Rise and Spread of Islam

Unit 3: Islamic Diffusion

In this Unit:

Chapter 6: The World of IslamChapter 7: Early African CivilizationsChapter 8.4: India After the GuptasChapter 15: The Muslim Empires

Essential Question

How did Islamic culture affect the lives of the people in India, the Ottoman empire, and the Mogul empire?

Beginnings- Middle East 632: 1st pilgrimage by Muhammad to the Kaaba in

Mecca Muhammad gains followers and political power Muslim forces conquer Syria, Palestine,

Mesopotamia, Egypt, Persia, NW India, and NW Africa

Middle East Continuities 600 to 1450 C.E.

Muslim merchants, pilgrims, and missionaries traded over the Silk Road.

Trade improved agricultural production which resulted in the development of commercial centers

Trade in the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and Indian Ocean increased.

Middle East Continuities 600 to 1450 C.E.

Missionaries, mosques, and Islamic educational institutions were established throughout the dar al-Islam.

As Muslims made the pilgrimmage to Mecca (Hajj), mosques and inns were established. Over the centuries these pilgrims helped to spread Islamic beliefs and values.

Arabic remained the language of religion, theology, philosophy and law, while the

Persian language dominated literature, poetry, history and political reflection.  

Baghdad flourished as a center of learning and culture.

Continued Spread Umayyad (601-750)Conquered the southern and eastern

Mediterranean Followers split

Shia Sunni

Islam Divides after Muhammad’s Death Sunni: (majority)

“Abu Kabr, Mohammed’s right-hand man, must become the Prophet’s successor. Mohammed himself recommended elections in Arabia and believed the community was responsible for choosing the next ruler. Mohammed asked him to lead us in many prayers and also called on him to make rulings in his absence. We, the majority, have chosen Abu Bakr as our next leader and believe it is the only natural response.”

Shia: “Ali, Mohammed’s cousin & daughter’s husband, should be the

Prophet’s successor. Just as God appointed Mohammed to be his messenger, God has chosen Ali as the rightful ruler. On various occasions and in various ways, Mohammed had claimed that Ali was God’s divine chose.”

Continued Spread

Africa In east Africa, like in west Africa, the ruling

elites and the wealthy merchants converted to the Islamic faith.

Islam supplemented traditional religions of Africa.

641: Arab forces conquer EgyptCultural Diffusion

 

Continued Spread

Abbasid (750-1250)Muslim Empire in the

Middle EastCapital City at BaghdadGolden Age of Islam

Time of growing prosperity

Controlled many trade routes

Continued Spread The Moghul (Mongol)

Dynasty (1100-1398)Brought the Abbasid

Dynasty to endOvertime, these horse-

riding people converted to Islam

Involved in caravan tradeMuslim Empire in IndiaMany Hindus converted to

escape the caste system

Reasons for Success

Strong and able elected successors: Abu Bakr caliphs- a title given to the people who ruled after Mohammed’s death (successors)

Caliphs used military force to assert authority in Arabia and other lands

Caliphs gained support of conquered people Victories became a sign of Allah’s support for Islam Jihad- duty of Muslims to spread Islam and be one with

Allah. Mohammed taught that anyone who died in a “Holy War” to spread Islam would go directly to Heaven.