ISLAM

In CONTEXT

Islam – submissionMuslim – one who submits

Foundations

Islam began in the Arabian Peninsula within Arab Bedouin culture.

Bedouin culture was largely nomadic and polytheistic.

Foundations

Muhammad was a merchant who experienced a revelation of God (Allah) that would begin a new religion – with connections to Judaism and Christianity.

Texts

The Quran (Koran) contains the revelations given to Muhammad.

The Hadith are the teachings and actions of Muhammad.

Spread

After Muhammad gained followers and won a civil war against other clan leaders, more groups joined him.

Military success, the weakness of surrounding Empires, and elements of Islamic belief allowed Muslims to expand their control.

The next centuries saw rapid expansion of the Islamic empire.

Spread

As it spread, Arabic language and culture spread and mixed with other cultures.

Spread & CHANGE

Soon after Muhammad’s death, two groups developed as a result of conflicting ideas about leadership.

Sunni and Shi’a branches of Islam continued to split into smaller groups.

Spread & CHANGE

As Islam spread into other regions it influenced cultures.

New cultures also influenced elements of Islam.

Connections with Judaism and Christianity

Islam retained elements of Judaism and Christianity. Abraham Jesus (as a prophet) The Torah and Quran have similar narratives

ESSAY Prompts Analyze the continuities and changes

over time in Islamic Civilization as it spread from 600 ce to 1500 ce.

Analyze the similarities and differences in TWO of the following societies as they were impacted by Islam from 600 to 1500 ce. India Anatolia West Africa Spain