Rise of Islam

Where

arabia

Before Islamarrived

The people of Arabiaknown as Arabs believedin many gods. They hadcontact with monotheism.

Founder of Islam

Muhammad

When

610 ad

Details about MuhammAd

-was an Arab merchant from Mecca in Arabia.-Became very interested in religion.-He had contact with Jews and Christians.

Muhammad’s VisionAt the age of 40, whilemeditating in a cave outsideof Mecca, the Angel Gabrielspoke to him, and told him he was to be a messenger ofGod.

Holy bookQur’an

written in Arabic,So the language

Spread with Islam

Arabic word for God

allah

Muhammad triesto spread his word

-First in Mecca, but fails. He is

forced to leave, his life wasthreatened!

-Goes to Medina, and is successful, gains many followers.

Followers of islam

Muslims

What did Muhammadeventually do?

He returned to Mecca with

his “army” of followers, and

was successful spreadingIslam there in 630 AD.

632 adMuhammad dies, butIslam had spreadAcross Arabia.

The Five Pillars of Islam

1.State the Creed: There isNo God but Allah, andMuhammad is his

messenger.

2.Must Pray 5 times a day,

facing Mecca.

3.Alms giving: MustGive to charity.

4.Must fast from sunup to sun down during the holy month of Ramadan

5. The Hajj: Muslimsmust go on thepilgrimage to Meccaat least once in theirtheir life.

The ka’abaThe sacred shrineof Islam located in Mecca.

The Ka’aba

JihadThe inner struggle of allMuslims.Later, viewed as a HolyWar to defend Islam fromthe infidels (nonbelievers).

Split within Islam-Issue: Who could beThe Successor to theProphet Muhammad?

Sunni Muslims (83%)Shi’a (Shi’ite) Muslims (16%)They have often fought!

Similarities withJudaism & Christianity

-one god

-Believe in some of the same ProPhets

Key difference Muslims believe

Muhammad was the last great Prophet

of God.Jews & Christians DO NOT believe Muhammad was a

Prophet.

Islam Today-2nd most followedReligion in the world,Behind Christianity.-IT is the fastest growing religion today.