Topic Islam Expands AIM HOW DID THE MUSLIMS

Topic: Islam Expands AIM: HOW DID THE MUSLIMS EXPAND THEIR EMPIRE? ( Review Lesson)

Muhammad’s Successors Spread Islam n A New Leader • In 632 Muhammad dies; Muslims elect Abu-Bakr to be the first caliph. • Caliph—title for a Muslim leader— means “successor” or “deputy.

Muhammad’s Successors Spread Islam n “Rightly Guided” Caliphs • The first four caliphs are guided by the Qur’an and Muhammad’s actions. • Jihad—an armed struggle against unbelievers—is used to expand Islam. • Muslims control all of Arabia, and armies conquer Syria and lower Egypt. • By 750, the Muslim empire stretches from the Altantic Ocean to the Indus River.

Muhammad’s Successors Spread Islam n Reasons for Success • Muslim armies are well disciplined and expertly commanded. • Byzantine and Sassanid ( Persian)empires are weak from previous conflict. • Persecuted citizens of these empires welcome Islam. • People are attracted to Islam’s offer of equality and hope.

Muhammad’s Successors Spread Islam n Treatment of Conquered Peoples • Muslim invaders tolerate other religions. • Christians and Jews receive special consideration as “people of the book. ”

From 632 to 750, highly mobile troops mounted on camels were successful in conquering lands in the name of Allah.

Internal Conflict Creates a Crisis n Rise of the Umayyads • Struggles for power end the elective system of choosing a caliph • A wealthy family, the Umayyads, take power and move the capital to Damascus ( Syria)

Internal Conflict Creates a Crisis n Sunni—Shi’a Split • Shi’a— “party” of Ali—believe the caliph should be a descendant of Muhammad. • Sunni—followers of Muhammad’s example—supported the Umayyads. • Sufi followers pursue life of poverty and spirituality. They reject the Umayyads. • In 750, a rebel group—the Abbasids— topple the Umayyads.

Control Extends Over Three-Continents n Fall of the Umayyads • Abbasids murder Umayyad family; one prince escapes, Abd al-Rahman • He flees to Spain and establishes the Umayyad caliphate in al-Andalus. • al-Andalus is a Muslim state in southern Spain settled by North Africans.

Control Extends Over Three-Continents n Abbasids Consolidate Power • In 762, Abbasids move Muslim capital from Damascus to Bagdad( Iraq). • Location provides access to trade goods, gold, and information. • Abbasids develop a strong bureaucracy to manage empire.

Control Extends Over Three-Continents n Rival Groups Divide Muslim Lands • Independent Muslim states spring up; Shi’a Muslims form new caliphate • Fatimid caliphate—claim descent from Fatima, daughter of Muhammad. • The Fatimid caliphate begins in North Africa and spreads to the Red Sea, western Arabia, and Syria.

Control Extends Over Three-Continents n Muslim Trade Network • Muslims trade by land sea with Asia and Europe • Muslim merchants use Arabic, single currency, and checks. • Cordoba, in al-Andalus, is a dazzling center of Muslim cutlure.