Arabia and Islam - York Region District School Boardschools.yrdsb.ca/richmondgreen.ss/history/ancient/The...Muhammad and his followers were kicked out of Mecca Throughout his life

Arabia and Islam

Within your table groups, discuss why is it that we

cannot talk about the medieval Middle east (Arabian

Peninsula) without discussing religion.

List of Resources:● http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/teach/muslims/timeline.html

● http://www.metmuseum.org/learn/for-educators/publications-for-educators/art-of-

the-islamic-world/unit-one/the-prophet-muhammad-and-the-origins-of-islam

Much like Christianity and Judaism, Islam originates from the east coast of the Mediterranean, however unlike the other two why is it that we know so little?

Our Focus:

● What is Islam and its early impact

● How were Islam and politics related and how does this contribute to its

expansion

● Islamic empire of Arabia and interactions between the Byzantine and Persian

Sassanian Empires

Islam and Mohammad

All begins in the Middle East during the 7th century

● Arabia was a cultural melting pot

● Residents had strong connections to specific tribes

● It shared borders with the Byzantine and Persian Empires

IslamAt the time it is said that Muhammad was visited by the angel known as Gabriel,

who told him to preach the word of God. Islam, the religion spread by

Mohammad was a monotheism similar to Judaism and Christianity.

➢ Started with a 40 year old man named

Muhammad in roughy 610/611 AD

➢ Huge impact due to tribal ties in Arabia

➢ Muhammad and his followers were kicked out of

Mecca

➢ Throughout his life Muhammad leads several

military campaigns and essentially gains control

of Arabia

Essentials of Islam

Islam in its most simple form can be

explained through 5 pillars.

- The Shahada

- a simple saying which translates to

“There is no God but God, and

Muhammad is his messenger.”

- Prayer

- Fast during Ramadan

- Charity

- Pilgrimage

As well, Islam also has a set of

laws known as Sharia. A sort of

worldview which is followed by

muslims which is susceptible to a

wide range and verifying

interpretations.

Expansion“Islam spread by the sword”

● It is a fact that there was a strong connection between religion and politics in the

early Arabian Peninsula. This fact lead to the power of the country (military

strength) also becoming the power and strength of Islam.

● In most cases, people embraced Islam without acts of military aggression,

however, Muslims were undoubtedly good at winning wars at the time.

● The first big empire to fall to the Muslim empire was the Sassanians of Persia.

The Byzantines are defeated within africa and egyptian culture is almost

completely forgotten as people convert to Islam. Their reach continues to even

places such as Spain and India.

In table groups, take 3 minutes to begin to compare of the religions of Judaism,

Christianity and Islam. Do not focus on practices or rituals but more on societal

impact and prominent figures and their behaviour and interactions with the world.

Look at both similarities and differences. After these 3 minutes, we will discuss

ourselves the found info.

Hands On!

What is the legacy of the Islam religion in modern

society? (Think of politically, economically, and

socially)

What to Consider

Recap &

Consolidation

Things to remember and consider:

- A connection can be seen between religion and politics in the early Arabian

Peninsula

- This lead to the power of the country (military strength) and also the

power and strength of Islam

Interesting point to remember:

- The Quran states: “Let there be no compulsion in religion…” [Sûrah al-

Baqarah: 256]

In most cases, most of central and east embraced Islam without acts of military

aggression. But, a thing to remember is that although most accepted this religion,

Muslims were undoubtedly good at winning wars at the time.

- The first big empire to fall to the Muslim empire was the Sassanians of

Persia

As the byzantines were defeated within Africa, the Egyptian culture is almost

“forgotten” as the people convert to Islam. The religion even spreads to places

such as Spain and India.