Islamic Empires Chapter 18

Why is it important to study and

understand Islam today?

Park51 – aka “Ground Zero Mosque”

Koran/Quran Burning

American Islamophobia?

European Islamophobia?

The Arab Spring

Revolution – Dec 2010◦ Rulers removed in Tunisia,

Egypt, Libia & Yemen◦ Protests: Bahrain, Syria, Algeria,

Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morroco & Sudan

Causes:◦ Absolute Monarchy◦ Political Corruption◦ Human Rights Violations◦ Economic Decline◦ Unemployment

Educated but dissatisfied youth

The Arab Spring

Arab Revolution Map

Massacre in Norway

What do you know about Islam?

Beliefs? Holy places? Holy writings? Symbols? Important people?

Place of worship? Where is it practiced? Etc…

World Map Showing the Distribution of Islam

Islam means “submission”

Monotheistic = 1 god◦ “Allah”

Prophet = Muhammad Holy book = Koran/Quran Worship place = Mosque

◦ Imam – male prayer leader Followers = Muslims

Islam – “The Basics”

5 Pillars of Faith

Internal Struggle:◦ live out the Muslim faith as

well as possible External Struggle:

◦ Obligation to build a good Muslim society

Holy war: ◦ Defense Islam, with force

if necessary

True Meaning of Jihad

"The best Jihad is the word of Justice in front of the oppressive Sultan“ – Muhammad

History of Islam

Began in Arabian Peninsula…

570 AD Muhammad Born…

At 40, Muhammad was visited by the angel Gabriel…

In Mecca, Muhammad began

to preach one god & equality…

Muhammad’s teachings upset ruling class in Mecca, so Muhammad fled to Medina (flight called “Hijirah”)…

In Medina Muhammad converted many to Islam,

this led to war w/ Mecca…

630 AD Muhammad and followers won war & returned to Mecca…

In 632 AD Muhammad died…

Islam after Muhammad

New leader called Caliph ◦ “Successor of Muhammad”

New Caliphs expanded Islamic Empire◦ India, N. Africa, and Spain

Problems…◦ Arguments o/ Caliph

Led to division of Islam 3 branches

1. Sunni◦ Majority sect – 90%◦ Believe followers of Islam chose Caliph

2. Shiite/Shiah◦ Minority sect – 10%◦ Believe Muhammad selected successor, his son-

in-law Ali Only descendents Ali rightful Caliphs

3. Sufi◦ Very, very small %◦ Believe experience god directly & live very simply

3 Branches Islam