Unit: The Rise and Spread of Islam

Lesson Title: The Early Expansion of Islam (See textbook pages 80-83)

Abu Bakr (supported by the Sunnis) became the first caliph of Islam after the death of Mohammad.

Abu Bakr and the other caliphs were not prophets or really religious leaders, although they tried to lead according to the Qur’an.

The caliphs were political and military leaders who helped spread Islam through war and conquest.

Read “Beginnings of an Empire”on page 81.

1. What region did the Muslims first unify and who was the caliph who led this unification?

Read “Growth of an Empire” on pages 81-82.

2. Write a summary sentence for this section (focus on the main idea).

Between the years of 600-700 AD…

In class reading activity

Main Idea Sentence

Between the years of 600-700 AD, Islamic caliphs expanded into the regions of Asia, North Africa and Europe.

Abu Bakr led a series of battles against Arabian tribes that were not followers of Islam.

By the time of his death, Abu Bakr had united the Arabian peninsula as a Muslim state.

The next few caliphs after Abu Bakr wouldfurther expand the Islamic state through war.

The caliphs defeated the Persian Empire (modern Iraq) and captured Damascus (part of modern Syria) from the Byzantine Empire.

Over a period of about 100 years, caliphs expanded the Islamic state into an empire.

The caliphs captured parts of northern Africa, central Asia, northern India, and even Iberia (Spain) in Europe.

The Muslim armies were stopped from taking more of Europe by a Christian army at the city of Tours in 711 in what is now modern day France.

In class reading activity #2

Read “Trade Helps Islam Spread”

on pages 82-83.

Answer these questions:

1. How did Arab merchants spread Islam?

2. What did Muslims gain through trade?

War wasn’t the only thing that helped spreadIslam—Trade was also a big factor.

Right Side Notebook Activity

Make a list of 8 products or inventions the Muslims obtained or helped spread through trade. Draw a picture of each product or invention by its name. Then draw an arrow to the name(s) of the region the product or invention came from.

Gunpowder China

The map shows the military conquests of which major world religion?

1. Christianity 2. Judaism 3. Islam 4. Hinduism

Muslim armies were stopped from conquering Europe by a Christian army near the city of:

1. Damascus

2. Tours

3. Cordoba

4. Baghdad

Which city did Muslims control by 661 ?

1. Cordoba 2. Damascus 3. Kabul 4. Tours

Which area of the world did Islam NOT conquer?

1. North Africa

2. Spain

3. Northern and Central Europe

4. Turkey