Islamic Empire, 632-1258

Why Did Islam Spread?

Before his death in 632, Muhammad told his followers to spread the Muslim faith to the entire world

Abu Bakr, elected caliph in 632, invoked Jihad against all non-believers

What does “jihad” mean?

Literally means “striving”; there are 3 types Personal striving, to purify soul of evil Verbal striving, for justice in name of Allah Physical striving, whose meaning depends on

context In Qur’anic context, it means an Islamic holy

war against unbelievers

Jihad Quotes from the Qur’an

“But when the forbidden months are past, then fight and slay the pagans wherever ye find them, And seize them, beleaguer them, and lie in wait for them in every stratagem (of war); but if they repent (accept Islam) and establish regular prayers and practice regular charity, then open the way for them; for God is oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.”  

(Qur’an 9:5)

Jihad Quotes from the Qur’an

“O ye who believe! Fight those of the disbelievers who are near to you, and let them find harshness in you, and know that Allah is with those who keep their duty (unto Him)” (Quran-9:123)

“….Allah promises you much booty (spoils of war) that you will capture from the defeated infidels….”  (Qur’an 48:20)

Expansion of Islamic State By 642, Muslim Arabs

had conquered from Egypt to Persia

By 656, from Tripoli to Pakistan

In 661, 4th Caliph, Ali, died – split into Sunni, Shia sects

By 711, Arabs invaded Spain, India

In 732, Arabs were defeated at Tours, in France

Sunni vs. Shia

Sunni Muslims Means “Beaten Path”

(follows traditions of the Prophet)

Majority (90%+) of Muslims

Reason for split: wanted to elect Caliph

Spiritual differences – Muslim leaders are human (make mistakes)

Shia Muslims Means “Faction” (supporters

of the prophet’s family) Minority (10%) of Muslims,

mainly in Iran Reason for split: wanted to

keep Caliph in Muhammad’s family

Spiritual difference – do not look to hadith for guidance; Muslim imams cannot make mistakes on Qur’anic issues

The Umayyad Dynasty (661-750)

Umayyads were Arab family from Mecca Umayyads moved capital from Mecca to Damascus, in Syria –

Why? Continued conquests into Pakistan, Africa, Spain

Rise of the Abbasid Dynasty (750-1258)

Abbasids were Persian rebels against the Umayyads Managed to kill all but one Umayyad prince, who fled to

Spain and set up a kingdom there Abbasids moved capital to Baghdad, in Iraq, b/c it was

closer to major trade routes

Golden Age of Abbasid Caliphate Baghdad grew as tribute

flowed in Abbasids established a

strong central government to control empire

Scholars flocked to Baghdad b/c of the large libraries there Translation of Chinese,

Indian scientific works into Arabic

Collected knowledge, but didn’t effectively use it

Disintegration and Fragmentation

Abbasid dynasty eventually fell apart b/c it was too big to control from one center

Broke up into four parts Abbasids Fatimids, in Egypt Seljuk Turks, who took

over Holy Land (Crusaders fought against them)

Omayyad Spain

Eurasia, in 1000 AD

End of the Abbasid Dynasty

Abbasids eventually overcome by Mongols Mongols destroyed

irrigation systems of Persia, Iraq (desert today)

Mongols halted in 1260, by Egyptians (Mamlukes)