Expansion and Renewal in the Islamic World

ChristianityMany African religious practices followed slaves to the Americas.

Common African religious traditions:Divination, dream interpretation, visions, spirit posession

All became part of Christianity in the New World.

Europeans perceived these practices as witchcraft or devil worship.

Blended religions still persisted (Voodoo, Santeria, etc.)

IslamContinued to spread throughout the Early Modern Era.

Islam was incorporated into local customs and religious practices.

The spread of Islam not usually a result of conflict.

Sufis- traveling Muslim holy men.

Why were Sufis able to spread Islam peacefully?

SufisThey posed no threat to local leaders.

Established informal schools.

Served as advisors to local authorities.

Acted as healers.

Did not insist that converts give up their old practices.

Diverse Spread of Islam

Practiced differently in different places.

For example: (not necessary to write)Sumatra- dietary codes enforced, women restricted from power.

Java- many women served in royal courts and as spiritual leaders.

Religious syncretism – merging of religious ideas.

How did orthodox Muslims view religious syncretism?

Orthodox MuslimsSyncretism almost always accompanied the spread of Islam.

This was offensive to orthodox Muslims.Even considered heretical.

By the 18th century, there was a movement to reform traditions in the Islamic world.

Mughal Empire, for example.

Religious wars in West Africa.

Conflict in Southeast and Central Asia.

Islamic Renewal in Arabia

Movement originated in the teachings of Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab.

He argued that problems in the Muslim world were related to deviations from pure Islam.

Weakening of the Ottoman Empire

He was particularly upset by the widespread veneration of Sufi saints.

He considered it idolatry, and disrespectful to monotheism.

Wahhabi Movement

1740’s - Wahhabi movement receives the political backing of Muhammad Ibn Saud.

This religious movement becomes an expansive state.

Within this state:Offending tombs razed

“idols” eliminated

Use of tobacco hashish and musical instruments forbid

Non-religious taxes abolished.

Women’s RightsIn contrast to modern Saudi Arabia, Wahhabi Islam emphasized women’s rights (to an extent).

Right to consent to marriage, to control her dowry, to divorce.

Right to engage in commerce.

Were not forced to wear head-to-toe coverings.

Women and men allowed to work together for business or medical purposes.

OverallWahhabi movement spread to central Arabia, encompassing Mecca.

The movement’s influenced spread across the Islamic world.

This sets the stage for Muslim involvement on the world stage.

QuestionsWhat is similar about the spread of Islam and the spread of Christianity?

How did Islam spread peacefully?

Why did Orthodox Muslims feel the need to reform Islam?

What is religious syncretism?

What potential implications could this have for the future?