In spite of internal conflicts, the Muslims create a huge empire that includes land on three continents.

In spite of internal conflicts, the Muslims create a huge empire that includes land on three continents. A New Leader In 632 Muhammad dies; Muslims elect Abu- Bakr to be the first caliph. Caliphtitle for a Muslim leadermeans successor or deputy. Muhammads Successors Spread Islam Rightly Guided Caliphs The first four caliphs are guided by the Quran and Muhammads actions. Jihadan armed struggle against unbelieversis used to expand Islam. Muslims control all of Arabia, and armies conquer Syria and lower Egypt. By 750, the Muslim empire stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Indus River. Muhammads Successors Spread Islam Reasons for Success Muslim armies are well disciplined and expertly commanded. Byzantine and Sassanid empires are weak from previous conflict. Persecuted citizens of these empires welcome Islam. People are attracted to Islams offer of equality and hope. Muhammads Successors Spread Islam Treatment of Conquered Peoples Muslim invaders tolerate other religions. Christians and Jews receive special consideration as people of the book. Muhammads Successors Spread Islam From 632 to 750, highly mobile troops mounted on camels were successful in conquering lands in the name of Allah. Rise of the Umayyads Struggles for power end the elective system of choosing a caliph A wealthy family, the Umayyads, take power and move the capital to Damascus. Internal Conflict Creates a Crisis SunniShia Split Shia party of Alibelieve the caliph should be a descendant of Muhammad. Sunnifollowers of Muhammads examplesupported the Umayyads. Sufi followers pursue life of poverty and spirituality. They reject the Umayyads. In 750, a rebel groupthe Abbasidstopple the Umayyads. Internal Conflict Creates a Crisis Fall of the Umayyads Abbasids murder Umayyad family; one prince escapes, Abd al-Rahman He flees to Spain and establishes the Umayyad caliphate in al-Andalus. al-Andalus is a Muslim state in southern Spain settled by North Africans. Control Extends Over Three-Continents Abbasids Consolidate Power In 762, Abbasids move Muslim capital from Damascus to Bagdad. Location provides access to trade goods, gold, and information. Abbasids develop a strong bureaucracy to manage empire. Control Extends Over Three-Continents Rival Groups Divide Muslim Lands Independent Muslim states spring up; Shia Muslims form new caliphate Fatimid caliphateclaim descent from Fatima, daughter of Muhammad. The Fatimid caliphate begins in North Africa and spreads to the Red Sea, western Arabia, and Syria. Control Extends Over Three-Continents Muslim Trade Network Muslims trade by land and sea with Asia and Europe Muslim merchants use Arabic, single currency, and checks. Cordoba, in al-Andalus, is a dazzling center of Muslim culture. Control Extends Over Three-Continents