ISLAM

SSWH5 The student will trace the origins and expansion of the Islamic World between 600 CE and 1300 CE. a. Explain the origins of Islam and the growth of the Islamic Empire. b. Identify the Muslim trade routes to India, China, Europe, and Africa and assess the economic impact of this trade. c. Explain the reasons for the split between Sunni and Shia Muslims. d. Identify the contributions of Islamic scholars in medicine (Ibn Sina) and geography (Ibn Battuta). e. Describe the impact of the Crusades on both the Islamic World and Europe. f. Analyze the relationship between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

How did Islam begin?

Muhammad – born in Mecca A.D. 570◦Mecca was a center of trade, with a mixture of

religions (Christians and Jews – monotheists, and many Arabs who were polytheists)

◦Worried about greed, mistreatment of the poor and spent time in the desert thinking about life and suffering.

◦Said the angel Gabriel told him he was to be a prophet of God (Allah).

What was Muhammad’s Message?

Message was simple: there is only one god, Allah, and everyone is equal in his eyes, so everyone should be treated equally. (monotheistic)◦Merchants not happy with Muhammad’s new

religion. Saw it as a threat to the economy of Mecca. Bedouins and Arabs visited Mecca on religious

pilgrimmages – Shrine of Kaaba and other statues of Arabic gods. Mix of polytheism and animism.

Afraid that if people of Arabia became Islamic, the visits would stop.

Exile and Return

Muhammad left Mecca (622 C.E.) and went to Medina – formed the beginnings of an Islamic state.

630 C.E. returned to Mecca with army of followers to conquer city for Islam.◦Cleared Shrine of Kaaba of pagan gods and

rededicated it as Islamic house of worship.◦Appealed to Arabic people to follow him, whole

Arabian peninsula under Islamic rule.

Islamic Teachings

Qur’an/Koran – text revealed to Muhammad over 22 year period by angel Gabriel.

Text written in Arabic, supposed to only be read in Arabic to understand its truth.

Became the holy book of Islam.◦Final authority in matters of faith and lifestyle.

FIVE PILLARS OF FAITH

1 – Profession of faith – no god but Allah, and Muhammad is the messenger.

2 – five daily prayers (with ritual washing)3 – paying zakat – annual tax to help the

poor.4 – fasting during holy month of Ramadan

(no food from dawn to sunset )5 – pilgrimage to Mecca

Reasons for the Split: Sunni and Shiites

Sunnis Shiites

Believed caliph, or successor to Muhammad, should be chosen by leaders of the Muslim community.

Viewed caliph as a leader, not as a religious authority.

Believed that only descendents of Muhammad could become caliph.

Believed descendents of Muhammad to be divinely inspired.

GROWTH OF ISLAMIC EMPIRE

•Policy toward conquered peoples – often more tolerant than other conquerors.

- did not demand conversion to Islam.

- tolerant of Christians and Jews.

- could pay extra taxes or accept Islam.

HOW DID THEY EXPAND SO QUICKLY?

Muslim Trade Routes and Economic Impact

As the empire expanded, Muslims gained control of islands in the Mediterranean and of important trade routes.

Economic Impact of Muslim Trade Routes

Muslims were at the center of a trade network that ran from Europe to China.◦Other cultures demanded quality goods

produced by Muslims. Textiles manufactured from silk, cotton and wool Beautiful woven tapestries and carpets Metal products (gold and silver) Steel swords Jewelry, perfumes, spices pottery, glassware

◦Exchange of ideas with other cultures Astronomy, geography, medicine

Contributions of Islamic scholars

Medicine Geography

Advances in development and preparation of pharmaceutical drugs.

Technique of distillation Improvements to dissection

techniques New surgical instruments

◦ Illustrated book of techniques used for centuries.

First to clearly describe and distinguish between smallpox and measles.

Ibn Sina wrote the encyclopedic Canon of Medicine (early 1000s), used in Europe until 1650.

More accurate measurement of distances on earth.

Better maps Improved the astrolabe (allowed

you to chart your position on earth based on position of stars)

Ibn Battuta – travelled about 75,000 miles – visited the kingdom of every Muslim ruler, visited China – his travels showed Muslim domination of the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Indian Ocean, and the Chinese waters.

CRUSADES (1095-1291)

CRUSADES – Christians, Jews and Muslims all considered Palestine a holy land. The Muslims took control of it in the 600s, and generally let Jews and Christians practice their own religion, travel freely and trade. This changed during the Middle Ages.◦The Crusades were a series of military

expeditions to regain the Holy Land.◦About 10,000 Europeans participated.

IMPACT OF CRUSADES ON ISLAMIC WORLD

By the end of the Crusades, the Muslims had regained control of Palestine.

Created bad feelings between Muslims and Christians, still exist today.

IMPACT OF CRUSADES ON EUROPE

Had long-term effects:◦ Helped increase authority of kings by speeding up the breakdown of

feudalism.◦ Renewed interest in learning (Renaissance)◦ Created demand for spices, sugar, and silk.◦ Helped advance technology – better maps, magnetic compasses,

and improved military techniques (catapults to throw rocks, gunpowder)

ECONOMIC IMPROVEMENTS◦ Growth in economy because of interest in products from east and

farming advances. Heavier plow, collar harness

◦ Development of trade fairs, banking, rise of merchant and middle class.

Church became more powerful, especially popes.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ISLAM, JUDAISM, AND CHRISTIANITY

Christianity and Islam have roots in Judaism. (all trace faith back to Abraham)

All three are monotheistic.All three have similar relationships with

God.◦All believe God created heavens and earth and

that no other god should be worshiped.