II Islam Expands Muslim in America A Successors

II. Islam Expands

Muslim in America

A. Successors Spread Islam • Similar to Christians, Muslims believe that it is their duty to spread their religion • 632 – Muhammad dies without a successor • Abu-Bakr – Is elected as the first caliph or successor of Muhammad

B. Conquest Spreads Islam • Jihad – The act of ultimate self control – Holy war where if Muslims die they are guaranteed to go to heaven • 634 – Muslims are able to overtake all of Arabia • 750 – Muslim rule stretches 6, 000 miles from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indus River

C. Reasons for Success • Muslims believed that their military victories proved that Allah was on their side • Muslim army was well disciplined and had excellent commanders • Persecuted people often accept Islam because it offered equality and hope in this world

D. Conquered Peoples • Qur’an forbids forced conversion • People conquered by Muslims were allowed to keep their religion • “People of the Book” were to be treated with respect • Nonbelievers were allowed to live in Muslim land if they paid religious tax

E. Split within Islam • Shi’a – Believe that the caliph needs to be a direct descendant of Muhammad • 16% - Of today’s Muslims • Tend to be more radical or traditional with their beliefs

• Sunni – Means followers of Muhammad’s example • Caliph does not need to be related to Muhammad • 83% - Of today’s Muslims

G. Muslims Conquer Spain • Moors – Muslims who took control of Spain during the 700 s • Battle of Tours – Charles Martel prevents Muslims from taking over France (732) • Would control Spain for over 700 years • 1492 – The Moors were driven out of Spain

Inside of a Spanish Mosque