Locating the Origins and Development of Islam Locating

Locating the Origins and Development of Islam

Locating Islam • Islam originated in the Arabian Peninsula around the 7 Century CE (600 -630 CE) • The people who inhabited this area were known as Arabs (desert-dwellers) • Islam is Arabic for “surrender” • The city of Mecca is considered the birthplace and holiest city of Islam • This is where Muhammad, the founder of Islam was born

The Origins of Islam • Muhammad is considered the founder and greatest prophet of Islam • His followers became known as Muslims • Allah (Arabic for “the sole god”) revealed his message to Muhammad through the archangel Gabriel • Allah’s revelation unto Muhammad is the basis of the Qur’an (Koran) the sacred text of Islam • The Qur’an is seen as the final revelation of god and Muhammad as the last prophet • Muhammad is considered the last prophet in a great line of prophets that include Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, etc.

The Origins of Islam • Muslims practice the monotheism of Abraham • Their roots are traced back to Abraham and his son Ishmael • The teachings of Muhammad were not welcomed in his hometown of Mecca and he was exiled • He fled to the city of Medina where the religion was accepted and began to take shape • In Medina the first mosque’s were built (mosque=place of worship in Islam) • Around 632 CE, Muhammad died (or ascended to heaven), which marked the beginning of the Arab/Muslim Empire

The Five Pillars of Islam • The Five Pillars of Islam are obligatory acts (guidelines) for all believers 1. Declaration of Faith (Testimony) • The Shahadah—there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger 2. Prayer • Five times a day facing the Kaaba in the city of Mecca 3. Alms-giving/Charity • Considered a religious obligation for those who can afford it 4. Fasting during Ramadhan • Ramadhan is the holiest month in Islam—no food, water, or sex during daylight 5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (The Hajj) • If able every Muslim must make once in their life

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The Development of the Muslim Empire and the Spread of Islam

Development and Spread of the Muslim Empire • After Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, disagreement broke out over his successor • Abu Bakr (friend of Muhammad) was made the first caliph (kalifa)—formal title for the Muslim leader • This marked the beginning of the Muslim Empire and the expansion of Islam • Shortly after Muhammad’s death, Islam spread across Asia, Northern Africa, and into Spain

Development and Spread of the Muslim Empire • Early on Islam spread through trade routes between Mecca and Medina • But as Muslims united it spread through military conquests • The spread of Islam into the Fertile Crescent was aided by weak Byzantine and Persian Empires • Along with the spreading of their religious beliefs, Muslims also spread the Arabic Language • Which is the dominant language of the Middle-East today

Development and Spread of the Muslim Empire • Perhaps must impressive is that Islam spread despite not only the great distances but also the hostile desert and mountainous terrain • The Muslim Empire grew and expanded rapidly in a very short period of time (roughly 40 years) • The unity of the first Muslim Empire however, was short lived • Disagreement over Muslim leadership would lead to the Muslim Schism (Sunni-Shi’a split) which still divides Muslim’s today