AFTER MOHAMMAD AND HIS ARMY RETURN TO MECCA….

They continue their work of converting the tribes to live as a community under 1 faith

Soon--all of the Arabian Peninsula had been united in 1 Islamic Empire

Mohammad acted as the Spiritual and Political leader of the Community (with his advisors)

Mohammad dies in 632 CE

AFTER THE DEATH OF MOHAMMAD…NOW WHAT?

Muslims had a problem: Who would be their leader?

Muhammad had not named the next leader. Should anyone succeed him at all? After all, he was the last Prophet of God. A new leader might be thought to be claiming a similar position

Some tribes said they had sworn to obey Muhammad. Now that he was dead, they said they were released from their oath and free to give up Islam.

STOP AND DISCUSS

Should they choose a new leader? If so, who should they choose:

Muhammad’s closest advisor and friend, the best soldier, the oldest Muslim, the person who had been a Muslim for the longest time, someone else?

How could they convince the desert tribes that Islam was alive and well even though Muhammad had died?

DISCUSS YOUR TWO OPTIONS : WHAT ARE THE STRENGTHS OF EACH MAN?

ABU BAKR ALI

Mohammad’s closest friend

Serious and faithful follower of Islam

Great military leader—crucial to the success of the Muslims in the early battles against the Meccans

Liked by many

Mohammad’s Cousin Married to Mohammad’s

Daughter Mohammad’s first

convert to Islam—often helped with religious leadership of the Muslim community

Liked by many

PROS FOR EACH…WHO WOULD YOU PICK?

ABU BAKR ALI

Supports the idea of freedom and choice for people

Supports traditional Bedouin concepts of leadership—strongest and most capable

Military power will be necessary to deal with the tribes or else Islam might not even survive

Supports the idea that Islam isn’t only about power—it is about faith. You must factor in Allah’s will. How?

Mohammad was chosen by God as the last in a long line of prophets. All were linked through birth and family ties. As Mohammad’s cousin, Ali demonstrates the continuation of God’s plan through specially appointed people

WHAT HAPPENS?

Small group of Muslim leaders and companions of Muhammad choose Abu Bakr to be their leader

Name him a Caliph which means “successor”

Makes it clear he is not a religious leader—more of a political and social leader.

Religious decisions would be made by searching the Quran and the examples of the Prophet for answers.

STOP AND DISCUSS

Is this a good system? What do you predict with happen?

WHAT ABOUT PROBLEMS THE QURAN DIDN’T COVER?

Because the Quran and Mohammad’s example didn’t cover every scenario, many questions came up that were hard to answer. After the death of Mohammad’s companions it was even harder.

Islamic scholars began to study, interpret the texts, and create rulings for the Muslim community. These were written down and became the basis for future decisions. This is known as Sharia Law.

As time went on, the Caliph’s became more political leaders and the Islamic Scholars became the religious leaders

HOW CAN THIS CAUSE PROBLEMS?

Because these ‘rulings’ came from men and not Allah, they were open to interpretation.

This often led to disagreements or splits within the Muslim Community.

Still seen today Supporters of Abu Bakr= Sunni Muslims Supporters of Ali= Shi’a Muslims (Shi’ites) LOTS of variety in Muslim practices although all

follow the basic tenants (5 Pillars)

SOMETIMES THE QURAN CONTRADICTS ITSELF

WAR “When the sacred months are over slay the

idolaters wherever you find them. Arrest them, besiege them, and lie in ambush everywhere for them….”

“Fight in the way of Allah against those who fight against you, but begin not hostilities…”

RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE?

Oh Prophet! Urge the believers to war, if there are 20 patient ones of you they shall overcome 200, and if there are 100 of you, they shall overcome 1000 of those who disbelieve”

“There is no compulsion in religion…”

SOMETIMES WORDS ARE VAGUE…

“Satan desires to cause enmity and hatred to spring in your midst by means of intoxicants…”

The Death penalty is permitted if someone makes mischief…

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

In history: Conflict between Muslims even from the beginning bloody times in the Islamic Empire

Today: Many people try to talk about “Muslim goals” or “Muslim beliefs” as if they are all the same. They are not.

Stop and Discuss: Why do you think many people today talk about Muslims like they are all the same?

RASHIDUN CALIPHATE632-661 AD, CAPITAL: MEDINAFIRST 4 CALIPHS: ELECTED, CLOSE TIES TO THE PROPHET, RELIGIOUS FOCUS, UNITES ARAB TRIBES

STOP AND THINK…

Why were the Muslims so successful?

WHY WERE THE ARABS SO SUCCESSFUL? Brave, experienced fighters United: When they were divided—no threat to anyone,

united—very powerful force Discipline of the Muslim faith—created unity, community,

and soldiers willing to cooperate and take orders Believed Allah was on their side, if they died fighting for

Islam they would go to Paradise Neighbors: Byzantine and Persian Empires had been

fighting each other—left them weak to invading Muslims Many people living under Byzantine and Persian Empires

hated them—saw Muslims as liberators More territory more wealth more pay for soldiers

more willing to fight more territory

STOP AND LOOK

Examine the handout with primary sources about Muslim warfare. Discuss the questions with your table

Examine the map that shows Muslim expansion Number the Muslims battles according to

chronological order Discuss the questions with your table

UMAYYAD CALIPHATE661-750, CAPITAL: DAMASCUSFOCUS: EXPANSION, EVENTUALLY BECOMES DYNASTIC RULE

HOW DOES THE UMAYYAD FAMILY RULE? Take power after assassination of Ali Move the Capital Divide the territory into provinces, appoint

government and religious officials Some Umayyad rulers good, others very

corrupt Growing unhappiness with their leadership Many rebellions, assassinations and civil wars History isn’t kind to the Umayyads

ABBASID CALIPHATE750-1258 ADKNOWN FOR: ISLAM’S GOLDEN AGE

HOW DO THE ABBASIDS TAKE POWER?

There is growing discontent with the Umayyads—strayed far from Mohammad’s teachings

Rebel army forms gaining many supporters—led by Abbas

Rebels are victorious in multiple battles Meanwhile…in Damascus, the uncle of

Abbas invites 80 Umayyad princes to a banquet pretending to make peace. Then, calls in the executioners and kills them all.

SHOULD THE ABBASIDS MOVE THE CAPITAL?

Stop and Discuss: Which would you choose?

HOW DO THE ABBASIDS RULE?

Move the Capital to Baghdad and create a brand new center of Islamic power

Hadith: “the ink of a scholar is more holy than the blood of a martyr”—focus on knowledge and peace, not war

Focus on trade and prosperity Leads to Golden Age (until weakened

by the Crusades, Mongols invade in 1258, )

WERE THE MUSLIMS TOLERANT?

Stop and Look: Examine the primary sources about how religion in the Muslim Empire and how Muslim’s ruled other types of believers. After looking at the sources, discuss the questions with your table.