January 23, 2013
Starring: Allah: Islamic term for God
Muhammad: Prophet of Allah Abu Bakr: "companion of the cave," Muhammad's closest friend, (and father in law), the first Caliph Ali: Younger cousin (and son in law )of Muhammad. Called "The Lion of Allah," 4th Caliph Aisha: "favorite" wife of Muhammad, daughter of Abu Bakr January 23, 2013
Terms
Caliph: Successor to the Prophet, leader of the religious/political/military community of Islam Rashidun: "The rightly guided" Caliphs, a term used to describe the first four Caliphs
Caliphate: similar to an empire or kingdom, term used to describe the "reign" of a certain caliph. (The time when Abu Bakr was in charge would be known as the Caliphate of Abu Bakr) January 23, 2013
After the Hijra Muhammad was eventually able to unite the Arabian tribes under the banner of Islam
When possible, Muhammad used diplomacy, when necessary, used warfare.
Attacked the trade caravans of the "idolaters" (people who had not converted to Islam).
Why? ______January 23, 2013
After Muhammad
Muhammad died without a son, and without a clear plan of succession Muhammad
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He had trusted some of his followers with specific religious tasks near the end of his life.
Muhammad had leaned on other advisors for certain military or political commitments. pollev.com/mrdoran January 23, 2013
This indecision led to the development of a "schism," or split, in Islam that exists to this day.
It would be years until the rift turned into full on warfare, but the seeds of discord had been sown. January 23, 2013
The Ridda Wars After the death of Muhammad, many tribes refused to pay the zakat or alms tax to Abu Bakr.
These tribes claimed that they had pledged their allegiance to the man, and since he had died, they owed no obligation to anyone else
Abu Bakr argued that they had joined the religious community of Islam January 23, 2013
Dividing his forces into 11 divisions of varying size, Abu Bakr defeated the rebelling tribes one at a time.
After several decisive victories, other tribes began to come back to Islam, realizing that it would be easier/cheaper than fighting January 23, 2013
Fast Forward----> Abu Bakr is Caliph for two years (632-634) when he dies, Ali is again passed over ...twice.
Finally in 656 Ali became Caliph, the last of the Rashidun, or "rightly guided Caliphs" January 23, 2013
Aisha became vocal critic of Ali's caliphate
Joined with other ambitious muslims who wanted to remove Ali and take over the caliphate.
Met Ali's army near Basra, Iraq January 23, 2013
The Battle of the Camel
IMPORTANCE!!!
This was the first time Muslim had gone to war against other Muslims. Ali desperately tried to negotiate a peaceful solution, but was unsuccessful January 23, 2013
Battle of the Camel
Ali vs Aisha
20,000 men 30,000 Men
5,000 casualties 13,000 casualties
70 men "died at the bridle"
Won Lost January 23, 2013
Aftermath:
After the battle Ali's forces became known as Shia't Ali: "Followers of Ali"
This term has been shortened to Shia, and is one of the two major branches in the division of Islam
The other major branch are known as Sunni, where does that term comes from? January 23, 2013
Homework: Pick one
In 3-6 sentences: 1.) Provide a brief description and explain the significance of the Battle of the Camel. 2.) Describe the Ridda Wars, what was important about them?