Chapter 9.1The First Muslims

The ArabsArabian Peninsula:◦ Desert; Lacking reliable water sources

Arabs organized into tribes to make life in hostile environment easier◦ Sheikh: leader of a tribe

Many tribes are nomadic; others live at oases◦ Trade routes develop between oases

Arab ReligionEarly Arabs were polytheistic◦ One god ruled all others: Allah (God)◦ Worshipped Allah via the Black Stone in the Kaaba (shrine) in Mecca (city in

Saudi Arabia)

Muhammad born in Mecca◦ Troubled by gap between rich and poor, greed◦ While meditating, angel Gabriel spoke to Muhammad

◦ Muhammad believed himself to be Allah’s last prophet after Moses and Jesus

Quran: Holy book of Islam◦ Followers of Islam called Muslims

Islam believes there is only one god: Allah

First MuslimsMuhammad only gained 30 followers in 3 years

Muhammad and followers left Mecca for Medina◦ Journey known as Hijrah

Islam grew rapidly in Medina◦ Support from Medinans and Bedouins

◦ Bedouin: Desert-dwelling, nomadic Arabs

Muhammad became religious, political, and military leader◦ Returns to Mecca with 10,000 followers and captures it; wins more converts◦ Declares Kaaba a sacred Islamic shrine

Teachings of MuhammadMuhammad is not divine

Five Pillars of Islam:◦ Belief (one god; Muhammad is his messenger)◦ Prayer (five each day)◦ Charity (give to the poor)◦ Fasting (Ramadan)◦ Pilgrimage (Hajj—visit to Mecca)

Shari’ah: Islamic law code that regulates Muslim daily life◦ Widely debated

Islam forbids dishonesty, injustice