Chp. 10, s.2 notes
Muhammad’s Successors Spread Islam • Muhammad had no left plans for a successor. • Some wanted it to be son-in-law, Ali. • 632- Abu-Bakr, a loyal friend of Muhammad, elected first caliph (successor). • First four caliphs (Abu-Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali) called “rightly guided” caliphs because they used Muhammad’s example and Qur’an as guide to leadership. Their rule was called a caliphate. • After resistance from some tribes, Abu-Baker invoked jihad (armed struggle against unbelievers). Used jihad to encourage and justify expansion. • Under Umar, Muslim armies conquered Syria and lower Egypt. • Next two caliphs continued expansion. • By 750 the Muslim empire stretched 6,000 miles from Atlantic Ocean to Indus River. • Muslim armies were well disciplined and exploited weakness of northern neighbors (Byzantine and Sassanid empires) Muslim armies were welcomed by religiously persecuted peoples in those empires. • Muslims allowed conquered peoples to follow their own religion. No forced conversions. • Christians and Jews could not spread religion but could be officials, scholars, and bureaucrats.
Internal Conflict Creates a Crisis • 656- Uthman murdered. Started a civil war. • Ali succeeds Uthman. 661- Ali assassinated. Election of caliphs ends. • Umayyads come to power. Move the capital to Damascus. • Umayyads lived in wealth and ceremony. • Created split in Muslim community. • Shi’a party(Shi’ites) resisted Umayyad rule. Thought caliph should be descendant of Prophet. • Those who did not resist called Sunni’s, followers of Muhammad’s example. • Sufi’s rejected luxury of Umayyads. Proposed living in poverty. • 750- Umayyads overthrown. Abbasids take control of the empire.
Control Extends Over Three Continents • Abbasids murder Umayyads. Abd al-Rahman escaped to Spain (Berbers). Muslims defeated at Battle of Tours in 732. *** • Berbers settle in southern Spain. Al-Andalus becomes extraordinary Muslim state. • 762- capital moved to Baghdad. Key city on trade routes. • Abbasids built strong bureaucracy. Abbasid caliphate lasted 750-1258. • Fatimid caliphate in N. Africa was independent Muslim state made up of Shi’ites who claimed descent from Muhammad’s daughter, Fatima. • Empire linked by sea and land. • Arabic and dinar helped link empire (common language and coin). • Sakks- letters of credit. “checks” develop to facilitate secure trade.