Chapter 9 - The Islamic World

Section 2: The Spread of Islam

Main Idea

After Muhammad’s death, Islam spread beyond the Arabian Peninsula, shaping a major empire within 100 years. While the empire eventually broke into smaller parts, Islam continued to spread.

Reading Focus

• How did Islam evolve after Muhammad’s death?

• What were key events of the Umayyad dynasty?

• What changes occurred under the Abbasid dynasty?

• What led to the end of the caliphate’s unity?

Section 2: The Spread of Islam

I. Islam after Muhammad’s DeathAD 632 - Muhammad died without naming a successor; Abu Bakr chosen as caliph

Muhammad and Abu Bakr visit poor Bedouins who have no food to share until the Prophet makes their ewe give milk

I. Islam after Muhammad’s DeathAbu Bakr built an Arab army, unified Arabia, and led forces north

I. Islam after Muhammad’s Death

Umar succeeded Abu Bakr as caliph; conquered Persian Empire and Iraq

I. Islam after Muhammad’s DeathArabs attacked the Byzantine Empire; took Syria, Jerusalem, and Egypt

II. Internal conflict and DivisionUthman became next caliph, supported by Umayyad clan; was soon murdered

II. Internal conflict and Division

Disagreement over caliph split Muslims; Ali chosen as caliph; war between Ali’s forces and Umayyads

Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib (c.598-661) was the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and ruled over the Islamic Caliphate from 656 to 661

II. Internal conflict and Division

Ali was assassinated; Umayyads took control and Mu‘awiyah became caliph

Mu’awiyah: First caliph of the Umayyad Dynasty

II. Internal conflict and Division

Most Muslims accepted Mu‘awiyah as caliph – the Sunni, or “followers of the Sunna”

II. Internal conflict and DivisionAli’s followers believed only his descendants should be caliphs; the Shia – “party of Ali”

II. Internal conflict and DivisionSplit deepened when Mu‘awiyah’s descendants killed Ali’s son, Husayn

Mausoleum of Imam Husayn, Kerbala, Iraq

Now I Get It: Sunni vs. Shia

by Katie Couric

Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric explains why there’s such bad blood

between Sunni and Shia Muslims in Iraq.

Sunni vs Shia Muslims

II. Internal conflict and DivisionA third group emerged - the Sufi, Muslimmystics who lived simple lives centered on God

Whirling Dervishes

The Sufi Whirling Dervishes of Istanbul - YouTube

III. The Umayyad Dynasty

Muslim rule spread under the Umayyad caliphs

III. The Umayyad Dynasty

Achievements:Arabic official languageCommon currencyFirst work of Islamic architecture - Dome of

the Rock in Jerusalem

Muhammad meets Gabriel on his night journey

The winged steed Buraq, carries Muhammad to the

"farthest mosque"

IV. The Abbasid Dynasty

740s – the Abbasids, led by descendants of Muhammad’s uncle, wipe out Umayyads

IV. The Abbasid Dynasty

Abbasids move capital to Baghdad; end of Arab domination of Muslim world

V. The End of Unity

European Christian armies weaken Muslim rule: i.e. Spain and Crusades

V. The End of Unity1055 – Seljuk Turks rose to power and took control of Baghdad

V. The End of Unity

1200 - Mamluks took control of Egypt and Syria

V. The End of Unity

1258 Mongols destroy Baghdad, kill Abbasid caliph – the end of the caliphate