The Rise of Islam

Where did Islam begin?

Where did Islam begin?

• The Arabian Peninsula• Mostly desert• The southwest corner of the

peninsula, Yemen, has fertile land & sea ports

How did geography affect Yemen?

How did geography affect Yemen?

• Fertile soil leads to agriculture

• Good sea ports lead to trade

• Trade allowed for the exchange of ideas & culture

How did the desert portion of the Peninsula make a living?

How did the desert portion of the Peninsula make a living?

• Herding animals: sheep, goats, cattle• Bedouins: Arab herders• Traveled Arab Peninsula in search of

food & water for livestock• Well armed, mobile & accustomed to

fighting

Who was Muhammad?

• Born in Mecca 570 AD

• Establishes Islam

• The Qu’ran: the holy book of Islam, it records the information revealed to Muhammad by God

What are the fundamental ideas behind Islam?

• There is only one God, Allah

• Islam, Judaism & Christianity share the same God

• Muhammad is God’s prophet

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

What are the Five Pillars of Islam?

• Most important duties expected of Muslims

1. Say the confession of faith

2. Pray five times a day

3. Support the poor through the payment of Alms

4. Fast during the holy month of Ramadan

5. Make the Hajj or “pilgrimage” to Mecca at least once, if possible

What conflict did Muhammad’s death cause?

• Who would be Islam’s new leader• ‘Ali, Muhammad’s cousin or Abu

Bakur, Muhammad’s close friend• Abu Bakur becomes the first

“Caliph”• Caliphs are not prophets, just

deputies of the prophet