NoteSheet 10.2

Islam Expands(pg. 269)

1. Why will Muhammad’s death cause problems?

• After the death of any great ruler who do you turn to?• The Muslim community had difficulty maintaining a

unified rule• A civil war started in 656 after the murder of Uthman• Muhammad’s cousin (and son-in-law) was a good

choice, but was challenged• The Umayyads came to power

– Moved capital– Surrounded themselves with wealth

2. How does Islam spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula and beyond?

• Muhammad expressed a desire to spread Islam to the north so after his death

• Muslims conquered people of the north• Saw their victories as a sign of success

• Muslims fought to defend Islam and were willing to struggle to extend its word

• Muslim armies were well disciplined and expertly trained• And of course trade as always

3. What are the basic differences between the Sunni and Shi’a Muslims?

• Sunni• Believe that the first

four caliphs were “rightly guided”

• Believe that Muslim rulers should follow the Sunna, or Muhammad’s example

• Claim that the Shi’a have distorted the meaning of various passages in the Qur’an

• Shi’a• Believe that Ali, the

Prophet’s son-in-law, should have succeeded Muhammad

• Believe that all Muslim rulers should be descended from Muhammad; do not recognize the authority of the Sunna

• Claim that the Sunni have distorted the meaning of various passages in the Qur’an

Words of the Section

• Sunni– Followers of Muhammad’s example

• Shi’a– Believed that successors should be descendants of

Muhammad