimmi merchants, artists able to live and work without disturbance • Only Muslims could hold high office, but dhimmis could hold lesser positions • Definite social pyramid – – Umayyads: Bedouin descendants, converts Abbasids: Muslims, dhimmis, other non-Muslim freemen, slaves Each class had own rights and duties Little friction, but non-Muslims were second-class citizens – different courts of law, heavier taxes

Discussion Questions • 1. What similarities do you see in the beliefs and organization of Islam and those of Christianity? What differences exist? Why do you think followers of these two great religions have so often been in conflict? • 2. The Islamic Empire covered huge distances and encompassed many different cultures, but the “cement” of empire was its religion. What other examples of religion-based empires exist, or was this a unique situation? What might be the potential problems of maintaining an empire based on religion? Were these problems for the Muslims?