The Foundations of Islam

Agenda1. Bell Ringer: Identify a similarity or difference between Rome and

Han China, and provide one piece of evidence to support it. 2. Lecture: The Origins of Islam3. Sunni/Shia Split4. Interpreting the Quran5. Test format/Essay Outline6. Review Guide

HW: Study Study Study!!! Grade Reports will be in your folders Friday. Along with all work (including reflection 3) graded.

Reflection Question 4: Look at the rise of the Arab Empire. How did it expand? Compare their society to a Classical Civilization we have studied. Examine it politically and socially. Due October 7th.

Basic Beliefs

• Holy book = Quran– Not translated for fear of

changing message. (more on that later)

• Besides Five Pillars, they must be tolerant and generous, no pork, and no alcohol.

• Jihad = Holy War, struggle for faith.

The Five Pillars of Islam

• Profession of Faith– One god

• Five Daily Prayers• Paying Zakat• Fasting during Ramadan• The Pilgrimage to

Mecca

Foundations of Islam

• Muhammad returns in 630, and rededicates the Kaaba for Allah.

• Dies in 632 A.D. • Islam spreads to Middle

East and North Africa.

• 632 A.D. When Muhammad died, Abu Bakr took over as caliph.– Expanded Islam north.

• 634 A.D. Umar succeeded Abu Bakr– Took control of former

Persian Empire, Iraq, and North Africa.

Sunni Shia Split?

• Umar’s successor, Uthman is murdered.

• Ali chosen to succeed, but Uthman’s relative Muawiyah protests.– Ali murdered when war

breaks out between both sides in 661 A.D.

The SplitSunni Shia Sufi

Mu’awiyah accepted as caliph.

Believed Ali and followers should be caliph.

Simple life of harmony.

Way of the prophet. Imams – Ali’s descendants.

Faith in Allah is the only mark of worth.

Agreement among Muslims should settle worldly matters

Agreement with imams should decide religious matters.

• Despite the split, Islam continues to spread into North Africa.– Berbers convert.

• Arab Expansion goes until the 1400s A.D. – Ottoman Turks take

Constantinople in 1453 A.D.